I have been catching pickerel quite a bit this spring, but when I went fishing on a friends boat on a small pond in Massachusetts, I caught 2 of the biggest ive seen.  Granted I havent been an avid fishermen for a long time, but i thought these were some big ones.  My question is are these some of the bigger pickerel you've seen, or are they average in size.  I know the Massachusetts state record is a little over 9lbs.  

Also, i didnt take measurements, but about what size do you think these guys are? (for reference, the guy holding the fish is 6'3" and has some big arms)

I think the picture of the darker fish was a bigger one as far as girth...just was curious about my catch and wanted to consult some experts  

Thanks

here is a link to the fish I caught: http://www.massbassin.com/trips/200705/may1407.htm

I can't really tell from the pictures, but they seem like nice pickerel. If you don't want to carry a scale, I'd recommend at least a tape measure. I never fish without one.

the darker fish sure do look like pike to me...kinda hard to tell by the pics....here is a comparison...what do you think?

http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/fishidentification/pikepickerelcomparison.htm

the darker fish sure do look like pike to me...kinda hard to tell by the pics....here is a comparison...what do you think?

http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/fishidentification/pikepickerelcomparison.htm

Wow, good link...the darker one def looks like a pike to me as well after seeing the picture on that link you gave.  Man...both of those fish gave me one hell of a fight.

Thanks for the info!

the darker fish sure do look like pike to me...kinda hard to tell by the pics....here is a comparison...what do you think?

http://www.maine.gov/ifw/fishing/fishidentification/pikepickerelcomparison.htm

Yes, that's a pike. Those other one's are chain pickerel. This I would consider a pickerel (walleye, zander):

The ones with the black line running up and down, through the eye area, are pickerel.  The larger one, without the line could be a small pike.  Best way to tell is to count the mandibular pores.  

This is a Pike, they have 7-9 mandibular pores, a pickerel has 5-6

Also, the scales on the gill plate are different.  The rear plate on a pickerel is entirely covered with scales whereas the Pike scales stop 1/2 way down. (below)

yeah the pores are a surefire way to tell between a muskie and a pike too

http://www.thefishinguide.com/pikemn.shtml

yeah those fish are super agressive and tons of fun to catch...try using a buzzbait or a spinnerbait "bulging" the surface....the topwater strike is awesome!

Cliff

Notice the chain formation down the body of the lighter fish. The Pike has dots. Also the pickeral has the vertical line going straight down from the eyes. Either way to nice fish. I'm sure they were fun to catch.

Best way to tell is to count the mandibular pores

Ooooooooooh Russ.

I love it when you talk dirty