This was probably one of the top 5 fishing days of my life. I had went out with the intention of catching smallmouth but it didn't take much to change my mind. The pike bite was relentless, more doubles than I could count, fish on back to back casts multiple times, pure insanity at 32 degree water temps. Spinnerbaits, cranks, and jerkbaits seemed to be the way to go. Christmas Eve on the SD/NE border.

My Dad with his biggest pike ever. 36" on the nose and 12 lb. 7 oz. huge girth. Released.

I tried other jerkbaits but a #14 HJ was hands down THE bait to throw by a wide margin. It also happens to be one of my all time favorites.

Drop shotting clousers deep on a spinning rod. My new finesse experiment.

Great to way to spend some holiday time with family! Looks like you and your dad had a blast.

Nice outing. That's a helluva pike your dad's got.

Well done. I wish we had pike in South Africa. The last pic is some other species I've not seen before but looks like it could give a decent fight.

Well done. I wish we had pike in South Africa. The last pic is some other species I've not seen before but looks like it could give a decent fight.

The last one is a suager, very similar to a walleye.

Great outing. Your dad's pike has great girth for the length.

That is a nice pile by your dad - pretty markings and silly fat. Nice father son day.

That is a real nice Sauger.

Kelley

Beautiful fish, congrats!