>>2338081I've never used reddit but I find separating two unrelated things makes it more clear to the reader.
Now regarding redfin pickerel, this majestic fish used to be very popular tablefare, particularly in the south east, when agricultural prominence and less development resulted in more stable canals and wetlands. These little fish are ultimate ambush predators and inhabit ditches, small creeks, branches, and occasionally regular swamps. I have yet to catch one in a river. They tend to bite best (seemingly only) in late spring and summer. Rooster tails (inline spinners) of the the lightest weight (1/16 in my experience) work best. They often either don't get hooked, wriggle off, or get hooked inconveniently far back in the mouth. Try fishing in the most meager creek/ditch that holds more than 4 or 5 inches of water. Particularly the ones you'd drive past and not think much of. Upon casting your rooster tail, start reeling immediately, since the shallow habitat of the pickerel is full of sticks etc that you'll get hung on. They are small fish, and 10 inches or more is a real trophy. My first and best of around 150 specimens was 10.5 inches. He is at the taxidermist now. Pic related. I could say more, and one day will compile my extensive knowledge of this fish in a word document lol. It is really weird that a genuine game fish is so unknown that some random autist can honestly believe he is one of the top 20 or so most knowledgeable ppl about this fish in the country. I'm currently in year 2 of an experiment to see if they can reproduce and maintain a population in a true pond (as opposed to a beaver pond or something with running water). At least some of them have survived the winter, tho it remains to be seen if they are spawning.
