Chain pickerel

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iChain pickerel

Secure

Scientific classification

Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Esociformes
Family:	Esocidae
Genus:	Esox
Species:	E. niger

Binomial name

Esox niger
Lesueur, 1818

The chain pickerel, Esox niger, is a species of freshwater fish in the pike family (family Esocidae) of order Esociformes. It has a distinctive chainlike pattern on its sides and its body resembles that of the northern pike

Synonym: Esox reticulatus.

Also known as the federation pike or federation pickerel.

Chain pickerel typically grow to about 24" in length with a weight of 3-5 pounds. The U.S. record is over nine pounds. Its range is along the eastern seaboard from southern Canada to Florida and west to Texas.

The chain pickerel feeds primarily on small fish which it ambushes from cover with rapid lunges and secures with its sharp teeth.

Anglers after pickerel have success with live minnows, spinnerbaits, plugs, spoons, and other lures. Practically every bass lure can be effective for pickerel, although they seem to be particularly susceptible to flashy lures, which imitate minnows. Dragging a plastic worm, lizard, frog, and other soft plastics can also be extremely effective. Chain Pickerel are also fierce fighters if hooked and can give anglers a run for their money. Chain Pickerel are a great sport fish and can be found in ponds and lakes all over the US.