Chain pickerel in Florida

Meet the species

Chain pickerel
Image credit: © duane raver, jr.

Scientific name

Esox niger

Overview

Found statewide, normally in vegetated lakes, swamps and backwaters of small to large rivers.

Typical size

Big catch minimum: 22 inches or 3 lbs

At a glance

Regions
Statewide freshwater
Water
Freshwater
Bait
Productive lures include spinnerbaits, weedless spoons, surface plugs & crankbaits and jigs. Minnows are a reliable year-round bait.

Florida fishing record

Weight
6 lb 15 oz
Location
Lake talquin, gadsden county
Date
Jun 11, 2004
Angler
Jep dove
Type
Florida state record

Open record source

Record catch notes

6.96 lb; by jep dove; on 6/11/2004; at lake talquin, gadsden county

When to fish

Good months

January–december

Season notes

Intentional year round: Florida freshwater sport fish generally available year-round; peak months only when FWC When-to-Fish states them.

More season details

Where to fish

Florida regions

Statewide freshwater

Water

Freshwater

Habitat

Found statewide, normally in vegetated lakes, swamps and backwaters of small to large rivers.

More locations and access

How to catch

Chain pickerel are often encountered by bass anglers, especially while plug casting. They are good fighters, especially on light tackle. Productive lures include spinnerbaits, weedless spoons, surface plugs, crankbaits and jigs. Minnows are a reliable year-round bait. The white, flaky meat is good tasting, but quite bony. Image credit: © duane raver & jr.

Bait

Productive lures include spinnerbaits, weedless spoons, surface plugs & crankbaits and jigs. Minnows are a reliable year-round bait.

Lures

Chain pickerel are often encountered by bass anglers, especially while plug casting. Productive lures include spinnerbaits, weedless spoons, surface plugs & crankbaits and jigs.

Videos

Sources

Information comes from the supplied source datasets. Check linked FWC regulations for current rules.