Fish bites can cause serious damage & potential even fish handler’s disease. It is vital to determine whether or not the species you are fishing bites. Fish bites may take place on any part of your body especially your fingers. As such, it is crucial to carry with you some antibiotics and a first aid kit when fishing for species that are known to bite. We examine the bite force of the Northern pike and what to do if you get bitten in the next sections. Pike can grow to larger sizes and can have some pretty seriously deadly bites, take caution when handling fully grown pikes.
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What is Pike?
Pike is a well-known carnivorous fish species of the genus Esox. Also known as the water wolf, Pike gets its name from the pole weapon because of its pointed head and mostly dwells in lakes and ponds. It is often referred to as the Northern Pike because most breeds are found in the fresh waters of the Northern hemisphere. Pikes are common in North America, Russia, and Europe. They can grow up to 150 cm but average at 40 – 50 cm. They eat from a wide range of options, including other fish species, smaller pikes, planktons, insects, worms and small aquatic invertebrates, etc.
Do Pike Bite?
Pike biting humans is a rare occurrence. If you wonder whether a Pike can bite off your finger or appendage, the simple answer is no. The shape of a Pike’s mouth makes it impossible for it to bite off your finger. However, if its mouth snaps shut, it is vital not to rush any attempt to remove it. Here are some things you should know about a Pike’s bite:
- They Have Teeth:
Pike can have anywhere between 300 and 700 teeth. About 90% of its teeth are small needle-like incisors on the roof of its mouth. These small teeth are lined up row upon row and help pike to hold its prey. Pikes also have sharp incisors that can grow up to 2 cm long. Due to the pikes many teeth, the bite is quite painful. They are also pointed backwards, so don’t even think of pulling your finger before opening the pike’s mouth. - Pike Can Bite Humans
There are many reports of humans getting bitten by pike, even though we aren’t their natural prey. As such, it is essential to handle them carefully when fishing. Northern pikes are known to hunt in groups, which is why they called wolf fish. However, they will rarely attack a swimmer or anyone standing in the water. Nonetheless, anglers are at risk of getting bit when handling the fish. Pike can get quite aggressive when taken out of water. They will last a maximum of five minutes before suffocating to death, but some may get stressed before that and turn aggressive. - Pike Bite Force
Pikes have hundreds of teeth, and while most are small, they are sharp and dangerous. A pike’s bite will cause a lot of pain, even if your finger remains intact. The teeth are perfect for holding and devouring small prey. They can also penetrate human skin and even poke the bones in your finger. Pikes don’t have the bite force to take off any appendage or chunk of your flesh. Instead, they’ll cause deep cuts and bruises. That said, a pike’s grip can rip the skin off your finger, hand, or heel. - The scale of Damage
If a pike bites you, it is important to hold still and prevent it from moving. The more it wiggles, the deeper its teeth will cut into your flesh, so stopping any movement is essential. The first thing you’ll experience is a sharp pain in the bit area. You’ll also bleed a lot because pikes contain anticoagulants that prevent your blood from clotting. What’s more, the fish eats various prey, and its mouth contains infectious bacteria. You’ll need antibiotics and stitches if you get bitten by a pike.
Pikes don’t always bite people. They are relatively small and won’t attack humans or prey larger than them. However, if you are fishing, or swimming with colourful bracelets, pike may mistake the bracelet for its natural prey and bite your finger, toe, or heel.
Pike Aggression
Pike hunt in packs and tend to be aggressive. They are carnivorous and will eat anything that fits in their mouth. In their natural habitat, pike will viciously attack other fish species and aquatic life they prey upon. They also bite baits and rarely go down without a fight. What’s more, these predatory fish are highly territorial and may get aggressive when something takes their space. However, pike will seldom attack bigger objects, certainly not a human. The aggression is limited to the small aquatic invertebrates and fishes they eat regularly.
When taken out of the water, pike will become even more aggressive. They can’t handle no-gill-movement longer than a few minutes. However, the short duration is marked with aggression, and many bites happen during this time. Anglers have learnt to take advantage of the fight and exhaust the pike while it is in the water. This will also result in faster death when taken out. Still, you must be careful not to insert a finger in a pike’s mouth when it is still alive. This fish has flexible muscle and is built for speed, so it will put up a strong fight before succumbing.
What to Do If a Pike Bites You?
Like most fish species, pikes eat different living and dead things found in their natural surroundings. You won’t tell what a pike was eating before it bit you, so you should always bring a first aid kit. Bacterial infection is the top concern. Most fish carry bacteria in their mouth, and you can easily get an infection. Bringing some antibiotics and wraps can be the difference between getting infected and surviving a pike bite with little to worry about. Here are some steps to take when a pike bites you:
- Don’t move your hand a bit. Instead, try to use your other hand to hold the pike behind the head and prevent it from wiggling
- Carefully force the pike to open its mouth and remove your hand or finger gently
- Spray the wound with clean water immediately
- Add salt to clean water and pour over the wound to kill germs
- Use a piece of clean cloth to apply direct pressure on the wound
- Don’t remove any teeth that are stuck in the wound
- Visit a healthcare provider to assess the damage and recommend antibiotics if necessary
Most pike bites occur when fishing. As such, it is advisable to wear puncture proof armoured gloves to prevent such bites. You should also use a hook remover instead of placing your hand and fingers in the pike’s mouth.
Summary
Although a pike’s bite isn’t deadly, it can cut into your skin and cause you a few days of pain. Taking precaution is vital to prevent the accident. You should also bring your first aid kit when fishing, just in case you need it. Note that larger pikes are capable of causing more damage and deeper cuts, especially if they have fully-grown teeth. It is safe to see a healthcare provider if you’ve been bitten. This will help you avoid any fish handler’s diseases that develop due to bacterial infection.
Read more about Pike.
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