Pike Vs Muskie - Fresh Water Fishin

Pike and Muskie are the most significant game fish and a favorite snack for individuals worldwide. The two species belong to the same genus (Esox) and are difficult to distinguish if not paying attention. Pike is an Esox Luscious, while Muskie is an Esox masquinongy. The two are freshwater fish and native to the northern hemisphere.

The two, at a glance, may have the same size with slight differences, have markings on their skin, and similar snouts. However, all these vary upon a closer look. You can use the information gathered to differentiate the trophy fish from the rivers or lakes.

Table of Contents

What is Pike?

Pike comes from the family Esocidae and the genus Esox, and the fish has several names across the world, including jackfish, slough snake, jack, and many more. The name pike resulted from the fish shape and resemblance to the related pole-like weapon called pike.

Pike has olive green shading on the surface of their skin and a yellow-white tint on their bellies. You can quickly identify it with the spots on the skin and fins and the lack of scales on the fish gills. However, the sensory pores are large and appear under the fish’s head. A pike is a carnivore and a cannibal as the fish feed on one another without good fish life that acts as the pike source of nourishment.

What is Muskie?

A Muskie is another excellent game fish and predator. The Muskie shares family and genus names with the pike Esocidae and Esoxbut is different. A Muskie is similar to a pike, including the elongated body, skin markings, pores under the head, aggressive and predatory behaviors, and much more.

Fishing for a Muskie is not for eating as the fish tends to absorb a lot of mercury which a significant difference from pike fishing. However, it is a sport for many anglers. After the catch and the excitement of holding a large Muskie in hand, anglers are advised to release the muskies back into larger water bodies like the ocean. This is mainly due to their impacts on smaller species of fish in lakes and ponds.

Pike Vs Muskie Main Differences

Pike and Muskie are similar but are not the same fish species. As a freshwater sports fish angler, understanding the subtleties that differentiate the two can make you a champion worldwide. The fish vary in terms of size, identification features, living habitats, fishing methods, palatability, and more. Let us have a look at the differences between pike and Muskie.

Pike Vs Muskie Size and Weight

Pike are relatively big and can grow to lengths of 16 inches to 22 inches. The IGFA or the International Game Fish Association records the biggest fish ever recorded to be 59-inches in length. At the same time, the pike varies in terms of weight gain as an adult. The highest ever recorded by IGFA is 55lbs or 25kgs worth of pike. However, other published and listed weights indicate approximately 63lbs or 28.4kgs.

Muskies are more extended and larger. The fish can grow to lengths of up to 48 inches, with the most miniature adult Muskie records being 28 inches. The most negligible average weight is around 15lbs (6.8kgs), while the large ones on average weight are 36lbs (16.3kg). However, the records indicate that muskies can grow to 6ft (1.8m), which is significant compared to pikes 59-inches. The Muskie weighed 70lbs (32kgs).

Pike Vs. Muskie identification

Identifying whether the fish at hand is a Muskie or a pike is a complex and challenging process. The situation can worsen if the angler does not have the correct information. Here is how to identify your catch:

Tail

The tails provide the most apparent identification element between the two species. Pikes have slightly rounded tail edges, forming an act instead of a sharp drop. However, muskies spot a sharp V-shape where the edges meet.

Markings

These seem like spots, but a closer inspection reveals varying markings on the fish skin. Muskies have thicker, more extended, and easier-to-spot markings without a specific pattern. However, the fish color can vary from one fish to another, making it difficult to draw a definitive conclusion. However, Muskie marks are more visible with a slightly darker tint compared to the pike. Pikes have definite spots or markings in the form of a bean. The species has a single coloring on their skin, green-blue with a slight creamy or whitish section on the belly.

The pores

Both fish species have several pores under the lower jaw. If the tail seems similar and it isn’t easy to distinguish the fish using the markings, the pores are not a debate as they are definite differences. A pike will have a total of 5 pores maximum, with the minimum number being four pores. However, a Muskie will have a minimum of 6 pores and a maximum of 9 pores.

Pike Vs. Muskie Habitats

The two species prefer areas with dense vegetation along the great lakes, rivers, and waterways. The two are ambush predators depending on their visual capabilities to make a kill and dine. Also, the species prefer clear and clean waters for their habitats. However, they do have several differences:

Pike has no specific reference to their living environment/ habitat. Small waterways, including bays and ponds, offer excellent living spaces. The pike sticks to shallow and slow-moving waters until there is a rise in temperatures, where they disappear and go deeper into the water.

Muskies are more territorial, with their habitats being massive streams or lakes with ample vegetation. However, the muskies can also appear in shallow areas, small waterways similar to the pike living spaces. Muskies also go under the water and live 40ft deep. In other words, both species keep their living spaces open to preference and time of the year (seasons).

Pike Vs. Muskie Fishing

Pike and Muskie are aggressive and intelligent in terms of behavior and personality. The fish are highly agile, and the flesh is quite appealing. However, the fish present several difficulties, including catching them as they can disappear within a short while or sporting fishers.

Pike

Pike is a mean fish with a firm bite and robust and supple body. The fish bites the prey, moves around, spits it, and eats it headfirst. Therefore, if fishing, consider all possible outcomes and ensure the fish cannot bite and run with your bait in its mouth. Use the right bait size, for instance, use more extensive and healthier bait in autumn and smaller fish baits during spring. In autumn, the pike is stocking for the winter, while fish sources are few in spring.

Muskie

Muskie is more troublesome due to their energetic and lithe bodies. The fish is intelligent and tends to follow the bait, waits, and does not bite. Anglers have to exercise patience with the fish and hope that it falls into the trap.

After a catch, the fish does not stay still, and some anglers have termed the fish as acrobatic, as the Muskie jerks ad jumps to throw the hook after taking a bite. Use proper baits, including large bucktail spinners, and add a wire into the hook or leader if you don’t want to lose the bait.

Summary

Muskies and pikes are popular fish species for hunting enthusiasts. Muskies are few but present the most challenge, while pikes are more and easier to catch. However, the two species are agile, ambush predators, and have more strength than most anglers anticipate.