Recommend a Tophy Pike Lake/Guide?

[B mac]

Can anyone recommend a good trophy pike lake and possible guide to use within a 5-8 hour drive from Fargo, ND? I have a friend from afar that is extremely interested in catching a trophy to be mounted in his game room. We are looking for a long weekend adventure...2-3 days. I took care of the walleye for him 2 years ago on Lake of the Woods (31"). Now it's pike time....and I'm essentially clueless. Any ideas would be remarkable. Thanks.

B-

[Roseypike]

B mac,
Are you planning on getting a graphite replica or are you going to kill the fish? If you plan on releasing the toothy, I'll point you in the right direction.....but if not, well then sorry, I'm an advocate of releasing big fish, especially huge pike because they are such a rare fish.

BTW-Graphite replica's are the same price, they look just as good, and they last for life

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Rosey

[metro 1]

I would head right back to LOW ,Hard to beat that fishery,real hard.Metro

[half2fish]

Head to Mille Lacs. There is a great muskie/pike guide named Steve Scepaniak with Preditor Guide Service. His web site is www.preditorguideservice.com Hope your buddy gets him.This guide is really good and can put you in the right places to get your big fish. Tell him that Wyatt sent you.

[Woodtick]

Amen Rosey. Too many Pike are killed these days.

Woodtick

[B mac]

Thanks for the info. I'm certainly not opposed to a replica mount (and I'm sure my pal wouldn't be either). In fact, I think they look better in most instances. The fins and teeth are always in much better shape!

He's from Chicago...those urbanites wouldn't know the difference anyway!

I'll check into Lake of the Woods as well as the Mille Lacs guide that was mentioned. I really appreciate the help.

Is it reasonable to expect to pay around $200 a day for a guide and two guys?

[half2fish]

I dont know what the guide that i mentioned earlier charges but i would expect to pay about $200-275 for two people. It depends on what guide you hire and what he/she supplies.

[B mac]

You guys are alright! I certainly appreciate all the replies. If it were possible to send an internet brew, there would be one coming your way!

B-

[SledNeck_X]

How bout you both go out to the lake yourselves and catch a big pike due to your own hard work, not the work of someone else. A trophy is worth 10000 times more when it is a result of your work and time you put in. But its a free country and people can do what they want and have their own opinions. Either way good luck.

[This message has been edited by SledNeck_X (edited 07-12-2004).]

[Roseypike]

B-mac,
If I were you I would head to Lake Vermilion and hire Ace (AKA) "guideman" or Musky Tom. There are many other guides also, and the lake is unparalleled for beauty in my opinion. I've also caught some monster pike up on the North arm of Rainy lake, which is often overlooked by a lot people. Lake of the Woods is always a good choice, but if you want to try something different-in a pristine setting-give one of these two lakes a look.

Good luck-and hang a hog!

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Rosey

[hanson]

B mac,
Don't rule out Upper Red Lake either. I don't know how well the Pike are biting now but there are plenty of 40+ inch fish swimming around. You might also be able to take home a meal of crappie too.

Otherwise, Lake of the Woods, Devils Lake, Mille Lacs are all very good options.