Ratso's -n- Northerns?

[1lkstage]

In the last 2 trips to the lake, I've caught a 2 and 4 pound northern on my ultra light with 2lb test, using a ratso tipped with a waxy. I've also lost 3 other ratso's on much bigger notherns. My question is why has this started happening now and not all winter? How do I keep them northerns off my hook now that the seasons closed?

[msm1018]

Its food (to them) and I do think (anyone correct me if I'm wrong) they need to stack up on calories for spawning?

[river-rat4]

I don't know how much help this will be, but if you fish after sunset, the Pike feeding shuts down,for the most part. Pike feeding during the daylight hours, will coincide with panfish and mostly in the same areas. Shallows are going to be a free-for-all for all species.

If all else fails, I will tip a Ratso or Shrimpo (depending on the day),with a ROTTWEILER. I hate to give out secrets, but it's for a good cause. I have yet to lose a hook.

I ain't caught a fish all year though!

[Matt Breuer]

To keep the pike off, fish areas where there are no fish!

It's part of the game, if you fish pannies, you're going to catch pike! They're putting on the feedbags, and you can catch them on nearly anything if you put it in front of them this time of year!

My tip, buy more Ratso's...

[CrappieJohn]

Northerns are one of the first fish to spawn and will do so under the ice. Like all fish prior to spawning, they put on a serious feedbag. It may be that these fish are simply eating anything that looks like a form of protein right now in preparation to the spawning season.