Toronto Islands June 17 and 23

[curious_hook]

Hello everyone, First of all I would like to introduce myself since I just recently joined the forum. I live in Toronto and have been fishing for almost 3 years now. I didn't really get into lure fishing until last year( always used a worm with bobber before). Now, I have purchased all kinds of lures ranging from small jigs to big jerk baits. I mainly fish at a local pond. I have been reading past threads about fishing at the toronto islands lately. I have never caught a pike before so I thought the islands would be a good place to start for pike. I went there on Friday after June 17. The weather was fantastic. Walked straight down from the centre island ferry to the big channel in the middle of the island. As soon as I got there, I spotted a HUGE largemouth bass. Too bad it wasn't June 25th instead. Saw another smaller bass a few minutes later. I started fishing at 4pm and ended at 9pm. I got skunked. Not a single bite! I mainly used spinners and jerk baits. I was retrieving at medium speed non-stop. I also went yesterday afternoon (june 23). Started from the center island and made my to ward's island. It rained hard for a bit then stopped. Saw a bunch of carp. I also spotted a few pike. This time, I changed the retreiving style to a medium speed twich. I used a black fury and a bunch of different rapala jerk baits. Another 6 HOURS of no fish.. What am I doing wrong? I know that the pike are there... but they don't seem to bite my baits . I am thinking that its my retreive style. I would greatly appreciate it if you guys provide with me with some input. Perhaps if you can mention your most successful bait and retrieve style. Thanks

[jwm]

It sounds like you're doing everything right you changed up your speed and tactic. Did you try burning any lures past it really fast? Or dead sticking a rapala right in front of it? My best bait the last few years has been a rapala glidin rap at a moderate to fast retrieve, with lots of twitching, each twitch swings the lure back and forth but the lure only moves about 3" (towards me) or less per twitch giving me more action and time in the strike zone.

[curious_hook]

Hey jwn, I didn't get a chance to burn the bait. I tried dead sticking the bait right in front of it, but it ignored the bait and swam away. I will definitely try your way of retrieving next time. What kind of retrieve do you suggest for spoons and spinners?Thanks in advance.

[jwm]

I would say medium to fast, mind you I'm mostly fishing with a Quantum PT Burner 7.0:1 reel so my retrieve speeds are already pretty fast unless I really try to slow it down.

[evanxrs]

What colour's do you recommend for the Rapala Glidin Rap 12?

Also, question about the board. When I post a message on here, is it suppose to email me saying someone replied to the thread?

Cause it does not do that for me now.

[jwm]

I like the hot olive most I think, but I always buy one bright colour and one natural pattern when I get a new lure. The bluegil pattern they have looks fantastic.I don't think email updates for threads are automatic.

You may need to enable them in your profile, or you can do it on a per thread basis. Reply to this thread again and click 'Go Advanced' there you will see some thread specific subscription options, otherwise it will default to your profile settings.

[Clive]

Those pike are usually pretty sluggish by late June, slow is the way to go IMO, fast retrieves for early May for sure!

[jwm]

Adding an extra component into play can also help, smell is a big factor. Try a gulp sinking minnow or something you can work slow and weightless with a good smell to it.

[evanxrs]

Cool. All this helps. Im heading out on Lake Ontario for some King Salmon fishing with a guide on Friday. I'll post some pictures after.
Looking forward to it....

[jwm]

Cool. All this helps. Im heading out on Lake Ontario for some King Salmon fishing with a guide on Friday. I'll post some pictures after.
Looking forward to it....

Good luck!