Introduction
The Redfin Pickerel (Esox americanus americanus) is a subspecies of freshwater fish from the Esocidae family.
Conservation Status
This particular species is classified as “Least Concern” by the IUCN and appears to have a stable population trend. Management plans have been put in place to monitor and protect the species, ensuring its survival in its native territories.
Statistical Information
| Category | Average | Range |
|---|---|---|
| Length | 7.5 inches | 4-14 inches |
| Weight | 0.33 lbs | 0.11-0.77 lbs |
| Lifespan | 7 years |
Distribution
The Redfin Pickerel is native to North America, found primarily on the eastern coast from Florida to Maine. It inhabits various types of slow-moving, vegetated waters and does not appear to have any specific migration patterns.
Habitats
It prefers freshwater environments like backwaters, creeks and swamps with abundant vegetation, usually in the shallow areas. The exact temperature range can vary, but they do tend to prefer cooler waters.
When and Where to See
You can often spot these small pike-like fish in the late spring to early fall months, usually in the daytime when they come out to hunt for their prey near the water surface.
Best Fishing Locations and Tips
Top spots to catch Redfin Pickerel would include lakes and rivers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Alabama and Florida. If you can’t get to these locations, look for bodies of water with clear, vegetated shallows, and try using small fish or live worms as bait.
How to Catch
Small, live baits such as minnows are often preferred by Redfin Pickerel. As ambush predators, they might also be lured with dangle-baits. You may catch them by fly fishing or bottom fishing techniques, especially during mid-day when they are most active.
Identification Guide
Redfin Pickerel can be identified by its olive-green to brown body, distinctively marked with vertical black bars. It is similar to the Chain Pickerel, but it has a more roundish body shape and its fins are tinged with red, lending it its name.
Culinary Aspect
Redfin Pickerel can be pan-fried or smoked. It’s white and flaky with a mild flavor profile. You can refer to any freshwater fish recipe for cooking suggestions. Nutritional values include high protein content and omega-3 fatty acids.
Additional Information
The Redfin Pickerel is a solitary and aggressive species, and primarily diet on other small fishes. Snakes and Herons are their common predators, while habitat destruction is a human-induced threat. Cultural significance of this species is yet to be widely recognized.
References and Further Reading
Information gathered for this article is credited to trusted sources like Fishbase, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service and the Florida Museum of Natural History. For further reading, you may refer to ”Fishes of the Gulf of Mexico” by H. Dickson Hoese and Richard H. Moore and “Peterson Field Guide to Freshwater Fishes” by Lawrence M. Page and Brooks M. Burr.