Pike

2024 Author: Jasmine Walkman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 08:29

The pike / Esox lucius / is a predatory fish that is widespread in Europe, Asia and America. Pike are found in most Bulgarian dams, including Ogosta, Zhrebchevo, Sopot, Vacha, Rabisha, Novi Han, Alino, Koprinka, Debrene and others. This species also inhabits the rivers: Lom, Vit, Luda Kamchia, Iskar, Osam, Struma, Maritsa, Tundzha, Yantra, Aheloy and others.

The pike has an elongated body and a head resembling that of a crocodile. Like the bloodthirsty predator, it has strong jaws that open wide enough for the fish to catch its prey. The pike has two types of teeth with which it bites and pinches its prey. The eyes of this species are relatively large and yellow.

The body of the pike can reach a length of 150 centimeters. However, longer individuals are known in history. Otherwise, the weight of the fish can reach up to 20 kilograms. In pike, females are characterized by a larger body than males. The back of the fish is painted in gray-green or yellow-green. The sides are grayish or yellowish. The abdomen is white but mottled.

Usual pike behavior

The pike occurs in both fresh and semi-saline waters. It inhabits the lower reaches of the rivers and is also found in swamps. In Bulgaria, this species of fish spawns in February and March. This can happen even when the water is covered with ice crust.

The sticky grains fall on the bottom vegetation and are easily attached to it. After that, however, they relax at the bottom. If the water is warmer, the young appear after about a week. If the temperature values are low, this happens after about four weeks.

Babies feed on all kinds of floating organisms, and when they grow up they start looking for large prey. Older individuals are big gluttons. Their menu can include different types of fish.

If they are larger, pike attack even frogs, waterfowl and water rats. Usually, this quality of predatory fish is relied on by the owners of artificial ponds, which are raised in order to destroy the dead fish.

Catching pike

As for pike, you can use bait, but not for the pike itself, but rather to attract a few fish to arouse the interest of the predator and he to go to the desired place. So you can prepare boiled wheat and cake.

According to local fishermen, a suitable bait for pike is a small fish such as the rattlesnake. It is durable and agile, which quickly lures predatory pike. If you are sure that you will find a large pike in the given pond, you can prepare a large rattlesnake, otherwise betting on small specimens is the safest.

If you can't get rattlesnakes, silicone fish will work for you, which you can find in specialty stores. If you are anxious to catch large pike, prepare a strong rod that is about three meters long and agile.

Get another big reel and float. As the float is good to be colored in a darker color. Pay attention to the hooks - let them be strong and sharp.

Selection and storage of pike

When choosing pike, never shop from dubious outlets. Buy food only from regulated retail outlets. Fresh fish does not have an intrusive unpleasant odor, its flesh is elastic and its belly is not swollen.

If any of these conditions are not met, it is not advisable to buy the pike of your choice. If you bought pike, it is better to cook it and consume it soon. If the fish is freshly caught by you, you can afford to store it in your freezer for a while.

However, before you put it there, you have to clean it. To do this, remove the scales and entrails. Carefully wash the meat under running water, then dry the cleaned fish inside and out. If the pike is larger, you can cut it into pieces.

Put the processed meat in a plate to put in the chamber for about an hour or two. Keep in mind that you should not cover the dish. Then remove the meat and wrap it in plastic wrap. You can store the packaged fish in the freezer for about 2 months.

Pike in cooking

The pike has excellent culinary qualities that make it a suitable ingredient in many recipes. Her flesh is slightly dry but tender. Smaller pike are fried, and larger ones are cut into pieces and baked, boiled, breaded, smoked or gelled.

Pike goes well with dill, cream, lemons and onions. In some countries it is combined with sauerkraut. You can enrich the taste of meat with spicy sauces and spices. Among the most tempting specialties with pike are stewed pike with sardines, pike with horseradish and pike stewed with red wine.

Benefits of pike

The meat of pike is not only delicious but also useful. It is rich in vitamins A, B1, B6, B9, B12, C, E, PP. It also contains phosphorus, potassium, copper, iodine, zinc, sulfur, sodium, magnesium, fluorine, cobalt, manganese and others. Eating pike helps us deal with bacterial infections and strengthen the whole body.

Fish strengthens the immune system, so it should be a frequent guest at our table, especially during the winter months, when we happen to catch a cold and get the flu.

This species is among the suitable foods for people struggling with overweight, as its meat is low in calories (88 kcal per 100 grams). At the same time, pike meat is recommended for people with stomach complaints and those who have trouble sleeping.