Pikes are an incredibly unique fish species and long to be appreciated for the remarkable contributions they make to many freshwater and saltwater habitats around the world. They are an ancient species with some of the oldest existing examples having been found in fossil records dating back to the Eocene era. Because of their size, sharp teeth and voracious appetite, they have become something of a legend among anglers. First and foremost, pikes are distinguishable by their long, slender bodies, snouts and powerful, fang-like teeth. Anglers can find them in clear, weedy waters, often with structure like logs and rocks where they can easily find cover. They tend to feed most actively in the morning and evening hours and primarily on other fish, particularly minnows and sticklebacks. However, they also sometimes hunt for crayfish, frogs and even ducks. This impressive array of prey has earned them the status of apex predator in many freshwater settings. Pike fishing is an incredibly exciting and rewarding experience. There is nothing quite like the surge of adrenaline that accompanies the battle between angler and fish. Despite the misconception of pikes being a nuisance species, they are actually an incredible species to target because they are strong fighters, they taste excellent and they can give even the most experienced fisherman a run for their money. All in all, pikes are a fish species to be reckoned with, and their impressive contributions to aquatic ecosystems should be appreciated and appreciated for the long-lived species that they are.