Muskie vs. Pike: All You Need to Know
Northern Pike and Muskellunge are two of North America’s favorite freshwater game fish. These large, predatory species are every bit as fast and mean as their sleek torpedo-shaped bodies imply. Known as “water wolves” and “the fish of a thousand casts” respectively, Pike and Muskie are two fish that absolutely do not come quietly.
In this article, you can delve into the world of “Muskie vs. Pike.” Learn how to tell the two fish apart and where you should go to find them. Pick up some tips on how they behave and what to use to catch a trophy. Whether you’re a die-hard Muskie fan, a proud Pike lover, or a complete beginner, you can always learn more about these majestic creatures.
The Basics
It’s always best to start at the beginning. Before we delve into the details of both fish, here are some common questions people have about Pike and Muskie.
Are Pike and Muskie the Same?
Northern Pike and Muskellunge are close relatives. They’re both from the genus “Esox” along with other Pikes and Pickerels. However, they’re not the same or varieties of the same fish. They’re two different species with different behaviors, markings, and distributions.
Is it Musky or Muskie?
Muskellunge have one of the most varied spellings of any species. Depending on where you catch them, they may be called Muskellunge, Muskelunge, Muscallonge, Maskinonge, or Milliganong. “Muskie” and “Musky” are both accepted spellings and most people use them interchangeably.
What’s Bigger, Pike or Muskie?
Muskie and Pike are often around the same size. This is part of the reason that people have trouble telling them apart. However, Muskie do grow to be much bigger than Pike. The average Pike is less than two feet, while Muskie regularly hit twice that size. The IGFA record for Pike stands at just over 55 pounds, 12 pounds short of the record for Muskie.