REDFIN PICKEREL (Esox americanus americanus) OTHER NAMES: Pike

RANGE: Statewide.

HABITAT: Mostly small waters, such as ponds and still creeks or runs, that are shallow and grassy.

DESCRIPTION: Looks like a small Chain Pickerel, but with an overall reddish cast. Fins are also red, as opposed to the dark green or gray of the Chain Pickerel's.

SIZE: Seldom more than 12 inches long. World record 2 pounds, 4 ounces; Florida record 1.06 pounds.

FOOD VALUE: Excellent. Bones are as plentiful as in the Chain Pickerel, but they are softer, due to the Redfin's small size. Dressed fish are usually fried whole and eaten bones and all.

GAME QUALITIES: Like its bigger relatives, the Redfin is always ready to pick a fight, but lacks the heft to put up much of a battle.

TACKLE AND BAITS: "Poles, light spinning rods and light fly rods. They're often difficult to fish because of the thick weeds they usually inhabit, so very small weedless lures are needed. As productive as any is a little strip of pork rind, or even red fabric, skittered across the surface on a small weedless hook. Small minnows make the best natural bait.

FISHING SYSTEMS: Casting; Still Fishing.