Darrel,

I have really enjoyed this post, and am anxiously awaiting the pike article scheduled for this Summer.  Thank you for contributing!

I read the Walleye "how to" article several times as I typically spend little to no time chasing Walleye in the BWCA.  Exactly opposite to most guys, my walleye are typically caught while fishing for pike in weed beds, usually early morning or in the evening.  The Rapala HJ14 is big enough to attract nice pike, but small enough that 18" walleye will still hit it routinely.  I am looking forward to trying some of the techniques discussed in the article.  This summer, I am headed up with my brother's 6 & 8 year olds.  My guess is that leaches on a small hook will be a much more enjoyable method for them to fish than throwing the 5~9" lures we typically use to target pike.

You asked about where to catch big pike.  My spots are no surprise to most:
25# Pike - Basswood's Pipestone Bay
25# Pike - Lac La Croix
22# Pike - Quetico Lake
21# Pike - OK, this one is small lake and a secret   :)

The 1st three fish were all caught trolling a 6" jointed musky lure called an Esox Minnow made by Dick Gries in the early 1990's.  The 21# fish was caught casting a 4" gold spoon called a Williams Wabler.

Dave