Grass Pickerel
Esox americanus vermiculatus
- 4lakes
- 141logged catches
- 353 kg heaviest logged
Grass Pickerel (Esox americanus vermiculatus) is a species of freshwater fish in the pike family (Esocidae). Can be found primarily in sluggish, vegetated waters of pools, lakes, and swamps. Can be distinguished from the related muskellunge and northern pike by its smaller size, banded or chainlike markings and fins with dark leading edges and amber to dusky coloration. Known to reach a maximum size of 36.7 cm (14 in) and weight of 0.45 kg (1 lb). They are carnivorous and feed mostly on smaller fish.
What actually catches it ranked by real logged catches
Baits
Small Minnows Lures
Casting Spoon 7 g, #1/0 15 
Casting Spoon 9 g, #1 8 
Casting Spoon 9 g, #1 5 
Narrow Spoon 7 g, #1/0 4 
Slop Spoon 9 g, #1 3 Barbless Narrow Spoon 7 g, #1/0 2 
Popper 14 g, #2/0 2 
Narrow Spoon 7 g, #1/0 2 
Casting Spoon 7 g, #1/0 2 
Texas Casting Spoon 7 g, #1/0 2 Casting Spoon 9 g, #1 2 Casting Spoon 14 g, #2/0 2 Best setups by lake 4 lakes with data
Mudwater River — 56 catches , best 0.87 kg
- Casting Spoon 7 g, #1/0 Spinning 10×
- Casting Spoon 9 g, #1 Spinning Shore 4×
- Slop Spoon 9 g, #1 Spinning Shore 3×
- Casting Spoon 7 g, #1/0 Spinning Shore 3×
Emerald Lake — 38 catches , best 214 kg
- Narrow Spoon 7 g, #1/0 Spinning 2×
- Narrow Spoon 7 g, #1/0 Spinning Shore 2×
- Barbless Narrow Spoon 7 g, #1/0 Spinning 2×
- Popper 14 g, #2/0 Spinning 2×
Lone Star Lake — 35 catches , best 21.37 kg
- Casting Spoon 9 g, #1 Spinning 4×
- Small Minnows Hook #2 Float 51 m 4×
- Small Minnows Hook #1 Float 80 m 4×
- Small Minnows Hook #1 Feeder bottom 3×
Lone Star Lake (reworked) — 12 catches , best 353 kg
- Casting Spoon 7 g, #1/0 Spinning Shore 2×
- Small Minnows Hook #1/0 Feeder bottom Shore 2×
- Texas Casting Spoon 7 g, #1/0 Spinning Boat 2×
- Casting Spoon 9 g, #1 Spinning Shore 1×
How to catch
How to catch a trophy Grass Pickerel? You can catch this fish either with bait or lures.
If you prefer to use natural baits, then the best way to catch Grass Pickerel would be to use Small Minnows on a size #1 hook.
If you are more into artificial lures, you should go for some Casting Spoons. The most successful lure is Yellow & Red Rombs Casting Spoon 7 g, #1/0.
Where to find it
Also listed as effective documented, but not seen in the catch log
Large Minnows 
Casting Spoon 14 g, #2/0 Data compiled from fp-collective and the Fishing Planet Wiki . Snapshot taken 2026-08-20. Game content and imagery © Fishing Planet LLC.