The Northern Pike is a truly awesome coldwater game fish to catch. Pike will often try to snap your line by doing a move common to most marlin and sailfish.

They will skim along the top of the water in an effort to get away. This usually happens when you get them in close to shore, so be ready. I promise you this will get your heart racing and when you catch your first one, you will be hooked for life.

The Northern Pike can usually be identified by its brownish-gray color with white dots on its sides and fins, and the unmistakable teeth that can leave scars for years to come if you do not handle them properly.

Their immense size and raw power draw fishermen to freshwater shorelines all over the world. Hook your first one and you will see what I mean. Here's how.

The first thing you are going to need is a decent, medium-action rod with enough flexibility to set the hook properly. If there is not enough flexibility, there is a good chance that the hook flies out of the pike's mouth and you just wasted your chance.

Fishing line choice is important, and I would suggest 6- to 12-pound test monofilament, or use braided lines. My combo of choice: G-Loomis GL3 with a Shimano Stradic reel, and 8-pound test Stren.

Your fishing rod is complete, but what about your slip-bobber set-up?
The slip-bobber technique allows a live minnow to reach different depths while allowing it to swim freely.

Here is what you need to buy: slip bobbers, knot-ties, beads, egg weights, steel leaders and bait-holder hooks.

To set up your rod, first pull your fishing line through all of the eyelets, and then put the knot-tie on the fishing line. Make sure you pull the plastic piece toward you and the thread onto the fishing line. Now tighten the knot-tie and clip off loose thread. This knot is what controls your fishing depth. The more you move it up your fishing line, the deeper the minnow will go.

Next, put the small bead on the fishing line. The bead should stop at your knot. After this, you will put your slip-bobber on, followed by a small egg weight to help get the minnow to the appropriate fishing depth. The last steps are to tie the fishing line to steel leader and attach the hook to the steel leader.

If you don't use a steel leader, you run the risk of a big pike cutting your line with its teeth.

At last, you are ready, but you need jumbo shiners. Bait shops are closing up at an alarming rate, so call around. Backwoods Sports in Edgewood and several places in Bowley's Quarters still sell bait.

Hook the shiners behind their top dorsal fin. This allows the minnow to swim freely.

Now, where to fish. Avoid the traditional school of thought that says to go where everyone else is. Experiment, try new locations, and most importantly, pay your dues. You should be rewarded for your time if the location you choose has several key components:

First, the water temperature should feel cold, not lukewarm. Pike thrive in cold water.

Next, your fishing spot should have plenty of structure. Structure can be defined as an area with drop-offs, weeds, big rocks and trees. Structure allows this predatory fish to feel comfortable and at home, but hidden from its unsuspecting prey.

Another good indicator of a successful pike fishing location is the presence of baitfish, and yellow perch. Baitfish swim in the shallow waters, and serve as excellent meals for smaller fish just like yellow perch. Northern Pike love yellow perch, so if you catch one, chances are good you are in the right area.

Good luck.