Glad to know that there really are people that look forward to the experience of finding a pike on the end of their line. In my time in the bush I have come to dread the mere sight of a 'slimer' on the hook. After learning to properly fillet them in order to avoid the dreaded y-bones I thought that my appreciation would become enhanced. But no, they still taste like algae from the bottom of a swamp. Last year a someone invited me over to their camp in N. Alberta where they soaked the fillets in milk for 2-3 hours, then breaded and fried. The swamp flavour was cut back a bit, now the texture could be noticed and they felt like grainy mush in the mouth. Finally, last winter I was out ice-fishing and a friend pulled in a larger 'swamp shark' and we decided to have a little feed.
Unbelievable, the flesh was firm, the taste was pleasant....I was stunned! Lesson learned, I only eat jackfish in the winter, or from very cold northern lakes. Otherwise, I would gladly take a trout, or salmon, or walleye, or....possibly go hungry.
As for catching them, around here, anything will work. They must be the single most indiscriminate fish that I have ever met. On the positive note, it would be very hard to starve to death in the north of Canada, you can always catch a jack.
After disparaging the mighty pike, I second the request for recipes. Somehow, someway, sometime, I will learn to cook a jack that will bring a smile to my face.
Happy fishing to all!