Northern Pike Teeth Facts – Careful They’re Sharp

northern pike teeth are dangerous

Landing a northern pike can be an exhilarating experience as long as you’re ready for it.  As northern pike teeth are very sharp and can be dangerous!

catching a northern pike

 

General Pike Teeth Facts & FAQs:

Northern pike teeth are what legends are made of.  They have canines (pointy, conical) that span the lower area of the jaw and sharp, short brushlike teeth located on the top of the mouth and tongue.  The brushlike teeth help prevent prey from escaping when the canines dig in.

This spells an instant death sentence to any unsuspecting prey.  Usually, the sharp northern pike teeth will make quick work of frogs, sucker, shrew, or perch.   

Pike are so confident in their set of teeth and speed that they are known to go after prey too large for them to swallow. 

Along with possible cuts and gashes for anglers.  

Do northern pike shed their teeth?

In general, pike are less active in the hot months of summer.  Which makes some anglers think they may have lost their teeth during that time.  Although research has shown that this is a myth, and teeth are shed and replaced as they get broken or worn out.  They grow together with the old teeth.

So when someone tells you that northern pike lose their teeth in winter, summer, or some other specific time, please don’t believe them.  As northern pike do not lose all the teeth at the same time.

Here are some research findings to back this up.

How many teeth do northern pike have?

If you’re counting both sets, Pike can have 300-700 of those razor-sharp teeth!  Although around 90% of those are usually found on the top of the mouth (brush-like).  As there is only a tiny amount of pointy canines.

How big are pikes teeth?

This varies with fish size, but its teeth can be up to 3/4″ or even more significant.  Check out this article of a 20-year-old pike skull found in Britain and had canines that were about an inch long!

Will northern pike bite humans?

We get it.  You are afraid when you look at these pictures and see northern pikes sharp teeth. But, don’t worry, as the risk of a pike attacking a human is about zero.

The highest risk is anglers trying to unhook a pike and accidentally getting bit.  For this task, it is recommended to use to stay safe:

  • landing net
  • unhooking mat
  • long-nose pliers
  • jaw spreader

Is it possible for a pike to bite a finger off?

It would be quite the accomplishment if this happened as pike are generally not able to bite through the finger’s bone.  However, the canines could penetrate the finger.  In which case, you should not try and pull your finger out of the pike’s mouth.  First, pry the mouth open as we learned above the teeth structure if designed not to let prey out and would cause more damage.

Can northern pike but braid with their teeth?

Yes, pike can bite through braid due to its low abrasion resistance.  The braid should be used as a mainline when fishing for pike.   Not just a leader.

When using a braided mainline, you should use an extra-thick leader made of fluorocarbon on the end of the mainline (braided).  

Where are pike found?

Pike are found in the Arctic portions in North America, Asia, Siberia, and Europe. Most pikes are located 40 degrees north or further north.  Often found in the Great Lakes and are one of the main predators of Lake Erie fish species

 

Last Updated on February 25, 2022 by Davin

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