Effects of behavioral strategies on catchability, bait selectivity, and hunting behavior in northern pike (Esox lucius)

Abstract

This study investigated how northern pike with two behavioral strategies in the context of predation interact with natural and artificial baits in simulated angling experiments. Predator types were assessed in three behavioral trials over 15 days by measuring foraging latency under altered conditions (abruptly increased light intensity). Latency revealed fast and slow predator responses showing high individual repeatability, interpreted as proactive and reactive predator types, with reactive individuals adapting their response over time. Both types displayed similar hunting performances in predation trials with live prey under habituated conditions. In angling trials, proactive pike expressed significantly more predation than reactive pike, independent of bait type. During angling trials, predator type did not affect bait handling, while both predator types developed strong sequential bait avoidance, indicating a learning effect. Angling trials did not affect hunting for live prey. The results suggest that pike exhibit individual differences in responses to environmental changes linked to their predatory behavior. Angling selection may play a role in pike populations, with the proactive predator type more likely to be hooked than the reactive type.