Pike vs. Musky

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How Are They Different?

Pike and musky are apex predators that can look fairly alike to the untrained eye. 

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However, there are several very distinctive differences between the two!

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The best and easiest way to tell them apart is by checking their markings and body coloration. 

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Musky are light in color and have dark or black spots or bars on their body and tail fin.

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Northern pike are olive green to dark green in color and have light or white bean-shaped spots all over its body.

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Muskie tend to have a bigger average size than pike. 

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Musky have an average length of 30 to 40 inches and an average weight of 10 to 20lb. 

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Pike, on the other hand, have an average size of about 20 to 30 inches and 5 to 10lb. 

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Another way is to check the shape of their tail fins!

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The tail fin of the northern pike is generally well-rounded.

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On the contrary, the musky's tail fin is much pointier and fork-shaped. 

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Find out even more ways of identifying your musky and pike catches via the link below!

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