Pike
''Look up [[wikt:pike|pike]] in Wiktionary, the free dictionary.'' '''Pike''' most commonly refers to the northern pike (Esox lucius), a large predatory freshwater fish native to the Northern Hemisphere. For other uses, see:Fish
Northern pike
The northern pike (Esox lucius) belongs to the genus Esox in the family Esocidae, order Esociformes, and class Actinopterygii, within the kingdom Animalia.[1] This species is characterized by an elongated, cylindrical body covered in scales, a broad, flat duckbill-shaped snout that comprises 25-30% of its head length, and a large mouth armed with sharp, replaceable teeth on the jaws, roof, tongue, and gill rakers.[2] [1] Its coloration ranges from dark green to olive-brown on the back and sides, with lighter underparts and rows of pale, bean-shaped spots; a single dorsal fin is positioned far back on the body.[2] Adults typically measure 40-55 cm in length and weigh 2-5 kg, though females can reach up to 150 cm and 25 kg (55 lb), with males generally smaller.[3][4] Native to freshwater habitats across the northern hemisphere, the northern pike inhabits slow-moving rivers, vegetated lakes, quiet pools, backwaters, and wetlands in Europe (from the Caspian Sea to western rivers), Asia (Siberia to Anadyr drainage), and North America (from Labrador to Alaska, south to the Great Lakes and Nebraska).[1] [5] It prefers clear to turbid waters with abundant aquatic vegetation for cover, at depths of 0-30 m and temperatures of 10-28°C, though it tolerates brackish conditions and can be potamodromous.[1] Outside its native range, it has become invasive in southern regions of the United States (e.g., Arizona, California), parts of Africa (e.g., Ethiopia), and regulated areas in Europe and Asia, where it preys on native species and alters ecosystems.[1] As a solitary ambush predator, the northern pike lurks in vegetation or near the bottom during the day, using quick bursts of speed to strike prey, and relies on its lateral line to detect vibrations even if blinded.[5] [3] Its diet is primarily piscivorous, consisting of fish such as perch, suckers, and smaller pike (cannibalism is common among juveniles), but it also consumes amphibians, crayfish, small mammals, birds, and snakes—anything up to one-third its body length.[1] [3] Spawning occurs in spring (April-May) in shallow, vegetated waters at 4-7°C, where females broadcast 15,000-75,000 sticky eggs over 5-10 days, fertilized externally by one to five males; eggs adhere to submerged plants and hatch in 12-14 days, with no parental care provided.[1] [3] Growth is rapid, with maturity reached by males at 1-5 years (20-30 cm) and females at 2-6 years (25-40 cm); lifespan averages 12-15 years in the wild but can extend to 30 years.[1] [5] The northern pike is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN due to its wide distribution and stable populations, though local declines occur from overfishing, habitat loss, pollution, and invasive hybridization with related species like muskellunge.[6] Fishing regulations vary by region to promote sustainability, including bag limits (e.g., 2-10 fish per day), minimum/maximum length restrictions (e.g., 22-26 inches protected in some U.S. states), seasonal closures during spawning, and encouragement of catch-and-release angling to reduce harvest pressure.[7] It is a prized sport fish for its aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, targeted with lures like spoons, minnows, and plugs near vegetation.[3] Economically and culturally, it holds significance as a commercial food fish in eastern Europe and Scandinavia, where its white, flaky meat features in traditional dishes, and in Indigenous communities like Alaska's Inupiaq (named "Siulik"), where it supports subsistence and symbolizes ecological importance.[5] [2] [8]Other species
The pike characins comprise the family Ctenoluciidae, a group of predatory freshwater fishes native to tropical South American rivers and streams, characterized by their elongated, pike-like bodies and sharp, conical teeth adapted for capturing prey.[9] These species, such as Ctenolucius hujeta, reach lengths of 20-30 cm in the genus Ctenolucius, while others like Boulengerella cuvieri can exceed 80 cm, and exhibit aggressive predatory habits, feeding primarily on smaller fishes in fast-flowing habitats. Unlike true pikes in the family Esocidae, they belong to the order Characiformes and are confined to Neotropical ecosystems, where they play a role as apex predators in their aquatic communities.[9] The blue pike, an extinct color morph of the walleye (Sander vitreus glaucus), was endemic to the Great Lakes, especially Lake Erie, where it inhabited deeper, cooler waters compared to the more shallow-dwelling yellow walleye.[10] Distinguished by its blue-gray coloration, smaller adult size (typically up to 1.4 kg or 3 pounds), and proportionally larger eyes suited for low-light deep-water environments, the last confirmed specimens were observed in the early 1950s, with the population declared extinct by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service in 1983 due to overfishing, pollution, and habitat degradation.[10][11] Genetic analyses have confirmed it as a distinct morph rather than a separate subspecies, highlighting the vulnerability of localized adaptations in freshwater ecosystems.[12] The walleye, commonly known as walleyed pike (Sander vitreus), is a North American freshwater fish in the perch family Percidae, unrelated taxonomically to true pikes despite the vernacular name.[13] Its large, light-sensitive eyes feature a reflective tapetum lucidum layer, enabling effective hunting in dim conditions such as turbid waters or at night, with the species favoring moderately deep lakes, river pools, and backwaters.[13] Walleyes exhibit potamodromous migration, moving within freshwater systems to spawn in gravelly river tributaries during spring when water temperatures reach 2–7°C, after which adults return to lake habitats.[14] This species supports major recreational and commercial fisheries across its range from the Great Lakes to the Mississippi basin.[13] The mackerel pike, or Pacific saury (Cololabis saira), is a pelagic-oceanic fish of the North Pacific, migrating in large surface schools from subtropical to subarctic waters between 67°N and 18°N latitude.[15] Juveniles associate with drifting seaweed for protection, while adults form dense, highly migratory aggregations pursued by commercial fleets, yielding substantial global catches—often exceeding hundreds of thousands of tons annually—for uses including fresh consumption, canning, and fishmeal production.[15] In Japanese cuisine, it is prized as sanma, typically grilled whole to highlight its fatty autumn flavor, reflecting its cultural significance in East Asian fisheries.[15] The muskellunge (Esox masquinongy), a member of the pike genus Esox, is a larger and less abundant relative of the northern pike, attaining maximum lengths of 183 cm and weights up to 31.8 kg, primarily inhabiting clear, vegetated waters of the North American Great Lakes, St. Lawrence River, and Mississippi River basins.[16] Its rarity stems from specific habitat needs, including quiet pools and backwaters with ample cover for ambush predation, making it a prized gamefish in these regions.[16] Hybrids known as tiger muskellunge, resulting from crosses with northern pike (Esox lucius), have been stocked in various U.S. waters for sport fishing, though pure strains remain focused on native Great Lakes populations.[17][16]Places
Russia
Shchukino District is a municipal district in the North-Western Administrative Okrug of Moscow, Russia, covering an area of approximately 7.68 square kilometers.[18] The name "Shchukino" derives from the Russian word shchuka, meaning "pike," reflecting the linguistic roots tied to the local geography and fauna associated with the fish.[19] Established as a village in 1415 by Vasily I of Moscow east of the Moskva River, the area remained largely rural until the 1930s, when rapid industrialization and urban expansion integrated it into Moscow's growing metropolitan fabric, leading to significant residential and infrastructural development by the mid-20th century. As of 2024, the district has a population of about 110,486 residents, supporting a mix of housing estates, educational institutions, and green spaces amid Moscow's northern suburbs.[20] Several lakes in Russia bear the name Ozero Shchuchye, translating to "Pike Lake," due to the historical abundance of northern pike (Esox lucius) in their waters, a common naming convention for bodies of water rich in this predatory fish. One notable example is Ozero Shchuchye in the Altai region, located in Altai Krai near the border with the Altai Republic, at coordinates approximately 53°36′N 83°33′E, where pike populations contribute to local ecosystems supporting recreational fishing activities.[21] These lakes, often freshwater and surrounded by forested or steppe landscapes, play a role in regional biodiversity, with pike serving as a key species in the food web without dominating ecological studies focused on broader hydrology. In the Altai Republic specifically, similar pike-abundant lakes underscore the area's natural heritage, though detailed ecological surveys emphasize sustainable fishing practices over population metrics.[22] Rivers named Reka Shchuka, or "Pike River," are common tributaries across Siberia, named for the prevalence of pike in their streams and reflecting indigenous and settler observations of local aquatic life. In Krasnoyarsk Krai, such rivers form part of the extensive Yenisei River basin, contributing to the region's hydrology by channeling meltwater and precipitation into larger waterways that sustain taiga ecosystems and seasonal flooding patterns.[23] These tributaries support fishing communities through traditional and subsistence angling, where pike is a targeted species, though their role is more pronounced in local water management than in major navigational or economic flows. For instance, smaller Shchuka-named streams in the krai integrate into the broader Siberian river network, aiding groundwater recharge and habitat connectivity for migratory fish without serving as primary commercial routes.[24] Pike habitats in Russian waters, including these rivers, align with the species' preference for slow-moving, vegetated freshwater systems detailed under fish-related contexts.Canada
In Canada, several locations bear the name "Pike," often reflecting the country's abundant natural waterways and landscapes associated with the northern pike fish species, as well as indigenous and colonial settlement patterns. These sites highlight Canada's emphasis on resource-based economies, recreation, and rural communities, with ties to rivers, lakes, and mountains that have shaped regional history.[25][26] Pike Lake Provincial Park, located approximately 30 km southwest of Saskatoon in Saskatchewan, serves as a key recreational destination along the South Saskatchewan River valley. The park features lush, shaded areas with aspen, ash, and birch trees, offering activities such as fishing for northern pike in the 258-hectare lake, hiking on the 1.5-km Gift of Green Nature Trail, swimming in an outdoor pool with waterslide, and camping at electric and non-electric sites. Developed in the mid-20th century as part of Saskatchewan's provincial parks system to promote outdoor recreation amid the province's prairie landscapes, it connects to colonial-era efforts to establish public green spaces for urban dwellers, while the lake's name evokes the indigenous knowledge of local fish habitats used by First Nations communities for sustenance.[25][27][28] Pike River, a municipality in Quebec's Brome-Missisquoi Regional County Municipality within the Eastern Townships, is centered on the Pike River (Rivière aux Brochets), a tributary flowing into Missisquoi Bay on Lake Champlain. Established in 1912 through the merger of local parishes, the area has a rich colonial history linked to European settlers from Switzerland, Belgium, and Poland who developed dairy farming and agriculture on fertile floodplains, building landmarks like the 1907 church and a 1923 school-turned-town hall. Indigenous Abenaki peoples historically utilized the river basin for seasonal camps and fishing, with archaeological evidence of post-Ice Age occupation along its banks, underscoring the site's role in pre-colonial trade and resource use before 19th-century land grants facilitated French and English settlement. The community of about 494 residents (2024) continues to emphasize its rural, riverine character without significant industrial development.[26][29][30] Mount Pike, situated in British Columbia's Okanagan-Similkameen region on the Thompson Plateau, rises to an elevation of approximately 1,452 meters and offers modest prominence of 132 meters within the province's interior highlands. This peak, part of the broader Canadian Cordillera but distinct from the main Rocky Mountains chain, features typical Interior Plateau geology of volcanic and sedimentary rocks formed during the Tertiary period, providing a backdrop for hiking and basic climbing routes that gain about 132 meters from nearby cols. First documented ascents in the modern era include a 2025 logged climb, reflecting its appeal for local outdoor enthusiasts exploring BC's diverse terrain, though it lacks the high-altitude routes of more prominent Rocky summits. The name likely derives from exploratory surveys in the 19th century, tying into colonial mapping of resource-rich western landscapes.[31]United Kingdom
In the United Kingdom, several places bear the name "Pike," often deriving from the Old English "pic," meaning a pointed hill or peak, reflecting topographical features shaped like a spear tip. This etymology underscores the Anglo-Saxon influence on naming conventions for elevated or sharp landscapes, distinguishing these sites from broader continental patterns. Clougha Pike, a prominent hill in Lancashire's Forest of Bowland Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, exemplifies this tradition. Rising to an elevation of 416 meters, it offers panoramic views over the Conder Valley and Lancaster, with well-maintained walking trails such as the Clougha Pike Circular route attracting hikers for its mix of steep ascents and moorland terrain. The area around the summit includes archaeological remnants, including evidence of ancient settlements and possible prehistoric stone structures in the vicinity, highlighting its layered historical significance within the Bowland fells.[32][33][34] Pike Hill in Cumbria, located near the UNESCO-listed Hadrian's Wall, represents another key example, with its name similarly rooted in the hill's pointed profile. This site features remnants of a Roman signal tower from the early 2nd century AD, predating the main wall construction and part of the Stanegate frontier system; excavations in 1931 revealed stone foundations now partially obscured by a modern road. Today, it integrates into the Hadrian's Wall Path National Trail, popular for hiking and providing insights into Roman military engineering amid the rolling Northumbrian landscape.[35] Pike Pool refers to designated fishing spots on rivers like the Wye, where deep, slow-moving pools have long been favored for angling due to their suitability for predatory fish such as the northern pike (Esox lucius), a species abundant in British waters. These locations tie into a rich angling heritage dating to medieval times, when pike were prized for their size and flavor, often stocked in monastic ponds and rivers under royal regulations to meet demand during fast days; historical records from the 13th century document commercial pike fisheries along the Wye, emphasizing sustainable capture methods like nets and weirs. Modern access is managed by angling clubs, preserving these sites for catch-and-release practices.[36][37]United States
Pikes Peak, located in Colorado, rises to an elevation of 14,115 feet above sea level, making it one of the most prominent mountains in the Rocky Mountains.[38] The peak was first documented by American explorer Zebulon Pike during his 1806 expedition, who attempted but failed to summit it, leading to its naming in his honor.[39] It played a pivotal role in the 1859 Pikes Peak Gold Rush, which drew over 100,000 prospectors to the region and spurred the development of mining towns like Colorado City and Denver.[40] The mountain's majestic views inspired Katharine Lee Bates to write the poem "America the Beautiful" in 1893 while at its summit, capturing the "purple mountain majesties" that later became part of the beloved American hymn.[41] Access to the summit is facilitated by the Pikes Peak Highway, a 19-mile paved toll road open year-round weather permitting, and the Manitou and Pikes Peak Cog Railway, the world's highest and longest cog railroad, which began operations in 1891 after construction started in 1889.[42][43] Pike Place Market in Seattle, Washington, stands as one of the oldest continuously operating public farmers' markets in the United States, established on August 17, 1907, by the Seattle City Council to address rising food prices and support local farmers.[44] Spanning nine acres and accommodating over 200 businesses, the market has evolved into a vibrant cultural hub overlooking Elliott Bay, featuring fresh produce, artisan goods, and seafood vendors.[45] It gained international fame through the theatrical fish-throwing tradition at Pike Place Fish Market, which originated as a morale-boosting prank in the 1980s and now draws crowds with vendors hurling whole salmon to customers.[46] Annually attracting approximately 10 million visitors, the market serves as a key economic and tourist driver for Seattle, generating over $100 million in sales and preserving historic architecture through preservation efforts since the 1970s.[47][48] Several U.S. counties bear the name Pike, often honoring explorer Zebulon Pike, with notable examples in Pennsylvania, Missouri, and Kentucky reflecting diverse regional histories and economies. Pike County, Pennsylvania, established in 1814 from parts of Wayne County, spans 547 square miles in the Pocono Mountains and has experienced rapid population growth to 62,376 residents as of 2024, driven by tourism and suburban development near New York City.[49][50] Its economy centers on outdoor recreation, including fishing in the Delaware River—where northern pike are a common species—and real estate, with a median household income of about $79,000 (2023) supporting a largely white, middle-class demographic.[51] Pike County, Missouri, formed in 1818 along the Mississippi River, covers 670 square miles and had a population of 17,961 as of 2024, characterized by a rural, agricultural economy focused on soybeans, corn, and livestock, with manufacturing adding to employment. Demographics show a predominantly white population (87.5%) with a median age of 41.7 and household income around $58,000 (2023), bolstered by river-based trade historically tied to steamboat commerce in the 19th century.[52][53] Pike County, Kentucky, the easternmost county in the state and largest by area at 789 square miles, is renowned for its role in the late-19th-century Hatfield-McCoy feud, a violent family rivalry between the Hatfield clan in West Virginia and the McCoys in Pike County that escalated over land disputes and resulted in dozens of deaths, symbolizing Appalachian tensions.[54] With a 2024 population of 55,430, primarily white (95%) and a median household income of $42,179 (2023), the county's economy has shifted from coal mining—which peaked mid-20th century—to healthcare, education, and retail, anchored by institutions like Pikeville Medical Center and a growing service sector amid population decline from outmigration.[55][56][57]Multiple entities
Pike National Forest, located in central Colorado, United States, spans approximately 1,106,604 acres across six counties, including Clear Creek, Teller, and Park. Managed by the USDA Forest Service as part of the larger Pike-San Isabel National Forests, it features diverse ecosystems ranging from montane forests to alpine tundra, supporting significant biodiversity such as bighorn sheep, elk, mule deer, black bears, mountain lions, golden eagles, and peregrine falcons. The forest attracts around 4.4 million recreation visits annually, with popular activities including hiking, viewing natural features, and driving for pleasure, contributing to its role in regional conservation and outdoor recreation.[58][59][60][61][62] Several rivers named Pike exhibit international dimensions, highlighting shared watersheds and historical events across borders. The Pike River in New Zealand, situated on the West Coast of the South Island, became infamous for the 2010 mining disaster at its associated coal mine, where an underground explosion on November 19 killed 29 workers, marking one of the country's worst industrial tragedies. In North America, the Pike River serves as a transboundary waterway originating in Vermont, United States, and flowing northward into Quebec, Canada, draining into Missisquoi Bay of Lake Champlain; its watershed covers about 25,119 acres on the U.S. side alone and supports cross-border ecological management for agriculture and water quality. These examples illustrate how Pike-named rivers connect disparate regions, from mining heritage in the Southern Hemisphere to binational environmental cooperation in the Great Lakes basin.[63][64] Pike Islands appear in various locations, often sharing geological origins tied to glacial activity and raising questions of nomenclature overlap in border regions. In the United States, Pike Island in Minnesota lies at the confluence of the Mississippi and Minnesota Rivers, encompassing 535 acres within Fort Snelling State Park and featuring sacred Dakota historical sites alongside recreational trails. Across the border in Canada, another Pike Island (also known as Pikes Island) is situated offshore from Baffin Island in Nunavut, part of the Arctic Archipelago and shaped by ancient glacial deposits similar to those in the Great Lakes region. These islands, while distinct, exemplify replicated naming conventions possibly derived from explorer Zebulon Pike, with shared glacial geology—such as moraine formations and post-glacial rebound—linking North American landforms across U.S.-Canada boundaries; analogous features appear in the Baltic Sea area between Russia and Finland, where small islands in the Gulf of Finland exhibit comparable sedimentary histories from Pleistocene ice ages.[65]Military
Polearm
The pike was a prominent polearm in European infantry warfare, consisting of a long wooden shaft typically made of ash and topped with a pointed steel spearhead designed for thrusting.[66] The overall length ranged from 3 to 6 meters (10 to 20 feet), allowing formations of pikemen to present a dense wall of points that could repel cavalry charges effectively.[67] Variants included slight differences in head shape, such as leaf-like or diamond-pointed blades, but the core design emphasized reach and simplicity for massed use.[66] During the 15th to 17th centuries, the pike integrated into pike-and-shot tactics, where pikemen protected slower-reloading arquebusiers and musketeers from enemy assaults, a combination first refined by Swiss and Spanish forces.[68] Swiss cantons were renowned manufacturers and users of pikes, producing high-quality ash shafts and steel heads through local guilds, which equipped their confederation's militias and mercenary companies.[66] In historical battles, pikemen formed deep "pike squares" or blocks to counter cavalry, with the front ranks kneeling and rear ranks leveling their weapons to create an impenetrable barrier.[68] This tactic proved crucial during the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648), where mixed pike-and-shot formations enabled infantry to withstand mounted charges while firearms disrupted enemy lines, as seen in engagements like the Battle of Lützen (1632.[69] Swiss pikemen, operating in compact squares, had earlier demonstrated the weapon's efficacy against feudal knights in conflicts such as the Battle of Morat (1476), establishing the pike as a equalizer for infantry against heavy cavalry.[70] By the early 18th century, the pike's role diminished as socket bayonets allowed musketeers to function as both shooters and spearmen, rendering separate pikemen obsolete around 1700–1704 in most European armies.[71][69] The weapon's legacy persists in historical reenactments, where replicas are used to demonstrate Renaissance tactics, and in museum collections, such as the 16th-century pike on display at the Tower of London.[72]Other military terms
Operation Pike was a strategic bombing plan developed by the Anglo-French alliance in early 1940, aimed at targeting Soviet oil fields in the Caucasus region, particularly around Baku, to disrupt the Soviet economy and deny resources to Nazi Germany amid the Phony War period.[73] The operation, overseen by Air Commodore John Slessor of the Royal Air Force, envisioned deploying British and French heavy bombers from bases in Syria and Iraq to conduct incendiary raids on the oil infrastructure, with estimates suggesting it could reduce Soviet oil production by up to 25 percent.[74] However, the plan was ultimately aborted following the German invasion of France in May 1940 and the subsequent Fall of France, as Allied resources shifted to immediate defense needs; declassified documents from British and French archives later revealed the detailed preparations, including feasibility studies on flight paths and bombing accuracy.[73] The Pike is a precision-guided munition developed by Raytheon for the U.S. military, functioning as a 40 mm mini-missile launched from standard grenade launchers like the M320 or M203. Introduced in the mid-2010s, it measures 17 inches in length, weighs approximately 1.7 pounds, and employs semi-active laser guidance for targeting, allowing operators to designate threats up to 2 kilometers away with high accuracy suitable for engaging light armored vehicles, personnel, or fortifications in urban or complex environments.[75] Unlike traditional unguided grenades, the Pike's rocket motor and pop-out fins enable extended range, maneuverability, and reduced collateral damage, making it a versatile tool for infantry squads in counter-insurgency and anti-armor roles; it has been tested by U.S. Special Operations Command and integrated into training programs for enhanced precision strikes.Sports
Body position
The pike position is a fundamental body configuration used in diving and gymnastics, characterized by the body folding at the hips with the legs kept straight and together, toes pointed, and the upper body bent forward to form an approximate 90-degree angle or tighter. In execution, the performer typically grasps the toes, ankles, or shins with the hands to maintain a compact shape, minimizing any gap between the chest and thighs for optimal form; this contrasts with the tuck position, where the knees are bent and pulled toward the chest while the feet are held together. In diving, the pike is employed in maneuvers such as the forward pike dive (e.g., 5B), where the diver initiates a somersault while holding the pike before opening for entry, emphasizing streamlined rotation and control. In gymnastics, it appears in elements like pike jumps on floor or beam, or in aerial skills such as pike presses, where the straight-legged fold enhances momentum and aesthetic lines.[76][77][78][79] The pike position emerged as a standardized dive form in the early 20th century, with distinct pike dives recognized alongside straight and tucked variations by the 1920 Olympic Games, reflecting the sport's evolution from gymnastic influences in Europe during the late 19th century. In gymnastics, the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) codified pike requirements in its Code of Points, mandating exactness in the position during saltos (somersaults), where deviations such as incomplete hip flexion or leg bend result in execution deductions ranging from 0.1 to 1.0 points per fault, with more severe breaks (e.g., excessive arching) up to 2.0 points. For diving, governed by World Aquatics (formerly FINA), judges assess pike tightness during the flight phase, applying deductions of 0.5 to 2.0 points for form breaks like shallow piking or early opening, integrated into the overall execution score out of 10 per judge. These rules ensure the position's role in achieving higher difficulty ratings and cleaner entries, as seen in Olympic routines where piked somersaults contribute to total dive values up to 4.0 or more.[80][81] Mastering the pike demands significant core strength to sustain the hip flexion and spinal alignment against rotational forces, often trained through targeted exercises like stability ball pikes or L-sit progressions that build abdominal and lower back endurance. In calisthenics, the pike press variation—starting from a downward dog pose and pressing into a handstand—further develops shoulder and core stability, progressing from knee-assisted to elevated foot versions for advanced athletes. This position is ubiquitous in Olympic gymnastics and diving routines, such as piked vaults or inward dives, where it facilitates efficient twisting and somersaulting while showcasing flexibility in the posterior chain, including hamstrings and glutes.[82][83][84]Other sports terms
In angling, "pike" refers to specialized equipment and techniques targeted at catching the northern pike (Esox lucius), a predatory fish known for its sharp teeth and aggressive strikes. Anglers use robust rods rated for heavy power (typically 20-80 grams casting weight) paired with large spinning reels (size 4000-6000) to handle the species' powerful fights, often spooled with braided line (50-80 lb test) for strength and a wire or fluorocarbon leader (20-50 lb) to prevent bite-offs from the pike's teeth.[85][86] Deadbait rigs are a staple technique, involving a whole or partial dead fish (such as roach or mackerel) mounted on a treble or single hook via a running ledger setup, where a run ring allows free movement and a buffer bead prevents tangles, enabling the bait to be fished statically on the bottom or drifted with the current.[87][88] This method mimics injured prey, enticing strikes, and has produced notable records; the current British rod-caught pike record stands at 47 lb 5 oz (21.4 kg), captured from Chew Valley Lake on February 13, 2024, by angler Lloyd Watson using deadbait.[89] The pike push-up is a bodyweight calisthenics exercise that serves as a progression toward handstand push-ups, emphasizing overhead pressing strength. Performed by starting in a downward dog position (hips elevated to form an inverted "V," hands and feet on the ground), the exerciser bends at the elbows to lower the head toward the floor before pressing back up, typically for 8-12 repetitions per set.[90] This variation shifts emphasis from the chest (as in standard push-ups) to the upper body, primarily targeting the anterior deltoids and triceps brachii for hypertrophy and endurance, while secondarily engaging the upper pectorals, serratus anterior, and core stabilizers to maintain the pike form and prevent lower back arching.[91][92] It is particularly effective for building shoulder mobility and stability, making it a foundational drill in programs like those from the National Academy of Sports Medicine for athletes advancing to gymnastic or combat sports movements. In winter sports, particularly freestyle skiing, "pike" denotes a body position used in aerial jumps and halfpipe maneuvers, where the skier bends sharply at the waist with legs extended straight to form a V-shape, enhancing rotation control and amplitude. This position is integral to tricks in halfpipe events, such as the women's or men's competitions at the Olympics, where skiers launch off the pipe's walls (up to 22 feet high) and incorporate pikes during spins or flips to score on form and difficulty—judges evaluate runs on an overall scale of 0 to 100, assessing amplitude for height achieved and execution for control and style in pike-integrated maneuvers like a 1080-degree rotation.[93] In aerials disciplines, the pike position is scored for its straight-leg extension and hip flexion (ideally 90 degrees or more), as seen in routines landing on a steep incline, contributing to overall trick difficulty multipliers under International Ski Federation rules. For example, athletes like Maddie Bowman have utilized pike positions in halfpipe runs to execute high-scoring straight-air pikes, combining the form with grabs for added style points.[94]Technology
Programming language
Pike is a dynamic, object-oriented programming language developed by Fredrik Hübinette in 1994 as µLPC, an evolution of LPC (Lars Pensjö C), a C-like language originally created for multi-player adventure games (MUDs).[95] LPC itself drew influences from C for its syntax, as well as elements from Lisp and Perl for higher-level abstractions like automatic memory management and data structures.[96] In 1996, the language was renamed Pike by InformationsVävarna AB (later Roxen Internet Software AB) to support commercial web applications, with enhancements from contributors including Per Hedbor and Henrik Grubbström, and later maintenance by Linköping University's programming environment laboratory.[95] Pike's design emphasizes simplicity, performance, and versatility, combining C-like syntax for familiarity with dynamic features for rapid development, while incorporating garbage collection for automatic memory management and built-in support for concurrency through threads and processes.[97][98] Key features of Pike include its dynamic typing, where variables and functions do not require explicit type declarations at runtime, allowing flexible code likestring greeting = "Hello, world!"; write(greeting); in a simple script.[97] It supports modular programming through importable modules, enabling code organization as in import Stdio; main() { Stdio.File("file.txt")->write("Content\n"); }, which leverages Pike's advanced data types such as arrays, mappings (associative arrays), and first-class functions.[99] Garbage collection handles memory deallocation automatically, reducing manual cleanup compared to languages like C, while concurrency primitives like Thread.Thread() allow parallel execution, as seen in multithreaded network servers.[98] These elements make Pike suitable for high-level scripting, particularly in web development, where it powers dynamic content generation without lengthy compilation.[97]
Pike is released under open-source licenses including the GNU GPL, GNU LGPL, and Mozilla Public License (MPL), fostering community contributions since its inception.[99] It has been used for applications in CGI scripting, networking via built-in socket support, and web servers, notably the Roxen Challenger, a free HTTP server written entirely in Pike for handling dynamic pages with RXML macros.[100] The language's development continues actively, with version 8.0 reaching release 16 (build 8.0.1956) on February 8, 2025, including improvements in performance and module compatibility.[101] The community maintains the project on GitHub under the pikelang organization, hosts developer meetups at Roxen's Linköping offices, and provides extensive documentation for applications in multimedia, system administration, and text processing.[102][99]