I don't fish for pickerel. That said, they are out there and they are faster and more active than bass in cold water. As a matter of fact, I think they can strike even if frozen solid. They have teeth as we all know, and huge jaws. When fishing a crankbait in pickerel water, I have found a method of removing the crankbaits that does a minimal amount of damage to the fish. I break off some thin sticks from brush that grows near the ramp, in lengths from 2 to 3 inches. After netting the pickerel I use a stick to hold their mouth open by wedging it in the front of their open mouth. After removing the hooks I take the stick out and release the fish. I don't like them, but they are one of God's creatures, and they pulled my line, so, so be it.