The covering of Duckweed keeps the bottom very dimly lit. The Grass Pickerels are very seldom seen in open water where there is no plant coverage. The Grass Pickerel is a voracious predator. Live food is its most essential requirement. The author has tried to entice the fish with all types of prepared foods to no avail.
Small fish are the best food.
The Pickerels will avoid eating bottom fishes such as bullheads or darters. When hungry enough, a Grass Pickerel will pay little attention to the size of his meal. They will commonly attempt to swallow a fish nearly their equal in size. Some will find themselves entrapped by their own gluttony. The large prey becomes lodged in the Pickerel's throat, and with tail still hanging from the predators mouth, both fishes suffocate.