Thanks for posting that Dave.
It's actually quite common for anglers who don't regularly target esox species to have difficulty telling them apart, especially between the Northern Pike and the spotted pattern Muskies. Muskies Canada goes to great lengths to educate the public by distributing literature, posting KTD (know the difference)signs at boat launches and through the MCI website. For more on knowing the difference and MCI check out the following link.
http://www.muskiescanada.ca/general_information/ktd.phpThe best way to identify them is counting the pores on the bottom of the lower jaw. 5 or less you have a pike, 6 or more and you have a Muskie or Hybrid. Tail shape is another giveaway. Muskies have pointed tips on the tail, while Hybrid/Tiger and Pike have rounded fins. Using these two tests you can identify all three species.
5 or less pores on lower jaw and rounded tail = Northern Pike
6 or more pores on lower jaw and rounded tail = Hybrid/Tiger
6 or more pores and pointed tail = Muskie
Tight lines and good fishing.
_________________
Bruce Ogilvie
"Fish Hard, Hunt Hard, Live Hard"
http://www.muskiescanada.ca/