There is something intriguing about this. It has been proven by anglers, research and other methods, that pike will attack almost any size prey.
This is also true for Pickerel. Both species are similar, and for the most part, tackle and gear are the same as you would use for Pike.
If I were to use steel leaders (which I never do) or heavy mono, larger baits and so on, it does not necessarly mean that I am looking for Pike. I could be fishing for Pickerel for all I know, for which there is no closed season.
Without being more specific, I really think that Bantam should be closed after March 1-st, in order to avoid any further confusion or conflicts. Just my 2 cents.