Mike Rykse
My options trading journey began in 2002 while earning a finance degree, when I was drawn to the flexibility and lower capital requirements of the options market. After starting as a NetPicks customer, I discovered the rules-based systems that helped me develop consistency and discipline as an options trader. Since joining the NetPicks coaching team in 2008, I’ve helped thousands of traders learn practical options strategies, avoid common mistakes, and build a more confident, structured approach to the markets.
Mike Rykse's Latest Posts
Profitable TLT Trade: My Winning Strategy
I don’t let the narrative fog of global headlines paralyze my execution; instead, I strip away the noise to trade TLT based purely on the cold, hard mathematics of price action. Avoiding long-term macro theories, I entered at 87.57 using call options to strictly limit capital exposure. I managed risk by adjusting stops to break-even and exited precisely […]
Why I Closed A Winning Micron Options Trade Before The Big Move
I’ll walk you through a trade that tests discipline—a Micron call credit spread I closed at my 25% profit target, only to watch the stock drop $50 the next day. The technical setup was showing reversal, my strikes were positioned for a counter-trend collapse, and overnight theta and vol contraction were doing the heavy lifting. TLDR Closed Micron call […]
Mastering Long Puts For Strategic Shorting
When I consider strategic shorting, mastering long puts becomes essential. It’s not just about picking a bearish direction but understanding timing, market signals, and managing risk precisely. The key lies in identifying specific conditions where a long put ideally balances potential gain against exposure. But knowing when and how to enter these trades requires a disciplined framework—one that many traders […]
Unlocking Profits With Long Call Options
When I approach long call options, I focus on a clear, data-driven strategy that balances potential gains against inevitable risks. Choosing the right strike price and timing my entries isn’t guesswork—it’s about analyzing patterns and understanding market behavior. But managing time decay and deciding when to exit can make or break the trade. Getting these factors right is […]
