Ever watched a massive pike explode from the water to snatch your lure? That heart-stopping moment is what every angler chases. Pike are powerful predators, and getting them to strike is half the battle. But here’s the tricky part: the tackle shop shelves are overflowing! Choosing the perfect lure feels overwhelming. Should you use a spinnerbait, a swimbait, or maybe a big jerkbait?
Selecting the wrong lure means wasted time and fewer bites. You need to match your presentation to the pike’s mood, the water clarity, and the depth. It’s frustrating when you know the fish are there, but they just won’t bite your offering. This guide cuts through the confusion.
We will break down the essential lure types that consistently catch trophy pike. You will learn exactly when and where to deploy each one for maximum success. Get ready to stop guessing and start landing more big fish. Let’s dive into the best pike fishing lures you need in your arsenal.
Top Pike Fishing Lures Recommendations
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The Ultimate Pike Fishing Lure Buying Guide
Pike are big, aggressive fish. They love to chase and strike at lures. Choosing the right lure makes a huge difference in your catch. This guide will help you pick the best pike fishing lures.
Key Features to Look For
When you shop for pike lures, focus on a few main things. These features help the lure attract big fish.
- Size Matters: Pike eat large meals. Look for lures that are 6 inches long or bigger. Smaller lures might attract perch or smaller pike, but big lures attract trophy fish.
- Action in Water: How the lure moves is vital. Does it wobble, dart, or swim smoothly? Good action mimics an injured baitfish.
- Color Visibility: Colors must match the water conditions. Bright colors work well in murky water. Natural colors are better in clear water.
- Hook Strength: Pike have sharp teeth and strong jaws. Ensure the treble hooks are strong and sharp. Weak hooks will bend or break.
Important Materials
The materials used in a lure affect how it performs and how long it lasts.
Most high-quality pike lures use durable plastics, wood, or metal.
- Hard Plastics (ABS): These are common for crankbaits and jerkbaits. They are tough and hold paint well. Quality plastic resists cracking when hit against rocks.
- Wood: Wooden lures (like some large jerkbaits) often have a more natural swimming action. They usually float better.
- Metal: Spoons and spinners use metal. Stainless steel or brass holds up well against rust, which is important when fishing in lakes.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Lure Quality
Good lures cost more for a reason. The construction quality directly impacts your success.
Quality Boosters:
Look for detailed paint jobs. Realistic eyes and scale patterns help fool wary pike. Sealed joints on multi-section lures prevent water intrusion, which keeps the lure balanced. Ball bearings inside some lures create a rattling sound that attracts fish from far away.
Quality Reducers:
Cheap plastic can crack easily. Flimsy split rings or thin wire leaders attached to the lure will fail under pressure. Poorly balanced lures will spin or sink unnaturally. If the paint chips easily, the lure will look unnatural quickly.
User Experience and Use Cases
You need different lures for different fishing styles and depths.
Topwater Action:
Use large surface lures (like big poppers or wake baits) when pike are feeding near the surface, often early in the morning or late evening. These create a lot of commotion, which triggers aggressive strikes. This is exciting fishing!
Mid-Water Retrieval:
Jerkbaits and swimbaits are excellent for this zone. You cast them out and twitch or pause them. Pike often attack these lures when they stop moving. This technique works well over weed beds.
Deep Water or Cold Water:
Heavy spoons or deep-diving crankbaits sink fast. Use these when the water is cold, or pike are holding deep near drop-offs. Slow, steady retrieves are often best here.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pike Fishing Lures
Q: What is the best all-around lure size for pike?
A: Most experienced anglers suggest starting with lures between 6 and 10 inches long. This range covers most feeding pike.
Q: Should I use steel leaders with pike lures?
A: Absolutely. Pike have razor-sharp teeth. A strong steel or fluorocarbon leader prevents them from biting through your main fishing line.
Q: What color lure works best on sunny days?
A: On bright, sunny days, use natural colors like silver, white, or light green. These reflect the bright light well.
Q: When should I choose a flashy spinnerbait over a hard plastic jerkbait?
A: Use a spinnerbait when the water is slightly murky or when you need to cover a lot of water quickly. They create a lot of vibration.
Q: Do rattle-filled lures always catch more pike?
A: Rattles definitely help attract attention in low-light or dirty water. However, very quiet lures sometimes work better when pike are shy or pressured.
Q: How do I store my expensive pike lures?
A: Store them in tackle boxes where the hooks cannot snag on each other or on the plastic bodies. Keep them dry to prevent rust on the hardware.
Q: What makes a crankbait “dive deep”?
A: The size and angle of the plastic lip (or bill) on the front of the crankbait determine its diving depth. Bigger, steeper lips push more water, sending the lure deeper.
Q: Are soft plastic swimbaits better than hard ones?
A: Soft plastics often have a more natural swimming action when retrieved slowly. Hard baits are generally more durable and cast farther.
Q: How often should I change my lure if I am not getting bites?
A: If you fish an area for 15 to 20 minutes without a strike, change your lure type, color, or retrieve speed. Pike can be finicky.
Q: What is the most important factor in lure quality?
A: Hook quality and strength are the most important. A great lure with a weak hook will lose you a great fish.