What’s the secret weapon for landing that trophy northern pike? Many anglers spend hours casting, hoping for a bite, but often overlook the most crucial element: the bait. Pike are notorious for being picky eaters. One day they love one lure, and the next they ignore it completely. This inconsistency can lead to frustrating days on the water, leaving you with empty hands instead of a full cooler.
Choosing the correct bait is more than just picking a shiny spinner. It involves understanding pike behavior, water conditions, and what those toothy predators crave at any given moment. Getting this wrong means wasted time and missed opportunities for epic catches. You need a strategy, not just a tackle box full of random gear.
Inside this guide, we break down the best baits for pike fishing, covering everything from live offerings to the most effective artificial lures. You will learn exactly when and where to deploy each type of bait to maximize your success. Get ready to upgrade your pike game significantly.
Top Bait For Pike Fishing Recommendations
- SAVAGE GEAR PIKE FISHING LURES: Based on 3D scans of an actual baby pike, the 3D Hybrid Pike delivers unparalleled realism to attract the largest fish in the waterway. They’re the preferred snack of northern predatory game fish.
- LIFELIKE TAIL ACTION: The detachable tail system gives you two fishing baits in one. The paddle tail delivers a realistic swimming motion, while the oversized ribbon tail is designed to attract attention from fish at any distance.
- DURABLE DESIGN: The line thru wiring system on this fishing lure lets the hooks separate from the body. With a swivel in the head, fish can fight all they want and there is no way that they will be able to throw the hook.
- HEAVY-DUTY HARDWARE: Land every fish on your line with incredibly strong rigging. Once your target commits, these fishing lures grab hold with two durable treble hooks that won't straighten out and let you reel in any monster you stick.
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Lure Size: 1 1/2 oz, 6 3/4in | 17cm. Color: Black Orange Pike. Swimming Depth: 3’-6’ | 0.9m-1.8m. Available in a variety of ultra-realistic, lifelike colors.
- As a slow sinking bait, the bait can be used to attack the entire water column; Single-jointed construction gives it a remarkable swimming motion
- The glide bait has a unique S-wave action and big profile, and it can be controlled with pauses and reel turns, which can give it more drawing power that appeals to larger fish
- With eight stainless steel balls (ball dia. 0.28in, 0.24in and 0.16in) built in, along the bottom of the swim bait, to keep balance and for further distance casting, and the steel balls also make the lure noisy which will be a big factor especially when water clarity is low, rather than lure action or color
- Natural color imitation; Vivid 3D laser eyes; Textured, soft rubber fishtail for more vivid swimming strokes
- Increases your chances on catching those Monster Bass that simply don’t fall for other baits; Heavily targeted by monster size fish, regardless of their species, Bass, Trout, Muskie, etc.
- Country of Origin :United States
- Product Type :FISHING EQUIPMENT
- Package Dimension :3.2 cm x 10.2 cm x 15.2 cm
- Package Weight :0.054 kg
- As a slow sinking bait, the bait can be used to attack the entire water column; Single-jointed construction gives it a remarkable swimming motion
- The glide bait has a unique S-wave action and big profile, and it can be controlled with pauses and reel turns, which can give it more drawing power that appeals to larger fish
- With eight stainless steel balls (ball dia. 0.43in, 0.39in and 0.28in) built in, along the bottom of the swim bait, to keep balance and for further distance casting, and the steel balls also make the lure noisy which will be a big factor especially when water clarity is low, rather than lure action or color
- Natural color imitation; Vivid 3D laser eyes; Textured, soft rubber fishtail for more vivid swimming strokes
- Increases your chances on catching those Monster Bass that simply don’t fall for other baits; Heavily targeted by monster size fish, regardless of their species, Bass, Trout, Muskie, etc.
- Country of Origin :United States
- Product Type :FISHING EQUIPMENT
- Package Dimension :11.684 cm x 5.334 cm x 2.794 cm
- Package Weight :0.15 lbs
- SAVAGE GEAR PIKE FISHING LURES: Based on 3D scans of an actual baby pike with incredibly authentic photoprint details, the 3D Hard Pike delivers unparalleled realism to attract the largest fish in the waterway.
- LIFELIKE ACTION: This fish bait utilizes a five-piece segmented body design to create a believable S-curve swimming motion that will drive fish into a frenzy. Cast and retrieve or use it as a trolled lure.
- HEAVY-DUTY HARDWARE: Once your target commits, these fishing lures grab hold with two durable treble hooks that won't straighten out and let you reel in any monster you stick.
- DESIGNED FOR DURABILITY: This fishing lure features a remarkably sturdy design that won't let fish off the hook. The thru-wire system ensures that frantic fish won't be able to pull away in a pinch.
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Lure Size: 4 2/5 oz, 7 3/4in. Color: Striped Pike. Swimming Depth: 3’-6’ | 0.9m-1.8m. Available in a variety of ultra-realistic, lifelike colors.
- SAVAGE GEAR PIKE FISHING LURES: Based on 3D scans of a baby pike with superb detail, the Smash Tail delivers unparalleled realism to attract the largest fish in the waterway.
- LIFELIKE TAIL ACTION: The smash tail design provides a frantic splashing motion to send fish into a frenzy. Whether it's crawled or burned, the super loud sound will draw fish in from far away and incite them to bite.
- DUAL HOOK DESIGN: These fishing lures feature two ultra-sharp trebles to lock in bites and improve your hook-up ratio.
- DESIGNED FOR DURABILITY: This fishing lure features a sturdy design that won't let fish off the hook. The remarkably tough ABS body is capable of withstanding even the most savage strikes.
- PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS: Lure Size: 1 1/3 oz, 6 3/4 in. Color: Pike. Swimming Depth: Topwater. Available in a variety of ultra-realistic, lifelike colors.
- WIDELY FISHING SPECIES - Using Japan material, the freshwater fishing lures is the perfect size at 3.5in, which ready to take on multiple hits. Whether you are fishing reefs, estuaries, rivers, fresh or saltwater, the Truscend lures for fishing will become your essential paddle tail lure to target bass, trout, Walleye, pike snook, salmon, redfish and many more.
- LIFE-LIKE ACTION - The bass fishing lures have a special 3D paddle tail to give off turbulence, ultra-realistic patterns, life-like halographic eyes and solid wire through construction to ultra-sharp BKK back hook. The Top Hook protects against hangups. Its weedless nature enables you to fish it well through all types of cover.
- LONG CASTING JIG HEAD - Having an ideal weight for long casting and slow sinking, Truscend fishing bait can achieve a slow, flutter presentation. Featuring a precisely engineered shape, the soft body swimbaits generate the perfect kicking action. You can easily cast the fishing jigs bait into your ideal fish area.
- JAPAN DESIGN - Constructed from high quality materials from Japan, expertly design and rigorous testing of light refraction fish pattern make TRUSCEND "Shad Paddle Tail Bait" more realistic and attractive. The soft plastic fishing lures who lively Japanese design perfectly emulates erratic baitfish action.
- ULTRA-SHARP HOOK - Equipped with sharp high quality high carbon steel hook on back, the innovative design of these soft lures can help ensure increased fish hook ups in all situations while avoid getting hung up when fishing. The bass lures can take your bass fishing game to the next level.
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Bait for Pike Fishing
Pike are big, hungry fish. They love to eat! Choosing the right bait helps you catch more of these exciting predators. This guide shows you what to look for in great pike bait.
Key Features to Look For in Pike Bait
When you shop for pike bait, check for a few important things. These features make the bait more attractive to big pike.
- Size and Profile: Pike often prefer larger meals. Look for baits that imitate the size of common forage fish in your lake or river. A bait that looks like a substantial meal gets noticed.
- Action in Water: How does the bait move when you reel it in? Good action mimics a wounded or swimming fish. Jerkbaits should wobble, and swimbaits should have a natural tail kick.
- Color and Flash: Pike see well, especially in clear water. Bright colors like fire tiger or chartreuse work well in murky water or low light. Natural colors (like silver or perch patterns) are better on sunny days.
- Durability: Pike have sharp teeth! The bait must hold up to hard strikes and the fight. Strong hooks and tough plastic bodies last longer.
Important Materials That Matter
The materials used in making the bait affect how it performs and how long it lasts.
Hard baits (like crankbaits or jerkbaits) are usually made from strong plastics or sometimes wood. Hard materials allow for detailed painting and good casting distance. Soft plastics, like swimbaits or worms, need to be made from flexible but tough formulas. If the plastic is too soft, pike tear it apart immediately.
Hooks are critical. Always choose stainless steel or high-carbon steel hooks. They must be sharp and strong enough not to bend when you hook a large fish. Good quality split rings and line ties prevent gear failure during the fight.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Bait Quality
Quality really matters in pike fishing. A few small details can make a big difference in your catch rate.
What improves quality? Realistic finishes and good weighting systems boost quality. Realistic eyes and gill plates fool picky pike. Proper weighting ensures the bait dives to the correct depth and retrieves smoothly. Baits that stay balanced during fast retrieves are high quality.
What reduces quality? Cheap paint jobs chip easily, losing their attraction. Poorly set hooks that rattle or bend easily reduce your chance of landing the fish. If a hard bait floats differently than advertised, its internal construction is likely flawed.
User Experience and Use Cases
Think about where and how you plan to fish when selecting your bait.
Shallow Water (Weed Lines): Use topwater baits or shallow-diving crankbaits. These baits stay near the surface where pike often ambush prey. A slow retrieve works well here.
Deep Water or Cold Weather: Large spoons or heavy jerkbaits are excellent choices. These baits sink quickly and can be fished vertically or with long pauses, which pike often prefer when they are sluggish.
Casting vs. Trolling: If you cast all day, choose a lighter bait that is easy on your arm. If you troll behind a boat, you need heavier, more durable lures that maintain action at higher speeds.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pike Bait
Q: Do I need live bait or artificial bait for pike?
A: Both work well! Live bait (like herring or large minnows) often triggers the strongest strikes. Artificial lures are easier to carry, cast farther, and last longer.
Q: What is the best color for pike bait in muddy water?
A: Use bright, high-contrast colors. Chartreuse, bright orange, or glow-in-the-dark finishes create a visible silhouette in murky conditions.
Q: How big should my pike bait be?
A: Generally, bigger is better for trophy pike. Aim for baits between 6 to 10 inches long, depending on what local baitfish are available.
Q: Are rattle baits better than silent ones?
A: Rattle baits create noise that attracts fish from a distance, especially in stained water. Silent baits are preferred when pike are very spooky or fishing pressured areas.
Q: What is a “jerkbait” and why is it good for pike?
A: A jerkbait is a hard lure you work with sharp tugs (jerks) on the rod. This action makes the bait dart erratically, perfectly mimicking a struggling fish.
Q: Should I use scented baits?
A: Scented soft plastics can help keep the pike holding onto the lure longer after the initial strike, giving you more time to set the hook.
Q: How often should I change my bait while fishing?
A: If you fish a spot for 15 to 20 minutes without a bite, change the color or the style of bait you are using. Keep experimenting!
Q: Can I use saltwater lures for pike?
A: Some metal spoons or large plugs designed for saltwater work fine, but make sure the hooks are strong enough for freshwater pike, which can be very powerful fighters.
Q: What is the best retrieve speed?
A: Pike are often lazy. Start slow. If you get no action, speed up slightly. The key is often varying your speed—slow, fast, pause, repeat.
Q: How do I protect my bait from getting scratched?
A: Store hard baits in soft lure bags or separate compartments in your tackle box. Avoid letting them bang against each other during transport.