What’s the secret to unlocking those massive northern pike when the ice is thick and the water is frigid? Many ice anglers feel the frustration of watching the sonar light up with fish that just won’t bite. Choosing the perfect bait for pike in the dead of winter can feel like guesswork. Do you go for flashy spoons, or do you stick with something more subtle? It’s a common struggle that can mean the difference between a freezer full of fish and a long, cold day with nothing to show for it.
This guide cuts through the confusion. We are diving deep into the most effective pike baits specifically designed for ice fishing success. You will learn exactly which lures trigger aggressive strikes and how to present them properly when the pike are sluggish. Stop guessing and start catching! Keep reading to discover the proven bait arsenal that will transform your next trip from a freeze-out to a fish-fry.
Top Pike Bait Ice Fishing Recommendations
- These jigs are constructed of lead bodies for fast drop, glide wings and ultra-sharp high carbon hooks for better penetration
- Features highly detailed paint and solid bright coating; Beaded treble hook for added attractions
- Weighted body and balanced design work with glide tail wing creating a darting action with glide action on drop
- Tip it with a wax worm, small minnow or plastic bait to attract more fishes
- These balanced jigs are not only for ice fishing, but also can be used for multiple freshwater gamefish like bass, perch, walleye and pike
- Various Sizes & Colors Ice Fishing Lures: A variety sizes of ice fishing lures and colors gives anglers options to adapt to fishing conditions. Two Ice Fishing Jig Kit to Choose: 6PCS, 20pcs.
- Glow in Dark: Ice fishing jigs have luminous effects, Great for darker water and low-light conditions, the micro ice jigs have the ability to attract fish from a wider area. Note: When using luminous lures, please let it absorb enough light first.
- Ice Fishing Jigs With Organized Storage Box: With EVA foam pad keeps your jigs well organized.. Easy take in and easy take out with the jigs. Holds jigs securely in the box, which can protect the ice fishing jigs from collision and wear.
- High Sharpness: The hook can effectively ensure the continuous sharpness of the hook tip after repeated grinding, and has a barb, reduce the probability of decoupling, increase the possibility of catching.
- Best Fishing Gift for Angler: A Great Ice Fishing Gifts for lover! A variety sizes and colors of ice fishing lures gives anglers options to adapt to fishing conditions.
- Made from 100 percent real bait
- Special formula won't freeze up
- Enhanced with UV Flash
- Powerful bite stimulants trigger bites
- Rip your way to more panfish, perch, pike, walleyes and trout - When the bite is slow, Rippin' Shad Fishing Hooks get you that extra edge you need! Perfect for vertical jigging through the ice and both casting and jigging in open water. Wiggle that bait just right and watch the competition shake their heads.
- Flat head produces a tight-wiggling action - Our customer's favorite feature! You can experiment with straight or rip-fall cadences to bring your prey right into your net. Trusty ears out on the lake will tell you which works best. That tail wiggle sends hungry fish into a frenzy of fun!
- Internally weighted rattle chamber emits sonic vibration and sonars - Noise brings them in from far away! They'll hear the call from down deep and come to investigate what all that commotion's about. Such delightful surprises for any fisherman lucky enough to have a Rippin' Shad Fishing Hook on his line!
- These jigs are constructed of lead bodies for fast drop, glide wings and ultra-sharp high carbon hooks for better penetration
- Features highly detailed paint and solid bright coating; Beaded treble hook for added attractions
- Weighted body and balanced design work with glide tail wing creating a darting action with glide action on drop
- Tip it with a wax worm, small minnow or plastic bait to attract more fishes
- These balanced jigs are not only for ice fishing, but also can be used for multiple freshwater gamefish like bass, perch, walleye and pike
- ULTRA-LIGHT MUSTAD TREBLES HOOKS – PREMIUM SPINNER BAITS FOR BASS WALLEYE PIKE PANFISH TROUT 0.24oz (6.8g) Ultra-Light Spinner Baits with MUSTAD Trebles Hooks: Compact finesse design, irresistible to target fish – ideal for clear water or pressured fishing scenarios in your Fishing Lure Kit.
- FAST SINKING PRECISION – TOP-TIER ICE FISHING LURES & ALL-SEASON TACKLE High-density material ensures rapid sinking (perfect for Ice Fishing & open-water fishing). Outperforms standard Spinner Baits with stable bottom contact in currents – essential for landing Bass, Walleye, Pike, panfish & trout.
- VIBRATING SWIMMING ACTION – LURES CAUTIOUS GAME FISH Subtle yet powerful vibration (core of Vibrating Swimming design) triggers strikes from wary fish. This standout Spinner Bait in your Fishing Lure Kit is the go-to choice for tough bites on all target species.
- VERSATILE FINESSE – MULTI-SCENARIO FISHING LURE KIT Perfect for vertical jigging/light casting: works seamlessly in shallow streams, deep lakes or rocky areas. Targets Bass, Walleye, Pike, panfish & trout with precision – a versatile staple for all fishing conditions.
- 3-PACK READY-TO-FISH – ICE FISHING COMPATIBLE GIFT FOR ANGLERS 3 proven colors of Vibrating Swimming Spinner Baits with Trebles Hooks: part of your ready-to-use Fishing Lure Kit, compatible with Ice Fishing. No extra setup needed – a practical gift for all fishing lovers year-round.
- Features highly detailed paint and solid bright coating and 24 pieces of them are luminous in the dark
- This ice jigging kit includes 6 balancing jigs, 2 vibrating bait, 4 spoons and 18 jig heads - 30 pieces in total
- Tip it with a wax worm, small minnow or plastic bait to attract more fishes
- Bonus a quality reusable utility box with adjustable compartments that keeps your lures well organized
- Assorted ice fishing lures make it a perfect selection for fishing for perch, walleye and pike
- RIGGED AND READY: Don’t waste your time rigging up your tubes! The new Northland Fishing Tackle Level-Head Predator Tube comes rigged and ready to catch big fish right out of the package, and includes an extra soft plastic body.
- BIG FISH BAIT: The soft chewy body of this large tube lure swims and darts like a dying baitfish underwater, attracting hungry predators. A stout hook combined with a blood red sting’r hook ensures you can seal the deal on even the biggest lake trout or pike. Tie one on, and hold on!
- LEVEL-HEAD DESIGN: This pre-rigged soft plastic fishing tube features an eyelet that is strategically placed further down the head of the jig to ensure that the bait always hangs horizontally, to create a natural looking presentation when jigging.
- YEAR-ROUND USE: This artificial tube excels in any freshwater vertical jigging situation and will catch fish through the ice and from the boat alike. Available in 3 sizes, and 4 different proven colors like white, glow, and chartreuse that are highly visible in a variety of conditions.
- TESTED AND TRUSTED: This lure was tested and trusted by the team at Northland Fishing Tackle, and professional anglers across the country. Northland Fishing Tackle has been delivering essential fishing tackle to anglers nationwide for decades. Every Northland Tackle product is designed by fishermen for quality conscious anglers that demand the best in their fishing tackle and accessories.
Pike Bait Ice Fishing: Your Ultimate Buying Guide
Ice fishing for northern pike is an exciting adventure. Pike are big, strong fish. You need the right bait to catch them. This guide helps you choose the best pike bait for your next trip onto the ice.
Key Features to Look For
When picking pike bait, look closely at a few important things. These features make a big difference in how many fish you catch.
1. Size and Profile
- Size Matters: Pike are predators. They like a big meal. Choose baits that are at least 4 to 8 inches long. Bigger baits attract bigger pike.
- Realistic Shape: The bait should look like a real fish. Good profiles mimic the shape of smelt or perch, which pike often eat.
2. Action and Vibration
- Movement in Water: The bait must move enticingly. Jerkbaits wiggle when you pull them. Spoons flutter down when you stop reeling. This movement triggers a pike strike.
- Sound or Vibration: Some baits have rattles inside. These rattles create sound waves in the cold water. Pike feel these vibrations, even when they cannot see the bait clearly.
3. Color Selection
- Clear Water Colors: On sunny days or in clear water, use natural colors. Think silver, white, or light green. These colors reflect light well.
- Dark Water/Low Light Colors: When it is cloudy or dark, bright colors work best. Use fire tiger (bright orange and green), chartreuse, or bright red.
Important Materials Used in Pike Bait
The stuff the bait is made of affects how it lasts and how it swims.
Hard Baits (Jigs, Spoons, Swimmers)
- Metals: Spoons often use brass or stainless steel. These metals give the bait good weight for long casts and a strong flash underwater.
- Plastics: High-quality hard plastics hold up against sharp pike teeth. Cheaper plastics crack easily.
Soft Baits (Plugs and Plastics)
- Durable Soft Plastics: Look for thick, durable plastic formulas. Pike have sharp teeth. Thin plastics tear quickly. Good plastics last through many battles.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all pike baits are made the same. A few details separate the great baits from the poor ones.
Quality Boosters
- Sharp Hooks: Hooks must be razor sharp. A dull hook misses strikes. Quality baits use strong, chemically sharpened hooks.
- Strong Hardware: The rings connecting the line to the lure, and the hooks to the body, must be strong. Pike fight hard. Weak rings break.
Quality Reducers
- Poor Paint Jobs: If the paint chips off after just one trip, the bait quality is low. Pike often strike the paint first.
- Weak Line Ties: If the loop where you attach your line bends easily, the bait will not swim correctly.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you use the bait changes what you should buy.
Active Fishing (Drilling Many Holes)
If you move around a lot, you need versatile baits. Spoons are excellent for jigging over new holes quickly. They drop fast and have a strong flash.
Passive Fishing (Setting Tip-Ups)
When you set tip-ups and wait, you need bait that stays enticing for a long time. Large, natural-looking dead or live minnows are often best here. If using artificial bait, use a large, slow-sinking swimbait that looks natural while suspended.
Remember, pike are aggressive. Always use gear rated for heavy fish. A good bait is only half the battle!
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Pike Bait Ice Fishing
Q: What is the best general color for pike ice fishing bait?
A: Chartreuse or fire tiger are often the best all-around colors because they show up well in most water conditions.
Q: Should I use real bait or artificial lures?
A: Both work well. Real minnows often trigger more bites, but artificial lures are easier to transport and stay fresh all day.
Q: How deep should I fish my pike bait?
A: Pike often stay near structure or along drop-offs. Start fishing your bait about 5 to 10 feet below the ice and work your way down to the bottom.
Q: What is ‘jigging’?
A: Jigging means lifting the rod tip up and letting the bait flutter back down repeatedly. This mimics a wounded fish.
Q: Are big baits better than small baits for pike?
A: Generally, yes. Pike are ambush predators and prefer large meals, especially in winter when they need more calories.
Q: Do I need a leader when using pike baits?
A: Absolutely. Pike have very sharp teeth that will cut your fishing line quickly. You must use a strong steel or fluorocarbon leader.
Q: What is the most important feature on a spoon lure?
A: The flutter action when the spoon falls is the most important part. It creates the flash that attracts the pike.
Q: How do I store my soft plastic baits?
A: Keep soft plastics in their original bags or containers. Do not mix different brands, as some oils can melt other types of plastic.
Q: Can I use the same bait for walleye and pike?
A: You can, but pike baits are usually much larger. If you catch a large walleye, it will be happy with the big bait, but smaller pike might ignore it.
Q: When should I switch colors during the day?
A: Switch to brighter colors if the sun goes behind clouds or if you are fishing in deeper, darker water. Stick to natural colors when the sun is bright.