Pike anglers looking to up their game should consider these top lures for increased catches. Spinnerbaits like the Booyah Pikee, featuring a durable design and strong vibration, are a great choice. Inline spinners like the Mepps Black Fury and Blue Fox by Vibrax also mimic injured baitfish, attracting pike with visual and vibrational cues. Spoon lures, crankbaits, and jerkbaits offer versatile presentations, while soft plastic lures and swimbaits provide lifelike action. Topwater lures and bucktail jigs create a commotion, triggering aggressive responses. With these picks, anglers can increase their chances of landing pike – and discovering the best techniques to pair them with can lead to even more success.
Key Takeaways
- Spinnerbaits like Booyah Pikee and inline spinners like Mepps Black Fury attract pike with strong vibrations and visual cues.
- Spoon lures like Mepps Syclops and Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon are effective for targeting pike near structure with an aggressive, erratic retrieve.
- Crankbaits like Rapala Super Shad Rap and jerkbaits like Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait XR10 mimic injured baitfish, enticing aggressive pike.
- Soft plastic lures like Slug-Go Bubblegum 6 and swimbaits that match local fish species create a lifelike presentation, increasing the chances of catching pike.
- Topwater lures like Rebel Buzzn Frog and bucktail jigs like Northland Tackle Bionic Bucktail Fishing Jig trigger aggressive responses from pike in various water conditions.
Top Spinnerbaits for Pike
When it comes to targeting pike, spinnerbaits are a top choice among anglers, and for good reason – they offer a tantalizing combination of flash, vibration, and action that can prove irresistible to these aggressive predators. Among the top spinnerbaits for pike is the Booyah Pikee, a lure that has earned a reputation for its durability and ability to withstand the species' aggressive strikes. The Booyah Pikee's Vibra-FLX wireframe and double willow blades create a strong vibration and shine that attracts pike from a distance. To prevent pike from biting through the line, the lure comes with a 12-inch steel wire leader, ensuring a secure catch. Available in five different colors, anglers can choose the best option for their specific fishing conditions. With its heavy-duty hardware and durable design, the Booyah Pikee Spinnerbait is capable of handling pike up to 30 pounds. As a top pike lure, the Booyah Pikee is a must-have in any serious angler's tackle box.
Best Spoon Lures for Pike
Across various bodies of water, spoon lures have consistently proven to be a reliable choice for pike anglers, offering a versatile and enticing presentation that can be tailored to specific fishing conditions. When it comes to selecting the best spoon lures for pike, anglers should consider the size and weight of the spoon, as well as its action and retrieve. Larger spoons in the 1-2 oz range are often effective for targeting larger pike, while smaller spoons can be used to target smaller fish. Spoon lures are particularly effective when fished near structure such as weed beds, where pike tend to ambush prey. An aggressive, erratic retrieve can help trigger strikes from these ambush predators. Look for spoons with a loud, attention-grabbing action, such as those with a rattling or vibrating design. By choosing the right spoon lure and presenting it in the right way, anglers can increase their chances of landing a trophy pike.
Effective Crankbaits for Pike
Effective crankbaits for pike fishing feature a combination of realistic design, enticing action, and attention-grabbing sounds that mimic the appearance and movement of injured baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes from these predators. The Rapala Super Shad Rap is a popular crankbait that checks all these boxes, with its heavy-duty hardware and premium Balsa wood body providing a natural swimming action. Another effective option is the Storm 6 Wild Eye Live Pike, which tricks pike into thinking it's a smaller, weaker pike. When it comes to retrieve, pike fishing tips suggest a slow to medium pace, allowing the bait to move naturally through the water. Crankbaits with a loud, rattling sound, such as the Luhr Jensen KwikFish, can also be deadly for pike. With regard to color, shad-like hues like silver and blue are often effective, as they mimic the appearance of an injured baitfish. By choosing the right crankbait and using the right technique, anglers can increase their chances of catching aggressive fish. And, as a bonus, crankbaits can be used in conjunction with swimbait lures to create an even more enticing presentation.
Top Jerkbaits for Aggressive Pike
While crankbaits excel at mimicking injured baitfish, jerkbaits take a more aggressive approach, and pike anglers who want to provoke a reaction strike often turn to these slender, darting lures. When targeting aggressive pike, jerkbaits are an excellent choice. The Rapala X-Rap Jerkbait XR10 Fishing Lure is a top pick, featuring stainless steel through-wire construction and two VMC black nickel treble hooks. Another effective option is the Luhr Jensen KwikFish, which boasts unique color patterns and movement that attracts Northern Pike from deeper waters. The Storm 6 Wild Eye Live Pike is a life-like bait that tricks pike into thinking it's a smaller, weaker pike, making it a great jerkbait option. For shore fishing, the Rebel Buzzn Frog is a great choice, taking abuse well from aggressive pike and easily walkable for both beginner and experienced anglers. Finally, the Mepps Black Fury is a popular spinner that attracts aggressive pike with its visual and vibrational cues. These jerkbaits are sure to get a reaction from even the most aggressive pike, making them a must-have for any serious pike fishing enthusiast.
Deadly Soft Plastic Lures
Pike anglers looking to add some finesse to their tackle box will find that soft plastic lures, like the Slug-Go Bubblegum 6, can be a deadly addition to their arsenal. Made from plastisol, this soft plastic lure offers a great weight ratio for gliding across the water, making it ideal for pike fishing. One of the biggest advantages of soft plastic lures is their versatility – they can be manipulated for different textures and weights, making them effective in various fishing conditions. The Slug-Go Bubblegum 6 is a great weedless option for fishing in areas with heavy vegetation, as it can be rigged weedless to minimize snagging. Its soft and flexible body allows it to move naturally in the water, enticing Northern Pike to strike with its lifelike action. Whether you're fishing in open water or structure, this lure is effective in catching pike in various water conditions. Adding the Slug-Go Bubblegum 6 to your tackle box can increase your chances of landing more pike.
Bucktail Jigs for Pike Fishing
Adding a bucktail jig to their tackle box gives pike anglers another versatile option for targeting these aggressive predators, especially when fishing along drop-offs and weed-lines. Bucktail jigs, such as the Northland Tackle Bionic Bucktail Fishing Jig, are ideal for trolling and can be used to target not only pike but also muskies and trophy bass. What makes bucktail jigs so effective is the hand-tied genuine bucktail and realistic jig head that replicates the size, shape, and pulsating movement of pike forage species. A single jig hook and a trailing treble hook cleverly hidden in the bucktail help to prevent pike from biting through the wire and swimming free. A steel leader prevents pike from biting through the wire, and a 0.75-ounce weight is suitable for casting and trolling. Bucktail jigs can be used in a variety of colors and sizes to match local fish species and water conditions, increasing the likelihood of catching pike. With their versatility and effectiveness, bucktail jigs are a must-have for any serious pike angler.
Weedless Lures for Thick Cover
Several weedless lures have proven themselves effective at enticing Northern Pike from the thick, impenetrable cover where they often lie in wait. The Mepps Syclops spoon, for instance, is a top choice, featuring a unique shape with ten reflective surfaces that attract pike in dense vegetation. Another effective weedless lure is the Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon, which boasts a natural wobble and shine that entices pike in heavy weeds. Soft baits like the Slug-Go Bubblegum 6 are also great for fishing in thick cover, as they can be manipulated for different textures and weights to navigate through dense vegetation. If you're looking for a lure that can take abuse from aggressive pike, the Rebel Buzzn Frog is an excellent option. And for shallow water and heavy vegetation, the Luhr Jensen KwikFish is a larger lure that can be used to attract big pike. These weedless lures are designed to help you catch more Northern Pike in the thick cover they call home.
Natural-Looking Swimbaits for Pike
What makes natural-looking swimbaits so effective at enticing pike is their uncanny ability to mimic the appearance and movement of their natural prey. Soft plastic swimbaits like the Slug-Go Bubblegum 6 are a great example of this. They can be manipulated for different textures and weights, making them versatile for targeting pike in various environments. The Strike King Shadalicious Swimbait is another popular choice, featuring a soft plastic body that allows for a natural swimming action while sinking slowly through the water column.
To increase the likelihood of catching pike, you must choose swimbaits that match local fish species. This makes them more likely to strike at something that resembles their natural prey. Realistic fins, 3D eyes, and painted gill plates and scales complete the lifelike effect of swimbaits, making them more appealing to pike. By using natural-looking swimbaits, anglers can create a more convincing presentation that pike find hard to resist. With their ability to glide effortlessly through the water, these lures are perfect for fishing in areas with heavy vegetation. By incorporating swimbaits into their tackle box, pike anglers can expect to catch more of these aggressive predators.
High-Impact Topwater Lures
One of the most thrilling ways to catch pike is with high-impact topwater lures that create a ruckus on the water's surface, triggering an aggressive response from these predators. When used correctly, topwater lures can be deadly for pike fishing, especially in the spring when pike are in the shallows of the bays. To get the most out of topwater lures, anglers should aim to create a commotion on the surface of the water to attract the attention of pike.
Some top picks for high-impact topwater lures for pike fishing include:
- The Rebel Buzzn Frog, perfect for shore fishing in the spring
- The Storm 6 Wild Eye Live Pike, a life-like bait that tricks pike into thinking it's a smaller, weaker pike
- The Cotton Cordell Pencil Popper Topwater Fishing Lure, which produces a smooth walk-the-dog action that hungry pike find irresistible
- Topwater lures that can be used to target pike in areas with heavy vegetation, such as weed beds and lily pads, where pike often hide
Proven Inline Spinners for Pike
When pike aren't surface-feeding, anglers can turn to proven inline spinners that mimic injured baitfish or create a commotion in the water column, increasing their chances of hooking a pike. The Mepps Black Fury is a popular choice, attracting Northern Pike with its visual and vibrational cues. Its narrow stature makes it ideal for fishing in shallow water. Another top pick is the Blue Fox by Vibrax, which creates a sonic vibration that catches the attention of Northern Pike. Its two-part system and variety of sizes make it a versatile option.
Inline spinners are effective for catching pike in various water conditions and structures, and their flash and vibration make them irresistible to pike lurking in the weeds and open water. The Booyah Pikee Spinnerbait is a great option for fishing in thick weeds and open water, with a flash and vibration that attracts pike. When using inline spinners, varying retrieval speed and adding random jigs with the rod tip can stimulate pike strikes. Experimenting with different retrieval speeds and actions can help determine what pike want. By targeting Northern Pike with these proven in-line spinners, anglers can increase their chances of landing a big catch.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Lures Do Pike Like the Most?
Pike are drawn to lures with shiny, reflective colors, unique shapes, and varying sizes that mimic prey. They're also attracted to lures with erratic actions, soft textures, and weedless designs that allow for manipulation and realistic presentations.
What Is the Best Bait for Pike Fishing?
"Like a master chef, she knows the secret ingredient to pike fishing success lies in the bait. Live Worms, Fresh Bait, and Soft Plastics are top contenders, while Scented Lures and Corn Baits add an extra layer of temptation."
What Is the Best Topwater for Pike?
She finds the best topwater lures for pike fishing in Pike Poppers, Water Spooks, Bait Walkers, Surface Sliders, and Buzz Baits, which create explosive surface strikes and attract aggressive pike with their lifelike movements and enticing sounds.
What's the Best Thing to Catch Pike?
"A million factors can affect pike catches, but she knows the secret to landing a monster lies in mastering tackle selection, adapting to water conditions, pinpointing prime fishing spots, understanding seasonal patterns, and perfecting angler techniques."
Conclusion
With the right arsenal of lures, pike fishing becomes a thrill ride of epic proportions. Imagine the water's surface erupting like a volcanic explosion as a monster pike crushes your topwater lure. Picture the fight of a lifetime as a behemoth pike wraps its jaws around a tantalizing soft plastic. Armed with these top lures, you'll be the master of the pike's domain, weaving a web of deceit that'll leave these predators hooked and helpless.
