Why Pike Fishing Hooks Us So Hard
If you’ve ever felt that sudden violent tug on your line and your heart jumps like it’s trying to escape your chest — yeah, that’s pike fishing. These freshwater predators are aggressive, lightning fast, and let’s be honest, they hit like a truck. But here’s the thing: to consistently catch pike, you’ve got to use the right lure. Random spinners from a bargain bin won’t cut it.
This post is all about the best pike fishing lures you need to try — lures that not only look good on the shelf but actually work in real-world conditions. Whether you’re standing by a quiet weedy lake in summer or casting into icy rivers in late fall, the right lure makes all the difference.
So, let’s dive into the most effective, tried-and-true pike lures, plus some personal picks I’ve found deadly over the years.
Understanding Pike Behavior Before Choosing a Lur
Before we jump into lure lists, it helps to know why pike strike. These fish are ambush predators. They lurk in weeds, under logs, or along drop-offs waiting for something flashy (or unlucky) to come too close.
👉 Key points about pike behavior:
- They’re visual hunters. Movement, flash, and vibration matter more than smell.
- Pike attack out of aggression, not just hunger.
- They love shallow weedy areas in spring and early summer.
- In colder months, they move to deeper water but still hit slow-moving baits.
Knowing this makes it clear why lures like spoons, jerkbaits, and big spinnerbaits dominate pike fishing.
The Best Pike Fishing Lures You Need to Try
1. Classic Spoons – The Old but Gold Pike Catcher
If you ask any seasoned angler what lure has caught them the most pike, chances are they’ll say a spoon.
- What it is: A simple, curved piece of metal that wobbles as you retrieve it.
- Why it works: The wobble looks like an injured baitfish, and pike can’t resist an easy meal.
- Best types: Daredevle, Len Thompson Five of Diamonds, Mepps Syclops.
Pro tip: Go big. 4–6 inch spoons are perfect for trophy-sized pike.
2. Spinnerbaits – Flash + Vibration Combo
Pike love noise and flash, and spinnerbaits give you both. With their spinning blades and skirted bodies, they’re like a dinner bell underwater.
- Best use: Great for murky water or windy days when visibility is low.
- Top picks: Booyah Pikee Spinnerbait, Mepps Musky Killer.
- Retrieve style: Medium speed with pauses. Pike often strike on the pause.
3. Jerkbaits – Deadly in Cold Water
Jerkbaits are perfect when pike are sluggish, especially in spring and fall.
- How to use: Cast, then jerk-pause-jerk. The erratic action mimics a wounded fish.
- Colors: Natural patterns for clear water, bright ones for stained lakes.
- Examples: Rapala X-Rap, Lucky Craft Pointer.
- Why they’re deadly: That pause… pike can’t stand it. They often strike right when the bait stops.
4. Soft Plastics – Versatility at Its Bes
Soft plastic swimbaits and shads are another must-have. They’re realistic, affordable, and you can rig them in tons of ways.
- Best style: Paddle tail swimbaits with a jig head.
- Size: 5–8 inches work best for big pike.
- Top picks: Storm Wildeye Swim Shad, Savage Gear 4D Perch Shad.
Pro tip: Use weighted hooks when fishing weeds so you don’t snag every cast.
5. Topwater Lures – Explosive Strikes
There’s nothing more exciting than seeing a pike explode out of the water after your lure. Topwater baits make that happen.
- Best time: Early morning, late evening, or cloudy days.
- Lure types: Buzzbaits, frogs, and prop baits.
- Examples: Whopper Plopper 130, Heddon Zara Spook.
Warning: It’s addictive. Once you see a pike smash topwater, you’ll crave that hit forever.
6. Crankbaits – Covering Water Fas
If you’re fishing a big lake and want to locate active pike, crankbaits are your best friend.
- Depth options: Shallow-diving in summer weed beds, deep-diving in fall.
- Examples: Rapala Super Shad Rap, Bomber Magnum Long A.
- Retrieve: Steady crank with occasional pauses.
Comparison Table of the Best Pike Fishing Lures
| Lure Type | Best For | Examples | Size Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spoons | Classic, all seasons | Daredevle, Five of Diamonds | 4–6 in |
| Spinnerbaits | Murky water, windy days | Mepps Musky Killer, Pikee | ½–1 oz |
| Jerkbaits | Cold water, fall/spring | Rapala X-Rap, Lucky Craft Pointer | 4–6 in |
| Soft Plastics | Weedy spots, versatility | Savage Gear, Storm Wildeye | 5–8 in |
| Topwater Lures | Explosive strikes | Whopper Plopper, Zara Spook | Large |
| Crankbaits | Covering big lakes fast | Shad Rap, Bomber Magnum | Varies |
Tips to Make Pike Lures Work Even Better
- Use leaders: Pike have sharp teeth; always use a wire or heavy fluorocarbon leader.
- Vary retrieves: Fast, slow, stop-and-go — experiment until they bite.
- Go big: Don’t be afraid of 8–10 inch lures. Big pike love big meals.
- Check hooks: Upgrade to stronger treble hooks; pike bend cheap ones easily.
FAQs About Pike Fishing Lure
Q1: What color lures work best for pike?
Bright colors like red, chartreuse, and firetiger are killer in stained water, while silver and natural colors work better in clear lakes.
Q2: Do pike prefer big or small lures?
Bigger is usually better — 6 to 8 inches is a sweet spot for catching trophy pike.
Q3: Can I use bass lures for pike?
Yes, but make sure they’re durable. Pike will destroy flimsy bass lures in no time.
Q4: What is the best season to catch pike?
Spring and fall are peak seasons, but summer mornings and evenings can also be excellent.
Q5: Do I need special gear for pike fishing?
A medium-heavy to heavy rod, strong braid line, and a wire leader are highly recommended.
Conclusion: Time to Stock Your Tackle Box
So there you have it — the best pike fishing lures you need to try if you’re serious about landing one of these freshwater monsters. From classic spoons to topwater blow-ups, each lure has its moment.
Personally, I always keep a mix in my tackle box: a couple of big spoons, some jerkbaits for colder days, and at least one Whopper Plopper for those unforgettable topwater strikes.
If you’re new, start simple — maybe a spoon and a spinnerbait. If you’re a pro, well, you probably already know the addiction.