Pike Fishing Lures

Pike Fishing Lures

Pike Fishing Lures, As an aggressive predatory fish, the northern pike is a popular freshwater game fish for anglers. Pike are ambush feeders eating minnows, bugs, other fish, frogs and snakes. As the water temperatures change with the seasons, the pike might change their feeding habits, forcing you to change the lure to match the fishing conditions. The top pike fishing lures provide a versatile and effective bait presentation for catching big pike.

Crankbaits
Crankbaits let you fish at the exact depth where the pike are feeding. The size of the bill on the crankbait can be selected to fish the different depths. As the summer warms the water temperature, the pike will move toward the bottom of the water. Select a crankbait with a long bill and use a slow, steady retrieve.

Spoons
Available in a variety of sizes and colors, spoons are one of the most versatile pike fishing lures. The colorful spoon will attract nearby pike. The website Nodak Outdoors recommends using the classic red-and-white pattern. Pair the spoon with a 12-inch leader during the spring.


Jig and Grub
If you are looking for a versatile pike fishing lure, consider the classic jig-and-grub combo. According to Nodak Outdoors, the jig-and-grub is a potent lure that can be adjusted to meet fishing conditions. You can easily change the size--from 1 inch to 5 inch and color, including pink, chartreuse, white or black--of the lure as the weather patterns or water temperatures change.

Marabou Jig
The marabou jig is a popular lure for multiple fish species, but according to Nodak Outdoors, it is one of the top pike fishing lures. Characterized by feathers and a design that resembles baitfish, marabou jigs are effective at catching pike during the spring and summer.

Rapala
Rapala lures are a traditional selection for pike anglers. The wiggle, sound-producing rattle chamber and natural color patterns combine to make the Rapala one of the top pike fishing lures. Nodak Outdoors recommends using a Rapala if you are fishing for pike from the shore.

Chubs
As a predatory fish, pike will commonly feed on other fish, making the chub one of the best pike fishing lures. The Pike Heaven website says that a big chub is one of the best ways to catch big pike. Use two steel leaders and two-medium size treble hooks to make a musky rig. Find a concentration of pike using a fish finder and present the musky rig in the location of the pike.

Live Minnows
One of the pike's favorite foods is live minnows. The Fishing Nut website recommends using live minnows when you are ice fishing. Set up your rod and reel with live minnows and lightly jig the minnow for a realistic presentation.

Buzzbaits
Use a buzzbait when the pike are feeding on the top water when water temperatures are between 65 and 90 degrees. Rotating blades move through the water and attract nearby pike. The Fishing Nut website says that buzzbaits are a fine way to catch pike, especially large pike, on the top water.

Rippin Minnow
If you can't use live bait, turn to the rippin minnow for an artificial lure that resembles the real thing. Designed to work near or at the top of the water, you can create a realistic bait presentation that attracts pike.

Thundersticks
Thundersticks--a hard plastic lure with three Barbarian hooks--provide the most reliable pike fishing lure. The bill and lifelike appearance create a natural wiggle in the water while the multiple hooks provide secure hook sets. You can use a thunderstick for trolling or casting and works best in depths from 1 to 5 feet.