Top 4 Best Lures for Northern Pike
With the vast array of best lures for Northern Pike available, choosing the most effective ones can be daunting.
The “water wolf,” the “living torpedo,” the Northern Pike – these are just a few names that evoke the power, speed, and ferocity of this iconic freshwater predator. Luring these magnificent fish requires a strategic approach and the right tools.
Worry not, fellow anglers! We’ve meticulously researched and compiled a list of the top 4 best lures for Northern Pike, catering to diverse fishing conditions and pike behavior. Dive in as we explore their unique features, effectiveness, and tips for maximizing your pike-catching potential.
Here Are the Best Lures for Northern Pike
1. Spoons: Flash and Fury for Enticing Strikes
Spoons reign supreme as some of the best lures for Northern Pike due to their versatility, durability, and ability to attract fish with their flashy action and vibrant colors. They excel in casting and trolling presentations, effective for covering vast areas of water and reaching pike at various depths.
Top Spoon Choices for Northern Pike:
- Blue Fox Classic Vibrax: A versatile option, the Vibrax features a spinning blade that creates flash and vibration, attracting pike from afar.
- Mepps Syclops: This spoon boasts a unique shape that provides multiple reflective surfaces, maximizing its flash and attracting pike in various water conditions.
- Johnson Silver Minnow: This classic spoon features a realistic baitfish profile and enticing wobbling action, triggering strikes from pike with its lifelike appearance.
Tips for Using Spoons (One of the best lures for Northern Pike):
- Match the size and weight to the target pike: Choose spoons appropriate for the size of pike you’re targeting and the water depth you’re fishing.
- Experiment with colors: Vibrant colors like silver, gold, and chartreuse often attract pike, but adjust based on water clarity and weather conditions.
- Vary your retrieve: Utilize a combination of casting, trolling, and jerking motions to find what triggers strikes on a particular day.
2. Spinnerbaits: A Symphony of Flash and Vibration
Spinnerbaits, featuring a weighted head, a wire arm with a spinning blade, and a soft plastic trailer, are another category of best lures for Northern Pike. The combination of flash, vibration, and lifelike action from the trailer entices pike to strike.
Top Spinnerbait Choices for Northern Pike:
- Mepps Black Fury: This classic spinnerbait features a large, flashy blade and a durable wire arm, ideal for covering large areas and attracting aggressive pike.
- Blue Fox Vibra Shock: This spinnerbait boasts a unique double willow blade that generates intense vibration and flash, attracting pike in low-light conditions or murky water.
- Worden Original Rooster Tail: This versatile spinnerbait features a compact design and a single Colorado blade, offering a subtle presentation that can be effective for pressured pike.
Tips for Using Spinnerbaits (One of the best lures for Northern Pike):
- Choose the right blade size and style: Larger blades create more vibration and flash, while smaller blades offer a subtler presentation.
- Match the trailer to the baitfish: Select soft plastic trailers that resemble the prevalent baitfish in the area to enhance realism.
- Experiment with retrieve speeds: Vary your retrieve speed from slow and erratic to fast and steady to find what triggers strikes from pike on a day.
3. Jerkbaits: Erratic Action for Enticing Reactions
Jerkbaits, featuring a hard body and a suspending or diving action, are another category of best lures for Northern Pike. Their erratic darting and diving movements mimic fleeing baitfish, triggering aggressive strikes from pike.
Top Jerkbait Choices for Northern Pike:
- Rapala Husky Jerk: This classic jerkbait features a suspending action and a wide wobble, ideal for imitating injured baitfish and enticing pike to strike.
- Salmo Rattlin’ Rap: This jerkbait features a built-in rattle that adds sound to the presentation, attracting pike from afar in low-light conditions or murky water.
- Bomber Long A: This jerkbait dives deep and features a tight wobbling action, effective for reaching pike holding in deeper water or targeting them during cold fronts.
Tips for Using Jerkbaits (One of the best lures for Northern Pike):
- Match the size and action to the target pike: Choose jerkbaits appropriate for the size of pike you’re targeting and the desired depth of presentation.
- Master the jerking technique: Utilize sharp jerks followed by pauses to create an erratic, fleeing baitfish action that triggers strikes.
- Experiment with retrieve speeds and pauses: Vary the speed of your jerks and the length of pauses between jerks to find what entices pike on a particular day.
4. Soft Plastics: The Versatile All-Rounders
Soft plastics, featuring a wide range of shapes, sizes, and actions, are another category of best lures for Northern Pike. Their versatility allows them to mimic various baitfish and be rigged in diverse ways, making them effective in numerous fishing situations.
Top Soft Plastic Choices for Northern Pike:
- Z-Man Diezel Minnow: This paddle tail swimbait features a realistic profile and enticing swimming action, mimicking fleeing baitfish that pike readily attack.
- Yum Money Minnow: Available in various sizes and colors, these soft plastics offer a versatile option for targeting pike in diverse water depths and conditions.
- Strike King Rage Blade: This soft plastic swimbait features a built-in vibrating blade that adds flash and attraction, particularly effective in low-light conditions or murky water.
Tips for Using Soft Plastics (One of the best lures for Northern Pike):
- Match the baitfish: Choose soft plastics that resemble the prevalent baitfish in the area for increased effectiveness.
- Experiment with rigging options: Soft plastics can be rigged weedless, jigged, or on jig heads, allowing you to tailor your presentation to the specific situation.
- Vary your retrieve: Utilize different retrieve speeds and actions, including swimming, twitching, and hopping, to find what triggers strikes from pike on a day.
Beyond the Lure: Optimizing Your Northern Pike Fishing Strategy
Remember, choosing the best lures for Northern Pike is just one piece of the puzzle. To maximize your success, consider these additional factors:
- Location: Northern pike frequent various habitats, including weed beds, shallow bays, and river edges. Identify areas with good pike potential and choose lures that suit the specific environment.
- Timing: Pike activity often peaks during dawn and dusk, but they can be caught throughout the day depending on factors like water temperature and weather conditions.
- Presentation: Experiment with different retrieve speeds, lure actions, and casting techniques to find what entices strikes from pike on a particular day.
- Fighting tactics: Northern pike are powerful fighters. Use appropriate tackle and employ proper fighting techniques to land your catch safely and ethically.
Conclusion
With the knowledge of the best lures for Northern Pike and additional strategic considerations, you’re well-equipped to embark on your pike fishing adventure with confidence. Remember, patience, perseverance, and the right tools are key to unlocking the thrill of battling these magnificent freshwater predators. So, grab your rod, choose your best lures for Northern Pike, and head out on the water to experience the excitement of conquering the “water wolf.”