The Best Pike Lures

Pike, the elusive freshwater predator, are the target of many anglers across the UK. Selecting the right lure is a critical decision that can significantly impact your success in pike fishing. Understanding pike behaviour, their habitats, and how different lures interact in these environments is essential. From the vibrant spinners to the realistic soft baits, each type of lure offers a unique advantage in the pursuit of these formidable fish. 

Understanding Pike Behaviour and Preferences

Known for their aggressive nature and sharp teeth, pike are apex predators in their freshwater habitats. Understanding the behavioural aspects of pike is essential for anglers. It informs the choice of lures and techniques, significantly enhancing the chances of a successful catch.

Habitat and Hunting Patterns

Pike favour areas with ample cover like weed beds, submerged logs, or overhanging branches, perfect for ambushing prey. These environments provide pike with hunting advantages and offer protection, making them more confident and likely to strike. In larger water bodies, pike may patrol along drop-offs or hover near points and inlets, where prey fish congregate. Understanding these preferred habitats and how pike use them for both feeding and protection is crucial for effective lure placement and fishing strategy.

Seasonal Behaviours

• Spring: In spring, post-spawning, pike frequent shallower waters, often found near the spawning sites of other fish. Their aggression levels are heightened during this period, making them more likely to strike at lures. This is an ideal time for anglers to use vibrant and active lures, as pike are in a highly predatory state.

• Summer: As the water warms in summer, pike retreat to cooler, deeper waters but maintain their aggressiveness. They often lurk near thermoclines where cooler and warmer waters meet, targeting unsuspecting prey. Surface and mid-water lures can be effective during early morning and late evening when pike may venture into shallower areas.

• Autumn: Pike feed heavily in autumn to build energy reserves for the coming winter. They become more opportunistic, attacking a wider range of prey. This season is a prime time for anglers, as pike are less cautious and more likely to go after larger, more conspicuous lures.

• Winter: During the cold months, pike's metabolism slows, and they become less active, often retreating to deeper, warmer water layers. Slow-moving, larger lures or those that can be fished just off the bottom are more effective, as pike conserve energy and are less inclined to chase fast-moving prey.

Visual Acuity and Lure Selection

Pike have excellent eyesight, which is crucial in lure selection. They respond well to movements and contrasts. Bright, reflective lures are effective in murky waters, while natural hues suit clear conditions. This visual acuity makes them responsive to the colour and action of lures, a vital aspect in pike fishing.

Sensitivity to Vibrations

A pike's keen sense of water vibrations makes certain lures more effective. Vibrating plugs or rattling crankbaits, which create noticeable disturbances, can be particularly successful. This sensitivity to vibration and sound is a critical factor in lure choice and fishing technique.

Types of Lures Suitable for Pike Fishing

Pike fishing lures come in various forms, each designed to mimic the natural prey of pike in different ways. Understanding the types of lures and their specific applications is crucial for successful pike fishing.

• Plugs: These hard-bodied lures are excellent for simulating the movement of injured fish. Their buoyancy and shape allow for a range of actions, from wobbling to diving, depending on how they are retrieved. Plugs are versatile and can be used in a variety of water conditions.

• Spinners: Spinners are characterised by their metallic blades that spin around a wire shaft, creating vibration and flash. This makes them particularly effective in murky water or low-light conditions, as they can attract pike from a distance.

• Soft Baits: Soft baits, including plastic worms, grubs, and imitation fish, offer a lifelike texture and flexibility that can be irresistible to pike. They can be rigged in various ways to achieve different depths and actions, making them adaptable to various fishing conditions.

• Spoons: These are simple yet effective, with a curved, shiny surface that mimics the movement of a small fish. The wobbling action of a spoon as it moves through the water can trigger the predatory instinct of a pike.

• Jerkbaits: Designed to be jerked through the water to create an erratic, injured fish action, jerkbaits can be very effective in triggering strikes from pike. They come in hard and soft varieties, each offering a unique movement and presentation.

• Swimbaits: These are larger, often segmented lures that mimic the swimming action of fish. Their realistic movement can be particularly effective in clear water where pike rely more on sight to hunt.

• Topwater Lures: Topwater lures are used for a thrilling pike fishing experience. They create surface disturbance and mimic vulnerable prey like injured fish or small animals. The visual strikes on these lures can be spectacular.

Each type of lure has its place in the pike angler's tackle box, and choosing the right one can depend on factors like water clarity, depth, temperature, and pike feeding patterns. Experimenting with different types and observing the pike's response is key to successful lure fishing.

Features of an Effective Pike Lure

Selecting the right lure for pike fishing involves understanding the features that make a lure effective. Here are some points to consider when choosing your pike lures:

• Action and Responsiveness: The action of a lure, or how it moves through the water, is critical. Pike are attracted to lures that mimic their prey's natural movements, including erratic jerks, smooth swims, or sudden pauses. A lure that responds well to different retrieval speeds and techniques allows anglers to mimic a range of prey behaviours.

• Durability and Construction: Pike are known for their powerful bites, so the construction and durability of a lure are paramount. Lures should be made of high-quality materials that can withstand repeated strikes and harsh environments, including strong, corrosion-resistant hooks and robust body materials.

• Balance and Weight Distribution: The balance of a lure affects its swimming action. A well-balanced lure will swim more naturally, while an off-balance lure might spin or move unnaturally, deterring pike. The weight distribution also influences casting distance and accuracy, which is essential for reaching target areas.

• Realism: The more realistic a lure looks, the more likely it is to deceive a pike. This includes not only the shape and colour of the lure but also finer details like scales, gills, and eyes. Some lures also incorporate scent or taste elements to entice pike further.

• Versatility in Depth Coverage: Pike can be found at various depths depending on the season and time of day. Lures that can be effectively used at different depths, from shallow-running to deep-diving, increase the chances of encountering pike.

• Ease of Use: While some advanced lures require specific techniques, a good pike lure should be user-friendly, especially for less experienced anglers. Lures that are easy to cast and retrieve, without the need for complex manipulation, can be advantageous.

Maintaining and Storing Pike Lures

Proper maintenance and storage of pike lures are crucial for ensuring their longevity and effectiveness on future fishing trips.

Cleaning Lures

• Thorough Cleaning: After each outing, it's important to thoroughly clean lures with fresh water, especially if you've been fishing in brackish environments. This process helps to remove any salt, algae, or debris that could corrode or damage the lure.

• Inspecting and Repairing: Regular inspection for signs of wear, such as dull hooks or damaged bodies, is essential. Replacing hooks or applying a touch-up paint on chipped areas can significantly extend the life of the lure.

Storage Tips to Prolong Lure Life

• Organised and Secure Storage: Using tackle boxes with padded or soft-lined compartments can prevent lures from knocking against each other, which helps maintain their paint and finish.

• Avoiding Direct Sunlight: Storing lures away from direct sunlight prevents fading and degradation of materials, especially for lures made of soft plastics or with rubber components.

• Humidity Control: In humid environments, using silica gel packets in your storage boxes can prevent rust and corrosion on metal parts of the lures.

Seasonal Storage

• Long-Term Storage: If you're storing lures for an extended period, such as over the winter, it's advisable to give them a more thorough cleaning and possibly a light coating of a protective spray to guard against rust and corrosion.

• Rotation and Assessment: Regularly rotating your lures and assessing their condition before and after the fishing season ensures that you are always prepared with effective and reliable equipment.

Equipping for Success

Pike fishing is a blend of skill, the right gear, and a deep understanding of the fish you're pursuing. It's about adapting to the pike's habits, selecting the best lures, and using them effectively. Every fishing trip is a chance to learn and improve, bringing you closer to that thrilling moment of success.

For any angler keen to up their game in pike fishing, CPS Tackle is here to help. Whether you need advice on the best lures for different conditions, tips on refining your techniques, or insights into pike behaviour, we're ready to assist. Contact CPS Tackle today for expert advice and guidance, and gear up for your next successful pike fishing adventure.