What Lures to Use for Pike Fishing

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The Anatomy of a Pike Strike
3. Top Lure Categories for Northern Pike
4. Matching the Hatch: Color Selection
5. Essential Gear Setup for Pike
6. How to Present the Lure
7. Handling and Safety
8. Seasonal Tactics for Northern Pike
9. Building Your Pike Arsenal
10. Conclusion
11. FAQ

Introduction

You are casting toward a patch of thick lily pads when the water suddenly erupts. It is not the cautious nibble of a panfish or the rhythmic pull of a bass. It is a violent, predatory strike that feels like you have snagged a moving log. This is the "smash and grab" of a Northern Pike. These fish are known as the freshwater shark for a reason. They are aggressive, toothy, and will eat almost anything that fits in their mouth.

Choosing what lures to use for pike fishing determines whether you go home with a memory of a lifetime or a broken line and a story about "the one that got away." At BattlBox, we know that successful outings depend on having the right gear and the skills to use it. Get expert-curated gear delivered monthly. This guide covers the essential lures, the gear you need to support them, and the tactics to trigger more strikes. Whether you are a seasoned angler or building your first tackle box, these strategies will help you land more toothy predators.

Quick Answer: The best lures for northern pike include large metal spoons (like the Eppinger Dardevle), in-line spinners (Mepps Aglia), and large spinnerbaits. In deeper water, suspending jerkbaits and soft-plastic swimbaits are highly effective for mimicking the pike's natural prey. For a deeper breakdown of lure types, see our comprehensive guide to fishing lures.

The Anatomy of a Pike Strike

Northern Pike are ambush predators that rely on their lateral line and sight to hunt. The lateral line is a sensory organ that allows fish to detect vibrations and pressure changes in the water. This is why lures that create a lot of "thump" or vibration often perform better in murky water. Pike also have incredible vision. They look up toward the surface to spot the silhouette of baitfish, which makes topwater lures and shallow-running plugs extremely effective. That same style of presentation lines up well with our Fishing Collection.

Pike have backward-slanting teeth designed to hold onto slippery prey. Once they grab a lure, they rarely let go willingly. This dental hardware is also why you can never fish for pike with standard monofilament line alone. They will slice through 12-pound test like a hot knife through butter. To succeed, you must match your lure to the environment and ensure your terminal tackle (the gear at the end of your line) can withstand the abuse. If you want another take on lure selection by conditions, check out what lures to use for freshwater fishing.

Top Lure Categories for Northern Pike

1. Metal Spoons

The metal spoon is the most iconic pike lure in history. Its design has remained largely unchanged for over a century because it works. A spoon mimics the flash and erratic wobble of a wounded baitfish. When it catches the light, it sends out a signal that pike can see from a distance. If you want more context on lure behavior, what lures attract what fish is a helpful companion read.

• Eppinger Dardevle: The red-and-white striped Dardevle is the gold standard. Use the 3/4-ounce or 1-ounce versions for most casting scenarios.
• Five of Diamonds: This yellow spoon with red diamonds is a legendary "numbers bait" in the Northwoods and Canada.
• Johnson Silver Minnow: This is a weedless spoon. It features a single hook with a wire guard, allowing you to throw it directly into thick "cabbage" (submerged weeds) where pike hide.

Key Takeaway: If you only carry one lure for pike, make it a 1-ounce silver or brass spoon. It is indestructible, easy to cast, and works in almost all water conditions.

2. In-line Spinners and Bucktails

In-line spinners use a rotating blade to create massive amounts of vibration. As the blade spins around the wire shaft, it creates a "heartbeat" in the water that pike feel through their lateral line. These lures are often dressed with squirrel tail or bucktail hair to give them a larger profile. For more on how these style choices translate to results, see what fishing lures to use for every angler.

• Mepps Aglia Tandem: The double blade creates extra lift and vibration.
• Blue Fox Vibrax: These have a hollow bell body that emits a low-frequency sound when the internal gear hits the outer shell.
• Mepps Giant Killer: As the name suggests, this is a heavy-duty spinner designed for trophy-sized fish.

3. Spinnerbaits

Large spinnerbaits are the "Swiss Army Knife" of pike lures. While often associated with bass fishing, upsized versions are deadly for pike. They are naturally weed-resistant because the hook points upward and is shielded by the wire frame. If you want to keep your box loaded for this style of fishing, our Hunting & Fishing collection is worth a look.

• Blade Choice: Use willow blades for maximum flash and speed. Use Colorado blades (round) if you want more vibration and a slower retrieve.
• Trailers: Adding a soft-plastic trailer, like a 4-inch white curly-tail grub, adds bulk and action to the lure.
• Colors: Chartreuse, white, and "Firetiger" (bright green, orange, and black) are top performers.

4. Hard Baits and Plugs

Jerkbaits and crankbaits allow you to target specific depths. If the pike have moved to deeper drop-offs in the summer, a deep-diving crankbait is the only way to reach them. For another angle on lure selection, what lures to use for different fish is a useful follow-up.

• Rapala X-Rap: This is a suspending jerkbait. When you stop reeling, it stays perfectly still in the water column. Pike often strike during this pause.
• Whopper Plopper: This is a topwater lure with a rotating tail. It makes a loud "plopping" sound that can draw pike out of deep cover to the surface.
• Super Shad Rap: A large, balsa wood lure that mimics a fat perch or shad.

Matching the Hatch: Color Selection

Pike are opportunistic, but they have preferred prey depending on the lake. In many northern lakes, yellow perch are the primary food source. In others, it might be suckers, ciscoes, or even smaller pike. When you want to compare what works across species, BattlBox's fishing gear is a practical place to start.

• Clear Water: Use natural colors like silver, gold, white, or "Perch" patterns. You want the lure to look as realistic as possible.
• Stained or Murky Water: Use high-visibility colors. Chartreuse, bright orange, and the classic "Five of Diamonds" pattern help the fish find the lure when visibility is low.
• Low Light (Dawn/Dusk): Darker colors like black or deep purple provide a better silhouette against the surface.

Essential Gear Setup for Pike

You cannot catch a 15-pound pike on a light trout rod. The lure itself might be heavy, and the fish's initial run is powerful. Your gear must be rated for the task. If you are ready to step up your kit, choose your BattlBox subscription.

The Rod and Reel

A medium-heavy power rod with a fast action is the standard. You need the "backbone" of a heavy rod to set the hook firmly into the pike's bony mouth. A 7-foot rod is a good all-around length for both casting and trolling.

For the reel, choose a spinning reel in the 3000 to 4000 size range or a baitcasting reel with a high-quality drag system. Ensure your reel has at least 15 to 20 pounds of maximum drag. Pike are known for sudden, powerful bursts of speed that can snap gears on cheap reels.

Line and Leaders

Braid is the preferred main line for pike fishing. It has zero stretch, which is vital for a solid hook set. 30-pound to 50-pound braided line is common. However, the most important part of your setup is the leader. A compact multi-tool with pliers and wire cutters can make leader changes a lot easier when you're out on the water.

Myth: You can use heavy monofilament (20lb+) as a leader for pike. Fact: Pike teeth are razor-sharp and can cut through heavy mono or braid instantly. You must use a wire leader or a heavy fluorocarbon leader (60lb to 80lb) to prevent bite-offs.

How to Present the Lure

Pike often follow a lure all the way to the boat without striking. This is one of the most frustrating aspects of the sport. To turn those "follows" into "takes," you need to vary your retrieve. If you want another take on technique, how to use lures in fishing is a solid next read.

The Fan Cast Method

Step 1: Cast to the left. Start at the 9 o'clock position and retrieve the lure completely. Step 2: Shift your angle. Move your next cast to the 10 o'clock position. Step 3: Continue the arc. Keep casting in an arc until you reach the 3 o'clock position. Step 4: Cover different depths. Use this method to systematically search a weed bed or a point.

The "Figure Eight"

If you see a pike following your lure as it gets close to the boat, do not pull the lure out of the water. Instead, plunge your rod tip into the water and move the lure in a large "figure eight" pattern. This sudden change in direction and depth often triggers an instinctual strike from a hesitant fish.

Speed Trolling

In large lakes, pike may be scattered. Trolling at 2.5 to 3.5 mph allows you to cover a lot of water. Spoons and deep-diving crankbaits are excellent for this. We often find that "speed trolling" right over the tops of weed lines produces the biggest fish of the day.

Handling and Safety

Safety is paramount when dealing with pike. Their teeth can cause deep lacerations, and their gill plates are sharp enough to cut skin. Our team at BattlBox emphasizes that the right tools are just as important as the right lures. The Medical and Safety collection is built for exactly that kind of field-ready support.

• Long-Nose Pliers: You need these to reach into the mouth to remove hooks while keeping your fingers away from the teeth.
• Jaw Spreaders: These spring-loaded tools hold the pike's mouth open so you can work safely.
• Fish Grips: These allow you to secure the fish by the lower jaw without harming it or getting cut by the gills.
• Wire Cutters: If a hook is deeply embedded or stuck in a dangerous spot, it is better to cut the hook than to struggle with the fish.

Note: When releasing a pike, hold it horizontally under the belly and by the tail. Do not hold large pike vertically by the jaw, as this can damage their internal organs and spine.

Seasonal Tactics for Northern Pike

Spring (Post-Spawn)

After the ice melts, pike move into shallow, marshy areas to spawn. Once finished, they are hungry and aggressive. During this time, look for shallow bays with dark bottoms that warm up quickly. Small to medium-sized lures like in-line spinners or shallow-running minnow baits work best.

Summer (The Weed Game)

As the water warms, pike move toward the "cabbage" beds. They sit in the shade of the weeds and wait for prey to swim by. This is the time for weedless spoons and spinnerbaits. If the water gets very hot, big pike may move to deeper, cooler water near drop-offs or underwater springs.

Fall (The Feeding Frenzy)

Fall is arguably the best time for trophy pike. They are bulking up for the winter and will attack much larger lures. This is when you should break out the 8-inch swimbaits and heavy spoons. Focus on weed lines that are still green, as these provide the most oxygen and attract the most baitfish.

Winter (Ice Fishing)

Pike remain active under the ice. While many people use "tip-ups" with live bait, jigging with a large silver spoon or a "Ripping Rap" style lure can be very effective. Look for the same weed lines you fished in the fall.

Building Your Pike Arsenal

You don’t need a thousand lures, but you do need a variety of actions. A well-rounded tackle box should include:

• Three spoons (Silver, Gold, and Firetiger).
• Two in-line spinners (one natural, one bright).
• Two large spinnerbaits (White and Chartreuse).
• Two jerkbaits (one shallow, one deep).
• A pack of soft-plastic swimbaits.

Our curators often look for gear that serves multiple purposes. For example, a handline fishing kit can earn a permanent place in your kit when you want backup options on the water. Every piece of gear we select for the subscription tiers is chosen because it performs when you are miles from the nearest tackle shop.

Bottom line: Success with pike is about persistence and presentation. If they aren't hitting the flash of a spoon, switch to the vibration of a spinner. If they are deep, go down to meet them.

Conclusion

Pike fishing is one of the most exciting freshwater adventures you can have. These fish are unapologetic predators that test your gear and your patience. By understanding what lures to use for pike fishing—and how to present them—you significantly increase your odds of a successful haul. Remember to always use a leader, bring the right safety tools, and respect the fish during the release.

At BattlBox, we are dedicated to providing the gear and knowledge you need to excel in the outdoors. From expert-curated survival kits to the best in EDC and adventure gear, we help you stay prepared for whatever the wilderness throws your way. If you want to build your collection of professional-grade tools and outdoor essentials, start your BattlBox subscription.

FAQ

Do I really need a wire leader for pike?

Yes. Northern pike have dozens of needle-sharp teeth that can sever standard fishing lines instantly. While heavy fluorocarbon (60lb+) can work, a steel or titanium wire leader is the only 100% effective way to prevent a toothy fish from biting through your line.

What is the best color lure for pike?

The "best" color depends on water clarity. In clear water, stick to natural patterns like silver, gold, or perch. In stained or muddy water, "Firetiger" (bright green/orange) or the classic "Five of Diamonds" (yellow/red) provide the visibility needed to trigger a strike. If you want to compare lure styles across species, see what lures attract what fish.

What size lures should I use for northern pike?

While pike will eat small lures, they generally prefer a substantial meal. Lures in the 4-inch to 8-inch range are standard. For trophy pike, don't be afraid to use lures up to 10 or 12 inches long, especially in the fall when they are feeding heavily for winter.

Can I catch pike on topwater lures?

Absolutely. Pike are ambush predators that often look up toward the surface for prey. Large topwater lures like the Whopper Plopper or walk-the-dog style baits can produce some of the most heart-pounding strikes in fishing, particularly in shallow, weedy areas during low-light conditions.