Looking to reel in some northern pike on your next fishing trip? Wondering which lures will give you the best chance of landing a big one? You're in luck, because we've got the lowdown on the top lures for catching these elusive predators.
From spinnerbaits to topwater lures, there's a wide array of options to consider. But which ones are the most effective? Stick around to find out how you can increase your chances of hooking a trophy-sized northern pike with the right choice of lures.
Spinnerbaits
To catch northern pike effectively, use spinnerbaits with vibrant colors and a fast retrieval speed to entice strikes. Northern pike are aggressive predators and they're attracted to the flash and vibration of spinnerbaits. When selecting spinnerbaits for northern pike, opt for those with large, flashy blades that create a lot of movement and disturbance in the water. Bright colors such as chartreuse, orange, and red tend to be particularly effective at grabbing the attention of these voracious fish.
As you cast your spinnerbait, aim for areas with vegetation, rocky structures, or drop-offs where northern pike are likely to be lurking. Once your spinnerbait hits the water, start reeling it in at a brisk pace to simulate a fleeing baitfish. This fast retrieval speed helps trigger the predatory instinct of northern pike, enticing them to strike. Keep your rod tip low to maintain the appropriate depth and prevent the spinnerbait from rising too close to the surface.
It's important to remain alert and ready for a strike as northern pike often ambush their prey with sudden, powerful attacks. When you feel a strike, set the hook firmly and be prepared for a spirited fight, as these fish are known for their aggressive resistance.
Spoon Lures
When targeting northern pike, consider using spoon lures as an alternative to spinnerbaits for enticing strikes with their unique wobbling action and flash. Spoon lures are effective for catching northern pike due to their ability to mimic the movement of injured baitfish, which is a primary food source for these predatory fish.
Here are some reasons why spoon lures can be a great choice for enticing northern pike:
- Versatile Sizes and Colors
- Spoon lures come in a variety of sizes and colors, allowing you to match the hatch or experiment with different presentations to see what the pike are responding to on any given day.
- You can choose from silver, gold, or colored spoons to mimic the local forage and attract the attention of northern pike in different water conditions.
- Long Casting Distances
- These lures are designed for long casts, enabling you to cover a large area of water and reach distant pike-holding spots.
- The aerodynamic shape of spoon lures allows them to cut through the air, resulting in extended casting distances, making them ideal for targeting northern pike in expansive waters.
Jerkbaits
Consider using a variety of jerkbaits to effectively target and entice strikes from northern pike. Jerkbaits are a staple in many anglers' arsenals when it comes to pike fishing. These lures are designed to mimic injured baitfish, making them irresistible to predatory pike. Their erratic, darting action when jerked through the water can trigger aggressive strikes from these ambush predators.
When selecting jerkbaits for northern pike, opt for larger sizes to match the pike's voracious appetite. Look for jerkbaits in the 6 to 10-inch range, as these sizes are ideal for enticing trophy-sized pike. Additionally, choose lures with durable construction, as pike have sharp teeth that can easily damage inferior baits.
Jerkbaits come in various designs, including floating, suspending, and sinking models. Floating jerkbaits work well in shallower waters and can be manipulated to stay near the surface, enticing explosive topwater strikes. Suspended jerkbaits are versatile and can be paused at specific depths, making them effective for targeting pike at different water levels. Sinking jerkbaits are great for reaching deeper pike hideouts and can be worked effectively in mid-to-deep water.
When fishing with jerkbaits, use a twitching and pausing retrieve technique to impart lifelike action to the lure. Vary your retrieval speed and pause intervals to find what triggers the most strikes. Pay attention to the pike's behavior and adjust your presentation accordingly.
With the right jerkbait and technique, you can lure in some trophy northern pike.
Crankbaits
You frequently find crankbaits to be highly effective for enticing strikes from northern pike due to their lifelike swimming action and ability to dive to varying depths. These lures imitate the movement of natural prey, making them irresistible to the predatory nature of northern pike.
When using crankbaits, consider the following:
- Lipless Crankbaits
- These are excellent for covering a lot of water quickly, as they can be retrieved at a fast pace without losing their action.
- Their sinking nature allows them to reach deeper areas where northern pike often lurk, making them ideal for fishing in deeper waters or along drop-offs.
- Diving Crankbaits
- These come in various diving depths, allowing you to target northern pike at different levels in the water column.
- When pike are holding at specific depths, diving crankbaits can be precisely targeted to reach and entice them effectively.
Crankbaits with rattles can also be particularly effective for northern pike, as the noise and vibration can grab the attention of these aggressive predators. When using crankbaits, vary your retrieval speed and experiment with pauses to mimic injured or disoriented prey, often triggering strikes from northern pike.
Keep in mind that the color and size of the crankbait should match the prevalent forage in the area you're fishing. By mastering the use of crankbaits, you can significantly increase your success in catching northern pike.
Swimbaits
Swimbaits offer a realistic and enticing presentation to lure northern pike, making them a valuable addition to your fishing arsenal. These lures mimic the movement of live baitfish, which is a primary food source for northern pike. The lifelike swimming action of swimbaits can trigger aggressive strikes from pike, especially in clear water or when the fish are actively feeding.
When selecting swimbaits for northern pike, opt for larger sizes to match the pike's preference for larger prey. Look for swimbaits in the 6 to 12-inch range to effectively target trophy-sized pike. Additionally, choose swimbaits with durable construction and strong hooks, as northern pike are known for their powerful strikes and sharp teeth.
When fishing with swimbaits for northern pike, focus on areas with abundant baitfish, such as weed beds, rocky points, and submerged structures. Retrieve the swimbait with varied speeds, incorporating pauses and erratic movements to simulate an injured or fleeing baitfish. This erratic action can trigger predatory instincts in northern pike, enticing them to strike.
Topwater Lures
As you seek to expand your tactics for catching northern pike, turning your attention to topwater lures can provide an exhilarating and effective approach. These lures are designed to create surface disturbance, mimicking the movement of prey and enticing aggressive strikes from northern pike. When using topwater lures, it's crucial to employ the right techniques to maximize their effectiveness.
- Types of Topwater Lures
- *Prop Baits*: These lures feature spinning propellers that churn the water, creating commotion and attracting northern pike. The sound and surface disturbance produced by prop baits can trigger aggressive strikes, especially in calmer conditions.
- *Walk-the-Dog Lures*: Known for their side-to-side swimming action, walk-the-dog lures can be incredibly effective for enticing northern pike. By twitching your rod tip during retrieval, you can make the lure dart back and forth, imitating a wounded or disoriented prey.
- Techniques for Using Topwater Lures
- *Early Morning and Evening*: Northern pike are often more active near the surface during low light conditions, making early morning and evening prime times for using topwater lures.
- *Pause and Twitch*: After casting a topwater lure, incorporating pauses and twitches into your retrieval can simulate injured or fleeing prey, provoking aggressive strikes from northern pike.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Best Times of Day to Use Spinnerbaits for Catching Northern Pike?
You should use spinnerbaits for catching northern pike during early morning and late evening. These times coincide with low light conditions when pike are more active and likely to strike at the bait.
Are There Any Specific Techniques for Using Spoon Lures to Target Large Northern Pike?
When using spoon lures to target large northern pike, focus on varying your retrieval speed and adding occasional pauses. These techniques can mimic injured baitfish, enticing the pike to strike. Experiment with different spoon sizes and colors for optimal results.
What Are the Best Jerkbait Colors for Northern Pike in Murky Water?
In murky water, for northern pike, go for bright, flashy jerkbait colors like chartreuse, orange, or firetiger. These hues stand out and grab the attention of pike, increasing your chances of a strike.
Can Crankbaits Be Effective for Catching Northern Pike in Shallow Waters?
Yes, crankbaits can be very effective for catching northern pike in shallow waters. They mimic injured baitfish and trigger aggressive strikes. Try using bright or metallic colors to attract pike in murky water. Vary your retrieval speed for best results.
Are There Any Specific Topwater Lure Designs That Are Particularly Effective for Targeting Northern Pike in Weedy Areas?
In weedy areas, topwater lures like prop baits and frog imitations can be highly effective for targeting northern pike. Look for lures with weedless designs that can navigate through the vegetation without getting snagged.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the top lures for catching northern pike.
Whether you're using spinnerbaits, spoon lures, jerkbaits, crankbaits, swimbaits, or topwater lures, you'll have a good chance of hooking one of these aggressive fish.
Just remember to vary your retrieval speed and be patient – northern pike can be elusive, but with the right lures and techniques, you'll have a great chance of landing a trophy-sized catch.
Happy fishing!
