How to Pike Fish with Lures

Pike fishing with lures is great fun and effective method for targeting one of the UK’s most iconic predators. Whether you’re casting into sprawling reservoirs or narrow rivers, understanding the nuances of lure fishing can elevate your success rate and make every trip memorable. This guide covers everything you need to know about pike lure fishing, from selecting the right tackle to mastering seasonal tactics. If you’re looking for the ultimate guide on “how to pike fish with lures,” you’re in the right place.

Choosing the Right Tackle for Pike Lure Fishing

When it comes to pike lure fishing, your setup needs to balance power and precision. A light setup is ideal for smaller lures and finesse tactics. For this, a medium-fast action rod rated between 10-30g is perfect, and rods around 7-9ft in length provide versatility. Pair this with a 2000-3000 size spinning reel that has a smooth drag system. For the line, 20-30lb braid offers superior casting distance and sensitivity, while a 12-18 inch wire or thick fluorocarbon trace prevents bite-offs.

For heavier setups designed to handle big lures and target large pike, a heavy or extra-heavy rod rated between 50-120g is essential. Rods between 8-10ft in length provide excellent casting power. Match this with a 3000-6000 size baitcaster or spinning reel built for heavy-duty use. Use a 50-80lb braid to handle the strain of larger lures and powerful fish. A 30lb+ wire trace with a secure snap allows for quick lure changes and ensures durability. Regardless of your setup, invest in a quality net with a rubberized coating to protect the fish’s slime coating, and always carry unhooking tools like long-nosed pliers and wire cutters to handle pike safely and responsibly.

Types of Lures for Pike Fishing

Pike are ambush predators, and their ferocious strikes can be triggered by a variety of lures. Crankbaits are a versatile option, allowing you to search water quickly with their wide wobble or tight shimmy, depending on the model. These lures are particularly effective in deeper water during colder months. Spinnerbaits are another excellent choice, especially in weedy or snaggy areas. The flashy blades create vibration and draw pike from cover, making them ideal for warmer months when pike are active near shallow weed beds.

Soft plastics are incredibly versatile and work well for slow retrieves and vertical jigging. Paddle tails and curl tails mimic distressed prey and can be used effectively across all seasons, although they shine in colder months when pike are less aggressive. Jerkbaits, with their erratic darting movement, are perfect for triggering reaction strikes in clear water where pike rely on sight to hunt. Finally, topwater lures such as frogs, poppers, and walking baits create splashes and commotion that are irresistible to pike. These lures excel in warmer months when pike hunt near the surface.

Seasonal Lure Selection

In the warmer months of spring and summer, pike are more active and willing to chase. Brightly coloured or flashy lures work well in these conditions – remembering to fish for them safely or not at all when the water temperatures get too high. Topwater lures are particularly effective early and late in the day, while spinnerbaits or shallow-running crankbaits are excellent choices for targeting weedy areas. In contrast, as temperatures drop in autumn and winter, pike become lethargic and prefer slower-moving prey. Larger, more natural-coloured lures like soft plastics and deep-diving crankbaits become essential. Slow, steady retrieves or vertical jigging close to the bottom can entice bites from less aggressive fish.

Understanding Pike Behavior and Habitat

Pike are ambush predators that prefer specific habitats depending on the season and time of day. In warmer months, they often inhabit shallow, weedy areas where prey is abundant. As temperatures drop, pike tend to move to deeper waters. Understanding these patterns can significantly improve your fishing strategy.

Advanced Casting Techniques

Mastering various casting techniques can enhance lure presentation and increase your chances of success. Techniques such as flipping and pitching allow for precise lure placement in tight spots, while long-distance casting covers more water, essential for locating active pike.

How to Cast and Retrieve Lures for Pike

Casting accurately is crucial for pike fishing. Aim to cast near likely holding spots such as weed edges, submerged structures, or drop-offs. Use a smooth, controlled motion to avoid tangles, especially when using braided line. Long casts can help you cover more water, increasing your chances of locating active pike.

Retrieving lures effectively requires variation. A straight retrieve is simple but can be highly effective; varying the speed can help trigger strikes. A stop-and-go retrieve, where you reel in, pause, and let the lure flutter, is particularly effective for crankbaits and jerkbaits. Twitching the rod to create erratic action works well with soft plastics and jerkbaits, while a burn-and-pause retrieve mimics a fleeing baitfish and is great for provoking aggressive strikes.

Pro Tips for Lure Pike Fishing

Matching the hatch is essential. Pay attention to local prey species and select lures that mimic their size, shape, and colour. Using polarized sunglasses can help you spot structure and fish below the surface more effectively. If a promising spot isn’t producing, try casting from different directions to change the angle of presentation. Upgrading your hooks to high-quality trebles or singles can reduce the number of lost fish. Finally, staying mobile is key; pike are highly territorial, so covering water is essential to locating active fish.

Conclusion

Lure fishing for pike offers endless possibilities, whether you’re targeting smaller specimens or chasing a personal best. By tailoring your setup, choosing the right lures for the conditions, and employing effective casting and retrieval techniques, you’ll maximize your chances of success. Whether you’re fishing (safely) in the warmer months or the chill of winter, this guide has you covered for “how to pike fish with lures.”