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Daddy by day, fisherman at night.
At the top of the food chain is a vicious predator known as pike fish. If you are into catching more pike fish, you need to get to know the fishing environment. After that, purchasing good pike lures with excellent color and vibration is a must!
Finally, to get them biting, you should size up your bait and check out our list of the best northern pike fishing lures below.
Are you hooked yet? Keep on reading!
Comparison Table - The Best Pike Lures
Editor's choice
Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon
- Will stay clean and weedless
- Extremely versatile, cast/troll/jig, you are covered
- Your line won't twist with this one!
Most Popular
Rattlin’ Rapala
- Attractive rattles
- Casting action is great
- Very-slow-to-very fast retrieve rates
Table of Contents
Best Pike Lures of 2023
1. Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon – Editor’s choice for Pike Lure
2. Rattlin’ Rapala – Most Popular Pike Fishing Lure
3. BOOYAH Pikee – Best Valued Pike Lure
4. Rat-L-Trap – Best Crankbait for Pike Fishing
5. Storm WildEye Live Pike – Best Softbaits for Pike
6. Dardevle – Best Spoon for Pike
7. Dr.Fish – Best Bucktail Jig Pike Lure
8. Rapala X-Rap – Runner Up Crankbait for Pike
9. Blue Fox Classic Vibrax 02 – Runner Up Spinnerbait Pike Lure
Best Pike Lures Choices Among Anglers
#1 Editor's choice - Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Johnson Silver Minnow spoon is perfect for pike anglers that like some dazzling action. If you’re targeting pike, this lure won’t twist at all and will cast a mile! It’s why we love it so much.
- Features: Metal weed guard, brass blade designed for long casts
- Color Availability: Silver/gold
- Fishing Technique: Casting/trolling/jigging
- Target Species: Multi-species
Pros
- Will stay clean and weedless
- Extremely versatile, cast/troll/jig, you are covered
- Your line won't twist with this one!
- An all-time classic
Cons
- The paint is not the most durable
- Drop in quality compared to 50 years ago
- The weedless wire requires some managing
BUYING ADVICE: We used the Johnson silver minnow spoon on various types of fish, and although it repels weeds, pikes seem to like it. It has an indisputably high hook-up ratio.
Even though some would say that spoons are past their prime, in our experience, these outstanding lures for pike are still cutting through weed beds like no other and catching active pike fish 100 years after their invention.
FEATURES: The Johnson silver minnow spoon performs well for slower retrieves and can pull through thick underwater vegetation and the densest weed beds out there. As a very versatile and efficient lure, it is a must-have for every fisherman’s tackle box. It can cast very long, and it won’t twist your line. It can also be trolled, jigged, or just twitched to the bottom.
#2 Most Popular - Rattlin’ Rapala
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Rapala jerk bait equipped with rattlin’ BBs sound chamber attracts hungry predators using harmonic frequencies as a secret weapon against the best northern pike. With the addition of the classic lure Rapala wobble, these jerk baits allow for some amazing action.
- Features: Classic lipless designs with a unique-tuned sound chamber with rattling BBs
- Color: Available in 6 colors including Multi, Firetiger, Silver, and Shad
- Fishing Technique: Long-casting
- Target Species: Bass, Northern Pike
Pros
- Attractive rattles
- Casting action is great
- Very-slow-to-very fast retrieve rates
- Very good search bait
Cons
- The sound is a bit on the louder side
- A bit heavy for its size
- Not perfectly balanced
BUYING ADVICE: This one’s a high-quality Rapala lure with sounds that awaken the curiosity of lurking pike and other fish species. Featuring a lipless design, this lure is very effective and offers long-casting. Also, it gave us an amazing action on very slow-to-very-fast retrieval rates.
FEATURES: With this lure, you can go from very slow to very fast. The retrieval rates at all speeds won’t disappoint you. The unique sound chamber produces rattles that attract fish, and the high-quality hooks can definitely catch and hold that pike.
#3 Best Value - BOOYAH Pikee
WHY WE LIKE IT: The BOOYAH Pikee lure is an amazing spinner bait many anglers like to use for northern pike fishing. It is very durable and can fend off aggressive pike jaws.
- Features: Ultra-tough Vibra-FLX wireframe and a 12-inch steel leader
- Color: Available in 7 colors including Midnight, Red Craw, and Shadtreuse
- Fishing Technique: Spinning
- Target Species: Pike
Pros
- High quality
- Very durable
- Full-featured
- Great action
Cons
- Not ideal for thick weed beds
- The paint could be a little thicker
- It is a not corrosion-free lure
BUYING ADVICE: These pike magnets are great for catching bigger fish species, especially large pike fishing. The skirt on the lure is very dense and, together with the blades that give quite the vibration and thud, produce a dynamic beating action.
We’ve used the BOYAAH Pikee at very slow speeds and found it to be a great pike bait for cold-water fishing. Looking for something else? Check out the best perch lures for the money.
FEATURES: This spinner has solid weight specs and is a great addition to a fisherman’s arsenal, especially if you like hooking some big fish. It works wonders in open water and attracts bites – that’s right, this tough lure is not afraid of sharp teeth! Also, it offers a more-than-decent selection of colors to choose from.
#4 Best Crankbait - Rat-L-Trap
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Rat-L-Trap is a lipless crankbait and one of the best-known fishing lures for pike. The lure has incorporated a bold rattle chamber with a unique sound. It attracts hungry pike and other fish species easily, even in murky water.
- Features: Interior rattles
- Color: Available in 2 color combinations including Chrome/Red Eye, Gold/Black/Red Eye
- Fishing Technique: Casting
- Target Species: Bass, Northern Pike
Pros
- Classic and versatile
- Multiple realistic color and weight options
- Long-lasting and tough
- Works well in fresh and saltwater
Cons
- The paint might start to peel after a while
- Not highly resistant to scratches
- Sinks a little fast
BUYING ADVICE: When dealing with shallow grass beds, the Rat-L-Trap slays through them without any problem. Also, we used it in different temperatures and water types, and it did not fail us in our quest to catch pike.
FEATURES: Numerous colors with great vibration and rattle and various weight options are available. In addition, the realistic paint job will do a great job of catching pike.
#5 Best Softbaits - Storm WildEye Live Pike
WHY WE LIKE IT: We were pleasantly surprised when casting this lure, as its holographic appearance immediately drew the attention of the pike population. The size may be too big for some, but it worked well for us since pike typically prefer larger prey.
- Features: I-Bolt system, VMC needle point hook, treble belly hook.
- Color Availability: Multi
- Fishing Technique: Casting
- Target Species: Northern Pike
Pros
- Akin to a real fish
- Large lure helps attract pike
- Also works for bass
- Pike love its holographic appearance
Cons
- On the heavier side
- Not the most durable material
- Doesn't run true to size
BUYING ADVICE: We like the Storm WildEye Live Pike because its natural-looking appearance never fails to draw pike. Thanks to its lifelike swimming action, you’ll never have a problem provoking pike out of their hiding places. It’s also one of the best swimbait for bass.
FEATURES: This pike lure is multi-colored and mimics the appearance of real life. It features an I-Bolt system, a VMC needle point hook, and a treble belly hook.
#6 Best Spoon - Dardevle
WHY WE LIKE IT: Dardevle Weedless was explicitly designed to deal with thick underwater vegetation where you can find and catch a big pike hiding out. The lures are made of high-quality brass with a nickel finish and long-lasting enamels and a strong steel hook that extends as a weed guard. This lure is also one of the best walleye lures.
- Features: Single weedless hook
- Color: Red/White
- Fishing Technique: Casting
- Target Species: Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye
Pros
- All-purposed
- Deals with weed beds easily
- Great for big pike fishing and other larger fish
- Great for game fish
Cons
- Paint duration may be in some cases, depending on the fishing conditions
- Not heavy enough for some using a trolling technique
- Doesn't sink very deep
BUYING ADVICE: The Dardevle performs best in freshwater fishing conditions. It is incredible for freshwater gamefish. We tried to provoke violent strikes by swinging it side to side, which seemed to work with a few hungry predators. Because this spoon is ideal for dealing with weed beds, the larger pike and other larger fish were an easy target for us.
FEATURES: This is one of the most well-liked fishing lures on the market to this day. The Dardevle lure has an all-purpose lure style, and it’s very successful. This spoon has a distinctive wobbling action regardless if it’s cast or trolled. Alluring to all game fish, including pike, walleye, bass, and others.
#7 Best Bucktail Jig - Dr.Fish
WHY WE LIKE IT: This Dr. Fish Bucktail Jig has a realistic, life-like appearance and glide-through swimming action. It is of premium quality, and the bucktails are strictly made in the USA. And although the price is a bit more on the expensive side, it is worth every penny. Highly durable and productive, it’s fantastic at different depths, whether fishing northern pike while giving a jig on the bottom or swimming confidently on the surface.
- Features: 3D eyes with scaled holographic jig body, milky glow-in-the-dark bucktail jig
- Color: White
- Fishing Technique: Deep water trolling
- Target Species: Multi-species
Pros
- Great durability
- Versatility on a multi-level (water type, target species, fishing techniques)
- Amazing life-like swimming action and appearance
- Great value for the money
Cons
- A bit pricey
- Hooks are a bit weak
- Size runs a bit small
BUYING ADVICE: This lure is armed with long-lasting large hooks that are super sharp and hidden well behind that bionic bucktail fishing jig. The tail glows in the dark and spreads out naturally in the water, giving it a vivid action. We used it in both saltwater and freshwater and were satisfied either way.
No wonder it’s one of the best northern pike lures. Whether you are fishing for lake trout or hooking short striking pike, trophy bass, or northern pike, this jig can lure and hook it.
FEATURES: The Dr. Fish is a very high-quality, durable jig with long-lasting color and glue. It performs great when beach fishing, ridding jetties, or sinking and deep water trolling.
#8 Runner Up Crankbait - Rapala X-Rap
WHY WE LIKE IT: The Rapala X-Rap Magnum has a very good weight-size ratio. When we tried it out, the weight gave us the opportunity to manage it even in deeper water that has running current forces.
- Features: Deep-diving colored lip, textured translucent body, internal holographic foil, 3D holographic eye
- Color: Glass Ghost
- Fishing Technique: Long-casting
- Target Species: Multi-species
Pros
- Darting action
- Internal long-cast system
- Corrosion-resistant, can be used in saltwater as well
- Fully ready out of the box
Cons
- Not be suitable for small fish
- Can run a bit crooked
- Not be suitable for all fishermen's style
BUYING ADVICE: The Rapala X-Rap is one of the best pike fishing lures with fantastic action. The oversized lip allows this lure to be trolled by itself at amazing speeds, offering versatility in the fish types you can catch. It will attract bites from pike and many other fish.
FEATURES: The Rapala Super Shad Rap Magnum with a massive diving lip gives this crankbait the ability to dive deep, down to 15-30 ft. This model uses high-quality VMC 4X Perma Steel hooks and 3x split rings to prepare it for the big game. It’s one of the best lures for pike fishing, especially the big pike. The Rapala X-Rap comes out from the box fully prepared, with no tuning needed.
#9 Runner Up Spinnerbait - Blue Fox Classic Vibrax 02
WHY WE LIKE IT: This is one of those spinner baits that give amazing action. It includes a free-turning brass gear that ensures the line doesn’t twist and will attract fish easily. The Blue Fox Vibrax is also quite durable.
- Features: Free-turning brass gear, rattling
- Color Availability: Silver/copper plated and painted brass stamped blades
- Fishing Technique: Casting
- Target Species: Trout/Rainbow trout
Pros
- High durability
- Great vibrations on the blade
- Amazing flash and action
- Well-made
Cons
- Small for some anglers
- Pricey
- Difficulty attracting some fish types
BUYING ADVICE: This model offers gorgeous colors and is extremely well-made. While using the Vibrax, we took advantage of the rattling and the vibrations of the blade inside the water. The fish loved it. Any fish can bite on inline, but these specific ones are particularly lethal for rainbow trout and have a decent performance on northern pike.
FEATURES: Every angler should own an inline spinner, and this goes for the dedicated pike fisherpeople as well. Compared to other lures in the same size range, these are simple to use, catch a lot of fish, and can be cast a great distance.
1. Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon – Editor’s choice for Pike Lure
2. Rattlin’ Rapala – Most Popular Pike Fishing Lure
3. BOOYAH Pikee – Best Valued Pike Lure
4. Rat-L-Trap – Best Crankbait for Pike Fishing
5. Storm WildEye Live Pike – Best Softbaits for Pike
6. Dardevle – Best Spoon for Pike
7. Dr.Fish – Best Bucktail Jig Pike Lure
8. Rapala X-Rap – Runner Up Crankbait for Pike
9. Blue Fox Classic Vibrax 02 – Runner Up Spinnerbait Pike Lure
Pike Fishing Tips
Fish for Pike Near Weeds and Structure
The best pike lures won’t help you if you’re not familiar with the type of environment pike thrive in. Since they’re ambush predators, they prefer to hide out among weeds and other structures. So, the next time you go catching pike, bring a lure mimicking a bait fish and cast it among weeds.
Vary Retrieval Speed and Depth
Pike prefer different speeds and depths at different times of the year. The trick is understanding when and how to change presentations to appeal to pike regardless of the situation.
The depth factor is constrained to a specific range at the beginning of the season in early spring since pike are typically found in shallow water. As the seasons progress, pike go deeper and require more speed.
Use a Leader and Pliers
When using smaller lures, soft plastic lures, or baitfish, it is a good choice to use wire leaders for pike, as pike may easily swallow the smaller lures or live baits. It is preferable to use a thick fluorocarbon leader if trolling for pike with larger lures.
1. Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon – Editor’s choice for Pike Lure
2. Rattlin’ Rapala – Most Popular Pike Fishing Lure
3. BOOYAH Pikee – Best Valued Pike Lure
4. Rat-L-Trap – Best Crankbait for Pike Fishing
5. Storm WildEye Live Pike – Best Softbaits for Pike
6. Dardevle – Best Spoon for Pike
7. Dr.Fish – Best Bucktail Jig Pike Lure
8. Rapala X-Rap – Runner Up Crankbait for Pike
9. Blue Fox Classic Vibrax 02 – Runner Up Spinnerbait Pike Lure
Frequently asked questions
Do pike like big lures?
Pike may bite more when using larger pike fishing lures that mimic the size of their natural prey. Because they feed on smaller fish and frogs, consider one between 4-12 inches if you don’t want to use live bait.
What makes a lure specific for pike fishing?
High quality and durability are important aspects when dealing with the pike’s sharp teeth. However, size matters, too. Because they feed on larger prey, you should invest in soft baits that mimic live bait.
Do I need to use a leader for pike?
While catching northern pike, it’s best to use a leader to protect the fishing line. Consider purchasing one that’s twice the length of the main fishing line.
What is the best season for pike fishing?
There is a bit of a dilemma regarding the best period for pike fishing. Late May to early June is generally prime time for northern pike fishing. However, it’s also not a bad idea to fish during fall, as that’s when pike feed more than usual to boost their energy for the winter.
What role do water temperatures play in pike fishing?
Pike tend to look for food at sunrise, during summertime, when the water temperature is at its lowest. However, pike is still very active in its search for food at very low temperatures, like in fall and winter.