Best Lures for Pike Reviewed and Rated for Quality
Erin Cain
Sofija Pavlovska
Battling and landing a trophy pike is every angler’s dream. Even smaller pike can put up a fight and generate an exciting encounter. Perhaps the favorite pike of all anglers is the Northern Pike, an aggressive fish that typically tips the scales at about 10 pounds, and which is a challenge to reel in and land. If you are looking to catch a pike or two, it’s important to know where and when they are most likely to take the bait. That’s the other critical factor in catching pike: the lure. We have compiled a list of the best ten lures for pike to help you achieve your angling dream and bring one of these renowned fish home.
In a Hurry? The test winner after 10 hrs of research
Vibrant and effective
Life-like minnow qualities that are highly attractive to pike
Tungsten balls provide balance and attract fish through sound
The hooks are sharp and anti-corrosive
Six are included in the package
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SeaKnight Minnow -
Storm WildEye
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Dynamic Lures With BB chamber
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SteelShad Lipless Crankbait
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BlitzBite 8" Multi Jointed Swimbait
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Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog
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Lixada
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Free Fisher Hard Spinner
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Modenspeak 7 Segment Swimbait
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Booyah Pikee Spinnerbait
- Criteria Used for Evaluation
- Other Factors to Consider
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Sources
10 Best Lures for Pike
1. SeaKnight Minnow
Vibrant and effective
Life-like minnow qualities that are highly attractive to pike
Tungsten balls provide balance and attract fish through sound
The hooks are sharp and anti-corrosive
Six are included in the package
May be too heavy for lighter reels
The treble hook can dull quickly
If you want to catch pike, you need as realistic looking bait as is possible. The SeaKnight Minnow Fishing Lure has everything necessary to achieve that goal. From its balance to its streamlined appearance to its life-like motions, the SeaKnight lure is going to be attractive to pike and other large fish. For a reasonable price, you can use a high-quality lure and land your big catch.
Read moreStreamlined and Vibrant
The SeaKnight’s streamlined appearance is designed to provide a longer casting distance, smoother swimming actions, and reduction in water resistance levels. Crafted to look like a minnow, this lure has 3D eyes and a lifelike laser printing surface, making it virtually irresistible to pike. It’s quick diving and swimming actions kick in when you are reeling in the lure. Additionally, the lures come in a variety of eye-catching, bright colors.
Extra Features
The SeaKnight Minnow includes Tungsten balls inside it to maintain balance and boost casting distance. The balls’ magnetic force vocalization encourages fish to strike. The lure also has two separate and sharp black Nickel hooks; durable and made of ABS material to prevent corrosion, the hooks are suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fish and are built to last.
Cost and Value
These lures are very reasonably priced since they are sold in packs of 6 and arrive in a nice packaged box ready for use. Anglers who want a deal on quality pike lures should check the SeaKnight Minnow Lures out.
2. Storm WildEye
The Storm WildEye looks and moves like a real fish
Large enough to attract a pike’s attention
Natural color patterns
Holographic swimming flash foil and eye to catch a pike’s eye
Available in packs of three
Heavy to cast
Users complain that it didn't hold up past 5 - 10 fish
Pike are cautious fish and won’t strike at just anything. That’s where the Storm WildEye Live Pike Fishing Lure comes into play. It’s incredibly lifelike mimicry of a bait fish will definitely fool even the wariest pike. With an emphasis on naturality, the Storm WildEye Lure is a must for serious pike anglers.
Read moreHolographic Attractiveness
You wouldn’t blame a pike for being fooled by a lure like the Storm WildEye. The natural color patterns and swimming action make this lure look like the real deal. Add on some holographic swimming flash foil and the holographic WildEye, and those pike could come reeling in fast. This lure weighs in at just over half an ounce and cuts through the water smoothly and quickly.
Extra Features
The Storm WildEye features a secure I-Bolt system to allow the lure to move as a real bait fish would. This system is rigged with a VMC treble belly hook and needlepoint hook. The WildEye is also available in packs of three lures.
Cost and Value
Whether you are purchasing one WildEye or a package of three, this lure is worth the extremely reasonable price. Yes, you are likely to lose a few of these to big fish hits and sharp pike teeth, but that reasonable price means you can buy more as replacements.
3. Dynamic Lures With BB chamber
Works in a variety of bodies of water
It has a reliably slow sink and erratic motion to attract pike’s attention
Swims between 0 - 2 feet in depth so it will not get caught on a shallow bottom
Durable, strong, sharp hooks
Lifelike colors and BB chamber rattle make this a top target for pike
Some users have complained that the paint chips off too easily
Tight action and small size were discouraging to some anglers
Because pike most often strike live bait or bait that looks lifelike, lures that look similar to baitfish are very attractive to this species. Dynamic Lures Fishing Lure with BB Chamber has a crankbait design geared toward capturing the attention of any nearby pike.
Read moreBalanced and Low Profile
The Dynamic Lures fishing lure is slim, small-lipped, and low, real-life profile; in other words, just the kind of “bait” pike are looking for. This slow sinking topwater lure has a targeted dive depth of 0 - 2 feet. Dynamic Lures fishing lure has multiple inner BB chambers that allow the lure to keep its balance in and through the water. This balance prevents and rolling motions so that the lure always looks like the real thing.
Extra Features
Made of coated ABS, the Dynamic Lures fishing lure includes two durable and sharp size #10 hooks to handle the size and weight of pike. The small crankbait’s action provides exceptional casting distance, impressive maneuverability, and attractive swimming action. This design also allows this lure to perform in multiple environmental areas, from rushing rivers to gentle creeks to still ponds and lakes.
Cost and Value
For one lure, the Dynamic Lures Fishing Lure with BB Chamber is higher-priced than some of the other lures on this list. However, it is a highly effective lure, so if landing that large pike is your dream, then purchasing a few of these at cost is worthwhile.
4. SteelShad Lipless Crankbait
The slight bend in the Lipless Crankbait makes it look authentically like an injured baitfish
VMC hooks are sharp and durable
Provides consistent action at any speed
Seven different bright colors are available
Sold in packs of three
Some anglers note that the gold paint on the lure peels off easily
A few users complained that some of the hooks were dull on arrival
The versatile SteelShad Lipless Crankbait is designed to be easy to cast and attract attention from game fish like pike. Whether saltwater or freshwater, fish seem to like the SteelShad Lipless Crankbait, and for anglers on the hunt for pike, this bait might be one to have in the tackle box.
Read morePerformance and Versatility
This Lipless Crankbait is designed to hold up under heavy use and meant to trigger strikes from large fish. It has a throbbing action and works well in water depths of 2 - 60 feet. At ⅜ ounce weight and 2 ¾ lengths, this lure casts long and accurately. When this lure bends, it mimics the actions of an injured baitfish as it swims on its side in the water, a sure attractant for pike.
Extra Features
The SteelShad Lipless Crankbait is stainless steel and comes in packs of three lures with VMC hooks. The lure provides great action at all speeds. It is available in seven bright colors that are sure to catch the attention of pike and other game fish.
Cost and Value
Although the overall price of the SteelShad Lipless Crankbait seems higher than most lures in this category, these lures are sold in packs of three. As such, the price is far more reasonable when you consider you are getting three lures rather than just one single product. Users note that this lure has a high success rate with pike, so if you are willing to purchase three at once, then the cost is negligible considering your potential return.
5. BlitzBite 8" Multi Jointed Swimbait
The multi-jointed design provides lifelike and aggressive movement through water
Comes in eight different and bright colors and patterns
Realistic 3D eyes and a rattle add to the realistic qualities
Durable and made for extended use
Large enough to capture the attention of game fish
Some anglers say that the hooks are too small for game fish
Users may have to give the lure a twitch to retrieve it correctly
A new entry on the game fishing lure scene, the BlitzBite 8” Multi Jointed Swimbait fishing lures has been received with excitement by anglers looking to catch some pike. With its lifelike looks, swimming action, and jointed body, this lure looks and acts so much like a baitfish that it’s no wonder it catches the eye of game fish.
Read moreAggressive Action
At 8” and 3 ounces, this lure is large enough to stand out in the water. However, even more impressive is its real and aggressive action due to the lure’s multi-jointed structure. Those joints bend and sway like a real fish, and they do so at a speed that makes them look authentic. The result is a lure that is highly attractive to pike.
Extra Features
This BlitzBite lure is made of sturdy steel wire and ABS plastic and includes lifelike 3D eyes and a rattling sound to elevate its attractiveness further to fish. The lure has lifelike painting and is available in eight different colors and patterns.
Cost and Value
The BlitzBite Multi-Jointed Swimbait lure might seem expensive at first; however, this is a hefty-sized lure, about the length of the average hand. There is much meatiness to this lure, adding to its realistic features. If you are going for the big game fish, this is the lure you will want to splurge on.
6. Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog
The Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog has a weedless design and will not get stuck in debris
The Frog is constructed to sink and extend/retract its legs during action to mimic a real frog
The soft hollow body leads to excellent hook-up ratios
Available in ten different colored versions
Durability and repeated use are realities
Some users have noted that it is hard to hook a fish due to the design
Tends to get stuck on pads during retrieval
For anglers who want to change up their bait, the Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog is the ideal alternative lure. Aside from looking like a real frog, this lure also has the same water action as a frog. Billed as the most realistic frog lure in the industry, the Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog sports durable construction and quality attractiveness for pike and other large game fish.
Read moreWeedless and Smooth
This frog lure features quality construction, including a soft hollow and weedless body that passes through any cover. This design allows the lure to replicate a frog in water with legs that extend when the lure is retrieved, and that retract when the lure is paused. Because of its construction, the frog lure will not catch on any weeds or debriss during retrieval. When the lure is at rest, it will drop down into the water, just as a frog would. This lure’s uniqueness and attractive composition are sure to be intriguing to pike.
Extra Features
The Lunker Frog includes a sharp and sticky 4/0 wide gap hook, and its soft rubber body construction allows for better hook-up ratios. This frog lure comes in ten different colors sure to make any pike look twice.
Cost and Value
The Lunkerhunt Lunker Frog is one of the pricier lure options on our list, but it is also one of the most attractive lures. It has an excellent track record as a durable and successful lure, and as such, the price might be right for the angler who wants a wild card option in the tackle box.
7. Lixada
The Lixada can be used to troll
Can be used in freshwater and saltwater environments
The durable ABS construction is scratch resistant and hardy
Rapid diving motion that replicates real fish movements
The Lixada is available in multiple bright colors
Some users have said the hooks are prone to breaking on large pike
The Lixada may be too heavy and large a bait for some anglers
The Lixada is a multi-jointed sinking lure. An angler needs to start reeling this in as soon as it hits the water. The 8-inch hard bionic construction and lifelike design and action are exactly what pike want to strike.
Read moreSmooth and Durable
Made or sturdy and long-lasting ABS material, the Lixada multi-segment lure creates realistic swimming actions in the water, prompting predator fish like pike to bite. With a smooth, rapid diving motion, this lure catches pikes’ attention with its highly detailed body resolution and 3D eyes.
Extra Features
The Lixada is an 8-inch lure with 8 segmented parts and two sharp, string treble hooks at either end, making it a powerful catching bait. It is available in 8 different colors and sizes depending on the fish you are trying to land.
Cost and Value
Single Lixada lures are available at an average price for hard, segmented, larger pike bait. They are also available in packs of three or seven lures for anglers who want to but more at once. The Lixada is a popular and reputable pike bait, and many anglers have been pleased with the results; as such, the Lixada is a lifelike bait that is deserving of a try.
8. Free Fisher Hard Spinner
Nicely designed and made to catch large fish
A variety of bright colors are available for various fishing spots
Nice action and spinners rotate effectively
Sturdy with sharp hooks and rigs
Careful attention to detail is evident in the 3D eyes and realistic action
Great budget price for the return
Start to fall apart after being hit by a few fish
Anglers note that you cannot reel this in too fast or it will break the water’s surface
Many anglers still go “old school” when fishing for pike by using hard spinner lures. The Free Fisher Hard Spinner Lure is a traditionally designed hard spinner lure with two spinnerbaits and a buzz prop. Sold in packages of six lures, these are the ideal hard spinners for angling traditionalists to use.
Read moreLifelike and Colorful
With a diving depth of a whole swimming layer, the Free Fisher Hard Spinner lures are designed for a smooth cast and a fast retrieve that allows the buzz prop to turn and catch the attention of any nearby pike rapidly. This lure achieves a lifelike look because of its 3D eyes and undulating skirt. The lures come in a variety of bright colors sure to attract game fish.
Extra Features
These hard spinning lures have a high carbon steel treble hook that is razor sharp and ready to catch some pike. The variety of colors available runs from bright greens and yellows to whites and even more muddy and brown-colored lures to work with multiple types of water from rivers to creeks to lakes and ponds. Users have noted that the red colored lure is best for catching pike.
Cost and Value
The Free Fisher Hard Spinner Lures are no-nonsense, traditional lures that are perfect for anglers who want to buy multiples or who are on a budget. Six of these lures can be purchased at a low price which means if you lose one or two, it won’t break the bank. Old school still works, so consider giving these hard spinners a go.
9. Modenspeak 7 Segment Swimbait
An excellent choice for freshwater trolling hard baits
Lifelike construction and realistic movement
Constructed of durable ABS material
Realistic 3D eyes make the bait look like actual fish
Perfect for attracting game fish
Some users have stated that the 3D eyes fell off
A few anglers complain that the hook ripped off during the first fish hit
The Modenspeak 7 Segment Lure is incredibly lifelike and, as a jointed lure, it copies the movements of real baitfish while in the water. Available in a variety of colors and patterns, the 7 Segment Lure is designed to attract the attention of any pike close by. Sold individually or in packs of five, this lure is ideal for use while fishing for game fish.
Read moreHigh durability and performance
This versatile lure performs well under any water conditions and speed. Made of sturdy, durable ABS material with two sharp, dependable treble hooks, the Modenspeak 7 Segment Lure is durable with a flexibility hinge to create lifelike motion. Its quality construction means it will last catch after catch.
Extra Features
The Modenspeak 7 Segment lure has bright colors with vivid patterns to capture the attention of pike. Five different models are available. The two tough hooks are high carbon steel. The lure’s 3D eyes put the finishing touch on its realistic look.
Cost and Value
One Modenspeak 7 Segment Lure is a bit pricey, but anglers can save more by purchasing the pack of five lures. This segmented lure is an effective tool with which to catch pike, and even at a slightly higher than average price, anglers have found it to be a reliable lure.
10. Booyah Pikee Spinnerbait
Ideal for slow flowing cold water
Built solidly with a durable steel leader
Available in multiple bright colors
The Spinnerbait’s skirt helps create vibrations and sounds to attract pike
The Pikee is fairly priced
The Pikee Spinnerbait is not corrosion-proof
Some anglers have stated that the willow blades were lost after just a few casts
Designed especially with pike in mind, the Booyah Pikee Spinnerbait is tough enough to stand up to the toughest game fish. Pike and other large fish tend to destroy normal spinnerbaits, but the Booyah survives its encounters because of its extremely tough, Vibra-FLX wire frame that turns back pike’s powerful teeth and jaws. This full-featured spinnerbait is an ideal choice to use when hunting for pike.
Read moreUltra-tough and Reliable
With its wire frame construction, the Pikee Spinnerbait can withstand pike teeth while also encouraging the fish to strike. The lure’s undulating motion thanks to the Silo-Tek skirt attracts pike with ease; the tremendous action keeps the pike’s attention and interest time and time again.
Extra Features
The Pikee Spinnerbait’s skirt is made of 84-strand Silo-Tek and includes a 12-inch steel leader. The wire and skirt work with the double willow and grade plated blades to create vibrations and rattling sounds in the water. This lure also includes a shad profile head, a 5/0 premium round bend hook, and a ball bearing swivel. This lure is available in multiple bright and attractive colors.
Cost and Value
The Booyah Pikee Spinnerbait is a perfect lure for the angler on a budget. It is low-priced and makes a great addition to any angler’s tacklebox. The bright colors, spinner movement, and strength of the Pikee make this lure a favorite for pike to strike.
Criteria Used for Evaluation
Effectiveness
Any angler wants to get the most out of a lure, especially a higher-priced one. Our research team examined multiple lures for larger game fish like pike to find the top ten most effective lures. If your lure is not helping you land fish, then it’s a waste of your time and money; therefore, we ranked effectiveness as our highest criterion. Because pike are not particularly picky about what they strike and eat, the most effective aspect of a pike lure is its attractiveness in movement and color. Our selections offer multiple bright colors as well as lifelike movements and segmented bodies that mimic real fish action in the water.
Features
Along with the effectiveness of look and movement, we examined criteria involving multiple types of features that could enhance the lure’s attractiveness to pike. In particular, we looked at how many and what kind of hooks were included, the durability of the lure, the quality of its construction, and other realistic additions such as 3D eyes. Because the motion of the lure is what attracts the pike, we chose only the top lures that had both the construction and the hardiness to catch the pike’s eye and survive the strike.
Value
If the lure is worthwhile and brings in the fish, anglers are more willing to pay up for the bait. Lures that are cheaply made or that are not designed to attract the type of fish you want to catch are ineffective and not worth your time or money. The lures on this list range from budget priced to more high end, but none of the options are overly expensive or unlikely to result in some hits. Each angler knows his or her budget, so check out the lures on this list and try a couple that you can afford.
Expert Interviews & Opinions
Effectiveness Features Value 
There are certain areas during the year where you are more likely to find pike. Knowing this information ahead of time can ensure that you are in the right place at the right time to land that large fish. In the spring, pike are typically found near the shore in shallow waters. This season is the time of year where pike are born, so they can also be seen in sandy areas of streams and rivers. During the summer, pike will move toward the weeds near the edge of vegetation while larger pike will venture our further. In fall, pike may decide to move into deeper waters depending on how many muskies are in that area.
Because pike are reactionary hunters, lure size only matters in that pike are unlikely to hit a lure bigger than them. They are cautious fish and will not fall for an easy catch; if the “bait” is not making a realistic attempt to escape through the water, the pike will know the game is up. Smaller lures are easier to control and manipulate, from casting to reeling them in, to setting the hook in the fish. Pike like to strike anything that moves like a baitfish, and that catches their eye with colors and patterns.
Pike can be large fish which means they can snap a fishing line fairly quickly. If their weight and pull don’t break the line, their razor-sharp teeth probably will. Using braided fishing line is one way to make sure that the line stays strong. Use at least 15-pound test line which should help you hold onto the big one when you catch it.
Other Factors to Consider
Durability
Another criterion that we reviewed with the lures on this list was durability. Pike tend to dwell in shallower areas of water, often alongside the shore where the debris, sand, and weeds are the thickest. It’s the graveyard of lures, and although every angler loses a lure once in a while, no one likes to lose them right away or frequently. Our research pinpointed lures that had strong ABS construction, smooth bodies to swim through weeds and vegetation, and substantial action on the retrieve. These lures mean more pike and less lure loss.
Flexibility
Your lures are going to be hit by a lot of energy when a pike bites, so you need that lure to take the hit and keep on floating. The lures that made our top ten list are highly flexible; a few are even jointed to give a more realistic look and feel to the bait. Most importantly, they can take the brunt of a pike hit, teeth and all, and live to fight another day.
Frequently Asked Questions
q: What type of lures should you use to catch pike?
There are many types of lures to use for catching pike. You can start with live bait such as frogs, worms, and minnows which typically attract Northern Pike. Spinnerbaits are another valuable option where the lure creates a disturbance on the water with metal spinners attached to the main body. Crankbait is another possible option as it has many hooks, making it easier to catch and land a pike. It also causes chaos in the water, attracting the attention of any pike around. Realistic lures take on the shape, color, and movement of a real baitfish; these lures are amongst the most successful because of how similarly they look to the real deal.
q: Is there a best time of day to fish for pike?
Yes. While a pike can be caught at any time of day, pike activity is highest in the early morning near sunrise. Pike do not like to eat in the dark, so as the sun comes up is the best time to fish for them. Other ideal times to fish for pike are afternoon hours when pike tend to rest in the weedy areas along the shore and before sunset when pike come out to hunt once more before the day’s end.
q: Can I reuse a lure?
Whether you can reuse a lure is dependent on what lure you have. Other considerations are durability and past damage, if any. Should the lure look, feel, and act sound, and it not exhibit any damage. If the lure has been reduced and beaten up through past use, evaluate it carefully to determine whether it can be used again.
q: There are so many lures. How do I know which one to use?
Choose your lure based on the time of season and where you are fishing. Springtime is best for using stick baits and summer for higher action bait. Ultimately, identifying a key location and depth and putting as many lures as you can in the pikes' faces will help you achieve your goal.
q: What type of waters can pike be found in?
Pike can be found in freshwater all over the Northern hemisphere. They can live and feed in tributaries, ponds, lakes, rivers, and creeks. They have been introduced to and stocked as sport fish in reservoirs and the western lakes in the United States.
q: Are pike an aggressive type of fish?
Pike can be quite aggressive and have been known to guard their territory and even run off after smaller fish nearby. These fish can swim up to 8 - 10 mph and, when caught, put on quite the show by fighting the angler as much as possible.
Sources
- , Northern Pike Fishing: What You Need to Catch Fish Now, web article
- , Northern Pike Fishing Tips, web article
- , Best Tips and Techniques for Catching Northen Pike, web article
