Choosing your pike lures wisely
Pike is a visual and opportunistic predator. It strikes by reaction: a lure passing at the right distance, with the right action, triggers a lightning strike. Variety is therefore the key. A well-equipped angler alternates between shads, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits and crankbaits according to conditions. Clear or coloured water, weed beds or open water, current or still water: each situation demands a different approach. Here is our selection of the 10 must-have lures for pike in 2026, with detailed analysis and usage tips.
Shads: absolute versatility
Soft shad-type lures are the most versatile for pike. They work all season, in clear as well as coloured water. Here is our selection:
- 1Savage Gear Cannibal Shad 15–20 cm: The must-have. Versatile all season, realistic swim, durable. Price: €6–10. Have several colours.
- 2Wolfcreek Shad 17–23 cm: Slow swim, ideal for big specimens. XXL size filters out small pike. Price: €8–12.
- 3DEPS Sakamata 8": Soft jerk with gliding action. More advanced technique but deadly in weed beds. Price: €10–14.
Jerkbaits: the big pike weapon
Jerkbaits (hard lures with erratic action) trigger violent strikes. Pike cannot resist a prey that seems injured. Our selection:
- 1Strike Pro Buster Jerk: Suspending or sinking, erratic jerky action. €12–18. A classic of the genre.
- 2Westin Swim Glidebait 15 cm: S-swim lure, hypnotic movement. Very effective on pike of 80 cm and more. Price: €15–22.
Spinnerbaits: fast prospecting
Spinnerbaits cover a zone quickly. Their spinning blade and signal volume attract pike from afar. Ideal for prospecting the margins:
- 1OSP Typhoon: Slow rolling with no. 7 blades. Controlled action, avoids snags. Price: €12–16.
- 2Fox Rage Pike Spinnerbait 28 g: Maximum signal volume. Perfect in coloured water or for active pike. Price: €8–12.
Crankbaits and hard jerks
Crankbaits dive and vibrate. They explore the water layers and trigger irritation strikes. Two references:
- 1Rapala Super Shad Rap 14 cm: Timeless classic. Deep diver, realistic swim action. Price: €12–15.
- 2DEPS Evoke 4.0: XXL crankbait for record pike. Size and vibration that attract the big ones. Price: €18–25.
The spoon: timeless
The spinning spoon remains a safe bet. Simple, effective, economical:
- 1MEPPS Giant Marabou: Colorado spinning spoon with hair teaser. Has worked for decades. Price: €8–12.
How to choose according to conditions
Adapt your lure to the day's conditions. Here is a quick guide:
| Condition | Lure type | Recommended size | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear water | Shad | 12–15 cm | Slow linear |
| Coloured water | Spinnerbait | 20–28 g | Slow rolling |
| Weed beds | Weightless soft jerk | 15–20 cm | Gliding |
| Current | Crankbait | 10–14 cm | Against current |
| Big pike | Jerkbait | 15–20 cm | Erratic |
Tip: always carry at least 3 different lure types. If pike refuse the shad, switch to the spinnerbait. The key is adaptation.
Pike lure fishing on the Lot
The Lot at Aiguillon offers a variety of structures ideal for pike lure fishing: wooded margins, weed beds, drop-offs, confluences. Pike of 80 cm and more are regular. At Gîte du Martin Pêcheur, the private pontoon lets you cast at dawn without leaving the garden. A morning session before breakfast can hold nice surprises. Hamid will point you to the most productive swims according to the season and water level.
