Pike fishing for beginners: 17 Things every angler (should know)

Pike Fishing Beginners Guide

Pike fishing is an amazing sport that can bring you a lot of joy and relaxation. However, it’s quite hard to master this art.

It takes years of practice to become a good pike angler. A beginner rarely knows how to catch a big fish or even what equipment he should buy for the first time.

We have created this guide on 17 things every pike angler (should know).

Below, you will find tips for pike fishing beginners that should help you start this adventure with brilliant success.

These tips will help you make your start on this fascinating hobby as smooth as possible!

fishing for pike
fishing for pike

What is the pike fishing season?

Pike fish are active year-round. The Pike fishing season starts in the spring when the fish wake up from hibernation. Once pike wakes up, it is hungry and will eat almost anything.

Pike spends the winter months in deep holes that do not freeze to the bottom, and in the spring it swims up to shallower water and feeds intensively. The Pike fishing season ends in the fall when the fish goes back to deeper and colder water and doesn’t leave it until the beginning of the next year.

Big pikes are eager to regain lost weight during the April spawning process. In mid-May, fishing is a good way to catch big fish that have recently finished their spawn cycles and want nothing more than tasty meals of fresh baitfish like shiners or perch.

These large predatory fish will eat anything they can find in order to rebuild all that energy they burned through when spawning. It won’t take long until these predators become active again as soon as the weather allows them room outside of ice densities on lakes.

Where to go pike fishing?

When you are looking for a pike to catch, try places like bays and flats. Weedy areas outside weed lines, pad fields, or reed/wild rice beds can also be suitable spots to look at since they might have a lot of pike swimming around there during the summer months.

Pike also prefers natural piers and man-made platforms since those areas offer pleasant shade and places to hide. Pike will often lie right under these structures, thanks to the cool water that is sucked into the area under them.

We can often find Pike in areas surrounded by fallen trees, or under docks where they can hide from other pikes that might hunt the same waters.

What time of day is the best for pike fishing?

If you’re looking to catch pike, fishing between late morning and early afternoon will be the best time. When summer comes around, very early mornings and evenings are your best picks during that season. In winter, stick with later in the morning or mid-day hours for better results when catching northern pike.

Can you catch pike at night?

Pike is a nocturnal creature that feeds around the time of sunset, and sunrise. Therefore, it’s best to fish at these times of the day.

If you really want to catch pike during a nighttime trip, be sure to use powerful lures that have good reflective qualities. Pike is attracted to flash and will often bite at lures that shine far away from them.

What is the best weather for pike fishing?

If the water is cool enough, you can find a big pike on weed lines. If it’s too warm and calm for shallower waters, they will be positioned in deeper open or hanging around a structure that’s deeper. “If it flatly sunny,” shallow fish get tough to catch while suspended one’s stay put when conditions are unfavorable like this.

There’s no such thing as “ruthless weather”, just incorrect clothing. If you’re comfortable, the pike will also be more active when you go out to fish.

When fishing in cold temperatures, be sure to have warm clothing on. It’s always better to go with puffy clothes rather than to wear several thin layers since they trap moister.

When it’s very sunny outside, be sure to wear sunglasses because pike will often test your eyesight.

What is the best bait for pike fishing? (Pike baits guide)

There are many options to choose from when you want to catch pike. It’s important to know that the best baits will vary depending on the catching conditions.

The best colors for pike are those that put off a lot of vibration or sound. Top choices include spinnerbaits, inline spinners, and lipless cranks; these lures all have different purposes but work well when targeting this fish because they’re sensitive to bait like worms, nightcrawlers, or grubs.

Loud top-water offerings such as buzz baits and walking baits also make great catches – just be sure not cast too far out into open water where divers might start swimming nearby!

When pike in search of trophy fish, try using large minnow-like lures that will resemble prey they would eat during the summer months. For smaller minnows, try using crankbaits with single large treble hooks.

What tackle for pike fishing?

6-7 foot medium-heavy to heavy action rods with good quality open face fishing reels are great choices for pike fishing. Bigger pike needs bigger tackle because they put up a strong fight during the time you bring them in, especially if there’s current or wind involved.

If you want to land big fish, instead of fighting with it until it is exhausted, it’s better to play the fish for a short time and then use your rod as a handle to bring it in.

When you pike fishing, you need a firm line because of the size of their mouths. Since they chew so much as well as having tough skin, a braided line is best for this type of catch.

What color lure is best for pike? (Favorite pike lures)

When fishing for pikes in clear water, the most effective lures are swimbaits, soft baits, and crankbaits. The best colors to use are white/silver/green or black because they resemble their prey.

In cloudy or darkly stained waters, bright-colored lures in pink, yellow and orange work best. You can also use spoons for this type of pike fishing since the metal reflects light as a mirror does.

Here are the top 5 pike lures

Bestseller No. 1
Mizugiwa 8"/20cm 45g Pike Musky Dawg Fishing Soft Bait Lure,Zabder...
  • Pike Musky Dawg Fishing Soft Bait
  • Pike Fishing Soft Bait Lure 4 Colors 200mm 45g
  • Pike Musky Dawg Fishing Soft Bait Lure 200mm 45g Swimbait
  • It is one of the most popular Musky lures on the market today,...
Bestseller No. 2
Savage Gear 3D Hybrid Pike Fishing Bait, 1 1/2 oz, Pike, Realistic...
  • SAVAGE GEAR PIKE FISHING LURES: Based on 3D scans of an actual...
  • LIFELIKE TAIL ACTION: The detachable tail system gives you two...
  • DURABLE DESIGN: The line thru wiring system on this fishing lure...
  • HEAVY-DUTY HARDWARE: Land every fish on your line with incredibly...
Bestseller No. 3
TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Multi Jointed Swimbaits Slow...
  • 9 Segments Lifellike Pike - Designed with 9 segment multi-jointed...
  • High Simulation - With 3D realistic looking eyes and pearl powder...
  • Bass Vibration - Made of high-quality ABS material and equipped...
  • Widely Fishing Species -This bass fishing lure can be widely used...
Bestseller No. 4
ods Lure Pike Lures Multi Jointed Swimbaits 3.5"-8" Fishing Bait...
  • 【Hard fishing lure】 Made of ABS plastic, hard and high...
  • 【Small crankbait lure 】The pike lure features a 3.5”...
  • 【Jointed swim bait】The segment fishing lure has a...
  • 【Sharp and strong fishing hook】 Rigged with 2 sharp and...
Bestseller No. 5
CREEYA 1piece 3D Duck Topwater Fishing Lure Yellow Duckling Floating...
  • 🦆A super realistic Duckling top water imitation lure loaded...
  • 🦆The 3D Scanned details will fool even the most vary predator...
  • 🦆 With two rotating duck feet, it can move a Pack of water and...
  • 🦆 High-quality process, thick, elastic, tear-resistant, not...

What lures work best for pike?

The best types of lures for catching pike are those that mimic their natural prey. During the summer months, pike feed on small fish like bluegill and sunfish, as well as frogs and crayfish.

Therefore, to attract them during this time of year, use flashy spoons and shallow-diving plugs and wacky-rigged worms, tubes, and crayfish.

In the wintertime, you can use soft baits or crankbaits that resemble squid or large minnows like shad and herring because this is what they eat most during colder temperatures.

The 10 best northern pike lures ever (top 10 northern pike lures)

The best northern pike lures are hard to find. We have created a list of the top 10 northern pike lures ever. These are the best northern pike lures you can buy on Amazon right now, based on sales and reviews.

Our list will help you pick out the perfect lure for your next fishing trip! Learn more about each one and see photos too!

Bestseller No. 1
Mizugiwa 8"/20cm 45g Pike Musky Dawg Fishing Soft Bait Lure,Zabder...
  • Pike Musky Dawg Fishing Soft Bait
  • Pike Fishing Soft Bait Lure 4 Colors 200mm 45g
  • Pike Musky Dawg Fishing Soft Bait Lure 200mm 45g Swimbait
  • It is one of the most popular Musky lures on the market today,...
Bestseller No. 2
Savage Gear 3D Hybrid Pike Fishing Bait, 1 1/2 oz, Pike, Realistic...
  • SAVAGE GEAR PIKE FISHING LURES: Based on 3D scans of an actual...
  • LIFELIKE TAIL ACTION: The detachable tail system gives you two...
  • DURABLE DESIGN: The line thru wiring system on this fishing lure...
  • HEAVY-DUTY HARDWARE: Land every fish on your line with incredibly...
Bestseller No. 3
TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass Trout Multi Jointed Swimbaits Slow...
  • 9 Segments Lifellike Pike - Designed with 9 segment multi-jointed...
  • High Simulation - With 3D realistic looking eyes and pearl powder...
  • Bass Vibration - Made of high-quality ABS material and equipped...
  • Widely Fishing Species -This bass fishing lure can be widely used...
Bestseller No. 4
ods Lure Pike Lures Multi Jointed Swimbaits 3.5"-8" Fishing Bait...
  • 【Hard fishing lure】 Made of ABS plastic, hard and high...
  • 【Small crankbait lure 】The pike lure features a 3.5”...
  • 【Jointed swim bait】The segment fishing lure has a...
  • 【Sharp and strong fishing hook】 Rigged with 2 sharp and...
Bestseller No. 5
CREEYA 1piece 3D Duck Topwater Fishing Lure Yellow Duckling Floating...
  • 🦆A super realistic Duckling top water imitation lure loaded...
  • 🦆The 3D Scanned details will fool even the most vary predator...
  • 🦆 With two rotating duck feet, it can move a Pack of water and...
  • 🦆 High-quality process, thick, elastic, tear-resistant, not...
Bestseller No. 6
Bassdash SwimShad Glide Baits Jointed Swimbait Bass Pike Salmon Trout...
  • As a slow sinking bait, the bait can be used to attack the entire...
  • The glide bait has a unique S-wave action and big profile, and it...
  • With eight stainless steel balls (ball dia. 0.28in, 0.24in and...
  • Natural color imitation; Vivid 3D laser eyes; Textured, soft...
Bestseller No. 7
Mepp's Musky Killer-bktl, hot white-white, one size (BM HW-W)
  • Product Type: Fishing Hook
  • Package Height: 22.225 Centimeters
  • Package Length: 3.302 Centimeters
  • Package Width: 3.555 Centimeters
Bestseller No. 8
Mepp's BD3THFT2-CH Double Blade Aglia Dressed Treble In-Line,...
  • Package length: 12.7 cm
  • Package width: 4.318 cm
  • Package height: 4.318 cm
  • Product Type: FISHING HOOK
Bestseller No. 9
Mizugiwa 8"/20cm 45g Pike Musky Dawg Fishing Soft Bait Lure,Fishing...
  • Pike Musky Dawg Fishing Soft Lures
  • Pike Fishing Soft Bait Lure 8"/20cm 48g
  • Fishing Soft Bait Lure Jerkbait
  • Fishing Soft Bait Lure Zabder Freshwater Tackle Bull Coarse
Bestseller No. 10
BOOYAH Pikee - Red Craw
  • Offers all the durability that fish demand with an ultra-tough...
  • Each Pikee also comes with a 12-inch steel leader, so you have...
  • Beyond being tough, this full-featured spinnerbait from BOOYAH...
  • Features: 84-strand skirt with exclusive color formulation,...

What is the best rod for pike fishing?

I love fishing with the Fenwick HMG 7′ medium-heavy action rod.

It’s great for small lures of around 1 to 1.5 ounces, including spinnerbaits, inline spinners, smaller crankbaits, and shades or soft baits.

The Fenwick HMG rod is made from quality materials and has great medium-heavy action. It’s durable, sensitive, and lightweight. If you want to look for a good fishing rod under $100, this is definitely the one to get!

What pound line should you use for pike fishing?

Every pike angler has caught a multitude of northern fish, most commonly from 4 to 10 pounds. They captured most in shallow water with the right equipment and techniques.

For a pike fishing reel that has at least 15 pounds of drag, we recommend using a braided line between 20 and 40-pounds. To attach the leader to your mainline, use 3 feet of fluorocarbon lines from 30 to 40-pound strength.

Bestseller No. 1
RUNCL PowerFluoro Fishing Line, 100% Fluorocarbon Coated Fishing Line,...
  • Hybrid Line: The PowerFluoro is constructed of a 100%...
  • Virtually Invisible: The fluorocarbon's light-refractive index is...
  • Ultimate Strength: The PowerFluoro's amazing strength allows it...
  • Faster Sinking: Features high-density construction with...
Bestseller No. 2
LinHiver Braided Fishing Line, Strong Power, Great Abrasion...
  • 【Super Strong and Great Abrasion Resistance】Linhiver braided...
  • 【High Cost and Performance Ratio】The super line with a high...
  • 【Zero Stretch and High Sensitive】The fishing line with zero...
  • 【Low Memory and Smooth Surface】The surface of fishing line is...
Bestseller No. 3
Facikono Steel Leaders Fishing, Saltwater Leaders Wire with Swivels...
  • What You Get: 60pcs 12in fishing leaders line. Each fitted with a...
  • Steel Leaders Advantage: Hide your mainlines from scaring fishes;...
  • Saltwater Fishing Leaders: Nylon-wrapped stainless steel leaders...
  • Strong and Durable: Winding steel wire as strengthened end, can...
Bestseller No. 4
ZASIE 50 lb Fluorocarbon Fishing Leader,20 Inch Fluorocarbon Leader...
  • 🐟 More Sensitive: Fluorocarbon leader is non-permeable to...
  • 🐟 Higher Abrasion Resistance: The fluorocarbon fishing leaders...
  • 🐟 Invisible: Light refraction factor of fluorocarbon is very...
  • 🐟 Sink Faster: In water, fluorocarbon leader sinks faster than...
Bestseller No. 5
HERCULES Super Cast 300M 328 Yards Braided Fishing Line 50 LB Test for...
  • Same Quality, Much Less Expensive - You can't tell the difference...
  • Superior Cast Experience - 8X strands braided with DIAMOND WEAVE...
  • Great Knot Strength & Abrasion Resistance - Made from UHMWPE, the...
  • Zero Stretch & High Sensitivity - No stretch, incredible...

Do you need a wire leader for pike?

We know Pike for their strong jaws and sharp teeth, so when fishing with live bait or smaller lures, it’s best to use wire leaders. For larger baits like soft baits and trolling for pike, you can get away without using a leader by choosing thicker fluorocarbon instead.

It’s a good idea to have a leader of at least 30-pound strength because pike often swims with their heads pointing downwards. That means they’ll go for the bait first, and it will more likely get ripped or torn off by a hooked fish.

If you plan on fishing in deep water, use a wire leader that’s 50- to 80-pound strength. This will prevent your baits from getting caught at the bottom of the lake or river if you get a big one!

How to start pike fishing?

It is always recommended to start off fishing with live baits, which are the best way to catch pike. If you want to know how to catch pike using live bait, watch this video tutorial by Pro angler!

A word of advice: it’s best to fish in shallow water when you’re just beginning pike fishing. This way you can get a feel for how pikes move and how to correctly set the hook on them.

How to use pike lures?

Using lures can be the best way to catch pike. The problem is that many people don’t know how to use them properly, especially spinners and spoons.

When using these types of lures, you want to use a separate rod with light action or even ultralight equipment. See the below video to learn how to use pike lures.

The best way to use lures is by casting them far enough so that your lure can sink deep down into the water. When you reel it back, make sure to slow and steady pulls! This will attract more pikes to your lure, increasing your chances of catching one.

If you plan on using spinners or spoons, you can jig them similarly. Just remember to lock your reel after each pull so the lure doesn’t get lost. when you have a strike, it’s best to set the hook hard and fast even if you miss the fish at first.

Best trolling lures for northern pike (big pike lures)

Fish are not stupid. They know what lures they like to eat and which ones they don’t. If you’re using the wrong bait or lure, then your catch will suffer.

We’ve compiled a list of some of the best trolling lures for northern pike (big pike) that will help you catch more fish in less time with greater accuracy than ever before!

Bestseller No. 1
Mizugiwa 12"/30cm 115g Pike Musky Dawg Fishing Soft Bait Lure,Fishing...
  • Fishing Soft Bait Lure pack of 2
  • Pike Fishing Soft Bait Lure 2 Colors ,Each Weight 115g ,Length...
  • Pike Musky Dawg Fishing Soft Bait Lure Swimbait Slow Sinking...
  • Fishing Soft Bait Lure Zabder Freshwater Curly Shad Tackle Bull...
Bestseller No. 2
Fishing Lures Hard Baits, 10pcs Minnow Lures Set Deep Diving Swimbait...
  • 🐟 HIGH QUALITY: 10pcs mixed colors minnow lures made of...
  • 🐟 3D LIFE-LIKE: 3D eyes and lifelike scale patterns make the...
  • 🐟 LARGE BILL: Hard fishing minnow lures come with a longer and...
  • 🐟 GRAVITY BALL INSIDE: Fishing lures swimbait with steel balls...
Bestseller No. 3
Sougayilang Colorful Hard Spoon Spinner Fishing Lures Metal Treble...
  • BEST CHOICE: Sougayilang fishing lures are designed to be...
  • ACTION: This fishing lures can be dressed with a tail grub, it...
  • COLOR: Available in five colors, spoons casts easily and can be...
  • CONSTRUCTION: Spoon with its outstanding side-to-side wobble,...

Best fall pike lures

The fall is the best time of year for catching pike, but it’s also a busy time of year. There are so many things to do and you don’t have as much free time as in summer.

If you want to catch more fish this fall, your fishing gear needs to be top-notch, and that means using the right lures. You need lures that will attract those big pike now!

Professional anglers who know exactly what works for attracting these fish developed these premium lures. Plus, they’re proven effective in many water conditions. Order yours now!

SaleBestseller No. 1
BOOYAH Pond Magic Small-Water Spinner, Fire Bug
  • EYE-CATCHING LURE: Matching head and blade-color patterns,...
  • ATTRACTING POND MAGIC: Find out quickly that these are...
  • BAIT DESIGN: Specializes in color and blade combinations that...
  • TAILORED HOOK: Mustart Ultra Point 2/0 Hook Size making it...
Bestseller No. 2
Calissa Offshore Tackle Fast Fall Jig 80g 150g 250g 300LBS Assist...
  • 12-MONTH GUARANTEE: Calissa Offshore Tackle jigs are currently...
  • AMERICAN COMPANY: Purchase from an innovative American owned...
  • 7X COATING GORILLA PAINT: Sealed finish keeps the paint from...
  • BEST LURE FOR MULTI SPECIES: Tuna, wahoo, mahi, yellowtail,...
Bestseller No. 3
Aorace 20pcs Fishing Lures Kit Mixed Including Minnow Popper Crank...
  • Including: 8 pcs Minnow Lures(A),4 pcs Popper Lures(B),8 pcs...
  • Minnow Popper Crank Baits-Wonderful Lures Combination Targeting...
  • Our fishing lure set is composed of high quality components for...
  • 3D eyes&Bright colors make it a powerful catching tool.

Conclusion:

If you want to learn more about pike fishing, please check out our Ultimate Pike Fishing Guide. It includes everything you need to know in order to catch pike, from the tackle you need to the best places to fish for them.

In this article, we’ve discussed different ways of fishing for pike, from spinning and trolling scorpion fishing lures to live bait fishing. We’ve also spoken about the best tackle that you can use for both methods. We’ve provided you with all the information you need to know about pike fishing. How do you plan on using your new knowledge? Let us know in the comment section below! If you have questions, please ask us. We’d love to hear from you!

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