Northern Pike Lures: Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits are arguably one of the best Northern Pike lures because they successfully create vibrations against the water that will attract pike. Spinners are shiny metal pieces that make a spinning motion when in the water, hence the name. Spinnerbaits usually have some sort of dressing attached to them that are generally known as bucktails, because they are often made of deer hair. However, bucktails can also be made of synthetic materials or feathers.

The size of spinnerbait you use is dependant upon the season, but a good rule of thumb is that bigger is better. The reasoning behind this is because you want to create as much of a vibration as possible; otherwise, you may not do a good job of attracting pike to your lure. For maximum movement, add a tail. In the springtime when the weather is still fairly cool, a three- to five-inch long spinner is appropriate. When the water is warmer during the summer months, you can upgrade to a longer spinner, anywhere from six to ten inches. If you are fishing clear water, white is a successful spinner color. In murkier waters, using a yellow or bright green spinner will help it to stand out.

There are a couple techniques to keep in mind when Northern Pike fishing using spinnerbaits. First, be cognizant of your rod’s angle, because it will affect the depth of your bait. If you keep the rod tip low while reeling in slowly, your bait will have more depth. Bulging is a good technique to use when pike are active. When bulging, you will want the spinner blade to graze the top of the water’s surface. Do this by holding the rod’s tip high and reeling in rapidly.

Spinnerbaits can be used both when you are trolling and if you are casting. Picking the best size and color bait for your environment and season will help you to successfully land your next pike.