Pike fishing in Lithuania is one of the most popular forms of fishing, attracting both beginners and experienced fishermen. This predator is known for its aggressiveness, strength and ability to attack quickly. This means that successful pike fishing depends not only on the skill of the fisherman, but also on properly selected baits. Pike, being hunters, require baits that mimic their natural prey and encourage them to attack.

Choosing the right bait is one of the main factors that determine whether your fishing will be successful. Pike are usually found in various Lithuanian water bodies with abundant vegetation. It is important to understand that various conditions - water temperature, clarity and time of year - affect which bait is worth choosing.

In this article, we will review the most popular lures for pike fishing, their advantages and methods of use.

The most popular types of lures for pike fishing

Pike fishing requires well-chosen baits that can mimic their natural prey and trigger their hunting instinct. Here are the main types of lures for pike fishing

Wobblers

Wobblers are one of the most popular baits for pike fishing. They imitate small fish and the movements of wounded prey, which attracts pike. Wobblers can be of different types:

• Floating wobblers - these pike baits are a great helper in seedy, densely weedy areas.
• Sinking wobblers – sinks and works deeper, making them ideal when pike are holding closer to the bottom or in deeper waters, especially in autumn when the water cools.
• Wobblers with neutral buoyancy - these are the so-called "suspending" wobblers, which stay in the water at a certain depth, giving the fisherman the opportunity to control the pull of the bait and create a longer interest of the pike.

Rubber baits for pike

Rubber pike lures are extremely effective in pike fishing because of their versatility. They are commonly used in both shallow and deep water, and their effectiveness depends heavily on the right selection for the conditions and fishing method. Rubber baits can be used with a variety of hooks.

• Twisters - these are some of the most popular lures, with a thin tail that vibrates in the water, imitating a small fish or other prey. They are perfect for predatory fish such as pike and perch.
• Vibrotails – similar to twisters, but their tail is wider and thicker, creating stronger vibrations in the water. They are often used in deeper waters or murky lakes.
• Shad type baits – imitates a real fish, has a realistic body shape and a flat tail. These lures for pike work effectively when used on slow retrieves.
• Earthworms and worms – imitate real worms and are used to catch both predatory and peaceful fish.
• Frogs and insects - specially designed bait shapes designed to imitate frogs, beetles or other insects. These baits work well in shallow water or near vegetation where fish are looking for food.

Glitter (Shakes and flippers)

Glitter are extremely popular and effective baits for pike fishing. They come in two main types, crankbaits and spinners, and each type has its own advantages depending on fishing conditions and style.

• Turntables – These are heavier metal lures for pike that work deeper in the water and emit slower but powerful vibrations. Turntables are mostly used when pike are more passive, especially in the cold season, or when fishing in deep pools. One of the most famous swings is Kuusam Räsänen, which works effectively in deep waters and is used worldwide.
• Will shake - Shakers create a strong vibration and flash of light, so pike notice them quickly. These are some of the most effective baits in murky water or shallow water bodies. Mepps Aglia is one of the most popular types of sukre, used for its versatility and durability.

Choice of colors according to conditions

Bait color is one of the most important factors in pike hooking. Varying water conditions, from water clarity to sun intensity, can greatly affect how well a pike notices and reacts to your bait. Here are some basic principles for choosing the right bait color for specific conditions.

Clear water

When the water is clear and the day is sunny, it is recommended to use lures in natural colors. Silver, blue or gray colors that mimic the colors of real fish are great choices. In clear water, pike can easily pick up even the smallest nuances, so natural-looking lures are most effective.

Turbid water

In cloudy water, on a cloudy day or e.g. early morning or late evening, brighter and more visible lures should be used. Colors such as bright orange, yellow, light green or red will be more noticeable and attract the attention of pike. Also suitable are shiny or phosphorescent versions of lures, which can reflect a small amount of light and create a visual effect.

Grassy and plant-rich waters

When fishing among aquatic vegetation, it is a good idea to choose baits with contrasting colors so that pike can easily distinguish them from their surroundings. Bright colors can help the bait stand out from the background of green vegetation. Lures with glitter or a metallic surface to create additional reflections can also be useful.

Different seasons

Color selection may also vary according to the seasons.

• In the spring and in the summer natural colors are usually the most effective, especially on sunny days and clear water.
• During the fall season, when pike become more active, brighter baits are often used to provoke them to attack.
• In winter, when ice fishing in cold water, it is recommended to use brighter lures to compensate for poor visibility in the water.

The right bait color not only helps to attract pike, but also increases the chance of a successful hook in any water conditions.

The most popular lures for pike

Wobblers for pike

• Lucky Craft Pointer – This wobbler is famous for its long casting system, which allows accurate casting even at longer distances. It has an aggressive movement and is usually used in deeper water or near obstacles where pike hide. The most popular option is 100 mm long and 18 grams in weight, perfect for autumn or spring.
• OSP Rudra – Legendary minnow class wobbler, which has a special balancing system that allows for stable and natural movement in the water. Its precise movement imitation attracts pike in both shallow and deep water. Suitable for use with both slow and more aggressive pulling techniques.
• Jackall Tiny Magallon - This one two-piece wobbler with a silicone tail has a very natural play in the water. It produces gentle, yet effective movements that attract pike even with little fish activity.
• Rapala X-Rap – One of the most popular wobblers for pike fishing. It stands out with its aggressive movement and bright colors, making it perfect for deeper waters where you need to provoke a pike to attack.
• Megabass OneTen+1 110 – This wobbler is extremely popular among experienced fishermen. It features an excellent balance system that allows it to be used in both shallow and deep water. The wobbler is famous for its versatility in various conditions.

Rubber baits for pike

• Relax Kopyto - This one of the most popular gummies, widely used in Lithuania. Its flexible and natural movement attracts pike in both shallow and deep water. This lure is ideal for aggressive pulling through grass or obstacles.
• Savage Gear Cannibal Shad – This rubber band known for its natural movement and detailed design that mimics a wounded fish. It is an extremely effective bait in both clear and cloudy water.
• Keitech Swing Impact - This one rubber band has a wide range of movements that allows it to be used in various fishing situations. It is especially effective in deep areas where the pike stay closer to the bottom.
• Westin Shad Teez – High profile rubber, which is often used to catch large pike. Its strong vibrational movement attracts predators even in murky and deep water.
• Berkley PowerBait Ripple Shad - These "edible" gummies emits an odor that encourages pike to bite.

Lures for pike

• Mepps Aglia Long – A classic shake that stands out with strong vibrations and light reflections. It is ideal for shallow and murky waters where you need to attract the attention of a predator.
• Blue Fox Super Vibrax – Creates strong vibrations, making it a great choice in murky water or low light conditions. Its effectiveness is especially noticeable in shallow water.
• Kuusam Räsänen – A deep sinking spinner that is ideal for catching pike in deep water. This lure works well on slower retrieves.
• Daiwa Silver Creek Spinner – Features exceptional spin speed and shine that attracts passive pike.
• Savage Gear Rotex Spinner – Powerful lure used for catching both perch and pike. It can be used in various conditions.