Fishing for pike in lakes can be an exhilarating experience, but it also comes with its challenges. These predatory fish are notorious for their aggressive strikes and high-speed swimming. When targeting pike, having the right fishing lures can make a world of difference. One of the most effective types of lures for pike is the crankbait.
In this comprehensive tutorial, we’ll dive deep into how to select the best durable crankbait fishing lures for pike in lakes, explain why crankbaits work so well for these apex predators, and provide tips and strategies for using them effectively. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, this guide will help you choose the right tools and techniques to land your next trophy pike.
Why Crankbaits Are Great for Pike Fishing in Lakes
Crankbaits are one of the most versatile and productive fishing lures for pike. Their design and action make them a great choice for lake fishing where pike can be found hunting along submerged structures, weed beds, and drop-offs. Here’s why crankbait fishing lures are so effective when targeting pike:
1. Realistic Swimming Action
Crankbaits have a built-in lip or bill that allows them to dive and swim through the water with a realistic, wobbling motion. This action simulates the movement of baitfish, which is exactly what pike are looking to strike. The vibrations created by the crankbait as it moves through the water attract pike from a distance, even in murky or dark water.
2. Durability
Pike are known for their sharp teeth, which can shred through lures that aren’t built to last. Durable crankbait fishing lures are made from tough, high-quality materials such as hard plastics and feature reinforced hooks, ensuring that they withstand the force of a pike’s strike. When choosing crankbaits for lake fishing, durability is essential to ensure they last through multiple uses.
3. Versatility
Crankbaits come in a wide range of designs, including shallow-diving, deep-diving, and even suspending models. This versatility allows anglers to adjust their fishing tactics depending on the depth at which the pike are feeding. Crankbaits can be fished at various speeds and depths, making them highly adaptable to changing conditions.
4. Effective at Covering Large Areas
Because crankbaits can be cast long distances and retrieved quickly, they’re ideal for covering large sections of a lake. This is especially useful when pike are spread out across a wide area, or when you’re trying to locate fish in deeper waters.
How to Choose the Right Crankbait for Pike Fishing in Lakes
When selecting the best crankbait fishing lures for pike in lakes, it’s important to consider several factors to ensure the best possible performance. Here are the key aspects to keep in mind when choosing your crankbait:
1. Crankbait Diving Depth
One of the most important factors in choosing the right crankbait is its diving depth. Pike tend to lurk at various depths depending on the time of year and the structure of the lake.
- Shallow-Diving Crankbaits: These are best for fishing near the surface or in weedy shallows. Shallow-diving crankbaits typically reach depths of 2 to 5 feet. These are excellent for targeting pike that are hunting in the upper layers of the lake.
- Deep-Diving Crankbaits: These are ideal for fishing deeper sections of the lake, such as drop-offs, ledges, and submerged structures. Deep-diving crankbaits can reach depths of 8 to 12 feet or more, making them perfect for pike that are feeding closer to the bottom.
- Suspending Crankbaits: These crankbaits remain at a specific depth when paused. They’re useful when pike are hanging out in deeper water but aren’t actively chasing baitfish. Suspending crankbaits can be particularly effective in colder months when pike tend to be more sluggish.
2. Crankbait Size and Profile
Pike have large mouths and are capable of swallowing relatively large prey. When selecting a crankbait, consider the size of the baitfish or prey the pike are likely to target in the lake.
- Large Crankbaits: Larger crankbaits with a bigger profile mimic larger prey, such as baitfish, shad, or ciscoes. These are great for targeting larger pike, which tend to prefer bigger meals.
- Smaller Crankbaits: Smaller crankbaits work well when pike are feeding on smaller baitfish or young fry. They can be particularly effective during times when pike are feeding less aggressively or during seasonal transitions.
3. Color and Pattern
The color of the fishing lure is critical to success, especially in different lake conditions. Clear water requires more natural and subtle colors, while murky or stained water calls for more vibrant and attention-grabbing colors.
- Natural Colors: For clear lakes or days with good visibility, choose crankbaits with natural colors such as shad, silver, or perch patterns. These colors mimic the local baitfish and are effective when the water is calm and clear.
- Bright Colors: In murky, cloudy, or dark water, bright colors like chartreuse, fire tiger, or red can be more effective in getting the pike’s attention. These colors help the lure stand out and increase visibility for pike.
4. The Right Hooks
Pike are powerful predators, and their sharp teeth can destroy low-quality hooks. Always opt for crankbaits with strong, corrosion-resistant hooks, such as those made of high-carbon steel. This ensures that your lure can handle the strength and ferocity of a pike’s bite.
Best Durable Crankbait Fishing Lures for Pike in Lakes
Let’s now take a look at some of the top crankbait fishing lures for pike in lakes. These lures are well-regarded for their durability, action, and effectiveness in attracting pike.
1. Lurebolt Deep Diver Crankbait
Best For: Large Pike, Deep Waters
The Lurebolt Deep Diver Crankbait is designed to handle tough conditions and target pike in deeper waters. It dives quickly and provides a realistic action that entices aggressive strikes. Its sturdy build ensures it can withstand pike strikes without losing its action or integrity.
Key Features:
- Deep diving capabilities (up to 12 feet).
- Lifelike, realistic movement.
- Bright, durable colors that attract pike in various conditions.
- High-quality, sharp hooks designed for pike fishing.
2. Strike King Square Bill Crankbait
Best For: Shallow Waters, Cover Fishing
The Strike King Square Bill Crankbait is perfect for fishing around submerged weeds, rocks, and fallen timber. Its wide wobbling action mimics distressed baitfish, attracting pike from long distances. This crankbait excels in shallow waters and is great for fishing around lake structures.
Key Features:
- Shallow diving design (2 to 5 feet).
- Wide wobbling action that mimics a distressed baitfish.
- Versatile and effective in weedy or rocky environments.
- Available in a variety of colors to match different lake conditions.
3. Rapala Shad Rap Crankbait
Best For: Clear Water, Active Pike
The Rapala Shad Rap is a popular choice for anglers targeting pike in clear lake waters. Its tight, natural swimming action and realistic baitfish profile make it irresistible to pike, especially when they are actively hunting.
Key Features:
- Realistic swimming action.
- Great for clear water conditions.
- Durable and high-quality construction.
- Available in several natural and bright colors.
Tips and Techniques for Using Crankbaits for Pike Fishing in Lakes
To maximize your chances of success with crankbait fishing lures for pike, consider these expert tips:
- Vary Your Retrieval Speed: Pike are attracted to the erratic movement of crankbaits. Experiment with different speeds and pauses to trigger strikes.
- Fish Around Structures: Cast your crankbait near submerged rocks, weed beds, and drop-offs where pike tend to hang out.
- Use a Slow, Steady Retrieve in Cold Water: During colder months, pike tend to slow down. A slow and steady retrieve can make your crankbait appear more natural.
- Keep an Eye on Water Temperature: Pike are more active in warmer water. Use deeper-diving crankbaits in colder water and shallow divers when the water warms up.
Conclusion
Choosing the right durable crankbait fishing lures for pike in lakes can make all the difference in your fishing experience. Crankbaits are versatile, durable, and effective, especially when you select the right size, color, and action for the conditions at hand. Whether you’re fishing in deep waters or casting along weedy shallows, there’s a crankbait out there to suit your needs.
For the best selection of high-quality fishing lures for pike and other species, visit lurebolt.com. Our collection of durable crankbaits will help you maximize your fishing success and enjoy every moment on the water.
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