Fishing for pike in Florida offers a unique challenge. Known for their aggressive nature and powerful strikes, pike are one of the most thrilling fish to target in the state. When it comes to lures, soft plastic options are often the go-to for many anglers, particularly those looking for realistic and effective presentations.
In this detailed guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about realistic soft plastic fishing lures for pike in Florida. We’ll walk you through the best lures for the job, how to use them effectively, and provide tips on where and when to fish for pike. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, this tutorial will help you increase your chances of landing that elusive pike.
What Are Soft Plastic Fishing Lures?
Soft plastic fishing lures are artificial baits made from flexible materials such as plastic, rubber, or silicone. These lures are designed to mimic the appearance and movement of real prey, making them an irresistible option for pike and other predator fish.
Soft plastic lures come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. The two main types used for pike fishing are:
Swimbaits: These lures mimic the natural swimming motion of baitfish. They have a paddle tail or a segmented body that provides a lifelike, natural movement in the water.
Creature Baits: Designed to resemble crawfish, worms, or other prey, these lures are ideal for bottom fishing or slow retrieves.
For pike fishing in Florida, soft plastics are popular due to their lifelike action and ability to attract fish even in challenging conditions.
Why Use Realistic Soft Plastic Lures for Pike in Florida?
Pike in Florida can be found in a variety of freshwater bodies, including lakes, rivers, and swamps. These predatory fish are aggressive hunters, so choosing the right lure is key to getting their attention. Here’s why realistic soft plastic lures are the best option for targeting pike in Florida:
Lifelike Movement: Realistic soft plastic lures mimic the natural movement of fish, crawfish, and other prey that pike typically target. This lifelike action can be the key to triggering a strike.
Versatility: Soft plastics can be used in various conditions, whether you’re fishing in shallow waters, deep channels, or near submerged vegetation. They work well in both clear and murky waters, making them a versatile tool for Florida’s diverse freshwater habitats.
Customization: Soft plastic lures can be customized in terms of size, color, and action, allowing you to match local baitfish and adapt to different fishing conditions.
Great for Bottom Fishing: Pike are often found near the bottom of lakes or near structures like submerged rocks and vegetation. Soft plastic lures can be fished slowly along the bottom, making them ideal for pike fishing in such environments.
Durability: Soft plastic lures are durable and able to withstand multiple strikes without losing their effectiveness. For aggressive predators like pike, this is important for maximizing your time on the water.
Top Realistic Soft Plastic Fishing Lures for Pike in Florida
Below, we’ll compare some of the best realistic soft plastic lures for pike fishing in Florida. These lures are known for their effectiveness, durability, and lifelike presentation, making them perfect for catching pike in various freshwater environments.
1. LureBolt Custom Swimbait for Pike
Overview:
The LureBolt Custom Swimbait is designed specifically for targeting pike in freshwater. Its realistic action and customizable features make it one of the best choices for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
Material: Made from high-quality silicone that offers a natural feel and durability.
Design: Features a paddle tail that creates a lifelike swimming motion when retrieved. The body is designed to mimic the shape and movement of a small fish or large baitfish, making it highly effective for pike.
Colors: Available in natural colors like shad, bluegill, and chartreuse, all of which are great for matching local prey in Florida waters.
Hook Size: Works best with a weedless hook or Texas rig setup for fishing in areas with submerged vegetation.
How to Use:
The LureBolt Custom Swimbait is best fished with a steady retrieve or jerk-and-pause technique. The slow, rhythmic movement mimics an injured fish, which piques the interest of pike. Fish it near structures, drop-offs, or submerged weed beds where pike are likely to hide.
Price: $8 – $12 per lure.
Pros:
Highly customizable colors and sizes
Durable and lifelike movement
Ideal for shallow and medium-depth waters
Cons:
Requires proper rigging for optimal performance
May not work as well in very fast-moving water
2. Strike King Rage Swimmer
Overview:
The Strike King Rage Swimmer is a well-known soft plastic swimbait that is highly effective for pike fishing in freshwater. Its aggressive action and realistic design make it one of the top choices for targeting predatory fish like pike.
Material: Made with a soft but durable plastic that allows for lifelike swimming action.
Design: Features a ribbed body and boot tail that produces a strong, noticeable vibration, mimicking the movement of a baitfish.
Colors: Available in colors like bluegill, shad, and citrus shad, which are perfect for freshwater environments.
Hook Size: Best used with a jighead or swimbait hook for improved hooksets.
How to Use:
The Rage Swimmer works best with a moderate to fast retrieve, especially in deeper waters or near drop-offs. The lure’s tail will create a noticeable vibration, drawing pike from a distance.
Price: $7 – $10 per pack.
Pros:
Lifelike swimming action
Great for both shallow and deeper waters
Effective for targeting large predatory fish like pike
Cons:
May require a faster retrieval speed in deeper or murkier waters
Slightly more expensive compared to other options
3. Z-Man Custom Jerk Shad
Overview:
The Z-Man Custom Jerk Shad is a soft plastic jerkbait that provides a natural, subtle presentation for pike. Its slim profile and realistic tail action make it an excellent choice for fishing in clear waters or when pike are feeding on smaller baitfish.
Material: Made with ElaZtech material, which offers enhanced durability and flexibility.
Design: The smooth body and curved tail create a subtle, erratic action when jerked, mimicking the behavior of struggling baitfish.
Colors: Available in natural colors like baitfish, silver, and green pumpkin.
Hook Size: Best fished with a weighted hook or jighead for controlled depth.
How to Use:
The Z-Man Custom Jerk Shad is ideal for a jerk-and-pause retrieve, where you jerk the rod tip to create movement and then pause to let the lure settle. This gives the pike time to strike when the bait appears to be injured or vulnerable.
Price: $6 – $8 per pack.
Pros:
Subtle and realistic presentation
Great for clear water and finicky pike
Durable and long-lasting material
Cons:
Less effective in murky or fast-moving water
Requires more finesse and technique
4. Berkley PowerBait Soft Craw
Overview:
The Berkley PowerBait Soft Craw is a versatile creature bait that mimics crawfish, one of pike’s favorite prey. This bait is highly effective for bottom fishing and works well in areas where pike are targeting crawfish or other bottom-dwelling prey.
Material: Made with soft plastic and infused with PowerBait scent, which increases attraction and encourages fish to hold on longer.
Design: Features large, flapping claws and a ribbed body for added action and realism.
Colors: Available in crawfish-inspired colors like brown, green pumpkin, and black/blue.
How to Use:
Fish the PowerBait Soft Craw on a Texas rig or Carolina rig, allowing the lure to bounce along the bottom. Use a slow, deliberate retrieve to mimic the movement of a crawfish in distress.
Price: $7 – $10 per pack.
Pros:
Highly effective for bottom fishing
Great for targeting pike and other predator fish
Infused with scent to increase fish attraction
Cons:
Not ideal for surface fishing
Requires more patience and slower retrieve
Where to Buy the Best Realistic Soft Plastic Lures for Pike in Florida
For the best realistic soft plastic lures for pike fishing in Florida, LureBolt offers a wide selection of high-quality lures that are perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers. Our lures are designed with durability and performance in mind, ensuring that you get the most out of your fishing trips.
Visit LureBolt.com to browse our collection of custom soft plastic lures and get ready to catch more pike in Florida’s freshwater lakes.
Conclusion
Fishing for pike in Florida’s freshwater lakes can be an exciting and rewarding experience, and using the right realistic soft plastic fishing lures can greatly improve your chances of success. Whether you choose the LureBolt Custom Swimbait, the Strike King Rage Swimmer, or the Z-Man Custom Jerk Shad, these lures provide excellent action and durability, making them perfect for beginners and experienced anglers alike. By understanding how to use these lures and matching them to the right conditions, you can elevate your fishing game and increase your chances of landing that elusive pike.
For high-quality, custom soft plastic lures, visit LureBolt.com today!