Fishing for pike in lakes can be an exciting and challenging experience. One of the best tools for targeting these predatory fish is the crankbait fishing lure. These lures are designed to imitate the movements of prey fish like minnows or small perch, making them irresistible to pike. Crankbaits are especially effective in lakes, where pike often feed on smaller fish near the shorelines or in deeper, structured areas.
In this comprehensive guide, we will focus on using handmade crankbait fishing lures for pike in lakes. We’ll discuss the benefits of using handmade crankbaits, how to use them effectively, and provide you with expert tips and techniques to enhance your fishing experience. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, this article will provide you with all the knowledge you need to catch more pike using crankbaits.
Why Choose Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures for Pike in Lakes?
Before diving into the best techniques and tips for using crankbaits, it’s essential to understand why handmade crankbait fishing lures are such a powerful tool for pike fishing in lakes.
1. Realistic Action and Movement
Handmade crankbaits are designed to mimic the natural movement of prey species, making them highly effective for attracting pike. Their wobbly, erratic action creates vibrations in the water that mimic the movements of injured or distressed fish. This natural behavior triggers the pike’s predatory instincts and increases the likelihood of a strike.
2. Durability and Customization
Handmade crankbaits are often crafted with high-quality materials, ensuring superior durability and long-lasting performance. These lures are typically made with attention to detail, offering realistic paint jobs, lifelike finishes, and customizable features, such as different sizes, diving depths, and colors. This customization allows anglers to choose the perfect crankbait for various lake conditions and pike preferences.
3. Effective in Various Lake Conditions
Crankbaits can be used in a wide range of lake conditions, from shallow waters near the shore to deeper, colder areas where pike are likely to be hiding. Handmade crankbaits are available in various diving depths, allowing you to adjust the lure to match the depth at which the pike are feeding. Additionally, these lures can be used in both clear and murky water, making them versatile enough for different fishing environments.
4. Easy to Use for Beginners
Crankbaits are relatively easy to use, even for beginners. Unlike other lures that require complex techniques, crankbaits only need a simple cast and retrieve, making them an accessible choice for novice anglers. The added benefit of the crankbait’s natural movement means that beginners don’t need to worry about perfecting advanced fishing techniques to catch pike.
Best Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures for Pike in Lakes
Choosing the right crankbait is crucial for a successful fishing experience. Below are some of the best handmade crankbait fishing lures that are perfect for catching pike in lakes. These lures offer exceptional quality, durability, and performance, ensuring that you get the best value for your fishing trips.
1. Lurebolt Handmade Crankbait Lure
At Lurebolt, we offer handmade crankbait lures specifically designed for targeting pike in lakes. Our custom-made crankbaits are crafted from high-quality materials and feature a realistic design that mimics the movements of small fish.
- Features: Durable construction, lifelike paint job, realistic movement, and available in various diving depths and colors.
- Best For: Shallow to medium-depth lake fishing, perfect for catching pike near shorelines or around submerged structures.
- Why It’s Great: The Lurebolt Handmade Crankbait offers excellent durability and an incredibly realistic action that mimics injured or struggling prey, making it ideal for pike. Its customizable design allows anglers to choose the best option for their specific fishing conditions.
Check out Lurebolt Handmade Crankbaits here!
2. Rapala Original Floater Crankbait
The Rapala Original Floater Crankbait is a classic and one of the best-selling crankbaits worldwide. Known for its lifelike swimming action, this lure is highly effective for pike fishing in lakes.
- Features: Premium balsa wood construction, lifelike swimming action, and available in a wide range of colors and sizes.
- Best For: Shallow to mid-depth waters, especially effective in clear lakes.
- Why It’s Great: The Rapala Original Floater provides a slow-sinking action that mimics a struggling baitfish. It’s versatile and can be used for casting and trolling, making it a go-to choice for pike in many lake environments.
3. Heddon Super Spook Crankbait
The Heddon Super Spook Crankbait is a high-performance crankbait that is ideal for both shallow and deeper lake fishing. Known for its reliable action and loud rattle, it’s perfect for attracting pike, even in murky water.
- Features: Loud rattle, great color patterns, and a durable construction designed to withstand saltwater and freshwater conditions.
- Best For: Fishing in both shallow and deeper parts of the lake, especially when targeting larger pike.
- Why It’s Great: The Super Spook creates an excellent splash and vibration, which is perfect for attracting pike in murky water or at greater depths. Its durability and effectiveness make it a great option for pike anglers.
4. Bomber Model A Crankbait
The Bomber Model A Crankbait is another excellent choice for lake fishing, especially for larger pike. With its deep-diving design, this crankbait excels in deeper waters and offers an action that mimics injured prey.
- Features: A large, deep-diving design, sharp hooks, and a wide range of color patterns for different lake conditions.
- Best For: Deeper lakes or areas with submerged structures where pike are more likely to be hiding.
- Why It’s Great: The Bomber Model A has a deep-diving lip that makes it perfect for reaching the depths where pike are hiding. Its wide wobble creates vibrations that attract larger pike, making it a favorite among anglers.
How to Use Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures for Pike in Lakes
Using a handmade crankbait for pike fishing in lakes is relatively simple but requires some understanding of the techniques to make it effective. Below is a step-by-step guide on how to use handmade crankbait fishing lures to maximize your chances of catching pike.
1. Choosing the Right Gear
To get the best performance out of your crankbait, it’s essential to use the right gear:
- Rod: Use a medium to medium-heavy spinning rod (6’6” to 7’0”) for casting crankbaits. This provides the right balance of sensitivity and strength to handle larger pike.
- Reel: Pair your rod with a spinning reel that has a gear ratio of around 5.0:1 to 6.0:1. A higher gear ratio allows you to retrieve your crankbait quickly and maintain the right action.
- Line: Use braided line in the 20-30 lb test range for strength and sensitivity. Braided line is especially useful when fishing in deeper waters, as it allows you to feel the subtle movements of the crankbait.
2. Rigging the Crankbait
Rigging a crankbait is straightforward. Simply tie the crankbait to the end of your line using an improved clinch knot or loop knot. Make sure the knot is secure so that the crankbait moves freely through the water.
- Tip: Make sure the hook is sharp to ensure proper hook sets when the pike strikes.
3. Casting the Crankbait
Cast the crankbait toward the area where you believe pike may be hiding. Focus on areas with submerged structures, drop-offs, or weed beds where pike are likely to ambush prey.
- Tip: Cast the crankbait beyond the target area to allow it to sink and retrieve it back to you slowly.
4. Retrieving the Crankbait
The retrieval technique will depend on the depth at which you are fishing and the behavior of the pike:
- Slow Retrieve: Use a steady, slow retrieve to allow the crankbait to swim naturally through the water. This works well in shallow to medium depths.
- Erratic Retrieve: If pike are more aggressive, vary your retrieval speed or add occasional jerks to the line to simulate an injured fish.
- Depth Control: Crankbaits can dive to different depths based on their design. Ensure you adjust your retrieve to keep the crankbait within the range where pike are feeding.
5. When to Set the Hook
When a pike strikes, you’ll feel a sharp tug or see a noticeable movement in your line. Immediately set the hook by snapping the rod upward. Pike often strike hard, so a strong hookset is crucial.
Tips for Success with Handmade Crankbait Fishing Lures
- Vary Your Retrieve Speed: Pike can be finicky, so experiment with different retrieve speeds and techniques to see what triggers a strike.
- Fish During Active Times: Pike are most active during the early morning and late evening. Try fishing during these times for better results.
- Focus on Structure: Pike are more likely to be found near submerged structures like rocks, fallen trees, or weed beds. Target these areas to increase your chances.
- Use the Right Depth: Adjust the crankbait to the depth at which the pike are feeding. If they are near the bottom, use a deeper-diving crankbait.
Conclusion
Handmade crankbait fishing lures are one of the best tools for targeting pike in lakes. Their realistic action, durability, and ability to mimic the movements of prey make them ideal for attracting predatory fish. By selecting the right crankbait, using the proper fishing gear, and employing effective techniques, you can significantly increase your chances of landing a pike.
For high-quality fishing lures and other tackle, visit Lurebolt.com. Our collection of handmade crankbait lures is designed to help you succeed in your pike fishing adventures. Happy fishing!