At Lurebolt.com, we provide a wide range of high-quality fishing lures, including custom spoons specifically designed for pike. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned angler, this tutorial will equip you with the knowledge to enhance your fishing experience and increase your catch rate.
1. Why Spoon Fishing Lures Are Perfect for Pike in Canada
Pike are known for their aggression and size, making them a sought-after species for anglers in Canada. These predatory fish typically reside in weedy, shallow waters, but they can also be found in deeper, colder waters, particularly during the colder months. Using the right fishing lure is crucial to attracting pike, and spoon lures are among the best for this type of fishing.
Here are the key reasons why spoon lures are highly effective for pike:
A. Mimics the Movement of Prey
Spoon lures are designed to imitate the erratic movement of baitfish, one of the primary food sources for pike. When retrieved, the spoon creates vibrations in the water and flashes of light that resemble a struggling fish. This movement is irresistible to pike, especially when they are actively hunting.
B. Works Well in Different Water Conditions
Pike are opportunistic feeders that strike at prey in both clear and murky water. Spoon lures, with their bright reflective surfaces and vibrant colors, are highly visible and create enticing flashes that attract pike in any condition. Whether you’re fishing in clear water or murky, a spoon lure can be the key to success.
C. Effective for Both Shallow and Deep Water Fishing
One of the advantages of spoon lures is their versatility. They can be fished in a variety of depths, making them ideal for pike fishing in both shallow and deep waters. Depending on the weight and design, you can cast spoons into shallow areas near weed beds or drop them into deeper waters where pike tend to hide during the hotter months.
D. Durability and Versatility
Spoon lures are durable and resistant to wear, even after repeated exposure to pike’s sharp teeth and harsh environments. Their simplicity in design makes them suitable for use in various fishing techniques, including trolling, casting, and jigging. This versatility allows anglers to use them in different pike fishing environments, from river systems to large lakes across Canada.
2. Types of Spoon Lures for Pike Fishing
Spoon lures come in different designs, sizes, and finishes. Each type has its own unique characteristics, making them better suited to specific fishing conditions and techniques. Let’s take a look at some of the best spoon lures for pike fishing in Canada:
A. Classic Metal Spoon Lures
Classic metal spoons are often the go-to choice for pike anglers. These lures are made from metal and have a sleek, curved design that allows them to create a tantalizing flash and wobbling action when retrieved. Classic spoons come in various weights, making them suitable for fishing in both shallow and deeper waters. Some of the most popular options include:
Silver or Chrome Spoons: These shiny finishes mimic the appearance of baitfish and reflect light, making them effective in clear water conditions.
Gold or Copper Spoons: These colors are ideal for murky water or overcast days, as they create a more subtle yet still enticing flash.
B. Spinner Spoon Lures
Spinner spoon lures combine the action of a traditional spoon with the added flash and vibration of a spinning blade. The spinning blade creates additional noise and movement in the water, which can help attract pike from a greater distance. Spinner spoons are particularly useful when fishing in murky or deeper water where visibility is reduced, and vibration plays a crucial role in attracting predators.
C. Weighted Spoon Lures
Weighted spoon lures are designed with added weight, making them sink faster than traditional spoons. This type of spoon is ideal for deep-water fishing, especially in larger lakes where pike may be holding at greater depths. Weighted spoons allow you to cover more water and reach the pike that are actively hunting deeper in the water column.
D. Custom or Painted Spoons
Custom spoons feature unique color patterns, reflective finishes, or coatings designed to match the appearance of the local baitfish. Many pike anglers prefer using custom-painted spoons that replicate the exact color and pattern of the most common prey species in a given area. For example, a custom-painted perch or smelt pattern may prove to be highly effective in certain Canadian lakes.
3. How to Choose the Best Spoon Lures for Pike
Choosing the right spoon lure can make all the difference when fishing for pike. To maximize your success, consider the following factors when selecting your spoon lure:
A. Size of the Spoon Lure
Pike are large, aggressive fish, so using a lure that matches their prey size is essential. Typically, spoon lures in the range of 3 to 6 inches work best for pike. Smaller lures may attract younger or smaller pike, while larger spoons are designed to target bigger, more aggressive fish. Consider the local baitfish species and choose a spoon size that reflects their size.
B. Color and Finish of the Spoon
As mentioned earlier, color is crucial when fishing for pike. Pike are known to be attracted to bright colors and shiny finishes that mimic the appearance of prey fish. In clear water, silver, chrome, or white lures can be effective, while gold, yellow, or orange may work better in murky conditions. Custom-painted lures with patterns resembling local baitfish are also highly effective.
C. Weight and Retrieval Speed
The weight of the spoon will affect how deep it sinks and how it behaves in the water. Lighter spoons are better for shallow water fishing, while heavier spoons allow you to target deeper areas where pike may be hiding. Adjust the weight of your lure depending on the depth of the water and your retrieval speed.
D. Brand and Quality
While affordability is a factor, quality should always be a priority. High-quality spoons made from durable metals and premium finishes tend to last longer and perform better. When choosing a brand, ensure that the lure has a strong hook, high-quality coating, and a well-designed shape that promotes realistic movement.
4. Best Techniques for Fishing with Spoon Lures for Pike
Now that you’ve selected the right spoon lure for your pike fishing trip, it’s time to learn how to use it effectively. Here are some of the most popular and effective techniques for fishing with spoon lures:
A. Casting and Retrieving
Casting and retrieving is one of the most straightforward techniques for fishing with spoons. To do this:
Cast the spoon towards areas where pike are likely to be, such as weed beds, drop-offs, or structures like submerged rocks.
Retrieve the lure at a steady pace, varying the speed depending on the fish’s response. A slow, steady retrieve often works best, but occasionally jerking the rod tip or adding a twitch to the retrieve can make the lure appear more lifelike.
Watch for strikes as the lure moves through the water. Pike often strike the lure aggressively, so be ready to set the hook as soon as you feel a bite.
B. Trolling
Trolling is an effective way to cover more ground when fishing for pike, particularly in large lakes. To troll with spoon lures:
Attach the spoon to a trolling setup, which usually involves a long rod and a reel that can handle the strain of trolling.
Slowly troll the spoon behind your boat, allowing the lure to move through the water at various depths. You can use a depth finder to identify areas where pike are holding and adjust your trolling speed accordingly.
Keep the boat moving at a steady pace, and pay attention to any bites or changes in the lure’s movement.
C. Jigging
Jigging is another effective technique, especially for pike that are holding deeper in the water column. To jig with spoon lures:
Drop the spoon vertically to the desired depth, typically near structures where pike are likely to be.
Jig the rod in short, sharp movements to make the lure dart and flash, mimicking a distressed fish.
Pause between jigs to allow the lure to sink and create more movement in the water.
5. Where to Fish for Pike in Canada
Canada offers some of the best pike fishing opportunities in the world. Here are a few top locations where you can try using spoon lures for pike:
Lake Ontario: Known for its large pike population, Lake Ontario offers both shore and boat fishing opportunities.
Lake Simcoe: A popular destination for pike anglers, with abundant weed beds and deep water drop-offs.
Algonquin Park: A beautiful park with numerous lakes and rivers that hold plenty of pike.
Lake of the Woods: Located in Ontario, this lake is known for its trophy-sized pike and exceptional fishing conditions.
Conclusion
Spoon fishing lures are among the best tools for targeting pike in Canada. With the right selection of size, color, weight, and technique, you can maximize your chances of landing a big one. Whether you’re fishing in shallow rivers, deep lakes, or trolling in wide-open waters, spoon lures offer unmatched versatility and effectiveness.
For high-quality, affordable spoon lures that are perfect for pike fishing, visit Lurebolt.com today. We offer a wide range of custom lures designed to help you achieve success on your next fishing adventure.