In this guide, we will walk you through everything you need to know about setting up and using cheap buzzbait fishing lures for pike in lakes. From understanding how buzzbaits work, to selecting the right equipment, and choosing the best buzzbait, we will cover all the key aspects to ensure a successful fishing trip.
Why Use Buzzbait Fishing Lures for Pike in Lakes?
Buzzbaits are one of the most effective lures for attracting pike, particularly in shallow lake environments. The distinctive “buzzing” noise and surface disturbance created by a buzzbait make it irresistible to pike, who are highly visual predators. Here’s why buzzbaits are so effective for pike fishing:
1. Surface Disturbance to Attract Pike
Pike are opportunistic predators that often target fish near the surface of the water, especially when they are feeding actively. Buzzbaits are designed to create a surface disturbance that mimics the behavior of prey struggling near the surface. The noise and splashes created by the lure draw pike from a distance, making it easier to target them.
2. Versatility for Shallow Water Fishing
Many lakes, especially in North America, have shallow areas where pike like to hunt. Buzzbaits excel in these areas because they float on the surface, making it easier to cast and retrieve through the shallow waters where pike often hide. The buzzing action also works well in weedy areas, where pike tend to ambush smaller fish.
3. High-Impact Visual and Auditory Appeal
Buzzbaits create a combination of visual flash and auditory disturbance that appeals to pike’s natural predatory instincts. The blade spinning on the surface creates a highly visible flash, while the noise it generates mimics the sound of struggling fish, which is highly effective for attracting pike, particularly during feeding times.
4. Ideal for Active Pike
Buzzbaits are perfect when pike are actively hunting, particularly during warmer months or during early mornings and late afternoons. The aggressive nature of pike makes them highly responsive to the fast-moving action of buzzbaits. Whether in clear or murky water, buzzbaits provide the action and noise that trigger strikes.
Best Cheap Buzzbait Fishing Lures for Pike in Lakes
When fishing for pike in lakes, you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a high-quality buzzbait. There are plenty of affordable buzzbait lures on the market that deliver great performance. Below are some of the best budget-friendly buzzbait fishing lures that work well for pike:
1. LureBolt Affordable Buzzbait
Best For: Budget-conscious anglers targeting pike in lakes
Why It’s Great: The LureBolt Affordable Buzzbait is an excellent choice for anglers who want a cost-effective option without compromising on quality. This buzzbait features a durable metal frame, a high-quality blade, and a realistic skirt that mimics the movements of prey. Its ability to create a strong surface disturbance and its versatile design make it a go-to for pike fishing.
Action: The spinning blade creates an irresistible splash and noise that attracts pike from a distance.
Durability: Made from corrosion-resistant materials, perfect for freshwater environments.
Best Use: Ideal for shallow waters, weed beds, and areas with submerged structures in lakes.
2. Strike King KVD Buzzbait
Best For: Versatility in both shallow and deeper lake fishing
Why It’s Great: The Strike King KVD Buzzbait offers a great balance between performance and price. Designed by professional fisherman Kevin VanDam, this buzzbait has been carefully crafted to provide excellent topwater action that mimics the movement of a distressed baitfish. It is a reliable and affordable choice for anglers looking to target pike in lakes.
Action: The blade creates a tight, aggressive buzz that is perfect for catching pike during active feeding times.
Durability: Built with high-quality components that last season after season.
Best Use: Works well for both shallow and slightly deeper water areas in lakes.
3. Booyah Buzzbait
Best For: Anglers looking for a durable, easy-to-use buzzbait
Why It’s Great: The Booyah Buzzbait is an affordable and highly durable option that works great for pike fishing in lakes. Its wide blade creates a larger splash and more noise, making it ideal for attracting pike, even in murky water. The compact size and the easy-to-control action make it a favorite for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Action: Produces a large splash and aggressive noise, perfect for pike and other predatory fish.
Durability: Built to withstand repeated use in freshwater environments.
Best Use: Excellent for fishing in weedy areas, near drop-offs, and in shallow lake zones.
4. Z-Man ChatterBait
Best For: Larger pike and other predatory fish
Why It’s Great: The Z-Man ChatterBait is a versatile fishing lure that works not only for pike but also for other aggressive predatory fish. Known for its unique vibrating blade system, this buzzbait creates an extra level of attraction, making it ideal for targeting larger pike in deeper waters.
Action: The vibrating blade generates an additional level of noise and vibration, mimicking a distressed baitfish.
Durability: Built with Z-Man’s legendary durability for long-lasting use.
Best Use: Great for deeper parts of the lake where larger pike tend to hunt.
5. VMC Tournament Buzzbait
Best For: Anglers seeking a high-performance buzzbait at a low price
Why It’s Great: The VMC Tournament Buzzbait is another high-quality option that’s affordable and perfect for pike fishing. Its streamlined design allows for easy casting and fast retrieves, making it a great tool for catching pike in lakes. The durable finish ensures that the buzzbait will hold up through many seasons of fishing.
Action: Creates a smooth, consistent surface disturbance that attracts pike.
Durability: Constructed with high-quality metal components to withstand tough conditions.
Best Use: Ideal for fishing in shallow water near structure and weed beds.
How to Set Up a Cheap Buzzbait Fishing Lure for Pike in Lakes
Setting up a buzzbait fishing lure for pike in lakes is a straightforward process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the most out of your cheap buzzbait lure:
1. Selecting the Right Gear
To use a buzzbait effectively, you’ll need the right rod, reel, and line. A medium or medium-heavy action rod is recommended, as it gives you enough power to cast the buzzbait over long distances and handle pike strikes. A fast-action rod will help you make quick, sharp hook sets.
Rod: A medium-heavy rod, 6 to 7 feet long, is ideal for buzzbait fishing. This provides enough strength for casting and fighting pike.
Reel: A baitcasting reel with a high gear ratio (around 6.4:1 or higher) is perfect for quickly retrieving the buzzbait.
Line: Use a 12-20 lb braided line for durability and sensitivity. Braided line is strong, easy to cast, and provides the right level of sensitivity for buzzbait fishing.
2. Rigging the Buzzbait
Attach your buzzbait to the end of your line using a barrel swivel or a snap swivel. This helps reduce line twist and ensures that the blade spins freely during retrieval. The barrel swivel also allows the buzzbait to move more naturally through the water.
Tip: If you’re fishing in areas with heavy vegetation, consider using a weedless buzzbait design to prevent snags.
3. Casting the Buzzbait
Cast the buzzbait into the area where you expect pike to be hiding, such as near submerged structures, weed beds, or drop-offs. Make sure to cast beyond these areas and retrieve the lure through the strike zone. The buzzbait should float just below the surface, creating a commotion and attracting the attention of pike.
Tip: Cast your buzzbait into areas where pike are likely to ambush prey, such as near the edge of weeds or close to underwater structures.
4. Retrieving the Buzzbait
The key to using a buzzbait effectively is the retrieve. Start by retrieving the buzzbait with a slow and steady pace, keeping it near the surface of the water. For more aggressive pike, try speeding up the retrieve to mimic a fleeing prey fish. The sound and vibration created by the blade will attract the pike from a distance.
Tip: If pike are not responding to a steady retrieve, try a faster, more erratic retrieve to provoke a strike.
5. Adjust for Water Conditions
Water clarity, temperature, and depth can all affect the effectiveness of your buzzbait. In clear water, use natural-colored buzzbaits for a more subtle presentation. In murky water, opt for brighter colors like chartreuse or orange to increase visibility.
Tip: Adjust the speed of your retrieve depending on water conditions and the behavior of the pike. Slow retrieves work well in colder water, while faster retrieves are more effective in warmer conditions.
Conclusion
Cheap buzzbait fishing lures are an excellent and cost-effective way to target pike in lakes. These lures are versatile, easy to use, and highly effective for attracting pike. By selecting the right gear, setting up your buzzbait properly, and using the correct retrieval techniques, you can significantly increase your chances of catching pike.
At LureBolt, we offer a variety of high-quality, affordable buzzbait fishing lures designed to help you land more pike in lakes. Visit