fishing lures. One of the most popular and effective choices for targeting pike is soft plastic fishing lures. These lures mimic the movement of live prey, making them irresistible to pike. While soft plastics are versatile and highly effective, there’s a learning curve when it comes to selecting the right lures, rigs, and techniques.
If you’re looking for cheap soft plastic fishing lures for pike fishing in lakes, this comprehensive guide will show you the best setups, tips, and tricks to increase your chances of landing a trophy pike—without breaking the bank.
By the end of this article, you’ll know everything you need to successfully fish for pike using soft plastics, from selecting the right lures to mastering the most effective techniques.
Why Soft Plastic Fishing Lures Are Ideal for Pike
Before we dive into the best soft plastic fishing lures for pike, it’s essential to understand why these lures are such a popular choice among anglers.
1. Realistic Action
Soft plastic lures closely mimic the movements of small fish, crayfish, or other prey species that pike typically target. This lifelike action makes them incredibly effective in enticing pike into striking.
2. Versatility
Soft plastics can be rigged in a variety of ways, from simple Texas rigs to more complex Carolina rigs. Whether you’re fishing in shallow, weedy areas or deeper, open water, there’s a soft plastic setup that will work for you.
3. Affordability
Compared to other types of lures, soft plastic fishing lures tend to be more affordable. They offer great value for money, especially when you’re just starting out or don’t want to spend too much on high-end tackle.
4. Durability
Soft plastics are known for their durability, especially when paired with sturdy hooks and rigs. While they may not last forever after several pike strikes, a well-made soft plastic lure can handle multiple fish catches, making them a cost-effective investment for pike anglers.
Best Cheap Soft Plastic Fishing Lures for Pike in Lakes
Now, let’s take a look at some of the best cheap soft plastic fishing lures for pike fishing in lakes. These lures offer fantastic value for money and have been proven effective in capturing pike across various freshwater lakes.
1. Lurebolt Soft Plastic Swimbait
At Lurebolt, we offer an affordable and durable range of soft plastic swimbaits designed for pike fishing. Our Lurebolt Soft Plastic Swimbait features a natural baitfish profile, making it perfect for pike, which are known to target schools of minnows.
Features: Realistic baitfish pattern, multiple color options, and a lifelike swimming action.
Best For: Shallow to mid-depth lake areas where pike feed on minnows and other small fish.
Why It’s Great: Affordable yet high-quality, this swimbait has a proven track record for attracting pike in various lake environments.
2. Yum Lures Mighty Shad
The Yum Mighty Shad is an excellent choice for anglers looking for cheap but effective soft plastic lures. This swimbait is designed to imitate the natural movement of small baitfish in the water, making it irresistible to pike.
Features: Soft plastic body, realistic shad profile, and a subtle tail action that mimics wounded fish.
Best For: Fishing in deeper lake waters where pike are likely to be hiding.
Why It’s Great: Available at a budget-friendly price, this lure offers realistic movement and durability, making it a popular choice for pike anglers.
3. Berkley PowerBait Pike Swimbait
Known for their effectiveness, Berkley PowerBait lures have been a favorite for years. The PowerBait Pike Swimbait is an affordable option that offers a lifelike presentation in the water.
Features: High-quality plastic material, a unique tail action that creates a vibration in the water, and realistic color patterns.
Best For: Fishing around submerged structures, such as rocks or weed beds, where pike like to lurk.
Why It’s Great: PowerBait’s scent-infused formula increases strike chances, even when pike are less active.
4. Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ
For a soft plastic that can stand up to multiple pike strikes, Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ is an excellent budget option. The Z-Man lures are made with their proprietary Elaztech material, which makes them more durable than many other soft plastics.
Features: Durable Elaztech material, long-lasting action, and a natural presentation that appeals to pike.
Best For: Deep-water fishing or working around submerged vegetation where pike are likely to ambush prey.
Why It’s Great: The Elaztech material allows the lure to hold its shape for extended periods, making it great for multiple fishing trips.
Best Setup for Using Soft Plastic Lures for Pike
Selecting the right setup for fishing with soft plastic lures is key to getting the best results. Here’s how you can set up your tackle to effectively use soft plastic fishing lures for pike in lakes.
1. Choosing the Right Rod and Reel
For pike fishing in lakes, you’ll need a rod and reel setup that can handle both the size of pike and the soft plastic lures you’ll be using.
Rod: A medium to heavy spinning rod between 6’6” and 7’6” is ideal for pike fishing. The rod should have enough backbone to handle the large pike, but also be sensitive enough to feel subtle bites.
Reel: Pair your rod with a spinning reel with a high gear ratio (6.0:1 or higher). This allows you to retrieve your lure quickly and cover a lot of water.
2. Selecting the Right Line
Braided Line: Braided line is highly recommended for pike fishing, especially in weedy or rocky areas. It offers strength and durability, as well as sensitivity, so you can feel every bite.
Line Strength: Use a braided line with a 20-40 lb test for pike fishing. This will allow you to fight larger pike while still being able to work your soft plastic lures effectively.
3. Rigging Soft Plastics
There are a few popular ways to rig soft plastic lures for pike fishing:
Texas Rig: This is one of the simplest and most effective rigs. It works well in areas with heavy vegetation or rocky bottoms. The soft plastic is threaded onto a hook with the weight placed above it, allowing the lure to glide through the water without getting snagged.
Carolina Rig: This rig is great for fishing deeper waters. It uses a slip sinker above a swivel, with the soft plastic rigged on a hook below. The weight allows the lure to sink slowly, which is perfect for pike hunting in deeper lake sections.
Drop Shot Rig: The drop shot rig is excellent for fishing soft plastics near the bottom. It involves tying the hook above the weight, ensuring that the soft plastic stays off the lake floor and can move more freely.
Techniques for Using Soft Plastic Lures for Pike in Lakes
Now that you have the right setup, let’s look at some effective fishing techniques.
1. Slow and Steady Retrieve
A slow and steady retrieve works well in lakes, especially when the water is cold. This allows the pike to track the movement of the soft plastic and increase the likelihood of striking.
2. Pause and Jerk
Incorporating pauses and jerks into your retrieve can mimic the erratic movement of injured prey. This works particularly well when fishing around structures like submerged rocks or logs, where pike like to ambush their prey.
3. Vary the Depth
Varying the depth of your retrieve is essential for locating pike. Start by fishing at various depths until you find where the pike are actively feeding. Pike often feed near the bottom or just below the surface, depending on the time of day.
Conclusion
Using cheap soft plastic fishing lures for pike in lakes is an effective and affordable way to catch these elusive predators. With the right setup, rigging techniques, and fishing strategies, you’ll be well on your way to reeling in your next trophy pike.
To ensure you have the best soft plastic lures for your next fishing adventure, check out the selection at