Top 3 Pickerel Fishing Lures This Year

Pickerel fishing is an exciting challenge for anglers. These fish are known for their sharp teeth, aggressive strikes, and quick movements. They thrive in weedy, shallow waters, making them a favorite target for those who enjoy fishing in lakes and rivers with plenty of cover.

What makes pickerel fishing unique is their behavior and feeding habits. Pickerel are ambush predators. They hide in vegetation or near structures, waiting to strike at unsuspecting prey. Because of this, choosing the right lure is critical. The best lures for pickerel are those that can mimic their natural prey and handle their sharp teeth without breaking or tearing.

Unlike other fish, pickerel often require baits that can cut through weeds or create enough movement to grab their attention. Lures with bright colors, flashy designs, or erratic movements tend to work well. Durability is also important since pickerel have strong jaws that can quickly damage weaker lures.

We’ve looked into some of the best types of lures for pickerel fishing. Each category has its own strengths, depending on the conditions and how pickerel are feeding. From soft plastics to spoons and spinners, the right choice can make a big difference when targeting these aggressive fish.

Soft Plastic Lure For Pickerel 

Berkley PowerBait Minnow

Berkley PowerBait Minnow is a soft plastic lure that can work well for pickerel fishing. This bait comes in various sizes, with the 3-inch and 4-inch versions being suitable for pickerel. The lure’s split-tail design creates a lifelike swimming action that can attract these aggressive predators.

The PowerBait Minnow features Berkley’s special scent and flavor technology. This added attraction can make pickerel hold onto the bait longer, giving anglers more time to set the hook. The scent also helps spread a fish-attracting smell in the water, which is helpful when fishing in weedy areas where pickerels often hide.

Anglers can rig the PowerBait Minnow in different ways for pickerel fishing. It works well on a jig head, as a trailer on a spinner bait, or even on a drop shot rig for deeper water. The lure’s versatility allows fishermen to adapt to various pickerel fishing situations.

The durability of the PowerBait Minnow is a plus when targeting pickerel. These fish have sharp teeth that can quickly tear up softer plastics. However, some anglers note that bluegill and other panfish may still nip off the tail, requiring occasional replacement.

Color selection is important for pickerel fishing. The PowerBait Minnow comes in natural baitfish patterns that can be effective. Bright colors like chartreuse can also work well in murky water conditions often favored by pickerel.

The Berkley PowerBait Minnow can be a solid choice for anglers targeting pickerel in weedy lakes and rivers. Its combination of action, scent, and durability makes it worth trying in your pickerel fishing arsenal.

Spoon For Pickerel 

Eppinger Dardevle Spoon

The Eppinger Dardevle Spoon has been a go-to lure for pickerel fishing for over a century. This classic spoon features a simple design that creates a wiggling and wobbling action in the water. Pickerel, known for their aggressive strikes, often can’t resist this movement.

Dardevle Spoons come in various sizes, but the 1/4 oz and 3/8 oz models work well for average-sized pickerel. The red and white color pattern is a classic choice, though other colors are available to match different water conditions.

One of the Dardevle’s strengths is its versatility. Anglers can cast it or troll it, making it useful in different fishing situations. Its design allows it to cut through weedy areas where pickerel often hide, without getting snagged too easily.

The durability of the Eppinger Dardevle Spoon is noteworthy. It can withstand the sharp teeth of pickerel without bending or breaking. This toughness means anglers might not need to replace it as often as softer lures.

However, Dardevle’s simplicity can be a drawback in some situations. It lacks the realistic appearance of some modern lures, which might matter in clear water conditions. Also, its single treble hook can sometimes lead to lost fish if not set properly.

The Eppinger Dardevle Spoon works best when retrieved at a steady pace, allowing its natural action to attract pickerel. It’s a good choice for covering water quickly when searching for active fish.

The Eppinger Dardevle Spoon remains a solid choice for pickerel anglers, especially those who appreciate a no-frills, reliable lure. Its long-standing popularity speaks to its effectiveness in a variety of fishing conditions.

Jerkbaits For Pickerel 

Rapala Husky Jerk

The Rapala Husky Jerk is a popular jerk bait that can be effective for pickerel fishing. This bait features a slender profile and a suspending design, which allows it to stay in the strike zone longer. The Husky Jerk comes in various sizes, with the 12 and 14 models being particularly well-suited for pickerel.

One of the standout features of the Rapala Husky Jerk is its ability to mimic an injured baitfish. When retrieved with a jerk-pause technique, this bait creates an enticing action that can attract aggressive pickerel. The lure’s balanced design allows it to glide and dart in the water, making it look vulnerable and easy to catch.

The Husky Jerk also includes three sharp treble hooks, which can improve hookup rates. Anglers appreciate this feature, as it helps secure fish during the fight. The lure is available in a range of colors, allowing anglers to choose options that match local forage or water conditions.

Durability is another key aspect of the Rapala Husky Jerk. Its hard plastic construction can withstand the sharp teeth of pickerel without easily breaking or bending. This toughness means anglers can use it repeatedly without worrying about damage.

However, some users note that the action may require practice to master. The jerk-pause retrieve can take time to perfect, and not all anglers may find it easy to use. Additionally, while the Husky Jerk is effective, it may not perform as well in extremely clear water where more realistic presentations are necessary.

The Rapala Husky Jerk is suitable for anglers looking for a reliable jerk bait for pickerel fishing. Its unique action and durable design make it a valuable addition to any tackle box when targeting these aggressive fish.

How To Choose Lure For Pickerel Fishing?

When picking lures for pickerel fishing, there are some key things to keep in mind. Seasoned anglers know that these toothy predators have specific preferences and habits.

• First, consider the lure’s durability. Pickerel have sharp teeth that can quickly destroy soft baits. Look for tough plastics like Z-Man MinnowZ that can withstand multiple strikes. For soft plastics, it’s smart to use a short piece of wire leader to prevent bite-offs.
• Action is crucial. Pickerel are ambush predators, so lures that mimic injured or vulnerable prey work well. Jerkbaits like the Rapala X-Rap are great because you can make them dart and pause, triggering strikes. In warm water, work these lures aggressively. In cold water, slow down with subtle twitches and long pauses.
• Size matters too. While pickerel will hit small lures, upsizing can often lead to bigger fish. For spinners, go with sizes #2 to #4 in Mepps Aglia or Blue Fox Vibrax. These create more flash and vibration, attracting pickerel from a distance.
• Color choice depends on water conditions. In clear water, natural baitfish patterns work best. In murky water or on overcast days, bright colors like chartreuse can be more effective.
• Versatility is key. Lures that can be fished at different depths and speeds give you more options. Soft plastic jerkbaits like Zoom Super Fluke are great for this. You can fish them fast near the surface or let them sink slowly around structure.
• Don’t overlook classic lures. The red and white Dardevle spoon has been catching pickerel for decades. Its simple wobbling action is often irresistible to hungry chains.
• Lastly, consider weedless options. Pickerel love to hide in vegetation, so lures that can be worked through grass and lily pads without snagging are valuable. Weedless-rigged soft plastics or spinnerbaits with single hooks excel in these conditions.

Remember, pickerel fishing isn’t just about the lure itself. It’s about how you work it. Practice different retrieves and pay attention to where and when you get strikes. That local knowledge is often the difference between a good day and a great day on the water.