Best Spinner Baits For Pike Fishing

Many anglers target northern pike with various lures. Among these, the spinnerbait stands out as a reliable choice. These baits offer a unique combination of flash, vibration, and profile that attracts predatory fish. This makes them effective in many different fishing conditions.

The design of a spinnerbait is quite simple. A weighted head holds a skirt of silicone or rubber strands. One or more metal blades spin around a wire arm. This spinning action creates flash and vibration that pike find hard to resist.

Choosing the right spinner bait can make a difference. Factors like blade type, color, and size play a role in how effective the bait will be. Different blades create different vibrations and flash. Color choices depend on water clarity and light conditions. Size often depends on the size of the fish you are targeting.

We have gathered information on some popular spinnerbaits. This information can help anglers make informed choices when selecting baits for pike. This guide will explore some of these options.

Mepps Giant Killer

The Mepps Giant Killer is a spinnerbait specifically designed for anglers targeting large predatory fish like northern pike. This bait stands out due to its substantial weight and oversized willow leaf blade, which combine to produce a powerful vibration and significant flash in the water. We’ll delve into the details of this lure to help you determine if it suits your pike fishing needs.

Who Is This For?

The Mepps Giant Killer is primarily aimed at anglers pursuing larger pike, especially in deeper water or open water scenarios. Its weight makes it suitable for covering water quickly and reaching depths where larger pike often reside. This makes it suitable for anglers who fish in lakes, rivers, or large reservoirs where casting distance and depth are important factors. This bait is not ideal for shallow weedy areas.

Key Considerations

• Weight and Casting: The Mepps Giant Killer typically weighs around 1 1/4 ounces. This weight is a key feature, enabling long casts and allowing the bait to sink quickly into deeper water. However, this weight also necessitates a sturdier rod and reel setup than lighter spinnerbaits. Anglers using lighter tackle might find casting this lure tiring or ineffective. Some anglers use this bait for trolling due to its weight.
• Blade Design and Action: The oversized willow leaf blade is a defining characteristic of the Giant Killer. This large blade creates a substantial amount of flash and vibration as it spins, attracting the attention of predatory fish from a considerable distance. The willow leaf shape is known for its fast rotation and minimal water resistance, making it effective for faster retrieves.

• Hook Quality and Design: The Mepps Giant Killer is equipped with heavy-duty hooks designed to withstand the powerful strikes and aggressive fights of large pike. These hooks are typically strong and sharp, ensuring good hooksets and minimizing the chances of fish escaping.
• Color and Finish: While effective, the Mepps Giant Killer has a limited color palette compared to some other spinnerbaits on the market. The available colors are generally proven fish catchers, but anglers who prefer a wider range of options might find this a limitation.
• Durability: The Mepps Giant Killer is generally considered a durable lure. Its robust construction and quality components contribute to its longevity, even when subjected to the harsh conditions of pike fishing.

Pros and Cons

The Mepps Giant Killer is a specialized spinnerbait designed with specific fishing scenarios in mind. Its weight and large blade make it a good choice for anglers targeting big pike in deeper water or open water. However, its weight also means it requires appropriate tackle and may not be suitable for all fishing situations. If you are targeting big fish in deeper water where casting distance is important, the Giant Killer is worth considering. If you are fishing shallow weedy areas or prefer lighter tackle, you should consider other options.

Northland Reed Runner

The Northland Reed Runner is a spinnerbait known for its adaptability and effectiveness in various fishing conditions. This bait has some unique features that set it apart from other spinnerbaits, making it a popular choice for anglers targeting northern pike and other species. Let’s examine its design and features.

Who Is This For?

The Northland Reed Runner appeals to anglers who fish in diverse environments, especially those with vegetation like reeds or cabbage weeds. It’s also suitable for anglers who target multiple species, as this bait has proven effective for pike, bass, walleye, and even crappie. This bait is not ideal for deep water fishing.

Key Considerations

• Twisted Eye Design: A key feature of the Northland Reed Runner is its twisted eye line tie. This design is less common than the traditional R-bend found on most spinnerbaits. The twisted eye is particularly advantageous when using wire or fluorocarbon leaders, as it helps prevent the leader from sliding and bunching up, which can hinder the lure’s action. It also makes changing baits easier with the use of speed clips.
• Weedless Design: The head design of the Reed Runner is intended to help it move through vegetation with minimal snagging. This feature is particularly useful when fishing in areas with heavy weeds, reeds, or other submerged cover.

• Blade Configurations: The Northland Reed Runner comes in various blade configurations, including single, tandem, Colorado, and willow leaf blades. This variety allows anglers to choose the best blade type for the specific fishing conditions, water clarity, and target species. Different blade types create different vibrations and flash.
• Multi-Species Appeal: This bait has demonstrated its effectiveness on a variety of fish species, not just pike. This makes it a good choice for anglers who fish in areas with mixed fish populations or who prefer to use a single lure for multiple species.

Pros and Cons

The Northland Reed Runner stands out due to its twisted eye, weedless design, and multi-species appeal. These features make it a versatile option for anglers who fish in varied environments and target multiple species. If you frequently fish in weedy areas or use wire leaders, the Northland Reed Runner is definitely worth considering. If you are targeting deep water you should consider other options.

Megabass SV3 Spinnerbait

The Megabass SV-3 Spinnerbait distinguishes itself through meticulous design and a focus on refined performance. It’s engineered to deliver a unique action and presentation, setting it apart from more conventional spinnerbaits. Let’s delve deeper into its features to assess its suitability for pike fishing.

Who Is This For?

The Megabass SV-3 caters to anglers who appreciate nuanced lure design and are prepared to invest in premium tackle. It’s well-suited for those targeting various predatory species, including pike, and who value a bait that offers a distinctive action and profile. This is not a budget option, but rather a lure aimed at those who prioritize performance and detail.

Key Considerations

• Head Design and Hydrodynamics: The Megabass SV-3’s head is not simply a weight; it’s a carefully sculpted component designed to influence the lure’s hydrodynamics. This design aims to achieve optimal balance and tracking, ensuring the bait runs true even during fast retrieves, in current, or when encountering underwater obstructions. The head shape is often designed to deflect cover and reduce snagging. This is a departure from simpler, more rounded or bullet-shaped heads found on many other spinnerbaits.
• Blade Design, Rotation, and Vibration: The blade or blades on the SV-3 are central to its action. Megabass often uses specific blade shapes (like willow, Colorado, or Indiana) and sizes, sometimes in combination (tandem blades), to create a precise flash and vibration signature. The blade’s finish (polished, hammered, painted) also contributes to the overall presentation. These details are designed to trigger strikes from predatory fish.
• Hook Quality, Placement, and Strength: Hook quality is paramount in a premium lure, and the SV-3 typically features high-end hooks known for their sharpness, strength, and durability. The hook’s placement on the lure is carefully considered to maximize hook-up ratios. The gape and shank length are often optimized for the size of fish the lure is intended to target.

• Skirt Material, Design, and Action: The skirt of the Megabass SV-3 is crafted from high-quality silicone or other flexible materials. The number of strands, their thickness, and their length are all designed to create a lifelike and enticing action in the water. The skirt’s movement complements the blade’s rotation, adding to the overall attraction of the lure. Some skirts may also incorporate flash or other visual attractants.
• Wire Form and Construction: The wire form that connects the head, blade, and hook is another important aspect of the SV-3. It’s often made from high-strength wire to withstand the stress of fighting large fish. The wire’s shape and flexibility can also influence the lure’s action.

Pros and Cons

The Megabass SV-3 Spinnerbait is a carefully engineered lure with a focus on refined performance. Its detailed design elements contribute to a unique action and presentation. While its higher price point may be a factor for some, anglers who prioritize performance and appreciate meticulous design may find the SV-3 a worthwhile investment for targeting pike and other predatory fish.