In the dynamic world of pike fishing, mastering the art of jerkbait fishing opens up a realm of possibilities.
There are lots of different jerkbaits out there so it can be confusing.
But I will keep it simple and breakdown the 5 best jerkbaits for pike.
Read all the way to the end of the article to find an awesome video!
There are two types of “jerkbaits” that pike anglers refer to.
First is the bigger, glide style of jerkbaits.
And the second is the standard, billed, suspending jerkbait that is popular for all species of fish.
The glide style of jerkbaits are very popular in Canada a Europe.
They are a bit like a mix between traditional glide baits and suspending jerkbaits.
With each jerk of the rod, these lures will jump and glide slowly to each side.
Glide jerkbaits are big, heavy, and displace lots of water.
They imitate a big meal for pike, which gets lots of bites from huge, trophy sized pike.
You have certainly seen lots of bass anglers use suspending jerkbaits to get tons of bites.
Although these jerkabaits are most popular for bass fishing, they are tremendous ways to catch pike.
Rather than slowly gliding to the side when jerked, these lures quickly dart to the side and then come to a complete stop where they suspend in one spot.
You will catch some very big pike on suspending jerkbaits, but since the lures are much smaller, your bites will tend to be smaller as well.
The suspending characteristic also makes it easier to use if you are bank fishing for northern pike.
The sinking 15-cm Buster Jerk is the safest choice when jerk fishing for pike.
It is easy to cast and fish with, and you don’t have to be rocket scientist to use it.
The jerk swims from side to side with a simple retrieve, and you can increase the lure’s glide and side-flashing by augmenting the movement with the rod.
Extremely efficient throughout the season in all pike waters, both the sea and lakes. The jerk is made from durable plastic and includes internal rattler beads.
In the early and late season, when water is cold, Buster Jerk is highly effective when retrieved very slowly with intermittent pauses.
Too rapid movement may scare your target away in colder water. The importance of stopping the retrieve every so often cannot be emphasized too much.
At slow retrieve, the lure’s most effective swimming depth is 1.5–3 meters.
In late spring, summer, and early fall you can up the retrieval speed significantly and use the rod to give an extra kick to the action.
You should still remember to let the lure stop every once in a while. At faster speed, the lure is most effective at a depth of 1–3 meters.
Deviate from the norm and get bites that no one else is getting with the versatile and super-effective sliding Deviator Swim.
It swims with an incredible side shifting action on the retrieve and makes eye-catching side flashes on the twitch.
A highly durable construction with thru wire can withstand anything you or brutal predator fish can throw at this lure, which is also long-casting, easy-to-fish and features a built-in rattle.
It’s the ideal search lure for just about any predator fish out there. Crafted with precision, these lures come in three different sizes to cater to various fishing scenarios: 10.5CM, 14CM, and 12.5CM.
The thoughtful design extends to the sink rate and weight options, providing you with optimal control and versatility in your fishing endeavors.
Choose from three different sink rates/weights to suit your specific fishing needs: Slow Sinking at 70G, Slow Sinking at 35G, and Slow Sinking at 50G.
The Sub Walk is a bit different from the other two lures. The Sub Walk is essentially a walking bait that can be fished under the surface.
Swimming just below the surface (0-4′), Walk-The-Dog anglers can use this incredibly effective technique anytime, anywhere.
Chop, wind, even rough water can’t stop the SubWalk. Unique lateral tail fin adds extra glide and stability to action.
Slow-sinking on the pause triggers reaction bite. X-Rap finish; internal holographic foil, internal rattle system and 3D holographic eyes.
On model size XRSB09 VMC flash feather tail hook and black nickel belly hook.
On model size XRSB15 a VMC black nickel hook. Hand-tuned and tank-tested.
Perfectly balanced, this versatile lure can be effortlessly cast or trolled at any speed, ensuring it maintains a true course through the water.
Equipped with a precision-engineered rattle chamber, the Husky Jerk generates captivating sound waves that resonate and attract fish from afar.
Choose from a selection of metallic, natural, or glass patterns to match the prevailing conditions and entice even the most elusive catches.
Designed with suspending/neutral buoyancy, the Husky Jerk delivers an enticing pause that triggers strikes.
Its long-casting capability allows you to reach distant hotspots with ease, while the incorporation of loud rattles ensures an irresistible allure.
Experience the confidence of a lure that runs straight and true, whether you prefer casting or trolling.
The premium VMC Black Nickel Hooks provide superior hooksets, securing your prized catches with unmatched reliability.
Available in three superior finish styles, each Husky Jerk is meticulously hand-tuned and tank-tested for optimum performance.
Elevate your fishing experience with a lure that combines precision engineering, cutting-edge technology, and a legacy of success – the Husky Jerk.
The Shadow Rap combines a horizontal struggle with a vertical fade that perfectly mimics a minnow in trouble.
Rapala has perfected the natural minnow action in this new jerkbait that triggers fish in three ways: on the kick, on a slow fading fall and on the snap back to life.
Most jerk baits continue on a forward plane with each jerk. Not the Shadow Rap.
It kicks almost 180 degrees right then left, so it can be fished nearly in place with very little forward travel, keeping the flickering fade of the Shadow Rap right in a fish’s strike zone.
That’s when things really get interesting. IT’S ABOUT THE STRUGGLE – Kicking almost 180 degrees right then left, with very little forward travel, it stays in the strike zone.
HEAD DOWN ATTITUDE – Head down, ready to work, the fixed weight system allows lure to fade slowly like a dying minnow.
SLACK LINE LOOK BACK – After a sharp snap and generous slack line, it will actually spin around and look backwards.
Jerkbaits will catch pike all year round, and I keep them tied on at all times.
But there are a couple times of year that I really focus on using jerkbaits over almost all other pike lures.
When the water gets cold, nothing beats a jerkbait. From the late-fall to the early-spring months when the water temperatures are quite cold, you need to be fishing jerkbait lures for pike.
Q1. Why use JerkBatis for pike instead of other fishing methods?
JerkBatis is particularly effective for pike due to the predatory nature of these fish. The erratic movements of jerkbaits mimic wounded prey, triggering a predatory response from pike. This technique can often lead to more aggressive strikes compared to traditional fishing methods.
Q2. What gear is recommended for JerkBatis fishing for pike?
Any time you are fishing for pike, you need to be using heavier gear. A heavy baitcaster rod with 60-80 lb braid is my favorite setup. When I am fishing for bigger pike, I also use a wire leader.
Q3. Are there any specific techniques for working JerkBatis to attract pike?
To effectively attract pike using jerkbaits, employ a technique that involves sharp rod tip jerks followed by pauses. This mimics the erratic movements of injured baitfish, triggering the predatory instincts of pike. Experiment with retrieval speeds, alternating between fast and slow to identify what induces strikes based on the fish’s mood and the water temperature.
Q4. Are there safety considerations when using JerkBatis for pike?
When using jerkbaits for pike fishing, prioritize safety by handling sharp hooks with care and considering the use of hook covers when not in use. Exercise caution when handling pike, using appropriate tools like pliers to unhook the fish and avoiding fingers near their sharp teeth. Utilize rubberized landing nets to minimize damage to the pike’s skin and scales, reducing the risk of injury.
Q5. What do Pike Eat? Pike eat a variety of foods such as shiner, perch, other pike, and crayfish. The exact diet of any specific pike will depend on where it lives and what the available forage is.
Glide jerkbaits, with their slow, mesmerizing movements, entice trophy-sized pike, especially in the expansive waters of Canada and Europe.
Meanwhile, the nimble suspending jerkbaits, known for their abrupt stops and darting motions, prove effective in attracting sizable pike.
Armed with this understanding, coupled with insights into top-rated jerkbaits like Strike Pro Buster Jerk, Savage Gear Deviator Swim, Rapala Sub Walk, Rapala Husky Jerk, and Rapala Shadow Rap, anglers can elevate their pike fishing endeavors to new heights.
Whether it’s the gliding allure or the suspending finesse, these jerkbaits hold the key to thrilling encounters with one of the most sought-after freshwater predators.
