How To Fish Pike In Weeds: Best Tactics, Lures & Setup Guide

by Thavius | Last Updated:   October 8th, 2022
How To Fish Pike In Weeds: Best Tactics, Lures & Setup Guide
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Without a doubt, weed fishing can be a rewarding way to catch pike. However, it may also turn out to be a frustrating fishing technique for anyone who doesn’t know how to handle the process properly. Don’t be discouraged if you fail at your first few attempts. Like with other types of fishing, you may need some amount of practice to get this right. 

When you’re able to get the hang of the entire process, you’ll be able to catch big Northern Pike in submerged weeds without getting a snagged line. Targeting northern pike is not an easy feat because you will mostly find them around submerged vegetation trying to catch prey unawares. You’ll find many experienced anglers trying to take advantage of the thick weed beds to get the prey on their line. Also, by using the right pike lures, you’re guaranteed to enjoy a higher level of success.

Are you interested in learning how to fish pike in weeds? You’re in the right place. This piece will reveal all the information you need to learn about pike fishing in submerged weeds.

What’s The Best Technique For Fishing Pike Without Getting A Snagged Line?

If you’ve ever fished for northern pike, then you’ll know that they enjoy staying around weed beds. These submerged weeds are a good source of shelter and food for these marine animals. Many anglers enjoy pike fishing, and they use these weed beds as a prime spot to catch prey.

To catch big pike when fishing emergent vegetation, you’ll need to master the entire process and try it repeatedly. The first thing to do is to use your pike lures to trick your prey into the vegetation. It’s easier to catch pike close to submerged weeds because they are more likely to bite the bait. There are different types of lures that can be used to catch big pike, but the weedless spoon is the most popular one.

When the northern pike bites at your lure, you’ll have to reel it out of the vegetation slowly. If you reel in your prey too quickly, there are chances that your line may get tangled with the vegetation and snap under pressure.

It’s essential that you are able to identify the spots where you are likely to find pike. The northern pike enjoys hanging around different types of weed beds, including eelgrass, flowering rush, cattails, water lilies, and milfoil. Different types of weed will offer different shelter and food options for pikes. Therefore, you need to be familiar with the different types of vegetation that are found in your fishing location and adjust your tactics accordingly.

What Are The Best Lures To Use When Pike Fishing?

Buzzbait

Spinnerbait

You need to note that the type of lure that you attach to your rod tip will have an impact on the results of your expeditions. There are different types of weedless lures that can be used when trying to catch large pike. Some of the most popular examples of pike lures include buzzbaits and spinnerbaits.

Weedless frog lures work best on pads where there is a lot of room to move around and less vegetation. However, it makes jigging quite challenging. This lure also sticks better on bucktails than plastic trailers.

Yes, pike will eat topwater lures. This fish prefers topwater baits to other types of bait. The most important thing to note when using this type of lure or fishing gear is that they work well with medium to heavy action rod tip. Make sure that you get the right lures and then get a suitable rod to match them. Furthermore, you may combine this set up with a reel spooled with a 10-pound test monofilament line to give you enough power to pull the fish out of the water.

Is A Texas Rig Effective For Pike Fishing?

If you’re like most anglers, you are probably wondering if you can use a Texas rig to catch pike. Well, the answer is pretty straightforward. Yes, you can catch pike in weeds with a Texas rig.

A Texas rig has a completely different setup from regular fishing equipment. However, you need to note that the design of a Texas rig makes it suitable for weedy areas. It will allow you to get your lure through all the vegetation without getting stuck. And your catch will be retrieved from the water with relative ease.

A typical Texas rig consists of a hook, a soft plastic lure, and a weight. The weight will be attached to the end of the line while the hook is placed on it. Finally, the lure is attached to the hook.

It’s been mentioned earlier that you’re expected to use a medium to heavy action rod and reel. This is the same gear specification you should apply when setting up the Texas rig. Make sure that you cast your rig close to the edge of the weed bed. Then, gradually work your way through the vegetation till your prey can detect it.

When using this rig, you’ll need to be patient and try out different types of lures. After a few tries, you’ll most certainly find the lure that will consistently get you pike.

The following video is a good example of how to set up a Texas rig for pike fishing:

How To Catch Large Pike In Weeds?

How To Fish Pike In Weeds

Did you know that there are large pike species probably swimming around your favorite hunting spot? The biggest pike caught in the United States weighed 30 pounds and 56 inches long. So, how do you find and reel in these large species?

The biggest pike species on any lake can be found at its deeper edges. They are usually found lurking near structures such as fallen trees, rocks, and weed beds. Big northern pike are also commonly found in areas adjacent to spawning grounds, or areas that have plenty of food to sustain them.

If you want to catch large pike in weeds, you’ll need to identify areas where they are commonly found. Next, you’ll need to use high-visibility fishing lines such as bright orange, white, chartreuse, and so on.

Anglers also enjoy great success with baits that vibrate aggressively or produce sounds. Popular bait choices include; lipless cranks, inline spin poppers, buzz baits, spinners, and walking bass motors.

How To Fish For Pike In Shallow Waters?

Many anglers enjoy fishing for pike because they can be found virtually anywhere, including in shallow waters. It’s not uncommon to find spikes in pawns close to the shoreline.

If you intend to fish for pike in shallow waters, then you’ll need to make use of a light-action rod and reel. Make sure that you cast your reel close to the weed edge of the bed. After this, gradually work your way through the weeds on the water surface.

For more tips on how to catch pike in shallow water, check out the following video:

What Are Beginner’s Tips On Pike Fishing?

The truth is that pike fishing is different from regular angling techniques. As a result, you may need some help to get through the early stages of your experience.

The following are some tips that you should keep in mind regarding pike fishing in weeds:

  • Try to catch your prey early in the morning or late in the evening. It’s during this period that most pike are active.
  • Cast your lures closer to the weed bed and gradually work your way through the vegetation.
  • A medium to heavy action rod tip is your best gear alternative.
  • Effective lures to use include buzz baits, spinnerbaits, or frog lures
  • If your lure lands on weed tops, reel it in quickly to avoid getting stuck
  • Don’t hesitate to try out different lures until you find one suitable for the marine life in your fishing location.
  • Feel free to vary your tactics depending on the weed bed you choose as your hunting ground.

Key Insights & Takeaways

And that’s all on catching pike in weeds. This piece has broken down useful tips on how to catch pike in their natural habitat. Fishing in weed and vegetation can be a challenging experience. But the thrill of catching large pike species will definitely keep you going.

Before you start pike fishing, it’s essential that you learn how to do it properly. Also, make sure that you’ve chosen the right type of reel. It’s essential that your reel and rod action tip are suitable for going through vegetation. You may also try out different types of reels to catch different sizes of fish.

Finally, don’t opt for low-quality lines or they will get snagged easily. Instead, invest in tough lines that are snag-proof and will supply enough power to reel your prey out easily. If you’re facing any difficulty on your pike fishing expedition, go through the details of this piece.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where to find pike in weedy areas?

If you plan to engage in pike fishing anytime soon, it’s essential that you are able to identify where your prey will most likely be hiding. While it’s not an easy feat to spot prey in the water, you’ll enjoy some level of success by fishing in spots where they are mostly found. You’ll find pike swimming around weed beds and sights of their food. You’re bound to find pike around weed beds such as flowering rush, cattails, milfoil, watergrass, water lilies, etc.

How to use a rig for pike fishing?

A Texas rig is an effective tool to use for pike fishing. Due to its unique design, this gear is a good idea for fishing in weedy areas. Using a Texas rig, you can easily get your lure through weed. To use the rig for pike fishing, gradually lower it beside the weed bed and push it through the weed till a pike bites at it.

What is the best bait for pike?

Anglers can try different types of bait when fishing for pike. However, the soft-rayed fish is an interesting alternative. This bait has a skin filled with natural oils and is an ideal dead bait for pike fishing. The natural oils will dissolve in the water and attract any pike swimming in the surrounding water. Other interesting bait options include chubs, alewives, smelt, and small whitefish.

What time of the day are pikes most active?

You can catch pike swimming around actively in the morning. Early in the morning before dawn is a great time to catch hungry pike. You may find them in shallow water and open water.

What is the best month to catch pike?

The conditions of water bodies vary depending on the time of the year. During September and October, the temperature, weather conditions, and light intensity are always ideal for pike.

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I've been a fisherman for over 35 years. From catching small bullheads with my grandfather at his pond to catching strippers on the backwaters of the Chattahoochee, I love to get out in the wild and have a marvelous day on the water.