Fishing with big bait lures for pike is a particularly popular sport. physically and mentally tough but so effective for targeting large specimens. We take an in-depth look at these oversized lures that are attracting so much interest from pike anglers at the moment. From their impressive size to their strategic use, via our selection of 5 essential bigbait lures for pike fishingDiscover the exciting world of XXL lures.
Our article in brief
Big baits for pike are oversized and ultra-efficient for targeting large specimens. Here are the key points:
- Impressive size A big bait lure is generally between 20 and 35 cm long.
- Its size makes it a highly visual underwater lure with more intense vibrations.
- A big bait requires a adapted equipment : The rod must be powerful and the reel robust
- Big bait fishing requires a specific approach Seasonal adaptation and targeting of favourable areas
- Big bait fishing is selective fishing. It will therefore be less quantitative but theoretically much more qualitative.
- Big bait lure features and benefits for pike fishing
- Madness Balam: a marvel for big bait pike fishing
- Wolfcreek Shad: The best big bait pike for slow fishing
- Gan Craft Jointed Claw: An XXL swimbait for pike
- CWC Miuras Mouse: A big bait for big pike
- Illex Dexter shad: One of the best soft lures for stalking record-breaking pike
- How do you choose and use your big bait lure?
- Fishing strategies with big baits
Big bait lure features and benefits for pike fishing
A big bait is a lure distinguished above all by its extraordinary size. Whether it's a soft lure or a hard lure, we consider a lure is a big bait when it reaches a size of between 20 and 35 cm in length. This XXL size mimics perfectly the natural prey of large pike. This impressive size has several advantages:
- Increased visual appeal
- More intense vibrations
- A greater capacity to trigger the predatory instinct
These oversized lures emit more signals (visual, sound, vibration) than their smaller counterparts. This characteristic enables them to attract the attention of predators from a greater distance, thus increasing the chances of a hit.
Contrary to popular belief, big baits do not only target big pike. As a result, we have often observed pike of various sizes attacking these imposing lures, proving their effectiveness on a wide range of fish.
The table below summarises the main characteristics of big bait lures:
| Features | Description |
|---|---|
| Size | 20 to 35 cm on average |
| Type of lure | Soft or hard |
| Main target | Large pike |
| Benefits | Highly attractive, triggers attacks |
Madness Balam: a marvel for big bait pike fishing
Whether in its 245 or 300 version, the Madness Balam is a benchmark lure for big bait pike fishing. This big bait is a swimbait Articulated in 4 solid parts made from ABS resin and a silicone tail. This big bait lure is particularly interesting for big pike because of its efficiency and versatility. The lure can be retrieved quickly and used at high speeds to trigger reflex attacks. However, the Balam is also very effective on slow retrieves like a swimbait classic.
It's a lure you can't do without when scouting large stretches of water for esox.
Wolfcreek Shad: The best big bait pike for slow fishing
The Wolfcreek Shad is in our opinion one of the best big bait lures for slow fishing for giant pike. We've lost count of the number of pikes that this soft lure has been able to land.
At 25 cm in its classic version, this big bait has a caudal fin that moves very discreetly, even at slow speeds. This characteristic allows slow fishing and makes even the most educated pike wary. What's more, thanks to its dense rubber, the Wolfcreek Shad is a lure that stands up well over time. We recommend mounting this soft pike lure on a Twist Head with a belly frame. Sturdiness, ease of use, an excellent swimming action and a fine finish are just some of the features that make this lure what it is in our opinion. Wolfcreek Shad is an exceptional big bait pike lure.
Gan Craft Jointed Claw: An XXL swimbait for pike
We couldn't end this selection of the best big bait pike lures without ending with a little treat. This is the Jointed Claw by Gan CraftA swimbait whose effectiveness is matched only by its price. The Jointed Claw is a big bait pike with an ultra-realistic linear swimming action that virtually eliminates any suspicion of an ambushing pike. The addition of a flexible tail intensifies this very special realism.
Stops followed by accelerations allow this lure to sink slowly into the water while maintaining perfect balance. This reinforces the illusion of a dying prey and often triggers an attack.
We particularly like the Magnum version of the Jointed Claw in 23 cm. This size is ideal for both pike and catfish.
CWC Miuras Mouse: A big bait for big pike
The CWC Miuras Mouse is a 23 cm mouse imitation that has quickly found a following as it has caught some very, very big pike in recent years. This big bait pike is a supple lure that combines multiple vibrations. Its snout is made of fibre for discreet vibrations. Its double grub produces big vibrations for targeting pike from a distance.
This big bait pike moves slowly in a straight line and allows you to explore all layers of water. This lure moves quite slowly in different layers of water. The Miuras Mouse is the UFO and the revelation of recent years in pike fishing.
Illex Dexter shad: One of the best soft lures for stalking record-breaking pike
The Dexter Shad by Illex is a big bait of the soft lure type with a very realistic shape and appearance. This 25 cm pike lure has a crustacean attractant that seems to appeal to the senses of our beloved esox lucius. The material of this lure is incredibly supple to make it easier to hold in the mouth when attacking. The shape of its body gives it a very pronounced rolling action that stirs up a lot of water and attracts from a distance.
At the slightest movement, the tail of this big bait pike creates strong, fast vibrations. It swims very effectively in a straight line. At Rodmaps, we make extensive use of the Dexter Shad to search for plant cover and bank drop-offs for fish hiding in ambush.
How do you choose and use your big bait lure?
Here are a few tips to help you choose the right big bait for the conditions at the time:
Size of lure : Although big baits are by definition large pike lures, there is some variability. Experienced anglers generally recommend lures between 20 and 25 cm as a good compromise. However, don't hesitate to fish with larger big baits (up to 40 cm) to target larger specimens.
Type of lure : Big baits of the soft lure type are often preferred for the big bait technique. Their material often gives them a more natural swimming action. They are also generally more resistant to repeated pike attacks. However, hard lures also have their place in your arsenal. As we described with the Jointed-Claw, its specific swimming action will often allow you to get the best out of it.
Colour and finish : The choice of colour depends very much on the fishing conditions. In clear waters or in bright weather, we generally prefer natural colours.. Conversely, in low light or murky waters, bright colours such as fire tiger are generally more effective on pike.
Finally, fishing with big baits requires the right equipment. A powerful rod (100-250g) and a robust reel (size 400 for casting) are essential for handling these imposing lures and fighting big pike. We recommend using 0.28 to 0.40 mm braid, complemented by a 0.90 to 1 mm fluorocarbon leader to resist the sharp teeth of pike.
Fishing strategies with big baits
Big bait fishing requires a specific approach. Here are some strategies that we find particularly effective:
- Targeting the right areas : Large bodies of water are particularly well suited to big baits. These vast expanses allow the lures to develop their full attraction potential.
- Vary recovery speeds: Alternate between slow and fast retrieves, with occasional pauses. This technique imitates the erratic behaviour of a wounded fish and can often trigger a pike attack, especially when stationary.
- Vary the sounds: Don't hesitate to alternate between silent and noisy lures to meet the expectations of the moements. For example, silent lures may be more effective in clear water, while noisy models excel in murky water or low visibility conditions. Or not at all....
It's worth noting that big bait fishing can be a thankless sport that puts your body, mind and tackle to the test. The number of bites is often much lower than with more traditional techniques. On the other hand, this type of fishing often has the merit of selecting larger fish and, above all, fish that you wouldn't normally catch. Patience and perseverance are therefore required to take full advantage of the potential of this technique.
