Nothing compares to the thrill of hooking a trophy northern pike. For avid anglers, these freshwater predators are prized for their aggressive strikes and sheer power. But landing big pike often comes down to one thing—having the right lure. Instead of buying expensive lures, why not make custom ones tailored to your fishing style and the waters you fish? This blog will show you exactly how to craft your own deadly pike lures, saving you money while enhancing your fishing experience.
Whether you’re an outdoor adventurer, an angler heading to Canada’s pristine lakes, or simply love tinkering in your garage, this guide has you covered. Expect an easy-to-follow guide to creative lure-making, tips on picking materials, and insights to help you master pike fishing from start to finish.
Why Make Your Own Pike Fishing Lures?
While there’s no shortage of high-end lures available on the market, making your own comes with unique benefits:
- Cost-Effective: High-quality lures can be costly, with some costing $20-$50. Making your own cuts costs dramatically.
- Customization: Tweak the size, color, and movement based on your target fishing conditions and what the pike in your waters are biting on.
- Satisfaction: Few things are as rewarding as reeling in a pike using a lure you made yourself.
- Environmentally Friendly: Reuse materials like old hooks and spoons, reducing waste and creating sustainable lures.
Now, grab your tools because we’re about to make some irresistible pike lures.
What You’ll Need to Get Started
Before jumping into the how-to, it’s important to gather your materials and tools. For crafting pike lures, you’ll need:
Tools:
- Pliers (needle-nose and split-ring)
- Sandpaper or a file
- Drill (optional for harder materials)
- Paintbrush or airbrush (for custom coloring)
- Wire cutters
- Epoxy resin (to seal your design)
Materials:
- Metal spoons, bottle caps, or lightweight wood like balsa for lure bases
- Treble hooks
- Split rings
- Wire for attaching hooks
- Paint and glitter for customizing appearances
- Rubber skirts, feathers, or synthetic materials for added action
If you’re missing something, many of these items can be sourced from your current tackle box or local sporting goods store.
Step 1: Choose the Right Lure Type
Different lures work better depending on the pike’s diet, the time of year, and their preferred depth. Here are three popular DIY lure types to consider:
1. The Spoon Lure
Spoon lures mimic an injured baitfish with their wobbling motion. They’re easy to make and incredibly effective for pike.
How To Make It:
- Start with a large, curved metal spoon. If you’re reusing an old kitchen spoon, cut off the handle using a hacksaw.
- Drill a small hole at each end of the spoon for attaching a treble hook and split rings.
- Sand down sharp edges for a clean finish.
- Add vibrant paint patterns for extra flash, such as red and gold stripes.
- Attach a treble hook on the larger end and a swivel on the smaller end to prevent line twists.
2. The Wooden Jerkbait
Jerkbaits are popular for their lifelike swimming action and versatility in shallow waters.
How To Make It:
- Cut a small block of balsa or cedar wood into the shape of a minnow, roughly 5-7 inches long.
- Sand it smooth until you achieve the desired aerodynamic shape.
- Carve grooves for eyelets and hook attachments. Insert sturdy screws into these grooves and secure with epoxy.
- Customize the lure with paint patterns to match prey fish, like perch or shiners.
- Seal it with epoxy for durability, ensuring it is waterproof.
- Add treble hooks to the underside and a small lip to the head if you want a deeper swimming action.
3. The Spinnerbait
Spinnerbaits create vibrant flashes and vibrations, making them irresistible to pike in murkier waters.
How To Make It:
- Use a sturdy wire to form the lure base, bending it into an “L” shape.
- Attach a spinning blade at the top corner to create light and movement.
- Fix a rubber skirt for added liveliness (you can even cut strips from heavy-duty rubber bands or old lures).
- Connect a treble hook to the bottom of the wire with a durable split ring.
- Paint the skirt or blade in luminous colors like yellow or chartreuse.
Step 2: Add Details to Boost Your Lure’s Appeal
Once your base lure is ready, fine-tuning details can take its effectiveness to the next level.
- Eyes: Add realistic or 3D eyes. Pike frequently target the eyes of prey fish, making this detail essential.
- Noise: Add rattles inside the lure body for extra sound attraction.
- Scent: Apply fish oils or scent sprays to your lures for increased realism. Some anglers swear by sardine oil or anise extract.
- Flash: Use reflective materials like aluminum foil or glitter for added shine.
Step 3: Test Your Lures
Testing your lures is crucial to perfecting their movement and weight. Find a pond or even a bathtub to assess how they behave in water. Do they wobble or spin correctly? Adjust weights, hooks, or components to optimize their performance.
Pro Tips for Catching More Pike with DIY Lures
- Focus on Timing: Pike are most active during dawn, dusk, or cloudy days. Plan your fishing trips around these windows for the best chance of success.
- Vary Your Speed: Experiment with quick jerks and slow retrieves to find what triggers strikes.
- Know Your Lake: Research key areas, such as weed beds, drop-offs, or submerged logs where pike are likely to ambush prey.
Celebrate Your Success
Crafting a lure that catches pike is as rewarding as the actual catch itself. Not only are you creating something functional, but you’re also developing a deeper appreciation for the sport. Plus, consider showing off your creations and results to a community of anglers—it’s an excellent way to swap ideas and improve.
Level Up with DIY Projects
If you’re hooked on DIY fishing gear, why stop at lures? Try making your own fishing rod holders, tackle storage, or even rod sleeves for complete customization.
For more tips, gear recommendations, and DIY fishing projects, subscribe to our fishing enthusiasts’ newsletter today. Tight lines, and happy fishing!