For many anglers, fishing for pike with a spinner is the main way to catch toothy pike using a spinning rod. Especially in areas where large predators are rare, and the main catch is perch. Turntables are easy to learn for a beginner. However, if you dig deeper, these lures also need to be used correctly.
There is no best spinner for pike - successful fishing requires a set of baits, each of which works in specific conditions. You’ve abandoned the principle and are holding on, in case someone takes it, you’re not serious. At best, this will work out badly. The rest of the time it’s just a matter of selecting bait, fishing speed and running depth. This is why you need a set of spinners. There are no spinners that catch pike equally in depth or shallow, in spring and summer, in strong or weak currents.
Pinwheels for pike
Therefore, there are no ratings or tops of spinners for pike here. Let's look at the correct approach to forming a set of catchy spinners for pike and perch, with an emphasis on catching toothy ones. Let's consider how to use this set depending on the fishing conditions and what lures to assemble it from.
Large spinners of 3-7 sizes are usually used specifically for pike; on spinning rods with upper test weights of 15-30 grams. Naturally, the toothy one takes both light and ultralight with spinners of size 00-3, from 1 to 8 grams in weight. For some fishermen, rotating spoons complement a set of spoons and wobblers. For others, it is the basis of a set of spinners.
The difference between this type of bait and wobblers is in the technique of application. The famous atom can be used in almost any environment. You need several spinners for pike in the same set of conditions. The behavior of the pinwheel in water depends on its size, weight and type of petal. And the essence of selection in specific conditions is to find a turntable that will pass exactly here at a given depth with a certain speed.
Stores and the Internet are full of bait recommendations. Various tandems for catching pike, petals of incomprehensible shape, multi-petal baits and other gimmicks - all these are marketing machinations to extract money from the buyer. This may accidentally work when the pike is eating - but we are talking about systematic, targeted fishing. Fishing with spinners is a tactical and mathematical selection on the spot, cold calculation depending on the conditions. And for this you need to use the most common baits, but reliable and with different characteristics. There are several intersection factors:
- The shape of the petal - depending on it, the spinner works better or worse in currents or in still water, and the minimum speed of the retrieve is different.
- Weight, size - affect the depth of immersion, as well as the speed of the retrieve, which is also determined by the shape of the petal.
- Depending on the season and the activity of the pike, the spinner should be moved faster or slower, with a long or short blade, at different depths. This is also influenced by the strength of the current, the direction of the wiring along the flow, towards or against the drift.
- Conditions, depending on time and place, seem to be strung on top of each other in different versions. And in order to correctly launch a spinner with the desired type of petal at a specific time and place and hold it at a certain level from the bottom slowly or quickly, you need a set of ordinary, simple, but reliably working baits. And not supposedly some kind of super catchy one everywhere, which does not exist.
Read more about the correct theory of working with spinners in the article on fishing with spinners
Let’s immediately consider this issue through the prism of pike fishing.
Fishing techniques in still water and currents
The rotating spoon is versatile, allowing you to fish with equal success on lakes and rivers. But depending on the depth of the water area and the strength of the current, it is necessary to choose the appropriate bait and wiring.
Stagnant bodies of water
It is easier for a beginning spinner to master fishing with a spinner in still water. For such conditions, spinners with a rounded petal shape are better suited. Mepps has models called Comet, and the famous manufacturer of artificial baits Blue Fox has developed a line of Vibrax spinners. Due to the large petal area, the turntable exhibits great resistance during wiring. And the predator clearly picks up the vibration with the lateral line from afar.
In lakes and reservoirs you can try out different animation techniques.
- Technique No. 1 is a uniform slow winding. It can be varied by changing the speed or twitching the tip of the rod.
- Front-loaded models allow you to break through deep pools or holes. The Mepps collection includes spoons called Lusox. To animate them, a step technique can be used.
Rivers
The river current has a dual effect on the operation of the turntable. On the one hand, the flow of water carries away the bait, worsening control on the part of the angler. But when fishing against the current, the petal can rotate even on a stationary bait. In reservoirs with a current, models with a willow petal, for example, Mepps Aglia Long, have proven themselves better. When rotating, they have less drag, so they are not pushed to the surface by the current.
On the river, you can use the slowest options for uniform wiring when working against the current. For front-loaded models, you can use a jig, tempting a predator at changes in depth.
This is interesting! Sometimes it is useful to deliberately cause the game to crash. This technique allows you to provoke a predator to attack.
Types of turntables
Naturally, spinners vary in weight and size. A larger lure is easier to work in greater depth at the lowest possible speed. The larger the rotating petal, the more stubborn the bait; an appropriate test of the rod is required. In general, for pike on spinners, the minimum possible speed of retrieve is the basis. Especially when the predator is passive. It can react to a fast-moving spinner, like an asp in cauldrons, at the moment of a zhor or the moment of a fry’s fight.
The weight and size of the spinner is more of a matter of compliance with the spinning test. The pike takes both small and large spinners. On a light spinning rod there is a set from 0 to 3 sizes, on a medium or heavy rod - threes, fours and larger. Light baits can also be used with large test rods - with additional weight. The set includes heavy deep-well rotators with a weighted core and a large load. From a tactical point of view, the nuances associated with the shape of the petal are much more important.
The rotation speed depends on the shape, other things being equal. The smaller the ratio of the length of the petal to the width, the higher the minimum possible retrieve speed at which the rotating spoon works stably and does not stick. That is, the longer and narrower the petal, the lower the speed at which it starts working.
Simplified diagram below:
- Aglia or Colorado petals work well in still water at relatively high speeds. Aglia long, or willow leaf, is stable in the current. In addition, it works at a lower speed, and therefore at a lower rotation speed. This is the most important factor influencing the choice of a specific spinner depending on the season and activity of the pike.
- If there is no current, any rotating petals will do; we choose only based on the desired speed of movement and the activity of the fish.
- Round, fast petals - for active fish in warm water. Longs at slow speed - for a passive predator.
- If there is a current, the round petals can get confused; longs work better here.
- If we fish by drift or lead with the current - only willow leaves and longi.
- Across the current - comets, like on the Mepps Black Fury turntables
More information about the types of spinner spinners
Fishing technique
In oscillating fishing, provided that we are working with a bait that is known to catch, everything depends on the correct wiring. In turntables, correct wiring is half the success. It is also important to select the turntable itself from the kit for this depth with the required wiring speed and blade rotation frequency. And this also depends on the shape of the petal and the size of the rotating spoon.
Therefore, a set of turntables is not a heap, but a set of soldiers - identical, but different in weight and size. And so in each group - at least a set with long petals and another one with short ones. Plus the color. At a minimum, white (silver) and yellow (gold, brass). Also useful are green acids and black ones with red or yellow spots specifically for pike or perch.
For anglers who don’t bother fishing with rotating baits according to all the canons of theory, it is useful to have a couple of spinners among the set of spinners and wobblers for pike. You never know, it will shoot someday. In terms of size, weight and overall dimensions, they must be precisely selected for specific fishing conditions and spinning test. For pike, if you decide to try a couple of spinners, it is better to take long blades, such as Mepps Aglia Long. In sizes 0-2 for light and 3-5 for medium-heavy spinning rods. And also a couple of weights for depth of the appropriate size and weight.
Now let’s generalize the theory by applying it to pike fishing. We are not looking for the best spinners for pike fishing, but ordinary, reliable ones. We select the configuration of the kit depending on the caliber of the spinning rod and the fishing conditions. Next is the correct wiring technique and selection of the right bait directly on the pond.
Read more about general tactics and techniques for catching pike with spoons
Selection of wiring speed and stroke depth
The standard delivery of a spinner to a pike is slow and steady with short accelerations. The colder the water and the more passive the fish, the slower you need to move the spinner, and the more correct it is to use willow leaves rather than round petals. Even the objectively best spinners for pike fishing will not work if used incorrectly.
It is important to choose the bait itself in order to move it at the right speed here. For example, you need to carry it out slowly at depth. But the spinner that is standing now does not spin at that speed - only faster, or goes higher. This means you need to find a heavier spinner in the box that will rotate at that speed.
At shallow depths it’s easier - the pike will calmly rise from one and a half to two meters for the bait that interests it. Therefore, you can simply drive - if you go at the right speed. But at great depths it is necessary to carry out the rotation in the lower meter from the bottom, sometimes above it, sometimes even striking and touching. To do this, we already select baits, use heavy spinners or additional weight in front, try to lead with a step, as in a jig, if the bottom is clean.
Spinner baits with large blades sometimes require a jerk of the rod to get started. Whether this happened or not can be felt by the stubbornness of the move.
Seasonality factors
To successfully catch pike with spinners, you need to take into account the seasonality. The spinner is considered an active bait that creates powerful vibrations. A more active predator, which means in warm water, responds better to such a stimulus. In very early spring, it is better to use wobblers on a dying twitch or sluggish jigs for pike. The turntable time comes when the water is warmed up to at least 10 degrees.
When the water temperature is 10-15 degrees and below, it is better to use rotating spoons with long petals, low rotation speed and slow retrieve on the verge of breakdown for pike. With warming, in spring or autumn - larger pinwheels, including those with round perch petals, the rotation speed of which is higher. We are experimenting with colors - both metallic petals and acid green with orange work, as well as colors like Black Fury, a black petal with yellow or red dots.
Basic rules for catching pike with a spoon
Spinner spinners "Master" are distinguished by a small blade and front loading, the game is stable
When hunting for pike, the main way to use a spoon is to slowly and evenly reel in the fishing line. After casting the bait, you need to wait until the spoon sinks to the bottom. Then, with a slight movement of the rod, the lure is tossed, and a leisurely retrieve begins. To diversify the wiring, fishermen use the following tricks.
- The animation of front-loaded turntables is complemented by micropauses.
- Pike are attracted by a short-term malfunction of the spinner.
- An effective technique would be to touch (strike) the spoon to the bottom.
- Stepped wiring is used when fishing with spoons and jigs.
An important property of spinners is the characteristic splash they make when falling into the water. This special sound excites the pike so much that it often swallows spoons and spinners that have fallen into the water without a second thought. It is important for the angler to have constant contact with the bait in order to get a timely bite. After all, the pike will instantly determine the inedibility of the “piece of iron” and immediately spit it out.
Many spinners have already realized that they shouldn’t write off the good old spinners. Sometimes pike ignore any bait except iron. An ordinary spoon or spinner, correctly presented to the fish, is capable of catching the most expensive wobbler. It is important to get to the desired fishing point at a certain time. Then an ordinary spoon will bring a decent catch, despite its low cost and simple shape.
Mepps spinners for pike
Many anglers consider them the most catchy spinners for pike, perch and other fish. Traditionally, in all ratings and the top 10 best rotating lures for pike are Mepps Aglia, Aglia Long and Black Fury. However, you need to understand that these are just reliable and proven turntables, there is nothing magical about them. Just like others, these baits require proper use.
Mepps are dismantled because of the relatively low price, quality of workmanship and materials, and a complete set of spinners in all sizes, colors and types of petals. Let's look at the basic models. Using a similar principle, you can assemble a set from other trusted manufacturers or high-quality Chinese from Aliexpress.
Aglia
Standard spinner spoons for pike and perch, rounded rotating blade, Indiana type. This is a classic meps, in any size - a proven performance lure. As already mentioned, a wide petal does not work well in currents, and it needs relatively fast retrieving. These turntables target active pike in warm water. They are, of course, more intended for perch or asp.
Aglia Long
But mepps aglia long with willow leaf also works in the current. Moreover - slowly, with careful wiring. If an angler with spinners is mainly targeting pike, then such baits should form the basis of the arsenal, in various sizes and colors. And all the rest - little by little, for experimental purposes. It is not for nothing that many anglers consider the Aglia Long to be the most catchy spinner for pike and perch of all times.
A decent copy from Aliexpress, it works no worse: https://ali.pub/4fdgr3
Black Fury
Mepps Black Fury is similar to the regular Aglia. It's a cross between a willow leaf and a Colorado, but it starts even when driven slowly. A distinctive feature is the color scheme, a dark petal with dots of different colors. Also a proven working rotating lure for pike.
Working copies from Ali to Aglia and Furia: https://ali.pub/4fdgue
Aglia Long Heavy
A weighted version of the Aglia Long with a weight for deep fishing - designed for targeted fishing at great depths.
A copy of the heavy meps with long and short petals: https://ali.pub/4fdgxp
Tackle
The ideal rod for catching perch with spinners is light or ultralight class. Spinner spinners for perch are baits of very light weight (2g-12g), and for their good casting and reliable control during retrieving, such light rods will be optimal.
Perch is a bold, lively, and very gambling fish. Perch fishing is very exciting - a great way to re-experience the excitement of catching predatory fish and remember the spinning skills that were slightly forgotten over the winter.
In addition, perch fishing is quite possible for beginners - there is no need to move the bait along deep-sea edges (at depths of 7 m or more) or along coastal bushes and snags, as, for example, when fishing for pike perch or pike.
In the spring, perch can be caught using many baits. It confidently grabs silicone, confidently attacks small wobblers, does not ignore simple “grandfather’s” spinner spoons (of course, small in size: 3-5cm), and also catches quite well with live bait (fry).
We will now focus on catching perch with rotating spoons (spinners). These lures in the spring give the best results when catching spring perch.
Blue Fox
Rotating blue fox spinners for pike are purposefully used less often - these are active baits with a short blade, more geared towards active perch. But the pike regularly eats them - the spinners are working, and in appropriate conditions they attract a predator. The body of the Blue Fox Vibrax, called a bell among anglers, taps against the base when retrieving, producing additional noise.
Lure sizes
The size range of these spinners used for fishing on rivers is limited by the fishing conditions and the fish that the angler is targeting.
Various “white” predators often prefer the smallest sizes: from No. 00 to No. 1; it is possible to catch peaceful fish with such small decoys.
The ubiquitous perch and pike also will not ignore the small models of spinners, but they are still more often caught with larger baits, from No. 2 to No. 5-6. I always take this into account and do not hesitate to use such large spoons. They allow you to use stronger tackle, fly further when casting, and can be pulled deeper, and are controlled during the cast just fine.
Ponton 21
Pike spinners from Pontoon 21 in various variations, colors and sizes also work. Made with high quality, the petals have additional elements that create small disturbances for the lateral line of the predator.
Also well copied by the Chinese: https://ali.pub/4fdgzu
Dimensions of a spinner for pike
Models No. 1-4 are aimed at catching pike specifically. It is also possible to use smaller baits, but they will not provide a large catch (except perhaps in the spring).
The shape of the petal is directly related to the angle of its deflection. The best spinners for pike fishing are lures with a round or oval petal shape. This allows the lobe to deviate over long distances, which will give the bait greater volume. Pinwheels with a petal shaped like a willow leaf have a smaller deflection angle, and therefore attract predators less.
Related article: catchable wobblers for pike
Hooking
In addition to experimenting with color, size and selection of wiring, we are trying to use turntables with decorations on the tee. The game of the bait is to rotate the petal. And even a massive bait, which pike loves, does not affect the game. However, if there is a large edge in the wind, the casting distance may decrease. On many factory spinners, streamers, wabs or flies are already installed on the hooks.
You can make them yourself by tying them to a tee with braided wire and gluing them. The red or orange color of an additional provocateur traditionally works well for pike. You can also put a small twister or vibrating tail on the tee.
If you replace the tee with an offset one with a twister mounted to close the hook, you will get a non-hooking twister. And this is the right approach for fishing in the grass - it is better to use known working and favorite spoons, re-equipping them a little, than to buy some special expensive baits. You can convert any spinner into a non-hooking one without even removing the tee - special bumpers made of rigid fishing line or wire are installed on it. More details - how to make a non-hooking hook for a pike
Front loading
For fishing at depth or if it is necessary to weigh down a light spinner, baits with a front weight are used. You can use factory front-loaded rotating spinners, such as Mepps Lusox, or load the bait yourself, even with an ordinary Cheburashka. It is even more convenient to use collapsible Cheburashkas - then you can change the weight depending on the required immersion.
Wiring in a hole is similar to a jig step - only the pauses are short, as long as the spinner sinks a level deeper and does not get stuck at the bottom. Correct ascents and descents are achieved not only by wiring, but also by the correct selection of load relative to the size of the turntable and the required depth.
The disadvantage is possible overlaps when casting, since the bait will fly forward with its weight. To prevent this from happening, it is better to use special weights on a long rod. With such a spinner you can purposefully fish a hole and move it at the horizons, depending on the speed of the retrieve and the weight of the load.
