Fall is a great time to toss oversized lures for pike, and there are loads of options. In this article, we’re going to focus on jigging moderate-sized softbaits, rather than humongous soft plastic baits typically associated with catching muskies.
In early fall, pike often penetrate healthy, green weed beds, relating to pockets, holes, clumps—whatever distinctive features occur. By mid- to late fall, however, with shallower weeds on flats typically dying, the action shifts to still-healthy deep weed lines—particularly where their outer edges meet deep water. Points, turns and irregularities along the deep weed edge in these areas attract and hold some real gators. Thus, you have opportunities to swim lures above weed tops, let them fall down into the weeds and rip them up and out, or flutter them down deep weed edges.
Jigging softbaits in the broader 5- to 9-inch range, and more typically the 6- to 8-inch sizes, not only provide large baits suitable for triggering pike, but baits of reasonable size to also catch bass and walleyes. Thus, jigging is typically considered multi-species angling, whereas tossing gigantic muskie baits is more associated with catching muskies or very large pike.
One personal favorite I’ve used for years is the Bait Rigs ESOX Cobra Jig—either 3/4- or 1-ounce, even up to 1 1/2-ounce—dressed with a soft plastic bait. It is a triangular-shaped head with the hook eye at the nose, allowing you slither the jig through most weed conditions. It is designed for swimming, planing and, when paused, fluttering on the descent. A heavy-duty 5/0 hook will hold any pike you encounter.
In the early days, Bait Rigs sold kits with 8-inch Reaper tails. Nowadays, they offer pre-rigged grub and shad tail versions, or you can add any soft plastic of your own preference. You can purchase ESOX jigheads plain, or with wire leaders attached. They even offer some handy hints on how to make weed guards using rubber bands, and “over rigging” soft plastic with a kink or bend to accentuate the action.
Shared via Midwest Outdoors- continue reading.
[adguru zoneid=”3067″]
