Pike Fishing Bait

What can be used for pike bait?

Pike are opportunistic predators and will take a variety of baits. Common baits for pike include small fish such as roach, rudd, perch and smelt. Deadbaits, artificial lures and soft plastic baits can also be effective for targeting pike.

What is frozen pike bait?

Frozen pike bait refers to baitfish that have been preserved by freezing. These can include fish like mackerel, smelt or roach. Freezing baitfish helps preserve their freshness for use at a later time, making it a convenient option for many anglers.

Can pike bait be used when it's frozen?

While it's possible to use frozen bait, it's generally more effective to thaw the bait before presenting it to pike. Thawed bait releases more scent into the water, which can attract more pike and elicit more strikes. However, in a pinch, frozen bait can still catch pike, especially in colder water conditions.

Why freeze pike baits?

Anglers freeze pike baits to preserve their freshness and ensure they have bait available for future fishing trips. Freezing baits prevents them from decaying and retains most of their natural scent and appearance, making them effective for longer periods.

What is live baiting?

Live baiting refers to the practice of using live fish or other aquatic organisms as bait to attract and catch predatory fish. The movement and vibrations produced by the live bait can be irresistible to predators like pike, making it a very effective technique in certain conditions.

Is live baiting banned in Scotland?

Yes, live baiting is banned in many parts of Scotland. The practice can pose risks to local fish populations by introducing disease or invasive species. Always check local regulations before fishing to ensure you are in compliance.

What is the best pike bait?

The "best" pike bait can vary based on local conditions, the time of year and individual fish preferences. However, many anglers swear by certain baits like smelt, roach, trout or mackerel. Artificial lures such as spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, and soft plastics can also be highly effective, especially when pike are actively feeding.