Shop Pike & Predator Tackle
Ways to Fish for Predators
Target pike, perch and other predators using artificial lures. Lure fishing involves repeatedly casting and retrieving, with the rod, reel, line and lure chosen to suit the species and style of fishing.
Deadbait fishing is commonly used when targeting pike, with bait presented using a suitable rod, reel and predator terminal tackle. Traces, hooks, floats and weights can all form part of the setup.
Suitable landing nets, unhooking equipment and tools are important when handling predatory fish. Having the right equipment ready can make landing, unhooking and returning a fish more efficient.
Popular Pike & Predator Fishing Tackle
Choosing Tackle for Pike & Predator Fishing
Pike and predator fishing covers a range of methods, from actively working artificial lures to presenting deadbaits for species such as pike. The tackle you need will depend on the species you're targeting, the method you're using and the type of water you're fishing, so it's important to choose equipment that works together as part of a suitable predator setup.
Lure fishing involves repeatedly casting and retrieving artificial lures, making the choice of predator rod and reel particularly important. Rod length, casting weight and action should suit the size and type of lure being used, while the reel should balance comfortably with the rod. Spinning reels are commonly paired with lure rods, with line choice and breaking strain also influenced by the species, lure and fishing conditions.
The type of predator lure you choose can affect both its presentation and how it is fished. Hard lures, soft lures and spinners provide different actions in the water and can be selected according to factors such as target species, depth and conditions. Having a selection of lure styles can give you different options as conditions and fish behaviour change.
Deadbait fishing requires a different approach, with the bait presented rather than continually retrieved. Suitable rods, reels and predator terminal tackle should be chosen for the intended setup, while components such as traces, hooks, floats and weights can vary according to the presentation being used. When targeting pike, appropriate trace material is particularly important because of their sharp teeth.
Fish care should also be considered before you start fishing. A suitable predator landing net, unhooking mat and appropriate tools should be ready before a fish is landed. Predator tools such as forceps and pliers can help with hook removal, while having your equipment organised and within reach can make the unhooking process more efficient.
Pike & Predator Fishing FAQs
What tackle do I need for pike and predator fishing?
The tackle you need depends on the species you're targeting and whether you're lure fishing, deadbait fishing or using another predator method. A typical setup starts with a suitable rod and reel, fishing line and method-specific terminal tackle. Lure anglers will also need appropriate lures, while pike fishing may require suitable traces, hooks, floats or weights depending on the presentation. A suitable landing net, unhooking mat and tools such as forceps or pliers should also be ready before you begin fishing.
How do I choose a predator fishing rod?
Choose a rod around the species, method and tackle you intend to use rather than simply looking for one labelled as a predator rod. For lure fishing, consider the rod's casting-weight range alongside the size and weight of the lures you'll be casting. Rod length and action can also affect casting, lure control and how the setup feels in use. Deadbait fishing places different demands on a rod, so anglers using both methods will generally benefit from choosing setups designed around each approach.
What type of lure should I use for pike and perch?
There isn't one lure type that's best in every situation. Hard lures such as crankbaits and jerkbaits are useful when you want a defined swimming action or need to work a particular depth, with different designs made to run at different levels in the water. Soft lures can offer a more natural, flexible presentation and can be fished at different depths and speeds depending on how they're rigged and weighted. Spinners create flash and vibration as the blade rotates, making them a straightforward option for covering water and attracting actively feeding predators.
Lure size and weight should also suit your rod, target species and fishing conditions. Water depth, clarity, available prey and fish behaviour can all affect which approach works best, so carrying a selection of lure types and sizes allows you to change your presentation as conditions change.
What trace should I use when fishing for pike?
Pike have sharp teeth, so a suitable bite-resistant trace should form part of a pike setup. Wire traces and trace materials are commonly used, with the appropriate breaking strain, length and components depending on the method and rig being used. Ready-made traces can provide a convenient option, while anglers making their own should ensure the trace material, crimps or knots, swivels and clips are suitable for the intended setup and assembled correctly.
How should I adapt my predator tackle to different venues and conditions?
Start by considering the depth and size of the water, casting distance, underwater features, target species and how you intend to fish. In shallow water, lure anglers may choose lighter or shallower-running lures to avoid repeatedly catching the bottom, while deeper water can call for heavier or deeper-running options that reach the depth where fish are holding. Around weed, snags and other structure, lure choice and presentation may also need adjusting to reduce snagging while still fishing effectively around likely holding areas.
Casting distance and available space can influence your setup too. Heavier lures can help reach more distant areas where appropriate, while shorter-range fishing or restricted casting areas may favour a different approach. Any lure you choose should remain within the suitable casting range of your rod, with the reel and line matched appropriately to the overall setup.
Conditions can also influence presentation. Changing lure size, colour, retrieve speed or running depth can help you explore different parts of the water and offer predators a different presentation when your current approach isn't producing bites. Rather than changing everything at once, adjusting one element at a time can make it easier to understand what the fish are responding to.
For deadbait fishing, the setup can be adapted according to depth, casting distance and how you want to present the bait. Float-fished and bottom-fished presentations, for example, allow the bait to be positioned differently in the water, while the weight and other terminal tackle should suit the chosen rig and conditions.
Whatever the venue, check its rules before fishing. Fisheries may have requirements or restrictions covering methods, hooks, traces, bait and other tackle, so your setup should always be appropriate for both the fish you're targeting and the water you're fishing.
Looking for Something Else?
Explore our range of carp fishing tackle, including rods, reels, bait, terminal tackle, luggage and bankside equipment.
Shop Carp Fishing →Shop tackle for feeder, float and pole fishing, including rods, reels, bait, terminal tackle and accessories.
Shop Coarse & Match →