In 2024, the soft lure is a A must-have weapon for any angler wishing to target pike-perchThis fish is so emblematic of our French waters. However, the pike-perch, as fascinating as it is, requires finesse, patience and knowledge of its behaviour. It constantly requires us to develop our techniques, approaches and lures. With 2024 well underway, anglers keen to discover new methods and maximise their chances of catching a pike-perch now have a range of soft lures on the market to choose from. Whether you're a seasoned angler in search of the next nugget or a beginner keen to learn the ropes of zander fishing, this article introduces you to the most popular soft lures on the market. 10 must-have pike-perch soft lures for 2024.
Keitech Easy Shiner: One of the best flexible pike-perch lures on the market
The Keitech Easy Shiner is a soft shad lure that is also formidable on zander. L'Easy Shiner is a lure with a very flexible rubber, allowing a dynamic swimming action, even with slow animation. This flexible pike-perch lure makes the most of the pike's body. Shad Impact and the tail of the Swing Impact. What's more, the colours are superbly crafted with double injection and sequins of different diameters. Personally, we love the natural colours. The only slight downside we have with the Keitech Easy Shiner is that the tail is very fragile.
We recommend sizes 4″ to 5″ which are perfect bites for pike-perch.
Megabass X Layer Curly: The best flexible pike-perch lure in the grub category
When pike-perch are overworked by shads and have few bites, a grub like the Megabass X-Layer Curly is an option not to be overlooked. This soft lure is a great alternative for pike perch in difficult conditions. Its spiral tail is animated at the slightest touch and produces very discreet vibrations. In our opinion, this feature is very useful for targeting the most wary pike-perch.
We love fishing for pike-perch at Mebagass X Layer Curly Linear with a 7 and 12 gram lead head close to drop-offs. Its all-purpose size (14 cm) will still allow you to target other predators such as perch and bass.
Fox Rage Zander Pro Shads: A soft pike-perch lure par excellence
As its name suggests, the Zander Pro Shad is a soft lure designed for pike-perch fishing. Basically a soft lure designed for pike-perch fishing. This lure is surprisingly supple and has a very effective action both in a straight line and vertically.
The Zander Pro Shad also has a wide, varied and original range of colours, which is very useful when pike-perch are set on a particular colour, as they often are.
In short, the Zander Pro Shad is a highly versatile lure with a proven track record that will stand the test of time. That's why it's often voted by anglers as one of the best flexible pike-perch lures on the market in 2024.
Sakamata Shad by Deps: An XXL finesse soft lure for vertical pike-perch fishing
The Deps Sakamata Shad is a finesse soft lure. Unlike other pike-perch soft lures in its category, this one is large enough to target big fish. It also has a very wide body with two appendages on the sides to prevent it from sinking quickly. As a result, the Sakamata Shad will be able to stir up a lot of water compared with other finesse soft lures.
Although this was not its primary function, the Sakamata shad is extremely effective vertically, thanks to its supple, unobtrusive tail, and will fool the most recalcitrant pike-perch.
Fox Rage Slick Shad: A real pike-perch candy
The Slick Shad from Fox Rage is one of the most effective and versatile pike-perch soft lures on the market today. In fact, this soft lure can be used in a straight line, in a pull or even vertically. This makes it an asset that every pike-perch angler should have in his tackle box.
The Slick Shad has a very tapered profile with a small paddle. This allows it to get into action very quickly. For linear fishing, we advise you to use a rather round jig head which fits perfectly with the continuity of this lure. If you're after vertical pike-perch, we recommend cutting off the head of the Slick Shad and fitting a straight section head. It will fit the profile of the lure perfectly.
In terms of size, we very often prefer the 13cm version, which we think is the most versatile. The Slick Shad is a great success from Fox Rage that we recommend you try out at the water's edge.
Madness Bakuree Shad: A flexible pike-perch lure for difficult fishing situations
The Madness Bakuree Shad is the soft pike-perch lure that many anglers trust when conditions get complex. This soft lure has a very long profile and is very supple, giving it a nonchalant and discreet swimming action. Its profile sets it apart from other shads with its low water intake. This makes it ideal for pike-perch fishing in the current or vertically. We particularly like the version 110 of the Bakuree Shad which can be used for a wide range of vertical and linear applications.
Certainly one of the best-known soft lures for pike-perch, and rightly so.
Megabass Super X-Layer: A legendary finesse soft lure
A lure that has been emblematic of the Megabass brand for many years, the Megabass Super X-Layer has been in the news ever since it was introduced on the French market.. The number of pike-perch that the Megabass Super X-Layer. The latter is considered to be one of the best soft lures for pike-perch because of its innovative designits manufacturing quality and its formidable efficiency.
The Megabass Super X-Layer is a slug with 5 large ribs on its round belly that produce distinctive vibrations underwater. This soft lure also stands out thanks to the glass bead inserts in its tail. When these balls collide they provoke pike-perch and other predators, making the Super X-Layer unique.
The Megabass X Layer is available in the original 10.5 cm version. Over time, however, it has been developed into a Giant 15 cm and Tiny 7.5cm.
As far as fishing technique is concerned, we really like to use it in vertical finesse in winter when conditions are very tough. Also in winter, we often use the Tiny version as a drop-shot to emphasise very marked spots.
Sawamura One Up Shad : A flexible pike-perch lure that's highly effective but fragile
The Sawamura One Up Shad is a soft lure of impeccable quality and effective on pike-perch and other predators. This soft lure is very supple and has a very soft plastic. This allows you to reel in this lure by applying very discreet vibrations. What's more, its high density will allow you to cast this soft lure long distances and sink slowly into the water. For pike-perch fishing, we particularly like to use the One Up Shad Linear or vertical when pike-perch are active.
The only drawback is its incredible fragility, given its price.
Noike Smokin' Swimmer : A shad as discreet as it is effective
The originality of Smokin' Swimmer by Noike lies in its tail. Its special design increases the movement of the lure. This movement is transmitted evenly to the rest of the body, creating a natural vibration. In difficult conditions or when fish are cautious, the natural action of the Noike Smokin' Swimmer can quickly take effect.
The Noike Smokin' Swimmer is a good soft lure for pike-perch in lines or for scratching. More discreet than a classic shad, we found that it often produced bigger catches.
Megabass Super Spindle Worm: A mobile and provocative soft lure
The Super Spindle Worm by Megabass is a highly mobile shad with a wobbling action worthy of the best swimbaits. The lure's long body shape is segmented in the middle and has an imposing tail paddle. This combination gives the lure a rolling action and a wobbling action that displaces a lot of water for its size. Mounted on a classic lead head or carolina rig the Super Spindle Worm by Megabass will have an effect on hunting pike-perch.
Useful links to complete this article on the best soft lures for zander:
Pike-perch: everything you need to know about this phantom fish
The 10 best zander lures for winter
Zander fishing: how to lure this difficult fish?
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