Few anglers have the opportunity to catch true trophies. Among the species that count as trophies, regardless of their size, is the northern pike. Luckily, some of Pennsylvania’s best pike fishing is right in your backyard. The Allegheny Reservoir, Conneaut Lake and Presque Isle Bay are all considered top waters for this toothy giant.

The northern pike, also known as simply a “northern” or “pike,” is a fierce, sleek monster of a game fish. Everything about it, from its long muscular body to its mouth filled with razor-like teeth, says predator. If you want to catch one of these trophies, you must remember what comes naturally to all actual predators — hunting.

While many fish will take a lure out of curiosity, a pike takes one because it is hunting. To successfully attract a pike, you need to ensure your lure represents a potential meal. You must ensure your lure means a feast to attract a trophy pike.

Three main methods of targeting pike are through the ice, casting from shore or a boat, and trolling. All pike lures share some essential characteristics: large attention grabbers make hungry heads turn. Of course, although most will work in either method, some are more suited to one or another. Here are a couple of the best available for whichever methods you choose.

CASTING

Daredevil — this is a staple in any angler’s tackle box, and for good reason. Available in various sizes, there is a daredevil ready to tempt any species you chase, including pike. Go big and select a 4 ½-inch size in either 1 ½- or 2-ounce weight; this will pull the bigger fish out of hiding. Color should be traditional red/white or yellow five-diamond because sometimes the basics are all you need. For a little extra flare, give it a good long cast, and just before it lands, give it a quick jerk, causing it to slap the water like a jumping bait fish.

Mepps Spinner — these spinners are legendary when it comes to catching big fish, and again, you need to think of a big, tasty offering. The Double Aglia in No. 5 is always a winning option, but if you want to go extremes, H210. With its heavy tandem brass blades and flashy skirt, this big boy is 9-inch long and weighs in at a hefty 3 ounces. Dragged through the shallows following the spring thaw, either will not only ring the dinner bell, but their treble solid hooks will allow you to take whatever takes it.

TROLLING

Rapala — when you need to trick a fish into thinking your lure is a helpless meal, there is little that will outperform Rapala’s jointed minnows. The J-11, at 4 3/8 inches and 5/16 ounce, or the J-13, at 5 ¼ inches and 5/8 ounce, in yellow perch or silver, will drive the big boys crazy. With a diving depth of 4-14 feet, these are excellent choices when running the shallow or edge of a channel.

Hedon Plugs — some companies make one thing and make it right. Hedon makes plugs, and they make them suitable. The Rattling Spook and Super Spook combine in size, at 4.5 inches and 5 inches, and the enticing rattling sound any hungry fish finds irresistible. When long-lined at a medium speed, they resemble a lone, desperate minnow and a meal.

THROUGH THE ICE

Mepps Syclops — like the Aglia or H210, the Syclops is a perfect lure for casting, but when dropped through a hole in the ice, it’s suited for double duty as a jigging spoon. The hot fire tiger pattern with its dark red eye, in 1/8 or ¼ ounce, can be jigged up and down as effectively as it can be twitched when cast from shore. Although bigger sizes are available, the ice is the exception to the rule. While the 1-ounce size may work in open water, a smaller model is easier to manage through a 6-inch hole on a lighter tackle.

Berkley Gulp! Swimming Mullet — Most freshwater anglers are familiar with the Gulp line of products, which are available in a wide range of shapes and all impregnated with the famous Berkley scent/flavor combination that attracts fish and gets them to hold on longer. However, few will choose the Swimming Mullet, as it was initially marketed to saltwater sportsmen. This is a mistake that will be quickly rectified after one use. Tip a 3/8-ounce painted jig head with a pearl/white or chartreuse version, and the thick, flat tail will flap about as indeed as the liveliest of bait fish.