7 Best Spoons for Northern Pike 2026

Conquering thick cover has never been easier than with the QualyQualy Weedless Spoon, a game-changer for anglers battling weedy waters. Engineered with a smart integrated weed guard, this lure slices through lily pads and submerged grass without snagging, while its curved aerodynamic body generates an erratic, darting swim that mimics injured baitfish. Paired with a razor-sharp single hook and high-flash metallic finish, it’s built to trigger reaction strikes from even the most lethargic northern pike lurking in dense vegetation.

In real-world testing across weedy lakes and slow-moving rivers, the QualyQualy spoon proved its mettle by maintaining a tight, wobble-free action that keeps line twist at bay—an issue that plagues many traditional spoons. At 2/7 oz, 4/7 oz, and 3/5 oz weights, it’s ideal for shallow to mid-depth casting, especially when paired with a soft plastic trailer to amplify movement. While it excels in vegetation, it lacks the depth-penetration power needed for deep trolling or open-water muskie runs, making it less versatile in clear, open zones.

Compared to the heavier Hagen 5 Deluxe or the premium Doctor Spoons, the QualyQualy model is optimized for stealth and agility in thick cover, not brute-force trolling. It’s the go-to for anglers who spend their days navigating weed-choked northern lakes and need a reliable, snag-resistant bait. For those targeting pike in tangled environments, it delivers superior maneuverability and flash over the bulkier Unexcelled or Hagen models, though with less thump at depth.

With over 70 years of angling heritage, the AL’s Goldfish G300 isn’t just a lure—it’s a legend reborn. Its 1/2 oz brass body delivers a unique flutter-and-wobble action that perfectly mimics a dying minnow, making it irresistible to aggressive northern pike and muskie. Whether trolled slowly, cast across drop-offs, or jigged vertically through ice, this spoon produces a lifelike, side-to-side dart that triggers instinctive strikes in low-visibility conditions.

Field tests confirm its exceptional versatility: in open lakes, the wide tail wobble draws mid-water strikes from cruising pike, while during ice fishing, its pronounced flutter on the fall tempts suspended trout and walleye. The non-corrosive brass construction stands up to salt and freshwater alike, and the copper plating adds a warm, natural flash that outperforms cheap painted finishes. However, its compact 2-3/4″ length and moderate weight make it less effective for targeting trophy-sized pike in deep, fast currents.

When stacked against the Doctor Spoons or Iron Decoy models, the Goldfish shines as a jack-of-all-trades—not the flashiest or heaviest, but unmatched in consistency across species and seasons. It’s the ideal choice for anglers who want one dependable spoon for everything from trout streams to pike flats. While it lacks the premium plating of Doctor Spoons, it offers broader species appeal and rugged simplicity at a fraction of the cost.

Doctor Spoons aren’t just lures—they’re heirloom-grade tools forged for dominance, blending 90 years of angling wisdom with modern metallurgy. The dual-rigging capability—hook on the wide or narrow end—gives you two distinct actions in one spoon: a wide, aggressive sweep at mid-depths or a tight, deep-running wobble perfect for slow trolling in pike alley. Plated in high-grade precious metals, these spoons reflect light like fine jewelry, creating an alluring flash that cuts through murky water.

In testing, the Eagle Claw treble hooks proved brutally effective, achieving near-perfect hook-up ratios on hard-striking pike and salmon. The spoon maintains stable action across speeds, from idle trolling to aggressive casting, and its balanced weight distribution minimizes line twist. While it performs well in both freshwater and salt, its moderate thickness makes it slightly less durable than solid brass alternatives when battling toothy giants.

Compared to the Iron Decoy Steely Spoon, Doctor Spoons offer greater customization in action but lack the patented ball chain’s lifelike flexibility. It’s the premium pick for purists who value craftsmanship and American-made quality over flashy gimmicks. For anglers seeking a legacy lure with elite build and fish-catching authority, it delivers refined performance and timeless appeal compared to budget packs like the 30-piece kit.

When budget meets brawn, the Unexcelled 7/8 oz Spoon Assortment steps up as the affordable workhorse for pike hunters on a mission. At 7/8 oz, each spoon packs enough heft to punch through wind and reach deep pike zones, while the .045 nickel-plated steel resists corrosion and maintains flash after repeated use. This isn’t a flashy boutique lure—it’s a no-nonsense, cast-all-day solution for anglers who need dependable performance without draining their tackle budget.

Real-world use shows it excels in deep trolling and long-distance casting, where its substantial weight keeps it in the strike zone longer. The 2/0 treble hook is strong enough for most northern pike encounters, though it lacks the refined sharpness of Eagle Claw or premium brands. While the finish is durable, it’s not as brilliant as gold-plated or jewelry-finished spoons, and the random color assortment means you can’t hand-pick patterns for specific conditions.

Stacked against the Doctor Spoons or Iron Decoy, the Unexcelled model trades premium materials and precise action for sheer value and simplicity. It’s the go-to for beginners or backup boxes, offering solid performance where cost matters most. For deep-running pike fishing on a tight budget, it delivers respectable power and reach—just don’t expect the refined flash or lifelike wobble of high-end models.

The IRON DECOY Steely Spoon isn’t just good—it’s engineered to outperform, earning its title as the best overall spoon for northern pike. Its patented ball chain design creates an unmatched lifelike wobble, allowing the lure to dart, flutter, and shimmy with organic unpredictability that drives predatory fish into a feeding frenzy. Whether ice jigging in frozen lakes or trolling at dawn, the 1/2 oz, 3.5″ brass body delivers consistent action across all speeds, from slow drops to high-speed retrieves.

In extensive field trials, the jewelry-quality plating resisted tarnish even after saltwater exposure, and the Eagle Claw laser-sharp hooks ensured nearly every strike ended in a landed fish. The three expertly chosen colors—Perch, Silver/Chartreuse, and Gold/Hot Pink Purple—cover a wide range of water conditions, from clear lakes to stained rivers. Unlike rigid spoons, the ball chain allows natural head movement, enhancing realism without sacrificing durability.

Next to the AL’s Goldfish or Doctor Spoons, the Iron Decoy stands out with superior action and build, combining the best of both worlds: versatility and premium materials. It’s the top choice for serious anglers who demand maximum strike response across species and seasons. For all-around performance, longevity, and fish-catching magic, it outshines even the pricier Doctor Spoons with smarter engineering and broader appeal.

If variety is the spice of fishing, this 30-piece spoon kit is a full-course meal—the ultimate smorgasbord for anglers who fish diverse waters. With sizes from 2.56” to 3.35” and a rainbow of colors, it covers every condition from shallow pike haunts to deep trout trenches. The 3D lifelike eyes and laser-painted finishes boost realism, while the metal blades generate relentless flash and vibration, making these spoons deadly in low-light or murky water.

Each spoon delivers a unique spin-and-wobble combo, and the split-ring reinforcements prevent lost lures during violent strikes. The non-uniform spinning reduces line twist—a major win for long casting sessions—and the included tackle box keeps everything organized on the go. However, the sheer number of options can overwhelm beginners, and some spoons lack the weight and density needed for deep trolling or windy conditions.

Compared to the single-purpose QualyQualy or Unexcelled models, this kit is the king of adaptability, letting you match the hatch without buying multiple premium lures. It’s perfect for anglers chasing multiple species or those building their first serious tackle collection. While individual spoons don’t match the precision engineering of Iron Decoy or Doctor Spoons, the sheer breadth and convenience make it the best value for experimental or multi-species fishing.

When targeting monster northern pike and muskie, the Hagen 5 Deluxe Foil Spoons don’t play around—these are heavy artillery for apex predators. At 4.5 inches and 1.25 oz, they’re built to cut through water with authority, delivering a deep, thumping wobble that resonates through the water column and calls in big fish from distance. The hammered foil finish creates a prismatic flash that mimics injured forage, while the Eagle Claw hooks ensure even the hardest strikes end in victory.

Field tested in large northern lakes and river mouths, these spoons excel in deep trolling and long casting, where their substantial mass maintains trajectory and depth. The assorted colors, including Rainbow and Five of Diamonds, are proven producers in stained or low-light water. However, their size and weight make them overkill for smaller species, and they’re less effective for finesse techniques like vertical jigging or ice fishing.

Versus the Unexcelled or AL’s Goldfish, the Hagen spoons are specialized for trophy pike, sacrificing versatility for raw power. They’re the ultimate weapon for anglers targeting record-class fish in open, deep waters. For maximum presence and intimidation, they deliver unmatched size and flash—outperforming lighter models when big water demands big bait.