Big Baits bei RL-Angelrollentuning, GHST, HNTR und TWN als Pike-Softbaits

Big Baits

RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays GHST - Pike Softbait - P - 01 - 8 Inch | 20,32 cm - RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays GHST - Pike Softbait - P - 02 - 8 Inch | 20,32 cm -
Nays GHST
From 10.99 €
From 10.99 €
RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays TWN - Pike Softbait - P - 08 - 6 Inch | 15,24 cm - RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays TWN - Pike Softbait - P - 01 - 6 Inch | 15,24 cm -
Nays TWN
From 10.99 €
From 10.99 €
RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays HNTR - Pike Softbait - P - 03 - 9 Inch | 23 cm - RL - Angelrollentuning - Nays HNTR - Pike Softbait - P - 01 - 9 Inch | 23 cm -
Nays HNTR
From 14.99 €
From 14.99 €
Big Baits bei RL-Angelrollentuning, GHST, HNTR und TWN als Pike-Softbaits

Big Baits are large softbaits starting at about 20 cm body length, specifically designed for trophy predators, primarily pike, large zander, huchen, and catfish. The bulky body and powerful tails create intense pressure waves underwater that predators can detect and attack from long distances. Big Baits are not search lures in the classic sense but targeted trophy lures: those who fish with them are not looking for every pike but the one big one. In the range, you will find Big Baits in different tail types, lengths from 15 cm to 30 cm, and weights from 25 g to over 140 g.

What tail types are there

Big Baits mainly differ by the tail, which determines the action and pressure wave pattern in the water:

  • Single Twister: massive twister tail that rotates even at the slowest retrieve and produces a continuous pressure wave. A classic for pike Big Baits, effective even in murky water over long distances.
  • Paddle Tail: bulky paddle tail with pronounced rolling action. Delivers high-frequency vibrations and a clearly fish-like movement. Top choice for active predator periods.
  • Twin Tail: two massive twister tails that work independently and produce a double pressure wave. A specialty for targeted pike fishing in murky water or at dusk.

Which Big Bait for which use

  • Pike in shallow weed beds and plateaus: Single Twister or Twin Tail on the Shallow Rig. Bulky profile stays long in the predator’s field of vision.
  • Pike over plateau edges: Paddle Tail with added weight. Reaches mid to deeper water layers with controlled swimming characteristics.
  • Vertical fishing for large pike: Paddle Tail or Single Twister vertically from the boat. Heavy classes from 80 g keep the lure down in the current.
  • Trolling for pike in open water: Paddle Tail with constant tail action. Catches predators in open water over long drift distances.
  • Murky water, high water, or dusk: Twin Tail or Single Twister. Maximum pressure wave activates the lateral line organ even when visibility is poor.
  • Active predator periods in summer and autumn: any tail type works. Choice depends on desired action characteristics.
  • Reluctant biters, high-pressure days: Paddle Tail with slow slow-roll retrieve. Bulky silhouette plus subtle action.

Size classes

Big Baits are offered in several length classes, which correspond to the target size of the predators:

  • 15 to 18 cm: transitional class between classic softbaits and Big Baits. For zander, small to medium pike, and large perch.
  • 20 to 23 cm: standard class for targeted pike fishing. All-rounder for pike from 80 cm.
  • 25 to 30 cm: trophy class. Maximum silhouette and pressure wave, specifically for trophy pike from 100 cm. Also suitable for catfish.

Shallow Rig: the standard setup

The Shallow Rig is the most important setup for Big Baits in shallow areas:

  • Construction: narrow treble hook or double treble on the belly of the Big Bait, short anti-tangle bow on the back. No jig head, no added weight. The lure swims just below the surface due to its own weight and volume.
  • Use: reel in extremely slowly. The lure stays long in the predator’s field of vision and gives it time for the final bite.
  • Advantage: no risk of snagging in shallow weed beds and over submerged wood because the Shallow Rig runs horizontally over obstacles.

With added weight (screw weight or drop-shot sinker), the Shallow Rig can also be used in deeper water layers; the bulky body ensures the action is maintained.

Material and construction

High-quality Big Baits are made from an environmentally friendly material blend without harmful plasticizers, completely phthalate-free. Important construction features:

  • Dense, robust material: withstands pike bites and sharp teeth significantly longer than thin-walled standard softbaits.
  • Bulky body: creates a visible silhouette and strong pressure waves, the main criterion for pike fishing.
  • Pronounced tails: massive twister, broad paddle tail, or two twisters in twin tail. Tails are the action element of the Big Baits.
  • Characteristic ribs: on the sides, create additional turbulence and enhance the pressure waves.

Some Big Baits also contain salt, which increases density and keeps the lure more stable in the water.

Hook setup for Big Baits

Big Baits are usually equipped with one or two sharp trebles, often in a wide-gap version for secure hook contact with large predators. Well-known hook brands are BKK, Owner ST-66, and VMC. For pike fishing, a steel leader or a stiff fluorocarbon leader with at least 0.7 mm diameter is mandatory because pike teeth can bite through thinner leaders.

Related categories

Those looking for smaller softbaits with tail action will find them in the Softbaits category. For crayfish, beetle, or insect imitations, check out Creature Baits. For the overarching softbait collection, see the Softbaits category.

Frequently asked questions about big baits

A big bait is a large soft bait measuring around 20 cm or more in body length, specifically designed for trophy predators such as pike, large zander, huchen, and catfish. Its voluminous body and powerful tails create intense pressure waves that predators can detect and attack from great distances.

Three main classes: Single Twister delivers a continuous pressure wave with the slowest retrieve. Paddle Tail produces high-frequency vibrations with a distinctly fish-like action. Double Tail or Twin Tail creates a double pressure wave with two independently working tails. Each tail type has its preferred application.

Rule of thumb: 15 to 18 cm for medium-sized pike from 70 cm and up, and as a transition to larger zander. 20 to 23 cm as the standard size for pike from 80 cm and up. 25 to 30 cm as the trophy size, specifically for trophy pike from 100 cm and up. Larger lures rule out smaller predators because the volume overwhelms them.

A shallow rig is the standard setup for big baits in shallow areas. Treble hook on the belly, anti-tangle wire on the back, no jig head. The lure swims just below the surface under its own weight, stays in the predator’s field of view for a long time, and moves through weed beds and flooded timber without getting snagged.

Three standard techniques: First, slow-rolling on a shallow rig—retrieve extremely slowly so the lure stays in the fish’s field of vision for a long time. Second, stop-and-go: during the pause, the bulky body tilts slightly; when you start retrieving again, the action immediately resumes. Third, presenting the lure vertically from the boat with short lifts in deeper areas.

It depends on the water conditions and the predators’ mood. The single twister is a classic and works even when retrieved very slowly, making it excellent in murky water. The paddle tail has an active rolling action, ideal when predators are actively feeding and in clear water. The double tail produces the most intense pressure waves, making it a targeted choice during high water or at dusk. If you want to stay flexible, bring all three.

Individual weights vary considerably depending on size and material. Intermediate sizes of 15 to 18 cm typically weigh 25 to 50 g. The standard class of 20 to 23 cm weighs 50 to 100 g. Specimens in the trophy class of 25 to 30 cm can weigh 100 to over 140 g. The hook setup adds another 10 to 30 g.

Pike rods with a semi-parabolic action and a casting weight of 50 to 200 g. A baitcasting reel with a high gear ratio (6.0:1 or higher) and enough line capacity for 100 to 150 m of braided line. Very large big baits measuring 25 cm or more and weighing 100 g require a specially designed big-bait rod with a powerful backbone.

Braided line with a diameter of 0.28 to 0.40 mm and a minimum breaking strain of 15 kg. A steel leader or hard fluorocarbon leader of at least 0.70 mm is essential when fishing for pike, as pike teeth can bite through thinner leaders. The leader should be at least 50 cm long, and considerably longer when trolling.

Big-bait fishing is a discipline of its own and requires specialized equipment. To get started, an intermediate size in the 18 cm class with a single twister or paddle tail on a shallow rig is suitable. First check your equipment setup (pike rod, powerful baitcaster, steel leader), then practice with moderate casts. Big baits are not suitable for spinning rods or light setups.