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

Big Baits

  • NEU
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 €
  • NEU
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 €
  • NEU
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 €
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 starting at about 20 cm body length, specifically designed for trophy predators like pike, large zander, huchen, and catfish. The bulky body and powerful tails create intense pressure waves that predators can detect and attack from long distances.

Three main types: Single Twister delivers a continuous pressure wave at the slowest speed. Paddle Tail generates high-frequency vibrations with a clear fish-like movement. Double tail or Twin Tail produces 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 pike from 70 cm and transition to large zander. 20 to 23 cm as the standard size for pike from 80 cm. 25 to 30 cm as the trophy class specifically for trophy pike from 100 cm. Larger baits exclude 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 bow on the back, no lead head. The bait swims just below the surface due to its own weight, stays in the predator's line of sight for a long time, and passes through weed beds and submerged wood without snagging.

Three standard techniques: First, slow roll on the shallow rig, reeling in extremely slowly so the bait stays in view for a long time. Second, stop-and-go, where the bulky body tilts slightly during the pause and the action immediately kicks back in when reeling. Third, vertical presentation from the boat with short lifts in deeper areas.

Depends on water conditions and predator mood. Single Twister is a classic, works very well even at slow speeds, great in murky water. Paddle Tail has active rolling action, ideal for active predator periods and clear water. Double tail produces the most intense pressure waves, specifically for high water or dusk. Those who are flexible carry all three.

Own weights vary greatly depending on size and material. Transitional sizes 15 to 18 cm typically weigh 25 to 50 g. Standard class 20 to 23 cm ranges from 50 to 100 g. Large class 25 to 30 cm can weigh 100 to over 140 g. Additionally, the hook setup adds another 10 to 30 g.

Pike rods with semi-parabolic action and casting weight from 50 to 200 g. Baitcaster reel with high gear ratio (6.0:1 or higher) and enough line capacity for 100 m to 150 m of braided line. For very large big baits from 25 cm and 100 g own weight, a specially designed big bait rod with a strong backbone is required.

Braided line with a diameter of 0.28 to 0.40 mm, minimum breaking strength of 15 kg. Steel leader or hard fluorocarbon from 0.70 mm is mandatory for pike fishing because pike teeth can bite through thinner leaders. Leader length at least 50 cm, significantly longer for trolling.

Big bait fishing is its own discipline and requires special equipment. For beginners, a transitional size in the 18 cm class with a single twister or paddle tail on a shallow rig is suitable. First, check the equipment setup (pike rod, strong baitcaster, steel leader), then practice with moderate casts. Big baits are not suitable for spinning rods or light setups.