Application of Seabass Lures for Pike Fishing

Japanese seabass lures—designed originally for Suzuki (Japanese seabass) fishing—should have been more popular in Pike fishing, in my opinion.
Although these lures were born in a saltwater environment thousands of kilometers away, their design principles make them surprisingly effective not only for seabass but also for freshwater predator fishing.

Here are reasons why I think this way.

1. High Reaction-Triggering Action

Japanese seabass lures are engineered to create sharp, high-frequency movements that provoke reaction bites from seabass, a species known for their cautious but aggressive feeding behavior.
European pike also respond strongly to sudden flashes, darting actions, and tight wobbling, especially when they are not actively feeding. This makes seabass lures perfect for triggering strikes during tough conditions.

Jerkbaits are lures to realize this kind of actions. When they were pulled strongly and abruptly, they turns their face and starts darting or sliding actions. And flattering actions were reinforced with the flat side design.

In Japanese seabass fishing, jerking or twitching works well in some occasions.

2. Slim, Realistic Profiles Match European Forage Fish

Many seabass lures have baitfish-like silhouettes—similar to European prey species such as:

Roach; similar to Konoshiro (Konosirus)

Perch fry and bleak; similar to Inakko (baby Mullet, Mugilidae)

Smelt; similar to Katakuchi Iwashi (Japanese Anchovy, Engraulis japonicus)

Pike often hunt long, narrow baitfish, and the natural profile of seabass lures fits perfectly into this feeding pattern.
The reason why many Japanese seabass lures have slim shape is that Japanese anglers often fish in the river mouth where the current is strong. To present the best swimming action in these current, slim shape is effective. On the other hand, pike fishing is often done in the stillwater. Since the appeal is stronger with the larger volume, angler tend to choose the high volume lures.
In both fishing, these predators eat both slim bait fish as well as flatter high-backed fish.

3. Long-Casting Performance Suits Large Lakes and Rivers

Japan’s coastal seabass game requires long-distance casting from shore. As a result, these lures feature:

• Aerodynamic body shapes
• Internal weight-transfer systems
• Stable flight posture

For European anglers fishing from bank or boat, this means you can cover wide areas efficiently, crucial for exploring big water bodies where pike often roam.

4. Strong Hardware and Salt-Grade Durability

Because they are built for saltwater conditions, seabass lures come with:

• Corrosion-resistant hardware
• Strong split rings
• Reinforced bodies

Freshwater pike—with their violent head shakes and sharp teeth—benefit from this extra durability. A lure that survives seabass will easily handle pike.
Some of the European pike fishing venues have brackish water. And in these conditions, Japanese seabass lures are safer choice to use considering the possible rust on the hooks and split rings.

5. Versatility Across Seasons and Techniques

Seabass lures excel in a variety of retrieve styles:

• Steady retrieve
• Stop-and-go
• Twitching
• Slow rolling
• Fast high-speed retrieve

Pike, which change feeding behavior depending on water temperature and season, react well to these versatile actions. One lure can cover many seasonal patterns.

While seabass eats bait after chasing, pike does not follow bait long. This is one of the biggest difference between these two species in baiting style. This gives the presentation different. The seabass lures such as presenting themselves well in steady, slower retrieve may be easier to use for pike.

6. Proven Success Among European Anglers

More and more pike specialists in Europe are discovering that Japanese seabass lures—especially sinking minnows and vibration baits—produce outstanding results, particularly in:

• Cold-water seasons
• Clear-water lakes
• Pressured fishing conditions

Their subtle yet high-impact actions provide a new edge where pike have become wary of traditional big, bulky lures.

"Fish know every kinds of lures and its brands." We are joking like this, often. When you bring the new lures to your water, then you can test it. If you try some test, why don't you select some lures have had good results?

7. As a Conclusion

Although originally designed for coastal Japanese seabass, these lures carry universal qualities that translate exceptionally well into European pike fishing. Their precision engineering, casting ability, durability, and natural action make them a powerful alternative—and sometimes a secret weapon—for targeting large, smart pike in Europe.

Here are some of my recommendation.
This recommendation is for those who wants to have Japanese quality, but those who look for something similar to pike jerk bait.

ZIG ZAG Bait from Pozi Drive Garage

This 12 cm (4.7 inch) bait is slow sinking. This 43g weight casts well. After it lands on the water, it can swim like a swim-bait style in a slow straight retrieve. Once you jerk it, it goes slides after turn, just like your pike jerk bait. Also, it can be used more static manner. In Japan it is called one of the rare versatile seabass lure.
This lure reminds me some of the European pike lures such as Svetzonker's McJerk or Dorado, and Rapala's Xrap Twitchin Shad.

If you are interested in this lure, search with the name
POZIDRIVE Garage ZIG ZAG Bait 120 Mullet color
or
you can immediately buy with click this Discovery Japan site selling this lure.

If you are searching for this type of lure in smaller size, then 8cm and 10cm are available.

ZIGZAG Bait 80S Mullet

ZIGZAG Bait 100S Mullet