Best Lure for Pike, Seabass and Perch – Angler’s Complete Guide

Choosing the Best Lure for Pike, Seabass and Perch in 2025

Predator fishing in Ireland and the UK has become increasingly popular in recent years. Anglers are heading more and more often to target trophy pike in lakes such as Shannon, Lough Ree or Lough Derg, chasing perch in rivers and pursuing seabass along the Atlantic coast.

With the rise of interest in predator fishing comes a stronger focus on ecology and the careful choice of tackle. At the centre of attention are soft lures – flexible baits that combine lifelike action, versatility, and affordability.

The right lure choice has a direct impact on results: whether it’s a powerful lure for pike when hunting big predators, a reliable lure for seabass for coastal fishing, or a finesse-style lure for perch.

In this complete guide, we will explore:

• why catch & release is so important for Irish ecosystems,
• how premium Keitech lures differ from the budget-friendly yet effective alternative Select,
• and which tackle works best across different seasons.

Why Catch & Release Matters for Pike Fishing in Ireland

In Ireland, pike is regarded as one of the key species for predator angling, and it is here that the culture of “catch and release” has developed most actively. This is linked not only to ecology but also to preserving the sporting essence of fishing.

When a large pike is returned to the water, it continues to maintain balance within the ecosystem by controlling populations of smaller fish. Such predators are the “guardians” of the waters, and they are what make fishing so exciting.

For many anglers in Ireland, releasing fish has already become the norm: a photo for memory, careful handling, and a gentle release. This ensures that trophy specimens will still be there for future anglers. That is why sustainable use of tackle and thoughtful lure choice, such as the lure for pike, are becoming increasingly important.

The Role of Soft Lures – Baits for Pike, Seabass and Perch

Soft lures have become a truly universal tool in modern predator fishing. Their lifelike action and the wide choice of sizes and shapes make them equally effective for pike, seabass, and perch.

• For trophy pike, soft paddle tails and twisters work best. Such a lure for pike creates strong vibrations in the water and quickly draws the predator’s attention.
• Along the Atlantic coast, soft lures are often used as a lure for seabass — perfectly imitating small baitfish and remaining effective even when activity is low.
• For perch, compact options are ideal: ribbed worms, small shads, and creature baits, all of which can be fished with light jig heads or drop shot rigs as a finesse-style lure for perch.

Soft lures give the angler unmatched flexibility: one tackle box can cover multiple fish species and fishing conditions. In our soft lures section, you’ll find a wide range of options suitable for every scenario.

"Select Boozer is a great replica of the legendary RELAX Kopyto. The action is lively, the material is durable, and predators strike with confidence." — Seán O’Neill

Keitech Soft Lures for Irish & UK Waters

The Japanese brand Keitech has long been considered a benchmark in the world of soft lures. Their models are known for premium quality, lifelike action, and thoughtful design. For many Irish and British anglers, Keitech has become synonymous with consistent success.

• Swing Impact Fat – a wide-bodied paddle tail with active tail action. Perfect for both slow retrieves and classic jigging. A great choice as a lure for pike or for targeting bigger perch.
• Easy Shiner – a universal shad, equally effective in fresh and saltwater. Widely used as a lure for seabass, thanks to its natural imitation of small baitfish along the coast.
• Mad Wag and Sexy Impact – particularly effective for perch. These baits work ideally with microjig or drop shot rigs.

You can explore these models in our collection of Keitech Soft Lures for Irish & UK Waters.

Select Lures – The Affordable Alternative to Keitech for Pike, Seabass and Perch

Not every angler is ready to spend large sums on lures, especially at the beginning. This is where the brand Select comes in – a kind of “budget-friendly alternative” to Keitech.

• Select focuses on affordable prices while maintaining functional performance.
• Their range covers most of the popular shapes: paddle tails, twisters, creatures, and ribbed worms.
• A great choice for beginners, as well as for those fishing in snaggy areas where the risk of losing lures is high.

Select proves itself well when used as a lure for perch (for example, Snack and Bugz models), and also in saltwater fishing, where affordable soft lures are often employed as a lure for seabass.

This way, the angler has a choice: premium solutions from Keitech or more affordable but still effective options from Select.

Comparison Table – Keitech vs Select

Lure Shape	Select Model	Price (average, pack)	Keitech Model (analogue)	Price (average, pack)	Comment
Classic paddle tail	Select Fetish	€2.50 (6 pcs)	Keitech Swing Impact	€7.99 (10 pcs)	Same shape, Keitech offers more consistent action. Select is budget-friendly for snaggy areas.
Wide-bodied paddle tail	Select Fatfish	€3.75 (5 pcs)	Keitech Swing Impact Fat	€8.34 (7 pcs)	Similar action, but Keitech uses softer material and more realistic movement. Select is cost-effective during active bites.
Universal shad	Select Easy Shad	€3.99 (5 pcs)	Keitech Easy Shiner	€6.99 (10 pcs)	Easy Shiner is considered the benchmark, but Select lets you cheaply test different sizes and colours.

In the top photo you can see the Select Easy Shad, and below it the Japanese legend, the Keitech Easy Shiner. Visually these lures are hard to tell apart. Of course, an experienced angler will immediately notice the difference when holding them in hand — the Japanese lure feels much softer, which makes it one of the most effective in the world, but also one of the most delicate and quick to wear out.

The colours of the Japanese baits are more subtle, with greater depth and beautiful transitions. Sometimes this makes all the difference on the water — but it comes at a price.

Believe me, in 60–70% of cases, Select will perform just as well. Both of these lures deserve their place in the tackle box.

Practical Insights from Anglers

A fellow angler and sportsman once told me:

“I use both Select and Keitech. In snags, dense weed, and during periods of active bites – I go for Select. When the bite is tough, when the fish need to be searched out and persuaded, and certainly in competitions – it’s always Keitech.”

I adopted this rule from him and now apply it not only to lures but also to many other types of tackle. It helps me optimise costs while still being confident in the results.

The Philosophy Behind Select

I want you to understand one simple truth: Select does not claim innovation or leadership in lure development. The brand’s strategy is different – to take proven designs created by leading manufacturers and make them more accessible for the average angler.

Select takes successful models and releases them in a more budget-friendly format, while still maintaining an acceptable level of quality. In fact, practically all Select lures – or more accurately, all of them – are replicas of extremely popular and highly effective models from top producers.

This concept applies not only to soft lures but also across other categories of Select products. In essence, it gives anglers the opportunity to test different shapes and find working options without large financial outlays, before deciding whether to invest in premium brands like Keitech.

Looking Ahead – Wobblers and Beyond

Soon, I will release a separate article about wobblers, where you will see a similar comparison table: on one side, expensive Japanese wobblers – the market leaders – and opposite them, their counterparts from Select.

But it is important not to confuse different levels of quality. Even in its budget models, Select uses reliable components, such as BKK hooks, well-known for their durability. This is fundamentally different from the openly cheap and unreliable imitations often found on AliExpress and similar platforms.

Therefore, when we talk about Select, we are dealing with what I call a “reasonable budget” – tackle that does not claim innovation but still remains functional and competitive.

Seasonal Tips for Pike Fishing in Ireland

Pike in Ireland behave differently depending on the season.

• Spring – an active feeding period after spawning. Large paddle tails and shads work best. A strong lure for pike, visible from a distance, is especially effective.
• Summer – pike become less active. This is the time to try slow retrieves with soft lures and use finesse-style approaches.
• Autumn – trophy season. Pike feed aggressively, and this is the best time to use larger Keitech or Select baits.
• Winter – fishing is more targeted and slower. Smaller soft lures can provoke even inactive fish.

Table: Gear and Lure Options for Pike, Seabass and Perch

Category	Option	Why It Works	Example
Rod	Medium-heavy spinning rod	Handles 20–80 g lures, versatile	Fishing rods
Soft Lure	Paddle-tail shad	Natural tail action, attracts predators	Keitech Easy Shiner
Seabass Lure	Slim minnow	Imitates small baitfish in saltwater	Keitech Easy Shiner
Perch Lure	Creature or ribbed worm	Ideal for finesse rigs, drop shot	Keitech Crazy Flapper / Select Snack
Budget Option	Select soft lure	Affordable price, functional versatility	Select Bugz
Tool	Long-nose pliers	Safe hook removal, careful handling	Hook remover

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions on Lures for Pike, Seabass and Perch

What makes pike fishing in Ireland unique compared to other countries?
Ireland has naturally strong populations of pike, and catch & release helps preserve trophy specimens.

Which lure works best for seabass in Irish coastal waters?
Most often, soft minnows such as the Easy Shiner, which imitate small baitfish. Such a lure for seabass is effective even in low activity conditions.

Can perch lures be used in rivers and lakes?
Yes, compact lure for perch models work perfectly in freshwater with light rigs – from microjig to drop shot.

Which rod is best for beginners targeting pike?
A versatile medium-heavy spinning rod with a casting weight up to 80 g is the optimal choice.

Do I need a licence for pike fishing in Ireland?
In most waters, no licence is required, but it is always worth checking local regulations.

What’s the difference between Keitech and Select lures?
Keitech is a premium Japanese brand with outstanding detail and quality. Select is a more budget-friendly but proven option for anglers seeking affordability.

Are budget Select lures suitable for beginners?
Yes, they are ideal for those just starting out, or fishing in snaggy areas where losing lures is common.

Why is it so important to release large pike?
Big fish regulate populations and maintain ecosystem balance. Catch & release helps ensure sustainable fishing.

 

Conclusion – The Future of Predator Fishing in Ireland & the UK

Modern angling in Ireland and the UK is evolving. More and more anglers are choosing soft lures as a universal solution: whether it’s a powerful lure for pike, a finesse-style lure for perch, or a realistic lure for seabass.

Keitech remains the benchmark for quality, while Select offers an affordable entry into the world of spinning fishing. Together, they shape a sustainable fishing culture where every angler can find tackle suited to their budget and style.

Catch & release has already become the standard: respect for fish and ecosystems ensures we can continue enjoying fishing at the highest level.

👉 Ready to hit the water in 2025?
Choose premium Keitech, budget-friendly Select, as well as reliable Fishing rods and Soft lures for targeting pike, seabass, and perch in Irish and UK waters.