In late autumn, when targeting pike, one of the most effective lures is a crankbait. A crankbait is a diving bait that can help you cover a lot of water and locate the fish. It has a bill that determines its diving depth, allowing you to target specific areas where the pike may be holding.
Based on the video context, the angler mentions using a Rapala DT series crankbait, particularly the DT6, DT10, and DT14 models. These crankbaits are designed to hit key depth zones, making them ideal for late fall fishing. The angler also mentions the importance of mimicking the prevalent forage during this time of year, such as shad, herring, or crawfish. So, it's important to choose a crankbait color that matches the hatch and imitates the natural prey of the pike.
When selecting a crankbait for late autumn pike fishing, consider the diving depth of the lure. You want to choose a bait that runs as deep or deeper than the bottom depth you're fishing. This will ensure that the crankbait makes contact with the bottom, where the pike are often found during this time of year.
To summarize, a crankbait, such as the Rapala DT series, is a highly effective lure for catching pike in late autumn. Choose a diving depth that matches the bottom depth you're fishing and select a color that imitates the prevalent forage. Remember to cover a lot of water and experiment with different retrieves to entice the pike to strike.