Pilkin ICE Fish with treble hook 20–25g

Product detailed description

Pilkin ICE Fish with treble hook 20–25 g forms the middle section of the ICE Fish family of compact metal lures. Compared with the lighter 7–16 g group, it adds casting distance, a faster return to the working depth and firmer contact in wind or current. This makes it useful for targeted asp fishing, covering distant drop-offs and current seams, and vertical fishing for perch or zander from a boat. The construction remains simple: a baitfish-shaped body, a silver finish and one treble hook. Its real strength lies in the combination of a compact profile, speed, flank flash and a controlled fall.

The body has an elongated baitfish profile, a broader front section with an eye, a tapered tail and a scale-patterned surface. In the water it therefore does not look like a shapeless piece of metal. When retrieved, turned or allowed to fall, it shows its flanks and produces short flashes. It is not an exact copy of one particular species. Instead, the Pilkin sends the general signal of small silver prey: bleak fry, roach fry or another small baitfish that has separated from the shoal, accelerated or briefly lost its balance.

This silhouette has a clear purpose when fishing for asp. An active fish often reacts less to fine decorative detail and more to speed, the right profile size, flash and the direction of escape. During a brisk retrieve, the silver flanks flash like a fleeing baitfish. In clearer water and daylight, the natural reflection becomes especially useful. In coloured water or beneath foam, placing the lure in the correct line and matching the retrieve speed to the activity of the fish becomes even more important. Silver alone does not guarantee a strike; it works as part of the complete signal created by profile, speed and changes in movement.

The Pilkin does not rely on the broad side-to-side swing of a traditional spoon. Its compact body responds mainly to the rod and reel. On a steady retrieve it represents a baitfish escaping at speed. A short acceleration increases the flash, easing the retrieve lets the lure expose its flank, and a pause sends it into a fall. For asp, an overcomplicated action is usually unnecessary. A precise cast, a continuous faster retrieve and one brief change of pace will often make more sense than constant jerking with the rod tip.

The 20 and 25 g versions are useful when you need to send a small metal profile beyond a drop-off, into the main flow, along the boundary between faster and slower water or towards baitfish activity outside the range of lighter lures. When targeting asp, it is often better to cast beyond the activity and retrieve the Pilkin through the strike zone rather than land directly in the middle of the shoal. The compact body helps the lure hold its line at speed, while its running depth can be changed simply by slowing down, lifting the rod tip or adding a short pause. If fish are feeding just below the surface, start retrieving soon after the lure lands. If they are holding deeper, allow it to sink briefly before beginning the retrieve.

The 20 g version is the livelier and more delicate of the pair. It suits lighter wind, calm or moderately flowing water, shallower depths and situations where a slightly slower fall is useful. For asp, it is a good choice when the fish are feeding on smaller prey and there is no need to drive the lure through a strong crosswind. During vertical fishing it allows a more sensitive presentation and a softer return towards the bottom. The supplier fits it with a size 4 treble hook.

The 25 g version adds reserve for longer casts, stronger wind, more current, faster drift or a deeper working layer. Five extra grams may look like a small difference on paper, but it is noticeable in flight and during the fall, especially on a thinner braided line. The 25 g lure maintains firmer contact, returns to the required depth more quickly and is easier to read when the 20 g version begins to move away from the intended line. According to the supplier catalogue, this version is also fitted with a size 4 treble hook.

The middle group is not intended only for fast casting. During vertical fishing from a boat, kayak or belly boat, 20–25 g can provide the contact required in deeper water, wind and moderate drift where a lighter Pilkin becomes difficult to follow. For perch or zander, use shorter lifts, allow the lure to fall under control and watch the line throughout the descent. A strike may not feel like a hard impact; sometimes the fall simply stops, speeds up or the line unexpectedly goes slack. For this reason, do not automatically use the heavier option. Move up in weight only when the conditions genuinely require it.

One treble hook is supplied with the lure, and both versions use size 4. Before fishing, check the hook points, the condition of the split ring and the free movement of the hook. Repeated contact with rocks, concrete or hard edges can blunt a point before the damage is obvious. Where pike are present, adapt the leader to the risk of bite-offs. When targeting asp or zander, also avoid making the connection unnecessarily heavy, as excessive hardware can restrict the movement of this compact lure.

How the Pilkin ICE Fish range is divided

We divide the complete family into three product groups according to weight and principal use. These are not rigid boundaries, but a practical guide for selecting a lure according to the water, current, wind, required casting distance and preferred sink rate.

Dividing the range does not mean that one fish species belongs to only one weight. Asp may feed close to the surface in calmer water, but it may also hunt far out in the main current and against the wind. Zander can hold beneath a boat on a drop-off, while perch may suspend over deep water. The practical rule remains the same: use the lightest weight that still maintains contact and reaches the required distance. Start with 20 g. Move to 25 g when wind, current or depth begins to take away control.

The rod must have a casting-weight rating suitable for the selected version and enough reserve for a safe cast. When fishing for asp from the bank, extra rod length, a responsive blank and a thinner braided line help exploit the compact shape during long casts. For vertical fishing, handling, sensitivity and the ability to keep the Pilkin beneath the craft matter more. Match the leader length and material to water clarity, obstacles and target species. There is no need for a complicated rig; this lure works best with a clean, light and dependable connection.

At sea, 20–25 g can be used for light shore spinning, harbour fishing and calm shallow areas where small prey is present. This group is not a deep-water lure for strong drift and is not a universal choice for fishing from a Norwegian boat. For greater depth, current and saltwater work, move to the heavier part of the family. After every use in salt water, rinse the Pilkin with fresh water, allow it to dry completely and inspect the treble hook and split ring.

Pilkin ICE Fish 20–25 g is intended for anglers who want to send a small metal profile a long way, retrieve it quickly and still retain the option of working it on the fall. The 20 g version offers a livelier presentation and a slightly slower descent, while 25 g adds distance and firmer control. The body supplies the silhouette and flash; the final action is determined by retrieve speed, the selected depth and the moment at which the lure is allowed to change pace.

Frequently asked questions – Pilkin ICE Fish with treble hook 20–25 g

What does Pilkin ICE Fish 20–25 g imitate?

The elongated silver body, scale-patterned surface and flank flash create the general silhouette of a small prey fish such as bleak fry or roach fry. It is not an exact copy of one species, but a combination of a compact profile, speed and reflected light.

Is Pilkin 20–25 g suitable for asp?

Yes. It makes sense for longer casts and faster retrieves through the water column or just below the surface. Its compact profile is most useful where asp are hunting small silver baitfish. A strike is not determined by weight alone; fish activity, the correct depth, retrieve speed and presentation remain decisive.

How should I choose between 20 and 25 g?

Choose 20 g in lighter wind, weaker current and when you want a livelier action with a slower fall. The 25 g version adds casting distance, a faster descent and firmer contact in wind, current, greater depth or drift.

How should I retrieve the Pilkin when fishing for asp?

Begin with a brisk steady retrieve and guide the lure through the area of activity. According to the depth of the fish, lift the rod tip, start retrieving immediately after the cast or allow the Pilkin to sink briefly. Instead of constant jerking, try one short change of speed or a brief pause.

Can Pilkin 20–25 g be used for perch and zander?

Yes. During vertical fishing from a boat, kayak or belly boat, this weight helps maintain contact in greater depth, wind and moderate drift. Use shorter lifts and watch the line throughout the controlled fall.

Which treble hooks are fitted to the two versions?

According to the supplier catalogue, both the 20 and 25 g versions are fitted with a size 4 treble hook. The hook is supplied with the lure; check its sharpness and the condition of the split ring before fishing.

Is Pilkin 20–25 g also suitable for saltwater fishing?

Yes, mainly for light shore spinning, harbour fishing and calmer shallow areas. For greater depth, stronger current and boat drift, choose the 40–60 g group or a heavier saltwater pirk.

→ Full technical details are listed below in the Product parameters table.

↓ Related and similar products are also shown below the product description to make your selection easier and help you build a complete setup.