Pilkin ICE Fish with treble hook 40–60g

Product detailed description

Pilkin ICE Fish with treble hook 40–60 g is the heaviest section of the small compact Pilkin family and the first branch designed primarily around saltwater use. Compared with the 7–16 and 20–25 g groups, it adds a faster descent, firmer contact in current and more reserve when the boat is drifting. It is still not a heavy deep-water pirk for extreme depths. This is a lighter saltwater lure for active jigging, shore jigging and working through the water column when you want to feel the lure, change pace and search the water more precisely than with a large heavy pirk.

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 sinker. When retrieved, redirected or allowed to fall under control, it shows its flanks and produces short flashes. It is not an exact copy of one species. In saltwater it gives the general signal of smaller silver prey: a small herring, sprat or another baitfish that has separated from the shoal, lost its rhythm or is trying to escape.

The silver finish has a clear purpose at sea. The flanks of small baitfish reflect light and flash briefly when they turn or flee. The Pilkin uses the same principle. In clearer water and daylight it can look more natural, while a faster retrieve produces a stronger flash and a falling lure exposes more of its flank. In coloured water, overcast conditions or greater depth, colour alone becomes less important; silhouette, speed, direction of movement and placing the lure in the correct layer matter more.

The Pilkin does not rely on the broad swing of a traditional spoon. Its compact body responds mainly to the rod and reel. On a continuous retrieve it suggests a baitfish escaping at speed. A short acceleration strengthens the flash, easing the retrieve lets the lure show its flank, and a pause sends it into a fall. During vertical work, a lift starts it moving again and the next descent creates the moment when the prey appears vulnerable. It therefore makes sense to alternate a steady retrieve, short lifts, changes of pace and a controlled fall rather than pull the lure through the water at one unchanging rhythm.

The 40–60 g range is intended mainly for shallower saltwater areas, Norwegian fjords, harbours, rocky edges, current seams and lighter boat fishing. From the shore, the compact shape helps with casting distance before the lure is worked through the water column. From a boat, it can be fished beneath the craft, dropped along an edge or worked above the bottom where active fish are holding. There is no universal depth limit. The same 60 g lure may be unnecessarily heavy in a calm bay and too light in strong current or fast drift.

In northern waters, this small silver profile can appeal especially to Atlantic cod, coalfish or saithe, pollack and mackerel. These predators commonly respond to smaller prey in the water column, flash and changes of speed. Pilkin 40–60 g is not a specialised lure for trophy halibut and it does not replace heavy Norwegian deep-water pirks. Its advantage lies in mobility, quick changes of presentation and active fishing where a high lure weight is unnecessary.

The 40 g version is the lighter and livelier member of the pair. It suits shallower water, weaker current and slower drift when you want the lure to spend a little longer falling through the water. It makes sense for shore jigging, harbour fishing, shallower fjord bays or light boat fishing where there is no need to force the lure quickly towards the bottom. According to the supplier catalogue, it is fitted with a size 2 treble hook.

The 60 g version adds reach, a faster descent and firmer contact. Choose it in greater depth, stronger wind, more noticeable current or when the boat is drifting faster and the 40 g version begins to move away from the intended line. The 60 g lure returns to the working layer more quickly and remains closer beneath the boat during vertical fishing. It is still a light saltwater weight. As soon as 60 g is no longer sufficient to maintain contact, move to the heavier Pilker ICE Fish NOR range. The supplier fits this version with a size 1 treble hook.

When shore jigging, either begin retrieving as soon as the lure lands or allow a short counted fall, depending on where the fish are feeding. Then alternate a smooth retrieve with a brief acceleration and pause. From a boat, lower the Pilkin into the required layer, use shorter lifts 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. Controlling the lure on the way down is what separates deliberate presentation from merely dropping a piece of metal beneath the boat.

One treble hook is supplied with the lure, and the size is matched to the body: the 40 g version uses size 2 and the 60 g version size 1. Before fishing, check the hook points, the condition of the split ring and the free movement of the hook. Contact with rocks, concrete piers or the bottom can blunt a point before the damage is easy to see. After every saltwater session, rinse the Pilkin with fresh water, allow it to dry completely and inspect both the hook and connection parts before the next trip.

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 choosing a lure according to the water, current, wind, required casting distance, drift and preferred sink rate.

Dividing the range does not mean that a particular fish species belongs to only one weight. Conditions are decisive. The practical rule is simple: use the lightest weight that still reaches the required layer and gives reliable contact. Start with 40 g. Move to 60 g when wind, current, depth or drift begins to take away control. If the 60 g lure still cannot hold the intended line, more aggressive rod work is not the answer; choose a heavier saltwater pirk.

The rod must have a casting-weight rating suitable for the selected version and enough reserve for a safe cast. For shore jigging, a longer rod and thinner braided line help use the compact shape efficiently. For vertical fishing, handling, sensitivity and keeping the lure close beneath the boat matter more. Match the leader length and material to water clarity, rocks, edges and the size of the fish. The rig does not need to be complicated; the Pilkin works best on a clean, reliable connection without unnecessarily heavy terminal tackle.

In freshwater, 40–60 g can also be useful in a deep reservoir or strong river current where the lighter versions no longer maintain contact. This product branch is nevertheless designed primarily around saltwater use. For deliberately targeting asp or zander without extreme current, the 20–25 g group will usually preserve a lighter setup and slower fall.

Pilkin ICE Fish 40–60 g is intended for anglers who want to place a small silver profile in the saltwater working layer, fish it actively and still read the fall accurately. The 40 g version offers livelier movement and more time in the water column, while 60 g adds reach and control. The body supplies the silhouette and flash; the final presentation is determined by the selected weight, current, drift, retrieve speed and the moment at which the lure is allowed to change pace.

Frequently asked questions – Pilkin ICE Fish with treble hook 40–60 g

What does Pilkin ICE Fish 40–60 g imitate?

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

Which fish is this weight group suitable for?

In Norwegian and other northern waters, it makes sense especially for Atlantic cod, coalfish or saithe, pollack and mackerel, all predators that respond to smaller prey in the water column. It is not a specialised pirk for trophy halibut or heavy deep-water jigging.

How should I choose between 40 and 60 g?

Choose 40 g for shallower water, weaker current, slower drift and a livelier presentation. The 60 g version adds a faster descent, greater reach and firmer contact in wind, current, greater depth or faster drift.

Are 40 or 60 g sufficient for fishing in Norway?

Yes, for light jigging, shallower fjord areas and calmer conditions. In great depth, strong current or fast drift, both versions may be too light; in that case move to the heavier Pilker ICE Fish NOR.

How should I retrieve the Pilkin from shore and from a boat?

From shore, alternate a smooth retrieve, a short acceleration, a pause and a counted fall. From a boat, use shorter lifts, keep the lure in the required layer and watch the line throughout the descent.

Which treble hooks are fitted to the two versions?

According to the supplier catalogue, the 40 g version is fitted with a size 2 treble hook and the 60 g version with size 1. The hook is supplied with the lure; check its sharpness and the condition of the split ring before fishing.

How should I care for the Pilkin after saltwater fishing?

Rinse it with fresh water after use, allow it to dry completely and inspect the treble hook and split ring. Replace any blunt, damaged or corroded part before the next session.

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

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