Pilkin ICE Fish with treble hook 7–16g

Product detailed description

Pilkin ICE Fish with treble hook 7–16 g is the lightest part of the ICE Fish range of compact metal lures. At first glance, it looks simple: a fish-shaped body, a silver finish and one treble hook. That simplicity is exactly where its strength lies. It does not depend on a diving lip, a soft-plastic tail or the complex balance of a hard bait. It works through shape, flash, changes of speed and a controlled fall, so you can cast it, retrieve it through the water column, let it drop along an edge or work it almost vertically below a boat or kayak.

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

The silver finish has a clear purpose in freshwater. The flanks of most small baitfish reflect light and flash briefly when they turn or flee. The Pilkin uses the same principle. In clearer water and daylight it creates a natural baitfish signal, a faster retrieve produces a stronger flash, and during the fall the lure can briefly show a predator its full flank. In coloured water, colour alone becomes less important; retrieve speed, changes of direction and placing the lure in the correct depth layer matter more.

The lure does not rely on the broad side-to-side swing of a traditional spoon. Its compact body responds mainly to what you do with the rod and reel. On a steady retrieve it represents a fast escaping baitfish. After a short pause it loses speed and begins to sink. Lifted from the bottom, it accelerates again; on the next fall it gives the predator a moment when the prey appears vulnerable. It therefore makes sense to alternate a steady retrieve, a short burst of speed, a pause and a controlled fall rather than winding at one unchanging pace.

Within this light group, the main freshwater target is perch. The small metal profile can search drop-offs, rocky shelves, harbour walls, the edges of baitfish shoals and the water directly below a boat. Retrieved faster through the water column or just below the surface, the compact silver profile may also interest an active asp, although this group is designed mainly for a more delicate presentation and perch fishing. Worked more slowly near the bottom or vertically, it may also produce a zander; in this weight class, however, the focus is on shallower water and calmer conditions rather than heavy fishing in deep, powerful current.

The 7 g version is the most delicate member of the group. It suits shallower water, calmer conditions and a lighter setup when you want a slower fall and do not want the lure to reach the bottom too quickly. The supplier fits it with a size 10 treble hook. Seven grams makes sense for cautious fish, around shallow edges, in harbours, on smaller waters or when fishing from a small craft where long casting is not essential.

The 10 g version is the middle option and the most versatile light choice. It still allows sensitive presentation, but gives slightly firmer contact, a longer cast and a quicker return to the working depth than 7 g. The supplier fits it with a size 8 treble hook. Ten grams is a useful starting point when you do not yet know the exact depth or activity level of the fish and want enough freedom to speed up, slow down and work the lure on the fall.

The 16 g version adds reach and control. Choose it in deeper water, in wind, in a gentle current or whenever you need to cast farther and bring the lure down to the fish more quickly. The supplier fits it with a size 6 treble hook. Sixteen grams allows a more positive retrieve while still remaining within the light freshwater part of the range. When even this version no longer gives reliable contact, winding harder is not the answer; it is time to move up to the 20–25 g group.

One treble hook is supplied with the lure, and its size is matched to the body weight: 7 g uses size 10, 10 g uses size 8 and 16 g uses size 6. Before fishing, check the sharpness of all hook points, the condition of the split ring and that the hook moves freely. Frequent contact with rocks or hard edges can dull a point before the damage becomes obvious. On waters where pike are present, choose a leader that reflects the risk of bite-offs.

How the Pilkin ICE Fish range is divided

We divide the complete family into three product groups according to weight and primary use. These are not rigid boundaries, but a practical map that helps you choose according to the water, current, wind, casting distance and required sink rate.

Dividing the range does not mean that one fish species “belongs” to only one weight. Perch may be feeding close to the bank in shallow water or deep below a boat in windy conditions. Asp may hunt near the surface or far beyond a drop-off. What matters is whether you can place the Pilkin in the correct layer and still feel what it is doing. The practical rule is simple: use the lightest weight that still gives reliable contact. As soon as you can no longer read the lure, move up.

The rod should have a lure rating suitable for the selected version and enough reserve for safe casting. A thin braided line improves contact during the fall and helps the compact lure cast farther. Choose the leader length and material according to water clarity, obstacles and target species. There is no need for an overcomplicated rig; the Pilkin shows its simple design best on a clean, light and dependable connection.

In saltwater, the 7–16 g versions can be used for very light shore spinning, harbour fishing or calm shallow areas holding small baitfish. This group is not a deep-water pirk for strong drift. For a boat in Norway and greater depth, use the heavier members of the family. After every contact with salt water, rinse the lure with fresh water, allow it to dry and inspect both the treble hook and split ring.

Pilkin ICE Fish 7–16 g is made for anglers who want a simple metal profile, quick changes of pace and the option to work the lure on the fall. The 7 g version offers delicacy, 10 g provides all-round versatility and 16 g adds reach and control. The body supplies the silhouette and flash; the final action is determined by the selected weight, retrieve speed and the exact moment when you allow the lure to lose momentum.

Frequently asked questions – Pilkin ICE Fish with treble hook 7–16 g

What does the Pilkin ICE Fish 7–16 g imitate?

It is not an exact copy of one species. The elongated silver body, scale-like texture and side flash create the general profile of a small prey fish, such as bleak or roach fry.

Which fish is this weight group suitable for?

The main target is perch. Worked near the bottom or vertically, it may also attract zander, while a faster retrieve can produce an asp. For deliberately targeting asp with longer casts, the 20–25 g range gives more reserve.

How do I choose between 7, 10 and 16 g?

Choose 7 g for a delicate setup, calm shallow water and a slower fall. The 10 g version is the versatile light option. The 16 g version adds casting distance, a faster sink rate and better contact in wind, gentle current or deeper water.

How should I retrieve the Pilkin?

Start with a steady retrieve and changes of speed. Then add short pauses, a controlled fall or a lift from the bottom. When fishing vertically, use shorter lifts and watch the line while the lure is sinking as well.

Which treble hooks are fitted to the individual versions?

According to the supplier catalogue, the 7 g version is fitted with a size 10 treble hook, the 10 g version with size 8 and the 16 g version with size 6. The treble hook is included with the lure.

Is the Pilkin 7–16 g also suitable for saltwater?

Yes, but mainly for light shore spinning, harbours and calm shallow areas. For deeper water, stronger current and drift, choose a heavier part of the range; 7–16 g is not a universal deep-water pirk for Norway.

How should I care for the lure?

After fishing, check the sharpness of the treble hook and the condition of the split ring. After saltwater use, rinse the lure with fresh water and allow it to dry completely.

→ For all detailed technical information, see the Parameters section below.

↓ Below the product description, you will also find related and similar products to make choosing easier and help you build a complete setup.