Pilk jigs & speed jigging

Pilks & Speed Jigs are a category of metal sea fishing lures for vertical fishing, boat fishing, depth, current and active jigging. This category does not include only classic Norway pilks, but also modern speed jigs, metal jigs, slim jig minnow profiles, compact deep-water pilks and fast-sinking metal lures for more aggressive presentations through the water column.

A classic pilk is a metal lure with a clear role in sea fishing. It helps you reach depth quickly, keep contact in stronger current, search through different water layers and work below the boat during drift. In Norway, pilks are among the basic working lures for cod, coalfish, pollack and, depending on size, retrieve style and conditions, other saltwater fish as well.

A speed jig is a different type of metal lure. It is usually slimmer, sinks faster, creates less resistance in the water and is designed for faster vertical jigging. Speed jigging makes sense when fishing actively through the water column, when using a faster rhythm with the rod and reel, and when fish react to the escape movement of prey. In tropical and warmer saltwater fishing, speed jigs are used for active pelagic species such as jacks, amberjack, tuna, mahi-mahi and other predators depending on the location and the specific lure.

The difference between a pilk and a speed jig is not only the name. What really matters is shape, weight, balance, sink rate, water resistance and retrieve style. Some modern pilks behave partly like speed jigs, and some speed jigs can also make sense in Norway, for example when fishing fast for coalfish or active fish in the water column. It is always better to look at how the lure actually behaves in the water than only at the label on the package.

Slim pilks and jig minnow profiles create less resistance and reach depth faster. They are useful in current, deeper water and situations where you need to keep the lure under control. Wider or flatter pilks create more flash and a slower fall, but they can also create more drag in stronger drift. Banana-style pilks and curved models often move more from side to side and can be interesting for slower presentations or when fish react to a wider fluttering action.

Weight is very important, but it does not tell the whole story. Lighter pilks are better suited to shallower water, weaker current and more delicate presentations. Medium weights are often useful in Norway for fjords, edges and general boat fishing. Heavier and more compact pilks make sense in deeper water, stronger current or faster drift. Two lures with the same weight can behave very differently depending on shape, volume and balance.

An underweighted pilk is a common problem in deep water. The angler may think the lure is fishing near the bottom, while current or boat drift is actually lifting it out of the working zone. On the other hand, a lure that is too heavy is not always the answer either. It can feel harsh, lose natural movement and reduce control during more subtle presentations. The right choice is always a balance between depth, current, boat drift, rod, line, target fish and retrieve style.

Classic pilking is usually based on vertical work below the boat. The lure is lifted from the bottom, allowed to fall again and worked in a rhythm based on fish activity. Slower bottom work can be effective for cod, while coalfish and other active fish in the water column may react better to a faster retrieve. With speed jigging, the tempo is usually much higher – short lifts, faster winding, work through the water column and a focus on reaction bites.

Colour matters, but it should not replace the more important factors. In clear water and good light, natural metal flash, silver, blue, green and baitfish colours can work well. In deeper water, low light, stained water or reduced visibility, glow, UV, contrast colours, pink, orange or a stronger dark silhouette can help the lure stand out. For active fish, flash and reflection can be important; for more cautious fish, a more natural presentation may be the better choice.

Hook setup is also important. Classic pilks are often fitted with a treble hook or single hook, while speed jigs are commonly used with assist hooks. A treble hook is common for traditional pilking. A single hook can be more practical for larger fish, snaggy ground or safer handling. An assist hook is especially useful for faster jigging, where fish often strike near the head or centre of the lure. In saltwater fishing, hook strength, split rings and corrosion resistance should always be taken seriously.

A pilk can be used as the main lure, but sometimes also as a weight below a rig, for example under mackerel feathers or simple sea fishing rigs. A speed jig is usually used as the main metal lure for active jigging. In both cases, the lure should match the whole setup – rod, braided line, leader, split rings and target fish.

This category is different from halibut jigs, soft lures, fireballs and sea fishing rigs. A pilk is a metal lure for active work, fast sinking and control in depth. A halibut jig often has a soft body and a larger baitfish profile. A soft lure gives a more flexible and natural movement. A fireball is mainly used with fish or meat. Rigs are systems and setups, not standalone metal lures.

In the SAF range, you will find pilks and metal jigs in different styles and from different brands – from classic models for Norway fishing to more modern speed jigging lures. Savage Gear, Aquantic, ICE fish, Fladen, SPRO and the gradually expanded Westin range all make sense in this category when the specific model fits the role: a metal lure for vertical fishing, drift, depth, current or faster jigging. The important point is not the brand name alone, but what the lure actually does in the water.

Pilks & Speed Jigs are therefore for anglers who do not want to choose a metal lure only by price or colour. Choose by where you fish, how deep you fish, how strong the current is, how fast the boat drifts, which fish you target and how you want to work the lure. That combination decides whether the lure will fish in the right zone.

• Deep Sea Lures • Halibut Jigs • Spinning Lures • Fireballs • Mackerel Rigs • Saltwater Lures

Frequently Asked Questions – Pilks & Speed Jigs

What is a pilk?

A pilk is a metal sea fishing lure designed mainly for vertical fishing, boat fishing, drift, depth and working near the bottom or through the water column. In Norway, pilks are commonly used for cod, coalfish, pollack and other saltwater fish depending on weight, shape and retrieve style.

What is speed jigging?

Speed jigging is a faster style of vertical jigging with a metal lure. Speed jigs usually sink faster, create less resistance and are worked more aggressively than classic pilks. They are often used in tropical fishing and for active pelagic fish.

What is the difference between a pilk and a speed jig?

A pilk is generally a working metal lure for Norway, depth, drift and classic vertical fishing. A speed jig is usually slimmer and faster, designed for quicker vertical presentations, reaction bites and often tropical or pelagic fishing.

Which pilk weight should I choose for Norway?

Choose weight according to depth, current, boat drift, lure shape and target fish. In deeper water and stronger current, a heavier or more compact pilk is usually needed. In shallower water or weaker current, a lighter and more active model may work better.

How do I know if my pilk is too light?

If you lose contact with the lure, cannot feel where it is working or the current and drift lift it away from the bottom or target layer, the pilk is probably too light or creates too much resistance. A heavier lure, more compact shape or different retrieve can help.

When should I use a slim pilk and when a wider pilk?

A slim pilk sinks faster and creates less resistance, so it is useful in current, deeper water and active presentations. A wider pilk creates more flash and a slower fall, which can be interesting in shallower water, weaker current or when using a slower retrieve.

When should I use a banana-style pilk?

A banana-style or curved pilk often moves more from side to side and has a wider fluttering fall. It can make sense when fish do not react to a straight, fast-sinking profile and you want a more visible movement.

When should I use a speed jig?

Use a speed jig when you want to search the water column quickly, target active fish or work the lure with a faster rhythm. In Norway, it can make sense for active coalfish or pollack. In the tropics, it is mainly used for fast pelagic predators depending on the location.

How do you fish a pilk?

A classic pilk is usually dropped to the target depth and worked with lifts, controlled falls, short jigging movements or slower bottom work. The tempo depends on the target fish. Cod often respond to slower bottom presentations, while active coalfish may react to faster work through the water column.

How do you fish a speed jig?

A speed jig is worked faster than a classic pilk. Short lifts, quicker winding, water-column work and an escape-style action are typical. Rhythm and lure contact are important, because bites often come during a change of speed or on the fall.

Which fish are commonly caught on pilks in Norway?

In Norway, pilks are commonly used for cod, coalfish, pollack and other saltwater fish. Halibut can also take a pilk, but it should be seen as situational depending on lure size, depth, retrieve and conditions, not as the automatic main target of every pilk.

Which fish are caught on speed jigs in tropical fishing?

In tropical and warmer saltwater fishing, speed jigs are used for active predators such as amberjack, tuna, jacks, mahi-mahi, snapper and grouper depending on location and lure type. Local conditions, depth and retrieve style always matter.

Which colour should I choose?

In clear water and good light, natural metal flash and baitfish colours are a safe choice. In deeper water, low light or reduced visibility, glow, UV, contrast colours, pink, orange or a stronger silhouette can help. Colour is useful, but it cannot replace the right weight, shape and retrieve.

Is a treble hook, single hook or assist hook better?

A treble hook is common on classic pilks. A single hook can be more practical for larger fish, snaggy ground or safer handling. Assist hooks are often used with speed jigs and active jigging. The best setup depends on the lure, target fish and fishing style.

Can a pilk be used below mackerel feathers?

Yes, a smaller pilk can often be used as a weight below mackerel feathers. It helps get the rig to the right depth and can also work as an additional visual attractor. The weight should be chosen carefully so it does not overload the rig.

How is a pilk different from a soft lure?

A pilk is a metal lure with a faster sink rate and a harder, more compact action. A soft lure has a flexible body, softer movement and often a more natural baitfish profile. Pilks are mainly useful for depth, current and vertical work, while soft lures are better when you want softer action and a more natural presentation.

Are pilks only useful in Norway?

No. Pilks are very important for Norway and the North Atlantic, but metal jigs and speed jigs are also used in many other saltwater destinations, including tropical fishing. The key difference is lure type, weight, target fish and retrieve style.