02 Product Review: Savage Gear 3D Snake
Topwater fever in June – hunting for pike with the Savage Gear Snake
When June arrives, my angler's heart beats faster. The days are long, the water has finally warmed up, and the pike are back on the shallows. For me, this heralds the beginning of a very special time of year: topwater fishing . There's hardly anything that gets your adrenaline pumping as quickly as a brutal surface bite – and whether it's frog, duck, or snake imitations, in summer the action starts right at the water's surface.
Today I want to tell you about one of my absolute favorite lures for this time of year: the Topwater 3D Snake from Savage Gear .
What makes the Snake so special?
The Topwater Snake is – as the name suggests – a snake imitation that snakes across the water's surface in a seductive S-shaped motion. The lure is meticulously designed, realistically painted, and brings movement to the game that will sooner or later entice any pike out of its hiding place. Savage Gear has created a true work of art here – not just visually, but above all functionally.
There are two versions of the Snake:
- 20 cm : Ideal for shallower areas, targeted casts or when the fish are a little more cautious.
- 30 cm : My personal favorite when the pike are actively hunting. Not only is this thing bigger, but it also creates significantly more pressure waves on the surface.
Both versions can be handled cleanly, are surprisingly easy to control and appear extremely natural, especially in calm water.
The perfect spot – mirror-smooth lakes and crackling shores
When I fish the Snake, I first look for windless areas . I love it when the water is absolutely flat—like a mirror. Why? Because I believe that under these conditions, the lure's movements and vibrations are particularly striking and provocative . It's almost as if every single wave from the Snake echoes through the pike's territory like an alarm.
My favorite places are:
- Riparian zones with reeds
- Areas with water lily fields
- Sunken trees or other structures just below the surface
Especially in summer, when the water is warmer, many pike retreat to precisely such areas – they offer protection, shade, and abundant prey. The Snake practically glides over them, suggesting just that: easy prey in safe cover.
The approach – dynamic, precise and instinctive
My fishing style with the Snake is quick to describe, but effective: lots of movement, but precise work . On a day of fishing, I move from one spot to the next, always keeping a watchful eye on the water, the banks, and the structure.
At every point I do:
-Some quick casts parallel to the shore
- Target throws in front of water lilies or over obstacles
-5–6 throws per side , then continue
The idea behind it is simple: An active pike can usually be tempted immediately . If there's no response after a few casts, the area is probably empty – or the pike isn't in the mood to bite. In either case, it's a waste of time. So move on to the next spot.
These spots work particularly well in the early morning hours or just before sunset. The light is softer, the water calmer, and the predators are in ambush.
The spectacle begins – When the lake suddenly explodes
It's this moment I'm waiting for the whole time when topwater fishing. You're moving the lure calmly and rhythmically across the surface, the water ripples slightly—and suddenly, it happens.
At first, just a faint rustling . You barely see it, but rather feel it: a light shadow in the reeds, a slight movement among the water lilies. Then a bow wave , directly behind the bait. The water bulges, the pressure rises, seconds stretch – and then: a tremendous splash.
The pike breaks through the surface like a force of nature. You can see its flank, sometimes even its head. Water splashes in all directions. The bait is attacked as if it were a matter of life and death. And it's precisely in this moment that you have to keep your nerve .
Don’t strike immediately – patience wins
This is perhaps the most important tip for topwater fishing : Don't strike immediately! As difficult as it may be, wait until you feel the fish. Many pike miss the lure on the first attempt or simply nudge it. A strike too early often results in nothing but an adrenaline rush and an empty line.
When I get a bite, I let the bait rest for a moment – often the pike will then strike again. Only when I feel tension on the rod do I set the hook. And that usually works perfectly.
Why I love the Snake – Personal conclusion
There are many good topwater lures. I've tried them all—frogs, ducks, rats, poppers, propbaits. But the Snake has something special . Maybe it's the combination of realistic running behavior, striking profile, and provocative silhouette. Or maybe it's simply that feeling that something could happen with every turn of the handle.
The Snake works. Period. It's brutally effective , a ton of fun, and regularly delivers spectacular bites you won't soon forget.
Pro tips for fishing with the Snake
Here are a few personal tips that have helped me increase my catch rate:
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Backbone rod : Use a strong, fast-action rod. You need power for the strike and control when presenting the lure.
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Braided line : I fish the Snake exclusively with braided line (at least 0.20 mm). Direct bite transmission is crucial for topwater fishing.
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Titanium leader : Never without it – the pike often grabs from below, and a clean cut through the line would otherwise be inevitable.
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Build in breaks : Short pauses in your bait presentation can work wonders. Often, that's when the bite comes.
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Keep your eyes open : Look for movement in the water, for bait fish, insects or disturbance in the reeds – these are often the best spots.
Final Thoughts – Adrenaline, Nature and Fascination
For me, fishing with the Savage Gear 3D Snake is one of the most intense experiences a predator angler can have. It's more than just fishing—it's observing, understanding, and reacting. It's the adrenaline rushing through your body when the water explodes. It's this unpredictable magic that makes topwater fishing so irresistible.
Whether you are fishing at your local dam, at a hidden pond in the forest or at a crystal clear natural lake - the Snake belongs in your box if you are after pike in the summer.
I'm already looking forward to the next trip. And maybe, while I'm standing on the glassy water again, your next bite will look just like this: A rustle. A bow wave. A splash. And then – pure ecstasy.
