Catching pike with a donk: Pike donk with live bait

Many fishermen are passionate about pike hunting. Fishing with live bait on a donk is an ancient activity, but even today it is very popular and productive. For successful fishing, it is enough to know the basic rules for installing a donkey, as well as their varieties and application depending on external conditions.

Thanks to such fishing with a donka using live bait, you can catch large specimens

The main advantages of casting for pike

Even catching a predator with a simple donka outperforms in many respects compared to modern spinning gear and trolling fishing. Advantages:

budget price;
easy to assemble and use (suitable for beginners);
does not require long casts, which does not affect the result;
suitable for rivers with intense currents and deep-sea reservoirs;
you don’t need to constantly watch the tackle (the alarm will let you know about a bite);
It is permissible to catch pike on a donk both from the shore and from a boat;
thanks to the sinker, the bait is stably placed at one point and does not move;
it is possible to install up to 5 equipment simultaneously;
You can change the bait in 5 minutes.

A significant plus of donks is that older people can use them without any obstacles, since they do not require special efforts and maximum attention. The design of the tackle is such that after casting it, even large fish do not notice it - it does not alert you.

Predator on Predator

Varieties of pike donks

Any fishing tackle has certain disadvantages that manifest themselves in specific bodies of water. This fully applies to pike donks. Taking the old classic tackle as a basis, fishermen came up with several working modifications.

A traditional donka for catching pike with live bait consisted of several fishing accessories. A heavy sinker was attached to a piece of fishing line 20-30 m long. A thin wire was tied to the main fishing line, which acted as a leash. And at the end of the wire a large hook was mounted. The tackle could be used close to the shore; the line was fixed with a peg driven into the ground or tied to the branches of bushes.
Today, some fishermen successfully catch the toothy predator using a rubber band. Unlike classic tackle, an elastic band is tied to the end of the main monofilament line. It can stretch 3-5 times more than its normal length. Catching pike with this type of donk is good because it allows you to simultaneously offer several live baits to the predator. In an unfamiliar body of water, it is possible to quickly find cool areas, as if sending the next bait fish there.
To make long-distance casts, it is better to make a casting donk based on a spinning rod. Not only fiberglass telescopes can be used as fishing rods, but also old-fashioned aluminum spinning rods. The reel should be powerful enough and unpretentious. A sinker is mounted at the end of the fishing line, and a metal leash with a hook is tied above it. To install fishing rods on the shore, special stands are required.

Photo 1. Donka from a spinning rod.

What kinds of donkeys are there for pike?

Varieties, the design of which depends on fishing conditions, traditions in a particular region and the preferences of the fisherman himself. Despite this, they all belong to the varieties described below.

Trophy loot

Donka - installation on a reel

This is a traditional bottom equipment, which includes:

fishing line with a diameter of about 0.5 mm;
steel leash;
hook;
bait.

Can be held on different reels. With their help, the gear is installed on the ground (it cannot be fished from a boat). So, they first make a base for winding the equipment during pulling and transportation. The end of the line is fixed to the reel, and a weight is attached to the other. A steel leash with a double or tee is attached higher. Before casting, bait is attached.

Donka with a rubber shock absorber - fishing with an elastic band

With a shock-absorbing elastic band
Donka with a shock-absorbing elastic band is common among fishermen. Only it has features: fewer hooks, increased space between the leashes, which are also metal.

The design of the tackle is more complex than that of the supply. There are 2 stoppers placed on the main line at intervals of 1 meter, and a sliding leash in the middle of the stoppers. On one side of the scaffolding, a swivel is knitted, and to it - an elastic band of 7 m and a thickness of 1.5 mm in diameter. Next, attach a 2-meter piece of nylon cord, with a sinker at the end weighing 200 g or more.

When fishing for pike with an elastic band, it is not customary to use a rod with a reel. Before casting, the line is folded in a circle on the ground or other hard surface.

Advantages:

delivers live bait to the desired point without damage;
allows you to catch fish using several baits;
thanks to the rubber band, the prey rarely breaks off and escapes;
prevents leashes from getting tangled.

Disadvantages of gear:

designed for fishing for predators where there is no large accumulation of snags, algae and other obstacles;
problematic in casting and retrieving;
has limited mobility.

Spinning rod with live bait for fishing from the shore

Spinning donka
This donka with live bait is effective for catching pike. A branch with a thickness of 0.25 to 30 mm and a length of 15 cm with a weight is tied to one end of the main fishing line. The sinker should be small so that if it gets stuck in the bottom pile, the working part of the equipment is not damaged.

At a distance of 10 cm from the sinker, attach a leash with a tee through a carabiner. Usually the length of the leash is 20-25 cm. It is convenient to catch pike with such equipment at a distance of 13-15 m from the coastline, using a swimming device to arrange the equipment. Then you will need to use several gears.

Large pike

Donka with a float - summer fishing

A float rod can be considered another piece of gear - more active, searching. The rod and other components are the same as those of a standard rod. The only difference is that there is a bite alarm and a float. Also different editing.

Float equipment requires the use of moving live bait. It must move independently from side to side, luring the predator and dragging the alarm. The fisherman is also not idle - he periodically throws the fishing rod, moves it and slightly pulls it towards himself. If necessary, you need to change the frozen fish. The main thing is not to lose sight of the float.

Types of float rods

Typically, floats are made of foam in the form of corks, like champagne bottles. A hole is pierced in the middle and a fishing line is threaded through it, which is secured with a ballpoint pen. There are other, more sophisticated designs designed for fishing at depth. To do this, pins are stuck into the side of the cork and fishing line is threaded into their ears. When fishing in shallow water, the rig includes a weight that is attached not to the main line, but to the bottom of the float.

The float twitches slightly, slowly walking along the surface of the water - this is the live bait moving. And since pike mainly take from the bottom, you need to set the appropriate depth. If it suddenly sinks, it means the perch is hooked. When he moves to the side, he caught a pike. In the first case, the hook needs to be done instantly, in the second - not.

How to make a pike donka with your own hands

Every angler planning to acquire a pike bottom must first choose a modification suitable for fishing. If you have a boat or a wading suit, you can make some classic gear. For fishing from the shore on a still body of water, it is better to give preference to an elastic band. And it’s worth taking a snack for river fishing.

The very name of the gear suggests that the predator will have to be caught at the bottom. Of course, the live bait will rise above the bottom surface by the length of the leash, which will not go unnoticed by the pike. But the sinker should be on the bottom, limiting the movement of the bait.

To make a working bottom for catching pike with live bait, you will need:

a spinning rod with a length of 2.1-2.7 m and a test weight above 20 g;
spinning reel 3000 with friction brake;
monofilament line 50-100 m long with a diameter of 0.30...0.40 mm;
metal leash 0.5-0.7 m long;
hook;
sinker weighing from 20 g.

Even a novice fisherman will need 10-20 minutes to assemble the gear.

First, the rod is put into working position and the reel is installed on it.
The line is pulled through the guide rings and fixed on the spool when the shackle is cocked. Then, by moving the reel handle, the line begins to wind onto the spool.
The sinker is tied to the end of the main line.
Stepping back from the sinker by 1 m, a knotted loop is made. A metal leash will be attached to it.
Fishermen do not have a consensus on the type of hook. Some use a large single hook, others use a double hook, and others prefer a treble hook.

Advice!
When using “spiny” live bait (perch, ruff), you can use a treble hook. But for fishing for roach or crucian carp, a double or single hook is preferable. The weight of the sinker must be selected to suit the conditions of the area of the reservoir being fished. In still water, 20 g is enough to hold back live bait. But when fishing on a river, you often have to equip the fishing rod with a 100-gram weight so that the equipment does not get carried away by the current.

Installation of live bait on pike

To collect live bait tackle you will need:

double, or better yet, triple hook with a leash up to 50 cm;
sliding weight
swivel;
bumper;
fishing line 40 cm and thickness 0.5 mm.

The use of a sliding sinker increases the receptivity of the equipment and after swallowing the bait the pike does not feel heavy. Only after locking the load with a knot is the predator caught under its own weight.

Donka for live bait

In creeks, channels, whirlpools and small rivers, they resort to a special installation of donkeys - when the distance between the banks allows. They pull a strong cord, to which they attach (from the boat) pieces of monofilament up to 7 meters long with a thickness of 0.4 mm. Metal leashes with hooks and attached bait are tied to their ends. A sinker is attached at a distance of 60-70 cm from the leash. Then they throw the tackle downstream (if there is one) and swim to the shore.

If there are several leashes, the likelihood of catching a trophy pike increases

Choice of live bait

One of the components of successful fishing is the correct selection of bait. It is recommended to get live bait where pike fishing will take place. You can also use purchased options, or fish caught elsewhere. Best bait for pike:

crucian carp;
minnows;
roach;
perches;
rudd;
bream.

Other baits are used depending on the characteristics of the reservoir. So, if there are ruffs or rotan there, then the pike will peck at them.

Rudd - live bait for pike

If you are hunting for a donk, adapted to hook several baits, you can use different types of fish. Then it will be possible to see the gastronomic preferences of the predator and then act in accordance with them.

If there is no bite for a long time, you should examine the tackle and bait. It happens that the bait hides in silt or algae, becoming invisible to the pike. To avoid this, attach a small piece of foam that will keep the bait afloat.

How to properly mount live bait

To prevent the bait from flying off during casting and the current, it is hooked under the dorsal fin, a knot is made from fishing line and the end is tied to a hook. You can catch the fish on the soft tissue of the upper lip.

When fishing for pike with live bait, use crucian carp or perch.

The fish used should be small in size and weigh no more than 100 grams. For trophy pike, you need large bait weighing up to 200 g. The bait is attached at four points near the head, tail and in the central part of the back.

Lures for fishing for pike perch

Pike perch prefers bait of animal origin in its diet. And such baits do not always include fish. The fanged fish will happily feast on crayfish or the body of a toothless shell. Worms, maggots and leeches are also on the menu of this predator. Lamprey attracts pike perch to the fishing point no less. Most anglers are accustomed to catching pike perch with live bait as a universal bait. There is a rational grain in this, because you can get it right at the fishing spot. According to the rules, baited bait remains active on a leash for a long time. An important factor is the reliable installation of bait, which is much easier to do with live bait than with other types of live bait. And when casting donks, this is an important argument in favor of ensuring comfort and fishing success. Yes, and with live bait it is possible to catch trophy specimens, since small pike perch bites on smaller baits occur much more often.

Technique for catching a predator on a donk

The hunting tactics for toothy fish are special. This fish, as soon as it becomes interested, immediately begins to attack. The main thing is not to rush into hooking. It takes time for the fish to thoroughly swallow the bait. When this happens, make a confident sweep with a sweeping movement.

The most difficult thing is to pull the toothy one out. Predatory prey begins to behave aggressively, strongly resisting even on the shore. You have to concentrate extremely hard, because the trophy you come across will begin to rise up in the form of a “candle”, sharply go to the side and jerk its head. We can't let him leave.

River pike

The rod must be kept parallel to the water or tilted lower. If you hunt for pike using a bottom rig from the shore, you need to be extremely focused and careful.

Scheme of donkey action on pike

Which place is suitable for catching pike on a donkey from the shore?

Donka is considered a universal tackle, since it can be used both in still water and in strong currents. Differences in bottom height play an important role. It is ideal when, along with the stingrays, there is a border between clean water and overgrown water. Such features indicate that the predator will have somewhere to hide when hunting prey.

Using a donkey requires free space. It is necessary so that when hooked, the pike has the opportunity to move a couple of meters away from this place. To study the depth, it is better to use a special device - an echo sounder or a marker. There is no need to stop in places with dense growth and snags, since the pike with bait can hide in them or the tackle can get tangled.

Pike habitats

The donk needs to be mounted on flat ground, where there are no tall thickets and trees. They can interfere not only with installation, but also with casting.

How to catch perch on a donka?

Catching perch on a donk means using young fish of peace-loving fish species, which are used as live bait. The predator has a sharp and warlike disposition, so without hesitation he begins an attack on live bait that has attracted his attention. And it is attracted by its activity and the bright color of the live bait.

To catch perch on the bottom with live bait, it is better to use bleak, small crucian carp, gudgeon or roach. The bait must be placed through the upper area of the back near the fin, and to increase its survivability, the hook must be passed through the nostril and its point brought out through the lower jaw.

Feeder equipment for a predator diagram

Donka for perch includes many species, but experienced fishing enthusiasts always choose a jig. They are selected separately, but for muddy water it is better to choose jigs with shine and bright color.

For bait when hunting small fish, you can take maggots, bloodworms, or earthworms.

How to make bottom tackle for a predator with your own hands

Catching pike with live bait is carried out by different types of bottoms, each of which is better demonstrated when working from the shore or from a boat. The design of the gear will be slightly different. Any donk can be assembled with your own hands if you have the necessary elements at your disposal.

Live bait for pike - white fish

An example of assembling a spinning rod:

Take a spinning rod of the required power and length. Professionals choose steel “Leningradka” or fiberglass “Crocodile”.
A reel is selected for the fishing rod. If you have the skills to use inertial, then choose this option. Otherwise, they take a cheaper but powerful inertia-free machine with a volume of up to 5000.
A braid with a diameter of 0.20 mm or monofilament line with a thickness of 0.35 mm is wound onto the spool.
To the other end of the leka, a rig is attached, including a weight and a hook.

Tackle for catching pike with live bait
It’s not difficult to make a running hook. You will need:

telescopic form;
inertia-free, up to 4000 in size and smooth running;
fishing line with a cross section from 0.35 to 0.5 mm;
leash with a diameter of at least 0.4 mm;
single or double hook of the appropriate size;
lead weight ("olive" type).

All components of bottom tackle are sold in specialized stores.

Making any type of donka is accessible even to a beginner

Having finished manufacturing, they move on to equipment. The main elements used are: fishing line, sinker, hooks with leashes. Hooks - they must be sharp and strong, so it is recommended to stick to foreign brands.

If a feeder with bait is used as a load, various proven methods should be used to secure leashes and hooks (you can connect them up to the feeder or after it). No less popular is the method of arranging hooks in the bait. It is important that they do not cling when casting.

It’s not difficult to remake store tackle in your own way:

They remove the native bait.
They put a cambric (a silicone tube for fastening the line to the float) on the line, which is intended for restriction.
Move on to preparing the leash. Its cross-section should be about 0.25 mm, with a length determined by the type of bait and the intended fish. There can be several leashes. The hook is also selected taking into account the size of the prey.
Next, install a carabiner with two rings - a swivel. The main line is passed through a hole, the leash is secured to another with a regular fishing knot.
A colored bead is put on to serve as a soft stopper.
It will be useful to add a bite alarm.

The feeder version of the donkey (with a feeder) is more suitable for fishing the water area from a swimming device. When installing, they follow a similar algorithm, only adding a container for bait. If loaded modifications are taken, the weight is excluded. Pieces of fish will be used as bait.

Equipment for catching pike perch

The most ancient method of fishing for this fanged predator is the bait bait

DIY tackle for pike perch:

rod They take fairly hard options (test from 50 g), capable of providing a good hook when biting pike perch. If fishing is done from a boat, this type of gear for pike perch is selected with a length of 1-2.2 m. For fishing with live bait from the shore, they prefer 2.4-3.2 m; coil. Choose power, inertia-free options; you can fish with carp reels. Other important conditions: good friction brake, the presence of 5 bearings, large spool size (from 3000). An inertial reel has proven itself well for fishing from a boat; fishing line If a fisherman hunts individuals up to 2 kg, take a fishing line with a cross-section of 0.3 mm. If there are large specimens in the reservoir, take braided line or fishing line with a tensile strength of 5-10 kg; sinker. This is an important element of the equipment, as it ensures that the tackle is kept in the desired area and improves the flight of the fishing line. Depending on the habitat, sliding-type “olives”, end “spoons” with “rings”, in which the front section is bent by 45°, are in demand today; leashes. It's better to make them removable. This method will allow you to quickly replace the leash (with a long, short, thin or thick one) taking into account fishing conditions. The minimum diameter of the fishing line is 0.1 mm less than the main cord. The length of the leash is 0.2-0.4 mm. Strong fluorocarbon leaders are often used, as they are invisible and provide a confident hook; hooks

It is important to take branded durable hook options, with an extended shank No. 8-10. The hook is selected depending on the size of the bait, spinner

Both single and double hooks are often installed on the bottom.

To use bottom equipment there is no need for finesse, the main thing is to provide a margin of safety.

Installation of gear for catching pike perch on a donk

The entire installation process differs little from the standard method of assembling gear.

Donka for pike perch is a delicate tackle compared to tackle for other predators

Installation:

First we prepare the rod. We fasten the coil and rings so that they run extremely smoothly in a row and have high fixation strength.
We thread the fishing line through the rings, and at the end we make a loop attached to the spool. All that remains is to reel in the fishing line.
A sinker is installed on the fishing line using the sliding method. In the extreme section we install a stopper to block the movement of the sinker. At the end we make a standard loop, the figure eight option is suitable. Equipment is attached to the loop: a leash, preferably 2 pieces, and a feeder.
We make a mount for the rod on the shore or in the boat. After casting, we attach it to a tree or bush and install a bite alarm.

Useful tips for catching pike with bottom tackle

Favorite habitats
Several practical recommendations for beginners on catching trophy pike on a donk:

It is advisable to obtain bait near the reservoir where fishing is planned;
to catch large fish you need larger live bait - weighing more than 150 grams;
catching period - in early spring, late autumn and in the dead of winter (in summer, the toothy fish does not react so zealously to live bait);
you need to check the condition of the gear every 2 hours after casting;
You can’t catch a pike without live bait;
You can fish for pieces of fish before freeze-up or when using a feeder;
It is better to place the bait on a treble hook, winding it so that it comes out through the gill opening;
It is recommended to make the leash yourself (the length should be between 30-50 cm);
Monk is used as a base;
Immediately after hooking a fish, you cannot immediately hook it - wait until the bait is completely swallowed.

The remaining subtleties of pike hunting are learned in practice. Fishing for a predator on a donk with live bait is an exciting pastime. If you know how to make tackle and how to catch this hardened prey, a rich catch is guaranteed.

Watch the video: how to catch pike on donkeys using crucian carp as live bait.