Fishing with a twister has become an integral option for any spinning hunt for a predator. It can be said without exaggeration that this type of silicone bait rarely remains deprived of the attention of fish, especially if the spinning rod is in the skillful hands of an experienced fisherman. Fishing with a twister for beginners is characterized by a simple technique for installing baits and a fairly simple technique for performing postings, regardless of the type of equipment.
The prevalence and popularity of silicone is also due to a wide range of products in fishing stores, which differ from manufacturer to manufacturer in the nuances of their structure and characteristics that affect the game, as well as the visual and olfactory perception of the bait by the predator. The following article will tell the angler about the subtleties that help catch fish with a twister. After reading it, the reader will get an idea of the structure of the bait, its varieties and methods of fishing that cause bites from perch and pike.
What is a twister for fishing
Twisters for pike, perch and other freshwater predators are among the silicone baits, consisting of a massive cylindrical body and a wide, flat crescent-shaped tail, equal in size to the body itself, hanging freely from the back of the bait’s body.
Twisterok resembles an exotic fish with a lush tail. It is this plumage that plays the main role in seducing predatory fish. When guiding, the soft ribbon tail makes peculiar movements that attract fish from afar and cause an aggressive reaction in the form of a desire to attack the silicone like a real food object. Catching pike with a twister, as well as catching perch with a twister, are considered the most promising areas for using bait in spinning fishing.
What types of twisters are there?
Twisters for perch or pike do not have any special shapes and, for the most part, a dozen years ago were made of dense silicone, the physical characteristics of which allowed the bait to fit firmly enough onto the hooks, and therefore to stay securely in the rigs. As a result of practical application and determination of design changes that are optimal for the attractiveness of a predator, manufacturers began to produce various modifications of silicone.
So on the market you can find a bait with an absolutely smooth body, or you can buy a bait with a corrugated cylinder, which, when placing the bait directly into the game itself, adds effective sound design to the animation. But the choice of twister is not limited to a purely visual factor. Modern bait can also be selected by taste, or rather, by its smell. Manufacturers have successfully mastered the technology of silicone aromatization and sell so-called edible silicone, which additionally attracts predators with its smell.
Fishing with twisters
A factor that attracts the attention of a predator and provokes it to bite is the play of the twister's tail . The faster the twister is pulled, the more intense the tail moves. Accordingly, with energetic fishing methods, such as jig-spinning, the tail of the twister creates high-frequency vibrations, and with slow retrieves, which are required for a retractable leash, drop-shot and “Carolina”, the tail does not vibrate so actively.
It is believed that slow fishing methods are designed to catch a passive predator . Despite the appearance of silicone worms, slugs and creatures, the twister withstands competition with them, remaining one of the main silicone baits used by spinning anglers.
Beginner spinning anglers who are just mastering twister fishing should not neglect these useful tips:
- Twisters are best used when the bite is active, switching to more passive baits as it worsens;
- in currents you need to use twisters made of dense silicone with a narrow tail, and in still water - from a softer one with a wide tail.
Advantages of bait
Fishing with a twister has a number of advantages compared to a wide variety of other artificial baits that are similar in structure. First of all, this is the low cost of silicone of this type, which, in terms of the perception of predator baits as a consumable material, does not force the fisherman to spend significant money on purchasing effective baits. The use of twisters in different types of equipment puts it in the rank of universal spinning baits, one of the varieties of which is the non-hooking bait, used in snags and thickets, places that are especially promising for catching predatory fish.
In addition, this type of silicone for fishing can be carried out in different water horizons, which undoubtedly improves the result of any fishing. The wide size and color range of the fishing tool model range allows you not only to catch pike with a twister, but also to catch the rest of the list of our freshwater predators, including catfish, perch and pike perch.
How does a twister differ from a vibrotail?
The concept of silicone fish is closely related to two types of equally common and equally popular silicone bait. Beginning spinning anglers must clearly perceive the differences between twisters and vibrotails, which is sometimes not immediately possible for some anglers who are not particularly attentive.
The vibrotail differs from the bait we are considering in the shape of its body and the structure of the working element, or rather, the tail. The body of the vibrotail is slanted, with a noticeable narrowing towards the tail, which is much shorter than the body of the bait and is shaped like a horse’s hoof, and this slang name can often be heard among spinning anglers and fans of fishing with silicone baits. The vibrotail is more similar to a natural fish, working only with its tail when fishing. This type of attachment is not as dynamic in movement as a twister and requires certain skills from the fisherman when performing animation.
Main types of silicone baits
Today there are two main types of silicone baits on sale: twisters and vibrotails (rippers). Both of these attachments usually do not have their own loading and are designed to be attached to a jig head. Vibrotail for pike
The first type is a lure with a ribbed, worm-shaped body and a large, wide, spiral tail. When moving, the tail part of the twister, under the influence of the water flow, either straightens or twists, vibrating and oscillating. This behavior of the bait perfectly attracts a predator.
The vibrotail is a soft, dynamic silicone attachment in the shape of a fish. Like the twister, its working element is the tail. The word “ripper” itself means “hoe”, which resembles the tail part of the bait. However, the tail “shovel” of the vibrotail is short and located almost at a right angle to the body of the nozzle. When reeling, it, resisting the water flow, sways from side to side with varying frequencies, which is very reminiscent of the natural movements of a fish.
Technologies and methods of bait installation
The twister rig, as we already mentioned when talking about the advantages of the bait, is universal. In spinning fishing, twisters can be quickly attached to a stationary jig head selected according to the size of the hook and the weight required for the fishing conditions. Installation of this type is carried out with the tip of the hook located one third of the length of the body of the bait on the back of the bait, closer to its rear part.
Without any particular difficulties, twisters can be included in spaced types of rigs: Carolina, Texas, retractable leash and drop-shot, using both a regular and offset hook. No less popular is the installation method using a swivel joint, the so-called combination of a twister with a Cheburashka. This connection gives the greatest freedom in the operation of the bait, and therefore increases the chances of the predator making an effective strike.
All of the methods presented above make it possible to implement different speeds and levels of the water horizon, and the use of offset hooks facilitates the catching of predatory fish in cramped conditions of snags, dead wood and a bottom overgrown with algae.
"Creatures" or Creature
Sometimes our spinning brother likes to use all sorts of strange silicone baits. Those that have a fringe have all kinds of processes in the form of various “tentacles”, other “legs”, “legs”, “wings”. In general, from the series “The more incomprehensible, the more amusing!” (photo 13).
To equip “Creatures”, as a rule, offset hooks are used, because experience shows that the predator sharply attacks these silicone baits - and an offset hook easily breaks through its mouth. But these baits can be loaded in different ways, even “backwards” (photo 14), although they have a clearly defined head part. By this we achieve completely different movements from the same bait when retrieving, which, of course, cannot but be appreciated by the fish.
Basically, two types of rigs are used - Texas and Carolina. If you need to provoke the fish, we use Carolina. Slow, literally crawling movements, alternating with long pauses, during which the Creature seductively plays with all its limbs and, carried away only by its own weight, plans to the bottom, are capable of tempting even the most inhibited predator to attack. And when the predator is active, we use jigs, equipping the “Creature” with “Texas” accordingly. All animation comes down to vertical play with a silicone bait on the bottom. All kinds of jumps that raise turbidity from the bottom will also not go unnoticed by the fish. Wave-like movements made in the water column can also give good results.
So, despite the complexity of the appearance of silicone baits of this type, their equipment and use are simple, but, at the same time, very, very effective.
Predator color preferences
Undoubtedly, the color of the twister also influences the successful outcome of fishing. Manufacturers present any silicone in a wide range of colors, and twister is no exception to this list. The preferences of a predator vary depending on quite a variety of conditions, which include the depth of bait supply, the intensity of illumination during fishing, the turbidity of the water, as well as the similarity of the object with the main food base of the hunted predator. When fishing at great depths, acidic colors of light green and yellow are used. In clear sunny weather, baits of natural colors in dark tones, black, blue, purple and brown are used.
On cloudy days, light shades are more noticeable: beige, silver, golden, white and yellow baits. In turbid waters, bright exotic and unnatural colors are used. Elements in the form of sparkles can additionally give the bait a special flavor, and for example, the most catchy twisters for perch are distinguished by a zonal red and white color with a clearly defined attack point, but the best twister for pike will be distinguished by its uniform color.
Rating of famous twisters
The following twisters can be distinguished from a wide range:
- Crazy Fish Angry Spin 2. The best universal twisters. Made of soft silicone, impregnated with two types of attractants (shrimp and squid flavour). They do not lose their properties after prolonged use. Product length 45 mm. A wide range of colors is available.
- Bait Breath Micro Grub 2. Creates strong vibration. It is recommended to use a twister for perch, as the product is imbued with an aroma that is attractive to this type of fish. Size - 5 cm. It is possible to use different types of wiring.
- Relax Twister. An effective bait for catching pike perch. Creates a special acoustic effect. Can be equipped in several ways. Made from durable silicone.
- Pontoon 21 Homunculures Hightailer. The best twisters for pike. Made of soft silicone with the addition of a flavoring component. They feature precise centering.
- Action Plastics "Curl Tail Grub" 3FG. The model has the largest selection of colors. Differs in casting distance. The bait is effective in currents of any intensity and is suitable for catching all predators. It is characterized by low cost.
- Mann's M-037. It is soft and light. Good for light jigs.
- Orka 8. The material is durable and wear-resistant. A rigid model with a medium spin rate.
For successful fishing, it is important to choose the right bait. A vibrating tail or a twister, a wobbler or a spinner – which is better cannot be answered unequivocally. Different types of products are effective in different cases, and sometimes they can complement each other.
Twisters for perch and striped fishing techniques
Fishing for perch with a twister can be carried out both in bodies of water with a current and in still water areas. This relatively small predator lives in packs. If on rivers striped sites can be found at the borders of contact between strong currents and relatively calm water, then in standing waters perches love snags on the bottom, junctions of clear water with thickets and all sorts of bottom anomalies, hiding behind which they calmly lie in wait for a passing victim. You can use a twister for perch throughout the entire period of open water, and we will talk about the nuances of selecting a perch bait in the following sections of the article.
Selection of bait by color and smell
Perch prefers baits in contrasting zonal colors.
Important! The practice of perch fishing has noticed that the presence of red color has the ability to improve the bite regardless of the time of year and the intensity of illumination of the reservoir.
The point of attack in the form of the red head of the silicone or its tail against the background of a white, light green, yellow and brown base brings the most significant fishing results. At depths, lures of a light green-acid color work; compared to other colors, they are much more noticeable in dark water and their color spectrum is not distorted compared to the yellow, red and blue colors, which become much dimmer at depths of more than three meters than in light. Twister fishing in the fall is much more successful with the use of edible rubber with the smell of fish oil and interspersed with glitter, shimmering with rainbow tints.
How to install a twister when fishing for perch
Spaced mounting of the bait is considered pure perch fishing. The retractable leash and the drop-shot method are especially productive. For perch hunting, silicones are selected in sizes of three to five centimeters, which are installed 30 cm from the sinker, and therefore the bottom of the reservoir. The dregs from the load stretching along the bottom arouses the initial interest of the predator, which, upon approach, noticing the silicone, attacks the bait. Under some fishing conditions, it is possible to use several baits simultaneously, installed in different water levels for a more efficient search for fish sites.
Posting bait and its methods when catching perch
The method of guiding the twister depends on the activity of the fish, the strength of the current and the bottom topography. An active perch reacts to sharp and fast movements. Passive fish require slowdowns and pauses during regular movements. Stepped fishing is used to catch fish at depth differences and exits from pits. This technique is also effective when fishing the bottom with a distinct profile of multi-level relief, where smooth plateaus alternate with holes and ledges in the bottom base.
Uniform movements are more effective on a flat bottom, on sandbanks and when fishing in snags. Also, using a uniform retrieve, the boundaries of thicket banks and smooth ascents from the riverbed on sandy river spits are fished.
How to catch pike with a twister
A pike twister, while not differing in shape, differs significantly from a perch fishing tool in its size. For pike hunting, baits measuring 12–15 cm are purchased, and if you are confident that the reservoirs contain specimens weighing 5–7 kg, even a twenty-centimeter version will become an acceptable option for fishing. The silicone is toothy in nature with a ribbed body and a wide tail.
Important! Edible rubber attracts predators at any time of the year, regardless of the water temperature.
As a rule, pike attack more solidly colored silicone, which is selected based on the preferences of the predator at the time of fishing. It is worth noting that when silicone gets into a pike’s mouth, even if the outcome of the fight with the trophy is unsuccessful for the angler, it is subject to serious deformations. For pike hunting, you need to purchase several identical promising baits so that there are conditions of equal turnover, which sometimes plays a decisive role in the success of the entire fishing.
Features of installing twisters on pike
The peculiarities of installing twisters on pike differ in that anglers prefer mounting silicone baits on stationary jig heads and assembling baits in combination with articulated weights or Cheburashkas. Since pike fishing is mostly carried out in cramped conditions, snags and with the presence of aquatic vegetation near the bottom, it is convenient to use offset hooks in hinged installations, which make the bait non-snagging. When fishing in clear waters, it is justified to use sliding double hooks, which greatly increase the chances of reliably catching a pecked trophy. When using stationary weights, they try to place the hook of the jig head as close as possible to the body of the bait, thereby reducing the likelihood of hooks and picking up all kinds of plant debris that affects the quality of the retrieve and the attractiveness of the installation.
Posting bait for pike
To catch pike with a twister, you need to use a stepwise retrieve, alternating with long pauses, with passive fish reaching up to 10–12 seconds. The bait is necessarily placed on the bottom, receiving a kind of blow, which additionally attracts a predator from distant distances with its sound. The step is carried out in three or four full turns of the reel, thus obtaining a clear horizontal direction of each stroke of its stroke of 20–30 cm. The attack almost always occurs at the moment the bait stops and its free fall to the bottom, when the action of the tail reaches the main operating parameter irritating the predator.
