Lenok is a fish (photo below) belonging to the salmon family. Its first scientific description was made by the famous traveler Professor Pallas. The naturalist in his report referred to specimens obtained in the Yenisei.
The literary name of the fish is Siberian trout, the Evenks call it “maygun”, the Yakuts call it “limba”. From the Urals to Sakhalin and from the polar regions in northern Asia to the deserts of Mongolia in the south, lenok (fish) is well known to fishermen. We will describe it in this article. Unfortunately, in our time the population of this fish has greatly decreased, it is under protection. An interesting fact is that its caviar is considered the smallest and at the same time very healthy and nutritious.
Description and lifestyle
A large fish, lenok resembles whitefish and salmon. Body shape and size, type of scales, nutrition - many of their parameters are identical. The habitat is predominantly cold lakes in the foothills, as well as in the rivers of China, Mongolia, and the Far East.
What does tench look like?
Ryabka lenok looks characteristic. Large and having an elongated torpedo-shaped body, which makes it easy to stay in the strong current of rivers. Lenok has a relatively small mouth. However, it is equipped with sharp teeth and large fangs that are excellent at holding prey. Therefore, the size of the prey can reach quite significant sizes. The main objects of hunting are chebak and grayling, the length of which can reach 10-12 cm: the sharp, numerous teeth of the predator do an excellent job of holding the prey.
Age and size
The predator is a large fish. The weight of lenok fish is 4 kg, but some of them can weigh up to 8 kg. Life expectancy is 14 years.
At an average age of 5 years, a predator has the following parameters:
- body size 40 cm;
- weight 0.9-1 kg.
Depending on the habitat and the sufficiency of the food supply, the size of an adult individual may vary slightly.
Lenka body
The body, similar to a streamlined torpedo, provides excellent hydrodynamic characteristics. Thanks to the small scales, which fit tightly to the body, the flax is ideally held even in particularly strong currents.
Color
The spectacular appearance of the lenka is determined by its bright colors: against a golden background there are numerous dark spots that immediately attract attention to the individual. This coloring made the lenok look like a leopard, and pronounced red spots appear on it during the spawning period. Juveniles, called hare, are less colorful than mature ones.
The color of the scales may vary slightly depending on age and habitat.
Omul + peled = ?
Lyubov Sukhanova: “Artificial” fish are less whimsical than omul. Photo: Evgeny Kozyrev
— What happens, there are no purebred whitefish and omul in Baikal? - we ask.
“Theoretically, yes,” agrees Lyubov Vasilievna. — Fundamental scientific research continues. Our group is studying the mechanisms of hybridization under conditions that are actually close to natural. We are trying to simulate the processes of millennia long past.
It is for this purpose that scientists conduct unique experiments, creating hybrids that may never have existed in nature. For example, they crossed the Baikal omul with peled. The same one that tourists are now offered to taste instead of the famous Baikal endemic.
In one aquarium there is an omul crossed with a peled, in the second, on the contrary, there is a peled with an omul. What is the difference? In the first case, the mother is omul, in the second, peled. It turned out that the qualities of the female dominate in the offspring. The juveniles, not even a year old - first generation hybrids - were recently brought from the aquarium branch in Listvyanka.
“First-generation hybrids take the best from their parents. These “artificial” fish are less demanding than omul to the conditions of an artificially created habitat, grow faster than peled, and are omnivorous like it,” Lyubov Vasilievna explains the choice of crossing combination. “We will compare with the “originals” in many respects.”
When asked whether scientists want to breed a superhybrid based on omul and populate Baikal with it, Sukhanova threw up her hands indignantly: “Under no circumstances! It’s unacceptable to release hybrids, it’s called biological pollution!”
According to scientists, hybrids can only be released into a closed quarry or pond, or a reservoir limited on both sides by dams. But this is no longer science, but pasture fish farming.
Features of behavior
Depending on the age, the behavior of the fish may vary. Habitat and weather conditions may also influence. However, there are the most characteristic manifestations that are considered common to the predator.
Malek
At a young age, the white hare prefers to stay in schools of a small number of individuals. They live in shallow water, in riffles and channels. It is found in clean flowing or semi-flowing water bodies with sufficient food supply.
Habitats and character
Older fish stay solitary and are not schooling fish. Oxygen saturation of water is very important for Lenku: reservoirs for fish habitat are characterized by low temperature and absolute cleanliness. The bottom of such lakes and rivers mainly consists of small pebbles and coarse sandstone.
The fish are most active in the morning and at sunset. Taimen and grayling are the closest relatives of lenok; their habits and character are in many ways similar.
Cold lakes and fast-flowing rivers in the Far East are places where lenok can be found in abundance. In the Urals there are also quite large individuals that surprise with their size and weight. However, west of the Urals it is not inhabited due to unsuitable climatic conditions. Currently, lenok in many areas is on the verge of destruction due to the high level of interest in it from fishermen, as a result of which the fish is listed there in the Red Book.
Nutrition
A significant food supply is a prerequisite for lenok to stay in a certain area. As a child, it feeds on zooplankton; as it gets older, it looks for small organisms at the bottom of the reservoir. The diet includes larvae of the following organisms and small aquatic animals:
- dragonfly;
- grasshopper;
- stonefly;
- mayfly;
- caddisfly
Grown-up lenkas eat small mollusks, algae, and amphipod beetles.
Adult individuals give preference to larger prey: juvenile grayling, earthworms, and eggs of other fish are replaced even by shrews, frogs and mice. The lenok engages in active foraging for food early in the morning and in the evening.
Spawning
The fish becomes ready to spawn at the age of 5-6 years. It is then that males and females are ready for spawning and become sexually mature.
By the time of reproduction, the lenok goes into small, cold and clean reservoirs, where there is a fairly strong current and the bottom is predominantly pebbly or rocky. Pronounced bright red spots appear on the scales, which are almost invisible at other times. Immediately after the ice disappears from the surface of the water is the most favorable time for lenok to begin spawning.
The female lays about 6-12 thousand eggs at a time, each with a diameter of 3 mm. The fry appear after 1-1.5 months and immediately begin to actively feed. By the beginning of the autumn period, the fry reaches a length of 2 cm, and for the winter it goes to deeper and darker places. The lenok grows into a full-fledged adult slowly.
Lenka parents are surprisingly caring parents, accompanying the young and protecting them. Gradually, as young fish grow up and acquire the necessary survival skills, the older generation, together with the grown-up young fish, descend into habitats more familiar to this species.
Spawning
It reaches sexual maturity at 5-6 years of age. To reproduce, it goes to the upper reaches of rivers, enters streams and small clean channels. Selects a bottom with stones or pebbles, with a fairly strong current. This fish spawns at water temperatures from 3 to 7 degrees, almost always after the ice melts on reservoirs. The eggs are 3-4 mm in diameter, fertility ranges from 6 to 12 thousand eggs.
At this time, the color of the scales becomes more saturated and bright, reddish spots become visible, barely noticeable at other times. After spawning, the lenok remains in the same reservoir for feeding after a hunger strike. The young emerge from the eggs after a month, sometimes after a month and a half. After a month, the fry, which has grown to 2 cm, actively eats and by autumn moves to deeper places. In general, lenok grows quite slowly.
Types of lenka
Depending on the preferred mode of feeding, the predator is divided into two types:
- sharp-snouted;
- stupid.
Each variety has a characteristic appearance and a specific mouth structure, which is determined by the type of feeding.
Sharp Snout
This variety is characterized by a more developed and protruding upper jaw and a mid-lower mouth. This flax spends most of its time searching for food near the bottom. The body is slanted, elongated, and has several dark spots on the scales.
Stubby
This variety has a terminal mouth. It feeds in the middle layers of water in a reservoir.
How to choose and how to store
Terpug is caught in the Far Eastern seas. It is from there that it enters the Russian market. Sea lenok is delivered to retail outlets frozen. Most often they sell fish steaks, fillets, and carcasses.
Smoked fish is popular. When selling fish products near the fishing site, you can buy them chilled. When choosing a greenling, its appearance is assessed.
The carcass should not have cracks or damage. It is definitely worth checking the elasticity of the surface. The carcass, if it is fresh, is springy and has no dents.
Next, the gills and smell of the fish are examined. Ideally, the gills are clean and the meat itself smells like the sea.
There is an opinion that the larger the individual, the older its age, so you should not choose a fish that is too large. The carcass of young fish contains fewer toxins. A fresh specimen has clear eyes and no spots on the mucous membrane.
Fresh fish is purchased immediately before cooking. Approximate shelf life in the refrigerator is 3 days.
It is important that the carcass lies in a container that is placed on ice. Frozen greenling can be stored in the freezer for 1 month.
Very tasty stuffed with vegetables
Differences from other fish of the salmon family
The appearance, habitat and type of nutrition of lenok and many fish from the salmon family are similar. That's why many people can confuse them. However, knowing the characteristic features, you can more easily and quickly recognize lenok among other fish living in the same habitat and having a similar exterior.
Differences from taimen
Lenka is often confused with taimen. Their body sizes are approximately the same, as is the color of their scales. But if you study both fish in more detail, the following differences are revealed:
- the fins of taimen are more brightly colored, and the dark spots on the lateral parts of the body are less noticeable;
- taimen has a more developed mouth, in which the teeth are located not only along each jaw, but also on the surface of the tongue;
- taimen's head is twice as large as that of lenok.
What makes taimen different from lenok is its ability to grow to a much more impressive size: while lenok grows to an average of 6-9 kg, taimen can surprise with a weight of more than two dozen kilograms!
Sakhalin taimen
Unlike the Sakhalin variety of taimen, an adult Siberian trout is smaller in size. The color of the lenok is slightly brighter than its Sakhalin relative. You can distinguish one fish from another by the power of the body, the prevailing size of the Sakhalin taimen and a more developed oral apparatus.
In the process of catching fish that live in the same habitat, one should take into account the ability of the Sakhalin taimen to wage a longer and fiercer fight for its life. After all, taimen can easily be caught on bait intended for lenka. Then expect a very strong fight. Lenok, due to its smaller size, is much easier to catch with any gear. However, even here, knowledge of the special habits of a given predator is required in order to competently lead it and get the long-awaited prey.
Differences from other representatives of the salmon family
If we compare Lenka with other representatives of salmon, we can note a slower rate of growth and weight gain. Lenok is also an exclusively freshwater fish that does not enter the salt water of seas and oceans.
The age of a lenka is determined not only by its mass. When grown, this predator has a different color of scales, which cannot be said about most representatives of the salmon family.
Useful properties and chemical composition
Lenka has a high content of proteins, fats and microelements. Vitamin PP strengthens the tone of the nervous system, accelerates blood circulation and removes poisons from the body. Chromium speeds up metabolism and controls blood sugar. Fluoride strengthens bone and cartilage tissue, improves the structure of hair and nails. Female caviar contains a high concentration of fat and many different amino acids, which play an important role in maintaining human life.
Doctors prescribe this type of fish in the diet of weakened patients, or patients who have suffered severe infections or chronic inflammatory diseases. Surgical and trauma patients who have undergone major operations and are unable to eat heavy and difficult-to-digest foods. Caviar contains vitamins, large amounts of fats and amino acids. You can strengthen the body’s immune forces by consuming half a teaspoon of caviar several times a day. The composition contains fat-soluble compounds: E, K, D. These compounds help strengthen bones, cartilage, and improve the functioning of the reproductive system. Vitamin E is used in cosmetology centers.
Lenok is a member of the salmon family, so the caviar is very small and high in calories, containing a large number of amino acids that are quickly absorbed in the body. This caviar contains almost the entire range of fat-soluble vitamins. Another advantage of this product is its easy and rapid absorption in the intestines, so it is recommended for use by weakened people who have suffered serious illnesses and surgeries and who cannot eat “heavy” foods.
Limba is the name of Lenok, living in Yakutia. It looks like a blunt-snouted individual; the sharp-snouted species is difficult to notice in the northern regions.
Choosing gear for lenka
The process of catching a predator is interesting and exciting. Beautiful colors and a strong powerful body have made the lenka the cherished dream of many fishermen. Due to the high interest in it from fishermen in many regions, a sharp decrease in the number of adult individuals has been noted, and therefore the lenok is protected. Being a large and strong fish, lenok requires special attention when catching it. The fisherman will need to acquire durable, reliable gear that is optimally suited for Siberian trout (another name for lenka). And also be prepared for its active resistance during the fishing process.
Fishing gear depends on the specific habitat of the predator, the time of year, and to some extent on the time of day: lenok is more active at the very beginning of the day, early in the morning, and before sunset. That's when he feeds and can be caught. The beginning of the lenok fishing period is considered to be the end of its spawning and it lasts until late autumn. Preference should be given to the early morning and evening, when the fish feed on the rifts and in deep pools. In hot weather, the predator can accidentally swim into distant branches of rivers with cool and fast currents. And when cold weather sets in, it lives mainly in faults and deep holes.
The choice of gear depends on how fishing is done: from the shore or from a boat. Spinning, spinners, bottom fishing rods, and surface fishing are the most common and effective methods of catching lenok.
For spinning
It will be correct to catch lenka from a boat using a spinning rod. However, we must not forget that the predator lives in the same reservoirs as taimen, the fish is larger and stronger, so you will need to be prepared for a real battle when fishing and use especially durable gear.
The weight and bait are selected in such a way that they move and attract the attention of fish near the bottom. When fishing for lenok using a spinning rod, it is recommended to use bait such as insects, worms, large and heavy larvae.
On the bottom fishing rod
When choosing a bottom fishing rod for catching Siberian trout, it is recommended to choose a powerful large hook. The triple hook option with numbers 8, 9, 10 has proven itself to be excellent. Sinking lures and flies will be the best choice when using a bottom fishing rod. The optimal spinners include their oscillating varieties with a length of 50 mm and a thickness of no more than 2.5 mm. The rotating ones, whose length is 40 mm, also performed well. And from triangular ones you should choose those that have a mass in the range of 20-30 g
To prevent the hook from being too noticeable when fishing for Siberian trout, it is camouflaged using bright threads. The hook often hits the fish under the chin, since the lenok presses its prey with its chin to the bottom. The best fishing line has a thickness of 0.5-0.6 mm, and the leash is chosen with a thickness of 0.3-0.4 mm.
Surface fishing
Using surface fishing you can achieve very good results when fishing for Siberian trout. The following recommendations apply here:
- When biting, you will need to enter the bait, since the bite of a lenok is as fast as that of a trout, and in the process of fishing it begins to somersault, hide, and jump out of the water. And so that the fish that gets hooked does not leave the hook, experienced fishermen advise putting it behind your back and fishing it mainly in the shallows.
- Breaking off the line will be inevitable if the lenok fish enters the bushes. You should always keep the fishing line as tight as possible, and do not relax prematurely: the battle for a successful and pleasant result will not be easy.
- Being one of the most cautious fish, Siberian trout will leave the place at the slightest hint of real danger. Therefore, fishing for a long time in one place is not recommended.
Sometimes it happens that a lenok breaks off right next to the shore. To prevent this from happening, it is necessary to maintain intense attention throughout the entire time of fishing. And knowing its habits, for example, that when a lenok is very tired it can lie motionless near the shore, some experienced fishermen can get their catch with their hands.
Practical exhaust
Unique two-year-old hybrids of Baikal omul and whitefish. Photo: Evgeny Kozyrev
However, according to Lyubov Sukhanova, Baikal and its tributaries can still be helped from the outside to replenish their resources. For example, by creating an artificial broodstock. And to revive an endangered species - one of the largest and fastest growing river whitefish - the Isachenko whitefish.
It lives in Baikal, the Angara, and almost the entire Yenisei up to and including the Kureyka River. But everywhere its numbers are catastrophically declining.
“And here he is, by the way,” Lyubov shows the pool in which one-year-old 25-centimeter fish are swimming briskly. — And next to it, they look the same, but are already hybrids of the Baikal whitefish Isachenko with the lake whitefish, endemic to Lake Baikal. We study, compare, conduct experiments.”
Recently, one long-term experiment on fish hybridization, begun ten years ago, has yielded excellent results. “In 2011, we received the first hatching of a hybrid of Baikal omul and whitefish. They are alive. Now they live at the Irkutsk trout farm, swim in cages with sturgeons,” Lyubov Vasilievna shares her joy. “Last year we got a second generation from them, crossing them with each other. And using the method of backcrossing, the eggs of the hybrid were fertilized with the reproductive cells of lake whitefish. Happened!"
They are already in their second year, eating well and growing faster than their parents. By observing these fish and conducting experiments, scientists study the mechanisms of evolution and adaptation, including the advantages of hybridization, which is common among coregonids.
“And if we talk purely about the “earthly,” says Lyubov Vasilievna, “then they can develop methods for the artificial reproduction of endangered species and populations. And even create that very “dream fish” - ideal hybrids for aquaculture.”
A small team - those who care for the fish and researchers - already know a lot about their pets. And the scientific search does not stop even for a day. “Currently, several types of work are going on at the same time at the complex,” notes Lyubov Sukhanova. “The effect of antibiotics, painkillers, and dietary supplements is being studied.”
Vera Yakhnenko studies the blood of fish. Yulia Sapozhnikova conducts research on acoustic pollution of water bodies. Yulia Tolmacheva studies fish skeletons and developmental anomalies. And if one of the pets gets sick, he treats it. Biochemist Olga Glyzina analyzes the chemical composition of tissues. She is also the head of the aquarium department. Marina Tyagun studies the patterns of formation of recording structures (scales, otoliths) in fish. There is enough work for everyone.
Catching lenok in winter
In winter, the hunt for the predator continues. Lenkas readily swallow bait in the morning and evening, when they are most active. However, due to a decrease in water temperature and a decrease in the oxygen content in it, the lenok becomes more passive, gathers in schools (young fish) or singly, less often in pairs (older and larger individuals) and goes to its “winter quarters.” Their appetite is less pronounced, since by winter their fat reserves have been filled up, and the fish practically hibernate.
However, even in winter, catching and hunting for lenok is effective. It is important to choose the right gear and determine the location of the predator. And don’t lose patience when trying new fishing techniques. And there are a great many of them!
Sheer lure
With the help of vertical spinners, catching a predator is considered especially successful when winter comes. Vertical wiring is characterized by the use of full-bodied bright baits that imitate the movement of a live fish not with the usual horizontal movement of the tackle, but with a vertical one. This movement is performed by raising and then lowering the spoon into the water.
You can fish vertically both from the shore and from a boat. As practice shows, vertical trolling when fishing for Siberian trout gives the best results when done from a boat. From the shore, passages along flooded river beds and edges will be successful.
For vertical trolling, special tackle with certain characteristics is suitable. If you plan to fish from a boat, then the best choice would be a boat that is stable and, if possible, of sufficient size: this way it will move well and will not spin in place. A side fishing rod and a spinning rod are approximately equally convenient when performing vertical lures. However, as many fans of fishing for Siberian trout in winter say, spinning will be optimal: you won’t need to reach far overboard with a short rod on the side of the fishing rod.
An inertia-free reel is used on a par with multiplier and inertial reels. It is recommended to choose a strong fishing line; monofilament is suitable for fishing at shallow depths, and braided fishing line is suitable for fishing at significant depths. However, braided fishing line has a number of advantages over monofilament:
- with its help it is easier to “tap” the entire surface of the bottom of the reservoir;
- woven material better conveys the slightest touch of the fish’s body, which allows you to detect the long-awaited prey when guiding;
- Using a marker on a braided cord, you can mark the depths in a reservoir.
Since the water becomes especially clear in winter, vertical trolling is done almost under the boat. But a self-respecting predator will not swallow the bait when he sees a boat above him. Therefore, it is recommended to catch Siberian trout, like other predators, in pits and at the exits from pits. The cloudier and darker the weather, the brighter the chosen spinner should be. Golden, multi-colored - it will attract more attention, so your fishing will be the most productive and unforgettable.
On the jig
In winter, Siberian trout can be caught well using a jig. Being a type of artificial bait, jigs are very popular among both professional fishermen and beginners. Catching lenok using a jig is a real art, because here it is important to take into account the special habits of the predator, its ability to make a sharp capture of prey and a long fight.
Recently, the trend among especially responsible fishermen is to avoid using bait of animal origin. And a jig, “decorated” with colored threads or an artificial worm, does an excellent job of catching even such a fastidious predator as Siberian trout. A jig is essentially a metal bait. However, a special variety is used for winter fishing. For large lenok and similar salmon fish, heavy winter jigs are used.
Devil jigs equipped with three hooks have proven themselves to be excellent: predatory fish are more likely to bite on them. Similar in their play to spinners, jigs greatly enliven the fishing process, making it more effective even in winter. Since the lenok grabs its prey near the bottom, it is recommended to lower the jig as low as possible and twitch it. The following technique is used by fishermen for Siberian trout:
- the jig sinks almost to the very bottom;
- it is tapped on the bottom;
- then the jig is raised to a height of about 10 cm, left and twitched slightly;
- Now the bait is lowered again towards the day and all manipulations are repeated.
Playing with a jig is an important component of catching Siberian trout. If there is no bite in one place for a long time, you should move to another place: the lenok, with an initial lack of interest in the jig, may stop paying attention to it altogether.
Lifestyle
When the summer heat sets in, the lenok (fish) moves to the rifts, enters mountain streams with cold water, in a word, seeks beneficial coolness. During the day, he cautiously hides under reefs and comes out to look for food at night and early in the morning. From mid-August, lenkas begin to behave more active and bolder and, after heavy rains, move to larger rivers.
When the leaves begin to fall from the trees, the smaller fish gather in schools of 10-20 individuals. Large Siberian trout slide downstream in pairs. Before freeze-up, groups of lenoks go to winter in the depths, settling in comfortable and warm pits.
Hunting for lenok
The prey of a predator is always characterized by special tension and interest. Indeed, the more intelligent, cunning and powerful the enemy is, the more valuable the trophy obtained in a difficult struggle will be. Lenok lives in reservoirs that may have clear, open water, or where it is shallow - such individuals have a lighter color and a silvery back. And those that prefer mountain rivers and strong riffles can boast of darker, more saturated shades: a dark gray back with a leaden tint.
Finding a fishing spot
A well-chosen fishing spot is the key to successful fishing. Depending on the weather and time of year, the feeding habit of Siberian trout may change slightly, as a result of which its location also changes:
- when cool weather sets in, the fish looks for places near holes, creases and reaches;
- the heat forces it to move chaotically - lenka can be found in quiet cool backwaters, at the mouths of small cool channels;
- At night, lenok hunts in shallow water and near the shore, in channels and on rifts.
Spinning from a boat and fly fishing from the shore can be considered the most successful combinations when catching this species of predator of the salmon family.
What to catch lenka with
The choice of bait is determined by the predator’s preferred food. Since the lenok is looking for its prey near the bottom, it is recommended to choose a heavy bait and a bait that has a high density and size: a piece of an appetizing worm will certainly attract the attention of the fish.
Experienced fishermen also use the following types of bait:
- insects (in the autumn, lenok often prefers flies, and artificial ones, which are larger in size, “go” more actively than real ones);
- imitation of a worm, as practice shows, will be more advantageous in a bright pink color, as well as in the shade of wild rosemary;
- pieces of fish - do not forget that Siberian trout is a predator;
- insect larvae;
- artificial baits and bright, attention-grabbing spinners with which you can actively “play.”
A quick bite and active movement after a bite are characteristic of lenok. The fisherman should be prepared: an interesting fight is likely ahead, and its outcome largely depends on fishing skills and patience.
Fishing places and habitat
The habitat of the sea lenka covers the coastal waters of the Far East from the Yellow Sea to Sakhalin, the Kuril Islands and the southern part of the Sea of Okhotsk with the coast of Kamchatka. The southern greenling is an important game fish. Along with it, other species of greenlings, which can also be called sea lenok, live in the same habitat of the seas of the Far East, and they are often caught using amateur gear. Terpugs, due to the availability of fishing in shallow coastal waters and the unpretentiousness of the equipment used, often become the main object of fishing during pleasure trips off the coast of coastal cities.
Methods of catching sea lenka
Fishermen know sea lenok, which belongs to the family of greenlings. Its distribution area is the Russian Far East. It is here that you can find a sea lion, which has an elongated, laterally compressed oblong body; the color of its scales varies depending on the age of the fish and its gender. Older individuals have a rich, pronounced brownish color.
The marine variety of lenok is a medium-sized fish: on average it reaches 60 cm in length and weighs 1.5-1.6 kg. It prefers to be near the bottom in a body of water, feeding on small mollusks, worms, and bottom insects. However, it can also catch small fish.
Fishing methods
Vertical fishing is considered the most effective when catching such a marine predator. It can be caught well with both natural and artificial baits. Prefers bright and moving baits, reacts to them quickly and actively.
Silicone baits have become fashionable and have proven to be very effective. Brightly colored and practically identical to natural ones, these types of silicone baits allow you to get a rich catch of sea lion.
Catching sea lenka with a “tyrant”
This type of fishing, called “tyrant”, has been used with some variations for a long time. Its principle is to use a long cord that is wound on a reel of any shape. Initially, the use of a specific fishing rod was not envisaged. A sinker is attached to the end of the cord, the weight of which depends on the desired diving depth and the expected weight of the catch. On average, the sinker used weighs 400 g.
Leashes are attached to the cord. There are usually several of them, 10-15 pieces. Leashes are made from different materials; monofilament is considered the most practical for sea hunting; wire and metal material are also used. Sea lion is not too picky about the material and size of fishing line, so a thicker and stronger one is recommended. Anti-corrosion coating for the hook and other metal parts of the tackle is a prerequisite for maintaining the performance of the fishing rod. Indeed, due to the high salt content, sea water will quickly render them unusable.
Now the most colorful design of the end of the cord with bright materials is used:
- colored threads;
- multi-colored feathers;
- a piece of variously colored synthetic material.
To increase the interest of fish, colored spoons decorated with beads and beads can be used. A prerequisite: the use of proven, reliable and often expensive fittings. After all, the fishing result largely depends on the quality of the gear used. And since lenok is a strong fish that can resist for a long time, it is strong fittings that will prevent you from getting disappointed in the form of a torn fishing line or a broken hook.
The principle of fishing using the “tyrant” method is similar in technique to vertical lures: the sinker is lowered almost to the level of the bottom of the reservoir, then the lure can be played to attract the attention of the fish. And then the rod rises. Sometimes, for successful fishing, it is enough to lower the sinker and the game that arises as a result of the rocking of the vessel will arouse the interest of the fish.
Lures and tackle
The sea lion, being a predator, shows a special interest in natural baits. Therefore, pieces of fresh meat, insect larvae and shellfish can be called the most interesting baits for him.
However, artificial replacements for live baits also performed well. For example, brightly colored silicone imitation worms and various other options for modern baits will allow you to get a good catch of sea lion.
The vertical fishing option is considered the best, and from the shore you can try sea lenka using the “casting” method.
Fishing report from the pier in Pospelovo, Lenok sea
When? July 17, 2021.
Where? Russky Island, Pospelovo village, from the pier.
Who did you want to catch? Rudd.
Tackle I used to catch: Two regular donks.
The bait I caught with: Spizula shell.
Who did you catch? Lenka of the sea! (southern greenling), nano gobies, starfish and crab
Details: Today I had the opportunity to go fishing in the middle of the day. I went to the Pospelovo pier to see if rudd were caught here.
Arrived at almost 16:00.
As I expected, during the working day, there are not too many fishermen here. They catch smelt with tyrants, and they pull the pilengas with cats.
Almost no one with the donks. Well, let's see what happens.
I have two donks and a spizula bait.
To begin with, traditionally in this place, I caught a starfish.
By that time, the neighbor had already caught several tiny bulls. Well, since such tiny fish are biting here, it will be more difficult to notice the bite, so I took one fishing rod in my hands.
And here it is - my first nanobull today.
He let these little monsters go, of course.
The boats came and went. I moved closer to the edge of the pier.
He began to throw the tackle further away.
And during the next recast, almost immediately after the load fell to the bottom, I felt a couple of blows and a tug.
I immediately reacted and began to exhaust, increasing the speed, as I do with mebariks.
The resistance was palpable and I couldn't figure out what was there. Maybe a big bull? Or maybe the star just stood across?
The fishing was successful and this lively handsome man appeared on the shore in front of me!
This is the first time I have seen such a fish. I thought it was some kind of greenling. The fisherman who was standing next door explained that this was the same sea lion . And that they are rarely found this size. I have nothing to compare with, but I understand that I am very lucky now.
After that I stood here for another half hour. I caught three more nanobushes.
At half past five I reeled in my fishing rods.
The rudd is nowhere to be seen or heard, but this fishing trip brought me an unexpected trophy! New type of fish on my list!
At home I measured Lenka. By that time it had bent, but was at least 30 cm long.
I searched the Internet about this fish and found that the “sea lenok” is still the “one-finned southern greenling .
If you also fished here, please share your experience in the comments to the article.
