This method of catching a striped predator, like catching perch in winter with a spinner, has its own characteristics and subtleties, which you will learn about from this article. For some reason, such fishing is considered less successful than fishing with a jig. It seems that if a perch is caught, it will grab any metal bait, especially if it also has bloodworms. Many also believe that a spoon is necessary only in cases where it is not possible to buy bloodworms and that this type of fishing requires certain skills and abilities.
This opinion is quite erroneous. Perch is a schooling predator and the basis of its diet is fry, which can be imitated with a spinner or a balancer. And if I’ve already talked about catching perch with a balance beam, now it’s time to talk in more detail about how to catch perch with a spoon in the winter.
Other fish in the cold season reduce their mobility and react poorly to bait. In contrast, perch remains active even in the most severe frosts. In this regard, it is he who is often the main target of anglers.
Winter fishing for perch with a spoon is one of the most effective techniques. With the correct determination of the place and time of fishing, the right choice of gear and bait, it will not only allow you to have a pleasant and exciting time, but also return home with an impressive catch.
Time and place of fishing
Catching perch in winter is more difficult than in summer. By the time ice forms, the fish gather in schools and move to the depths for the winter. You should look for the striped predator near steep banks, dams, and in holes with flooded trees. Smaller perch can be found in the reeds: there they look for food.
Experienced fishermen claim that you can catch perch everywhere in the cold season. This predator leads an active lifestyle and therefore moves throughout the reservoir in search of food. It can be found both at considerable depth and in reeds or on small shallows. In this regard, you should not bypass the favorite places for catching this type of fish in spring or summer.
In addition to choosing a site for perch fishing, you need to pay attention to the weather. The predator is most active when the first ice appears. At this time, he looks for food throughout the reservoir, but with the onset of severe frosts he goes to the depths.
Perch is most active in sunny weather. If the sky is overcast and snowing, you won’t be able to achieve results even with the best equipment. In this case, temperature does not play a role - this type of fish bites well both in severe frost and in thaw, if the day is clear.
Tactics and fishing techniques
After the ice gets stronger, the activity of the predator decreases somewhat, and here the fishing tactics come down to searching for perch. Having found the expected location of the fish, we make several holes at a distance of several meters from each other and start fishing. The technique for winter trolling for perch is as follows: first, lower the lure to the very bottom, then lift it and make several short strokes, alternating them with pauses. Some people wave their fishing rod too widely. This should not be done; for a bait 2-3 cm long, especially at shallow depths, the amplitude of the swing should not be more than 10 cm.
If there are no bites, try moving the bait a little higher, and gradually move closer to the surface. Having fished a hole and not finding fish in it, immediately move to another without wasting time.
However, many anglers adhere to slightly different tactics for catching perch in winter using lures. They use bait, which attracts small fish, after which the perch goes to the hole. The method is quite simple, but effective.
Also, twitching the bait up and down, when the spoon quickly rises and falls, can attract the attention of a predator. By loosening the fishing line, you can achieve oscillatory movements, and a slow lift with uniform acceleration often makes the perch rush in pursuit.
At times, the perch seems to begin to mock the angler - empty bites follow one after another. The predator plays with the bait, but there is still no decisive bite. In this case, you can try putting a bloodworm on the hook of a spoon or wrap the hook with red thread.
Where to look for perch in winter
At the beginning of winter and on the eve of spring, you should look for perch in the coastal zone at a depth of up to 2 meters. Here it feeds on fry that hide in the coastal aquatic vegetation; here you can find both large and small perch.
With the onset of cold weather, schools of perch break up into smaller ones and they move away from the shore, moving to depth. Now you should look for it near pits with snags.
Also promising places will be the edges of the shallows, turning into a drop-off at depth, shallow areas between holes, the upper edges of the edges, especially if there is a smooth descent.
During this period, the optimal depth at which catching perch in winter with a spinner will be successful is 2-4 meters. On especially cold days, perch can descend to a depth of 6 meters or more.
It has also been noticed that small perch stick to coastal areas with a depth of up to 2 meters - near edges, the edge of reeds or areas of aquatic vegetation. Large perch choose deeper places with variations in depth.
In sunny weather, it is better to avoid places where the ice is not covered with snow and look for darkened areas, or darken the hole with slush.
Tackle
Gear for catching perch with lures in winter is selected in accordance with the size of the expected trophy and the weight of the bait used. Fishing rod handles should be made of so-called “warm” materials. These are cork, foam plastic, wood, neoprene, EVA. They warm your hands in cold weather and are not afraid of water. The length of the fishing rod usually does not exceed half a meter, then everything depends on the needs and preferences of the fisherman. The whip can be carbon or plastic.
The coil is usually not used. It is not involved in landing fish and is used only for winding and transporting fishing line. At the same time, due to the constant throwing of the fishing rod onto the ice, it will deteriorate and sooner or later break.
More important is the nod (or guard). This is a special device that performs a number of functions:
- warning about the beginning of a bite;
- assistance in controlling the movement of bait in the water;
- attracting the attention of perch (or other fish) by improving the performance of the bait.
Reporting a bite is the main purpose of the nod. This part is attached to the end of a winter fishing rod and is highly sensitive, so the fisherman knows even a slight touch to the bait. This is important, because in winter the fish are passive and inactive, so they can stay near the bait for a long time without touching it.
Depending on the presence of a nod, fishing rods are available with nods and nods.
Nodding fishing rod
To catch perch in winter using a spinner, a soft nod is used. It will not make false swings and disrupt the action of the bait. Fishermen buy metal or lavsan guards or make them themselves. It is important that under the weight of the bait the nod bends almost completely and does not spring back in the opposite direction. When biting on the rise, it straightens.
If heavy baits are used for fishing in winter, it is recommended to equip the fishing rod with a guard. He will report even the slightest touch to the bait and will not allow you to miss even the most careful bite.
Kickless fishing rod
Light, no-kick fishing rods are popular when fishing for perch in winter. Their key feature is that they are so light in weight that even the most accurate bites can be easily felt by the hand.
According to experienced fishermen, such gear is effective in winter only when fishing for actively behaving fish. A sedentary fish may peck so carefully that it is easy to miss. Therefore, it is recommended to equip these fishing rods with a soft nod.
About gear for catching perch with a spinner
A fishing rod for trolling perch is selected with a sensitive and elastic whip made of high-modulus carbon fiber, fiberglass, etc. When fishing for active perch on verticals, you can use nodular gear; usually the sensitivity of a properly selected whip is sufficient.
If you fish for passive perch using bottom spoons, then the presence of a sensitive nod is mandatory. This is necessary to track the position of the spinner on the bottom, and as we found out, this is a very important aspect. The guard can be a nipple, a clock spring, a plastic plate, or a snot nod.
Such a nod bends downward under load, but when it touches the bottom it begins to unload. At the moment of unloading, position the spoon vertically. In a strictly horizontal position, the nod is a spoon at an angle of 40-50 degrees to the bottom of the reservoir. When completely unloaded and lifted up, it lies flat
The length of the fishing rod is selected based on fishing conditions. If the fishing is active and fishing is done while standing with a lot of movements from hole to hole, then a long fishing rod is needed, up to 60-80 cm. When fishing squat, when you have to drag out a passive perch for a long time, you should use ordinary fishing rods 30-40 cm long.
Therefore, depending on the season and what type and size of spinners are used, the length, stiffness and power of the rod are selected.
The fishing line for vertical trolling is selected with a diameter of 0.08-0.14 mm, a special heat-resistant monofilament. Since a thicker one will have a negative impact on the performance of the bait.
When trolling on bottom lures, thicker lines are used due to the fact that:
- bottom spoons usually weigh more than vertical spoons;
- trophies that fly on such baits are more respectable;
- the load and negative impact when fishing with bottom lures is greater and more aggressive (it hits the tee, the impact of the ground, the fish is larger), then the diameter of the fishing line too;
- so that the monofilament stretches less and playing at great depths does not lose efficiency.
Working diameter 0.18-0.22 mm.
Pike also likes to attack perch spoons, especially bottom ones. But we prefer to treat the cuts philosophically and not use a leash. Any leash changes the play of the spinner for the worse; the perch reacts very negatively to this. And one pike tail or cut is not worth it.
The fishing of perch can be promising throughout the entire freeze-up, even in the gloomiest winter, you just need to know its habits, ways of moving and stopping, as well as preferences in bait and their presentation, depending on the reservoir and the stage of winter. The goal of successful winter fishermen is to acquire this knowledge and apply it in practical classes in order to get beautiful humpback whales from under the water in elevator mode.
fishing line
For winter perch fishing, it is best to use monofilament fishing line. Wicker is less comfortable. Thickness – from 0.1 to 0.2 mm, depending on the size of the spoon. If the length of the latter is from 2 to 2.5 cm, a thin fishing line with a diameter of 0.1 to 0.12 mm is good. The bait will show its best game on it. If the spinner is longer and thicker, then the fishing line should match it.
If you plan to fish in the shallows, you need to wrap 10 to 15 meters of fishing line on a reel or rod. If you plan to fish at great depths, the length should be increased to 20-25 meters.
Winter tackle for trolling perch
The choice of winter tackle for trolling depends on the personal preferences of the fisherman, the “whims” of the local perch and the characteristics of the fishing location (depth, presence of current). That is, it is impossible to specifically advise something specifically for you, under your conditions. The information here is generalized, is for informational purposes only and is not a strict guide. As a rule, they first try fishing with inexpensive gear. As each angler gains experience, he draws conclusions for himself and decides what he really needs for comfortable and most successful fishing.
For example, I always have at least two equipped fishing rods with me for trolling - one rigid one with a thicker line for larger lures, the second fishing rod is more delicate, has a softer whip and thin line to use the smallest winter lures. In addition, I almost always take jig tackle with me. In fact, it turns out that when fishing you have three different fishing rods. In the process, the winter tackle that is best used for fishing on that particular day is selected.
Fishing rod for trolling and nodding
To catch perch with winter lures, it is better to choose a fishing rod with an open reel with a diameter of at least 50 mm. The length of a winter fishing rod can be from 25 to 35 centimeters. It is advisable that the fishing rod have a handle made of some kind of heat-insulating material - cork, EVA, foam, etc. The rod whip should be elastic, not too hard and not too soft. This tip ensures timely hooking and does not tear off the weak lips of the perch.
To notice weak bites, the tip of the whip must be equipped with a nod. This is especially important when fishing in the dead of winter, when the bites of even large perch are sluggish and cautious. The nod is selected so that it almost completely bends under the weight of the spinner and does not spring back in the opposite direction. Thus, the play of the spinner when trolling will not be distorted by the nod. But the bite is still visible; usually, when biting, the nod goes up.
However, if you plan to mainly fish with a spinner in the same way as with a jig, then it makes sense to choose a nod taking into account the weight of your spinner, so that when you hang the spinner, it bends by about 30°. You can fish on the first and last ice without nodding. At this time, the perch bite is more confident and is transmitted to the hand. There are also special, very sensitive, no-kick models of winter fishing rods. But in the dead of winter, it would be useful to equip such a fishing rod with a soft nod.
Winter lures for perch
Striped fish are caught using both vertical (also called “vertical”) and gliding winter lures. When a vertical plane falls freely in water, it only slightly deviates from the vertical axis. When free-falling in water, a gliding winter lure moves far from the vertical axis. Winter lures can be with a single or double tightly soldered hook or have a freely suspended tee with hooks No. 5 - No. 7 according to domestic numbering (see Classification and numbering of fishing hooks).
To catch perch, use small spinners 2–5 cm long, the optimal length is 3–4 cm. The colors of winter spinners for perch can be white (silver), red or multi-colored. It is important that the lure has a matte color and not be mirror polished. Perch takes worse on a shiny spoon polished to a mirror shine. In cloudy weather, a white metal spoon is usually used, and on a clear sunny day, dull spoons (tarnished copper, brass, etc.) are more effective.
fishing line
For perch, the fishing line for trolling is most often monofilament, preferably a special winter line, with a diameter of 0.14–0.18 mm. The choice of line thickness depends on the weight of the spinner. As a rule, when fishing in shallow water, light spoons are used, and accordingly, the diameter of the fishing line is required to be minimal. At depth and in currents, a heavier lure is required; accordingly, the thickness of the fishing line should be greater. To increase the number of bites in the dead of winter and during weak bites, use small spoons and thin monofilament with a diameter of 0.12 mm.
The lure can be tied to the fishing line using any knot; I use the Clinch knot (see How to tie a fishing hook). To avoid having to re-tie it every time when fishing when frequently replacing lures, you can use miniature fly fishing micro fasteners. Although there is an opinion that it is better not to use “extra” elements in the equipment, especially when fishing with small baits, since the fastener, swivel, etc. affect the game of spinners for the worse.
The trolling rod is also suitable for fishing with balance beams. Read more about this bait: Catching perch with a balance beam.
Spinner attachment methods
When buying a spinner, it is better to choose a bait with a soldered metal ring for the fishing line. You can drill a hole yourself, but regardless of the grinding method, the fishing line will constantly fray, so it will have to be tied again. The ring will allow you to avoid this.
The fishing line is attached to the lure in two ways - with a rigid knot or a fishing clasp. The second option is more preferable. It allows the bait to constantly remain in one position and show its best game, and also helps to avoid chafing of the line if the hole in the spoon is drilled by hand.
The first method of fastening also allows you to use the spoon as efficiently as possible, but it has one caveat - in the process of landing a perch or removing a fish from a hook, the knot periodically gets knocked down, after which it becomes noticeable that the bait behaves differently, and there are fewer bites. This means that it will have to be constantly checked.
Ways to play the spinner
Spinner play on the bottom. This type of lure is very effective because during the game, turbidity rises from the bottom, which attracts perch. First, we let the bait sink to the bottom, then we make a series of strikes 3-5 times. Then we sharply raise the bait to a distance of 30-50 cm and let it fall to the bottom, then repeat the process.
Standard glitter. We smoothly lower the bait to the bottom, playing with the bait in one place every 20-25 cm. When the spoon touches the bottom, we sharply lift it up to the base of the hole and repeat the process again.
Into the wiring. This kind of perch fishing with a spoon in winter is carried out on the current, for which lighter vertical spoons are used. The fisherman lowers the bait to the bottom and lets the current carry it away, and then begins reeling.
With wire. For this game, a wide hole is made. The spoon smoothly sinks to the bottom. Then the rod moves from edge to edge of the hole, and our bait drags along the bottom after the rod.
Classic. The bait falls freely to the bottom. After it falls, we lift the bait to the edge of the hole in several jerks.
Teasing. It is used when the perch bite in the hole subsides. The game is played by lifting the rod up high. There is no pause after each lift. It is necessary to do a series of such lifts (5-10). After which it will switch to the wiring with which you had a bite before.
In order to give play to the bait, a wave of the hand is made, raising the rod to a height of 20-50 cm.
The length of the pause between the play of the spinner is very important; it must be selected depending on the activity of the perch. With an intense bite, the pause between the bait is short, no more than 2-3 seconds; with a weak bite, it should be increased to 6 seconds.
Winter lures for perch
When choosing spinners for winter perch fishing, you need to take into account their characteristics. The material of manufacture does not matter, but you need to pay attention to the color of the bait. On a clear day, it is better to choose copper or brass-colored spoons, and on a cloudy day, silver ones.
Lure size
The size of the spoon is selected taking into account the dimensions of the expected catch. When catching small perches, a bait of up to 2 cm in size is enough, for a medium size - from 3 to 5 cm. To catch a large fish, you need to choose a spoon from 5 to 10 cm, and if the reservoir is deep, then from 8 to 10 cm.
What should the hook be like?
According to the type of fastening, there are the following types of hooks:
- spinners soldered into the body;
- suspended through a ring;
- suspended on a chain.
If you are using small or medium-sized spoons, it is better to choose single hooks. They will not upset the balance of the bait and will not spoil its performance. In addition, such a hook is much easier to remove than a double or triple hook, which means there is less chance of missing an approaching school of fish. Double or triple hooks are used for large spoons when hoping to catch a big trophy.
When choosing a mounting method, it is recommended to be guided by the behavior of the perch:
- active bite - soldered hook;
- flaccid - suspended on a ring;
- lack of activity - hooks on chains.
It is important that the hook, after attaching it to the spoon, does not protrude beyond its edges by more than 2 mm. Violation of this rule will lead to idle bites.
Center of gravity of the spinner
When choosing a bait, its center of gravity plays an important role. There are the following types of spinners according to this indicator:
- Lower center of gravity. The best solution for spinners. Such baits are lowered into the water vertically and at an angle from the hole, play actively and create large vibrations. Having landed, they raise silt from the bottom and thereby additionally attract perch.
- Average center of gravity. The spoon falls horizontally, is well balanced and plays with its side edges when diving.
- Upper center of gravity. A rare bait option. Relevant when fishing for perch with passive behavior, because behaves specifically when diving to the bottom. He makes a somersault and thereby attracts the attention of the fish.
Thus, the choice of center of gravity depends on the behavior of the fish. Most often, a spinner is used with its lower placement.
Gliding or vertical spinners
Winter lures for perch are divided into two types: vertical and gliding.
Gliding lures are effective in shallow water, in still water, when the fisherman manages to find a school of perch that is actively searching for food. They descend into the water with a deflection and show an active game, attracting the attention of fish from a long distance and gathering it to the hole.
Vertical or “studs” are effective during the period when the perch behaves passively. They sink into the water, practically without deviating from the vertical. Such spoons are heavier and narrower than those that are gliding. They give good results at great depths, in bodies of water with currents, and in places with flooded snags.
When going fishing in winter, it is better to take several types of spinners in order to be prepared for any behavior of the perch and be able to catch the striped predator in different places in the reservoir.
Technique for trolling perch using various types of spoons
The relevance of using this or that type of spinner, as well as the type of its animation, largely depends on how the perch behaves, in what layer of water it stands, what it feeds on and how active it is. All these aspects are largely tied to a certain period of winter.
Fishing on first ice
At the beginning of freeze-up (during the first 3-4 weeks), the perch is active and moves widely across the water area, both horizontally and vertically. At the moment, it can be successfully caught in the coastal zone and on the slopes from it into the depths, near underwater vegetation, snags and bushes.
It is during this period that the use of vertical spinners for fishing the entire horizon is especially important.
Coastal zone among fallen trees and bushes
Often it is on the first ice that you have to fish at depths of 1-2 meters, and therefore special care is needed when drilling holes and further behavior near them, since the fish is practically at the angler’s feet and any extraneous noise reduces the chances of success. For the same reason, it is recommended to drill a batch of 10-15 holes at once at a distance of 6-10 meters from each other, so that the first one has time to rest by the end of the drilling session.
Larger individuals gather in small and medium-sized flocks following the movement of whitefish fry, which can hide behind any obstacles - a bend in the bank, a turn in the riverbed, various underwater objects on a water plateau.
In order not to repeat ourselves, we advise you to study our material on how to catch and where to look for perch, depending on the winter period.
There are many varieties of animation of vertical spinners when fishing for perch. You can change not only the frequency and amplitude of jerks, the number and duration of pauses, but also the position of the fishing rod in space. Ideally, you need to master at least 3-4 glittering techniques and change them periodically. The moment the animation changes often excites the perch, and it gets excited and grabs the bait.
Vertical spinners can basically be animated as follows:
- One technique involves positioning the rod parallel (or so) to the ice surface . This is the basic position and is used by most anglers. Short tosses of the spoon are made at the bottom. This method is good when the perch is active not at the very bottom, but at some distance from it. And it allows you to catch striped fish in the necessary water horizon, found experimentally. The height of the throws is adjusted, you can either let the spoon fall to the bottom or cast the spoon at any desired distance. Strong jerks allow you to set a more agitated and chaotic game of the bait, which is good in cases where you need to pull up a far-standing predator. Usually used on a new hole in the first minute or two, so that the perch notices the movement from afar.
- Weak and medium less dynamic jerks - main wiring. Short strokes with further recoil of the line and a controlled fall to the bottom (or to the desired horizon). There is a pause and repeat. It is very important to monitor the amplitude of the jerks so that there are no parasitic movements. To do this, the working hand rests on the knee, box, or stand.
- The classic way to grip the rod at an angle of 30-50 degrees is to release the spoon to the bottom, then pause for 2-4 seconds and one or two strokes. Leave to the bottom and pause. After 3-5 such iterations, we begin to stop the spoon just above the bottom. We make steps on the fall. Thus, gradually moving away from the bottom by 20-50 cm in search of a predator (maybe much more, but this is usually necessary in the spring, when the perch rises to the middle and upper layers). To provoke an attack, you need to change all the components of the animation - the number and length of pauses, strength, sharpness, amplitude and frequency of jerks, length and height of steps. It is easy to tap the steps using your knee or second hand, gradually lifting them up. This kind of overkill in animation allows you to quickly find the option that the striped one will like here and now.
Classic spinner retrieve:
Interesting to know! Often a bite occurs at the moment when there is a malfunction in the game of the bait that the angler gave it. Therefore, the animation technique does not have to be perfect; it is not only unnecessary, but can even be harmful.
Features of the game of vertical spinners depending on the position of the fishing rod:
Thus, if we compare the play of a spinner with a vertical and horizontal grip, it is obvious that in the first case the same spinner will behave predictably and make the same movements with each twitch, and in the second case it will be chaotic with frequent failures.
And from this it follows that when catching a passive perch, you should use a vertical jerk with maximally repeatable vertical movements; when catching an active one, you should use a wide horizontal swing, setting a more intense play of the bait.
Flashing in the wilderness
In the dead of winter, perch rolls down to the deepest places and almost always stays near the bottom, while remaining in a passive state. Often at this time he prefers a calmer game of the spinner, dissatisfied with the wide chaotic movements of the vertical spinner. He is more cautious and suspicious.
At this time, bottom spoons come to the fore. They camouflage themselves at the bottom and this is a basic component of their catchability.
The main type of animation of a bottom spinner is jerking and knocking on the bottom in different variations, followed by a pause and positioning vertically on the bottom, at an angle on the bottom, or flat.
At this moment, a cloud of turbidity rises, which does not give the fish time to think and analyze what exactly is burrowing there... a grip follows. Which is especially important when catching a neat and cautious humpback salmon.
The bottom spinner plays in a limited space and, thanks to its profile, hangs above the bottom with small jerks and subsequently returns to the starting point.
The trajectory of movement will depend on the position in which the game was started:
Playing the spinner from a position of 45 degrees to the bottom of the reservoir Playing the spinner from a vertical position
Spinner - cocked hat (dovetail), very good for playing from a position of 45 degrees relative to the bottom of the reservoir, slow animation for catching passive perch
A flat bottom spoon is suitable for starting from the bottom of a reservoir, being flat. When animated, such a spinner has a larger spread around the hole. It collects fish from a greater distance than a bottom spinner with a truncated or feather-shaped profile, starting from a 45-degree or vertical position.
Therefore, the tactic is this: on a new hole we try to find more or less active fish with a bottom spinner with a flat profile, animating it with relatively aggressive jerks from a lying position on the bottom. Then we put spinners with conical profiles and start from the vertical (or 45 degrees), animate with short gentle jerks.
A flat, fast bottom spoon is used as a scout spoon on a new hole.
This behavior is seductive, does not arouse suspicion in the humpback fish and provokes a bite.
Important! It is possible to deduce patterns - a vertical spoon catches smaller fish in greater numbers, but it is with a bottom spoon that you can catch large muzzles, even if their number is not so large. Vertical for the active sailor, bottom for the passive one. Vertical for animation and fishing in the water column, bottom for working on the bottom.
Large perch prefers to stay near the bottom.
An important point in the tactics of fishing with bottom lures. “Donka” is less noticeable in the water than “vertical”, and it follows that it attracts perch from a shorter distance and not so quickly. Therefore, holes should be drilled more closely, 5 meters apart from each other. It is also worth staying on the hole longer than when catching perch with spoons on the first ice. Sometimes it takes 10-15 minutes to provoke a striped fish to bite, or to understand that it is not at a given point.
But if the bite follows, then it’s worth staying on this hole, continuing the monotonous chiselling of the bottom with the spoon. Perch is a curious fish, and often after the first, second, or tenth, curious fellow fish approach the cloud of turbidity, wanting to profit from some goodies.
After 2-4 minutes of monotonous chiselling of the hole, we use a teasing technique - sharp swings of the rod at 40-60 cm. The asymmetrical spinner buzzes on such swings and attracts perch from a distance. Next we continue the series of strikes against the bottom.
So, conclusion! To start fishing, we use fast flat bottom spoons with a ragged and relatively sweeping action - to find the perch as quickly as possible, and then the found perch we catch and retrieve with dovetail spoons with slow animation and smooth action. A sharp game looks for perch well, but catches it poorly!
When fishing for perch, the decoration on the hook—the so-called attack point—is of great importance. It could be a drop of epoxy resin, cambric, lurix, bead, beads. Often the attack follows the hook.
Attack point in the form of a replant on the tee
Bottom spoons for catching perch in winter:
What to offer at the end of winter
The end of winter is characterized by the fact that perch begins to actively move around the reservoir in search of sources of food and oxygen. In this case, it often rises to the very surface of the ice.
His activity increases, he begins to fill his belly before spawning.
On the last ice, perch can be caught using both vertical baits and bottom spoons. The types of animation are more active than in the dead of winter, but not as aggressive as at the beginning of freeze-up. This is due to the fact that the predator is not yet fully alert and is full of eggs, and therefore its movements are not so fast.
This should also be taken into account when choosing the size of the spinner. The optimal size will be 3-5 cm, depending on the shape and volumetric dimensions.
Types of winter lures for perch
There are a large number of spinners for catching perch in winter, both factory-made and homemade. The most effective in different conditions are the following types:
- carnation;
- boat;
- petal;
- crucian carp;
- whitebait;
- Ray;
- diamond;
- column;
- torpedo;
- triangular;
- half;
- sleeper, etc.
The difference between them is not only in form, but also in their unique, inimitable game. It is recommended to try most of them to evaluate their convenience and effectiveness and choose the optimal lures for yourself.
Using a hanging hook
A suspended hook works effectively in conjunction with conventional baits and significantly increases the chances of success when catching perch in the cold season, especially if the fish has a passive behavior.
The peculiarity of the design is that a freely moving hook of 16-18 numbers is put on a thin fishing line (0.08-0.10 mm) with the tip up. It should be lighter than the main bait. Then a jig is tied for the perch. Additionally, beads, beads or cambric are attached to the hook. As a result, there are several baits on one line that can interest predatory fish. One bait is completely controlled by the fisherman, and the second independently moves up and down along the line, thereby explaining its second name - “catch-up”.
Any winter fishing rod is suitable for fishing with a hanging hook. The nod should be rigid, with a minimum bending angle.
Rating of the best winter forests
Today there are many manufacturers on the market that offer the best products. It is impossible to say that there is some kind of rating, since everyone chooses those products that will work flawlessly under certain conditions.
Again, it should be noted that no one will compile a rating, but the lines that are in greatest demand will simply be presented.
Among these:
- Berkley FireLine Micro Ice Fused Original. This fishing line for a winter fishing rod is ultra-strong and thin. Due to the uniformity, it is possible to fish with light baits and feel the bite well. It must be said that gear of this type is almost invisible in the water due to fluorocarbon leashes. As for the breaking load, it is in the range of 1.8-4.5 kg.
- Berkley Trilene 100 Percent Fluorocarbon Ice. The advantage is that the bobbin can be wound completely. At the same time, you should not be afraid that it will get tangled or break. Distinctive features are: thinness, lack of memory and transparency.
- Northland Tackle Bionic Ice Fluorosilk. This thread is a new generation thread, more advanced. Thus, the copolymer core is framed with fluorocarbon. As for the benefits of coating, there are several. This is almost complete invisibility in a pond, quick immersion, resistance to ice freezing and water-repellent properties.
- Power Pro Ice-Tec. This element boasts a special coating that protects against low temperatures. In addition, thanks to new technology, it is possible to increase the breaking load.
- Silver Thread Trout Line. The presented line was created in order to fish for river trout. However, after some time they began to actively use it for ice fishing. We can say that this thread is the strongest, it has an excellent breaking load, as well as impeccable performance indicators. In addition, it is hypersensitive.
- Sufix 832 Performance Ice Braid. This line is produced using the Y6 digital weaving method. This nuance makes it possible to increase the breaking load several times, while remaining soft. It can be used during severe frost.
- Sufix Invisiline Fluorocarbon. If you make a rating of fast-sinking elements, this one will come in first place. This thread is intended for catching pike perch, as well as small fish. This is possible due to the fact that the fishing line is completely invisible in the water. One of the main advantages is its resistance to abrasion. This is especially important when fishing for fish on ice.
- Vicious Panfish Ice. This is one of the copolymer types of threads that has a number of advantages. Some of these are: resistance to erasure, lack of memory, hypersensitivity, minimal stretchability, and more.
The fishing line for winter fishing must be dense and have a certain diameter depending on the reservoir, fish and other factors. When choosing a thread, you must pay attention to its characteristics indicated on the packaging.
Retrofitting the spinner
To be guaranteed to attract the attention of a perch during winter fishing, it is worth equipping the spoon with additional stimuli. To do this, the hooks or hanging tees of the bait are decorated with beads, fibers or cambrics. The striped predator loves red, as well as brown and green colors, reminiscent of underwater insects or crustaceans. Yellow, blue and orange colors often produce the effect.
A little higher, above the spinner, you can place another provocateur - a fly or a bully (imitation of a whitebait). They can be sliding or firmly fixed on a retractable leash.
Spinner baits with suspended irritants can be equipped with hooks with fibers (bloodworms, beads) or a short leash made of fishing line or chain with a fixed fly.
Foreign decoys
As an example of the best foreign-made lures for perch for winter fishing, I can cite the following.
- Smith Pure. It is one of the clear leaders among oscillating lures for perch.
- Rapala SM-Pirken. The best option for fishing in the dead of winter.
- Rapala Minnow Spoon. A universal bait that is suitable for beginners and for cases when you simply don’t know what else to try.
- Nils Master Hanski. The bait is interesting in its design; it has a small chain on which a tee is attached. Therefore, if necessary, it can be quickly replaced.
- Nils Master Snub-Head. Also an option with a tee on a chain, but differs from the previous spinner in its cone-shaped shape. The tees are covered with a special luminous composition, which additionally attracts perch and is most often an area for attack. Those. In fact, the fish rushes to the tee and is caught itself.
- Nils Master Dueler. At the moment of retrieving, it makes a slight vibration, which does not remain invisible to the perch.
- Kuusamo Leija. It is equipped with additional blades, due to which it shows a natural game and can make turns.
- Kuusamo Kilpa-Loiste. A small-sized bait that is perfect for catching perch. It has a special reflective film, which only adds to its effectiveness.
- Kuusamo Sinfonia. Used in areas where there is no current, it glides during play, creating an original acoustic effect.
- Rapala Arkku ARK 70 SG. Capable of showing good play both in still water and in the current.
- Hali Lindroos Luxus. The bait has a textured surface, which allows a predator to easily detect it.
- Kalamies 6 Hop-Mes. Heavy lure designed for fishing at great depths, up to 8-10 meters.
- Captain. The Finnish-made spinner “Captain” makes random short jerks when reeling, and when it touches the bottom, it begins circular movements.
- Nautilus. Another catchy Finnish spoon, which scours around when moving.
Lures for vertical trolling of perch
For catching perch in the fall in deep places with vertical lures, the most effective bait can be called: a jig, a foam fish on a heavy eared sinker, a castmaster, a massive vertical winter spoon, silicone in various forms also on an eared sinker, a heavy summer oscillating spoon. Small winter spinners, which are used to catch perch from the ice, also work great when fishing with vertical spinners, but their use is advisable in shallow coastal waters . Both with the use of oscillating heavy spinners and small winter spinners, you need to have in your arsenal gliding baits and so-called “nails” - narrow winter spinners that have a mean, rational game, falling to the bottom like a natural nail, almost without deviating to the side. Despite such a seemingly rough game, perches sometimes respond to it more enthusiastically and willingly. It all depends on the weather, atmospheric pressure and the “mood” of the fish. Therefore, “studs” often beat gliding baits in the count of caught predators.
In addition, you need to stock up on so-called bottom spinners, which also at certain moments become literally star baits, catching fish one after another. This is due to the autumn conditions and the depth in the place where the perch is caught, when a bait swarming at the bottom, raising turbidity, like some kind of crayfish, can arouse curiosity in a large predator, and then a desire to attack. Especially often, burbot are caught on bottom spoons, but perch is also not averse to catching in the fall a bottom animal or mollusk, which at first glance may appear to be a bottom spoon, crawling in a muddy cushion. Considering that the front, and in fact, the tail tee will be located in the muddy mass, such baits are equipped with an upper tee or double . In this embodiment, the fish usually falls on this hook, raised above the ground.
Domestic baits
As for domestically produced winter lures for perch, we can recommend these.
- Eco Pro Favorit. Designed for fishing in still water, it has an active game even during slow retrieval, therefore it is popular in the dead of winter.
- Alaskan Eco Pro. Catches well for perch in areas without current. When descending it begins to rotate, at the moment of a pause it spins in the opposite direction.
- Nirvana Eco-Pro. During the game it creates a significant hydroacoustic effect and works very well when catching active perch on the first and last ice.
- "Luck Pier No. 2." By its design, this is purely a lure for perch; its repeated successful testing has allowed it to gain a foothold in the arsenal of many anglers.
- Russian Bait "Micro". A universal option that, thanks to its special design, shows a complex and attractive game.
- Aqua Shniaga. This lure has a slow gliding action, often bringing success precisely when most others fail.
- "Orlovskaya lure zander 07". Despite the name, it is quite suitable for catching other predators, including perch. The shiny, ribbed surface makes it visible even from a great distance.
Types of spinners that are used for catching perch in winter
There are several types of spinners that are used for winter perch fishing. Each of them has its own characteristics and optimal conditions for use.
Vertical spinners with soldered and hanging hook
The main type of spinners, which is used for catching perch in the water column and from the bottom (much less often). These baits are designed to play directly in the water column, it is in this case that they work best; when used from the bottom, it is better to use special bottom spoons.
The most active type of lure for the striped robber involves the use of just such lures.
Vertical spoons - with hanging tee and single hook
They are actively used when fishing for perch on the first and last ice.
Bottom spinners
Spinners adapted for catching perch from the bottom. Each animation cycle is set when the bottom spoon is positioned on the bottom, it starts from there and ends the animation cycle there. In this position, the bottom vibrator shows the best result; this is provided for by the design.
In the upper part of such a spoon, as a rule, there is a tee, which, in addition to detecting fish, serves as an attack point; this is especially noticeable when the bait is positioned at a certain angle to the bottom during animation.
Typical equipment of a bottom spinner is a soldered single piece and a tee on the winding ring.
This type of bait imitates fry clinging to the bottom and all kinds of underwater creatures - crustaceans, dragonfly larvae, etc.
Often used when catching passive perch from the bottom in the wilderness. According to the humpback whale - the strongest thing!
Variant of spinners with a suspended hook
This version of the spoon (both bottom and vertical) is not new; it is used by some anglers specifically when catching perch. The tee is mounted on a piece of chain and framed with decoration.
When such a spoon falls to the bottom, the tee still hangs for a few seconds in a cloud of turbidity (bottom spoon), or floats next to the spoon (vertical), especially if you equip it with a fluff, lurex or a foam ball. Striped is very partial to such things - additional goodies. We recommend it for extremely passive perch, sleeping on the bottom in the dead of winter.
Secrets of fishing
On a sunny day, experienced fishermen sprinkle the holes with snow or do not completely remove the ice chips from them. A small hole is made in them through which the spoon is lowered. It is important not to move in front of the hole - a sudden change in light can scare away the fish.
- Perch loves mud. There are even special tackles, the action of which is based on tapping on the bottom. It's worth purchasing them to increase your chances of catching.
- When fishing, you need to take lures of different colors, shapes and weights in order to determine on the spot which one is more effective. It is worth equipping the hooks with bright stimuli to which the perch reacts well.
- It is recommended to make at least ten holes, preferably in a checkerboard pattern. To keep fish near them, you should use bait - bloodworms, crustaceans, etc. You can experiment and pour different baits into different holes - this will allow you to understand which one the perch likes best.
- Experienced fishermen claim that closer to spawning in winter, perch reacts poorly to large spoons. Instead, it is better to use jigs or other miniature baits.
- You can put maggots, small pieces of fish, bloodworms, and fry on hanging hooks on spinners. During a bad bite, this can provide a good catch.
- When biting, do not be nervous, twitch or make sudden movements that can scare away the fish. You should not loosen the line when lifting the perch - this will allow it to fall off.
Catching perch in winter with a spoon is easier than other fish, because this striped predator is active even in the cold season. To achieve success and return home with a significant catch, it is recommended to know the features of catching this type of fish in the winter months.
Spinner sizes
First you need to decide what size spinners are suitable for “hunting” perch. It is clear that small specimens will catch the same specimens of perch, but the bite will be more active and rhythmic. If preference is given to catching larger specimens, then heavier models should be used.
Spinner 17-20mm
Perch weighing 10g or more can be caught using spoons of similar sizes. Such specimens will not suit every angler, but the intensity of the bite will interest most winter fishing enthusiasts. It should be taken into account that they are very light in weight, which dictates the use of very thin lines, up to 0.12 mm thick. Usually, when fishing with jigs, very thin fishing lines are also used.
Spinner 25-35mm
These are medium-sized spoons that allow you to catch larger perch, but this leads to a decrease in the number of bites, since small perch will not bite on such bait. Despite this, many fishermen are not particularly upset by this fact, since they have other fishing tasks. And why catch “trifles”? When fishing with similar specimens of bait, you can use fishing lines with a thickness of 0.12 to 0.15 mm.
Spinner 40-60mm
Such models are designed for catching specimens weighing 30g and above, which gives more tangible results in the quality of the catch, and not in its quantity. Small perch are automatically eliminated and do not get hooked. This approach to fishing is welcomed by most experienced fishermen, focusing on the quality of the fishing process.
