Wobblers for trolling for pike - video review of the best catchable wobblers

Pike: description and behavioral characteristics of the fish

Predatory prey is popular among fishermen.
Pike is no exception. Pike is a cunning fish. That is why catching it is a very exciting process. The predator is very aggressive, so she was given the nickname water wolf. The habitats of the prey are varied, for example, Siberia, Kamchatka, Crimea, and the Caucasus.

This type of predator has a distinctive structure:

Elongated body.
Small scales covered with mucus (with its help the predator can increase its movement speed).
Flattened head.
Well developed lower jaw.
A retracted fin on the back that is positioned towards the tail.

The predator is divided into the following species, taking into account the weight range:

Small (weight up to 2 kilograms).
Medium (weight from 2 to 4 kilograms).
Moderate (weight from 4 to 6 kilograms).
Large (weighing at least 6 kilograms).

Moreover, the mass of the female is much greater than the mass of the male.

Pike fishing occurs all year round, regardless of the time of year. That is why many methods and equipment have been developed:

Bottom tackle.
Spinning.
A fishing rod equipped with sliding type floats.
Float rod.

These types of gear will help you catch a predator regardless of the season.

The gear used to catch pike has 2 varieties:

Catch using artificial bait.
Catch using live bait.

Most often, artificial baits are used in the winter season for ice fishing:

Silicone product.
Vertical spinner.
Balancer.

In the spring season, the following baits are used:

Vibrotail.
Spoon.
Pinwheel.
Soft fish.
Oscillator.

Features of catching predatory fish:

The most optimal catch in the spring season occurs before the start of spawning and after its end. The interval between these events is 15 days.
Fishing using spinning takes place throughout the spring, both from the coastal surface and using a boat.
The most optimal live bait is to use roach, perch, and gudgeon.

Pike habitats

Pike fishing by trolling is carried out in a large body of water, for example, a large lake or reservoir. This is because trolling is optimal on open surfaces, as plenty of space increases the likelihood of catching large prey.

The large open space allows fish to gather in schools, which allows you to catch large pike.

The territory of the Russian Federation is endowed with the following areas where you can catch predatory fish:

Gorky Reservoir.
Rybinsk Reservoir.
Ladoga lake.
Lake Onega.
Large reservoirs that are located on the territory of Karelia.

In order to catch a pike, you need to find a body of water that meets the following requirements:

Uncovered terrain.
Clean bottom.
The minimum depth is 2 meters.
The maximum depth of the reservoir is 7 meters.

The optimal depth contributes to the catch of pike, since a deep reservoir is unsuitable for trolling.

Peculiarities of pike biting by season

The time of year plays a big role when catching predatory prey. That is why experienced fishermen choose a certain period that is most favorable for pike hunting.

Features of the autumn period:

Most often, pike fishing occurs in the autumn season.
The bait doesn't matter.
Weather conditions are important (the most favorable time is after it has rained, since the atmospheric pressure is most stable).

Features of the summer period:

Low level of predator activity, as there is a high temperature regime.
The most popular are live baits.
Use safety rules when catching prey. The small sharp teeth of a predator can injure during removal from the tackle.
Special yawners are able to free the predator from the gear. In this case, the danger for the fisherman is minimal.

Features of the winter period:

Low catch rate due to low temperatures.
It is recommended to hunt the predator during the period of the first and last ice.
The thaw activates the activity of the predator.
In winter, the predator lives quite deep.

By taking weather conditions into account, you can optimally select the necessary equipment for hunting predators.

Boat speed when trolling for pike

Trollers have a saying: “The slower you go, the more you catch.” It means that the lower the speed of the boat under trolling, the more predator bites. In general terms this saying is true. If you go at a speed of 5 km/h, you get, for example, 3 bites for every kilometer of trolling. Reduce your speed to 3 km/h and you will be surprised at the results.

However, one should not forget about such characteristics as the speed of the river flow or deep currents in the bays of large reservoirs. And yet, the speed of the boat when trolling is also an “experimental” factor. The more you experiment and think, the better your results from fishing to fishing.

What is the trolling method for catching pike?

Today, different techniques are used to catch pike. The trolling method, which is most in demand at present, is gaining popularity.

When choosing a predator catch using trolling, the following points should be taken into account:

Large surface of the reservoir.
Using several gears at the same time.
Use a low noise motor.
The length of the rod is on average 2 meters.
Using a medium wobbler with a bright color.

This list will help to achieve optimal qualitative and quantitative catch of the predator.

Equipment needed for pike trolling

An angler planning to master pike trolling needs to acquire the appropriate equipment. First of all, we are talking about a motor boat, although some amateurs do not change traditions, preferring oars. The main requirement for the engine is its ability to ensure quiet, smooth movement across a body of water. Today, gasoline and electric engines with a capacity of 2–250 hp are actively used. strength Electric models are battery-powered, convenient to use, eliminating the need for the owner to fill up with fuel, and in addition, they are less susceptible to overheating.

The boat is selected according to the engine power. For example, 100 l. the power is enough to equip an average boat, the famous cauldron is enough for 30 “horses”, inflatable watercraft with a hard bottom are well suited to a 50 hp unit. strength The technique does not imply high boat speed, allowing you to get by with light equipment.

Compared to other fishing methods, the pike trolling technique involves the maximum load on the gear. Participants will need fishing rods no larger than 2.5 meters in size, created by companies that are among the top manufacturers. Read more about trolling rods here. The main criterion for choosing spinning rods is strength. They are paired with a 0.2 mm braided thread (monofilament line breaks easily) and a 25-30 cm metal leash.

The fisherman also needs to purchase:

Echo sounder. Without this device, you cannot count on success. It shows the structure of the bottom, edges, depressions, dumps, flooded trees, stones, allowing you to guide the bait to the favorite places of pike ambushes;
Navigator. With its help, fishermen mark promising directions, returning to catchable points;
Rod holders in the form of clamps or sockets located on the sides and stern.

Trolling gear

Currently, the optimal gear used for pike fishing is spinning.

Spinning

Spinning is gaining popularity among both beginners and professionals. The fish catch has its own characteristics due to special parameters:

Used for fishing in shallow waters.
Choose the most suitable area of the reservoir.
It is advisable to cast the bait as close to the fish as possible.
If there are no results within 10 minutes, you should change the place of catch or the type of bait.

The set is most often used when catching predatory fish: pike, perch, chub, ide, asp.

Fishing tackle has basic elements that have certain characteristic features.

Coil

The reel is one of the main components of a spinning rod. The tasks of the coil include the following provisions:

Preservation of the required length of cord.
Increased sensitivity during baiting.
Help when catching heavy prey.

When choosing a reel, you should take into account the method of fishing, the location of the reservoir, and the characteristics of the spinning rod.

The following types of coils are distinguished:

Inertial.
Inertialess.
Multiplier.

Currently, more experienced fishermen use multipliers, while beginners opt for spinning reels. This is due to the power and control method of the gear component.

This component experiences the bulk of the load and can break at any time.

The main provisions of the element are the following points:

Secure and correct fit (no misalignment).
The parts are secured with a fishing line made of nylon material. In this case, it is necessary to wrap the thread around the leg of the complete form. The fishing line is fixed and secured with clear varnish.
Absence of any deformation on the frames. If there are curvatures, the element will not be able to support the maximum mass.

fishing line

Fishing tackle looks like a fiber cord made of artificial or natural material. The purpose of the fishing line is to connect all the components of the spinning rod.

Fishing lines have several varieties:

One piece.
Wicker.

The main parameters of fishing line that you should pay attention to when purchasing:

Plastic.
Diameter (the line should be as thin as possible).
Reliability against rupture and impact.
Sorting by any indicator.
Stretching.
Strong knots.
Friction indicator.
Ability to deform.
Resistance to wear (for example, abrasion on knots).
An inconspicuous fishing line in a pond.
Age characteristics.

The size of the line depends on the type of fish. In this case, the number of nodes should be reduced to a minimum. It is the knots that affect the strength, since breaks form in their place. Pike is a predatory fish. That is why, when catching it, you should choose a fishing line with a large diameter for reliability.

Wobblers

A wobbler is designed to catch fish while the boat is moving. That is why the main task of the bait is to lure prey with its own game. The catch depends on this.

Wobbler design for pike trolling

And finally, there are wobblers that are structurally designed to work at a depth of 15–20 meters (50–60 feet). Using a thin line, the optimal speed of the boat and releasing the wobbler at the optimal distance, it is quite possible to drive even 10+ wobblers to a depth of 15 meters and keep them there. For these purposes, it is necessary to use stubborn wobblers that resist the oncoming flow of water well and penetrate well under its pressure. First of all, these are wobblers with the longest possible blade. In this case, the fastening ring should be located at the very base of the blade, preferably right on the nose of the bait. The width of the blade mainly affects the performance of the wobbler. But in the case when it is necessary to drive the wobbler to great depths, the width of the blade also plays into the hands of the troller. After all, the wider the blade, the larger the area of the blade, the greater the tenacity of the “correct” wobbler blade

So, select the optimal diameter and line release, go at the right speed and use wobblers with stubborn blades for fishing. And you can effortlessly hold the wobbler at the required depth. And the bites of thick pikes, as soon as the wobbler scrapes along the underwater mounds in front of the very nose of the “toothy” ones, will not keep you waiting.

Read the beginning: Catching pike by trolling. How to drive a wobbler to depth. Part 1.

Source: pike-fish.ru

Main characteristics of trolling wobblers

When choosing a wobbler, a fisherman should first of all pay attention to the following characteristics of the equipment:

Immersion depth. The depth angle depends on the season during which the predator is caught. In autumn, the depth angle is much greater, since due to a decrease in temperature, the predator goes to the bottom of the reservoir, where the water is warmer and the temperature is more stable.
Size. The size of the bait is affected by:
Catch season. For example, during a feeding frenzy, prey prefers large wobblers.
Color. When choosing a color scheme, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
The state of the water surface (turbid or transparent).
Level of mining activity.
Water pressure.

In this case, the prey prefers an acidic or natural wobbler. It is worth remembering that it is best to use several options.

The best wobblers for trolling for pike

Today, the most popular baits for catching predatory prey are:

SalmoPerch

The most optimal and universal bait, which has many modifications that differ according to the following criteria:

Different blade sizes.
Different lengths.

These parameters are taken into account when choosing the area and type of fish. A wide variety helps you decide on the most suitable option.

For example, the PH12F model, which dives to 2-4 meters, is suitable for catching pike.

JaxonKaras

This bait has a size of 6,8,9,11 centimeters.

For example, size 11 is most optimal. This is due to the fact that large bait causes active vibrations, which attract prey at a depth of 3-4 meters.

RapalaShadRap

This model has the following characteristics that attract many fishermen:

Reaches a depth of 2–4 meters.
The shape of the blade has a stepped appearance, which does not depend on the speed of the reins.

Lures

Most often used for trolling fishing:

wobblers;
oscillating spoons;
silicone baits.

Also suitable for this kind of fishing are spinners and rigs with dead fish , but they are used infrequently.

are rightfully considered the best bait . Each model has a certain immersion depth , making fishing as convenient and effective . You can also use spoons and silicone baits to work in the desired horizon where the fish are, but this is much more difficult to do.

The 10 best wobblers for trolling for pike are:

Halco Sorcerer;
Salmo Hornet;
Bomber Deep Long A;
Rapala Shad Rap;
Rapala Deep Tail Dancer;
Rapala Clackin' Rap;
Nils Master Haka Deep Diving;
Yo-Zuri Hardcore;
Yo-Zuri 3D Crank;
Strike Pro Flap Jack.

Oscillating spoons, when presented correctly, can catch wobblers, but lowering them to the desired depth can be difficult. To do this, you need to use additional equipment elements, such as sinkers, sinkers and downriggers . In the lines of different manufacturers there are special models designed for trolling; you can also use regular spinning lures.

Silicone baits mounted on a jig head are also used for trolling pike . Models that have an active game of their own are suitable for this. There is no need to waste time when choosing them - the best results can be achieved by fishing with baits at least 15 cm long.

Techniques and tactics for catching pike by trolling: tips and tricks

To make fishing enjoyable, you should consider some tips that will help you achieve optimal results:

When choosing a wobbler, you should choose a large and bright option that will attract the attention of your prey.
When choosing a fishing location, it is best to swim to the middle of the reservoir. It is at depth that prey gathers in schools, from where decent-sized fish can be caught.
It is worth remembering that pike are active in the warm season, when the temperature is 14–20 degrees.

Before choosing equipment, you need to decide on the fishing location and the type of bait.

Reading the reservoir when trolling pike on the river

The ideal environment for searching for pike from a boat is large water bodies, lakes, and reservoirs with an average depth of 2-7 meters. Here the predator has rich hunting grounds, and the fisherman can count on a large trophy. It is not recommended to move the bait deeper, since wobblers for trolling for pike are designed for just such a dive. In turn, small specimens are taken from shallow water, whose weight does not exceed 1 kg. Participants diligently avoid terrain with a large number of snags and overgrown areas, avoiding getting caught, which, taking into account the motor stroke, inevitably leads to breakage of the gear.

If a reservoir is being explored for the first time, trolling pike on the river involves the following sequence of actions:

Fishing a straight area that does not have sharp turns or depth changes. Here, any object or unevenness, such as a hole or a stone, serves as an ambush for the toothy one;
It would not hurt for novice fishermen to move the bait in shallow water along the grass, where there is always an inhabitant, and the likelihood of a bite increases;
Pike from a boat is caught parallel to the smooth bend of the river. In such areas, fish concentrate in coastal dumps and fairway holes. To understand how to properly troll for pike, you should determine the boundaries of the edge along which the wobbler is drawn in a zigzag manner, touching the walls and moving down;
Finding fish on sharp turns. Here the angler is faced with a fast current, deep depressions, and an abundance of snags. Promising is wiring into the water floor when the tackle goes along the border of the fairway. A small number of bites compensate for the size of the predator.