How to catch pike perch using live bait from a boat

Zander is a relative of the perch. The peculiarity of the fish is that it prefers exceptionally clean reservoirs, which are filled with sufficient oxygen to ensure the best living conditions.

This point means that pike perch is quite popular; when catching this prey, you can be sure that there are no excess phosphates and other impurities in the composition. It is known that many rivers and lakes are saturated with harmful substances that can accumulate in fish. Pike perch is a very fastidious predator.

Often an individual about 30 cm long is caught on the hook, but there are specimens weighing 20 kg or more. The structural features of the fish determine that even large specimens do not accumulate fat. That is why pike perch is considered white and lean meat; it has its own unique taste and contains a large amount of protein.

In addition to protein, the composition also includes chromium, sulfur, fluorine, potassium, iodine, phosphorus and vitamin PP. This desirable predator can be caught all year round, which also determines its popularity among anglers.

Description and behavior characteristics

Many previously believed that the freshwater predator in question originally began to be found in Europe, and only a few decades ago became part of the freshwater bodies of North America. Now the fish is found in water bodies all over the world.

Recent genetic studies of the DNA of the ancestors of the species in question indicate that they appeared on the European continent approximately 3-4 million years ago. An interesting fact is that over such a long period the fish has not changed, as evidenced by the found fossils.

The features of the considered inhabitant of fresh water bodies include:

1. It is large in size, which also explains its high popularity among fishermen.
2. Official data determines that a large individual can reach a length of more than a meter and a weight of up to 15 kg. According to unofficial data, the weight of the largest individuals reaches 20 kg.
3. Prefers fresh water bodies, most often found in Asia and Europe, in the rivers of the Caspian, Aral, Azov and Black Seas.

4. Pike perch
   There are large teeth on the jaw that resemble fangs. Moreover, in males, as a rule, they are larger than in females.

5. The lifestyle corresponds to all predatory fish that live in freshwater.
6. Large individuals prefer fry, and small ones prefer invertebrates.
7. It is not found in dirty and swampy bodies of water, as it is very sensitive to the amount of oxygen in the water.
8. In warm weather it maintains a depth of about 5 meters.
9. High activity is observed during the day and at night. In the dark, it prefers shallow water; in daylight, it likes to stay in the depths.
10. The bottom with various snags and stones of sandy and pebble type is the habitat of the fish in question. This behavioral feature is due to the fact that pike perch is a predatory fish and likes to hide during the hunt.

As a rule, the predator attacks bleaks, gobies, minnows and sprat. This is due to the fact that such bait is small, and pike perch has a naturally narrow throat. Therefore, fishing with a bait with a wide body may not lead to the expected result.

Habitats

Small low-flow reservoirs, which can be called a favorite fishing spot for many, are not the habitat of a large freshwater predator.

When considering habitat, the following points should be considered:

1. A deep river that runs through mid-latitudes can be called an ideal habitat for this fish.
2. The current should be moderate, the bottom topography is complex. Difficult terrain allows you to find a place where you can hide for hunting.
3. The water should be relatively warm to provide the right amount of prey. The current determines a good oxygen regime, which determines the development of production.
4. Exits from channel holes can also be called a place where you can secure an excellent catch. However, the current must be significant.
5. The area near channel dumps, deep-sea “trunks” with a relief of heterogeneous structure.

When analyzing the above recommendations, it can be noted that the most suitable area for fishing is a deep, warm river with a sufficiently large depth, a heterogeneous bottom structure and a high current, but the water must be clean.

An exception to the above recommendations is fishing at night . With the onset of darkness, pike perch are found in shallow coastal waters. If there are no such areas on the river, then the fish simply go to shallower depths.

Fishing calendar by season

Already quite a long time ago, calendars for the season of the most successful conditions for fishing were created. They should be considered for each area separately; the bite may depend on weather conditions.

The biting calendar in this case is as follows:

1. In January, fish will move quite actively around the reservoir in search of prey, which is becoming scarcer due to the cold weather.
2. In February , if there is a thaw or frosts have decreased at the time of snowfall, the fish will begin to bite well.
3. In the first half of March, the bite will depend on the weather; in the second half, as a rule, it will become easier to find prey.
4. April can be called an excellent time, as the thaw leads to the filling of the reservoir with prey.

5. 
   

   In the first half of May there is a possibility of pre-spawning movement of fish; in the second half of the month it is recommended to choose the period after spawning.
6. In June, the desired inhabitant of the reservoir is well caught in shallow water, where there is a large amount of small prey.
7. In July, the zander's appetite subsides.
8. In the first half, the bite may decrease due to the intense heat. If in the second half of the month the temperature stabilizes, then the fish begin to catch more actively.
9. With the onset of September, the fish leave their summer habitat and go to deeper sections of the river.
10. If the cold weather begins in October, then pike perch takes well. The fish begin to feed more actively on the eve of cold weather.
11. In November the cold weather begins. After the active period, the fish begins to behave inhibited, and the chances of being caught become less and less.
12. In December, you have a chance to find fish only if you find a hole with difficult terrain at the bottom.

The above features should be taken into account when planning pike perch fishing throughout the year.

in spring

When the water warms up to +10 – +15 degrees, the spawning time for pike perch begins. This is manifested in the fact that it begins to search for heated places with a rough bottom, where it subsequently lays eggs. At the end of this procedure, the pike perch goes to rest; it is inactive for 2 weeks. During this time, he will become very hungry, so after resting, he begins to eat vigorously, moving from one zone to another.

[THERE IS AN ANSWER] Which spinning rod is better for catching pike perch?

During this period of time, catching pike perch with live bait in the spring can be done both from a boat and from the shore, using various gear that are made specifically for catching the predator. It is well caught both from the shore and from a boat, quickly attacking a variety of baits, including live bait. This does not last long, then the activity of the pike perch becomes less and it moves to depth. At this time, he hunts only at night.

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The calm life of pike perch begins somewhere in early June, and it begins spawning in mid-April or early May. Without exception, everything depends on natural circumstances and how quickly the water heats up.

Live bait with a wide body, for example, crucian carp, rudd, and bream are not suitable. We choose a fish with a length of 7 to 10 cm.

Features of choosing live bait for catching pike perch

The predatory fish in question is often compared to a tiger. The behavior of pike perch is determined by the fact that it attacks its prey at night, jumping out from an ambush with lightning speed. At the same time, like a real predator, it does not feed on carrion. The above points determine that when choosing bait, preference should be given to live and active bait. A dead bait will not interest a predator.

Features of choosing live bait include:

1. Preference should be given to fish that live in the same body of water.
2. Classic bait can be called crucian carp, bleak, roach fry, and perch.
3. The size of live bait, as a rule, should not exceed 12 centimeters. This is due to the narrow mouth of the predator.

Catching live bait is quite simple. To do this, use a mesh with a fine mesh. If such gear is not available, then you can catch the bait with a small fishing rod.

Fishing gear

When fishing from a boat, almost the entire arsenal of fishing gear is used. Most popular:

• side fishing rod;
• spinning;
• donka;
• mugs.

When choosing a fishing tool, you need to proceed from the real capabilities of a particular body of water and fisherman.

Onboard fishing rod

An onboard fishing rod is used for vertical fishing and only from a boat. Most often it is used in pits and snags.

The onboard fishing rod consists of:

• rods from 1 to 1.5 m long;
• inertial spinning reel;
• fishing line 0.25-0.3 mm as the main one;
• leads up to 0.5 m with a diameter from 0.2 to 0.28 mm;
• a jig head, a Cheburashka spinning weight with an offset hook, or a special tackle.

The wiring technique consists of slowly raising and lowering the bait with periodic dragging along the bottom. The boat should drift slowly.

Spinning

Most fishermen prefer this particular tackle for hunting from a boat. A spinning rod that meets the following requirements is suitable:

• fast or medium action, from 2.4 to 2.7 m, test 10-40 g;
• reel - spinning, spool from 3000 to 4000, clutch, at least 5-6 bearings.

With heavy loads, multiplier reels are used, which are designed to work with such weights.

When catching pike perch with live bait from a boat, two main types of spinning equipment are used:

1. Retractable leader - the main line, the sinker on the leader and the leader for the hook with live bait are attached to the triple swivel. A jig head, offset rig or tackle can be used as a hook.
2. Live bait is attached to the Cheburashka weight using an offset hook or rig.

Leaders from 0.5 to 1 m made of monofilament with a diameter of 0.2-0.25 mm or fluorocarbon. The main line is braided 0.16-0.24 mm.

A variety of jig wiring has proven itself best.

Bottom tackle

For pike perch hunting from a boat, various types of donks and methods of their use are used. Here are some of them:

Hooks are selected with a long shank, preferably forged No. 1-3 according to EK. Where pike are likely to be bycatch, Kevlar or steel leashes are used.

Zherlitsy

Most often, mugs are chosen for fishing from a boat, which can be used in both mobile and stationary versions.

Characteristics of circles for pike perch:

• main line with a diameter of 0.35-0.5 mm;
• sliding sinker 15-30 g;
• leash 0.6-0.8 m, diameter 0.3-0.35;
• hooks No. 1-4 EK;
• The live bait is placed on the double under the upper fin.

[THERE IS AN ANSWER] Which spinning rod is better for catching pike perch?

In addition to the main method of using circles, when they float, driven by the wind, there is a method with stationary circles. In this case, the circles are fixed at a distance of 15-20 meters on a fishing line, which is stretched between two buoys anchored. The length of the fishing line is 100-200 meters or more, the diameter is 0.4-1.0 mm.

This river predator is often compared to a tiger. Indeed, their habits and method of hunting are very similar - both prefer to hunt at night, attack their prey with lightning speed from an ambush or by getting close, and both do not feed on carrion. This is important to consider when choosing bait with which you plan to catch pike perch. In other words, when fishing with live bait, you need to use exclusively live and active bait, otherwise the predator simply will not be interested in it.

How to get live bait?

As previously noted, live bait must be in an active state when fishing. Otherwise, the pike perch will not respond to the bait.

You can get live bait as follows:

1. You can catch it in a reservoir , where further fishing will also take place. This option is the best of all possible, since fishing in a reservoir will take place with live bait, to which the predator is accustomed.
2. Many fishing stores also sell bait. When choosing it, it is worth considering the fact that it must be active. Its price is usually relatively low.

When preparing for fishing, you should take into account the fact that the bait should not die during transportation from home. To do this, you should prepare a special container with water, preferably not airtight. You can also use 5 liter bottles with small holes in the cap. Upon arrival at the reservoir, you should drain the water and then pour it from the reservoir , which will significantly extend the life of the bait and maintain its activity.

What gear is best for pike perch?

The choice of gear, as well as the choice of bait, should be given special attention.

Often used:

1. A live bait is an ordinary fishing rod with a float; live bait is used instead of ordinary bait. They use similar gear for fishing from the shore while fishing in the current. You can also fish from a boat. This method is most effective when the day is clear during night fishing. Live bait makes it possible to fish hard-to-reach places that have complex bottom topography.
2. The running bottom differs from the previous version in that it does not have a float; when rigging, a heavier weight is used. It can be used to fish large areas. A bite is signaled by the movement of the rod tip. Some fishermen attach a small bell to the fishing line, the ringing of which indicates a fish is biting.
3. A donka with a rubber shock absorber involves the use of several leashes with different types of live bait. This method allows you to learn the taste preferences of predatory fish much faster. It is not recommended to cast bait as it may fly off. Therefore, fishing is often done from a boat.
4. Zherlitsy can be used in any season as a slingshot or a stand with flags.
5. Mugs are recommended for use in bodies of water without current.
6. Using spinning fishing is no different from catching another predator. At the same time, we use live bait instead of spoons.

   
   Donka with rubber shock absorber

   
   Zherlitsa

   
   Circle

The type of gear used depends on the characteristics of the reservoir, the chosen time and place.

What time and place is there a good bite?

At night, in the morning before dawn and in the evening after sunset, it is easiest to find pike perch in shallow water, shallows near deep holes. He swims here to eat. In addition, there is a good bite:

1. on dumps near riverbed holes;
2. near river holes;
3. in the creeks;
4. coastal ditches;
5. deep-sea areas with rocky bottoms;
6. in snags, whirlpools.

[ THERE IS AN ANSWER ] What kind of bait to take for catching pike perch
Small individuals, together with other young predators, can hide in shallows overgrown with reeds. In the above places, pike perch can be found before the first frost. With a sharp drop in temperature, the predator hides in deep wintering holes.

ON A NOTE! Areas with a sharp change in current direction and deep places with average current strength can be effective for fishing.

They can fish with a regular live bait or float rod in summer and autumn, either from the shore or from a boat. A spinning rod is also allowed. With complex bottom topography, a large number of holes and snags, the fishing rod comes in handy, allowing you to fish runs with a clean bottom. Release the float further and catch fish in the retrieve. For such fishing, take a long, strong rod of more than four meters. A fishing line is used, or a cord with a thickness of no more than 0.4 mm, or braid, for fishing in snags.

Nuances of choosing hooks

The bait should not fly off during casting or biting. Therefore, it is recommended to use doubles No. 1-4 with a long forend.

You can purchase special doubles and trebles for live bait. Their peculiarity is that one hook is several times thinner than the others. When placing a fry on such a hook, it is less injured, which means it will be alive longer during fishing.

You can also use single hooks of appropriate sizes. A fishing line with a thickness of 0.25-0.30 is suitable.

Which hook is best to use for live bait fishing?

If you are not yet an experienced fisherman or have simply never fished with live bait, then a logical question will arise - which hook is better to use? After all, you can fish using a single hook, a double hook or a treble hook.

Here I have clear advice - to optimally use a double. The double incorporates the advantages of both the single hook and the treble hook. At the same time, it practically negates all their shortcomings.

The problem with a single hook is idle bites, since the fish can attack the bait from the wrong side or slightly past the hook. A tee solves this problem, but often a predator, having pricked itself on it, refuses to further attack the bait and does not bring the matter to a confident bite.

The double hook is at the same time not as rough as the treble hook and, at the same time, much more effective than the single hook. It is precisely based on these considerations that it is the best option. There are even special doubles, in which one hook is smaller and the other is larger - this is done so that the bait is less injured. As you might have guessed, the smaller hook is designed for baiting bait, and the larger one is for attacking predators.

Basic methods of baiting live bait

Taking into account certain recommendations for placing live bait on a hook will extend the life of the fry, which will have a good effect on the bite.

The main fishing methods include:

• When using a regular hook, the bait is hooked by hooking it on both lips or gills. This will ensure good attachment of the live bait to the hook.
• When using a double, you can attach live bait by the lip or back.
• When using a tee, you can also hook the fry on the back or lips.

The method of attaching the bait depends on the fishing location. When the current is strong , which is often the case when catching the predator in question, it is recommended to hook the fry by the gills or gills. If the current is not strong, you can hook the fry on its back.

Another method of fastening can be called hooking the live bait onto the side. This method involves hooking the fry by the mouth, the hook is brought out through the gill cover. To increase the reliability of fastening, some fishermen combine several fastening methods at once.

When using a jig as bait, it is recommended to attach the live bait to the lip. At the time of baiting, the bait should be calm, for which you can trim the tail fin.

Tackle

Feeder gear is excellent for catching pike perch with live bait: you can make long casts from the shore, and it is perfectly suited for landing large fish. There are no strict recommendations on fishing strategy. Some people act by analogy with a classic feeder, that is, they are based in one place; for others, searching for pike perch seems more interesting. In the second case, fishing is more reminiscent of spinning fishing with probing the entire water area. This does not affect the equipment.

You can fish with or without a rod. In the latter case, take a regular flyer, like for a donkey or an elastic band. Feeder rods with a weight of 100 g or more are also suitable for catching pike perch with live bait. They allow you to cast heavy equipment quite far from the shore. In fact, there are no special differences in the elements of gear for white fish and predators. The same rod and reel that you use to catch bream. Reel size – from 3000. Powerful carp reels are not needed here.

Next is the fishing line. Take the braided line. Elastic monofilament lines have stretchability, which definitely interferes with fishing for pike perch. The jaw of this fish is strong; in order to pierce it with a hook, the hook must be clear. If you plan to catch large pike perch, the cross-section of the cord should be at least 0.16 mm, and better - 0.22 mm. This will allow you to throw the tackle to the far edge, and will also prevent the line from breaking when fighting a trophy predator.

The equipment designed for catching pike perch with live bait from the shore is quite simple. This simplicity lies in its effectiveness, because the fewer elements, the less likely it is that a big-eyed pike perch will suspect a trap. An important part of the equipment is the leash. No matter how strong the temptation may be to set a steel string in order to prevent the pike from biting, you should not do this. The pike perch sees a metal leash perfectly and will not approach the bait, no matter how appetizing the bait looks.

You will have to sacrifice something - either catch pike perch and know that a toothy one can cut the line, or not catch pike perch and keep the tackle intact. The conclusion is obvious: you need to take risks. Fluorocarbon is used as a leader for rigging zander. It is almost invisible in the water, durable, but the pike cuts it easily, so cuts are inevitable. If you are counting on a pike perch bite, you will have to come to terms with this. The fluor diameter ranges from 0.25 mm to 0.30 mm.

There are several rig options for live bait fishing. From the shore, pike perch are most often caught using gear that includes the main line, one or more leashes, hooks and sinkers. To secure the leashes, use either rubber stoppers or knots on the fishing line. Stoppers are more convenient, as they allow you to make sliding equipment.

You can also hook live bait in different ways. If a tee is used, then the fish is hooked by the back, head, belly or tail. A single hook can be pulled through the mouth and brought out on the back. This type of baiting resembles the connection of a silicone twister and a jig head. Experienced fishermen prefer to place live bait behind the head, since this is where the attack of the pike perch is directed.

Catching pike perch with live bait is not popular fishing, but useful with the right approach. You can finally be convinced of its effectiveness by considering all the pros and cons.

Pike perch is a predatory and observant fish, so it is very important to choose the right tackle, invisible to the fish, and interesting live bait. Fishing from the shore for pike perch is passive, so you should leave the arranged gear for a day or night, and then remove the fish. But before you start fishing, you should prepare live bait, because perch is not caught on artificial bait, and not all types of small fish are suitable. The structure of the perch's mouth is such that it allows it to eat only spindle-shaped fish no longer than 10-12 cm.

[THERE IS AN ANSWER] What kind of live bait should I take for catching pike perch?

Types of live bait for catching perch:

• bleak,
• gudgeon,
• bull,
• dace,
• roach,
• crucian carp,
• gudgeon,
• perch.

Live bait can be attached to a hook in different ways, it all depends on the type of fish. Be sure to leave the fry mobile, otherwise the desired predator will not be interested in the bait.

1. Behind the back. The hook pierces the back behind the dorsal fin, the main thing is not to touch the nerves and spine, which will cause the fish to lose its life. This mount is suitable for hardy species of live bait: loach, roach, crucian carp, gudgeon.
2. For the lip. This method is important because the baitfish can break off if it is too active. Used for fishing at short distances, close to the shore.
3. For the rubber ring. If the fish’s body is too small, then a rubber ring is put on it and a hook is attached to it. If there is no ring, then use thread instead.

It is necessary to identify live bait only after its capture. To decide in the future: keep it for fishing or release it as unnecessary. Fry are caught in those reservoirs where fishing will take place in order to catch the fish that local pike perch feed on. The food is bread crumbs, the bait is dough, maggots, moths. There are two ways to catch live bait:

1. Using tackle - a floating fishing rod. This method allows you to catch the fry one at a time, which takes quite a long time.
2. “Malyavochnik” is a net for catching live bait. This way, small fish are caught much faster, because the net is lowered into the water for a few minutes and seasoned with bread crumbs.

After catching live bait, you should start catching the pike perch itself. This can be done from June to October. A wide time frame is an advantage of live bait fishing. In order to catch pike perch, you need to place several gears along the shore, directed in different directions. This will cover a large area, making it easy to catch pike perch. Different tackles for shore fishing:

After the first fish caught, you should not leave this place. Pike perch, as usual, does not swim alone, but prefers to move with the school. Other members may also be hooked.

You need to catch pike perch in certain water areas - this increases the likelihood of a good bite.

Catching pike perch with live bait is not popular fishing, but useful with the right approach. You can finally be convinced of its effectiveness by considering all the pros and cons.

• you can fish with several gears at once,
• The pike perch takes live bait more actively than artificial bait, because the predator is more interested in the fry,
• in search of pike perch, you shouldn’t constantly walk along the shore; you can leave the gear for a while and mind your own business,
• small spending,
• The tackle can be combined with others in different ways, which increases the chance of a good catch.

• fish for bait need to be bought or caught, the first method wastes a lot of money, and the second time,
• low fishing dynamics is considered a minus,
• the caught fish will definitely be dead, because people who immediately release the caught fish consider this method wrong,
• monitoring the condition of the fry: constant replacement,
• large equipment sizes.

It is interesting that this method of fishing brings specimens weighing more than 5 kg, and pike perch weighing more than 3 kg is rarely caught on artificial bait.

When fishing with live bait in the summer months, it must be taken into account that the small fish that are waiting for their turn to become bait must be provided with appropriate conditions for their activity. The water should be cool, so it is recommended to change it more often.

Spinning fishing technique

There are a huge number of fishing techniques. The most famous is jig fishing.

The classical method can be characterized as follows:

1. We carry out a long cast . It is important to cast far if the banks of the river are flat and the depth is far from the shore.
2. After casting, you need to ensure that the line is constantly taut . If the tension at the tip has weakened, then the bait has reached the bottom.
3. In the case under consideration, stepped wiring is used . To do this, make 2-3 turns with the reel and wait until the tension drops slightly and the bait falls to the bottom. We repeat the wiring process again.
4. The pike perch can peck while retrieving, or at the moment of a temporary stop , when the bait sinks to the bottom. In this case, the hooking must certainly be sharp, since otherwise the long-awaited trophy during fishing may fall off the hook and go away.
5. Fishing is recommended to be done using a friction clutch, as there will be a lot of jerking due to the aggressive behavior of the desired prey. The line must be kept taut at all times. If you do not monitor the tension of the fishing line, the fish will have enough freedom to jerk, and it will break off.
6. When bringing out the pike perch, you can give it a breath of air .
   At this point it will weaken, and prey can be taken by the gill covers. It is worth remembering that large individuals have fairly large teeth that resemble fangs.