It is easiest to catch predatory fish standing at the depths of the reservoir with a jig, but when combing a large area, trolling provides effective fishing. This is a type of fishing from a moving craft. Wobblers for trolling are used as bait, having different characteristics depending on the fishing conditions and the type of predator being hunted.
Wobblers are used not only for trolling, but also for casting hunting if there is a large difference in depth at the bottom, a drop off, or a steep bank opposite the boat parking area. The device is cast to depth and passed along the contour of the shore or dump in front of the fish located there. Often large pike perch, perch, pike, asp, and chub hide in such places, so the most effective way to lure them out is a trolling wobbler.
Features of trolling for pike
Catching a pike, especially a large specimen, is a difficult task. Large individuals, as a rule, stay at depth. You can attract the attention of pike by placing bait from a moving boat - using the trolling method.
A rather complex type of fishing hunt has good catch prospects, especially in deep reservoirs, but requires the fulfillment of a number of conditions:
- availability of a swimming device - a PVC boat with a motor is suitable (can be brought in the trunk of a car), a frame one is better as it is more reliable. It is possible to troll even on a rowing boat, but you will need an assistant;
- In addition to the basic equipment, you will need an echo sounder and navigator. Devices are needed to get acquainted with the bottom topography and remember suitable places. In areas of vast lakes, rivers, and reservoirs, it is visually difficult to find a promising hole or hill. One of the models: Sonar Stryker 4 Plus
The usefulness of the navigator is very noticeable when it’s time to return from hunting. It’s easy to get lost in the lower reaches after trolling in the evening; dense thickets limit your view. Often the fisherman feels as if in a labyrinth among many channels.
The boat will need to be equipped with rod holders, which are often made independently from plastic plumbing pipes, although they can be purchased at any fishing store. In an inflatable boat, the holders are glued to the sides, and on a wooden or metal surface they are secured with self-tapping screws, bolts and nuts.
Fishermen prefer electric motors for trolling, which are quieter than gasoline engines, thereby scaring away the fish less and providing better catches.
Wobblers for trolling
For trolling, you need to select wobblers from five deeps, but using various depths, a fisherman can easily use a classic wobbler for shallow depths.
Wobblers for trolling must have the following characteristics:
- the wobbler must be of a floating type;
- if you use suspenders or sinking wobblers, they will constantly provoke hooks;
- the action of the bait should be special and colorful, it should attract the attention of the pike.
Where and when to fish
The method of fishing by towing bait on a moving boat requires a wide area of water to search for a predator. The method has been used for a long time, its relevance increases with the development of equipment and fishing equipment. It is through trolling that one can obtain the most valuable large-sized specimens. That’s why young and experienced fishermen are so attracted to this fishing method.
A reservoir for trolling, in addition to providing plenty of space for fishing, should not be snaggy or densely overgrown with algae, since trolling along this terrain will not be effective due to many obstacles.
Experts are convinced that the best time for fishing is autumn, when a valuable trophy is caught and the angler truly feels what trolling for pike is like. The most active adherents of active hunting fish until frosts, until the ice cover rises.
Autumn fishing
Gear selection
The specifics of fishing require gear, the main feature of which is increased strength. This requirement is quite understandable due to the fishing conditions:
- resistance at depth is higher than normal. The larger the bait, the greater the load on the tackle;
- hooks create critical situations, since it is technically impossible to stop the ship instantly;
- fishing is aimed at catching large fish; the resistance force of massive specimens increases due to the speed of the boat.
When completing the equipment, it is necessary to take into account the quality of each element:
- Rod. A good material for manufacturing is fiberglass. You need to choose a heavy class model, with a length of 1.8 - 3.2 m, fast or medium action, with a trigger handle.
- Coil. A multiplier model corresponding to the size of the fishing rod is suitable. If you choose a powerful spinning reel, then with a gear ratio of 1:3 or 1:4.
- Fishing line. Most often, reliable braid with a diameter of 0.18 mm or durable monofilament up to 0.35 mm are chosen. The thinner ones cannot withstand the load and break during unexpected snags. A leash is required.
- Accessories. Small parts such as carabiners and swivels need good quality, corresponding in strength to the rest of the equipment.
In addition to the listed components, successful fishing requires:
- paravan - a deepening device for horizontal placement of baits;
- downrigger – a device for precise wiring at depth.
One of the most important elements of equipment is a spoon and wobbler, or spinnerbait. The success of the hunt depends on the right bait.
Catchable wobblers
Other baits
In addition to wobblers, recognized for their effectiveness in catching pike, anglers use other baits. The reasons are related to preferences and hunting conditions.
Silicone baits
Trolling enthusiasts use silicone baits mounted on a jig head. Models with active play and a length of at least 15 cm are considered effective. It is possible to catch a trophy specimen of pike at any depth if the predator stays away from the coastline.
Oscillating spoons
The most famous type of bait for pike fishing since the advent of tackle. Allows you to fish areas with vegetation. It is not always easy to deepen spoons, but for this purpose special equipment is used - sinkers, downriggers
Live bait or dead fish on a rig
Among fishermen there are adherents of natural baits, the effectiveness of which often manifests itself when the bite on wobblers stops. Pike are attracted to both live bait and dead fish, because the predator in the river feeds on carrion when food is scarce. The disadvantage of bait is its rapid transformation into rags after the first bite, and the need for weighting. Slowly guiding the fish on a rig across lakes, over algae ridges, is considered effective.
In this way, you can attract even well-fed individuals, since the aroma of natural fish awakens the hunting passion of the predator.
Pike with live bait
Brief classification of pike wobblers
Choosing a suitable wobbler model for a novice fisherman may not be easy, since it is easy to get confused among the huge variety of such lures.
In order to better understand which bait is best to deal with, you should understand the classification of wobblers for catching pike.
Based on buoyancy or the ability to rise to the surface, wobblers are: Floating. In turn, they differ in the following subcategories:
- emerging slowly;
- floating;
- pop up quickly.
Drowning:
- slowly sinking;
- medium sinking;
- sinking quickly.
Suspenders (those wobblers that, after entering the water, stop at a certain level). They are:
- without changes in the depth level after immersion at a certain water level;
- wobblers that, after being immersed in water to a certain depth, begin to sink very slowly.
According to the length of the recess into the reservoir, wobblers are:
- for use on the very surface of the reservoir (at a level of up to one meter);
- for use at medium depths (one to two meters);
- for use at great depths (from two to ten meters).
According to their shape, wobblers are classified into the following types:
- minnow – have a thin and long body;
- shad – have a flattened, tall body;
- fat – have a drop-shaped form;
- crank - look like a cross between shad and fat wobblers.
Fishing technique and tactics
Trolling fishing is carried out from a boat while the vessel is moving. The bait is placed at a depth previously studied by the fisherman. Wobblers go deep, but do not touch the bottom, they move freely, imitating a real fish. Thin-bodied artificial baits, thanks to their structure, working blades, and current, are activated in the game, attracting predatory fish with animation. The angler feels the attack of a pike by a distinct blow, a disruption in the movement of the wobbler.
After hooking, the fish is landed by winding the cord and using a landing net. The fisherman is required to be careful and attentive in order to maintain the integrity of the gear.
There are several approaches to trolling that affect fishing technique:
- exploration of catchable places in unfamiliar waters;
- prepared pike hunting;
- fishing while moving on a pond.
Searches are carried out during shuttle movements. It is recommended to simultaneously fish with different baits at different immersion levels. In this way, you can quickly identify fish activity and promising fishing spots. Select appropriate hooks for pike fishing.
Targeted trolling is carried out in familiar waters with a studied bottom topography. The most interesting and promising type of hunting. They also catch with gliders.
Occasional trolling when moving on a boat with tension can be called trolling, but fishermen, even without special preparation of gear and bait, sometimes simply rely on luck in search of trophy fish. They are also caught using a float with live bait.
3rd place. Rapala X-Rap.
Wobbler Rapala X-Rap
Meet the real pike killer wobbler and be sure that the X-Rap suspender must be in the arsenal of a real spinning player. The well-respected Rapala wobblers for pike (available in 4 versions) have the following characteristics:
- weight 4–22 g;
- length 6–12 cm;
- dive to a depth of 1.8 meters.
Initially it was promoted as a trolling version, but de facto it showed excellent abilities in twitching. In terms of catchability, color S is in the lead. Slightly behind (the gap is minimal) are colors G, HS, MD, OG and YP - they give the maximum bites.
Features of seasonal fishing
Anglers begin trolling in early spring and continue until freeze-up in late autumn. Fishing features vary slightly depending on the season.
in spring
After spawning, predators often move to warm shallow waters, where they are attracted by small fish. The depth of such areas is only 1-1.5 meters. The sounds of running boat engines only scare away the fish. Spring is not the most productive time for trolling due to the passivity of pike for fast baits. Predators in the spring are interested in prey larger than wobblers.
In summer
From June to September, water areas near holes and steep banks are fished. Wiring should be done along river beds in places where calm waters and currents meet, favorite places for pike hunting. In cool, rainy times, it is easier to interest a predator with bright bait in acidic shades.
Pike in clear water
in autumn
After summer, with the onset of cold weather, the most catchy time comes. Pike gain weight to survive the winter. They look for the predator in the lower horizon of the water, near the walls of reeds, along coastlines. Aquatic vegetation gradually dies off, reducing the risk of snags.
Killer wobblers for catching pike in spring
In spring, pike are caught in areas where other fish spawn. These are mainly shallows where the water warms up faster. Here the pike easily finds its prey. After spawning, the predator occupies its usual habitats, located in thickets of underwater vegetation, as well as in snags, where it lies in ambush and feels safe.
Note! In the spring, when the predator is not too picky about food, the color of the bait is of secondary importance. It is advisable not to use wobblers of overly bright colors at this time of year. An exception to this rule may be in cases where the water is cloudy and wobblers of natural color remain invisible to the pike.
The best spring wobblers for pike
The following models have proven themselves to be the most successful floating baits in spring:
- ZipBaits Orbit 110 SP;
- Megabass X-80;
- Proberos DW-101A;
- Yoshikawa JSM01;
- EverGreen Escarda.
Tips from the author
The choice of wobbler based on the nature of the game, color, and shape takes into account the stable appetite of pike. But sometimes a predator is driven by aggression and interest. It is better to stock up on a dozen or more different baits to change fishing tactics and take into account changing weather conditions. In clear water, imitation of live fish in natural colors is effective, but on cloudy days, bright wobblers work more effectively, otherwise the predator simply will not notice the prey. You should not use the same bait in the wiring. A variety of bait increases the chances of a good trophy. Consider also the orbit 110.
Trolling is available to both experienced fishermen and beginners. It’s worth a try to feel the bright emotions, the excitement of the hunt, and the joy of a decent catch.
