Modern fishing is conventionally divided into two types: catching peaceful fish and hunting for predators. The latter is of interest to spinners who have come up with special baits - oscillating spoons. They are used on pike, pike perch, perch, asp and other representatives of the underwater world. Durability and strength of the material are the main advantages of baits. Even 30 years ago, there were several types and forms of vibrators, but today the range of “iron” has become diverse, not to mention the choice of colors.
Main characteristics and varieties
Oscillating spoons are made from stainless steel, brass and other alloys. Each form of bait has a name, for example, one of the models beloved by anglers is called “atom”. Spinner baits differ in size, weight and shape; parameters are selected for specific prey. Older models could be equipped with a plastic tail, but today this element is not used.
Spinning lures
Pike spoons have a rounded shape, since the predator easily swallows prey. Pike perch have a narrow mouth, so manufacturers have come up with elongated models that imitate bleak. Miniature sizes are used for perch, since the fish are usually small. Conditional predators, such as chub, ide and rudd, prefer micromodels, which serve as fishing tools with ultralight. Japanese manufacturers have introduced colored micro spoons for trout fishing. The idea caught on and became widespread among lovers of chub and asp fishing, although the Kastmaster, which has no equal yet, is considered a classic bait for the latter.
Sheer spoons
A separate category is worth highlighting baits that are used in winter to catch predators from the ice. Their shape is slightly different from the classics, especially for pike perch models. The hook can be soldered into the body and have special plumage. Fishermen make interesting baits themselves from a piece of hollow copper tube. Spinning is done using a winter spinning rod. Experienced professionals also practice this method in open water, when fishing from a boat. When spinning gear doesn’t work, a rig with a vertical bait helps out.
Fishing with oscillating spoons
Fishing with oscillating spoons
The popularity of oscillating spoons among spinners can be explained by several properties:
- have excellent flight characteristics;
- Wiring can be done both at the very bottom and at the surface of the water;
- allow you to catch predators not only by casting, but also by trolling;
- non-snagging models are able to pass through algae, stone jungles and snags;
- give the angler a wide choice of fishing methods.
However, in order for a predatory fish to attack the spoon, it must be selected correctly. The fishing market is replete with oscillating spoons from different manufacturers. They differ in shape, color, number of hooks, etc. Depending on the vagaries of the weather, time of year, fishing conditions, casting distance, different spinners are required.
Advantages and disadvantages
For many centuries, fishermen have been arguing about the catchability of one or another bait, each of which has pros and cons. The main criteria are casting range, price, catchability, color, functionality. Spoon baits are superior to other types of bait in many ways, but they also have their drawbacks.
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Advantages of oscillating spinners:
- Catchability. Since Soviet times, “hardware” has been valued due to its high percentage of bites sold. The tee, which is suspended on the winding ring, does not give the fish a single chance.
- Functionality. The same model can be used for fishing both in the bottom layer and on the surface.
- Variety of wiring. A wide range of applications is distinguished by several basic animations: step, uniform and jerky (twitch).
- Visibility. Many models are not painted, and the bare metal is visible from a long distance. In muddy water, spinners have no equal.
- Durability. As mentioned earlier, the material does not deteriorate, and the grip of the same pike does not harm the steel coating.
For fishing in snags, there are specialized “non-hooking” hooks that have one or two whiskers that cover the hook tip. In addition to all of the above, many manufacturers add a “Prices” item when describing their products. Perhaps 10 years ago it was moderate, but today you have to pay for a decent catching model.
Main disadvantages
The main disadvantage is the aerodynamic property of the iron nozzle. In calm weather, even the most experienced spinning angler will not be able to accurately place the bait in the right place. This is due to the special shape of the spinners and windage, which is formed during casting. In open waters, this fact does not affect the catch in any way, but in difficult places it worsens the performance, because the fisherman does not fall under the edge of the reeds or into the window of water lilies. In addition, cheap models, such as the Chinese vibrator, are equipped with low-quality hooks that need to be changed - their play is disrupted during wiring. A good spinner spinner starts with a half turn of the reel and works even at the slowest frequencies.
Methods for wiring wobblers
A wobbler is a bait that allows you to apply many methods and wiring techniques . You always need to choose a wiring method that will be effective. The effectiveness of a particular fishing trip can be influenced by the time of year, weather conditions, as well as the reservoir itself where fishing is carried out. A spinning fisherman must constantly try different variations of wiring until one of them brings the desired result.
The wiring of the wobbler also depends on the activity of the fish. If the fish is active, then the retrieve should be more aggressive and fast, the wobbler should make sharp jerks from side to side. If the fish is not particularly active, then it simply will not pay attention to such wiring. In this case, on the contrary, it is necessary to move the bait more slowly, make the jerks smoother or abandon them altogether, and periodically take pauses in the retrieve.
Popper wiring , which runs in the upper layers of water, resembles twitching. But don’t try too hard with the activity of the game. This type of bait requires a calmer wiring mode. Usually these are repeating phases - jerk-pause. The popper attracts predators by gurgling on the surface of the water and splashing. The best period for fishing with this type of bait is summer, as well as the periods of spring and autumn close to it.
Composite wobblers are the best and most believable simulators of natural fish. Two- or three-piece wobblers perfectly imitate the tall-bodied fish that are familiar to our predators, such as roach or bream. The design of such baits allows the bait to be guided with the usual uniform wiring, and the game is ensured by the structure of the wobbler. We simply turn the reel at the same speed, without making any jerks with the rod. And only if there are no bites from the predator, we begin to provoke it by accelerating and decelerating the wiring, making either sharp or smooth jerks. In general, we use various elements of wiring just to interest the predator in the game of bait.
shad -type wobblers, they mainly use light twitching wiring, giving the bait light chaotic jerks and twitches. Stop and go wiring is also perfect for this bait . And depending on the type of buoyancy of the wobbler, when it stops it sinks (sinking), slowly floats up (floating) or hangs in place (suspender, also known as neutral). However, it should be remembered that a neutral wobbler can sink when used with a leash.
Minnow type wobblers are also suitable for twitching wiring. You should start twitching the bait with the tip of the rod immediately after the bait falls into the water. You can first give sharp movements to the bait with jerks, and then use a reel to reel in the slack line, or you can do both at the same time. However, the second option is quite difficult for inexperienced spinning players and most likely it will not work without preliminary training.
Behavior of the spinner in the water and its retrieve
The oscillator got its name due to the way it rolls to the sides. The curved shape allows the bait to attract a predator with specific movements that create vibration in the water, as well as a bright reflection in sunny weather. A smooth, uniform retrieve is used on the pike. The slower the angler rotates the reel, the more effective the hunt will be. Ideally, the spoon should work on the border of failure, then catching pike with spoons is more successful, because the predator considers the bait as wounded prey that can be easily swallowed.
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Jerk wires, or “twitch”, seduce active fish. Despite the fact that it is more often used for wobblers, oscillating spoons work just as well for sharp swings of the rod. This animation is effective in shallow water when fishing for perch. In deep areas they give a long pause, and the bait floats in the water column. The step looks like a series of pull-ups with a coil with pauses. With its help, deep holes are fished. It is considered a universal retrieve and attracts both pike and zander. From time to time, large lures catch perch.
Scope of application of oscillating spinners
You can catch pike with spoons both in places rarely visited by fishermen and in reservoirs with high pressure. The versatility of oscillators is observed from early spring until freeze-up. Each season requires a suitable bait and correct positioning of the spoon for pike
Read Fishing for pike perch using girders
It is very important to accurately understand where a predator’s favorite ambush spots are on a body of water.
One of the best areas for catching toothfish is considered to be the edge of the algae wall. The bait must be moved across a clear water area, but as close to the grass as possible. For fishing, you will need gliding-type vibrators or models with a noise effect. Promising points for thorough fishing are the confluence of streams and rivulets, the connection of channels, coastal capes, and adjacent water areas to islands. Having a boat and an echo sounder makes finding pike much easier. It is enough to find changes in depth, underwater obstacles, entrances and exits from large holes, the old bed of a reservoir, and you can hope to catch a trophy predator. At such points you cannot do without heavy vibrations that can quickly sink to depth. The toothy one likes to hide at the border of the direct and reverse currents, where a rarefied zone is formed. In this case, it is necessary to fish this place from two opposite sides.
Depending on the season, different types of spoons are required for fishing. • In early spring, you need to look for fish in deep holes where small fish are still concentrated. In such cases, heavy spoons will be required. • As the water warms up, small fish come out to the shallows to bask, followed by a predator. For such conditions it is necessary to use light vibrators. • In summer, many pike hide in the grass thickets. Lures floating above the algae, as well as models with powerful vibration, help lure fish out of ambush. • In autumn, fish move to deeper waters, chasing schools of small fish. At times like these, you have to explore both the holes and the adjacent shallows. You should have both heavy and light spinners in your arsenal.
How to fish with spinning bait
The first step is to choose a rod and reel. For pike, a spinning rod with a test weight of up to 40 g is sufficient; heavier baits require an increase in this indicator. The coil used is inertia-free or multiplier. The size of the first type of spool should not exceed 2000 units, otherwise the casting range will be lost and the set will become noticeably heavier. Fishing line or cord is a personal matter for everyone, but braided line is finding more and more followers. A metal leash is needed between the bait and the cord so that the “toothy one” does not go deeper with the spoon in its mouth. Having chosen a fishing spot, you need to methodically explore it by casting, starting from the most promising points (snags, bushes, water lilies) and ending with clear water areas. The predator prefers to stick to cover, but there is an exception to every rule.
Trolling
Having a modern boat equipped with a motor and an echo sounder makes life easier for the fisherman in terms of movement and search. When the bite weakens or is absent altogether, the trolling technique comes into play. The idea is to explore the water area at low speed with an uncovered spinning rod. The bait is located at a distance of 30m and methodically follows the movement of the motor. A rowing boat is also suitable, but requires effort, because one promising place is examined from different angles.
Fishing with a spoon is effective for deep places without blind hooks. Large models are used as bait. In this way, trophy specimens of pike perch, pike and even catfish are lured out. The functional boat has a special compartment for fishing rods, which are in a vertical position during trolling. This element allows you to use several gears at once.
Winter predator hunt
Sheer spoons are the main type of ice bait. The tactics of searching for pike consist in methodically examining promising points: snags, slopes, depth changes, reed edges, etc. The holes are drilled at a distance of 5-10m from each other, while the sludge is not cleared so that the sun does not illuminate the space under the ice. Pike spoons can be painted or have a pure metallic color. On a clear day, matte and dark tones predominate, while in cloudy weather, silver, gold and “acid” are used.
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Armed with a fishing rod with a small inertia-free reel, you need to take care of a steel leash. Pike has sharp teeth that can bite even thick fishing line with a diameter of 0.5 mm. It is not used for pike perch, using fluorocarbon instead of steel. Along with girders, fishing for pike with spoons gives good results if the angler knows the characteristics of the predatory fish.
Several effective spinning techniques for pike fishing
Lightweight spinner. Such spoons for pike, as a rule, have a good gliding effect. We also already know that we will need a soft, smooth game. Here are a couple of wires.
1. After casting, wait until the bait sinks to the bottom - make 5-6 leisurely turns with the reel - pause until the bait sinks to the bottom - lightly jerk with the tip of the rod - again 5-6 turns with the reel. And so on in a circle.
2. If we need to fish places where there are a lot of hooks. We use classic uniform but smooth wiring. Select a speed such that the spoon does not rise to the surface. Short pauses are acceptable if you are sure that you will not catch underwater obstacles.
Heavy lure for pike. Since we already know that this spoon is needed for fishing in deep places, we will adjust the wiring to the characteristics of the pike spoon. By the way, it is worth noting that the heavy weight of the bait ensures a longer cast. Here are some postings.
1. Let's look at a location without a current. Lakes and rivers are backwaters or backwaters. If there is no current, you don’t have to worry about fast retrieving, the game won’t be lost. In general, pike is a fan of active play with a wide amplitude. Fast wiring will provide us with this. We find holes (perhaps this is the most difficult thing, without special equipment, such as an echo sounder) - after casting, we wait until the bait falls to the bottom - we sharply but briefly support the tip of the rod - we make 3-5 quick turns of the reel - again to the bottom.
2. If the pike does not respond to the active play of the spinner, try doing the same thing, only at a moderate pace. This is especially true in cold water - before freeze-up or immediately after the ice melts in the spring.
3. Now let's look at when the current is quite fast. We take wiring number 1, remember the knowledge we have already acquired about the loss of the game of the vibrator. And we understand that fast wiring, unfortunately, is no longer acceptable. Let's move on to wiring number 2 with moderate game - this will be the best choice for fishing holes in the current.
4. This wiring is non-standard. It was adopted from our grandfathers. Its essence lies in the fact that there is no wiring as such at all. But you will need a boat or a special section of the river, you will understand which one. We cast the bait, let the current pull the line and just play with the rod, experimenting with the strength and frequency of jerks
Here it is important to specifically know about the presence of pike, otherwise there will be no one to respond to the game of our spinner. Otherwise, you may wait a long time and be disappointed.
5. And finally, I would like to remind you about the classic game of spinners when fishing for pike. Simple uniform wiring, at different speeds. Don't forget about the classics.
Read Tackle for catching grass carp
Of course there are many more wires. We have described the main ones as a foundation; you can always add something of your own. Maybe you will come up with the most effective wiring for pike in the world J
TOP 10 spoons for pike
A wide selection of spinners allows you to choose your favorites. They come to the rescue in situations of bad biting, and the angler is left with a catch. The best shakers:
- ACME Kastmaster. This model tops the list; it is produced by many companies. At times, analogues are no worse than the original, unless, of course, they were made in China.
- Mepps Syklops. High quality steel is combined with a shape that allows you to hold the bait on the lowest frequency wiring. The colorful sticker and large peephole make it attractive.
- Blue Fox Esox. The series is designed for fishing for medium and large pike. Dark colors are suitable for fishing in clear water, and “acid” will become indispensable in the spring season.
- Winner Atom. The model appeared back in Soviet times and patented itself as an excellent “hardware” for pike. Budget companies such as Spinnex and Condor also produce it. The movement of the oscillating spinner atom should be smooth and uniform.
- Rapala Minnow Spoon. The model is equipped with one hook and rightfully ranks among the best “non-hook” hooks. Range of applications: grass, water lilies, snags.
- Williams Wabler. A classic for twitch wiring. Catches both small and large predators.
- Kuusamo Rasanen. Due to the thickness of the structure, the spoon is ideal for long-distance casting. A “step” with long pauses is used as wiring.
- ACME Little Cleo. The spoon catches medium and large pike. Any wiring is suitable for it, from uniform to jerky. The only caveat is the weak tees, which should be changed upon purchase.
- Daiva Crusader. Special spoon for salmon breeds. However, the model showed impressive results for pike and perch.
- Nils Master Dueler. The shape of the spoon is elongated and is suitable for fishing from ice. In addition to the “toothy” fish, he also catches other types of fish: perch and pike perch, trout and grayling.
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Advantages of silicone predator baits
Fishing for pike with spoons is becoming more popular every year. Competition from wobblers and silicone spinners has not at all pushed aside the hardware, but has given impetus to the development of new catching models.
Posting
When the spinner with the load ends up in the water, the speed of their fall will noticeably decrease, since the resistance in the water is much higher. In this case, the fishing line will immediately weaken and lie on the surface of the water. If we slowed down the line on the spool, the load would sink. Moreover, it will not fall vertically, but in an arc similar to the trajectory that is obtained during the flight of the fishing line. The greater the depth at the place where the spoon falls, the more similar the trajectory of the spoon falling onto the arc will be.
When the line lays on the water, it initially weakens, and then stretches out again. The spinner's task is to determine the moment when the bait touches the bottom and how long it will take to fall. It's pretty easy to install. You just need to time the fall. If you use a spoon weighing 7 grams with a weight of 17 grams, then it will cover 10 meters in about 19-20 seconds.
Measuring the bottom and counting the time the bait falls is very important. This way you will always know how far your lure is from the bottom. This is especially important to do in situations where you are fishing in snags. Having determined at what depth the snags are located, next time you will know at what count you should start reeling in order to avoid snags.
If earlier this method of studying the depth by identifying snags was almost the only one for those who fished from the shore, now another one has appeared. You can use a wireless echo sounder. It is enough to attach the sensor to the main fishing line, and on the device screen you will see the depth and topography of the bottom.
Experienced spinners have already developed the habit that they always count from the moment the spoon touches the surface of the water. On little-studied reservoirs it is better to use a weight. With its help, you can more or less accurately determine the depth and avoid unnecessary losses of bait. It should be remembered that a load weighing 35 grams falls at a speed of 1 m/s.
If you don’t wait for the bait to land and start reeling, it will first go up, and when the reeling rate decreases, it will move parallel to the bottom. If you start reeling when the load with the spoon reaches the bottom, then at first the bait will go parallel to the bottom. It is necessary to make several jerks to tear the spoon off the bottom and immediately begin reeling. Then we look, if the spoon strikes the bottom, then we slightly increase the speed of rotation of the reel and slightly raise the rod. If the spoon does not touch the bottom, then we do not change the rotation speed. These moments need to be felt. Depending on whether we need the bait to touch the bottom or not, we choose one or another lure tactic.
It matters whether there is grass or debris at the bottom or not. If something else clings to the hooks, then there will be no bites. As a result, the game is lost, and the predator perceives the moving object as something of little interest and ignores it.
When the lure is thrown to the bottom, you can hope that the pike will show interest in it. Often she grabs it at the moment of separation from the bottom. If there is no bite, then you can reel out the tackle in order to quickly cast into the area of interest to us. You should be alert while exhausting. In the summer, pike sometimes catches up with the spoon and can take it right near the shore or boat. At such moments, it is important not to get confused and to hold the rod well in your hand without stopping rotating the reel handle.
How to properly lead a spinner on different horizons? Having counted out the allotted amount of time, we begin to perform the retrieve at such a speed that the spinner passes at a certain depth and demonstrates its characteristic game. To understand which game is suitable for a particular spoon, it is better to practice in a shallow area with clean water. This way you can see with your own eyes how the bait behaves at different fishing speeds and during pauses of different lengths.
The simplest wiring is uniform. It is clear that even movement of the bait at the same speed is not always enough. Often you need to change the speed of the spinner, make stops, jerks and change the fishing horizon. Experienced spinners know well how to lead this or that spinner and what techniques the pike responds to best during the game.
The main condition for successful catching of a predator is the natural action of the spinner. It is optimal to drive it at medium speed. When fishing for pike in the bottom area, slow down the bait by rotating the reel handle more slowly. In areas with great depth, it is better to use spoons with heavy weights, which reach the bottom faster.
Practical tips for choosing spinners
The main elements when buying a bait are the model, cost, size, weight, color and manufacturer. It is worth starting from the first point within reasonable limits. A low price indicates low-quality material and simple production technology. The spinner may not work in currents or slow retrieves. Your fishing box should have an arsenal of baits for all occasions. There are no universal models that catch fish equally at different depths and in different weather conditions. In addition, it is worth thinking about a supply of spinners.
It happens that a catchy spoon breaks off behind a snag, so you need to have two identical baits. Models that are too expensive should not be taken, because fishing should not turn into an experience of “how not to catch half your salary on a branch.” Hunting for a predator is a recreation that requires exploration of the most impassable places, where at times even the “unhooked” ones do not help out.
We make oscillators with our own hands
The easiest way to create bait is to use a spoon with a broken handle.
Next, you need to rub the broken area with a file to a smooth surface and use a drill to make two holes on different sides. Winding rings are inserted into them. A tee is attached to the rear element, and the front one serves as a coupling point for the carabiner. More complex models require a special mold for casting; it can be made from plaster; for this, the dry component is diluted in water and given time to absorb moisture. When the consistency hardens a little, a template made of wood, plastic, paraffin or other material is placed in it. Next, the body of the future spinner is carefully inserted into the plaster and filled with liquid tin. At the last stage, the bait is given its final shape and polished, then holes are made on both sides. The paint is required to be waterproof, it is applied taking into account the characteristics of the predator and the reservoir where fishing will take place
