Grayling and jig baits: are they compatible?

Grayling is a member of the salmon family and is a very valuable catch for many anglers. You can catch it at different times of the year; autumn is considered the most successful choice, since only the most experienced fishermen can afford to go fishing for grayling in the summer.

This is due to the unpredictability of fish behavior, since there is a lot of different food in reservoirs, and choosing the right bait and tackle to get an impressive catch can be very difficult. This article will answer all the basic questions related to catching this type of prey in the summer.

Choosing fishing gear

Types of gear for summer grayling fishing

Initially, you need to decide on the gear itself that will be used to catch this prey. All main options are discussed below:

1. A float rod is usually used in the spring, when the grayling fishing season opens. The water at this time of year is usually still cloudy and this type of gear is the best option, but you can continue to use it in the summer. The only requirement is the light weight of the rod itself, since wiring will mean that the rod is constantly in the hands of the fisherman and an incorrectly selected model can lead to premature fatigue. The ideal solution would be a telescopic float rod made of carbon fiber; the length of the rod should be no more than 5-6 meters.
2. Modified float tackle designed for surface fishing. You can get such tackle using special equipment.
3. Fly fishing gear is another good option for summer grayling fishing. Today, such fishing is not very common, since it requires the angler to be in the water, and this requires additional expenses for special waterproof clothing. In addition, casting flies with such tackle is a rather difficult task, which requires long training.
4. A sleigh or boat is a piece of equipment that was once very popular, but then was forgotten, but today there is a revival of interest in it. Its operating principle is quite simple: a structure made of any type of floating material is connected to a fishing rod and used to send it to the opposite shore of the reservoir. This technique is especially effective if the potential prey is located in the middle of the river, where it is impossible to cast with a fishing rod.
5. Spinning is also very often used for summer grayling fishing, but only ultralight models are suitable for such purposes. The optimal rod length varies from 2 to 2.7 meters; this figure usually depends on the characteristics of the shore from which you plan to cast.

Fly fishing gear is another good option for summer grayling fishing

Equipment for float rod

A float rod is one of the most popular options for fishing for grayling in the summer; its demand is due to its ease of use.

There shouldn't be a problem with the rig either, it should look like this:

1. The type of reel is not particularly important ; the only requirement for it is the ease of rotation of the drum, which should be carried out under the influence of the force of the current.
2. A nylon cord with a diameter of no more than 0.2 mm is used as a working line .
3. The leash should also be made of nylon , but its diameter should not exceed 0.16 mm.
4. There are two requirements for the float: its carrying capacity must be 2-4 grams, and its color and size must be such that it is visible to the fisherman even at a very long distance.
5. You can use a regular single hook, sizes from No. 10 to No. 14 are suitable, depending on the size of the intended prey. You can solder a little lead on the forend, then you will get a homemade jig, which will allow you to avoid using an additional sinker.

Fly fishing equipment

Fly fishing requires from the fisherman not only certain training and the availability of appropriate skills, but also special attention when choosing equipment.

For this method you will need to prepare:

1. A suitable rod should be suitable for surface fishing.
2. Conical cord.
3. Coil. The type of this device is not particularly important; its light weight is much more important.

Otherwise, the equipment does not have any fundamental features; it will be much more difficult to select flies. It is advisable to have a whole set with you, since grayling responds best to those options that are most similar to its food included in its daily diet.

Equipment for surface-type float fishing rod

Such gear is usually homemade models, converted from standard float rods. However, the equipment for them will have some individual features:

1. Any reel can be used , but it must be capable of providing a supply of working line of at least 50 meters.
2. The diameter of the monofilament used should be within 0.16-0.2 mm.
3. Floats are usually used homemade, they are made from wine cork: such a device will have the optimal weight, size and at the same time remain invisible to mining. The upper part of the float is additionally equipped with a lead plate, which will serve as a weight.
4. Hooks are selected depending on the expected size of the grayling ; any single models No. 12-14 are suitable.

Hooks are selected depending on the expected size of the grayling

Equipment for a sleigh or boat

When choosing a sled or boat for fishing for grayling, you will need to prepare the following equipment and devices:

1. The structure, which will be responsible for transporting the equipment , the most suitable material for it is foam plastic or fairly light wood.
2. To connect the structure to the main gear, it is necessary to use a strong fishing line, the diameter of which must be at least 0.4-0.5 mm.
3. A prerequisite is the use of a float with a cross-section of no more than 0.16-0.2. It should be attached approximately 20-30 cm from the fishing line to connect to the structure.
4. Single hook No. 12-14 is attached directly to the float.

Spinning equipment

The last gear option is an ultra-light spinning rod with flexible blanks, which will simplify the casting process.

The equipment for it should look like this:

1. Multiplier reel , the main requirement is small dimensions and low weight of the device.
2. The diameter of the monofilament should be 0.14-0.16 mm, but when using braided cord it should be reduced to 0.08-0.1 mm.

Review of the best models

Among the variety of rotating and oscillating spoons, there are several models that make grayling fishing the most effective.

Each of them has its own advantages:

• Blue Fox is the most popular model. It is available in both oscillating and rotating versions. It is also suitable as a lure for grayling because it has very strong hooks. The second model number is ideal for catching this fish. The color is selected individually (depending on the body of water and time of year).
• Daiwa is considered one of the best catching baits. The line also includes oscillating and rotating models. The balanced design shows excellent results in almost any type of reservoir with different currents, suitable for catching most fish and all types of fishing. For grayling fishing, the most suitable bait colors are gold and silver.
• Mepps Aglia No. 2 is called a miracle bait by fishermen. Its rotating petals easily adapt to the force of the current, while maintaining the desired vibration. As for grayling, it is perfectly caught on a silver model with red stripes.

Making a spinner yourself is more difficult, but many fishermen cope with this task. Spinner spoons of this type are made from thick stainless wire. It represents the axis of the structure. A weight, beads and a copper wire clamp are placed on the stainless steel. The size and shape of the petals are selected experimentally. Changes may be made during the grayling fishing process.

In addition, commercial lures have colorful flies attached to the hooks to increase their attractiveness to fish.

1. Turntables. Aglia No. 00 Long No. 00 and from the manufacturer Mepps. These spinners have become the best, and have proven themselves to be excellent when catching medium-sized grayling 200–400 years old.
2. Oscillators. In this case, it is worth preparing at least a dozen baits up to 45 mm of different shapes and colors. Which one to choose? It’s up to you to decide, it all depends on the place of fishing and the harmfulness of the fish.
3. Wobblers. Anglers Republic BM-25SR, as well as BM-20SR. These small fish work great when fishing for grayling. It is worth noting that he prefers uniform wiring. It all depends on the fishing location: Aqua Bit wobblers work well in large currents; Yo-Zuri are wonderful wobblers with a dive of up to half a meter.
4. On an underwater fly. Here you should select flies with different colors. An imitation wasp or bee may work on one body of water, but on another you may not catch anything with it. Therefore, you need to experiment and select a fly for a successful catch.

Read All about the technique and strategy of feeder fishing and gear preparation

There are certain models that have been wildly successful, because with their help you can catch a lot of fish of this species. Such models are: Daiwa, Mepps, BlueFox and Aglia No. 2. They all have their advantages and make fishing much more enjoyable and efficient.

The first model is Daiwa, it comes in different colors and all kinds of sizes. But, fishermen usually use gold and silver colors, since these are the colors that best attract grayling. With such a spoon you can catch not only grayling, but also perch, and even whitefish.

And this allows Daiwa to be more practical. This lure is best used for fishing on Lake Baikal, in the lake itself.

Mepps are a great example of a spinner spoon because they are not only versatile, but also versatile. They have different colors, and only the most positive reviews.

It is very difficult to choose a more versatile and practical spinner than the BlueFox. The best option is the second number; the color must be selected depending on the body of water or the seasons. Every self-respecting angler should have such a spoon, especially when he hunts grayling.

Aglia No. 2

The second size is the most popular. The appearance of the spinner itself - the silvery color of the petal on which there are red stripes - is particularly attractive to this fish, which allows it to be lured much more effectively than other models.

Oscillating spoons for grayling

Many anglers say that oscillating spoons are best suited for catching grayling, and in addition, they have a lot of pleasant advantages.

For example, they are much cheaper than wobblers, and the simplicity of their shape makes them more attractive. Also, they are very compact and have less weight, which allows them to be cast further and weather conditions will not be a hindrance for them.

There are models of spinners that are used everywhere and they are a huge success. Such models are: Effzett, “Spoon”, Heintz. The best model, according to surveys, is Effzett. This model is classic and should be present for every fisherman.

Lures

Natural baits

In summer, natural baits are mostly used; effective options can be:

1. Various insects that live outside the reservoir, for example, grasshoppers, flies or flies. Grayling responds best to them during settled hot weather.
2. Various invertebrates inhabiting the pond in which grayling lives. The main advantage of such bait will be that it is food familiar to fish and will not cause any special suspicion.
3. Earthworms and dung worms are usually used during spring fishing, but in summer grayling often respond well to such bait. Worms are the best option if you plan to use a float fishing rod.

Artificial baits

Artificial baits are used when using spinning rods. For catching grayling in the summer, the following have proven themselves to be positive:

Mepps Aglia are French spinners of very high quality; you must use models whose size is 00-1.

Panther Martin, size No. 1. This bait is a non-hooking lure, it is light in weight, but at the same time it is well suited for fishing in areas of a reservoir with a rapid flow, since it has the ability to withstand even the strongest water flows.

Blue Fox is a spinner bait that comes in a variety of colors; you need to select them depending on the weather conditions in which you will be fishing.

Yo-Zuri Snap Beans is a small wobbler with a working depth of 50 cm, which makes it ideal for summer grayling fishing.

Anglers Republic produces the BM-20 and 25SR wobbler models, which are small but voluminous fats. They are usually used when the bite is bad, since such bait provokes even the most passive predator to attack.

Features of application tactics

The choice of spinner depends primarily on the fishing location. For areas with a pronounced current, relatively heavier oscillators, as well as turntables with an elongated petal shape, are more suitable. Among the places on the river that may be promising, it is first of all worth fishing for exits from holes, riffles, spaces behind underwater rocks, and the boundaries of fast and slow currents.

Important! If the angler sees that the fish is following the spoon, but does not attack it, one should intentionally allow the bait to malfunction - this often provokes an attack from a passive predator. If during fishing there is a massive emergence of insects such as mayflies, the most appropriate would be to use unloaded (or front-loaded with the load removed) rotating spinners

Read How to catch pike with live bait from the shore and prepare the equipment

Such turntables start up immediately after falling into the water, and, working while falling, they well imitate an insect that has fallen into the water

If during fishing there is a massive emergence of insects such as mayflies, the most appropriate would be to use unloaded (or front-loaded with the weight removed) rotating spinners. Such turntables start up immediately after falling into the water, and, working while falling, they well imitate an insect that has fallen into the water.

Features of grayling fishing

After the suitable tackle and all other devices have been selected, all that remains is to become familiar with the main features of catching this type of fish.

In the summer they are usually as follows:

1. Grayling is characterized by a fairly fast bite , so at the first sign of it, an equally rapid hooking should be carried out.
2. When approaching the fishing site, it is necessary to maintain silence , since grayling is a rather shy prey and reacts to all loud sounds.
3. It is best to throw the bait at a short distance from the fishing point; the current should deliver it to it. It is advisable that the fisherman himself be in shelter.
4. When in the water, you need to stand with your back relative to the direction of the current , this will allow the bait to move to the most successful area with mud raised from the bottom, which will certainly attract potential prey.
5. When the bite level decreases, you must carefully move to the neighboring area , remembering to remain quiet. If fishing is carried out below the riffle, then with careful movements of the foot you can slightly loosen the sand on the surface of the bottom, which will help attract prey.
6. When fishing for grayling in fast-flowing rivers, you need to find a section of a reservoir with calmer water, and then make a point cast from a long distance.

Fishing technique and tactics

You can catch grayling in a hangar in any of the settings throughout the entire period of open water: spring, summer and autumn. It works best during the emergence period of specific insects. This determines the use of a specific type of tackle and flies used. The tackle must copy natural conditions; only in this case can one hope for a good catch.

From the boat

When fishing for grayling from a boat, the tackle is equipped with a short rod, convenient for working in cramped conditions. The equipment is lowered into the water and gradually floated downstream. When the lowest point is reached, winding is carried out in the opposite direction.

Fishing with a setup from a boat.

From the shore

When fishing on the shore, casting the equipment is done with a powerful and long rod, allowing you to work with a long garland. In this case, the direction is chosen against the current so that the baits move down in the same stream.

Attention! With any fishing method, it is important to constantly monitor the tension of the working line so as not to miss a bite. After all, the float in this gear serves only to control the location of the garland with leashes

Blitz tips

To summarize, we can give the following tips that will be useful to anglers when fishing for grayling in the summer:

1. Flies for fishing grayling

   To fish for large prey and trophy specimens, it is necessary to fish in deep areas. Large grayling, even in summer, does not like to rise too close to the surface of the water, where its smaller relatives live.

2. The floats that are used to rig fishing rods for grayling should be visible to the angler from afar, but the use of too bright devices is not allowed. This is more likely to scare off such wary prey.
3. Before choosing natural bait, it is recommended to study the features of a particular reservoir in order to have an idea of ​​what grayling is used to feeding in these places. However, in any case, it is recommended to have a set of different attachments with you, since this breed is characterized by increased capriciousness when choosing food, and it is often impossible to predict its preferences.

Fishing calendar by fishing season

1. The golden time for spinning anglers to fish for grayling is August.
   Winter. The best time is from March 20 until the opening of the reservoir. The rest of the time he behaves unpredictably. They are caught using jigs and donkas; pieces of freshly caught fish or a purchased mixture are used for bait.
2. Spring. They fish in the summer style any way they like: with a wire, with a fly rod, or with a plumb line. Worms, silicone and dry insects, and maggots are used for bait.
3. Summer. Immediately after spawning, grayling becomes voracious. For bait, the following will be especially good: dry and wet flies, larvae, worms. You can hunt for him at this time with any permitted gear.
4. Autumn. Before the first ice, grayling bites well on almost everything: larvae, worms, insects, etc. You need to hunt by going lower to the rapids and riffles. In November-December, fish will bite only near reaches, dams, and deep holes.

Rating of the TOP 10 best flies for grayling

Flies tested by experienced fishermen deserve special attention. The top ten catchiest baits for grayling include imitators that work in different horizons of the reservoir.

Parachute Adams

The variety, first produced in America, is called fantastic for its appearance and amazing game. Does not leave grayling and other fish species alone. The bait is not a copy of any insect; it is made from rooster beard feathers.

Cockerel I like it I don’t like it

Superpupa

The plain appearance is deceiving. A tousled panicle is very attractive to grayling for a long time, even in October. The fly is a dry type with good buoyancy, but it is often additionally treated with a special lubricant for reliability.

They are most often crocheted on a number 12-16 hook. I like I don't like1

Hydropsyche Nymph

Realistic, imitating a caddisfly. Attracts large fish with its appetizing nature, which attacks it on retrieve. The bait is used both on the surface and by immersing the nymph. They usually buy bait because it is difficult to tie it themselves.

One of the main advantages is the ease of tying to a hook. I like it I don't like it

March Brown

The fly, a type of “wet” bait, has been known to anglers for more than a hundred years, and is especially popular in the UK. In appearance it is similar to a mayfly, and may be similar to a caddisfly. With the advent of new materials, instead of silk elements, developers began to use Lurex. Gilded ribs attract grayling in the spring.

The model consistently pleases fishermen with good catches. I like it I don't like it

Loop Wing Emerger

The bait is made in the form of mayfly or midge larvae. It works both on the surface and, like a nymph, in the middle water column. Sizes range from small to medium.

Time-tested catchable bait. I like it I don't like it

Jassid

The classic front sight was developed by the American Vincent Mariner and described it in a book in 1950. The model is small in size and looks simple. The advantage is manifested in good visibility on the water and reliable bites. In practice, she helped out more than once in hopeless situations.

Fishermen value it for its high catchability. I like it I don't like it

Mini Leech

The model imitates the appearance and movement of leeches, shrimp, and small fish. Anglers making their own flies are advised to lengthen the tail. The oblong body significantly enhances the game of the bait, which is so attractive.

The blackest I like I don't like

Red Ant

In summer, it is simply irreplaceable in a fisherman’s arsenal when hunting grayling. For production, a black or red rooster feather is used. Red dubbing is required for the front and back. The head is dark in color. Suitable hooks numbers 14-18. A special feature of fishing for grayling with a fly is the reeling of the line, since the fish often accompanies the bait almost to the fisherman’s location.

Very red I like it I don’t like it

Deer Hair Caddis

A unique fly that works actively in any season. Realistic imitation of “dry” type caddisfly. Difficult to make at home, as it requires professional processing of different types of Lurex. The wings are made from deer hair. Hooks of size 16-18 will be suitable.

Bites on this model are observed from the first cast. I like it I don't like it