Catching asp on a spinning rod in spring
Asp should be looked for in areas with great depth immediately after the ice melts. Due to preparations before spawning, it does not swim into shallow water at this time.
The asp most often stays at a great distance from the shore, but during the period before spawning it can approach the shore
The second half of spring is the period when asp are caught especially well. With the onset of warmth, a hungry predator begins to feed extremely actively in order to renew its reserve of strength after winter. Asp spawning occurs at different periods of time in different areas, but most often this is the period from late April to mid-May, when the water level in reservoirs drops.
In the spring season, the asp hunts mainly in a flock, which is why when a school of predators is found, you can get a good catch. If you have some skills and good gear, asp fishing can be a very productive activity.
Where to look for asp in spring
Once on a body of water, it is advisable to observe the fish from a distance. This means that coming close to the shore is completely unnecessary, and in most cases it is even harmful (remember the asp’s caution). The characteristic habitats of this fish are clearly visible from afar. These are all kinds of whirlpools, ripple jets, boundaries of currents and quiet waters, jets behind fallen trees. In general, the more noise and confusion in the behavior of the water, the greater the likelihood of an asp stopping.
Very often the asp itself reveals its presence with characteristic bursts. True, they bear little resemblance to the “asp fight” described in the literature. Rather, these are throws of fish along the very border of water and air with sharp turns and reversals.
Tackle for asp fishing
The optimal option for a spinning rod would be a length of 3 m, while the test should be 50-70 g. Such a test and length directly depend on the baits, most of which are quite heavy, as they must fly far.
The reel is usually spinning with a size of 3000-4000. It is worth giving preference to spacious spools. For longer casts, a multiplier is sometimes used. The line should be wound almost to the edge of the spool.
Although the asp does not have teeth with which he can bite the fishing line, it is still worth taking care of the strength of the fishing line. You can take monofilament with a diameter of 0.2 mm, or braid with a breaking load of at least 6 kg. The heavier the baits used and the further the cast is required, the stronger the fishing line is needed. The use of a metal leash is not required. Read further in the text about the baits used.
Tackle for asp
As for gear, for asp fishing they prefer to choose “fast” spinning rods with a length of 2.7-3 m with a test range of up to 40 g. This combination of characteristics allows you to make accurate long-distance casts, which largely determines the success of all fishing. It is advisable to select a reel with a large spool diameter. The gear ratio does not play a decisive role. And to save money, most anglers fish with standard ratio reels. The large diameter of the spool allows you to increase the casting distance and twist the line less. But the movement of the reel should be easy.
What to wind on the spool: monofilament or braid is a personal choice for the fisherman. But the fact that brightly colored fluorescent fishing line is much more convenient to use is an undeniable fact. When fishing on horseback, the movement of the bait with such a fishing line is much easier to control.
Asp baits
The asp is a rather cautious and whimsical fish, so you will never guess which bait the predator will take better on a certain day. In order, as they say, not to be left with your nose, it is better to grab an arsenal of different types of baits, among which it is desirable to have the following:
- castmaster;
- oscillating spoons;
- jig baits;
- wobblers;
- poppers.
Castmaster is the heavy and long-range spinner, which is considered one of the best baits for asp and brings good results in fishing not only in spring, but also in summer;
Oscillating spoons weighing from 30 g;
Bombarda (sbirulino), which is a large float that allows you to cast light baits further;
Live bait (small roach, bleak, top swimmer).
Surface wobblers are also worth trying, as wobblers are similar to bleak and float on the surface of the water. But it is difficult to throw a floating wobbler far, since it is quite light, and here you need to look at the situation. By the way, the Original Rapala wobbler has proven itself well.
However, the most spectacular and often quite effective spring asp hunting is fishing with stickbaits and poppers. Unlike other predators that wait for the water to warm up well in the spring, the asp begins to peck at these surface baits early. Already in April, you can safely go fishing, taking poppers and stickbaits with you.
Top 7 wobblers for catching asp
Kikuchi Bay Fighter Si 70S
Shiny and looking like natural fish prey, this wobbler is perfect for asp fishing. This model has long been loved by experienced fishermen, however, at the moment it is becoming increasingly difficult to get, especially if you do not take it from the hands of other fishermen. And this will be difficult to do, because the bait has almost become legendary.
Tips for fisherman: Wobblers for chub and asp are the best - Tips for a beginner
Ever Green Mo-Do Wildhunch SR
Another silver wobbler from another Japanese manufacturer. The size of the wobbler is close to the size of the asp prey and is 5 centimeters. Their features include a rattle that attracts the attention of fish, as well as an ergonomic body that will serve you for many years.
Saurus CD-Rex 70
Another Japanese. The bait is widely known among professional fishermen, while beginners are almost unfamiliar with this wobbler. But in vain, since this 7-centimeter wobbler has proven itself to be extremely effective when fishing for predatory fish - pike, perch and, of course, asp.
Rapala Husky Jerk
This almost universal bait is known to many fishermen and has long established itself as a reliable and effective wobbler. The shape and size of the bait allows it to become an excellent tool for fishing in still water and in reservoirs with weak currents.
Lucky Craft Flat CB MR
Another reliable and proven wobbler. Despite the almost complete noiselessness of the bait, it has a mixed center of gravity and a universal pattern of vibrations, which makes it suitable for asp fishing. The color of the wobbler is also suitable for our reservoirs.
Jackall Brosrry 44 CheF
The most non-standard representative of this top. It has an unusual shape and color (bright light green combined with yellow), as well as a loud rattle. The sounds and movements of this wobbler are extremely effective when fishing for asp. And its size and weight make it suitable not only for asp, but also for many other predators. The only drawback is that it will be practically useless in muddy waters.
Smith D-direct 55S
A heavy wobbler that you should try when others have not helped. It extremely quickly sinks to the maximum depth for asp fishing, where it begins its oscillating movements at the slightest movements of underwater vegetation, which makes it an effective bait for asp fishing. Bright colors and strong shine make it universal for any water and weather, turbidity level and light level.
- Form length.
- Test.
- Build.
- Rod weight.
Color of asp baits
Also, the asp is characterized by a peculiar habituation to the same bait. Therefore, if you notice that a predator has stopped responding to the bait that was previously effective, you should replace it. In this case, it is even better to change the direction of the wiring. The asp is a rather smart and cautious fish, so it is considered a very desirable trophy.
The best color option for asp bait is silver, the color of bleak. In clear weather, bluish baits with silver inserts on the sides also perform well.
On cloudy days with bad weather, a dark color in combination with the same silver on the sides of the bait becomes relevant.
Tackle for May asp: spinning rod, reel, fishing line
If the asp behaves cautiously until the moment of attacking its prey, then after the throw it actively pursues the prey and always hooks itself. Feeling in danger, he makes powerful jerks, trying to free himself. In order for the tackle to withstand such an onslaught, it is necessary to carefully select every detail of the spinning equipment. For this type of asp fishing, it is recommended to use:
- Rod.
The size and other characteristics of this part may differ significantly depending on whether fishing will be done from the shore or from a boat. To catch asp from the shore, you need to choose a rod with a length of 3.2 meters, a test weight of 40 g and a medium action. For fishing from a watercraft, you can use a blank of shorter length (2.2 - 2.4), and given the fact that when using a boat you can do without long casts, the action of the stick can be super-fast. Choosing a rod for twitching, jigging, ultralight.
- Coil.
The wiring is quite intense, so the reel must be high-speed, with a spool capacity of at least 100 meters, with a line diameter of up to 0.40 mm. Look at decent reels on Ali.
- Fishing line.
It is better to use monofilament fishing line with a diameter of 0.25 - 0.40 mm. A high-quality braided line is also suitable for fishing with a diameter of 0.14 mm.
Selecting a spinning rod for asp fishing video
Don’t know what kind of spinning rod and reel you need for an asp? The author of the channel “Simple Fishing” talks in detail from A to Z about all the little things and nuances of selecting the appropriate gear. Very useful material. Part one, below is part two about baits!
All of the listed elements of the spinning rod must be of high quality so that during sudden jerks of the fish their integrity is maintained when fighting a strong predator. For successful fishing, you will also need to choose bait that will be to the taste of the local predator.
When and how to catch asp in spring
The best results come from catching asp during a fight, which is noticeable by fairly strong splashes on the surface.
When a promising place is found, you need to wait for the asp to splash on the surface of the water and cast, but a little further than the point where the splash was noticed. The calmer and quieter the bait falls into the water, the better.
When the bait is in the water, make a pull, and then return the rod to its original position. Most often, it is at this stage that the asp bite occurs.
Catching asp in spring: secrets of experienced fishermen
Asp, or sheresper as it is also called, is a desirable catch for any fisherman. Hunting for it is always exciting, because the predator is famous for its vigilance. As soon as the fisherman approaches, the cautious representative of the carp family leaves the territory. It's not easy to deceive him. To do this, you will need long-range tackle, extremely accurate bait casting and maximum theoretical information.
When and where to fish
You can start catching asp in the spring immediately after the ice melts. At this time, the asp, following the bleak, begins to approach closer and closer to the shore. This is why novice anglers can count on success.
The best time for fishing is morning and evening. In the morning, the bite usually starts at 10 o'clock and can last until 12, and sometimes longer depending on the weather. In the evening you can catch this fish from 16 to 18 hours.
With gradual warming, the asp begins to move to the spawning grounds, namely to the rocky-sandy bottom with a fast current, where it spawns until approximately the second week of May. Spawning begins when the water warms up to 10-12 degrees, but already at an average temperature of 8 degrees there is practically no bite.
After spawning, the asp begins to actively feed, but it is already pointless to look for it near the shores. It usually stands near the spawning grounds, near the rifts, but away from the main stream.
You can catch asp after spawning throughout the day. Near the rifts you can observe many asp exits. Quite often, the location of the battle can be determined by the seagulls circling over this place, which after each splash rush to the water.
