Pike perch is a typical predator and reaches impressive sizes. Its tasty dietary meat contains a large amount of proteins, amino acids, minerals and a minimum of fat. In general, this individual is a valuable fish that is a pleasure to hunt.
To “tame the obstinate”, you will need an appropriate lure for pike perch. It must meet certain requirements. Depending on the season and time of day, this individual is caught using a variety of oscillating and rotating spoons. Most anglers prefer to “go for pike perch” only with silicone baits and wobblers. Practice shows that this predator is caught well with oscillating spoons. In some cases, they are even more efficient than both spinners and wobblers.
What does pike perch prefer?
Let's consider this point in more detail. Before choosing a spoon, you should know certain features of this fish. Namely:
— Pike perch lives in large freshwater bodies of water.
— He prefers a pebble and sandy bottom with large driftwood and stones lying on it. He uses them as cover. After all, fish are an ambush predator.
— Pike perch is very sensitive to the presence of suspended matter in water and oxygen concentration. Therefore, it does not live in wetlands.
— In summer, it is located mainly at a depth of 2 to 5 meters. Pike perch bite very well when winter comes. Immediately after the ice has set. In winter, it lives at shallow depths - on the edges of holes, bottom breaks, and snags. That is, in those places where he is not very willing, but is caught with gear for appropriate fishing.
— This individual feeds on narrow-bodied fish. These are sprat, bleak, gobies, and minnows. They are used as live bait when fishing for pike perch.
“Compared to pike, this predator absolutely always reacts without hesitation to a fake bait as soon as it comes into its field of vision.
Taking into account these habits, summer and winter lures for pike perch are also selected.
Ideally, the bait should be shaped like the real prey of this predator. In other words, it should be narrow-bodied, streamlined and quite large (5 to 10 cm in length). This is to attract the attention of larger specimens. These parameters will help in deciding what is the best lure for pike perch. This is important to know.
Useful little things
Fish tend to behave cautiously. A person who is on the shore of a reservoir makes her wary, therefore, in order not to be left without a catch, it is advisable to use camouflage. This is especially true when fishing on small, narrow rivers. Therefore, if possible, it is advisable to use shelter on the ground, for example, hide behind the trunks of trees growing near a pond. Use bushes, tall reeds, and grass as shelter. In the absence of natural shelters, both anglers can move away from the shore, or, as a last resort, sit down.
Don't forget about clothes. It should hide the fisherman, make him invisible against the general natural background. You should also worry about silence. Loud sounds will make the fish go deeper. It is advisable to initially agree on gestures so as not to shout to each other, scaring the fish.
As a rule, fishing with a paired spinning rod is quite effective. The catch is often large specimens of such fish: ide, grayling, char, large chub, trout.
Description of the spinners
It is difficult to say exactly when these devices appeared and who their inventor was. The only reliable fact is that this is an ancient artificial bait that was invented for fishing. Nowadays, there are many varieties of this device.
Size, weight, color, shape, rotating and oscillating – this all determines the multiple differences between spinners. However, such baits also have a similar feature - they are all made of metal. The question arises about what is the best lure for pike perch.
Various types of spinners, their features and differences
Initially, these devices are distinguished into rotating and oscillating, as well as summer and winter. This is important to consider when determining which lures are best for zander. The last division is determined not by the temperature of use of these devices, but by their performance indicators. In other words, horizontal lures are called summer lures, and vertical lures are called winter lures. This is important to know. Although with the help of jigs (vertical heavy vertical spoons for pike perch), this fish is caught very well from the sides of boats. But on some summer oscillating devices, prey is well pulled out of ice holes. Specifically, this is “kas.
But if it is quite difficult to compare vertical and horizontal spoons, then oscillating and rotating ones are much simpler.
— The first type, not counting the fittings, is made from a whole piece of metal. It oscillates from side to side when moving.
— The design of the second type of bait is equipped with a large number of elements. Among them there is a petal and an axis. They are important parts of this device. When retrieving such a bait, the petal begins to rotate around the axis of the spoon. Because of this, they called her that.
Summer spinners
Compared to chub and salmon, the specimen in question greedily grabs the simplest types of bait. As a result, there is no need to waste time selecting specific gear. Pike perch bite excellently on universal spoons. They are also designed for fishing for the ubiquitous perch and pike.
In general, a spinner bait for pike perch should have a streamlined shape and decent weight. This will allow you to make long casts and retrieve in the bottom layers. The choice of surface of the spoon depends on the transparency and illumination of the water in the place where pike perch is caught. This can be a galvanic or paint coating, as well as a smooth or textured finish.
If we consider specific models of the most catchy oscillating spoons, then, of course, I would like to mention the famous Kastmaster, which is preferred by anglers. The mystery of this seemingly ordinary bait lies in its impeccable balancing and precise, literally surgical execution. This makes it effective for each deployment in almost different layers of water.
To hunt this predator in the summer, you can also purchase a rotating spoon with a front load. This is the best option in this case. The rotating petal of this device, falling into the water column, seduces the fish. One drawback of “spinners” is their strong hooking, since this predator has to be caught next to snags and other objects. In this case, the probability of breaking the bait is very high.
How to catch pike perch using a homemade spoon in winter
For some anglers, catching pike perch with a spoon in winter is a gambling and interesting activity. This fish is caught throughout the year, but lure fishing is an unforgettable experience. If we add here the strength of this predator and its size, it becomes clear why this winter fishing attracts a large number of fishermen. The main thing in this fishing is to find the predator’s camp. The fisherman should, if possible, examine the entire water area of the fishing area. In winter, this is easy to do, because you can walk to any corner of the reservoir.
Since pike perch leads an active lifestyle throughout the year, you need to know some of its locations:
- often goes to elevated areas, where the depth is approximately 4 meters;
- in the very cold, pike perch sits out in holes;
- In winter, the predator comes out to feed only at night;
- after freezing, it looks for melt water, and then its zhoring begins.
In addition to choosing bait when fishing in winter, you also need to select the tackle itself for this fish.
The fishing rod must be up to 80 cm long, rigid, and capable of supporting the weight of the catch. It is better to choose a handle made of cork so that it is comfortable to hold. The reel must also be strong and capable of reeling in line without any problems.
The fishing line should be monofilament with a diameter of 0.2 - 0.35 mm, the cord freezes in the cold.
There may not be a nod when fishing for pike perch. But if you use it, it is better to use an elastic metal plate.
Spoons for pike perch in winter
First of all, hunting for pike perch in this period involves identifying its camp sites. The fisherman will need to walk many kilometers and drill dozens of holes. And, of course, there is simply no time for a long wait when diving bait.
Therefore, to fish for this predator in winter, it is necessary to purchase a vertical falling spoon with a lower weight and significant weight. This is the best option in this case.
Manufacturing
To make a tube spinner for pike perch at home, the craftsman will need:
Materials and accessories
The material used is aluminum or copper tubes of the required diameter . It should be remembered that the specific gravity of copper is almost twice as high as that of aluminum, and be guided by this when making bait.
Lead is necessary in the manufacture of the corresponding types of spinners.
Winding rings are used to attach hooks to the lure.
Treble hooks are a necessary element of the spinner equipment.
Process
Winding rings are threaded into the holes, to which, in turn, tees are attached.
The manufacture of tube spinners of another type includes the same steps; the process only includes soldering the front part for a bait with a sealed front end, or adding acoustic elements followed by soldering for noise spinners. If you need to make a loaded spoon, then its front part is filled with lead by a third or half.
Making a composite spoon-tube
The manufacturing process is more complex. It consists of the following steps:
The sizes of the segments can be of different sizes : the decision remains with the master. You can also use various metals in the manufacture of bait components.
Additional features
What remains is tuning the tube spinner. Most often, anglers use a tee equipped with an artificial fly . The latter serves to stabilize the play of the spinner during retrieval and is an additional element that attracts predators. Sometimes, instead of a tee, a single hook equipped with a twister . When fishing in winter, it is highly advisable to put 2-3 multi-colored cambrics or use a hook with a three-color drop.
Spoons oscillating for pike perch
Some fishermen are convinced that these devices are archaic. That is, they consider this bait ineffective and outdated. And yet, in some cases, the effectiveness of such devices is comparable to rotating spoons. Sometimes they even surpass them.
Oscillating spoons for pike perch are especially popular in areas remote from large populated areas. Residents of provincial towns are less influenced by fashion. And the older generation remembers the time when there were no other baits except oscillating spoons.
These devices are extremely effective for pike perch and have a small width and a length of 6 to 10 cm. In this case, leashes are different, depending on the characteristics of the reservoir.
If we take a specific model of catchy oscillating spoons for fishing for pike perch, then, of course, I would like to remember the famous Kastmaster. This model occupies a leading place among these devices. Most anglers consider it the best bait for catching asp. Stepped retrieves with a Kastmaster spoon in any water layer sometimes give wonderful results.
I would like to note that the effectiveness of this device is observed not only during the peak activity of this predator when catching it in the shallows, but when it is trolling at great depths.
There is also another main point. It lies in the fact that the Kastmaster spinner is most often counterfeited. This is a reliable fact. Some of the fakes are almost as good in quality, while others are completely ineffective. Therefore, when choosing this lure for pike perch fishing, it is recommended to use only original products. This is important in this case.
Gear used
Rod
Two strong rods with rigid tips are needed, since during fishing the tackle is under constant tension, and the tips are subject to a significant load. Usually these are spinning or plug rods; bamboo fly rods are also popular.
fishing line
The diameter of the main line on reels - from 0.50 mm - is due to the fact that the tackle works under heavy load, and since the fish does not see it and, accordingly, is not afraid, you can use a thick line. Its length depends on the length of the rods and the width of the reservoir.
Coil
Fishing rods require inertial reels with high line capacity. They must have a brake, which they often have to use while fishing.
Leash
Considering the length of the rods, the length of the leash should be at least 1-1.2 m, and the diameter is limited only by the inability to attach small baits to a thick fishing line, since the leash does not come into contact with the water and does not scare the fish, even if it has a large diameter.
For drag fishing, from one to ten leashes are used, depending on the width of the reservoir and the preferences of the fisherman.
Hook
For fishing with a bale, thin, very sharp single hooks are used.
Spinners
Let's consider another type of bait for the specified individual. For most fishermen, catching pike perch with a spinning spoon is a completely unfamiliar activity. This is because with traditional “spinners” you can catch the specified predator only during its maximum activity in the shallows. However, front-loaded rotating lures for pike perch significantly expand the fishing possibilities.
Of these types of baits, we can safely recommend one of 3 models:
- Lure of the French brand Mepp's "Lusox".
- Ukrainian production Master.
- Swedish - AbuGarcia "Morrum".
The popularity of these devices is explained by the fact that they can play efficiently both in vertical free fall and during horizontal wiring. This quality can allow, without a shadow of a doubt, to classify rotating spoons for pike perch with front loading as jig baits. Therefore, in this case they will be the best option.
Another advantage of this type of spinner is its high casting range. Since the preferred habitat of this fish is a body of water with a large area, identifying this predator is not very easy. In this regard, spinners for pike perch are very convenient, which can be thrown as far as possible. In this case, with a small number of casts, a large area of the reservoir is fished. As a result, it is possible to identify the location of the specified individual.
Once again, it is worth drawing your attention to the fact that rotating spoons for pike perch with front loading are included in the category of jig baits. Therefore, with their help, the appropriate wiring is performed. This is important to know. Traditionally, the most catchy wiring is rightfully considered the “step”. The falling and at the same time rotating petal of the spinner really attracts the attention of a predator. Sometimes slowly moving this device along the bottom is very effective.
The disadvantage of this category of baits is their “high grip”. This negative quality of a front-loaded pike-perch spoon can be minimized under certain conditions. It lies in the fact that in this case it is necessary to use double-type hooks instead of tees. This should be taken into account when deciding which lures are best for pike perch.
You should also remember about the traditional rotating type device with a load located on its axis. They show remarkable results when fishing for pike perch in the evening and morning dawns.
Baler components
The main fishing line when fishing with a “bale” is 0.4–0.5 mm; for leashes, a fishing line from 0.12 to 0.25 mm is used. The length of the leash is usually 1.2–2 m. Choose the sharpest dark-colored hook No. 5–7. Preferably made of thin wire. The main lines and the leash are connected through a system of three small dark-colored carabiners strung on one winding ring.
By splashes on the water
Stopping sites and hunting areas for fish for drag fishing are determined by the splashes on the surface of the water created by the hunting fish. Sometimes, in order to find fish, several grasshoppers or other living creatures are thrown into the water.
Attention!
Remember about camouflage when fishing with a drag. It is advisable for fishermen to stay as far as possible from where fish stop and hunt and behave quietly. It is better to conduct negotiations between anglers when fishing for drag using signs: a slight wave with your palm away from you means “pull it towards you,” oh.
Williams spinners
These devices are universal and very catchy fishing gear. They are produced by a Canadian company of the same name. They are intended for catching various types of predatory fish. Their effectiveness increases in a specific season of this process. Namely in winter or summer.
The production of devices of this type takes place in 24 complex technological stages. This emphasizes the high level of such bait as the Williams spinner for pike perch. Each tackle of this type is made of high-quality brass. This metal is resistant to water and does not oxidize under its influence. Brass forms the desired oscillating circuit that attracts fish. Gold or silver provides the gear with a reliable finishing and shiny coating that imitates fish scales. As a result of this, the Williams spinner is quite popular for pike perch. It is used by many professionals in this field.
DIY spinner “Turbinka”
I think that any fisherman thinks about a similar question. On store shelves there are many bright baits that differ in color and shape. Nevertheless, you should still make at least one copy yourself. Because a product with a piece of soul invested in it will bring more catch. In addition, making spinners is very interesting. You will have to pay a decent amount for branded devices in specialized fishing stores.
Manufacturing process
This matter should be treated scrupulously. This process consists of the following steps:
- At the first stage, a homemade spinner for pike perch of this type is made from a petal. Initially, the required cardboard template is cut out. Then it is applied to the tin can. After this, the workpiece is carefully cut out and processed using a file. Then two holes are drilled for the wire axle. Be sure to remove the chamfer. Surfaces with holes are bent at an angle of 90 degrees.
- The next step is to attach the tee. To do this, the wire is wound into a ring. Then it is twisted so that the tee hangs. Then the bead is put on the axle and the wire is passed into the drilled hole. If you make another loop, you will have a place to attach the scaffolding.
- Next, the load is attached. Then the wings of the petal are bent, which should resemble a propeller. After this, a homemade lure for pike perch called “Turbinka” is ready.
This device must undergo preliminary testing. To do this, blow on the spoon. If the petal spins, it means everything was done correctly. After this, the device is ready for the fishing process.
This individual is a kind of predator. Therefore, this do-it-yourself lure for pike perch should be beautifully painted or even decorated. This will be discussed further below.
How to color a lure for pike perch?
This process is important. You can attract the attention of pike perch by brightly coloring the spoon. Fishermen sometimes use pieces of electrical tape of different colors for this. Enamel is also often used. One of the favorite colors for pike perch is white and red. Before you start fishing for this species, you need to stock up on a large arsenal of spinners of various sizes, colors and shapes. These baits require careful care. After all, a predator can notice rust and other unpleasant details from a distance of 1-2 cm. As a result of this, the pike perch will swim away without being tempted by the miracle bait. Therefore, you need to carefully monitor the condition of the spinners. It is important to clean them on time.
Do-it-yourself winter lure for pike perch for fishing with sprat baiting
The bait is suitable for catching pike perch at depths of 7-8 m. It is designed for fishing with hooking fish, which increases catches. A sheet of metal about 1 mm thick is suitable for making bait. As a result, the spoon will be quite heavy, and there will be no need to use additional weight. From it you need to cut two blanks 110 mm long, 10 mm wide at the widest part, and 7 mm wide at the narrowest part. They must be bent at an angle of 15 degrees.
Then you need to solder a loop for attaching a hook to the wide end of one workpiece, fold the two halves of the spoon and solder them at the ends. The resulting maximum thickness of the bait should be about 4-5 mm. The final stage is to drill a hole in the part of the spinner opposite from the loop for attaching to the fishing line, carefully polish it, and attach the winding rings and hook.
You can also place a red dot at the bottom of the bait, which will act as a guide for the predator to aim when attacking. To do this, you need to drill a shallow hole, and then put paint or two layers of varnish into it - white and red. Thanks to the white backing, the red color will look brighter and richer. It is this that is best visible to fish at great depths, where pike perch prefer to stay.
“Tube” for pike perch
This device is a hollow cylinder. It is nickel or chrome plated on the outside. The manufacture of spinners for pike perch of this type can be made of copper or brass. Such a device should be 50-70 mm long and with a load with a diameter of 8-10 mm. The “Tube” spinner for pike perch has two oblique cuts. Namely, one in the place where the winding ring with fishing line and swivel is attached. It is made at a certain angle of 30°. The other is located in the area where the anchor (double or tee) is attached to the clockwork ring. The angle of this cut is 45°. This anchor is camouflaged using red hairs.
This lure for pike perch has one more subtlety. It lies in the fact that the location of the upper and lower holes with a diameter of 2 mm should be on opposite faces.
In general, this lure for pike perch is very compact, quite heavy and easy to manufacture. Also, if this device is made of good metal, then it will not darken over time.
The process of fishing with a twin spinning rod
Insects or live bait are attached to hooks and delivered by air to the place where fishing is planned. This is done like this: one of the fishermen, the one who is on the far shore, winds the fishing line onto his reel. At the same time, the other one slightly slows down his reel, thereby creating tension in the line.
The bait is delivered to the selected fishing spot and placed on the surface of the water. In order to create the impression that the bait, butterfly, grasshopper is alive, it is brought to life. To do this, periodically, alternately, the fishing line is twitched (baled). This creates the appearance that the bait has actually fallen to the surface of the water and is trying to take off.
Deceived by easy prey, the fish rises to the surface and swallows the bait. Next, winding the fishing line onto the reel of one of the spinning rods, the prey is pulled ashore. The process is repeated.
The most catchy lures for pike perch
There are a huge number of these devices. However, the following are considered the most catchy;
— Spinner-tube or “Turbine”. They are often used for this type of fishing.
— Sekusha – alternating 2 different colors will attract a predator. This spoon is especially relevant in the evening or in cloudy weather.
Also on sale you can often find lures of oblong and oval shape, with a matte or shiny surface.
It is necessary to select bait based on many factors. Namely: color, weight of the device, shape and features of the reservoir, as well as weather conditions.
