Girdles for fishing pike in winter are a type of fishing equipment that allows you to achieve a good bite even in the dead of winter, when the toothy fish practically does not react to unnatural baits. The article will discuss the nuances of fishing with flags, varieties, assembly and installation of such devices.
Jigging rig for pike in winter
Features of equipment for winter girders
When choosing the dimensions, type of material and degree of strength of the components of the equipment for winter girder installation on pike, you need to take into account a number of features:
- where the predator will be caught - on a river or lake;
- size of fish;
- fishing method - using signal flags or ice knobs installed for some time;
- type of bait and method of attachment to the hook;
- winter period (in severe frosts the pike becomes passive and thinner forests are needed so that the toothy one does not see it).
In addition, the topography of the bottom of the reservoir, the presence of thickets, snags, pebbles and the power of the current are taken into account. The winter equipment of the girder includes the following elements (illustrative photo below):
- main line;
- weight;
- locking device;
- carbine;
- leash;
- hook.
Equipping the Gear
Properly equipped with the Grill allows you to successfully hook the victim and prevent a fall when pulled onto the ice. After all, you have to get the fish out of the hole with the help of a line, which is much more difficult.
Selection of fishing line
The fisherman selects the thickness of the fishing line based on experience in this matter, as well as the expected dimensions of the predator. In water areas where there is an abundance of fish (for example, in the North), it should be in the range of 0.25-0.55 mm, in the regions of the middle zone - no more than 0.4 mm. In undeveloped areas there is a good bite on thick line. In the same place where they constantly fish, a toothy fish is unlikely to bite in the presence of fishing line with a diameter of more than 0.30 mm.
When going pike hunting, it is recommended to take at least 30 meters of fishing line with you. The fact is that this is a cunning and cautious fish. While it swallows the bait, you need to wait until you can hook it. During this time, the prey is able to swim several meters. This behavior in fish is stable, even at shallow depths of the reservoir.
There is an elementary formula for calculating the required length of a scaffold: reservoir depth + reserve of 10 meters.
When bitten, the reel begins to unwind so intensely that the fishing line can fly off. Therefore, when winding the first layer, it is necessary to secure it with a self-tightening loop or an axial knot (arbor).
How to attach the fishing line
To equip a winter girder, the material of the fishing line must meet certain requirements:
- reduced extensibility;
- high strength;
- preservation of original properties.
Monofilament fishing lines made of nylon, fluorocarbon or fluorocarbon are closer to such indicators. Wicker is clearly not suitable, as it quickly freezes in the cold and is easily damaged. In addition, by holding it with bare hands when fishing for fish, the fisherman runs the risk of getting serious cuts.
Sinker selection
Regardless of the type of girder used, weights with through holes are better suited. Their sliding fastening allows you to hold the bait at the required depth, thereby preventing the toothy one from realizing that this is a trap. There are several types of such sinkers:
- balloons;
- cylinders;
- cones;
- olives;
- double cones.
The weight of this element should be such that the live bait does not make unnecessary vibrations, but also does not fall asleep. In light currents, it is optimal to equip with weights in a ratio of 1:10 to the weight of the fish, in fast waters - 1:8. If the water flow is too rough, you will need to add a leader for the bait, and the weight will hold the equipment at the bottom.
It is equally important to take into account the resistance that occurs in the water from the load during a bite - when a caught predator pulls on the line. It is more effective to place a weight with an elongated shape or with a streamlined tip. So that it is located at a greater distance from the bait and does not hinder its movement, you can attach a stopper in the form of a rubber bead to the forest. This measure is relevant if you frequently change your fishing location.
Leashes - as the main element when fishing for pike
An integral component of pike tackle is a leash, since the predator has such sharp teeth that it can instantly bite through the fishing line. When choosing a leash material, preference is given to the following options:
- Metal wire. It is made from guitar strings or conductive cable elements. It is characterized by increased strength. The downside is that it greatly limits the activity of live bait. Therefore, it is better to use it to catch extremely lively fish on the first ice.
- Twisted nichrome. A more mobile and soft leash compared to the previous one. Only it is too noticeable in the water.
- Lead base. This is a material consisting of several steel rods twisted together. Advantages: minimal diameter, flexibility and the ability to make loops yourself.
- Kevlar. Lightweight, super strong and soft structure.
- Fluorocarbon. It stands out because it is practically invisible in the water column. Recommended for use in wilderness areas with passive predator behavior.
- Monofilament braid. Consists of 2-3 woven lines, each of which is equipped with a hook. In case of a snack, some will still remain and a bite is guaranteed.
The basic rule for selecting a leash is that for active pike, strength is a priority; during the period of passive prey, the bet is on invisibility. The optimal leash length is a quarter of a meter. An option that is too long will be easily noticed by a toothy fish; a short one will create conditions for the main line to be cut through.
Sharp hooks
The size of the hook is determined depending on the size of the prey. So, for pike, 10-12 cm is suitable. The type is chosen based on the type of live bait and the installation method. There are:
- single - for small fish;
- double - for roach with fastening under the gills;
- triple - for roach, crucian carp and perch behind the dorsal fin.
Doubles and trebles for pike
The last option is the most productive, but not as secretive as the others. Often the striped predator does not swallow the fish completely, but scatters it for a long time. Then there is a high probability that it will come across the sting of the tee. This does not happen with a double.
Whatever the hook for the girder, it must be sharp and strong. Any substances or rusty deposits are not allowed on the surface. The slightest foreign odors will immediately scare away the prey.
Regular monofilament
It is possible to catch a pike with such a tackle, but it should be taken into account that its teeth can bite through, depending on the size of the fish, monofilament with a diameter of 0.4 mm or more. Such leashes are also used, but more often it is forced when it is not possible to use a better option.
Monoline is not highly durable or resistant to abrasives, loses strength when exposed to ultraviolet radiation and can be bitten by pike. Such leashes are used mainly due to the low cost of the material, as well as the ease of manufacture in camping conditions, when it is simply not possible to tinker with crimp tubes and other more reliable ways to secure the loops at the ends of the leash.
Varieties of winter girders
The classic design of winter vents is as follows:
- horizontal base, “leg” (tripod) for stationary installation near the hole and connection of all components;
- fixed line reel;
- a flag on a springy antenna (serves as a bite alarm).
Zherlitsa for winter
There are zherlitsa with platforms of different configurations: round, rectangular, square.
Vault on a rectangular base
There are also girders on an antenna or tripod.
Tripod-mounted pike rig
The most modern version is considered to be a model with an electronic signaling device.
Electronic zherlitsa
Methods for installing a winter girder
When installing winter girder equipment on a pike, it is important to take into account the main requirement - reliability and ease of assembly. Complex design implementations will only waste time and lead to unnecessary problems.
Standard equipment
Universal scheme for installing a winter girder.
A typical type of equipment for a winter device for catching pike includes:
- line with a sliding weight;
- a stopping rubber bead underneath;
- leash with triple or double hook.
The dimensions of the components depend on the dimensions of the production. For a toothy one, you need a metal leash, equipped with a fishing line with a diameter of 0.3 mm and a medium-sized hook. It is advisable to hook live bait under the fin on the back or under the gills. This is the most suitable method for fishing in reservoirs with an uncluttered bottom and little current. Read about the features of storing live bait here.
Thin for wilderness
With the onset of frost, when the pike noticeably loses activity, the components of the equipment should be as invisible as possible in the water. If there is no bite at all, it is recommended to use a monofilament thread of minimum diameter instead of a leash. In this case, the working scaffold is taken with a thickness of 0.27 to 0.3 mm. The most acceptable type of leash in the middle of nowhere:
- double fluorocarbon;
- thick monofluor;
- fluorocarbon special leader;
- transparent homemade;
- a braid woven from ordinary fishing line.
If no bite is observed for a long time, despite various tricks, you can change tactics:
- Raise the sinker, thereby allowing the living creatures on the hook to move more freely.
- Secure the hook with a loop without a lock so that the attacking predator does not smell the foreign element.
- Attach another small tee to the leash. The first one is hooked onto the fish’s lip, the second one – on the back.
Pike fishing rod with retractable leash
Specific types of installation
There are situations when standard equipment options are not suitable. When ice fishing, you have to constantly experiment and make your own adjustments. For example, when pike fishing occurs in difficult conditions: at shallow depths, with intense currents, among snags and dense vegetation.
For fishing in shallow water or currents
When warming occurs in shallow water, the pike suddenly comes to life and begins to bite intensively. Only the equipment needs to be slightly modernized:
- completely remove the load;
- ensure that the bait moves freely under the ice.
If the current is strong, you will need a heavier sinker. It is recommended to fix the leash at the side. Only then is a good catch guaranteed.
Installation for fishing in snags and reeds
When hunting for striped fish takes place in places with abundant vegetation and many snags, it is necessary to strike immediately (as soon as the unwinding of the line begins). Any delays by the fisherman will inevitably lead to the fish dragging the tackle into the wilds, from where it will be difficult to rescue it.
Optimal line length: within 1-1.5 meters - near reeds and up to 7 meters - far from vegetation. The main thing is that the equipment is durable. And to prevent the prey from being disrupted when biting, it is advisable to add another hook.
In grassy and snarled reservoirs, homemade bottle girders will be indispensable. Required:
- scotch;
- sharp instrument;
- rubber;
- spring;
- cord made of nylon or fishing line with a length of 3 to 3.5 m;
- empty plastic bottle, volume 1-1.5 liters;
- fishing hook;
- a piece of tarpaulin;
- cargo.
Scheme of a bottle rack
Instructions for making tackle with an elastic band:
- Release the bottle from the label. A line (lace) is wound in the center, securing it to a knot at the neck. A rubber ring is installed under the cover, which will additionally hold the fishing line.
- A hook is attached to the end of the cord. The weight is tied to a fishing line next to the hook or 30 cm above it.
- The spring is attached to the side of the bottle with tape. A signal flag made of tarpaulin is fixed at the end. Bend the spring and press it against the plastic, securing it in this position with the same tape. Thread the fishing line under the elastic band.
The principle of operation of a homemade design for catching pike
Now they string live bait onto a hook and immerse the bait under water. After swallowing the bait, the fish begins to move away sharply, unwinding the line. This will trigger the release of the spring with the signaling device.
To prevent the bottle from getting lost in plant debris and other objects at the bottom, it is advisable to paint the bottom with bright paint (scarlet, pink, red). No water should enter the bottle, otherwise it will sink. To do this, the place where the lid is twisted is filled with waterproof glue.
Video on how to make a vent from a PET bottle yourself:
Optimal time for fishing with a zherlitsa
You can start pike fishing after the formation of sufficiently strong ice - at least 10 cm thick. It is dangerous to go out earlier, although some avid anglers take risks.
As for the optimal time of day for hunting toothy predators, it is better to place the zherlits at dawn and arrive at the campsite at night. It takes time for preparation - drilling holes and installing gear. The pike stops biting at dusk. Then you can start catching the nocturnal underwater predator - pike perch. Only you don’t need a leash for this, since this fish is not so toothy and will not be able to bite the fishing line. It is worth adding that pike bite better in favorable weather. It is recommended to check the forecast to ensure there are no surges in atmospheric pressure and strong winds.
Selection of leashes for equipping girders
When catching a toothy predator, there are no trifles; every element of the gear must be selected with skill. This also applies to the leader material, which in the case of this fish should not only be invisible, but also durable, since bitten or frayed gear with incorrectly selected materials is not uncommon, especially when biting a large specimen. Leashes for catching pike on girders must also be selected taking into account the likelihood of friction on the ice at the final stages of fishing, because losing a catch at this moment, when the catch is almost in your hand, is especially offensive.
