How to choose a winter fishing rod for pike perch and Top 5 best models

What should a fishing rod be like?

A good winter fishing rod for trolling pike perch must meet a number of criteria, otherwise a pleasant pastime will turn into a nervous breakdown.

Reliability is the ability to withstand the resistance of a strong predator when aggressively biting, fishing and pulling out of the hole, and the pike perch’s bites are sometimes sharp, it rushes at the prey.
An elastic and strong whip - a weak one can break, and a hard one can break the tackle or lose it.
Handle – wooden, coated with oil, wax or paint to protect against water, or made of polymer material (plastic, foam). It has poor thermal conductivity and hygroscopicity - it does not absorb melt water, which freezes, damages the handle and cools the hands. Does not change physical properties at negative temperatures - it is unpleasant when the handle crumbles, peels, deforms when touched or hardens in the cold.
To install the reel, a reel seat is required.
The minimum weight will prevent rapid hand fatigue during prolonged fishing for pike perch in winter.
The length of the fishing rod depends on the fishing conditions, usually it is 30–50 cm, and for lures and large specimens you need a longer rod.

A carbon fiber rod should be used with caution in winter. The material is not particularly “afraid” of frost; the manufacturer regularly improves the compound, giving it the desired properties. With proper use, such a fishing rod will last more than one season. The rules of use are simple:

constantly warm or rub your hands so as not to inadvertently damage the tackle with insensitive limbs;
do not knock or throw the fishing rod itself or other objects at it;
Before use (taken out of a warm car), you should remove the cover and give it a few minutes for acclimatization - cooling
to ambient temperature.

Remember: the stronger the frost, the more sensitive carbon fiber is to mechanical damage.

The main attention should be paid to the ease of working with the fishing rod: so that it fits comfortably in the hand, does not absorb moisture, and does not cause discomfort and rapid fatigue.

The influence of weather and pressure on the bite

The behavior of almost any fish is highly dependent on weather conditions. Pike perch is also sensitive to weather changes and fluctuations in atmospheric pressure. Therefore, before going to the reservoir, keep an eye on the forecast and barometer readings.

The following weather conditions are conducive to successful winter fishing for pike perch:

warming by several degrees or stable weather;
stable atmospheric pressure in recent days (any jumps lead to a decrease in the bite, and more often are the answer to the question “why isn’t it biting?”);
slight wind;
lack of precipitation;
air temperature from -3 to -10 °C.

Pike perch does not like severe frosts or thaws. In windy weather it also prefers not to feed. It’s hardly worth expecting a good catch in a blizzard and wet snow.

Winter reel for pike perch

A reel is an important piece of equipment for a winter fishing rod for pike perch; it has its own requirements:

Smooth rotation in the cold.
Sufficient spool capacity with a small margin.
Equipped with a ratchet and a friction clutch (brake) to prevent breakages during strong jerks during hooking.
A regulator is desirable to control the ease of rotation.
The quality of the brake is its reliability and smoothness.
It is preferable for the drum with the fishing line to be hidden in the housing - it reduces the likelihood of moisture getting on the fishing line with subsequent freezing and chafing of the core, jamming the reel mechanism. As an alternative, tackle with large ventilation holes through which moisture from the fishing line partially evaporates.
A winter reel should weigh as little as possible.

As with a fishing rod, the reliability of the gear is important.

Why is it important to choose the right

A correctly selected fishing rod for pike perch, regardless of what fishing method is used, allows the angler to feel confident and know that the tackle will not let you down. And there are many such cases known. For example, when the rod of a fishing rod breaks when hooking, or when a sudden load arises, the line breaks due to the fact that the reel does not have a friction option.

In addition, a fishing rod for pike perch should be comfortable , since it is difficult to swing a lure all day long or animate a jig with a heavy fishing rod that doesn’t fit well in the hand. The fishing rod should be simple and, at the same time, reliable.

Nod for catching pike perch

A nod often acts as a bite indicator in winter; it also allows you to play with bait to attract a predator. Taking into account the preferences of pike perch - they love low-amplitude play with long pauses - the nod for a winter fishing rod should be moderately elastic in order to slowly lower the bait, slowly stop it at the end point and just as slowly lift it up.

Absorption of moisture and hardening in frost are contraindicated.

A variety of materials are used as a nod: polymer tubes, springs, lavsan and other thermoplastics, rubber, boar bristles. It is desirable to be able to adjust its length; it is selected near the hole experimentally. The advantage is several fishing rods with different nods or nods themselves.

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Fishing methods and bait

Today we have at our disposal a large selection of gear that can be used for ice fishing for pike perch. Which fishing rod and equipment is best? It all depends on your skills, on the specific body of water (in some places it’s easier to catch pike perch with girders, and in others with lures), food supply and external conditions.

The most common methods of catching pike perch today are:

glitter;
girders;
for live bait;
using jigs;
vertical jig;
Balda, etc.

Balance

This is an excellent bait for any predatory fish. Pike and perch are caught perfectly well with it. You can catch pike perch on a balance beam from the ice.

Even a beginner can easily master the technique of fishing with this bait. Reminds me of fishing with a regular jig. In short, you need to lower the balancer to the very bottom, then fix the fishing line. Then we periodically lift the rod up so that the bait “plays” and attracts fish.

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Which balancer model is suitable for catching pike perch in winter from ice?

Medium in size is preferred - about 7 cm in length.
The color is silvery and brightly acidic. But the belly of the balancer should be orange or reddish. For some reason, the predator likes these options more.
Any shape is suitable - bladed, bladeless, and combined. The last two options are more suitable for the dead of winter, when the fish are inactive. But blade balancers are more catchy on the first ice.

Spoon

A fishing rod with a spoon is the main gear for catching pike perch in winter. Most fishermen opt for it.

Narrow spoons of red, yellow and silver colors have proven themselves in catching fanged predators from ice. The length of the bait can be different. Most often, spinners are used in the range of 4–12 cm. The weight is selected taking into account the fishing conditions: in still water you can use relatively light models (up to 10 g), while heavy ones (20–50 g) perform better in currents.

There are many techniques for trolling for pike perch. Just experiment with postings, pause, periodically lower the bait smoothly, and sometimes make sharp jerks. It's hard to guess what will attract pike perch today.

At the same time, a nod for winter fishing for pike perch with a spoon is not necessary. Many anglers try to focus on the “blow”. After all, when such a strong fish bites, there is a return to the rod handle.

To the rattlins

You can successfully catch winter pike perch using bladeless wobblers. They are also called rattlins. The advantage of the bait is low-frequency vibrations, which perfectly attract predators.

Choosing rattlin for pike perch in winter is not difficult. Typically, options with a length of 5–7 cm are used. It is better to focus on the color of the aquatic environment. Silver or light colors perform well in clear and clean water, and bright, acidic ones in cloudy water.

If you want to fish for rattlins, then you will need a special fishing rod a little less than a meter long. With reel seat and guides. The coil is used inertialess or multiplier. In principle, standard tackle for winter trolling is suitable.

Only when fishing with rattlins you need to use a line that is not very thick. With a cross section up to 0.25 mm. Otherwise, the bait will sink poorly and play less attractively.

Rattlins are extremely catchy baits. The only negative is the high chance of snagging on aquatic vegetation and bottom obstacles.

Winter pike perch on sprat

A rather unusual fishing method with which bersha is most often caught in winter. You will need a strong winter rod for pike perch, a regular inertial reel and thick fishing line with a diameter of about 0.35 mm. Instead of monofilament, you can use a braided braid of a smaller diameter.

The equipment is a sinker, which is tied to the end of the main fishing line, and a tee attached to a short leash. The attachment is fresh frozen sprat. The main thing is that it is not salty. The “fanged” one doesn’t like this one.

There are no special requirements when choosing leashes for catching pike perch with sprat. Take a piece of the same fishing line; there is no need to install a thicker cord or fluorocarbon if the connection is reliable. However, you should not mount a very long or short leash. It is easier for pike perch to snack on it.

You can plant the sprat in different ways. Although experienced paddlers recommend fastening it across. To make the bait more actively attract a predator, try periodically throwing it up 20–25 cm with pauses per minute.

Read more about catching pike perch using sprat.

Mormyshka

They also catch pike perch using a fishing rod and a jig. This type of tackle is often equipped with a nod. Also, the following is additionally attached to the jig:

several bloodworms;
bunch of worms;
edible silicone;
fry;
piece of fish, etc.

Naturally, in order to hold such weighty baits, the jig for pike perch must be large. And the pike perch itself is quite large. Small jigs are not suitable for catching it. As a rule, products 1-1.5 cm long are taken.

If you can’t find a large jig, you can make it yourself. For example, from a small jig head. Some fishermen solder tin onto a purchased jig, thickening the hook with the shot. Then they color it.

As for the technique of catching pike perch with a jig, it involves different types of fishing. You can tap it on the bottom or lift it with varying intensity of vibrations. The main thing is not to forget to take pauses and, conversely, jerks. Predatory fish actively respond to such movements.

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Balda

A rather interesting equipment option for winter fishing for pike perch is the bulldozer. It is a structure made of fishing line, at the end of which a loop made of braid or thick monofilament is attached. A weight in the shape of a truncated cylinder is suspended from the loop. Hooks of the same size are attached to it on the sides.

Why does this bait attract pike perch? She is “decorated”:

multi-colored beads;
rubber cambrics;
bright threads;
beads;
rings;
foam with smell, etc.

When it is lowered and raised, the hooks move. It seems that this crustacean or bug has fallen into the water. Naturally, for a predator this is a real delicacy. So he hurries to grab the bait with his mouth.

The technique for catching pike perch on a pike perch is simple - several lifts, then a pause so that the fish has time to attack. It is also permissible to diversify the game with additional movements - shaking, twitching, tapping on the bottom, etc.

For amphipods

Fishing with bait such as amphipods is reminiscent of the technique of fishing with a balance beam. However, his game is more varied. If, of course, the angler knows how to properly fish with this bait.

The amphipod can move in a figure eight or in a spiral, “dance”, turning around its axis on its tail, or simply sway from side to side. You can make a smooth climb with it, and lower it with a “step”. There are a lot of wiring options.

Therefore, in some reservoirs, amphipods are a very catchy bait. Especially in the dead of winter, when the lazy pike perch needs to be surprised and lured.

Zherlitsa

Catching pike perch in winter with live bait is also popular. For this purpose, a standard zherlitsa for pike perch in winter is used. If you caught pike with such a tackle, you can also catch pike perch. The technique is the same. The main thing is that there is more line on the reel. The fact is that the pike perch, having grabbed the prey, immediately drags it further to the side. Moreover, it can swim tens of meters.

The equipment fits differently. But for fishing in still water, we recommend that you mount the sinker in a sliding version - it is attached above the leash. In currents, it is more effective to use a paternoster-type rig - the load lies on the bottom, and the live bait is raised higher on the outlet leash.

You also need to choose the right live bait. This predator loves narrow-bodied fish - they make up 90% of the food supply. Therefore it is better to use:

bleak;
minnows;
bulls;
roach;
small crucian carp.

Fishing with silicone

Recently, anglers have also been using soft baits to catch pike perch. We are talking about edible or inedible silicone in the form of vibrating tails, worms, twisters, etc.

An ordinary winter fishing rod with a nod is suitable as tackle. A leash with a hook, jig or miniature jig head is attached to the main fishing line. Next, a silicone bait is attached. All that remains is to drill a hole and start fishing the bottom layer.

In addition to pike perch, perch is actively caught with such tackle, and sometimes pike also bite.

Kinkless winter fishing rod for pike perch

Kinkless winter tackle for pike perch is useful for catching a large predator in the dead of winter, when it leads a passive lifestyle and reacts weakly to the movements of potential food. The bite indicator is its end, because the bait is directly connected to the hand through a fishing line and a fishing rod.

Kickless fishing rods are larger in size (length reaches 1 m) and do not always fit in a box; they are more massive. Particular attention is paid to the weight and material of the rod, its rigidity and reliability, taking into account operating conditions. Do not forget about the behavior and properties of the whip, which are determined experimentally.

See the top rating of boxes for winter fishing and how to choose the right model for yourself.

Lures for winter fishing

Lures for winter fishing for pike perch are divided into natural and artificial, and they can be used in combination.

Artificial

winter spinners. To catch pike perch, spinners are used that have a wide variety of configurations, but are always equipped with a hanging tee with a bright drop or with red woolen threads attached;
balancers. Pike perch are caught on a variety of balancers. Their choice is determined by fishing conditions and the preferences of the predator in a particular body of water;
rattlins. To catch pike perch, as a rule, rattlins are used that do not have a noise capsule, designated as silent;
silicone baits. Of the silicone baits, vibrating tails are most often used, less often twisters. Preference is given to edible models. Lures are attached to jig heads of the required size;
jigs. In winter, pike perch are caught not only with large jigs with animal bait, but also with reelless baits. Large devils can be very effective when hunting predators.

Natural

sprat In the reservoirs of the Volga basin, sprat is one of the most common baits for catching pike perch. The sprat is bought frozen and stored in the freezer throughout the winter. The sprat is mounted on a regular jig head, but much more often they use special heavy jigs that resemble a “snitch” for catching burbot;
strips of fish fillet. This attachment is used for fishing with a jig and for hooking a spinner;
fry It is customary to attach small fry to a jig;
fish eye. The fish eye is used for baiting a lure.

Fishing line for pike perch in winter

Braid for winter fishing is only suitable for fishing with a reel - it quickly freezes, which causes inconvenience: it becomes slippery and cools your hands. Mono fishing line is preferable, but the final choice is up to the fisherman.

The diameter of the line for winter fishing for pike perch is selected based on the weight of the expected catch, equipment and taking into account the harsh operating conditions. It should be strong (strength and thickness are not always interrelated), but thin and moderately rigid. For winter, monofilament with a thickness of 0.12-0.2 mm is suitable. For large prey, a thicker fishing line is required - 0.25 mm.
Lack of memory - after unwinding from the reel, the vein should not twist, repeating the shape of the spool, since the turns interfere with normal fishing and management of the tackle.
Transparent or invisible to fish. A colored or thick vein increases the chances of scaring off fish.
Resistance to abrasive wear - friction against ice causes minimal damage to the core. In addition to the accelerated wear of low-quality fishing line, abrasions repel pike perch, since they have a different refractive index of light rays.
Hydrophobicity or the ability not to absorb moisture - preferably monofilament, if financially possible - with a special water-repellent impregnation. Braid is known for freezing ice.

Like any fishing line, it should hold knots perfectly in the cold and be crushed.

The use of leashes and carabiners is not recommended - they can scare away a cautious predator.

How to assemble your own fishing rod

Let's take a closer look at how to make a fishing rod for catching pike perch in winter yourself. Despite the ease of manufacture, it is suitable for catching this predator. It’s easy to do; no special knowledge or experience is required. The simplest winter fishing rod can be assembled using the following algorithm.

Preparing the rod

A strong, even stick made of wood is well suited for making the handle of the tackle. Approximate dimensions: diameter 2-3 cm, length 20-25 cm. You need to fix the coil on it. The most common electrical tape will come in handy here.

A hole is drilled at the end of the handle with a drill where the whip will be attached. It can be made from juniper or special plastic. A 30 meter long fishing line is wound onto a reel. This will make it possible to fish at almost any depth and calmly catch your prey. A durable lightweight fishing rod is one of the factors for successful fishing.

Nod installation

Whether a separate nod is needed to secure bites is determined by the fishing conditions and the bait used. A nodule fishing rod is usually used with massive gear. In this case, a separate nod is overly sensitive, and there is no point in using it.

It is important to take gear of a smaller size and weight when fishing in the dead of winter, when the predator is passive, moves little and inactively attacks the bait. Nods on a winter fishing rod can correctly tell the fisherman the moment of even a weak bite. It is better to use metal nods for catching pike perch, purchased or homemade.

You can make it yourself from a steel spring. This winter fishing rod is very sensitive and will detect even a weak bite made by fish at great depths.

fishing line

The fishing line for winter fishing for pike perch is usually monofilament, with a diameter of 0.3−0.2 mm. Some fishermen prefer to use braid, but it has disadvantages. She freezes severely even in slight frost. When playing fish of a decent size, your hands can get very cold. Therefore, it is better to use braided wire only with a reel.

It is not recommended to install carabiners on the fishing line. This may negatively affect your fishing performance. Vertical spoons especially do not like such devices.

Leash and hook

Most fishermen believe that leashes should not be used when catching this predator. Pike perch is not a pike, and the presence of a leash can negatively affect fishing performance.

A variety of hooks are used - single, double, tees. All of them must be of high quality, sharply sharpened. A single hook is the most inconspicuous, but the chance of hooking a fish is noticeably less than with doubles or, especially, treble hooks. The most catchy one in this regard is the tee. Almost any bite is accompanied by a fish strike. However, the tee is the most visible of the hooks. In addition, it increases the likelihood of the gear getting caught. When fishing for pike perch, use hooks No. 1-4.

To avoid any doubt about the quality, it is recommended to use products from reputable manufacturers, such as:

Owner.
Mustad.
Cobra
Saikyo.

Rigging a winter fishing rod for pike perch

A fishing rod for pike perch for winter fishing is equipped depending on the fishing method. Popular rigs: spinner, winter jig for pike perch, donka, jig.

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Winter fishing rod for trolling pike perch and fishing with a balance beam

Flashing - catching pike perch using a shiny artificial bait that plays in the water column. It has an offset center, which causes a variety of movements when lowering. A pike-perch rod for fishing from ice with bait consists of a rod with a whip and a ring at its end (can be replaced with a cambric - a piece of wire insulation of the appropriate diameter), a reel and the bait itself. The most attractive bait for pike perch is a vertical spinner. Horizontal and twitching spoons are used less frequently.

Balancer is a horizontal bait in the form of a small fish with one or more hooks. The so-called wings, located closer to the tail of the balancer, give its movements a peculiar game.

Read how to catch pike perch in winter using a balance beam and the top best bait models.

Mormyshka

In addition to artificial baits, pike perch are also interested in bait in the form of small fish (anchovy, sprat), bloodworms, worms, and fish meat. You can deceive him by slipping in scented foam rubber or silicone. For pike perch you need a larger and more massive jig than for peaceful fish, for example, a jig head. In still water it is used together with a nod; on a river, the game is partially or completely replaced by a current and an elastic whip.

Catching pike perch using a spinner with a float

Many advanced pike-perch fishermen do not attach importance to the fact that a hunting school of pike-perch (usually small ones) moves quite quickly after the food fish (small roach, gudgeon, bleak) and it is important to do everything very quickly after the first bite. In this case, a spindle-shaped float can provide an invaluable service, which fixes the depth of descent of the spoon at 10–15 cm from the bottom.

With a float it is also easy to maintain the required depth when pike perch hunt in the water column. Quite often bites occur while playing with a float. At the same time, it should have almost zero buoyancy, that is, when the spoon is lowered to the desired depth, it should go slightly deeper and then slowly float up. When rising up, a bite usually follows.

Practice shows that attaching a thin strip of fish to the hook of a spoon bait provokes the pike perch to a greater extent to bite. In this case, the fanged fish quite often takes a stationary bait both in the bottom layers of water and in its thickness.

DIY winter tackle for pike perch

There is a huge selection of fishing rods on store shelves, but experienced fishermen prefer to make a winter fishing rod for pike perch themselves. To do this, you will need available materials, tools and the usual gear. It all depends on imagination, the ability to process materials (wood) and their availability.

You can use a purchased nod or make it yourself from boar bristles, a polymer tube, or metal (a spoke from an umbrella or a bicycle wheel).

A whip can also be purchased from carbon fiber or made from a thin wood twig, for example, elm or juniper, or a metal knitting needle. The main thing is that you can easily attach a ring or cambric to the whip to fix it and pass the line through.

Fishing rod - made from wood, polystyrene foam, polystyrene foam, bark... almost anything. The workpiece is processed using a knife or cutter until it is given the desired shape. A seat is made for the reel, unless a reel and a hole for passing the fishing line to it are used instead. Using sandpaper, the shape is brought to perfection.

Other equipment for catching pike perch in winter is purchased: fishing line, jig, reel, spinner or other bait.

Installation of a winter pike-perch fishing rod consists of:

installation of the reel and whip;
attaching a ring made of metal or a polymer tube to the end of the whip for a nodless version or a nod;
passing the fishing line through the ring/nod and the hole to the reel;
winding the required amount of fishing line onto the spool;
tying a jig or bait.

After assembly, it is necessary to check the combination of jig weight and nod play.

Choosing a place to catch pike perch in winter

Populations of pike perch live in regions with different climatic conditions. After the arrival of calendar winter, in the southern regions reservoirs still remain free from freeze-up. Choosing a place and fishing is carried out in the same way as fishing for pike perch in November.

The choice of place for catching pike perch in winter from ice is carried out taking into account the characteristics of fish behavior during the freeze-up period. Although the metabolism in the predator's body slows down, it does not refuse prey that comes into its field of vision. Large pike perch continues to hunt alone, while smaller individuals (up to 1 kg) can gather in small schools.

In an unfamiliar body of water, finding fish becomes more difficult. You will have to conduct reconnaissance of the bottom surface and measure depths. If night fishing is not planned, then on short winter days, it is easier to choose a promising place for fishing with a group of anglers.

Signs of a promising place for winter fishing for pike perch:

A hard sandy or rocky bottom without silt deposits, and the presence of natural or artificial shelters for fish: flooded trees, snags, boulders, piles, etc.;
Recesses 4 meters or more;
Sudden changes in depth;
Recesses behind the rifts;
Coastal steep slopes or cliffs. These signs are typical for quarries where sand production has ceased;
Presence of bottom springs;
Areas with fresh water inflow: discharge of clean water from production and the mouths of tributaries.

Should be considered! The thickness of the ice at the discharge points and the mouths of tributaries may be unsafe for fishing. In such areas, it is necessary to check the thickness of the ice every time you move a distance of 10 steps.

A good sign for catching pike perch are schools of bleak or other narrow-bodied fish. During the freeze-up period, they focus on the depths and often become prey for predators. You can detect schools of small fish using a fishing echo sounder.

Rating of the best winter fishing rods for pike perch

The market is replete with a variety of fishing rods, including many models for hunting pike perch from the ice.

PIERCE ABS

PIRS ABS is a domestically produced plastic fishing rod with a voluminous reel with a brake. The whip is suitable for fishing out small specimens; for a large predator it is a bit flimsy. After replacing the latter, it becomes an excellent choice for fishing pike perch from the ice. Equipped with a stand for installation in a horizontal position. Made from imported brands of wear-resistant plastics for use in harsh conditions.

Karismax Maxtreme 5

Karismax Maxtreme 5 is a winter fishing rod of average weight and size, made of high-tech plastic that is frost-resistant. Equipped with a lavsan nod for fishing with a jig and a polyurethane overlay on the handle. The latter additionally secures the jig during transportation and storage.

Peche PC11

Peche PC11 is notable for its coil with huge ventilation slots, through which moisture evaporates under the influence of strong winds, even in the cold. Equipped with a rubberized handle that does not collect snow and does not absorb water, it is used to fix the jig. Equipped with quick-release whips.

Seapesca Fishing Rold

Seapesca Fishing Rold is a range of trolling rods. Equipped with an oversized handle with an overlay, a durable steel reel with a rotation lock and a folding whip with a pair of pass rings.

Basic requirements for a fishing rod

Everyone knows that pike perch can reach significant sizes. At the same time, it has a hard, bony mouth that is not so easy to penetrate with the sting of a hook.

Any fishing rod for pike perch must meet the following requirements:

be powerful enough;
have the necessary supply of fishing line;
provide the necessary animation of the bait used.

The features of a fishing rod are determined by the fishing method and the types of bait. The characteristics of its main components depend on this.

For glitter

For fishing with artificial baits such as winter spinners, balancers, rattlin and silicone baits, fishing rods are used consisting of the following elements:

Rods. The rod, in turn, consists of a handle and a whip. The handle can be wood, plastic, neoprene, cork or foam. The last three materials are preferable because when holding them the hand freezes much less.
If you are using an inertial reel that is attached to the rod, there should be a reel seat on the handle, although in extreme cases the reel can be taped to the rod with electrical tape.
The whip is a very important part of the fishing rod. It must be strong and, at the same time, elastic, i.e. it should not break when hooking and at the same time must extinguish the energy of the hooked fish. The power of the whip determines how effectively the hook penetrates the pike perch’s mouth when hooking. Based on this, the material of the whip is selected.
Carbon fiber meets all the necessary requirements, but it is very fragile. Fiberglass whips are used just as often. They are more resistant to external damage, but have more weight.
The fiberglass whip must be rigid. The whip is usually equipped with one or more guide rings and a “tulip”. The smaller the diameter of the passage rings and the “tulip”, the more ice freezes on them. Carbon fiber feeder tips meet all the necessary requirements, except that due to the small diameter of the rings, the latter have to be cleaned and heated too often.
Coil. Can be built-in or attached to the rod. Most commercial fishing rods are equipped with built-in reels. In principle, it does not really matter which coil is used as long as it meets the following requirements:
has any mechanism that performs the function of a friction clutch, i.e. promotes bleeding of a certain amount of fishing line under load;
has a smooth ride;
It is durable and reliable, as well as resistant to damage when throwing a fishing rod onto ice.

Expert opinion

Knipovich Nikolai Mikhailovich

Zoologist, hydrobiologist. I am interested in fishing at a professional level.

Interesting! In addition to simple inertial coils, you can use small-sized “meat grinders” and multipliers with characteristics that allow their use in cold weather. With the help of such reels, you can fish for prey in the same way as when fishing in open water, thereby receiving an additional dose of adrenaline.

Fishing line. To catch pike perch, use monofilament fishing line with a diameter of 0.25-0.35 mm. Of the entire range of fishing lines, the best are those that have minimal memory and elongation, and at the same time maximum rigidity. Fluorocarbon meets all these requirements, moreover, it is not subject to freezing and is almost invisible in water, but it is quite expensive, and with the same diameter as monofilament, it has a lower breaking load, especially at the knots.
Nod. In principle, when catching pike perch with artificial bait, it is not necessary to use a nod, since pike perch tends to attack the bait without thinking, and its bite is difficult not to notice. A nod is required in the following cases:
- when frequent bites occur “on the rise”;
in case of low activity of pike perch, when it is difficult to feel its bites “in the hand”.

Any nods can be used, but recently brightly colored silicone tubes that retain elasticity in the cold are increasingly being used.

The length of the fishing rod for trolling pike perch ranges from 0.5 to 1 meter and mainly depends on the habits of the fisherman.

For fishing with sprat

A fishing rod for sprat fishing is no different from that for winter trolling, except perhaps for the more frequent use of a nod.

For jig fishing

A jig fishing rod is a smaller copy of a lure fishing rod. Its length is usually shorter, and all elements of the tackle are more delicate.

Rod. For jig fishing, a rod with a handle made of any currently common material is used, although “warm” materials are much more preferable, since jig fishing is often done with bare hands.
Coil. The reel can be built-in or attached, and the requirements for it are the same as for a trolling reel.
Fishing line. Monofilament fishing line is usually used. Its diameter depends primarily on the weight of the jig used, and only then on the size of the intended prey. The minimum diameter of the fishing line is 0.15 mm.
Nod. A must when fishing with a jig. When fishing for pike perch, high-frequency play of the bait is not required, so the requirements for the nod are not too stringent.

Expert opinion

Knipovich Nikolai Mikhailovich

Zoologist, hydrobiologist. I am interested in fishing at a professional level.

Important! When fishing with a baitless jig, nods made of lavsan or a clock spring are used. Their length is usually about 20 centimeters.

Fishing rod equipment

Particular attention must be paid not only to the fishing rod itself, but also to its equipment; the main requirements for it are given below:

A nod in the form of a spring or plate will be required to perform the functions of a bite alarm. It is especially important to have this device when casting bait to a significant depth or catching extremely cautious prey, since its light bites may be inaccessible to human vision. During winter fishing, it is best to use nods that are made of a twisted spring, since when using them there is much less risk of the gear breaking or the working line freezing to it.
When choosing a fishing line, it is recommended to abandon braided varieties, since they perform extremely negatively during winter fishing. The best choice for catching pike perch is a monofilament, the diameter of which is in the range of 0.18-0.2 mm.
Carabiners and fasteners are not required ; it is especially recommended to abandon these devices when catching pike perch using the vertical lure method.
A leash is also not recommended. The presence of this device can scare off potential prey and negatively affect the catch. The use of this equipment is in demand only in places where, in addition to pike perch, there is also pike, which can also bite on the bait used and at the same time bite through the working line.