Catching pike perch with a jig is one of the surest ways to catch fanged ones. Few other methods will allow you to so quickly and accurately find and catch this fish in its intended parking areas. The extraordinary fishing technology, a variety of inexpensive baits, and the possibility of year-round fishing for predators in open water and in water areas with ice-free areas for the winter popularize fishing for pike perch using jigs from a boat and the shorelines of a reservoir.
Competent and effective equipment for catching pike perch also does not cause any particular difficulties even for an inexperienced fisherman. Consisting of well-known accessories, the tackle is not distinguished by its high cost and excessive load of high-tech elements. A spinning angler will learn more about the technique of catching pike perch with a jig by reading the article below.
Features of catching pike perch on a jig
This method allows you to hunt fangs throughout the year. Nowadays, this feature has become incredibly relevant in non-freezing sections of rivers and technical reservoirs within cities or near large industrial enterprises, where pike perch can be caught with a jig all year round, regardless of the season of the year.
The specificity and structure of jig baits for pike perch makes it possible to catch heavily snagged and cluttered bottoms of reservoirs, which are the predator’s favorite habitats, where it is simply not accessible by any other fishing method.
A huge selection of inexpensive baits in a variety of colors, shapes and dimensions certainly helps to cover any fishing conditions and choose an effective and efficient bait for any mood of the zander. Easy-to-implement methods of fishing for pike perch can be quickly mastered and do not require hours of preliminary training. Jig fishing is carried out both in standing and in flowing reservoirs of any size and depth.
Hit in the hand
The behavior of the tip of a spinning rod is similar to the previous case. The difference is a smaller amplitude (3-5 cm). This is also a very sharp blow, clearly felt by the fisherman’s hand - even in the presence of unfavorable factors (for example, wind). A beginner, of course, will not miss this, but for him this is practically a “ceiling”, and bites weaker than this may already go unnoticed.
An experienced fisherman expects it more than a “kick in the leg”, knowing that the effectiveness of the described bite is much higher - about 50-60%. “Hit in the hand” is capable of organizing a fairly large pike perch (considering the nature of its attack: a sharp grip without any special additional movements), attacking the bait from the side or, again, striking in the opposite direction. The effectiveness here depends precisely on the angle of his attack. By the way, the same “autumn” asp is capable of this, as in the first case. According to our team’s statistics, the share of “hits in the hand” of the total number of bites is 4-5%.
For the most part, hits “in the hand” and “in the leg” are more often to be expected when a jig bait is free falling on a stepped retrieve. These two types of bites belong to the predator during the period of its highest activity, which can be seen by the confident swallowing of the bait offered to it. With successful hooking, the correct actions of the fisherman and the appropriate adjustment of the gear, there are practically no failures during fishing.
Choosing the right jig heads
Jig heads for pike perch are selected according to their shape based on the structure of the bottom base, and, in particular, its cleanliness from various types of natural and artificial obstacles. Snags use boot-shaped weights with a flat body structure, which increases the permeability of the bait and reduces the likelihood of a blind hook. In water areas with a flat and uncluttered bottom, classic round weights are used, both with a permanently soldered hook and in the shape of a Cheburashka.
Important! The use of Cheburashka makes the play of the silicone bait more relaxed and their use is justified when the fish activity is low.
Stationary jigs are easier to control and hooking when biting using a classic jig head for pike perch brings a greater chance of success.
Important! It is worth noting that a ball-shaped load reaches the bottom faster than its flat counterpart, which must be taken into account when fishing in deep water.
Choosing a Jig Head
Form
The most popular jig head shape is the ball . Such sinkers are very versatile; ball jig heads can be used for fishing in any conditions and at any depth. Also in your arsenal is worth having fish-head type jig heads, which are characterized by better aerodynamics and less snagging, and therefore are well suited for fishing on rocky bottoms and in strong places.
Sinker weight
Selecting the correct weight of the load is a key point in catching pike perch with a jig. The specific weight of the jig head depends on the depth at the fishing site, the strength of the current, the activity of the fish and the size of the baits used. In most fishing situations, it is necessary to select such a weight so that the time the bait falls to the bottom during a stepped retrieve is 2-4 seconds.
When fishing for pike perch on large lakes and reservoirs, the following weights are required:
- at depths up to 2 m - 4-8 g;
- 2-4 m - 6-12 g;
- from 4 to 6 m - 10-14 g;
- 6-10 m - 14-20 g;
- at a depth of more than 10 m - 18-30 g.
In currents, accordingly, it is necessary to use heavier weights (the stronger the current, the greater the mass of the load should be).
Rig with eared sinker
In addition to jig heads, rigs with a double or offset hook connected through two winding rings with an eared weight are used in pike perch fishing. Such a hinged connection of the hook with the sinker allows for greater freedom of the bait and, accordingly, a more lively game, and the use of offset hooks or
Selection of jig baits for pike perch
Pike perch on jigs are best caught using silicone baits, as has been proven by the practice of pike perch hunting. Among the variety of this bait, it is worth noting vibrotails and worms, the forms of which are most effective when fishing. Twisters, crustaceans and imitations of insects are less successful among fanged fish, although they should not be excluded from the pike perch’s arsenal, and experiments in moments of no bite can make these initially unpromising forms into fishing favorites.
One of the classics of pike perch fishing is the use of a jig head with a foam fish attachment. For some reason, the clumsiness and angularity of the foam rubber’s movements arouses the greatest interest among pike perch, which is what you need to take advantage of, keeping a couple of different-sized foam rubber imitations in reserve. Jigging using an oscillating spinner like castmatser is also effective throughout the year.
Important! Models with fluorescent coating perform especially well, which are practical for catching pike perch at night using a jig.
More exotic pike perch jig baits include medium-sized front-loaded rotating spoons with narrow willow leaf-shaped petals and sinking heavy wobblers with rattlin-type driven bodies.
Jig baits for pike perch
To catch pike perch you can use the following baits:
- Vibrating tails.
- Twisters.
- Wabiki (front-loaded flies).
- Silicone squids.
- Oscillators and rotators with front loading.
- Spinnerbaits.
Because of their original shape and game, twisters are very popular. They, like most silicone baits, are produced in a large assortment, with a variety of shapes and colors. Their main advantage is their affordable prices, which allows them to be used for pike perch fishing by a wide range of fishermen.
Pike perch prefers the following colors:
- Light green.
- Orange.
- Yellow.
And yet, if the pike perch bites poorly on traditional colors, the pike perch can safely take baits of darker colors:
- Cloudy white.
- Machine oil colors.
- Brown.
When using jig heads, it is very important that the hooks are sharp enough, otherwise it will be extremely difficult to make an effective hook.
Darker colors of lures attract pike perch due to the fact that they resemble darker species of fish such as gobies, ruffes, etc. Therefore, pike perch sometimes changes its diet, preferring other types of fish.
Choosing lure colors
Although lures have quite a wide variety of colors, it is worth considering the selection of colors depending on the fishing conditions. Initially, the color spectrum of the bait is influenced by the depth of presentation and only then by the conditions of natural light. Pike perch has keen eyesight and is able to detect shades of color even at great depths in almost complete darkness.
Important! It is recommended to catch pike perch at night with a jig using light-colored artificial imitations interspersed with or completely covering the surfaces of fishing tools with fluorescent compounds.
Some manufacturers have successfully mastered the illumination of nozzle bodies using LEDs, which are capable of not only producing a constant luminous flux, but also flickering at different frequencies, thereby increasing the predator’s interest in attack. At depths of over five meters, yellow-green acidic colors are more visible. From three to five meters, red, white, pure yellow and pink tones are practical to use. In shallow waters, where catching pike perch is not so promising, darker color baits are used for reconnaissance purposes, ranging from blue interspersed with sparkles to the color of machine oil.
In addition, I would like to note the rationality of using attractants in jig fishing with silicone and foam rubber baits, which are impregnated with simulators.
Important! Edible rubber during periods of low predator activity brings more significant results in terms of catch.
Wiring techniques
The technique of catching pike perch with a jig from a boat involves using the same basic techniques as when fishing from the shore:
- After casting, make 2-3 turns of the reel, then pause. When the head weight reaches the bottom, another 2-3 turns are made. And so on.
- The abandoned bait is pulled up to a distance of 1 to 2 m with the help of a rod, the tackle is lowered, and the slack in the fishing line is reeled out. After the load reaches the bottom, the technique is repeated.
- Casting against the current. When the bait lies on the ground, it is thrown with a blank. The nozzle is again carried away by the current until it falls to the ground. The technique is repeated. Rewinding is only needed when the tackle sags.
- During wiring, the jig is carried over the bottom in small steps using jerks with the rod, simulating hooking. Jerks are allowed both upwards and to the sides.
The slower the bait sinks, the more attractive it is to fish. After reeling in 2-3 turns, the bait should fall to the ground for more than 5 seconds. If the fall time is shorter, then the load must be replaced with a lighter one.
Jig tackle
Installation of jig tackle is carried out on the basis of a spinning rod, usually with average test parameters, in the range of 7–30 grams. Often, microjigging when hunting for fanged fish does not bring significant results due to smaller baits. The spinning rod selected for equipment is equipped with a spinning reel with a high gear ratio and a finely adjustable clutch.
Important! Fine-tuning the clutch helps not only when catching a caught trophy, but also gives a chance to save the bait when hooked.
The reel itself is housed in a light metal alloy body, which does not burden the angler during dynamic fishing. The traction force of the mechanism has minimal significance on the progress of fishing in this direction. A spool of regular conical shape must accommodate at least one hundred meters of braided cords with a diameter of up to 0.18 mm.
Important! The equipment necessarily uses rigid braided cords, which cover the need for scrupulous control of the animation of the bait and the meager bite of the predator.
Choosing jig tackle
The most important element of the gear is a spinning rod, the selection of which will be discussed in more detail, going into the nuances of options for catching pike perch on a jig from the shore and from a swimming craft. An incorrect choice of rod performance characteristics will not allow you to make long casts and retrieve baits in a wide range of modes, adjusting to the prevailing conditions during fishing, thereby limiting fishing and reducing its effectiveness.
Spinning rod for catching pike perch on a jig
The selection of tackle for shore and boat fishing has a different approach, which is influenced by the casting distance. In fact, spinning rods must have rigid characteristics, which allows you to confidently hook into the bony mouth of pike perch and sensitively control the bait. Jig fishing for large pike perch from boats is carried out using short rods from 1.5 to 2 meters, with a fast action. They fish from shorelines with spinning rods over 3 meters in length and using a semi-fast action form. This nuance in the characteristics of the blank allows you to cast further and more accurately, even with lightly loaded bait.
Pokes
Another classic pike perch (and bershovaya) bite, expressed in a weak (up to 0.5 mm), but sharp deviation of the tip of the spinning rod from its working state. Perhaps it is the most common in central Russia when fishing for pike perch. The first thing a spinning player located at a point is asked is a standard question: “Are there any pokes?” The amplitude of the tip deflection is so small that a bite is recognized by an experienced spinning angler only by the extraordinary behavior of the cord.
Pike perch and bersh, less often - perch (usually standing under the shore) are the main “troublemakers” of our gear in this case. “Pokes” appear during their periodic attacks “into the load” of the jig bait. Although in my practice it happened when pike and even catfish pecked in a similar manner. Moreover, as a rule, the predator at such moments is either inactive or completely passive. The percentage of implementation of this type of bite is 50% plus or minus 20%, depending on the degree of passivity of the predator and the methods of its attack.
This bite must be clearly distinguished from the act of winning back the tip when the jig touches the bottom soil - keeping in mind that it is recorded only in the free fall phase of the bait during a stepped retrieve. When the bait lies on the bottom or reeling occurs, such bites are also quite likely. But distinguishing them from small clinging to the bottom is very difficult even for an experienced spinner. “Pokes” are more than half of all other types of bites among spinning fishermen with a “pike-perch bias” in central Russia.
Where to catch zander
On rivers, you need to look for the fanged one on the edges of channel holes, where it waits for its prey in the bottom layers. Riffles and drops, uneven terrain at depths of more than three meters on solid bottom foundations are also among the most promising points, especially in reservoirs with a current. Regardless of the hydrology of the water body, flocks of pike perch prefer snags and fresh dead wood. Perch like to stay near dams, near bridge supports and overpasses. Catching large pike perch in the fall with a jig is successfully carried out on the border of a shallow with a sharp difference in depth, the so-called underwater wall, where it goes out even during daylight hours to hunt for small fish that gather in schools for wintering.
Fishing tactics
When fishing from the shore, you must adhere to certain tactics:
- Constantly look for fish.
- Vary the types of wiring and baits.
- Carry out the wiring evenly, avoiding too long pauses and long wiring.
- Don’t forget that guiding fish along the river looks more natural.
- In moments of bad bite, experiment by combining several techniques in one retrieve, changing the speed, etc.
- Take short (3-5 s) pauses.
- When casting against the current, it is necessary to use heavier jig heads than with the current.
As can be seen from the above, successful fishing for pike perch with a jig from the shore requires careful preparation, possession of equipment, the appropriate time of year and knowledge of the fish’s habitats.
Technique for catching pike perch with a jig
For jig fishing, anglers use a lot of effective techniques, ranging from the classic in the form of stepped fishing to dragging the bait along the bottom with a short toss.
Important! An important point of the zander jig is the obligatory touch of the nozzle to the bottom, raising a spot of turbidity.
Retrieving in this style after casting requires completely laying the load on the bottom, waiting for a pause, and after these actions, starting the animation of the simulator, again touching the bottom base while playing it at a certain frequency. The general principle of carrying out such postings is justified by the fact that pike perch approach the bait not only when it is visually detected, but also from the sound of a weight hitting the hard bottom.
Important! Carrying hooks are equipped with offset hooks, transforming the hooks into non-hooking hooks.
Any failure of the simulator’s game requires an immediate sharp hook, as a result of which the angler must count on catching the fish by breaking the hook of the predator’s bony mouth. The attack of the fanged one begins with pressing the victim to the bottom, which is often noticeable when catching a trophy by the beard, outside the lower part of the head. After hooking, the fish behaves calmly, almost never showing proper resistance, and is pumped out by the reel while the line is evenly wound.
Important! Frequent disappearances of the trophy do not indicate the fighting qualities of the predator, but rather the blunt hooks on the baits that do not properly penetrate the mouth of the fish.
Postings for pike perch for passive baits
There are often situations when fish flatly refuse to bite active baits. At such moments, it’s worth trying your luck in fishing with passive silicone, which has its own types of wiring. Let's look at them:
trampling
Trampling is the throwing of weak or medium force bait in one place. The height of these teenagers, as a rule, does not exceed half a meter above the bottom. Several such tosses should be made per meter of wiring.
With this type of wiring, the bait is constantly in contact with the bottom and bites can be expected here both during the throwing of the bait and during its fall to the bottom. Weights will range from approximately 20 to 26 g.
Tosses
Probably the easiest retrieve to carry out is a single or double sharp toss of the bait. Even when the pike perch is passive, such classics sometimes bring very good results due to the fact that the pike perch is the fish that always pays special attention to some sharp jerks, sudden movements of its prey.
With this type of fishing, the bait can be easily torn off from half a meter to a meter and maybe even a little higher above the bottom. All bites occur strictly on pause.
The ideal shipping weight here will be around 20 g. It is worth considering the fact that you should not make very sudden movements. There must be a golden mean. Here you have to play with it.
Broaches
Smooth lines (double, triple) have proven themselves well when fishing with such types of bait as worms and larvae. Subtlety lies precisely in the smoothness of movements.
The ideal option is when you can control the bait in such a way that it moves in a wave-like manner above the very bottom. In this case, the chances of a bite are maximum. At this moment, a silicone worm, for example, will wriggle very smoothly at the very bottom and the fish will not have to chase after it and lose extra energy. It will be enough for the pike perch to simply open its mouth. Or make a short, light throw and the bait will end up in his mouth.
Bites, as a rule, happen here during the wiring itself. Due to the fact that the fish does not chase the bait, it picks it up, and the bites are very often weak. This can be compared to some kind of overhang, that is, this wiring cannot always even be identified. Weights approximately 18 to 20 g.
Drawing
Even the most passive, most pressed fish can sometimes be “ruffled” by dragging the passive fish along the bottom. Another question is that in snags, where pike perch love to stand, this wiring often cannot be done without snags and breaks in the gear. But if the bottom at the fishing point is more or less clean, then this can be a real pill for not biting.
Dragging worms, larvae, crustaceans should be done as follows: after casting, you need to wait for the bait to fall to the bottom, and then using movements of 2-3 m directly with the school, we drag the bait along the bottom.
This wiring can bring simply stunning results compared to other types. It is advisable to use weights of approximately 16 g and above. In fact, when dragging a bait, weight is not that important. The miniature size of the bait itself is key. The smaller and more miniature the bait looks, the more likely it is that the fish will react to it.
- Garland for winter fishing
- Catching perch on the last ice
- Detailed review of Lucky John Ballist
- Silicone lures for pike
Jig fishing for pike perch at different times of the year
The most productive season of jig hunting is considered to be spring, which is divided into the March pre-spawning period and the May post-spawning period. In summer, the fish become more capricious and you can only jig effectively at night. Pike perch begins to be caught well with jigs in the fall with the first cold snaps, closer to October. The bite moves from dark to daylight hours and fishing can be carried out throughout the daylight hours, which cannot be said in other seasons, due to the warmth, where the twilight morning and evening hours are considered the most promising, and they try to conduct summer fishing at night.
On non-freezing reservoirs during the winter season, fishing is done in the daytime, before fishing the cord is lubricated with silicone, which prevents it from freezing.
Season
The time of year affects biting activity. It is possible to catch a “fanged one” at any time of the year, but there are periods when it is most active:
- Fishing for pike perch in the spring begins from the moment the ice melts. At this time, the predator goes out to hunt for white fish in relatively shallow places, where it can be found until spawning in late May - early June. The period of spring zhora is short-term and coincides with the flood.
- For catching pike perch in summer, the best biting period is early July, immediately after spawning. The rest of the time, the bite picks up at dusk and in the first hours of the night. Some recovery in the bite occurs at the end of August.
- The best period for pike perch in the fall comes with cooling and clearing of the water in mid-September - October and lasts until mid-November. During this period, the fish move to wintering pits and it can be difficult to get them from the shore, unlike catching pike perch with a jig from a boat.
