Donka for beginners, donka fishing, equipment and fishing techniques

Donka fishing is very popular among anglers today.
This technology combines simplicity, affordable cost and high efficiency. In this article we will tell you about bottom tackle, its varieties, baits and fishing technology. Bottom tackle has been known since ancient times and has served fishermen faithfully for many hundreds of years. The main purpose of this gear is to catch large fish that feed from the bottom.

Sinker selection

The optimal shape of a sinker for a donkey is a teardrop shape, which allows for the longest cast. The weight of the cargo can range from 30 to 100 grams. It should be noted that heavy sinkers are easier to cast, so they are more suitable for fishing in fast-flowing rivers. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that the greater the weight of the sinker, the more noise it makes when entering the water. Consequently, cautious fish may leave the fishing spot for a long time. Therefore, if possible, we recommend using weights weighing 30–50 grams.

Choosing bait

Bait selection is one of the components of successful fishing. The choice of one bait or another directly depends on the fish you are going to catch and the characteristics of a particular body of water. It is also necessary to take into account the presence of a current at the fishing site. Remember that the best bait will be food that the fish are accustomed to. This is why using expensive feeder attachments on a remote river or lake will not give the desired effect. The fish are simply not accustomed to such a bait, and will refuse to peck at it.

Try to expand the selection of attachments used as much as possible. These can be various cereals, peas, grains, dough or attachments of animal origin. It would be optimal if you use several leashes with different attachments on the donk at once. This way you can significantly increase your chances of catching. Having determined the preferred bait for fish in a particular body of water, you will subsequently be able to catch the largest and rarest trophy specimens.

We catch fish on a donk

As a rule, anglers who fish with bottom gear use not one, but several bottoms at once. This allows them to occupy a large area of the shore, which increases the chances of catching.

A donkey reel or a reel with a small spinning rod must be carefully secured to the shore. Since fish can bite sharply and intensely, an unsecured reel can simply be pulled into the water. If possible, it is recommended to braid the fishing line behind bottom snags on the shore or small trees.

When choosing a fishing area, you need to give preference to places without snags and algae. Also not recommended is a rocky bottom, where the likelihood of snags increases. The optimal time for fishing is evening, night and morning. It is recommended to install donks in the evening and check them in the middle of the night.

In most cases, there are no difficulties with casting. It is necessary to swing the heavy load like a pendulum and release the fishing line. Pre-wind the required length of fishing line from the reel and lay it in neat rings. It is quite possible that initially you will have some difficulties with casting, but after a little training you will be able to throw the sinker 50 meters or more.

Using donks with rubber shock absorbers

Many anglers, when using a donkey, have encountered the problem of silent casting. The solution to this problem was the use of special rubber shock absorbers, which made it possible to silently make repeated casts.

Advantages of donks with rubber shock absorbers:

You can deliver bait to one place you feed.
Completely silent repeated casts.
Possibility of the so-called bait game.
There is the possibility of spot feeding.
A large number of leashes on the donk increases the chances of success.

Among the shortcomings, it is only necessary to note the fact that the rubber quickly breaks down and needs to be replaced.

This gear consists of:

Safety line with a cross section of 0.5 millimeters.
A heavy sinker on a nylon meter leash.
Shock-absorbing rubber with a length of about 10 meters.
Lines with leashes at a distance of several meters from each other.
The main line with a diameter of 0.35 millimeters.

Possible difficulties may arise only when casting the sinker for the first time. In this case, we can recommend that you use a boat that will allow you to silently lower a heavy load to the desired fishing spot. Don’t forget to tie a foam float to a heavy sinker, which will allow you to retrieve the tackle if it breaks. After finishing your fishing, you can safely row your boat to the foam float and take out your gear.

Before you start fishing, you need to properly prepare your gear. A donkey with an elastic band has two reels, one of which contains a fishing line with an elastic band, and the second has a safety rope. It is necessary to place the reel at a distance of 5 meters from each other. Calculate the required number of turns of fishing line that you will need for an accurate cast. It is necessary to lay the turns of the line in such a way that when casting, the upper turns begin to unwind, which will avoid the possibility of tangling the line. Do not forget about the presence of insurance, which unwinds several meters more than the main fishing line with an elastic band.

Remember that it is necessary to place a fishing line with bait after casting a donkey with an elastic band.

The connection is made using carabiners, and after fishing is completed, the carabiner is unfastened. All you have to do with the help of insurance is to get the cargo out of the water. Store elastic rigs on separate reels. This will ensure its safety and durability.

Donkey device with feeder

From early spring to late autumn, anglers use a bottom fishing rod with a feeder to catch peaceful white fish that live in the bottom layers of water. Over the years of use, the tackle has changed, but its structure remains almost the same; changes affected the choice of feeders, fishing lines, and hooks.

Donka with feeder consists of:

rods 2.4−4.20 m long;
spinning reel;
main monofilament line with a diameter of 0.25−0.35;
plastic or metal loaded feeder;
leashes made of soft leash material with hooks from 4 to 12 numbers according to the European classification.

Feeder athletes fishing with bottom gear with a feeder use only one leash with a hook and this is considered sports gear. Amateur fishermen put more leashes on their rigs (3-5), thus hoping to increase the chances of a quick fish bite.

However, a larger number of leads does not guarantee a solid catch, and large and cautious trophies rarely bite on multi-hook gear. A reasonable compromise is necessary and 2-3 leashes with hooks are definitely enough for successful fishing and they should be tied so that there is no overlap.

The most sporty donkey is a feeder with one leash, and the most common among our fishermen is a rig with a spring and 2-3 leashes. The design of the donkey fishing rod allows for quick change of feeders with different load weights. The weight of the feeders is selected depending on the type of reservoir and fishing conditions; in the current, the weight of the load is 80−120 g, in still water 15−35 g.

Spinning rods for donkey

Initially, the classic donka was an exclusively hand-made tackle. However, later spinning rods, the reel of which was actually used instead of a reel, became very popular.

With minor modifications, the donkey spinning rod began to be called a feeder. This type of tackle is very popular today and allows you to catch a variety of large fish. The popularity of the feeder is explained by the ease of fishing, the availability of gear and the ability to catch maximum trophies. At the same time, it is necessary to take into account that the feeder is a rather specific piece of equipment, which in unfamiliar conditions on new lakes and rivers may not give any results at all. But in those places where anglers often fish with a feeder, its effectiveness is at a high level.

Using a spinning rod for donkey allows you to significantly simplify the process of throwing bait. In this case, there is no need to use expensive reels, which are necessary for classic spinning. We also note that the process of landing fish has been significantly simplified. If previously, when using a reel, everything actually had to be done manually, then with the use of a spinning rod and reel you can optimally catch even the strongest fish. The risk of fish falling off the hook is reduced, since you can optimally select the line tension when landing fish.

About 50 meters of fishing line with a thickness of 0.3 meters is wound onto the reel. The leashes are attached to the main line using a carabiner, and the heavy weight makes it easy to cast to the maximum possible distance. In total, when purchasing Chinese reels, the total cost of the gear can be several tens of dollars.

Technology for making a donkey with a feeder

The donk rig with a feeder is tied on the main line, but when fishing conditions change (increased wind or current), it is necessary to change the rig. To do this quickly, the lower sections of the equipment with the feeder and leashes are knitted in advance and placed in a separate tackle box.

If necessary, on a pond, all that remains is to take the section out of the box and tie it to the main fishing line using the loop-to-loop method. If the rig gets caught on underwater obstacles or reeds, only the leash with the hook breaks off.

The reason is that the diameter of the fishing line from which it is tied is smaller than the diameter of the main fishing line. The size of the hook is selected according to the size of the nozzle, and the tip remains open.

The following are used as nozzles:

maggot;
earthworms;
bloodworm;
foam balls;
canned corn;
boiled peas;
boilies;
pearl barley

It is preferable to use animal baits in spring and autumn, when fish need protein, plant baits - in summer, in warm water. Rods for donkey are chosen telescopic or plug-in, with a length of 2.7−4.2 m.

The length of the rod is chosen depending on the height of the fisherman and the casting distance of the tackle. The reel is selected with a spool of 3000-4000 and with a fast drag, which is necessary to ensure the convenience of fishing for large trophies.

Feeder

In specialized stores you can find dozens of different models of feeders, which differ in their weight and shape. They are designed for various fishing conditions and various purposes. However, they are united by the fact that the main purpose of the feeder is to attract fish.

Such feeders are very popular when fishing with a feeder. You can make your own feeder from metal wire and lead. You can also purchase ready-made varieties of feeders in specialized stores. Their cost is not high, but at the same time they are effective and allow you to lure fish efficiently, thereby increasing the chances of success.

Remember to use the same bait on the bait and on the hook. This will allow you to successfully catch even the most cautious and large fish.

Bite alarm for donkey

Bells

For many years, the most popular bite alarm for bottom rods was a simple bell. It was attached to the sagging main line directly at the reel or rod. We can say that such bells are the best option for gear without a rod.

Electronic bite alarm

As new technologies emerged, mechanical bells began to improve. Special waterproof electronic alarms appeared that emitted a characteristic sound when biting. Also, such alarms were equipped with light indication. The only drawback of such electronic bite alarms is their relatively high cost.

Bells

Bells are a rather interesting version of a bite alarm, which is located at the tip of the fishing rod. The only drawback of such a signaling device is the lack of a bite in cases where the fish, after taking the bait, goes to the angler. In such cases, the bells do not signal a bite, and the line simply sags.

Modernized versions of bells have a special niche for installing light indicators. This will allow you to successfully use them for night fishing.

Rod as a bite alarm

It is possible to use the rod itself as an excellent signaling device. When a large fish bites, the tip of the fishing rod begins to bend and tremble. At the same time, it should be borne in mind that such alarms are only suitable for daylight hours and require constant attention from the fisherman to the fishing rod.

Donk fishing technique with a feeder

The donk equipment with a feeder is attached to the main line using a loop-to-loop method, which ensures a quick change of equipment when necessary. The tackle is thrown to the fishing point, the rod is placed on the stands, the line remains slightly slack.

To register a bite, a bell or electronic alarm is used. When there is a bite, a hook is made and the fish is brought ashore. When fishing in a current, the tackle is thrown 5-7 meters above the fishing point, and the tackle splashes down exactly at the specified location.

Donkey rigging

Today there are dozens, if not hundreds of different equipment for donkeys. It is simply impossible to describe them all. Let's focus on the most common and reliable options.

The simplest option

Despite its simplicity of equipment, this option is perfect for fishing for the largest trophy fish. In this case, only one node is used, so the strength of the equipment is beyond doubt.

We attach a sliding sinker in the form of a teardrop shape or an olive to the fishing line. To fix the sinker, you must use a silicone clamp. Remember that the stopper must be fixed firmly and rigidly enough. When casting the tackle, a significant load is placed on the stopper, but at the same time it must maintain its position. We can recommend that you use a soft lead pellet, which is clamped on the fishing line, as such a reliable stopper. A hook is tied to the end of the fishing line without a leash. It is also possible to rig it using a leash, which is attached through a swivel.

Equipment with spring

With equal success, a donkey rig with a spring is suitable for fishing with a rod and with hand casting. Equipment with a spring is especially effective when fishing in lakes and rivers with calm water.

The first option is a sliding donkey with a spring. In our case, we replace the sliding sinker of the donkey with a spring. Viscous porridge or peas are easily stuffed into the spring. The choice of bait directly depends on the type of fish and its specific preferences in your pond.

The advantage of sliding equipment is that the fish does not feel resistance when biting, which is necessary for catching cautious and large fish.

In the second version of the rig, short leashes are installed on the spring, which are recessed into the bait located in the spring. In fact, in this case, the bait is used as feeding and bait. The second option is perfect for catching bream and carp. In this version of the equipment, the fish detects itself, and the angler only needs to pull it out of the water. We can recommend that you use braided fishing line with a thickness of 0.1 - 0.15 millimeters for leashes.

If you are fishing in a strong current or there are deep holes and a sharp change in depth, it is recommended to install flat sliding sinkers directly in front of the spring. Such a flat shape of the sinker will not allow it to be carried away by the current.

Casting a donkey

When dynamically pulling out the bottom, the sinker - spoon works like a real spinner spoon, and it’s simply a sin not to use it to break through the bottom topography, find promising differences on it and urgently adjust the casting range. Or even change the place of fishing if the subtle fishing intuition requires it.

Tips for fisherman: Bottom tackle for crucian carp with a feeder - How to best use

All the bottoms are laid in the target, the surface current draws long “whiskers” from the stretched fishing line, and a simple fisherman’s dinner in the evening twilight becomes only a forced short break in bottom fishing. The ringing of a bell or a suspicious change in the position of the fishing line is immediately regarded as a bite. Then run to the tackle, pick up a little slack, hook! And here it is, that joyful fishing feeling when at the other end of the fishing line something large moves in wide circles, giving us an unforgettable experience!

Fishing conditions can be very different, but I will focus on the most typical ones. First of all, let me clarify that by fishing conditions I mean the combination of all factors: the presence and speed of currents, depth, surface and bottom currents, wind, water waves, distance, bottom topography at the fishing point and fish activity.

Equipping your fishing rod correctly means half winning the battle. Fish can be caught with random equipment. But not much at all. And also random. If you want to fish consistently with professional quality, pay attention first of all to your equipment. Further - based on materials from A. Yanshevsky, a famous sports fisherman and the author of numerous publications on fishing topics.

Fishing Habit

The fact is that many fishing enthusiasts often fish in the same body of water, and, as they say, grind their gear to it. The fisherman constantly uses the same floats with hooks and uses the same fishing techniques.

A new place has its own equipment

For example, athletes are required to fish in the sector that was drawn by lot, so they are to some extent spared from such a vicious circle. Although at present this is not entirely true. Often competitions are held in convenient similar places that have a lot in common, and athletes, as well as amateurs, are limited to a not too wide range of equipment, which they bring to perfection.

For many anglers, achieving the harmony of fishing in a familiar place with good tackle is a pleasure. But still, at some point you want something new and unexplored.

Often, trying to fish in completely unfamiliar conditions is driven by information from other fishermen, the desire to expand your capabilities and trophies. And then the moment comes when you come to a new place and the proven equipment and floats become ineffective.

Choosing fishing rod equipment

For novice fishermen, it is even more difficult to navigate a new place. They have no established habits. But these habits can do a disservice even for experienced ones. What can help most in an unfamiliar situation is information from local fishermen, i.e. already have experience of fishing in this body of water.

But it’s even better to be guided by your own thoughts and take into account generalized information about this or that equipment in certain conditions. Such generalizations are possible and every fisherman has them, but they are rarely talked about.

Recently, the range of floats has expanded significantly, but the problem of choosing a float and equipment remains.

The difficulty of choosing lies in the fact that the operation of the equipment depends not only on the design as such, but also on what fishing technique the angler uses.

Often the angler's style determines the design of the equipment, and not the fishing conditions. Therefore, with the same equipment, changing only the distribution of the load in it, you can fish both in currents with shallow depths and in deep standing water.

The most stable floats are also the most versatile, since they allow a wide variety of manipulations with the equipment. But very often, especially during cautious and inactive biting, a special (for specific conditions) design and technique for using it can be decisive. I want to share my own experience in this area.

Options for fishing conditions

Fishing conditions can be very different, but I will focus on the most typical ones. First of all, let me clarify that by fishing conditions I mean the combination of all factors: the presence and speed of currents, depth, surface and bottom currents, wind, water waves, distance, bottom topography at the fishing point and fish activity.

Strong currents combined with great depth create great difficulties for anglers. An example is the channel named after. Moscow, but this is such a particular and repeatedly discussed case that it makes no sense to return to it.

Consider the following example. A river with a smooth, medium or even fast current, with a depth of 4-5 m, at a distance of 10-12 m from the shore. When using a fly rod, the design of the equipment is as simple as possible, since the load is distributed at two points. The underhang is not far from the hook, the main sinker is not far from the underhang. When the rig floats freely, the weight distribution of the sinkers is such that it is possible to notice a possible bite “on the rise”.

The antenna should be matched to the weight of the bait, and the shape of the float is not so important. That is, for bloodworms and maggots, floats with a thin antenna are used, and for worms and heavy grains of corn or wheat, it makes sense to take floats with a thicker antenna.

In the case when you hold the rig floating, the current will lift the bait. The speed and height of the rise depend on the strength of the current, the mass of the bait, the artificial reduction in the speed of swimming, the distribution of sinkers and the resistance of the leash, that is, on its length and the diameter of the fishing line. Sometimes fish like it when the bait rises abruptly and quite high, and sometimes it’s the other way around.

A long leash is often used not only to make the bait play more actively, but also to delay the transmission of the bite to the bait. Large fish throw the bait if they feel the slightest additional resistance, and to prevent this from happening, the length of the leash is increased to 1 m or even more.

As soon as the fisherman begins to manipulate the equipment, he is faced with the question of choosing a suitable float. The more actively you manipulate the equipment, the more important the shape is.

For example, with periodic twitching of the equipment, alternating with a long free swim, designs (see photo above) 1 and 2 are good. If the current is medium in strength and you have to periodically stop the swim for a short time, then it is better to choose floats 3 and 4.

If, after casting, you fix the rod in one position and do not accompany your equipment with the rod, then it will float in an arc towards the shore. In this case, it is better to take a stable structure 5. The thin upper part of the body of which will show a bite even without an antenna.

If there are no bites on the rise (which depends on the fishing technique, and not on the fact that the fish lifts the bait and bait), then equipment with a float 6 is good. All of the above applies to fishing in a not very strong current and at a fairly large depth, when using equipment weighing approximately 6 g.

As the depth decreases, the requirements for choosing a float become more stringent. The fact is that the smaller the descent, the lighter the equipment required, but the main thing is that the distance between the float and the load is reduced and the entire structure as a whole becomes less stable.

Tips for fisherman: Do-it-yourself bottom tackle on the current - Features of choice

That is, it reacts to more minor forces, be it the turbulence of water or the pulling of equipment by a fisherman. At shallow depths it is necessary to use the most stable structures.

Floats with a low center of gravity are easiest to control. It is convenient if the float takes a vertical position in the water even before the weight has dropped. The distribution of the sinkers only becomes more complex when their total mass is approximately 1.5 g or more. Complex weight distribution is used when the angler is actively manipulating the rig.

If you use free floating, then all floats work with almost any distribution of weights, as long as the float quickly takes its working position. It is worth noting that in a ragged, turbulent flow with eddies, floats with an extended upper body (7 and 8) perform better. Free swimming at shallow depths is effective if the water is not cloudy and the fish are active.

In summer, when there is a lot of natural food and it is distributed by water flows over all horizons, you have to play with bait. To achieve this, the lightest but controllable equipment with the most stable floats is designed.

Floats 9 and 10 are good for this purpose. The latter are especially effective in holding the equipment at the fishing point, provided that the bait on a long leash goes much higher than the bottom. Almost the entire antenna of the float comes out of the water, but the bites are very visible.

In the final choice of a float, the manner of playing with the equipment, which is individual for each angler, plays a big role.

Loading the float

The simplest loading scheme is a sub-weight and a main sinker (Fig. 1). This design works well in currents.

If the fish takes much higher than the bottom and the bites are cautious, it makes sense to move the main sinker and distribute the sinkers along the line (Fig. 2).

With the selection of equipment for fishing in still water, the situation is somewhat more complicated, but more on that next time.

rodents;
representatives of the animal world of small size;
bird (waterfowl);
fish that are large in size are a fairly successful type of bait;