Picker selection
Among rods designed for bottom fishing, the picker, which differs from the feeder in its increased sensitivity and compactness, takes pride of place. A picker rod is suitable for fishing from the shore in a small body of water where long casting is not required. Picker has proven itself well in hunting roach, white bream, silver bream, bleak, and crucian carp.
Such a rod with the appropriate equipment will come to the aid of the fisherman in cases where casting feeder gear is too complicated by environmental conditions. Also, a picker is also a good alternative to a match-type float rod.
When choosing a picker rod, you need to understand that the picker is suitable for fishing with small loads (up to 50 grams) at a short distance from the shore. The picker is especially good for small fish, as it is very sensitive and perfectly transmits bites from even the smallest fish.
For more information about length, test, action, tips and other aspects of choosing pickers, read the article “How to choose a picker.” Also in the article you will find an interesting video review of an inexpensive picker rod from SALMO.
How to choose a picker line?
A good option is to use braided line for several reasons. Firstly, it does not stretch, and secondly, it is the most sensitive. Experimentally, you can easily determine a significant difference in bite sensitivity using braided fishing line or, for example, monofilament. Fishermen give a lot of examples when two fishermen caught fish in absolutely identical conditions and with the same pickers (only the fishing lines differed) and had completely incomparable results. The advantage, as a rule, is on the side of the fisherman who used braided fishing line.
Braided fishing line has a high breaking load, which makes it possible to use very thin braided fishing lines, the diameter of which can reach 0.06-0.10 mm. And the diameter is of great importance, because... The current has a greater effect on thick fishing line. The larger its diameter, the more it will stretch out in an arc, which means it will be quite difficult to install the feeder at the bottom. And the use of heavy sinkers with a picker, in principle, is not applicable.
Picker shimano
The picture above shows a wonderful picker rod from the famous company Shimano . The rod is called Super ULTEGRA Winkle Piker 240-270 . It is made on a high-tech carbon blank, and thanks to an additional section it can be extended by 30 centimeters.
This picker is ideal for fishing with small loads at a distance of up to 50 meters.
The rod comes with three interchangeable tips. The kit also includes a convenient case with a recess for a small reel. The optimal reel size for this rod is 2500.
Parameters of Shimano Super ULTEGRA Winkle Piker 240-270:
- Unfolded length: 240-270 cm.
- Folded length: 113 cm.
- Weight: 154 grams.
- Number of sections: 4+3 tips.
- Casting: 40 grams.
Picker feeders
Often, the picker test does not exceed 50 g, and it follows that the feeder should have a minimum weight. After all, we throw a feeder filled with food, and if the empty feeder weighs 30 g, then the food in it weighs 10-30 g, and in total we get 60 g, which exceeds the maximum picker test.
It follows that an empty picker feeder should weigh around 10-30 g.
Maximum range and accuracy are achieved when the weight of the cast equipment is equal to ¾ of the maximum test of the rod.
One more important note! If fishing takes place at a short distance, and it is possible to cast bait by hand, then the feeder can be replaced with a weight. The sinker should be streamlined so that when it enters the water it does not create much noise.
You can find out more about the types of feeders in the article on feeder feeders.
What is a picker?
Usually they have the word “Picker” in their markings. Initially, their test weight ranged from 10 to 40 grams and they were intended for fishing at short distances in still water or in weak currents without a feeder (although a picker with a test weight of up to 40 grams allows the use of a light, small-volume feeder).
That is, the word “picker” originally meant a light-class, two-legged feeder rod.
But with the advent of new high-modulus materials, the opportunity opened up to produce light-weight fishing rods with large dough. Naturally, this also affected the pickers. There have appeared rods for fishing in fairly strong currents, medium (for example, Lineaeffe Picker 270 with a test of 75 grams) and even a heavy class (for example, Pro Speed PICKER with a test of 120 grams). In other words, at present, the determining factor for a picker will not be the rod test, but the number of legs.
Since fishing with a picker with a large test is no different from feeder fishing, we will not consider them. Let us pay attention to pickers in the previous sense of the word with dough of no more than 40 grams. Since power casts are not made with such a picker, many of them (and with dough up to 30 g, probably the majority) have a shortened (spinning) handle. In this case, casting can be done with one hand, and, in addition, when fishing at high speed with such a picker, it is easier to fish “by hand.” That is, a light picker with a short handle is more mobile.
Picker line
Both regular monofilament and braided line are suitable for the role of the main fishing line, although the second is more sensitive. Leaders are made of monofilament or fluorocarbon with a diameter of 0.1-0.12 mm.
You choose the length of the leash yourself, from 20 cm to one and a half meters. Lengthening the leash will increase the time it takes to fall to the bottom, thereby increasing the animation time of the bait in the water column. We recommend lengthening the leash when the bite is sluggish.
Shortening the leader will likely reduce the number of bites, but increase the chances of catching larger fish. This is due to the fact that if a large fish comes to feed, it will disperse the small fish. Small fish will stay in the water column, that is, a long leash will fall to the bottom for a long time, and most likely will be immediately attacked by small fish located higher above the bait.
Picker equipment
Correctly selected equipment provides half the success of fishing. In fact, even if the fish is small in size, it is still shy and then it is very difficult to get it.
The sensitivity of the tackle itself and the effectiveness of the bite are influenced by the rod. Let's take a closer look at which equipment is best to choose.
Symmetrical loop
This equipment is of the figured type, just like the asymmetrical loop. At first glance, these loops may seem very complex.
In order to dispel this doubt, you need to tie a few loops and then you will be convinced that everything is quite simple and easy.
The symmetrical loop has a double line with a loop, on one of which the feeder will float directly.
The fishing line also contains leashes and hooks. A symmetrical loop is not as sensitive to bite as an asymmetrical one.
This type of equipment can be used in fishing without using feeders with a speaker or a sinker, as well as with a feeder.
This method of rigging is very good in calm water. In a fast current, many empty bites are possible.
Asymmetrical loop
The asymmetrical loop looks like a separate tool. This loop is knitted using monofilament fishing line. Such a loop, as a rule, does not twist, as happens with other loops.
The feeder that you plan to use during fishing should move to the lowest point along the loop. Accordingly, the fish begins to take the bait you use and begins to move.
The fish will not feel any resistance as it moves.
The main idea of an asymmetrical loop is that the fish bites and hooks itself. As a result, no difficulties arise, especially for those who do not yet have experience in fishing.
Anti-twist tube
As has been noted more than once, a very important problem is tangling and various overlaps. Why are equipment such as an anti-twist tube used? This is what will help you avoid such problems when fishing while being in the current.
Method
With the help of such equipment as the bait method, the fish will be more effective. When using this method, open feeders are used. In such feeders the bait, which is dense in consistency, is held very reliably and confidently.
The hook and bait in an open, existing feeder should be fixed with a bait layer. This will certainly increase the chances of a bite.
Inline
Inline is a kind of sliding option. Inline most often use this type of feeder as a method or flat. With the sliding method, such a feeder is installed as a mesh of the most common and simple model.
Inline allows you to fish for very rare species of fish. That is, using this method, you can count on the fact that the catch will consist of fish such as carp or crucian carp.
Is it possible? that you can catch bream and even silver carp. Inline is used most often on reservoirs that are without current.
Of course, this does not mean that you cannot use inline on reservoirs where there is an active current.
Helicopter
This equipment is also very effective when catching fish such as carp, bream, silver bream and other types of fish. In fact, a helicopter is the best for fishing on currents.
How to catch fish using such equipment as a helicopter? In fact, the technology for using such equipment is not very different from others.
Parthenoster
Now let's talk about another well-known rig, the Gardner loop. This loop is the simplest.
In order to tie such a loop you need:
- Tie a small loop at the end of the fishing line.
- This loop will be used for leashes and hooks.
- Next, you will need to make another second loop at a distance of approximately 12 cm. It will be intended for a feeder.
It’s up to you to choose which loop to knit, small and large. It all depends on which mounting method you choose.
After the entire procedure has been completed, you need to attach the feeder and install a leash with hooks. Now you can start fishing.
How to feed
Picker fishing is not complete without preliminary bait in the area where fishing is planned in the future. In this case, the feeding process does not cause any difficulties, since the casting range will be short.
Read about how to make the right bait in the article: “Preparing bait for the feeder.”
Casting bait can be done in three ways:
- manual throwing of feed;
- use of feeders;
- use of a special bait slingshot.
How to fish with pickerel
Before casting, it is necessary to carry out starting bait in a promising area of the reservoir. If you plan to throw bait by hand, then 4-5 balls will be enough, for a special slingshot - about 10-12 shots. After 5-10 minutes you can start casting.
If you think that the fishing spot is well fed, you should replace the feeder with a streamlined sinker, which will make less noise when it hits the water. This technique will reduce the timidity of the fish, which will have a positive effect on the rate of pickerel fishing. Subsequent feeding can be done either by hand or with feeders.
For picker fishing to be truly effective and subsequently effective, it is necessary to constantly monitor the condition of the gear.
It is extremely rare for a fish to hook itself, so the fisherman must always be ready to make a good hook.
Hooking, especially using braid, should not be too sharp, otherwise instead of a fish you will only get its lip.
Don't forget about replaceable tips. In calm conditions and in calm water, use a soft tip; in strong winds or currents, use a harder tip.
If you use bloodworms or maggots in bait, they should not be too large. Place more appetizing bait on the hooks, which will surely attract the attention of the fish. You can also spray the nozzle with special dips (flavors). This will make your bait stand out from the general background of bait.
