Types and performance characteristics of “Cheburashka” sinkers

Lures and wiring techniques

There are many varieties of baits on the market that are suitable for specific equipment.
You should also learn the most effective techniques for using a jig rig to ensure successful fishing. For fishing in different conditions, the best choice would be an accurate imitation of crustaceans and insect larvae. Often, two types of silicone baits are used for jig-rigs. The active ones are presented in the form of vibrating tails and twisters; they have high mobility of elements that, when inserted, are capable of creating an oscillation, and this will certainly attract any predator. As for the passive ones, namely worms or leeches, which do not have their own game, they will need animation created by movements of the rod tip.

It is important to choose the right bait size, taking into account the parameters of the potential prey. If we are talking about medium and large perch, small pike or pike perch, the dimensions of the twister and vibrotail should be up to 5 cm

But if you want to catch a medium-sized predator, it is better to choose a bait 6–7.5 cm long.

Of course, every fisherman dreams of trophy catch, and it’s worth going for such fish with a silicone no shorter than 8–10 cm. Various elements of equipment can have several applications, and a jig-rig is one of such devices, so it can be considered a universal tackle. By installing a massive sinker, you can fish on rivers with strong currents or in pits, choosing any bait and hook size.

We offer you several fishing tactics using this equipment. Each of the presented wiring will be effective if it is applied correctly and the rod is carefully assembled.

• The drawing technique is considered a classic wiring option for operating a jig-rig. It was originally used when fishing for bass. This steady retrieve is done at a slow pace to keep the bait on the bottom. But if we are talking about a predator that is not very active, this technique will not show its effectiveness, so you should proceed to the next option.
• Stepped wiring. This animation technique is often used by jig lovers, so it is ideal for our equipment. This type of wiring will attract a passive predator, which will be provoked to attack thanks to energetic movements. However, the main difference between the technique is that the bait does not move too quickly.
• A static game can be obtained in several ways. Here you need to proceed as follows: the bait must be used together with a heavy load, sent into the current, where the flow will do all the work. If you find a promising place, you can throw the bait there and lightly twitch the tip of the rod. As soon as the bait rises above the bottom, it will begin to play, resembling a wounded fish.

Experienced fishermen use mixed fishing techniques, experimenting with them, selecting different types of bait. It all depends on the characteristics of the reservoir where fishing is carried out, as well as on the mood of the predator itself and other criteria. Therefore, you will need to practice, learn how to install the equipment correctly, and the result will not be long in coming.

To summarize, we can say with confidence that a jig-rig, like any other spinning equipment, has its advantages and disadvantages. The scope of application of such a device is wide, so it allows you to catch any predator. In addition, you can replace component elements easily and without experience, adapting the bait for fishing in different conditions. You just need to choose an animation option to provoke a bite from both active and passive fish.

In the next video you will see the installation of jig-rig equipment with your own hands.

Edible silicone and collapsible Cheburashkas

The situation with edible rubber is completely in favor of hinged mounting.

Equipment can be different: - With offset hook; — With a single hook hidden in the body of the bait, like an offset one; — Classic installation, with the tip out; — Over the edge, for more active play of passive silicone; - Vacky.

Everything is clear here, it is possible on a jig head, but when you have to animate a bait that does not have its own expressive game on a uniform retrieve, maximum mobility is desirable. This is ensured by hinged mounting with a collapsible ear.

Varieties according to fishing method

Sinkers are presented in a wide variety of species; fishermen can purchase the following products: “Swallowtail”, olive, “eggs”, carp, “ballerina” and others. Many experienced fishermen know the Italian classification of this equipment. Thanks to the wide range of weights, every fisherman can choose the product that can solve the problem. For example, backlit attributes for the crown garden are in good demand.

For a float rod, proper placement of the float is important. If you want to fish using a float, a fisherman can use different types of weights

Pellet. This loading option is considered the most popular at present. Despite its simplicity, the product has the ability to efficiently load many types of floats.

Other types of sinkers are often mounted on bottom gear.

A camouflage sinker is suitable for a rocky bottom, as it has a similar color to it. Such devices are often made with irregular shapes, so they resemble natural stones as closely as possible.

Sinkers for spinning are necessary to weigh the bait and have a good casting distance. In addition to lead fixtures, tin and babbitt fixtures are often used in this case.

Often, spinning weights are presented in different interesting types.

“Cheburashki” or “ushastiki”. Such products are used for hinged installation in conjunction with edible baits. In case of intense fishing and during strong currents, the design of the attributes facilitates a quick change of baits. If you combine a Cheburashka and an offset bait, you can count on the bait being able to easily pass snags and algae.

There are options for feeder weights.

Marker. Such products are used to study the bottom area in order to find a promising place for fishing. The shape of the weights allows you to subtly sense changes in the bottom landscape.

Mounting a jig head on a pike

I'm replacing the dagger with a two-inch tsunikishiworm in lime color. I make a few casts and on the blast I earn the first poke. Play is already possible here, there is somewhere to roam. Approximately on the first or second slab at the blast, timid bites occur, and then the first perch is caught.

When fishing with a jig head, you should use braid as the main line.

A spinning rod equipped with it turns out to be as sensitive as possible, which is very important in jig fishing. It is imperative to place a metal leash on the line in front of the jig head, which will protect it from sharp pike teeth

The jig head is attached to the leash using a clasp. If you are using a string leash without a carabiner, you need to spread the twists, place the eye of the jig head in the loop and twist the wire.

A Cheburashka sinker is mounted in the same way. If the eye for attaching the hook is oriented vertically, it must be attached through two winding rings. In this case, its sting will look up and not to the side. If the eye of the sinker is located horizontally, you need to use one ring.

For fishing with articulated jig heads, simple single hooks, doubles, trebles or offsets are usually used. The most commonly used are double hooks. They are not as susceptible to snagging on bottom obstacles as tees, but at the same time they provide a high percentage of bites.

When fishing for pike with an articulated jig head on a cluttered bottom, you can use simple single hooks, in which case the likelihood of leaving the equipment on a snag will be significantly reduced. If non-snacking installation is required, offset hooks must be used. They have a special forearm shape, thanks to which the back of the bait, after equipping the offset bait, fits close to its sting. As a result, the likelihood of a snag is reduced to almost zero.

When biting, the pike clenches its jaws and pushes the bait, while the hook tip opens and, after hooking, easily digs into its mouth. To keep the number of empty bites to a minimum, you do not need to insert the tip of the hook into the body of the bait, as many novice spinning anglers do, but only position it close to the back.

To attach the bait to a double, you need to:

• pierce the artificial fish with the sting of one of the hooks in the tail, pass it across the body and bring it out from the opposite side;
• move the hook so that its eye is located directly in the body of the bait;
• pull the hook eye first through the body of the fish so that it comes out through the head part.

To mount the bait on an offset hook you need:

• insert the sting into its head part from the end;
• bring it out at the bottom of the head;
• pass the hook through the bait so that its head is fixed on the bend of the fore-end;
• pass the point of the hook through the tail of the bait across the body and press the tip to its back.

The jig head is the most important element of pike fishing gear. You need to be able to choose it based on the fishing conditions and the activity of the pike. With the right jig head, the chances of ending up with a good catch will be maximum.

Types of Jig Head Hooks

Single

Jig heads with single hooks are the most common type of jig heads (second most popular are snap-on jig heads with offset hooks). Ordinary singles are also used in microjigs together with an eared sinker, with a pellet sinker located on the fishing line, when fishing with lead rigs and when fishing without weight.

When using a single hook instead of a double hook, the number of snags on grass and snags is significantly reduced, and the hook gets caught in the fishing line less often during casting.

Singles used in jig heads can have one, two or three notches on the fore-end, thanks to which the bait stays better on the hook and does not slip.

Double

Doubles are the main type of hook used in jig fishing with eared sinkers.

When fishing with silicone baits or foam fish, double hooks can be left open; the use of non-snacking baits, which are made from foam rubber and double hooks with hooks pressed to the body of the foam rubber fish, is also widespread.

In jig fishing, doubles with elongated shanks , with which the installation of jig baits is as convenient as possible.

Offset

Offset hooks are specially shaped hooks with a bend on the fore-end, which are designed to create non-snagging baits .

Offset hooks are optimal for fishing both in thick snags and among grass thickets and in other strong places.

On sale you can find jig heads with offset hooks; in addition, offset hooks are used in combination with eared sinkers.

Dimensions

The hook size in jig fishing is selected according to the size of the bait . In addition, you should take into account the fishing conditions (how often snags occur) and the activity of the fish. Larger hooks provide a high percentage of bites, but also give a large number of hooks on grass, snags and other obstacles. The use of smaller hooks reduces the number of hooks and leads to an increase in the number of derailments.

The following numbering of hooks for jig fishing is common: No. 10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 1/0, 2/0, 3/0, 4/0, 5/0. In this row, hook number 10 is the smallest, and 5/0 is the largest. It should be noted that different companies designate the sizes of hooks they produce differently; for example, the Eagle Claw numbering differs from the Cannelle and VMC numbering.

Numbering of Gamakatsu hooks

Gamakatsu is widely known for producing quality hooks and jig heads for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, designed for recreational and sports anglers .

The company uses standard numbering of hooks - from No. 10 to No. 5/0. The company's catalog also includes larger hooks, but the most popular products are jig heads with hooks from No. 2/0 to No. 5/0.

• Jig head 2/0 – hook length 35 mm, suitable for fishing with medium and small baits.
• 3/0 – hook length 38 mm, suitable for mounting medium-sized silicone baits.
• 4/0 – hook length 43 mm. Also good for medium sized lures.
• 5/0 – hook length 48 mm. The head is suitable for fishing with large worms and large vibrotails.

Advantages and disadvantages of "Cheburashka"

The appearance of the collapsible Cheburashka differs little from the non-collapsible version. Such a sinker has an oblong shape and ears located in the same plane.

The metal ears are not soldered into the body of the weight, as in the classic version, but can move freely in a longitudinal hole made in the center of the weight. They are a monolithic structure in the form of a carabiner, made of rigid wire 0.6-0.8 mm thick.

Thanks to this head equipment, the fisherman has the opportunity to quickly change the bait without using improvised tools.

How to make a Cheburashka sinker at home

A video lesson on creating a mold from plaster and casting dismountable Cheburashkas will be demonstrated by the author of the channel “My Fishing”

A short video about making fasteners for dismountable Cheburashkas with your own hands from E. Yablochkin

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What is a jig-rig

This fishing equipment consists of an elongated sinker and an offset hook fastened together using connecting elements (this can be a winding ring, a swivel, a carabiner or a combination thereof). In addition to silicone bait, it is quite appropriate to use foam fish.

Where and when to apply

It is believed that this design was invented in the United States for catching largemouth bass (trout perch). Its use gave the bait increased permeability in dense thickets of bottom grass or in the crown of a flooded tree.

Unlike American inventors, who use jig-rigs only for fishing in reservoirs with thickets and snags, our fishermen also use this equipment for heavily silted bottoms, as well as on sandstone and shell rock.

It is worth noting that this type of installation is ideal for fishing from the shore in still water or at very low current speeds.

Silicone on a jig head or a hinged mounting on a Cheburashka collects the pricked leaves already at the beginning of the retrieve, but a jig-rig equipment (only when using an offset hook) allows you to avoid this, since only the end of the elongated sinker slides along the leaves.

What kind of fish can you catch?

It is not for nothing that the name of this type of installation uses the word “jig” in front: this immediately determines that the equipment is used for bottom fishing of any predatory fish. But since bass (trout perch) is not found in Russian reservoirs, for our spinners, jig-rig fishing involves catching pike, asp, pike perch, bersh, perch and catfish. Sometimes you can find chop, ruff, burbot, snakehead and even chub.

Fishing with a jig head without hooking

To complete the topic of vibrating tail equipment, there is a non-snacking installation with an offset hook and a bullet weight. Here they use narrow-bodied vibrating tails so that there is room for the bait to push through when a fish attacks, so that the sting is released and catches it. You can also attach the vibrotail crosswise. The same non-snacking installation works for twisters, slugs, and worms.

The bullet is attached to a fishing line or leash and slides freely. The shape of the bullet helps it pass through snags and hooks well. An offset hook, whose tip is pressed to the body of the bait, is actually hidden in it, also contributes to the non-snaking of such installation.

If you equip the vibrating tail with a hinged mounting, it will be more difficult to choose the right weight. For each type, shape, and size of vibrotail, this will be a very small weight range, ranging from a few grams to a fraction of a gram.

Spinning for jig

The choice of jig rod is a very important factor influencing fishing performance. The characteristics of the rod must match the characteristics of the bait, otherwise it will not be possible to plausibly move the bait and hook the fish in time. The spinner must feel the bait and control it

It is very important to decide on the fishing conditions: either from the shore or from a boat. Only after determining the main factors that you will encounter while fishing should you start choosing a spinning rod

If fishing is carried out from a boat, then a long spinning rod is absolutely not needed. On the contrary, with a shorter one, catching a predator from a boat is much more convenient. Therefore, a spinning rod with a length of 1.9 to 2.4 meters is suitable for such conditions.

For fishing from the shore, the following philosophy is suitable: the longer the spinning rod, the better, since you can’t do without long casts. But again, the larger the spinning rod, the heavier it is, and this is an additional load on the hands. Plus, there may be vegetation on the shore of the reservoir, which complicates the use of long rods. In this regard, you can focus on the following dimensions: 2.7-3.0 meters. As practice shows, such a form is absolutely sufficient for fishing from the shore.

All fishing rods are divided into certain categories, including by the nature of the rod's structure. For jig fishing, a fast or super-fast action may be most effective. This is necessary for fast and reliable hooking. In addition, fast action rods respond faster to bites.

This is especially important when fishing for pike perch. It has a very powerful jaw, which needs to be broken through by hooking, and besides, the pike perch takes the bait very carefully

Installation of jig baits (part 1)

Watch this video on YouTube

As a rule, it should be a reliable rod with suitable test. The test indicates what weight of bait is best to use so that the wiring process is controlled. There are three main groups of rods, separated by test characteristics. The first group is ultralight rods, with a weight of up to 10 grams. As a rule, such rods are convenient for catching perch and other smaller fish. The second group, with dough from 10 to 30 grams, is intended for catching larger predators weighing up to 10 kg inclusive. Such spinning rods are most in demand, as they are more suitable for our fishing conditions.

The last group is rods with a weight of more than 30 grams, which are used for fishing at great depths and over long distances, where heavy jig heads are used. This subspecies is relevant if you have to fish on a river with a fast current.

The material of manufacture also plays an important role. If a fishing rod is made of modern materials, then it is not only durable, but also lightweight

The only drawback of such forms is their high cost, which is inaccessible to a wide range of spinning players.

Jig-rig fishing technique

Let's look at the features of spinning fishing using this equipment.

Selection of cargo and bait

The shape of the sinker can be different: teardrop-shaped, cone-shaped, multi-faceted or banana-shaped. You can also use drop shot sticks.

Photo: Weight for jig-rig, varieties

For everyday fishing, lead weights are suitable, but for competitions you can splurge on tungsten weights. They penetrate the wind better, and with the same weight they are 45% less in volume than lead ones.

Since the main advantage of jig-rig equipment is its range, therefore, so that the cross-section of the bait does not exceed the cross-section of the load, vibrotails, worms and slugs are best suited as silicone.

Some spinning anglers still prefer “foam rubber”, putting the bait fish on a double hook, but such a jig-rig is most often used in non-littered reservoirs, as well as on a muddy, sandy or shell bottom.

Wiring methods

Thanks to the use of stick weights in this type of installation, playing with the bait in one place and wiring along the bottom are added to the main wiring used in classic jigging (aggressive, step, drift, pelagic jig and jumping over the bottom).

Using silicone in one place is effective for catching active predators hiding between snags, in holes and thickets. An interesting animation is achieved by slightly twitching the jig-rig with the tip of the rod and then throwing the long sinker on its side. It is at this moment that the bite usually occurs.

Wiring along the bottom is suitable for lethargic and apathetic individuals. While the tip of the stick sinker lifts a strip of turbidity from the bottom during movement, the bait itself moves above it in clear water. From the outside it seems that a small fish is chasing something quickly crawling along the bottom.

In order to reduce the speed of the retrieve, a special sinker-ski that resembles a flattened drop is used.

Even classic jig wiring with jig-rig installation has its own characteristics. When fishing with a stepped retrieve on a snaggy or overgrown bottom, due to the sinker-stick falling down, the silicone works better on a pause.

Also, with pelagic jigging, when dragging the equipment through the water column, the silicone bait plays much more interestingly when it is above the sinker, rather than following it.

The correct selection of jig heads affects the performance of the bait

The described problem also occurs for jig heads, but its manifestation is not so obvious. If you take a relatively large vibrotail and equip it with a jig head weighing 1-2g. The result will be disastrous... You can try it and see for yourself. But, in terms of vibrotails, this imbalance is not so noticeable. In addition, with obviously large weights of jig heads, the tail still plays well.

Here you should act according to the rule of minimalism. Set the smallest possible weight of the jig head, at which: A) the bait plays; B) Sensitivity is achieved by moving stepwise along the bottom.

Thus, the inch vibrotail played in the test with “Cheburashka” weights in the range of 2.5-4g. At 2g, there was no more game... At more than 4-5g, the game also deteriorated. Accordingly, larger vibrotails will have their own range. It is necessary to select the weight for each type of vibrotail. This means that for a specific place, with a specific depth and current strength, we will be forced to use a very limited set of baits. While jig heads will allow you to expand this range.

Casting sinkers in a cement mold

If it is necessary to produce a large number of lead products, then a reusable product is needed as a casting mold. Cement molds have excellent characteristics, which allow you to cast fishing sinkers of any configuration. Making such a device will take some time, so this option is not suitable for urgent production of a sinker. To create the mold you will need: • cement grade M400 or M500; • metal tape 30-40 mm wide; • workpiece; • container for solution; • metal spoke; • scotch; • electric drill and set of twist drills. The process of making the mold: 1. A circle is made from a metal strip, the diameter slightly exceeding the length of the workpiece; 2. To prevent the ribbon from “unraveling,” the circle is secured with tape; 3. The resulting ring is tightly closed with tape on one side; 4. In two places exactly in the middle of the ring, opposite each other, 2 holes with a diameter of 4-5 mm are drilled to install the knitting needle; 5. A knitting needle is inserted into one hole from the outside, a workpiece is put on it, then the knitting needle is threaded into the opposite hole; 6. Cement in the amount of 200 g is poured into the solution container, water is added and a solution of creamy consistency is made; 7. The solution is poured into a container made of metal tape, exactly halfway. Then you need to wait 24 hours for the solution to harden; 8. A thin layer of motor oil is applied to the hardened cement surface. For proper distribution of the lubricant, wait 30 minutes; 9. The cement mortar is mixed again and poured until the mold is completely filled. Let the form harden for 3 days; 10. When the cement mortar is completely dry, the form is carefully disassembled. First, the knitting needle is removed from the frozen solution, then the tape is removed and the tape is unraveled; 11. The resulting concrete puck with the workpiece inside is carefully split in the middle. When the mold is divided into 2 halves, the sinker blank is removed, and a sprue is made to fill the void formed in its place. To do this, the two halves of the mold are again connected so that the original shape of the sinker is formed inside. Exactly in the middle, using a concrete drill, a hole is made to the void inside the form. The drill used is 6 mm in diameter. To facilitate the flow of molten lead into the mold, a small hole is drilled with a larger diameter drill until a funnel is formed. After completing this operation, the mold will be completely ready for repeated casting of sinkers. The process of casting sinkers in a concrete mold is carried out in the following sequence: 1. The concrete mold is placed in sand, which is preheated in a ceramic or metal container. The sprue must remain outside, and sand must be completely prevented from getting into the mold; 2. Lead is melted and poured in a thin stream into the sprue; 3. After the mold and lead have cooled, it must be removed from the sand and carefully disassembled. Thus, you can get professional-quality sinkers for bottom fishing at home.

How to make at home

Each fisherman can independently make “Cheburashkas” of the required weight and shape. To produce sinkers you will need:

• Matchbox;
• metal plate 3-4 mm wide;
• ready-made jig head of the required size;
• machine oil;
• gypsum.

Casting molds

After preparing the necessary equipment, you can begin making the casting mold. This process consists of several stages:

• the eye is removed from the finished sinker, and a metal plate is inserted in its place;
• gypsum is poured into the container, diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio and mixed thoroughly;
• after the solution thickens, fill the matchbox with it;
• the prepared sinker is lubricated with machine oil;
• a lubricated weight with a plate inserted into it is placed on the plaster so that the “Cheburashka” is half immersed in the solution;
• using a drill, make 4 vertical holes in the mortar in the corners of the box;
• grooves are made in the plaster, which will serve as a guide when creating a filling hole.

The form for the weight should dry well. This will take at least a day.

When the workpiece is completely dry, you can begin casting the sinkers. To cast Cheburashkas you will need:

• insert the metal plate into the center of the mold;
• connect the halves;
• melt the lead and pour it through the filling hole;
• remove the load blank from the mold after cooling;
• Using wire cutters, cut off any excess lead resulting from pouring.

Using pliers, a carbine-shaped eyelet is made from wire, which is subsequently inserted into the longitudinal hole of the cast weight. In this way, you can make both the smallest and largest “Cheburashkas”.

Spinning fishing involves frequent breaks of sinkers. Sometimes more than 10 equipment are consumed during one fishing trip, so making “Cheburashkas” yourself is justified, as it saves money. A fishing rod for fishing with baits equipped with a “Cheburashka” must be equipped with a commensurate reel, on the spool of which a braided cord is wound.

Stationary jig heads require a rigid connection between the hook and the load. Such jigs were the very first to appear, and for a long time were considered “classics of the genre.” But even now, with the advent of hinges, stationary jig heads have not disappeared from jig boxes. And that's why. Thanks to the rigid connection, the hook threaded into the body of the silicone bait is almost always positioned with the tip up.

Of course, it is impossible to accurately determine the optimal weight of a jig head before the start of fishing, however, based on the expected fishing conditions, it is possible to correctly predict the range of weights that, at least, will not bring a fiasco. And also, it will allow you not to carry around mountains of excess lead or tungsten. However, each type of reservoir has its own selection rules. Let's look at them in more detail.

Choosing a jig head on the river

On the river, in addition to the depth, the required casting distance, the type of bait used and, of course, gear, one should also take into account the strength of the current. Despite the fact that the river is the most difficult option, let's start with it.

It is known that the main task of a jig head is to provide the required fishing horizon for the bait. And also - allow the bait to hover above the bottom for some time.

It is believed that for a standard step-by-step retrieve, the time the bait falls should be on average 2-3 seconds. In most cases, this will be the optimal weight of the jig.

Of course, the weight is selected experimentally, but for most small and medium-sized lowland rivers with depths from 2 to 5 meters, the required weights range from 8 to 16 grams.

Forms

Jig heads come in very different shapes. The main ones are a round one, a boot (or heel), in the shape of a fish head, with flattened edges in the shape of an olive, etc.

The round jig head in the shape of a ball was the very first to appear and is rightly called “classic”. Thanks to its rigid connection, the hook that is threaded into the bait is always positioned with its point up. It is this arrangement that is considered effective and successful for hooking predatory fish.

The disadvantages of the round shape are poor flight performance when casting due to high drag. It was replaced by all sorts of variations of flattened shapes: bullets, olives, boots, etc. These jig heads can already be thrown by the spinner much further with the same weight.

Jig heads that imitate the head of a fish are quite popular. Their shape is different. Here you can already find eyes, various designs of gills and scales. And, importantly, all this is in different colors.

Of course, the shape of the jig head can affect the performance of the bait as a whole. And here the fisherman selects all the nuances, based on the fishing conditions in a given area of ​​the reservoir.

The weight of the jig head is selected for fishing conditions, among which the most significant are the depth and current in the area of ​​the reservoir. If the depth at the fishing spot is up to 2 m, and there is no current, then you can fish with 2-3 g weights. As the depth and strength of the current increases, the weight of the load also increases. Let’s say that to conduct a normal jig along the bottom, where the depth is 5-6 meters and the current is 2-3 m/s, you need a jig weight of 30 grams, or maybe 40-45 grams. In places with a depth of 3-4 m and a current of 1.5-2 m, the weight can be 12-15 g.

You also need to consider that the weight of the jig head must fit into the test parameters of your rod. You also need to take into account the preferences of the fish you are targeting. If it is a pike, then the bait should slowly sink into the water column. Pike perch already loves and prefers to peck during short pauses. Therefore, the weight of the jig head should be heavier than when fishing for pike in the same place. When fishing for perch, microjig is often used. At shallow depths the weight reaches 5 g.

Sinker - any shape will do, but “Drop” would be better;

How to make at home

Each fisherman can independently make “Cheburashkas” of the required weight and shape. To produce sinkers you will need:

• Matchbox;
• metal plate 3-4 mm wide;
• ready-made jig head of the required size;
• machine oil;
• gypsum.

Casting molds

After preparing the necessary equipment, you can begin making the casting mold. This process consists of several stages:

• the eye is removed from the finished sinker, and a metal plate is inserted in its place;
• gypsum is poured into the container, diluted with water in a 1:1 ratio and mixed thoroughly;
• after the solution thickens, fill the matchbox with it;
• the prepared sinker is lubricated with machine oil;
• a lubricated weight with a plate inserted into it is placed on the plaster so that the “Cheburashka” is half immersed in the solution;
• using a drill, make 4 vertical holes in the mortar in the corners of the box;
• grooves are made in the plaster, which will serve as a guide when creating a filling hole.

The second half of the mold is made using the same principle. After the first half has dried, you need to lubricate it with oil and carefully apply it to the second. The resulting form is left to dry completely. After the mold has dried, use a knife to cut a hole for pouring lead and make side air vents.

When the workpiece is completely dry, you can begin casting the sinkers. To cast Cheburashkas you will need:

• insert the metal plate into the center of the mold;
• connect the halves;
• melt the lead and pour it through the filling hole;
• remove the load blank from the mold after cooling;
• Using wire cutters, cut off any excess lead resulting from pouring.

Using pliers, a carbine-shaped eyelet is made from wire, which is subsequently inserted into the longitudinal hole of the cast weight. In this way, you can make both the smallest and largest “Cheburashkas”.

Spinning fishing involves frequent breaks of sinkers. Sometimes more than 10 equipment are consumed during one fishing trip, so making “Cheburashkas” yourself is justified, as it saves money. A fishing rod for fishing with baits equipped with a “Cheburashka” must be equipped with a commensurate reel, on the spool of which a braided cord is wound.

Jig head or collapsible Cheburashka, we make a choice!

Fishing with silicone baits, at this stage of development of amateur fishing, is rapidly gaining popularity and gaining more and more fans. If, just a few years ago, literally everyone was running around looking for twitching wobblers and corresponding gear, now the same thing is happening, but in relation to jig fishing!

A crazy selection of baits from different manufacturers, hundreds of handicraftsmen making replicas - there is plenty to choose from, in a word. But having bought a silicone bait, we need to equip it, and here the questions begin... What is the best way to present the bait to a predator, on rigid rigs or with spaced rigs.

Let's focus on the classic equipment and try to figure out what is better, a jig head or mounting on a collapsible Cheburashka with an offset hook...

First of all, we need to understand where we are going to fish and then build on that and make a choice. Don't forget the main thing - jig fishing is constant contact of the bait with the bottom. If you fish in clear reaches, in sandy areas of a reservoir, or simply on a silty bottom, then I would give preference to a classic jig head. If we have a “strong” place in front of us, a flooded snag, sharp slopes and edges with garbage or logs, a small forest river where beavers have worked hard, then installation with a Cheburashka will definitely be preferable.

A collapsible Cheburashka (there are all sorts of shapes, but the classic one is a ball) with an offset hook allows us to reduce the number of hooks, since the hook is pressed closely to the bait, and in some cases the hook tip is even hidden in the body itself. This slightly affects the implementation of bites for the worse, but when fishing in “strong” places it’s worth it, since few people like to constantly hook the equipment, constantly tear it off and re-tie it! Even with this installation, due to the articulated joint, the silicone bait acquires additional play and its behavior in the water becomes more realistic.

A regular jig head gives us a better chance of effectively hooking and successfully landing fish - this is its main advantage, which can easily outweigh all the disadvantages. You can also note the fact that large and voluminous silicone baits (from 4-5 inches) will work much more stably on jig heads, and not on a hinge, since a stable center of gravity appears.

The choice is yours on how best to equip your bait. For example, lately I have been using 90-95% dismountable Cheburashka, but, unfortunately, I have very few clean places for fishing)))

PART 2.

After reposting on social media. networks, several familiar fishermen with extensive experience in jig fishing spoke on this topic and they wrote very useful and correct things that I forgot to mention, which is why I decided to write a continuation of the note!

So, in addition to what was previously listed, there are several more undeniable advantages of mounting on a collapsible Cheburashka over a regular jig head:

1. Instead of a classic offset hook, when fishing in clean (with a low probability of hooking) places, the bait can be equipped with a regular double hook. With this installation, the effectiveness of hooking immediately increases sharply, which with offset is slightly lower than on a jig head. That is, this problem was solved in favor of the Cheburashka, definitely! 2. As it turned out during the discussions, the fish is still less likely to have a chance to break away from the hinged mounting, since during fishing it does not have an additional lever in the form of the jig head itself. 3. The bait on a hinged mount flies definitely further than on a jig. Accordingly, its windage is slightly less, since it turns out that it hides behind the Cheburashka in flight. In the next paragraph, so to speak incidentally, I will describe another equipment option on the Cheburashka, which is designed specifically for an even greater casting range!

There are situations when, when fishing on shore, the fish stands at a great distance from the shore. Be it a hole located far away, or one of the riverbed edges. The standard bait just barely reaches the fishing point or reaches the fishing point, but every other time. And all contacts with the predator occur exclusively during the release. What to do?

There is one way to slightly, by a few meters, increase the flight range of a jig bait, without increasing the weight of the bait itself. This is done as follows - the equipment is assembled on a regular Cheburashka, but using two winding rings. Thanks to this, the bait folds in the air and, as it were, hides behind the jig, which improves its aerodynamic characteristics and it flies further.

This installation also has a “side” effect, due to the increase in joint articulation, in water it is more mobile and tempting for fish.

Types of jig heads

Weight

Standard weights of jig heads are from 1 to 50 g. Based on weight, there are five classes of jig heads :

• jig heads for nanojig - weighing up to 3 g;
• microjigging heads - 3-7 g;
• light jig heads - 7-21 g;
• medium - 21-42 g;
• heavy jig heads - weighing more than 42 g;

Weight is usually indicated on the load itself. But with some experience, you can easily distinguish jig heads by weight by eye if the weight markings are not marked on them or have been erased.

Material

According to the material, jig heads are:

• lead;
• tungsten

Lead jig heads are the most popular. This material has sufficient mass, yet it is affordable (which makes the heads made from it very inexpensive) and easy to process (which makes it easy to make lead jig heads at home).

The main advantage of tungsten is its high specific gravity (this metal is almost twice as heavy as lead).

And although for the production of jig heads it is not pure tungsten that is used, but its alloys, which weigh less, such heads are still much more compact than lead weight heads of similar weight.

This allows you to cast as far as possible; in addition, the compact jig head sinks faster, which is important when fishing at great depths and in strong currents.

Tungsten weights are also indispensable when you need to use a small bait on a heavy jig head : if you use a lead one in such a situation, it will be too large and can simply scare away the fish.

Form

The shape of the jig load directly affects the performance of the bait and the comfort of fishing in certain conditions. On sale you can find jig heads of such shapes as:

• ball;
• boot;
• spoon;
• banana;
• rugby;
• ski;
• fish head.

Ball jig heads are the most popular among spinning anglers. This is the most universal form; heads of this type can be successfully used on any body of water and in almost any conditions.

At great depths and in strong currents, jig heads of streamlined shapes, which experience less water resistance when immersed, are most suitable.

It is also necessary to mention the planning jig head . The weight of such a head is welded from three planes, each of which is usually made in the shape of a “half-heart”. This jig head has a number of undeniable advantages compared to other types of cargo. When retrieving, it instantly lifts off the bottom at the first turn of the reel handle and floats, avoiding obstacles, which is very convenient when fishing on a cluttered bottom.

When casting, the gliding jig head plans in the air, due to which the casting range is significantly increased .

Unhooked

In jig fishing, it often becomes necessary to comb through thick snags, grass thickets and other strong places with bait - after all, this is where predatory fish almost always stand. In this case, it is necessary to use hook-on jig heads.

There are two types of non-snagging jig heads:

• jig heads with wire antennae;
• jig heads based on offset hooks.

In addition, when fishing with an eared sinker on foam rubber, rigs based on double hooks with hooks pressed to the body of the foam rubber fish are used.

It should also be noted that when fishing with some types of jig heads (such as boot, horseshoe, spoon, rugby), hooks occur less frequently , since the hook on a stepped retrieve is positioned vertically when the bait falls.

Floating jig head

Separately, it is worth mentioning the floating jig head, which is used for fishing with silicone baits in the surface layer of water . In this way, you can very successfully catch pike “over the grass,” as well as hunt for perch and asp during their fight.

By the way, if you are interested in catching fish such as catfish, chub, asp, crucian carp and bream using the jig method, then read the details in our article.

Ready-made floating jig heads that can be found on sale are made of various lightweight materials; homemade ones are usually made from cork and loaded with lead.

Classification by fishing method

Sinkers for bottom tackle

For lovers of bottom fishing, you will need heavy sinkers in the shape of an olive, spoon or pyramid. The first type can be purchased at a fishing store, while others can be cast yourself from molten lead. It is advisable to prepare the form in advance. When choosing the weight and configuration of the sinker, you should take into account the strength of the current in the reservoir where fishing is carried out. In addition, the selected bait also affects the mass of this element. For example, the hunt is on, and a frog is used as bait. Consequently, the mass of the bait should not exceed the weight of the sinker, otherwise the tackle will constantly be pulled together. In this case, the configuration of this fishing element plays a decisive role. The heavy weight of the sinker and its flat shape are able to be reliably held on the bottom surface even in strong currents. As for the angular models, on the contrary, they roll along the bottom with ease. Depending on the method of connecting sinkers for bottom tackle with fishing line, they are divided into:

• Blind sinkers, fixed at the end of the main one after leashes with hooks.
• Sliding sinkers are considered the most effective option, since they are located on the main fishing line and are separated from the leash with the hook by a powerful swivel. Even if it has a very thick fishing line, then in this case not a single bite will go unnoticed. Sliding sinkers can be equipped with either a through hole along the entire plane, or have a winding ring through which the fishing line is passed.

Despite all the variety of sinkers, feeder sinkers are becoming very popular. These models are available in various shapes, colors and weights.

Sinker for spinning fishing

For this gear, the load is an optional element. By the way, it is used when the weight is insignificant. The main requirement for sinkers is imbalance. Spinning fishing involves the use of eccentric loading elements, where the center of gravity is shifted to prevent tangling with the fishing line. Such weights are fastened to the main line using carabiners with swivels. This form with a weight of 10-30 g is capable of providing protection against spinning by a spinner bait. To attach the sinker, you can use the following methods:

• Place it next to the bait, which makes the casting process more convenient. Only in this case can a sinker significantly worsen the performance of the bait itself. And one more negative point: when passing near the surface of the bottom, the bait can cling to its unevenness.
• Fix the weight in front at a distance of 50-70 cm. This fastening option makes casting much more difficult. Sometimes it also happens that the bait gets caught behind the sinker. But when rewinding there is an excellent game.

The following are used as sinkers for spinning fishing:

• jig head;
• sinker for soft installation with wire ears;
• Bullet-shaped model for rigging non-hinged hooks.

Sinkers for float fishing rod

The elements used are mainly small in size and relatively light in weight, making them quite compact. As an exception, fishing rods designed for catching predatory fish with live bait are equipped with sinkers. In this case, use serious floats and appropriate weights. For standard use:

• One fixed sinker - sheet lead, clamping pellet.
• One sliding sinker in the shape of an olive or a shot with a through hole.
• A set of pellets (sinkers) distributed along the main line. Often this kind of garland is used on the current in the wiring.

Collapsible Cheburashka weights of different weights Reviews

Date: April 30, 2021 | 435

Modern jig fishing is unthinkable without collapsible eared sinkers “Cheburashkas” . And, literally, a few years ago - they were not yet in wide circulation, they only appeared in the arsenals of sports fishermen. But now, amateurs have appreciated the greatness of this invention! We will appreciate it too. We will give reviews on such weights in different weights and talk about their purpose.

A lead ball with a slot into which a loop of stainless wire is inserted - everything is outrageously simple. A single hook, offset hook or double hook is preliminarily attached to the wire squiggle. We insert the wire into the groove of the weight and hook it, tying the resulting installation to the spinning tackle. A silicone bait, edible, is attached to the hook. The Cheburashka weight works like an eccentric, because The groove is slightly offset to one side, this ensures that the bait will not spin. But, at the same time, the hinged coupling of the weight loop and the hook provides wide freedom of movement of the bait, making its game more lively and attractive to the fish than on a simple jig head.

Previously, before the advent of collapsible eared sinkers, it was necessary to attach the hook to the weight through winding rings. Inserting an additional link into the gear was unnecessary and inconvenient. Sometimes they unbent the rings of the hooks and put them on the eye of the weight, then clamped them. Now all this “hemorrhoids” is in the past.

What’s also pleasing is that we managed to create collapsible eared ears, both very weighty and extremely small. The gradation usually starts from 1g. All weights have weight indications on the surface, which is very convenient. Stainless spring wire is used. It does not corrode. It holds tightly in the slot, but with a little effort it can be removed without special tools. You can disassemble the weight, set another hook and immediately continue fishing. This high-speed change of hooks and lures, in collapsible weights, is especially appreciated by athletes.

Cheburashka weighing 1.5 grams

In such delicate fishing as micro-jig, not only grams, but also half-grams play a role. So, this weight has a weight of 1.5g. And such half-weights are extremely in demand for the most delicate micro-jig fishing.

Collapsible eared weight 2 grams

A collapsible eared sinker, or, as it is also called a collapsible “Cheburashka”, weighing 2g is one of the most popular sinkers and weights in sports and amateur micro-jig fishing. This is why fishermen buy two-gram Cheburashkas, literally in kilograms.

This is a very convenient sinker. He pulled out the wire curl, put on the hook with the silicone bait, and put the sinker back together in one movement. Then, we tie the weight to the fishing line directly, or hook it through a clasp. Everything is simple, fast.

The sinker is numbered. The wire used is high-quality, stainless steel with springy properties. The weights are easy to assemble and disassemble simply by hand, but they do not open spontaneously.

Weight weighing 2.5 grams

The 2.5g weight is very popular among micro jiggers. Yes, in such delicate fishing, fractions of a gram matter. So, 2.5g is sometimes used when the weight of 2g seems insufficient for quality control of the bait, and when 3g falls to the bottom too quickly. Or, half a gram more is used when a 2g Cheburashka weight does not reach the target, for example, in the wind.

Cheburashki weighing 3 grams

Collapsible eared sinkers, light-weight Cheburashkas, weighing 3g, are in great demand. When forming microjig rigs, it is this weight -3 grams that is used almost more often than others. In still water, such weights are used to catch fish at depths of 2.5-4m. If there is a current, they fish at shallower depths: 1-2 m, in weak currents - up to 2.5-3 m.

The sinker is of very high quality. The collapsible weight is a lead ball with a slot. The weight is marked and the weight is indicated. The wire bracket is made of stainless steel. This ensures that the wire does not rust or get stuck in the groove. In addition, the wire has a springy effect. Thanks to this, it is fixed securely in the weight and will not pop out spontaneously.

Collapsible weights weighing 5g

A collapsible Cheburashka weighing 5g is the borderline value between a micro-jig and a classic jig. Light baits equipped with such eared weights are extremely popular among fishermen. They are indispensable when fishing at shallow and medium depths with small and not very silicone baits.

Cheburashkas collapsible 10 grams

A Cheburashka weight weighing 10g is intended for medium jig, for fishing at medium depths. This is a very popular weight, extremely popular among anglers.

Weights for spinning 14 grams

Previously, to create jig rigs, hinged, movable rigs, eared sinkers with ears molded in tightly were used. The hook was attached to them through a winding ring, or by unbending the ring of the hook (when this was at all possible), followed by attaching the hook to the eye and clamping the ring back. But all these difficulties are behind us. Collapsible eared Cheburashka sinkers with a shifted center of gravity appeared.

Shifted center of gravity, ensured by shifting the groove for the wire trap away from the center of the lead ball.

The weight is made of lead. There is a groove for wire. The weight is marked and the weight is indicated. The wire used is stainless and springy. Such a weight is reliable and does not fall apart spontaneously. Well, the wire does not corrode or sour in the groove.

An eared sinker weighing 14 grams is used in a medium jig for fishing in very deep places.

Cheburashka for heavy jig 30 grams

A 30g Cheburashka sinker is designed for heavy jigs. With such weights they are caught in solid river holes with a current; as a rule, pike perch are caught there. Pike perch responds well to moving rigs when a narrow-bodied vibrotail or other silicone bait is attached to the hooks.

The weight is made very well. There is a clear weight imprint on the lead surface. The wire bracket is made of stainless wire of significant diameter. She won’t let you down, she won’t jump out on her own. Well, it won’t rust over time. Although, when fishing in treacherous deep snags, the life of the jig is short-lived, immediately purchase a large supply.

Conclusions and reviews

As is clear from the text, for practicing fishermen, such weights are not just a newfangled gadget, but a real technological breakthrough in the formation of microjigs, jigs and other rigs. So the reviews are purely positive. The quality of different craftsmen may, of course, vary, but all this only affects the durability and ease of assembly and disassembly. Just try to buy from different stores to choose the best one. If you don’t see such weights for sale in real retail outlets, then there is no problem ordering such products via the Internet.

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Categories: Tackle · Tags: Sinker, Jig, Microjig, Installation, Tackle, Cheburashki