Fishing for zander: the choice of tackle, bait and fishing spots

Pike perch is a predatory fish known for aggressive behavior and natural caution. It lives in rivers, lakes, and there is also a marine species. Catching pike perch is an interesting activity, but it requires knowledge of the basics of predator behavior, its habitats and seasonality. Part of the knowledge will come with experience, but we will try to prepare you a little on the theoretical part.

Habitats and behavioral patterns

River fish has a long body, a pointed snout, and a high fin on its back. How pike perch will look in a particular reservoir depends on habitat conditions. In most cases, it looks like a pike. But unlike her, in the mouth for capturing prey there are several large fangs, the rest of the teeth are small.

You also need to distinguish this fish from the bersh. Outwardly, it is similar to a predator, but has a smaller size and mass. An adult usually weighs up to 4 kg with a body length of 0.8 m. The largest specimen caught in Russia weighed 11.3 kg with a body length of 107 cm. The difference between a bersh and a pike perch is length. In the latter, it does not exceed 0.5 m.

It is important to know where this fish lives. It is distributed in the following places:

• Lakes and ponds. The predator prefers clean and clear water. If there are no underground sources, most likely it will not be caught.
• In rivers, he prefers to stay closer to the fairway, likes to set up ambushes in pits. River pike perch can stay in one territory for a long time. But if the ecology of the reservoir is disturbed, it will go to places with clean water.

The reaction to the slightest changes in the ecosystem affects the ability to breed fish. The largest zander was caught in the upper reaches of the Volga, in remote places. The absence of external irritating factors allowed this specimen to reach a record size.

How to catch walleye depending on the season:

• Spring. The only time you can catch a good specimen is before spawning. Water should warm up to + 13 + 15 ° С. Zhor usually starts in late March, early April and lasts about 2-3 weeks.
• Summer. Fishing for zander in the summer is difficult, as it can go far from the shore. Fishing from a boat is recommended for larger water bodies. In order for zander fishing to be effective in the summer, you need to choose the right tackle and bait.
• Autumn. Jig fishing is recommended . Places where pike perch is found during this period are pits, whirlpools, channel edges of rivers.

In winter, live bait is used as bait. A good biting is observed at the beginning and end of winter, during an increase in air temperature. Pike perch are caught very actively at night. It is necessary to accurately determine its location.

Lures and baits

Often, common pike perch bites well on natural baits. They are relevant for summer and autumn fishing. At this time, the fish behaves cautiously, can retreat at the slightest sign of danger. Artificial baits can be used in early spring or winter.

Pike perch bite on such a bait:

• Vegetable. These include pea porridge, beans, corn. You can pre-treat with a special compound to attract a predator. It is important not to overdo it with additives - too strong a smell can scare away the fish.
• Animals. Knowing what zander eats affects the choice of live bait. You need to choose a fish that lives in the same reservoir. The maximum size of the live bait is up to 12 cm. The live bait must be active in order to attract a predator with its movements.
• Artificial. When fishing for pike perch, preference is given to vibrotails, jig heads, spinners and balancers. The colors should not be bright, the fish prefer the natural color of the bait.

What to catch in each case is determined by the place. It is recommended to choose several types of baits in order to stop at the best option according to the bite.

Features of different fishing techniques

Most often, zander can be caught on spinning or jig. For fishing from the shore you need to make long casts. The depth of the reservoir and the degree of transparency of the water are preliminarily determined. Also pay attention to the bottom topography. For bait fishing places, you can use porridge, but in small quantities.

What fishing technique will be chosen for a particular case - the fisherman decides. For best results, it is recommended to read the tips of professional anglers:

• Spin fishing. Jig rods are used for long-distance casting of heavy lures. For coastal fishing, the recommended spinning length is up to 3 m. If fishing from a boat, they take a rod up to 2.5 m. The reel is inertialess, the line diameter is up to 0.3 mm. Lures - twisters, vibrotails, spinnerbaits.
• Bottom tackle. It is important to determine when to catch walleye with this tackle. The best season is summer. At this time, the fish prefers to stay at a depth. Springs, cages, "banjo" are used as feeders. Tackle can be installed on a spinning reel or a wooden "slingshot". The length of the fishing line is up to 150 m. It is not recommended to cast equipment, it is better to use a boat. On the river, the feeder is installed closer to the middle of the current, in closed reservoirs - in places with pits and drops in the bottom topography.
• Trolling. This method of catching is less efficient than those described above. But experienced anglers, using this technique on certain water bodies, achieve good results. Rod length no more than 2.4 m, fast action, test from 100 or more.
• Winter fishing. The best time is after the first ice has formed. The fish shows maximum activity and bites well even on artificial bait. But it is preferable to use live bait.

The choice of gear depends on the characteristics of the reservoir and the season. Experienced anglers prefer to prepare several types of baits and equipment. This will allow you to choose the best equipment directly on the spot.