Catching zander with a jig in winter

Winter fishing differs from summer fishing in many ways: weather conditions, fishing characteristics and the use of certain lures. Finding fish at this time of year is not an easy task, but if you manage to do it, you need to boldly go into battle and catch winter pike perch. The correct rigging of the used jig, as well as the familiar pond, will help you enjoy the tranquility of nature and, possibly, come home with a wonderful trophy.

The specifics of catching zander with a jig in winter

The jig is one of the most common fishing methods. However, in order to catch a walleye, you have to properly equip it. Due to the originality of the fish, gear must be selected based on the following features:

• jig for pike perch in winter should be large, weighing up to 30 g;
• rod should be selected rigid and durable and equipped with a nod;
• tackle should be about 1 m long and at least 3 mm thick;
• coil take inertialess;
• line need a durable 0.2 mm thick.

Note! If the depth is large, then the thickness of the line should be selected with a larger diameter.

Sometimes anglers use telescopic rod, which has strength, elasticity and ease of use.

The tackle should be such as to pierce the hard scales of the fish. During the bite, you need to hook it strongly so that the fish is on the hook.

Worth knowing! In order to break through the jaws of the pike perch, the striking should be done with effort and swing.

Winter zander does not like fast play, so it should run smoothly and carefully, without unnecessary jerking. Slow play will hypnotize the fish and make it attack the bait. The game when catching zander with a jig in winter is carried out as follows:

1. first, the bait must be lowered to the bottom and slack off the fishing line;
2. then raise the jig by 5-10 cm from the bottom of the reservoir and sharply lower it back (pauses should be at least 10 seconds);
3. raise the jig smoothly again, but already by 30 cm;
4. while lifting, do smooth swinging.

This game must be repeated several times during the fishing trip. If there is no bite in the selected area, it is worth changing the place of fishing.

Sonar acquisition will be a guaranteed success for the fisherman in advance, although the cost of this toy will cost the owner a pretty penny. With its help, you can not only determine the presence of fish, but also establish the relief of the reservoir.

One hole for fishing is not suitable, since it is better to fish for this tackle at least ten places, the distance between which should be about 5 meters.

Important! The easiest way to catch a fish at first ice, since it is still actively splashing and moving through the reservoir. It is also worth remembering that the ice is fragile at this time, and the help of a friend will come in handy, especially if the angler goes under the ice.

The middle of winter and severe frosts greatly affect the catch, so it is better to catch zander in the evening hours or at dawn, when the bite is activated.

Features of the rig for catching walleye in winter on a jig

Since the winter jig for zander is considered an artificial bait, its choice of shapes and colors is huge. The material can be varied: from silicone to metal. There are also combined models.

You can buy tackle in a fishing store to save time, but those anglers who prefer not to spend money and who have a lot of free time can always make a jig for zander in winter with their own hands.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38XOY_sdH6E

The advantage of such a bait is that it always fluctuates in the water, while creating the impression of a live bait. In addition, it should be noted that jigs are divided into two groups:

1. for catching with attachment (there is a small or silicone fish);
2. for catching without attachment with one hook.

Based on the main groups, those anglers who use one hook are more likely to equip it with a cambric. To do this, beads are placed on the forend of the hook, and then the cambric itself from pieces of insulation. When equipping, you must be guided by the following selection of the necessary elements:

• weight the bait should depend on the depth of the reservoir and the speed of the current. With a weak flow, lead models are suitable, and with a strong one - from tungsten;
• the average size the bait should be approximately 15 mm;
• shape it is better to choose one that resembles a drop;
• Colour does not matter, however some anglers prefer white or silver color;
• hook you need to choose a sharp and preferably large size.

The zander is found at great depths, which can exceed 10 meters. Therefore, when rigging, it is best to build on such components, which you will not have to regret later. This includes:

• rod with a spinning reel;
• coil must be large in diameter so that there is enough fishing line in it;
• line a strong one is suitable, and unlike braids freezing in the cold and tangled in knots, it is better to choose a monofilament;
• via nod you can play a measured game when catching a predator in order to attract its attention.Connoisseurs advise taking a short nod to create a smooth lure in the water. Since the pike perch swallows the bait poorly, the nod rig will replace this misunderstanding with a good bite. Based on the difference in the models of the nods, the one made from the spring proved to be the best.

How to choose jigs for catching zander in winter

As mentioned earlier, the best zander jigs for winter fishing are those that are large in size. Small or medium sized baits will not work as well as large baits. There is a large selection of jigs, and everything will depend only on the preference and experience of the angler.

The most popular are:

• Uralka... It is considered a classic option. Has one hook up to 15 mm. The silver or yellow color of the jig is ideal for catching zander in winter.
• Devil. It is a reliable bait, although the choice must be made at the point of the hook. The color is standard black or golden.
• Fang "Tricorne"... Designed for fishing in a plumb line. Works well for a bottom predator, especially a worm. Produced with suspended tee. Weighs 10 to 16 grams.
• Bullet. It has a narrow body, and in the head part there is a hole with a cambric, which does not allow chafing the line. The form is designed to attach large baits. Great for medium to deep fishing.

Where and when to catch pike perch with a jig in winter

A predator like pike perch has many places where he likes to rest or hunt. Everything will depend on the reservoir where the toothy feeds, but usually it can be found in such locations, as:

• pits;
• relief hills;
• edges and riverbeds;
• snag;
• snags.

Important! Water conditions affect the habitat of pike-perch: if it is clean and without flow, then there is fish there. The best place would be a reservoir where the water is saturated with oxygen.

In the wilderness this toothy fish prefers to be in depths of the reservoir, and the behavior is so passive that it occasionally triggers hunting. It should be noted that the siteswith running water, especially if the current is weak, will be the most attractive for zander. Also, fish can be found in places with depth differences.

Some anglers may argue that this predator can be spotted due to its favorite habitats. However, one can argue here, because the fish loves to move around the entire reservoir, and you will have to look for fishing spots only by experience.

Pike perch in winter on a jig with a worm most often caught in the pits... But here you need to take into account the preferences of the fish: the greater the depth, the larger the trophy.

In the middle of winter, the toothed predator prefers not to be in places with strong currents. It can be seen more quickly in areas with a shallow current or with its complete absence. It is also advisable to look for it in areas with snags.

Worth knowing! The optimal depth for catching zander is about 10-12 meters. If it is even deeper, then it will be harder to control the jig there. On the spits, it can be found at a depth of 5 meters. But by spring the fish's appetite improves, and it swims closer to the shore.

As bait, anglers also use frozen tulle, since it is better held on the hook, especially if there are no fry.

How to fish with a jig: tactics and technique of catching zander with a jig in winter

The jig is played every 5 seconds. If no bite is observed, the procedure is repeated. There are many variations and fishing tactics that you can use to catch walleye:

• lower the bait to a certain depth and make rhythmic movements up and down with a short pause;

By the way! Striking the bottom with bait can attract a predator better than any game.

• perseverance and attention will be an excellent indicator of fishing;
• the game with the jig should be smooth so that the fish is hypnotized, and then can attack the bait;
• make a certain wiring, namely: after lowering the bait to the bottom, choose a weak point in the line and raise the tackle without sudden movements, and then lower it again for 10 seconds. Then tear off the bait from the bottom and gently raise it by 30 centimeters;
• the right place and time of fishing can serve as the beginning of success in this business. Usually they fish in the evening or at dawn;
• while lowering the jig into the hole, you must not miss the moment it touches the ground. After that, the current pulls the line. If you cannot determine the bottom, you need to use a nod;
• after playing with the bait, release the reel brake, after which the bait will be carried by the current until it touches the bottom. Thus, you can fish different parts of the reservoir;
• if you need to repeat the wiring without changing the hole, you should wind up a few meters of fishing line on the reel and step back ten steps. Then, take your time, return to the hole again and follow the movement of the nod. When he jumps up, the wiring should be repeated.

Typical mistakes when catching zander with a jig in winter

Everyone is prone to make mistakes. Even if he is an amateur or professional fisherman, it is still possible to make some accidental oversight due to the unpredictable behavior of the predator.

There are the following typical mistakes when catching zander with a jig in winter:

1. If the weight of the bait is too light, it can ruin the fishing. Therefore, you need to pick up a heavier bait.
2. A pause made while playing can disrupt the fish's bite, and it will easily free itself. This may cause the line to break.
3. A poorly sharpened hook will not pierce the fish's mouth. The bite will be made, and the fish will hide away and will not come out.
4. When playing, do not rush, otherwise the fish may end up under the edge of the ice and break off the hook.
5. Anyone who uses leashes should be aware that they can become tangled when lifting. You will not be able to untangle the leash further and you will have to re-equip the bait.
6. Thin ice and shallow depth affect the bite: the fish will swallow the bait and carry it away with the current.

At the end of the article, we can say the following. Winter fishing for walleye is fun, and you should consider the smooth action during the game so as not to frighten off the predator. If you follow the rules of the technique for catching zander in winter with a jig and equip the bait without comment, you can achieve good results. Therefore, we wish everyone a great fishing!

Video: fishing for zander with a jig in winter