Oscillators is a traditional, proven tool for catching predatory fish. Now there are many modern analogue lures made of rubber or plastic, but oscillating metal spoons remain one of the best options.
Considering the huge variety of these baits on the fishing market, it is not easy to choose the right spoon. You need to know well the features of the terrain and the reservoir, take into account weather conditions and the time of year, navigate modern types and brands of spinners and be able to use them correctly.
The vibrators are a metal body with a hook on one edge and a winding ring for fastening on the other. To prevent the fishing line from getting tangled or twisted, special swivels are used for oscillating spinners.
They can be made from alloys of different metals (copper, lead, steel), and therefore have different colors and shine. In addition, they come in different shapes - from wide and flattened to narrow and elongated. The choice of color and shape depends on the characteristics of the reservoir where fishing is planned.
Depending on the type of fishing, the following types of oscillating spoons are distinguished:
- casting spoons (casting);
- topwater spoons (surface fishing);
- trolling spoons (towing);
Advantages of oscillating spinners:
- Flight properties.
- Possibility to fish at depth and on the surface of the water.
- Can be used for different types of predator fishing.
- Some oscillators can easily penetrate hard-to-reach areas (algae, underwater snags, etc.).
- Possibility of using different types of wiring.
Advantages when fishing for pike:
- A traditional method that has been proven for years and works better than all other baits.
- A huge selection of varieties , which allows you to choose a bait suitable for a particular reservoir.
- Easy to use bait.
- Possibility of making oscillating spinners with your own hands.
Choosing a spinner for pike
Pike are found in the coastal zones of almost all bodies of water. They prefer to be in small holes or among old snags. But in reservoirs containing silt, they can be found extremely rarely, as they love oxygen. All these factors should be taken into account when choosing lures for pike.
Oscillating spoons can have different colors - from natural and dull to bright acidic. The choice of color depends on the main characteristics of the reservoir. The only way to know for sure is through testing.
In addition, there are a number of basic recommendations for choosing suitable baits:
- In cloudy weather it is better to use baits of bright colors, and in sunny weather - dark and dull ones. Contrast plays an important role in attracting predatory fish. The bait should be noticeable.
- Shiny lures are quite effective . But when using them you need to be very careful, as polished spoons can spook the pike. Black spoons are recommended for use in clear water - they are visible to predators and at the same time have a non-aggressive color.
- There is an opinion that for pike it is better to choose baits of white and red colors, but practice shows that, first of all, when choosing a color, you should pay attention to the weather and the characteristics of the reservoir.
- Large spoons are suitable for predators Small spoons will not be effective. The ideal length is 12-15 cm. In terms of shape, wide and flattened ones are considered the best. Curved baits move very sharply in the water and scare away pike.
- For spring fishing, medium-sized spoons are used, and for autumn fishing, large ones. This is due to the fact that in the fall, predators store fat for the winter and consume more food.
- To catch fish at depth, use heavy spoons that are easily submerged in the water. For surface fishing, lightweight ones are the best option. Their weight depends on the alloy of metals from which they are made.
These recommendations were compiled based on the experience of experienced fishermen and the basic principles of catching predators. But you shouldn’t blindly trust them, since the most suitable baits can be chosen only on the basis of your own practical experience.
What is an oscillator?
An oscillating spoon is a metal profile, curved in a special way, which, when pulled through the water, moves along a certain trajectory, tempting a predator to attack. There is a huge variety of oscillators. They differ in shape, size, weight. There are highly specialized models developed for specific conditions, and there are universal ones suitable for many promising locations.
The oscillating model of the spoon is designed to imitate small fish, which is the main food for predatory underwater inhabitants. In the hands of an experienced spinning angler, the bait can imitate a wounded, running away or disoriented fry. Proper placement of the spinner allows you to seduce fish in the most difficult conditions, regardless of its mood and activity.
Photo 1. The spoon imitates a fry.
TOP 10 best
Blue Fox Esox
They have a bright color and a wide flattened shape, as needed for catching pike. High-quality, expensive coating also plays an important role in the effectiveness of these spinners.
Mepps Syclops
High quality baits that predators cannot bite through. According to fishermen's reviews, these lures occupy a leading position. Their effectiveness is also due to the fact that they move smoothly, leisurely in the water, as needed for catching pike.
DAM EFFZETT TWIN
Consist of 2 connected vibrators with additional hooks. This design ensures strength and reliability. When interacting with water, they emit an unusual sound that attracts pike.
ACME Kastmaster
They have a wide and flattened shape, are very durable and reliable. They create special smooth movements in the water that pike like.
Kuusamo Rasanen
They have become popular due to their ability to penetrate hard-to-reach places , pass through algae and snags without clinging to them. In the water they make smooth, leisurely maneuvers, which pike really like.
Kuusamo Professor
An excellent option for deep fishing. They are heavy and large, this allows them to dive to great depths and catch large pike. In addition, they are considered to be proven over the years and many experienced fishermen recommend them.
Williams Vabler
These light and shiny lures are an excellent option for surface fishing. Despite the fact that they appeared on the fish market relatively recently, many appreciated their advantages based on their practical application.
Rublex Orkla
Light spoons are used mainly when fishing for pike from the shore. They were developed for fishing in Scandinavian countries, but in domestic reservoirs they also perform their main function well.
Acme little cleo
Suitable for catching small predators. Creates smooth movements in water. Brand tested by American fishermen. The only negative is that the hooks have to be changed often.
Abu Garsia Tobi
Designed for catching medium and small pike. Record holder among elongated pike lures. They are not suitable for large prey, as they break due to their shape and parameters.
Do-it-yourself oscillator
You can make your own oscillating baits.
From a spoon
- Break off the handle of an aluminum teaspoon.
- the surface of the spoon with a file.
- at the wide edge .
- Attach the rings with a tee and a carabiner.
Second way
More complex, which will take a lot of time, but will allow you to create a bait similar to store-bought ones.
You will need:
- plastic container with water;
- gypsum;
- templates;
- candle;
- scissors;
- file;
- manicure file;
- a metal plate with drilled holes;
Instructions:
- The template for the future spinner is buried in paraffin from a candle. When the mass dries, its shape is modeled using a manicure file.
- Gypsum is diluted in a container with water. Having reached a consistency reminiscent of thick sour cream, you need to place the paraffin model in the mold and wait for the plaster to harden.
- Carefully remove the paraffin and punch a hole in the mold. Using a soldering iron, place a metal plate on the bottom of the mold.
- Melt the tin and place the alloy in the mold. When everything has hardened, the resulting bait must be carefully polished with a file. At the end, the main holes are made, everything is processed again with a file.
- At the last stage, the design of the spinner is created. The paint is selected taking into account the time of year, weather and body of water. Bright colors are most often chosen for pike lures.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R32ULq1wE8k
Daiwa Chinook
When talking about the best lures for pike, we cannot ignore the Daiwa chinook. The Albino Tiger color is especially effective for pike. The spinner flies very far. It is good to use it in the current, because the spoon is made of a fairly thick sheet of metal. It is also worth noting that this bait also works great on asp. The range of sizes and colors is impressive in its diversity.
Thanks to its excellent balancing, the spinner works equally well at any fishing speed. The number of overlaps and twists is minimal. As a rule, the pike grabs the Daiwa Chinook as soon as it sinks to the bottom.
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Fishing technique
Fishing gear. Many fishermen prefer baits with multiple hooks. This ensures the reliability and strength of the spoon and significantly reduces the risk of the pike falling off.
Spoon fishing technique. A fishing rod or spinning rod is thrown into the water and then the depth of immersion is set by rotating the reel. For pike fishing, it is recommended to use multiplier spinning reels.
Retrieving should be slow and smooth with “gentle” touches of the day and leisurely dragging. The fish reacts very well to such movements; it thinks that prey is swimming in front of it. Sharp and strong jerks only scare away the predator and therefore do not have any positive consequences.
Blitz tips
- When choosing a spoon , you need to know the characteristics of the reservoir. In clear water, black or silver vibrators are used, in cloudy water, bright and acidic ones are used.
- You should not give preference to spoons that are too shiny, as they only scare away the fish.
- For pike fishing , large-sized bait is considered the ideal option.
- The oscillator should be wide and flattened. Under no circumstances should curved lures be used when fishing for pike.
- When choosing bait in a store , you should pay attention to its brand. Well-known manufacturers have earned the respect of many fishermen thanks to their high-quality and reliable products.
- Pike fishing involves smooth and slow movements. The spoon must make leisurely maneuvers in the water that can deceive the predator.
- It is necessary to give preference to quality gear. They are a guarantee of successful fishing and can last for many years.
Pike fishing in November
In autumn, namely November, fishing for this predator may not always please the angler with a delightful catch, but this does not make it uninteresting. This is explained by the fact that the fishing process itself is quite exciting: selecting bait, choosing a location, taking into account weather conditions, choosing the most suitable fishing method, observing the predator. This is all really interesting and worth the effort!
Wiring method
There are really a lot of variations in fishing for pike. Many fishermen prefer to use stepped wiring. This is wiring with jerks at depth. When retrieving, the bait sinks to the bottom, and then, by pulling the fishing line, we lift the bait from the bottom. This is not difficult to do; usually 2-3 turns of the coil are enough. In order to prevent snags on the bottom during this wiring, it is preferable to use non-snagging hooks or an offset hook. The offset hook is also actively used for silicone baits.
Smooth, slow retrieve is also common among fishermen. To a greater extent, it is used when fishing with a spinner or spoon. The fishing line gradually tightens without any jerking, thereby attracting a predator.
It is also important to pay attention to the thickness of the fishing line and the integrity of the gear. Very often, fishermen use the so-called braided cord; it has a high breaking load, which makes it possible to use cords with a small cross-section. Braided lines are especially effective when fishing for pike with a spinning rod on the river.
Features of pike fishing in November
The pike bite in November has its own characteristics.
Very often, a pike swallows bait in the following way: it tries to swallow it right away, and then pauses a little and tries to turn it head first and begins to swallow. That is why it is necessary to strike precisely when the predator has completely swallowed the bait. So appropriate patience should be exercised. As noted earlier, in November, pike most often take from the depths, from the bottom. How does a bite feel? It feels like a thump and then a slight tug is felt. At first, it may even seem that the bait just got stuck in snags or got caught on algae. Of course, we should not forget that the pike very actively resists when fishing, so excessive slack should not be given.
It is important to be able to catch a predator in a timely manner and be able to prevent it from hiding in reeds or snags; the fact is that in this case you may not only be left without a catch, but also without your favorite spoon, wobbler, etc.