Pike: description and behavioral characteristics of the fish
Predatory prey is popular among fishermen.
Pike is no exception. Pike is a cunning fish. That is why catching it is a very exciting process. The predator is very aggressive, so she was given the nickname water wolf. The habitats of the prey are varied, for example, Siberia, Kamchatka, Crimea, and the Caucasus.
This type of predator has a distinctive structure:
- Elongated body.
- Small scales covered with mucus (with its help the predator can increase its movement speed).
- Flattened head.
- Well developed lower jaw.
- A retracted fin on the back that is positioned towards the tail.
The predator is divided into the following species, taking into account the weight range:
- Small (weight up to 2 kilograms).
- Medium (weight from 2 to 4 kilograms).
- Moderate (weight from 4 to 6 kilograms).
- Large (weighing at least 6 kilograms).
Moreover, the mass of the female is much greater than the mass of the male.
Pike fishing occurs all year round, regardless of the time of year. That is why many methods and equipment have been developed:
- Bottom tackle.
- Spinning.
- A fishing rod equipped with sliding type floats.
- Float rod.
These types of gear will help you catch a predator regardless of the season.
The gear used to catch pike has 2 varieties:
- Catch using artificial bait.
- Catch using live bait.
Most often, artificial baits are used in the winter season for ice fishing:
- Silicone product.
- Vertical spinner.
- Balancer.
In the spring season, the following baits are used:
- Vibrotail.
- Spoon.
- Pinwheel.
- Soft fish.
- Oscillator.
Features of catching predatory fish:
- The most optimal catch in the spring season occurs before the start of spawning and after its end. The interval between these events is 15 days.
- Fishing using spinning takes place throughout the spring, both from the coastal surface and using a boat.
- The most optimal live bait is to use roach, perch, and gudgeon.
Pike habitats
Pike fishing by trolling is carried out in a large body of water, for example, a large lake or reservoir. This is because trolling is optimal on open surfaces, as plenty of space increases the likelihood of catching large prey.
The large open space allows fish to gather in schools, which allows you to catch large pike.
The territory of the Russian Federation is endowed with the following areas where you can catch predatory fish:
- Gorky Reservoir.
- Rybinsk Reservoir.
- Ladoga lake.
- Lake Onega.
- Large reservoirs that are located on the territory of Karelia.
In order to catch a pike, you need to find a body of water that meets the following requirements:
- Uncovered terrain.
- Clean bottom.
- The minimum depth is 2 meters.
- The maximum depth of the reservoir is 7 meters.
The optimal depth contributes to the catch of pike, since a deep reservoir is unsuitable for trolling.
Peculiarities of pike biting by season
The time of year plays a big role when catching predatory prey. That is why experienced fishermen choose a certain period that is most favorable for pike hunting.
Features of the autumn period:
- Most often, pike fishing occurs in the autumn season.
- The bait doesn't matter.
- Weather conditions are important (the most favorable time is after it has rained, since the atmospheric pressure is most stable).
Features of the summer period:
- Low level of predator activity, as there is a high temperature regime.
- The most popular are live baits.
- Use safety rules when catching prey. The small sharp teeth of a predator can injure during removal from the tackle.
- Special yawners are able to free the predator from the gear. In this case, the danger for the fisherman is minimal.
Features of the winter period:
- Low catch rate due to low temperatures.
- It is recommended to hunt the predator during the period of the first and last ice.
- The thaw activates the activity of the predator.
- In winter, the predator lives quite deep.
By taking weather conditions into account, you can optimally select the necessary equipment for hunting predators.
What is the trolling method for catching pike?
Today, different techniques are used to catch pike. The trolling method, which is most in demand at present, is gaining popularity.
When choosing a predator catch using trolling, the following points should be taken into account:
- Large surface of the reservoir.
- Using several gears at the same time.
- Use a low noise motor.
- The length of the rod is on average 2 meters.
- Using a medium wobbler with a bright color.
This list will help to achieve optimal qualitative and quantitative catch of the predator.
Equipment needed for pike trolling
An angler planning to master pike trolling needs to acquire the appropriate equipment. First of all, we are talking about a motor boat, although some amateurs do not change traditions, preferring oars. The main requirement for the engine is its ability to ensure quiet, smooth movement across a body of water. Today, gasoline and electric engines with a capacity of 2–250 hp are actively used. strength Electric models are battery-powered, convenient to use, eliminating the need for the owner to fill up with fuel, and in addition, they are less susceptible to overheating.
The boat is selected according to the engine power. For example, 100 l. the power is enough to equip an average boat, the famous cauldron is enough for 30 “horses”, inflatable watercraft with a hard bottom are well suited to a 50 hp unit. strength The technique does not imply high boat speed, allowing you to get by with light equipment.
Compared to other fishing methods, the pike trolling technique involves the maximum load on the gear. Participants will need fishing rods no larger than 2.5 meters in size, created by companies that are among the top manufacturers. Read more about trolling rods here. The main criterion for choosing spinning rods is strength. They are paired with a 0.2 mm braided thread (monofilament line breaks easily) and a 25-30 cm metal leash.
The fisherman also needs to purchase:
- Echo sounder. Without this device, you cannot count on success. It shows the structure of the bottom, edges, depressions, dumps, flooded trees, stones, allowing you to guide the bait to the favorite places of pike ambushes;
- Navigator. With its help, fishermen mark promising directions, returning to catchable points;
- Rod holders in the form of clamps or sockets located on the sides and stern.
Trolling gear
Currently, the optimal gear used for pike fishing is spinning.
Spinning
Spinning is gaining popularity among both beginners and professionals. The fish catch has its own characteristics due to special parameters:
- Used for fishing in shallow waters.
- Choose the most suitable area of the reservoir.
- It is advisable to cast the bait as close to the fish as possible.
- If there are no results within 10 minutes, you should change the place of catch or the type of bait.
The set is most often used when catching predatory fish: pike, perch, chub, ide, asp.
Fishing tackle has basic elements that have certain characteristic features.
Coil
The reel is one of the main components of a spinning rod. The tasks of the coil include the following provisions:
- Preservation of the required length of cord.
- Increased sensitivity during baiting.
- Help when catching heavy prey.
When choosing a reel, you should take into account the method of fishing, the location of the reservoir, and the characteristics of the spinning rod.
The following types of coils are distinguished:
- Inertial.
- Inertialess.
- Multiplier.
Currently, more experienced fishermen use multipliers, while beginners opt for spinning reels. This is due to the power and control method of the gear component.
This component experiences the bulk of the load and can break at any time.
The main provisions of the element are the following points:
- Secure and correct fit (no misalignment).
- The parts are secured with a fishing line made of nylon material. In this case, it is necessary to wrap the thread around the leg of the complete form. The fishing line is fixed and secured with clear varnish.
- Absence of any deformation on the frames. If there are curvatures, the element will not be able to support the maximum mass.
fishing line
Fishing tackle looks like a fiber cord made of artificial or natural material. The purpose of the fishing line is to connect all the components of the spinning rod.
Fishing lines have several varieties:
- One piece.
- Wicker.
The main parameters of fishing line that you should pay attention to when purchasing:
- Plastic.
- Diameter (the line should be as thin as possible).
- Reliability against rupture and impact.
- Sorting by any indicator.
- Stretching.
- Strong knots.
- Friction indicator.
- Ability to deform.
- Resistance to wear (for example, abrasion on knots).
- An inconspicuous fishing line in a pond.
- Age characteristics.
The size of the line depends on the type of fish. In this case, the number of nodes should be reduced to a minimum. It is the knots that affect the strength, since breaks form in their place. Pike is a predatory fish. That is why, when catching it, you should choose a fishing line with a large diameter for reliability.
Wobblers
A wobbler is designed to catch fish while the boat is moving. That is why the main task of the bait is to lure prey with its own game. The catch depends on this.
Fishing technique
If fishing takes place in an unfamiliar body of water, you need to start by surveying the water area. It is necessary to study the depth differences and find promising points :
- eyebrows;
- pits;
- underwater hills - navels;
- snags.
After this, you can immerse the baits in the water, release the fishing line and launch the boat along the chosen route. While moving, it is necessary to control the depth using an echo sounder and promptly change the depth of bait release. Better results can be achieved if they follow the bottom horizon . To lift the rigs from the bottom, you need to wind the line onto the reel, and to lower them, you need to release the cord.
If a bite occurs on one of the rods, you need to stop the boat and make a hook . After this, you should unwind the rest of the gear to avoid tangling the equipment, and start fishing.
Trolling to many , but in fact even a novice fisherman can figure it out. It is not necessary to use expensive boats, gear and equipment for trolling, so it is accessible to everyone . By fishing this way, you can achieve excellent results in the hunt for pike. Therefore, trolling to appreciate its benefits.
Main characteristics of trolling wobblers
When choosing a wobbler, a fisherman should first of all pay attention to the following characteristics of the equipment:
- Immersion depth. The depth angle depends on the season during which the predator is caught. In autumn, the depth angle is much greater, since due to a decrease in temperature, the predator goes to the bottom of the reservoir, where the water is warmer and the temperature is more stable.
- Size. The size of the bait is affected by:
- The depth at which prey is caught. Larger models are visible from a great distance.
- Catch season. For example, during a feeding frenzy, prey prefers large wobblers.
- Color. When choosing a color scheme, you should pay attention to the following parameters:
- Weather conditions (cloudy or clear).
- The state of the water surface (turbid or transparent).
- Level of mining activity.
- Water pressure.
In this case, the prey prefers an acidic or natural wobbler. It is worth remembering that it is best to use several options.
Factors influencing pike trolling technique
It is traditionally believed that fishing produces the largest catch in the fall, when the water cools down and the predator begins to eat (during this period, green baits are preferred to blue and blue wobblers). However, despite the stereotypes, trolling for pike in the summer will be no less effective. At this time, other effective methods are also used, for example, catching pike with a Croatian egg, see more details here.
Regardless of the season, trolling speed for pike is of utmost importance. In the process, the rule applies: the quieter the boat is, the more bites are recorded. Finding fish gives a lot of room for experimentation; anglers who prefer 5 km/h would do well to slow down to 3 km.
Much depends on the reservoir, which determines the nature of the food supply. Large “mothers” chase schools of white fish, eating bream, roach, and bluefish along the edges. By identifying the location where “food” accumulates using an echo sounder, the fisherman increases the chance of a bite. At the same time, when thinking about how to catch pike by trolling, you should take into account the behavioral characteristics of the deep predator. Usually he stands at the bottom behind cover, waiting for the target of attack. The attack follows as soon as the victim comes into view.
Fishing is a special process that requires maximum concentration from the fisherman, taking into account the frantic resistance of the predator. The nuances of the capture are shown in detail in the video:
Source: spinning-club.ru
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Wobbler (English wobbler) is a solid volumetric bait for catching fish by trolling, “track” or spinning. Translated from English wobbler - one who staggers, waddles. When used, the wobbler imitates with its play a wounded or fleeing fish, which attracts a predator.
Source: vidos.cc
Catching pike by trolling in the fall video
The best wobblers for trolling for pike
Today, the most popular baits for catching predatory prey are:
SalmoPerch
The most optimal and universal bait, which has many modifications that differ according to the following criteria:
- Different blade sizes.
- Different lengths.
These parameters are taken into account when choosing the area and type of fish. A wide variety helps you decide on the most suitable option.
For example, the PH12F model, which dives to 2-4 meters, is suitable for catching pike.
JaxonKaras
This bait has a size of 6,8,9,11 centimeters.
For example, size 11 is most optimal. This is due to the fact that large bait causes active vibrations, which attract prey at a depth of 3-4 meters.
RapalaShadRap
This model has the following characteristics that attract many fishermen:
- Reaches a depth of 2–4 meters.
- The shape of the blade has a stepped appearance, which does not depend on the speed of the reins.
Techniques and tactics for catching pike by trolling: tips and tricks
To make fishing enjoyable, you should consider some tips that will help you achieve optimal results:
- When choosing a wobbler, you should choose a large and bright option that will attract the attention of your prey.
- When choosing a fishing location, it is best to swim to the middle of the reservoir. It is at depth that prey gathers in schools, from where decent-sized fish can be caught.
- It is worth remembering that pike are active in the warm season, when the temperature is 14–20 degrees.
Before choosing equipment, you need to decide on the fishing location and the type of bait.
Reading the reservoir when trolling pike on the river
The ideal environment for searching for pike from a boat is large water bodies, lakes, and reservoirs with an average depth of 2-7 meters. Here the predator has rich hunting grounds, and the fisherman can count on a large trophy. It is not recommended to move the bait deeper, since wobblers for trolling for pike are designed for just such a dive. In turn, small specimens are taken from shallow water, whose weight does not exceed 1 kg. Participants diligently avoid terrain with a large number of snags and overgrown areas, avoiding getting caught, which, taking into account the motor stroke, inevitably leads to breakage of the gear.
If a reservoir is being explored for the first time, trolling pike on the river involves the following sequence of actions:
- Fishing a straight area that does not have sharp turns or depth changes. Here, any object or unevenness, such as a hole or a stone, serves as an ambush for the toothy one;
- It would not hurt for novice fishermen to move the bait in shallow water along the grass, where there is always an inhabitant, and the likelihood of a bite increases;
- Pike from a boat is caught parallel to the smooth bend of the river. In such areas, fish concentrate in coastal dumps and fairway holes. To understand how to properly troll for pike, you should determine the boundaries of the edge along which the wobbler is drawn in a zigzag manner, touching the walls and moving down;
- Finding fish on sharp turns. Here the angler is faced with a fast current, deep depressions, and an abundance of snags. Promising is wiring into the water floor when the tackle goes along the border of the fairway. A small number of bites compensate for the size of the predator.