Pike is a predatory fish. It is cunning and dangerous not only for other fish species, but also for its smaller relatives. Pike is found in open fresh water throughout Europe, Siberia, and North America.
Pike fishing is not an easy task not only for beginners, but also for experienced professional fishermen. For all its aggressive qualities, pike is very timid and cautious.
The best time for pike fishing is from late August to early October. In search of prey, pike rushes all over the reservoir.
The most effective silicone baits for pike in open water are silicone fish; they do a good job of attracting predator activity at any water temperature.
Types and sizes of silicone baits for pike
Silicone lures for pike have appeared in our specialized stores relatively recently. Such baits are the most effective for the jigging (moving, dancing) technique of pike fishing and are the most popular in the list of soft baits. On the shelves you can find all sorts of colors, shapes, and sizes of baits. All silicone baits have a hook. Attractants (natural or chemical substances that attract by smell) are added to some silicone baits for pike fishing; it is believed that pike react to such bait faster.
We will consider the types and sizes of silicone baits in more detail below.
Conventionally, artificial baits for pike can be divided into four types:
- vibrotail, in shape resembles a small flat fish with a movable tail, once in the water, the vibrotail begins to actively move, very much resembles a fry, while vibration and noise are created to attract pike;
- twister, one of the types of bait that does not look like a fish. An oblong ribbed body, at the end of which a sickle-shaped tail is attached. The soft silicone body gives a resemblance to larvae with a movable tail, does not scare away the predator, and attracts the attention of the pike with a very soft and smooth movement. There are a great variety of twister colors: red, yellow, green, pearlescent;
- long, imitation worm baits with a thickened head and a small cylindrical thickening in the middle part, a length of 5 centimeters, a weight of 0.4 grams. The nozzle very accurately imitates a worm, has good buoyancy, and at the moment of contact takes a vertical position, thereby creating convenience for swallowing the hook;
- fantasy: frogs, cuttlefish, leeches, worms, bloodworms, maggots. In appearance they are in no way inferior to real creeping ones, fit very well on a hook, and can be used many times.
Color
For successful fishing, it is important to make the right choice (color) of silicone bait for pike.
When choosing the color of the nozzle, there are several factors to consider:
- the depth of the reservoir, the greater the depth, the paler the color of the bait in the water;
- transparency of the water, with clear water it is more appropriate to use a dark silicone nozzle;
- place of fishing;
- the specifics of the reservoir (what is the most abundant fish found), bait that imitates a specific fish.
Experienced fishermen prefer several colors of bait:
- pike reacts most actively to the yellow tint of the main part of the equipment with the presence of red on the back in the early morning;
- in bright sunlight, pike bite on pearlescent iridescent bait;
- on a windy and rainy day, the predator actively approaches the pearl bait with a black back;
- if the predator is inactive, then you should use an iridescent bright color of the bait with a red back;
- at sunset, when the pike lazily goes out to hunt, they lure the predator with baits with yellow tints.
Pike fishing techniques and tactics
Experienced fishermen use silicone baits for pike in deep places. In shallow water up to 3 meters, small baits less than 7 centimeters long are used. The tactic of pike fishing is that skillful fishing is half the success. When retrieving, the silicone bait should have maximum resemblance to a weakened fish; the pike will certainly attack it.
Pike is a hunter and always tracks down its prey from an ambush and the appearance of a moving bait will attract it, which means a catch is guaranteed.
In quiet waters, after casting, it is customary to wait until the load settles to the bottom, move it slightly, sharply lift the rod and point it in the desired direction. As soon as the pike swallows the bait, you need to hook it very quickly; the pike has very powerful teeth and the hook cannot always pierce the bony mouth of the predator.
Fishermen usually divide their fishing methods into:
- uniform retrieving, in which the bait is allowed to calmly sink to the bottom, and then smoothly, slowly, and evenly pulled up, while the sinker should be fixed approximately 50 centimeters below the bait. It happens that the pike is not at the bottom, but swims in the middle layers, then it is necessary to change the weight of the load to a lighter one;
- wavy wiring imitates sick prey, when the fish either rushes chaotically or moves smoothly. For variety, they use the method of uneven rotation of the coil, sometimes quickly, sometimes slowly and stopping altogether.
Attention: the predator is attracted by the fast vibrations and energetic movements of the bait, but with such “nimbleness”, the pike can miss the bait and escape.
Fishing technique with unloaded silicone
Fishing with unloaded rubber is considered an interesting activity, since it is possible to control the bait and observe the bites. In addition, with the presented tackle you can fish in places where it would not be possible to achieve your plans with others. Anyone can learn this, there is nothing complicated about it.
What is an unloaded elastic band?
An unweighted elastic band is a regular silicone bait, which does not include the lead weights that are familiar to many. Products with offset hook are used.
The main advantage of the element is that it passes even where many unhooked ones do not pass. Almost all fishermen with such bait catch pike, which love to hide in “problem” areas.
It's no secret that it is possible to find fish in thickets, bushes, where you can leave all the equipment, and similar areas.
Many fishermen who love silicone baits often use a slug or vibrotail. Although, if you go to a specialized store, you can see how many baits the manufacturer offers. You can experiment with them and try something new. Some fishermen praise crustacean silicone elements, which have recently been in great demand.
It must be said that if a person is going to fish for pike, then the size of the unloaded load must be selected accordingly. The most popular ones are those whose size is about 9-10 cm. You should not use too small products, such as 7.5, for example, because it will be very difficult to cast the bait over a long distance.
The same applies to spinning rods, which should not be ultralight, as well as dense cords, and not thin monofilaments.
If we talk about the vibrotail, then its size should be within 5-6 grams. This point is often overlooked by beginners who deliberately overload their fishing rods. It should be understood that the mass of the hook and leash will be added to the total weight.
What to catch
The weight of unloaded baits is only about 10-12 grams, but the tackle, despite this, must be strong. It must be said that sometimes up to 500 grams of unnecessary greenery is collected from the bottom, which significantly adds weight, so it will be problematic to pull out even a small pike.
It is best to use bass multiplier series of spinning rods, which have a test weight of 21 to 28 grams. Such rods are designed for this type of fishing, so they can withstand a certain weight. The length of the element should be from 2.1 meters to 2.3 meters.
The spinning rod should ideally be such that, after hooking, you can safely deliver your fish to the shore and not get caught on snags, get tangled in plants, or collect all the greenery from the bottom along the way. If this does not happen, then the fish will probably get away or simply break the line.
If you don’t want to use “multi”, it is recommended to pay attention to fashionable options, including the option for twitching, where there is an excellent reel with a size of 3000-4000.
As for fishing line, it is advisable to use cord. Although experienced fishermen often resort to fluorocarbon. True, in this case their fishing takes place within twenty meters. In this case, the elongation is the smallest.
Important! Fluorocarbon is a wear-resistant material, which is why many anglers prefer it.
Although, if you can’t buy one or just don’t want to, then a cord will do. As for the diameter, the cord has this mark, according to the Japanese numbering PE 1.5-2.0, and for fluorocarbon it is optional. This can be a cross section of up to 2.5 or up to 3.5.
Particular attention is also paid to the choice of leashes. They should be such that ideally they do not collect grass, and if they do collect it, then in the most minimal quantities. This is possible due to the absence of protruding fasteners.
Leashes made of string show good results. True, some fishermen complain that the element clings to dense grass and bends, and this sometimes leads to the fact that the part cannot be straightened and has to be thrown away.
If desired, it is possible to use fluorocarbon with a cross-section from 0.5 to 0.6 mm. True, after each bite you should definitely check it and see if any burrs have appeared. If such were noticed, then the element needs to be changed.
Pike fishing spots
Anglers have many fishing spots in their arsenal, and each water area has its own subtleties of pike fishing. The most successful places for pike fishing are considered to be reservoirs with a slow flow, next to fallen trees, near a bend in the river bed, next to vegetation, near a steep bank with gullies and depressions.
Experienced fishermen, when choosing a place to catch pike, prefer dark places, because bright sunlight blinds the eyes of the pike. When fishing from a boat, the spinner casts the rod facing the sun. Experienced fishermen have an echo sounder, with the help of which they determine the unevenness of the bottom and find deep places and holes - a favorite resting place for pike.
The main condition for competent technique is not the number of spinning casts, but the skillful placement of silicone bait through all the creeks and depths of the reservoir. Pike can rush around in search of prey not only in depth, but also in shallow water, in water thickets, in whirlpools, and cluttered places.
In the absence of an echo sounder, using a cast without bait with a weight to determine the bottom topography, the fishing line will either weaken or unwind.
Catching pike with silicone baits from the shore is very problematic, rather it depends on luck and the skill of the fisherman. You need to choose a steep bank with a calm current. The rod must be at least 3 meters long.
Unloaded tires. Catching pike in the thicket
Fishing with unloaded rubber is very exciting and spectacular due to visual control over the bait, visibility of fish bites and the ability to fish where almost no one fishes. Want to see this for yourself? This article will help you take your first steps.
Catching pike with unloaded rubber (silicone)
What to catch?
Despite the small weight of unloaded baits, within 10-12 grams, the tackle for such fishing must be powerful. Even a “string” of 300-500 grams can pick up a bunch of grass after a bite, and with it on the nose it will be extremely difficult to pull out a small pike.
Ideally, use a bass multiplier series of spinning rods with a test weight of up to 21-28 grams in combination with a soap dish with a low or medium gear ratio. These rods are powerful, designed for such fishing and fast fishing. Their lengths are limited to 2.1-2.3 meters, which is what we need to the extent of wiring technology, which is discussed below.
After hooking, the spinning rod is required to deliver the fish as quickly as possible and, so to speak, directly to the spinner, without tangling the line in snags, without collecting a bunch of aquatic plants, or without running into them while standing still.
Otherwise, most likely, the fish will disappear or, even worse, the cord will break with the fish and bait in its mouth. If cartooning is not your “topic”, then you can use powerful spinning series, for example, for twitching, with a powerful reel of size 3000-4000.
If you need a good holding resource, then it is better to use a cord as a fishing line, although you can often see fluorocarbon in Japanese videos on bass fishing in strong places. If the fishing is short, within 20 meters, then you can reel in a fly.
At such distances its elongation is minimal. But I would still recommend the cord, although on the side of fluor is its high wear resistance. According to Japanese numbering, the diameter of the cord for such power applications is usually PE 1.5-2.
0, fluorocarbon – up to 2.5-3.5.
The leash against pike teeth should be used in such a way that it minimally collects grass on itself. That is, there should be no protruding wires of the fasteners. Leashes made from string work well, but due to the large number of empty bites and hooks (not dead ones, but on dense grass), the string bends and you have to put it in order, but it also happens that it is no longer possible to straighten it.
You can use a thick piece of 0.5-0.6 mm as a leash. fluorocarbon (#10-12), but it does not provide 100% shear protection and must be checked for burrs after each bite. If they are, then a replacement leash.
How to catch?
A silicone bait without weight plays completely differently. When paused, depending on the type of silicone, it either hangs in the water column like a suspended wobbler, or begins to slowly sink.
Unloading can be done in different ways, such as twitching, stop & go, or simply uniform.
According to my observations, the most effective are, as you may have guessed, the first two.
They can tease even sluggish fish, and after the first “empty” bite there are often a second and a third.
Most often, you observe the actuation of the bait, as well as the bite, with your own eyes in polarized glasses, so I try to choose the most noticeable colors of the bait - white, light green/light green, bright red/orange.
Here, as with surface baits, the rule applies that after a bite there is no need to reel it in, and then carry on as if nothing had happened, the fish can try again immediately after a miss.
Pike caught on unloaded rubber
My running vibrotails for unloading
My favorite silicone lures for dry fishing at the moment are two models: Bass Assassin Turbo Shad 4” and Lunker City Swimfish 3.75” and 5”. These vibrating tails are made of durable silicone (withstand a large number of bites and hooks), have a large “heel”, which creates a very noticeable game.
I recommend that for those who will try to catch Swimfish, put it on the offset machine not as it should be, but sideways. Then the number of empty bites will decrease, and the visibility of the bait will become better due to the larger visible area of the bait.
Unweighted silicone baits
If you have not previously fished in overgrown and snagged areas of your home or frequently visited reservoirs, then you will be pleasantly surprised how many pike stand in thick grass on warm summer days. Once you start mastering fishing with unloaded rubber, you will see a lot of beautiful bites that excite the spinning fisher’s blood.
Artem Petukhov (Specially for SpinBait.ru)
Source: https://spinbait.ru/neogruzhennaya-rezina-lovim-shhuku-v-zaroslyax.html
Top 10 silicone lures for pike
To catch pike, various silicone baits are used for different bodies of water: in shallow water, deep bottom casts, baits with the ability to pass through thickets. That is why we have created for you a rating of silicone lures for pike. The top 10 silicone lures for pike have proven themselves to be the most successful. We will consider the best silicone baits for pike in more detail below.
Mann's Predator
The Mann's Predator vibrating tail is the most common soft bait for jig fishing for pike. For more than 50 years, these baits have been used to catch predators all over the world. Available in different sizes: the largest is 9 centimeters for large fish, 5.5 and 7 centimeters are universal and the smallest bait is 3 centimeters long. The most popular nozzle is 7 centimeters. A wide color range allows you to choose for different fishing conditions and any fish preferences.
In the ranking of silicone baits, this vibrating tail is in the leading position. The variety of shapes, sizes and colors immediately attracts pike, always an excellent result with even retrieve in calm water;
Keitech Swing Impact
Keitech Swing Impact is an incredibly popular vibrating tail with a ribbed surface; the peculiarity of this bait is that a large amount of salt is used in its production, which makes it inedible.
The secret of the Keitech Swing Impact bait lies in its structure: at the end, on a thin leg, there is a small thickening, with its movement it creates the illusion of a living bait. The nozzle resembles a worm; its ribbing allows it to produce a noise effect under water, which attracts fish. The color range ranges from pale green to rich, bright colors.
Bait Breath Mosya
Bait Breath Mosya is a very unique crustacean, a cuttlefish, the result of the imagination of the developers. Crustaceans with 100% similarity to the prototype.
A distinctive feature of this silicone bait is not only its shape, but also the number of ribs, legs, tail and claws. This design in the water provides mobility and flexibility, causing the effect of an edible bait.
Relax Copyto
Relax Kopyto is a popular bait among domestic spinning anglers, one of the first silicone baits that appeared on our shelves and there was immediately a demand for them. The shape of the vibrotail is an elongated flat dense body with attachments on the tail, which gives additional mobility.
An active, mobile vibrotail with its movements very much attracts even a lazy, well-fed pike. The bait, when retrieved, attracts the predator with its oscillatory movements. Soft rippers Relax Kopyto are available in various sizes from 6 to 16 centimeters.
Lucky John Classic Roach
Lucky John Classik Roach - silicone vibrotail bait differs from other equally popular baits in its structure. The extended tail has excellent aerodynamic properties when casting.
In the water, it begins to move passively, imitating an unhealthy fish; successful fishing with it is carried out slowly in the thickets. The structure of the Lucky John Classik Roach material is very dense; predatory fish cannot always bite through it.
Reins Fat G-Tail Grab
Reins Fat G-Tail Grab is a classic twister made in Japan. An unusual shape of the bait in the form of a sickle with a movable elongated curved tail. There are small tubercles throughout the elastic body; in the water they create additional excitement, which attracts fish.
To stimulate the predator's appetite, all bait is impregnated with an attractant, which retains a persistent odor for a long time. The Reins Fat G-Tail Grab bait is available in three sizes: 2,3 and 4. Large baits have proven themselves well when fishing for pike and zander.
Keitech Sexy Impact
Keitech Sexy Impact is a silicone bait, elongated in length with transverse nozzles. The appearance of the nozzle imitates a perfect resemblance to worms.
The universal shape allows you to use this bait for various types of jigs. The product contains strong octopus flavors and a large amount of salt. The bait is securely attached with a ring to the hook.
Reins Ax Craw Mini
Reins Ax Craw Mini - soft elastic crustaceans made of loose silicone. Small claws are very mobile. The product is impregnated with pheromones similar to the smell of crayfish. Place the bait with the claws backwards, in the water it seems that the crayfish is moving backwards.
Reins Ax Craw Mini comes in a wide variety of colors, but the most popular shades are green, purple and blue.
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Kosadaka Vibra
Kosadaka Vibra is a soft, curved bait with a double tail. The twister has a dense ribbed body in the front part, a ring-shaped notch imitates a larva. The tail has a thickening at the end, which adds additional weight to the nozzle.
In water, this form of bait is very active due to many small ribs. Kosadaka Vibra is available in three sizes: 5.7.9 centimeters in length with a curved tail. The largest bait for jig fishing is excellent for pike.
Lucky John Mister Greedy
Lucky John Mister Greedy is an edible vibrating tail. A large silicone bait that only predatory fish can handle. The shape of the vibrotail with an unusual corrugated body and bright color is very attractive to pike.
A large, well-fed body, flattened from the top and bottom, deceives the fish; it rushes to the bait, especially since Lucky John Mister Greedy is richly saturated with an attractive smell. Movements simulating a well-fed fish are given by a powerful tail, which sets the bait in motion. There is a hook in the body of the vibrotail.
Fishing with unloaded tires - features of choice
In the last few years, specialized silicone baits that have an attractive taste and smell for fish have begun to gain popularity among fishermen.
The popularity of the bait can be explained extremely simply - against the backdrop of a low price, such baits have a number of advantages; fishing with unloaded rubber often allows you to catch a large predator with little effort.
There is a huge variety of edible silicone baits on the market. The choice directly depends on the fish you plan to catch. Today we will take a closer look at the characteristics of edible silicone, talk about the features of fishing with this bait, and also talk about the mistakes that novice anglers make when working with unloaded rubber.
What's happened
Non-loading - special edible silicone baits that do not have a lead load . In most cases, the bait is equipped with an offset hook; the advantages include the ability to easily carry the bait where most similar baits simply will not fit.
Russian fishermen use unloaded rubber mainly for catching pike, pike perch or perch, especially if fishing takes place in dense thickets or hard-to-reach places.
Interesting. On the market, silicone baits without weight are presented in a wide range - they differ in shape, size, ingredients, color and other parameters. This diversity provides fishermen with a wide horizon for experimentation.
You should not choose bait that is too small, especially if fishing takes place in large bodies of water. A bait less than 3 inches will be quite difficult to cast a significant distance from the shore.
Advantages and disadvantages
Unloaded tires have a number of advantages and disadvantages. The main disadvantages include the rather short service life of the bait - it is easily damaged by the hook and teeth of predatory fish.
Edible bait is subject to special storage rules. Storage is allowed only in tightly sealed packaging, otherwise the rubber will lose all its performance characteristics and become useless. It is often quite problematic to adhere to this rule, especially in the field.
The advantages of the bait include the rather realistic play of the bait in the water , as well as the inclusion of special flavoring substances with a strong odor in the rubber composition, which literally drive the fish crazy.
All baits on sale can be schematically divided into active and passive models. Active non-loading is most suitable for catching predatory fish. Fishermen who decide to try rubber in action should remember that the degree of success largely depends on the correct choice of bait, as well as on its performance in the water.
What kind of fish are caught?
Depending on the type and size of bait you purchased at the store, you can catch different types of fish with unweighted rubber.
For catching perch, it is better to give preference to the smallest baits; for catching pike perch, medium-sized unloaded models are used; for catching pike, the largest silicone products (about 4-6 inches) are suitable.
When selecting the size of the bait, you should also take into account the size of the fry that are found in a particular body of water and on which the fish species you have chosen feed.
Once you have decided on the size of the bait, you should begin to select more individual parameters - the smell and hardness of the rubber. Here you should mainly be guided by the knowledge gained during practice.
Collection of equipment
Assembling equipment for subsequent fishing begins with securing the leash to the main fishing line.
Important! The leash is selected taking into account the fact that most predatory fish have rather sharp teeth and can easily bite through the leash. In this case, steel, titanium or carbon leashes will be optimal.
A hook is attached to the end of the fixed leash. When fishing with unloaded rubber, you should give preference to offset hooks ; they provide a number of advantages to the fisherman, especially if fishing is done in dense thickets.
If you plan to fish in an open area, a regular double or single hook will do. This hook also has its own advantages - due to the fact that it remains open, the number of successful fish hooks increases several times.
Attaching a soft silicone bait to a hook involves the following steps:
- the hook is inserted into the front part of the unloaded part, passed through the “body” and brought out at the bottom;
- the artificial head of the bait should be on a bend;
- The tip of the hook must be pressed against the back of the bait.
Fishing Features
It is important not only to choose the right bait when catching a certain type of fish, but also to follow some rules.
Perch
Perch is a fairly active fish that prefers to hunt in a school. The behavior of the fish does not show a tendency to wait for many hours for prey. If a fish notices an attractive bait nearby, it will, in most cases, become interested and begin to chase it.
For catching perch, it is better to give preference to edible rubber , made in the form of small crustaceans. According to statistics, perch is ready to catch this kind of bait tirelessly, regardless of the degree of saturation.
In addition to crustaceans, small small fish are also suitable.
Fishermen insist that when fishing for perch, it is better to give preference to active light weight, which demonstrates a unique game under water.
Pike
Unlike perch, pike is capable of sitting in ambush for a long time, waiting for prey . You won’t be able to attract fish with a pleasant smell and taste alone; it is important that the load vibrates under water.
To seduce pike, not only active baits are selected, but also special movements are made in the water. The liners should be slow, there is no need to be particularly sophisticated - a step approach will do. Do not spin the reel too vigorously - the speed should be 1.5-2 times slower than usual. After passing each step there is a short pause.
Common Mistakes
Beginning fishermen often make a number of mistakes that prevent them from catching fish with unloaded rubber:
- A passive bait is selected that does not oscillate in the water on its own.
- The bait is played in one place.
- The fisherman takes too long pauses during the game.
- You buy bait made from low-quality silicone, which is destroyed upon contact with water.
Next, let's look at a master class on catching pike with unloaded tires:
The effectiveness of fishing with unloaded edible rubber largely depends on the correct selection of bait. Keep an eye on the size of your bait depending on the type of fish you are trying to catch. Playing with bait in the water is no less important; even the hungriest fish is unlikely to react to an inactive, unloaded bait.
Source: https://klevyj.com/spinning/silikon/lovlya-na-neogruzhennuyu-rezinu.html
Storing silicone baits
The big advantage of silicone baits over other baits is their repeated use. With proper storage of silicone baits and the necessary repairs (touch-up, strengthening of the hook), such fishing tackle will last for more than one season. It is unacceptable to store silicone baits of different colors and materials in one place. As a result, baits can stick together, repaint and fade into other colors. Real fishermen have a special container with cells for this purpose.
