Secrets of catching pike on girders in winter in the middle of nowhere

№	Name	Rating	Nomination
1	Akara 36005-1	4.78	Most Popular Brand
2	Tricolor	4.73	Best price
3	A-elita W024M	4.65	The most reliable design
4	Fishka from Petrov	4.59	Unique design
5	Crazy Brothers	4.47	The most compact vent
6	Tonar Zh3-03	4.35	The best ratio of price and quality. Convenient transportation
7	Technolit tripod	4.22	Zherlitsa without foundation
8	Stinger Tip Up Set	4.19	The best choice
9	PIERCE Master	3.95
10	FoxFishing	4.76

A zherlitsa is a stationary fishing rod for winter fishing. A simple design in its essence, which previously would never have occurred to anyone to buy in a store. They were made with their own hands from scrap materials, but today this has completely lost relevance. It is much easier to buy a ready-made product equipped with everything you need. At the same time, despite the primitiveness of the system, modern zherlitsy can be very diverse. Manufacturers continue to experiment, improving the design, and this does not always improve the catchability of the gear. The fishing rod itself consists of four components:

base;
undercutter;
signaling device;
coil.

Almost all modern vents are made of plastic, but not ordinary plastic, but frost-resistant plastic. Unfortunately, it is impossible to determine by eye what material was used for production. All that remains is to rely on the honesty of the seller and our rating, which includes the best gear in a wide variety of designs, form factors and price ranges. As for manufacturers, you won’t find any world-famous names here. This makes the choice even more difficult, but allows you to buy the product at the most attractive price for you.

Top 10. FoxFishing

Rating (2020): 4.76

Characteristics
Country: China
Coil diameter (mm): 75
Base diameter (mm): 210
Flag height (mm): 260
Undercutter material: plastic

When assembling girders with your own hands, you have to spend a lot of time and effort. It is also necessary to purchase all the components; as a result, such a product cannot be called the cheapest. The manufacturer has taken care of the fishermen and offers the simplest option. This is a tackle with a round base and a reel placed on a small metal stand. The most simple design, the main advantage of which is its price and the ability to purchase any number of pieces, not limited to the installed set. The base is polyurethane. It copes well with frost, but, unfortunately, has no frames on the bottom. Fishing with such girders requires covering them with snow after installation.

Advantages and disadvantages

Affordable price tag

Base without sides
Weak stance

The best girls

Let's consider several rated, but affordable store models.

"Cool"

Grips well on ice thanks to its round base. The flag is made of a spring and at the same time serves as a stopper. Thanks to the special coating, the vent does not freeze to the ice in any weather. The low center of gravity makes the vent stable even in strong winds. Idle flag signals are virtually eliminated.

A set of 4 pieces costs 300 rubles.

“Pier ECO”

The most popular tripod. Material – frost-resistant polypropylene. Quickly assembled and installed. The alarm is located high. Therefore, the bite is noticeable from afar.

The cost of the product is 170 rubles.

Set of Apiko-Fish girders

Priest of the Aelita line. We have already talked about its advantages; one more thing is its compactness.

The price of the set is 800 rubles.

Top 9. PIERCE Master

Rating (2020): 3.95

Characteristics
Country Russia
Coil diameter (mm): 60
Base diameter (mm): 190
Flag height (mm): 300
Undercutter material: metal

If you have ever made vents with your own hands, then they almost certainly looked the same as the PIERCE Master product. This is the most classic layout, consisting of a round base with a spool holder attached to the center. The manufacturer did not split hairs and invent something. Classics are always in fashion, and such installation does not require serious material costs. The zherlitsa is quite cheap, and you can buy one or a whole set of it. Note that this phenomenon is rare on the market. Most brands offer just kits, not giving you the opportunity to purchase as much gear as you need.

Advantages and disadvantages

Classic layout
Curved base
Possibility of purchasing one piece rather than a set

Has all the disadvantages of a classic zherlitsa

Top 8. Stinger Tip Up Set

Rating (2020): 4.19

Nomination
The best choice Durable fishing rod, made of dense, frost-resistant plastic and equipped with a fishing line, as well as a set of hooks and jigs. Supplied in a convenient bag, which makes transportation easier.
Characteristics
Country: USA (manufactured in China)
Coil diameter (mm): 85
Base diameter (mm): 210
Flag height (mm): 270
Undercut material: polyurethane

The American company Stinger is famous for its fishing accessories. They are valued for their quality and reliability. It produces a brand and accessories for winter fishing, for example, girders. Even with a quick inspection of the product, you understand that it is made of high-quality plastic. It is shockproof and can withstand any frost. The reel holder is at an angle, that is, the line goes into the hole without bending, which eliminates the possibility of chafing. We also note that the tackle is supplied complete with, and not the cheapest, body kits. The kit already includes a fishing line and a set of hooks. Fishing with a zherlitsa is possible immediately after purchasing it and you do not need to assemble anything yourself.

Advantages and disadvantages

Maximum configuration
Convenient transport bag
The most durable plastic

Not the most affordable price

Top 7. Technolit tripod

Rating (2020): 4.22

Nomination
Gear without a base A tackle that uses a tripod as a support instead of a base. The vent does not block the access of light and oxygen to the hole, which promotes biting of some types of fish and improves catchability in very cloudy weather.
Characteristics
Country Russia
Coil diameter (mm): 75
Base diameter (mm): no
Flag height (mm): 350
Undercut material: galvanized metal

Winter changes the behavior of all fish. Pike, which is aggressive by nature, becomes cautious in cold weather and, when it sees a gap in the ice, tries to avoid this place. Herbivorous representatives of the aquatic fauna, on the contrary, are interested in the breaking rays of light and are in a hurry to explore this place. This girder is more suitable for catching just such fish. It does not have the usual foundation. The reel is fixed on a tripod, that is, the hole does not close at all. However, pike can also become your trophy, especially if the weather is dark and cloudy outside. It’s difficult to say anything more about this gear. There is nothing unusual about it. The entire structure is made of metal, and the coil has a diameter of 75 millimeters.

Advantages and disadvantages

Fully galvanized construction

Thin metal that can bend when bitten by a large predator

Pike fishing in February

In February, even the eternally hungry pike falls into a kind of stupor, but this does not mean that the toothy predator stops feeding - it’s just not particularly eager to chase moving fish. It is for this reason that you should not rely on spinners and balancers, although during prolonged thaws, without wind or precipitation, pike may begin to actively hunt for small things, and only in this case should you try your luck in fishing with artificial baits. Read also: Fishing balancers for pike

The only gear that has always brought positive results when catching toothy fish throughout the winter remains the girder. True, during the dead winter it is advisable to lower the live bait almost right next to the predator’s muzzle. It is best to use a minnow as live bait - it will not tangle the line and try to float higher, but will remain floating near the bottom. This is interesting: Ice fishing for pike with a sleeping fish

In February you need to look for pike at depth, preferably in large and large reservoirs. Pike also likes to stay close to water structures created by people - mills, bridge supports, piles, piers, etc. On rivers, the toothy one stays not only in holes, but also near the edge, in places with a difference in depth, in estuaries, among reed thickets, near flooded snags, etc. If there is no ice, you should try to catch pike with a spinning rod. It is also worth paying attention to the rapid spawning of pike, which in turn means a pre-spawning glutton for the predator. Read more about pike spawning here.

Fishing for pike and perch in February

Top 6. Tonar Zh3-03

Rating (2020): 4.35

Nomination
Best value for money A brand that produces quality fishing products that are trusted by millions of fishermen around the world. At a relatively low price, these vents will last for many years and perform their job flawlessly.
Convenient transportation Zherlitsy are supplied in their own waterproof bag, where there are special sections for each module. Very convenient for transportation and no need to look for space in your luggage.
Characteristics
Country Russia
Coil diameter (mm): 85
Base diameter (mm): 210
Flag height (mm): 375
Undercut material: galvanized metal

Fishing with girders involves installing several gears at once, especially if you are hunting for pike or pike perch. All these devices need to be stored somewhere, but with this product you will not have such a problem. A set of 10 girders comes in its own bag. It is waterproof, durable and easy to carry. The girls themselves also deserve the title of the best. There is nothing unusual in their design, but the best materials are used in their production. The plastic is frost-resistant and impact-resistant, and the guard is made of galvanized metal, which does not rust when in contact with water and does not lose flexibility after prolonged use.

Advantages and disadvantages

Convenient carrying bag
Impact resistant plastic
Large base

Quite heavy tackle

Fishing in February - where to look for fish?!

In February, you should not expect an active bite on small ponds and lakes. And if such a miracle happens, then a ruff as long as a finger will hang on the hook, and this is in the best case. Fish should be looked for in reservoirs with constantly changing water levels. Thanks to this, the water is saturated with oxygen, and the fish feels more at ease and comfortable. These can be rivers, reservoirs, large and deep lakes, etc.

You should not continue fishing in a closed reservoir if:

the baitfish on the girder dies too quickly;
the line quickly darkens,
When fishing with a spoon, the bait quickly fades.

This indicates that a death has begun in this place, and the fish is standing in a daze. Active biting can be expected in the following cases if:

for several days there was no rain or wind, and the temperature did not drop below 10 degrees;
there were no sudden pressure surges;
it was warmer during the day than at night;
The weather is calm and windless, and if the wind blew, it was only in one direction, without changing direction.

First of all, you need to look for fish at the mouths of rivers and streams that flow into a large body of water. It is there that the fish will circle in search of not only food, but also oxygen entering the water thanks to its circulation.

Crazy bite on the dough. Deaf winter? No!

Top 5. Crazy Brothers

Rating (2020): 4.47

Nomination
The most compact jig The tackle is made in an unusual form factor, where an enlarged reel is used, into which the tee hook or jig is completely retracted. The most convenient option for transportation, which does not take up much space in your luggage.
Characteristics
Country: Russia (manufactured in China)
Coil diameter (mm): 90
Base diameter (mm): 160
Flag height (mm): 120
Undercutter material: plastic

Almost always, winter fishing involves carrying a large amount of luggage. A considerable part is occupied by zherlitsy. If you don't want to carry around another bag of gear, check out this product. This is the most compact gear that does not need to be disassembled after fishing. The reel is made in such a way that it can accommodate not only a fishing line, but also a hook, even a triple hook, not to mention a jig. You don't have to constantly unwind the line from the reel to put the tackle in your bag. Just separate the module from the plate and that’s it. Installation of such a girder will take no more than a couple of seconds, as will disassembly. Very convenient and practical, especially if you are used to fishing large river areas.

Advantages and disadvantages

Compact form factor
Reel with hook space
Quick installation and disassembly

Short alarm flag

Types of girders for winter fishing

Girders for winter fishing are the following types.

On the platform

This design has the following components: the platform itself, which has a round shape with a slot for fishing line, a vertical stand with a reel and a flag on a spring.

The platform vent is a universal design option that allows you to protect the hole from freezing or exposure to bright light. It is convenient to use it in a small area, or leave it overnight. But in a strong wind, the structure can be demolished, and in cold weather it freezes to the ice.

Vertical on a stand

The structure includes a stand that serves as a support. It is installed directly into ice or crushed ice.

The most common material for such structures is stainless steel or iron, which freezes to the fingers in the cold. In the spring, the ice around the structure begins to melt and it loses stability.

Tripod

The tripod rig includes a folding support on legs, a reel for fishing line, and a flag. It is installed directly above the hole.

This kind of fishing for girders is used on bare ice when there is no snow yet.

It is equipped with a bright flag that can be seen from afar. A strong bite or gust of wind can throw off the structure.

Horizontal on crossbar

The horizontal rail on the crossbar is a rail with a reel and a signal flag, which is equipped with a spring. When fishing, the signal flag is secured between two brackets using a loop of fishing line. The device does not involve the use of a reel, and the fishing line is laid out near the hole.

If such a trap is equipped with a spool, this will make it possible to use the design for actively catching predators.

When using such devices, please note that it cannot be left for a long time, as it freezes or is covered with snow.

Changeling

The shifter is a tube, on one end of which a fishing line is wound. A cross is mounted into the tube. At the moment when the predator swallows the bait, the tube dives into the hole, and the cross does not allow it to be completely immersed in the water and turns the structure over.

The top of the tube is painted in bright colors.

Sub-ice supply

The ice stand is suitable for installation at night or on a frosty day. Fishing line and equipment are wound onto a rubber hose. The structure is hung on a stick, which is installed across the hole.

When the fish bites, it pulls out the line and moves freely under water.

Samolovka

The self-trap device consists of a plastic reel, brightly colored, on which a nylon cord is wound. To prevent the rope from accidentally unwinding, it must be secured with an elastic band.

The fishing line is attached to the rope using a swivel. Live bait is attached to the hook, the bait is tied to a peg or stick and lowered into the water. When the fish swallows the bait and begins to move, causing the line to unwind and the reel to take on a bright color.

Top 4. Fishka from Petrov

Rating (2020): 4.59

Nomination
Unique design An original system developed by a professional fisherman. Eliminates almost all the disadvantages of a standard rig, such as line chafing and false triggering.
Characteristics
Country Russia
Coil diameter (mm): 60
Base diameter (mm): 200
Flag height (mm): 400
Undercutter material: metal with protective coating

Many fishermen prefer to make their own gear, bringing something new and original to it. And some go even further, developing their own product and bringing it to market. This fishing rod is the personal invention of one person who was tired of the fact that the inclined installation constantly frays the fishing line, and with small bites false alarms occur and he has to run to the hole and check the hook. These problems are resolved here. Attention was also paid to transportation. The vent is completely collapsible, and the stand also folds. True, it is difficult to say how the mechanism will react if a large pike or pike perch is caught.

Advantages and disadvantages

Original design
Oval reel
Protection against false positives
Compact build
Quick installation

Questionable structural strength
Not the most attractive price
Difficult to find in stores

Top 3. A-elita W024M

Rating (2020): 4.65

Nomination
The most reliable Zherlitsa design in a unique form factor and with a reinforced undercut, making the entire structure as durable and reliable as possible. An unusual design solution that showed good results in winter fishing.
Characteristics
Country: China
Coil diameter (mm): 50
Base diameter (mm): 180
Flag height (mm): 250
Undercutter material: plastic

Winter is the time when pike bite well, and sometimes quite large ones. Many gear cannot withstand the onslaught of such a predator. But with this girder, catching river giants will no longer be a problem. This is the most durable installation with an unusual shape. The base is oval, made with notches that make the plate as durable as possible. A spool holder is attached to it, which is also thick and reliable. The reel itself has design features that prevent the catch from tearing the line from the blocker and unwinding it. This is a very durable product, designed for catching large predators, although it is not forbidden to catch small roaches with it. In general, the best solution, but quite expensive.

Advantages and disadvantages

Robust design
Upgraded reel
Convenient storage case

Not sold separately from the set
The equipment included is of very low quality

DIY zherlitsa

You can choose girders for winter fishing on the Chinese trading platform aliexpress, but we suggest making the girders yourself with your own hands. To do this, you need to prepare a board for the base, a reel, a fishing line, a sinker, a hook, a steel leash with a snap hook, a flag and a thin metal plate or wire about half a meter long. Self-tapping screws, clamps and tools are also useful for making the device.

A 10 mm hole is made in the board, and two 4 mm holes are made in the coil. The coil itself is attached to the board with self-tapping screws. The installation of the reel should ensure that the line unwinds from below.

To install the flag, the edge of the steel plate is bent at a right angle and secured with clamps and self-tapping screws. The flag should be easily removable and positioned vertically. A piece of red fabric is placed on the top.

A weight and a hook are attached to the end of the fishing line. The do-it-yourself girder for winter fishing is ready.

Top 2. Tricolor

Rating (2020): 4.73

Nomination
Best price The cheapest zherlitsa in our rating, costing about 20% cheaper than its nearest competitor. The simplest tackle, supplied in a set of 10 pieces.
Characteristics
Country Russia
Coil diameter (mm): 80
Base diameter (mm): 190
Flag height (mm): 280
Undercut material: galvanized metal

If you need the simplest girder, for which you won’t have to overpay, then this is in front of you. There's nothing unusual here. The simplest system of three modules with a galvanized guard. But the tackle costs only 52 rubles and is sold in a set of 10 pieces. Among the interesting solutions are the sides on the base. They allow the tackle to fit more tightly to the hole, completely eliminating light from entering there. A relevant feature when catching pike in winter fishing. We also note the strength of the connection. The tackle has no weak connecting points. The reel is mounted in the center and placed on a thick rod that even the strongest predator will not break.

Advantages and disadvantages

Edge on the base for a tight fit to the hole
Center mounted spool holder
Attractive price

Sold only in a set of 10 pieces
Low alarm flag

Fishing for pike perch in February

Pike perch is one of the few fish that can be caught better during frost than during thaw. It is a schooling fish, which means you need to look for it by drilling holes in different places in the reservoir. The predator prefers depth, edges and currents. When fishing for pike perch, keep in mind that its peak activity occurs in the early morning and evening.

When fishing with live bait, you must remember that the pike perch’s throat is narrow, and a large bait will not fit into it. The best live bait when fishing for fanged fish are gudgeon, bleak, rudd, and dace. Very catchy fishing for pike perch with sprat.

However, most often the pike perch is caught on a spoon and a balancer - even a pike can envy its hunting passion, which will always give preference to a live fish, in contrast to the fanged one, which goes crazy from a bright and beautiful “piece of iron”. This is interesting: Rating of zander balancers

Under-ice video of a school of large pike perch

Top 1. Akara 36005-1

Rating (2020): 4.78

Nomination
The most popular brand The brand that represents the largest variety of vents of various designs, shapes, sizes and is most widely represented on such trading platforms as Yandex.Market and Ozone.
Characteristics
Country: China
Coil diameter (mm): 60
Base diameter (mm): 180
Flag height (mm): 250
Undercutter material: plastic

We have before us a truly unique phenomenon. A simple girder without any design frills, and at the same time relatively expensive. If you look at it carefully, you cannot identify the characteristics with the prefix “best”. Everything is pretty ordinary. But this is the most popular product on trading platforms. Most likely, this is due to the huge variety of products presented by this brand. They are of high quality: the plastic does not crack in the cold, and the undercutter remains flexible even after long-term use. But the price is a little off-putting. However, it’s not for us to argue with the opinions of buyers, which is why the tackle receives such an honorable place in our rating.