Catching perch in winter with a balancer - TOP catchy lures

Rapala W02

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2

Dixxon

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3

Frost Nova

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Using a balancer is a relatively new method of fishing. It is especially popular in winter. If you are new to ice fishing, but definitely want to show off your catch, it is best to try this particular tackle, since it is very easy to learn how to use it.

This type of bait is designed for catching predatory fish. As a rule, this is a perch. With certain skills, you can get pike perch or pike as a trophy. Many anglers believe that a balancer is much more catchy than a conventional spoon. Our rating will help you choose the best balancer that meets your wishes.

When selecting the most successful models for the TOP 10, the following factors were taken into account:

• types of fish for which the bait is designed;
• fishing period;
• size;
• form;
• color;
• types of gear used;
• nature of the game.

Experienced fishermen believe that the statement about some special baits, expensive and unusually catchy, is only partly true. Of considerable importance is the correct selection of gear, the skill of the athlete and, of course, his faith in fishing luck.

Testing Chinese balancers:

Classification

To make the right choice, you need to know what types of deception there are:

• with triangular tail. They are characterized by optimal weight distribution. Such balancers, while in the water, take a vertical position;
• with a big head. The main thing that distinguishes the bait is its special game. If you jerk the rod sharply, it does a somersault;
• zander balancers have a sharp nose and a more measured game than the previous version;
• winter deceptions. Their feature is a fur tassel. They are best used for catching small fish in shallow areas. The best way to play is to slowly move in different directions. The brush serves as a stabilizer.

How to choose

The effectiveness of the balancer largely depends on external characteristics. The length, color, shape of the tail, additional pendants and decorations - all this ultimately affects the result.

Dimensions

This is one of the determining criteria for choosing a balancer:

• A large, heavy bait makes it possible to fish at considerable depths and in the presence of strong currents. To secure it, you will need a fishing line of considerable thickness;
• if the balancer is equipped with powerful hooks, the chance of pulling out a large fish increases significantly;
• using a large bait allows you to reduce the time spent searching for an aquatic predator, since it senses large prey even from a considerable distance. Perches, even when full, rush to the bait.

The disadvantage of “giants” is that if there are snags at the bottom of the reservoir, they are ineffective. The reason is the same large size and wide amplitude of play. Therefore, a fisherman’s arsenal should also include small baits. The need for them arises quite often.

If the depth does not exceed 1 m, it is convenient to use small, from 20 to 25 mm, products with plastic or wool tails.

color rainbow

There is no consensus here. Some consider this criterion important, while others consider it completely useless. But most fishermen store brightly colored decoys for predators, which are impossible not to notice. If the weather is sunny, balancers with realistic imitation of fish and natural colors are used.

Pendants

Practice shows that predatory fish cling to the tee pendant. Decorations made from beads and woolen tassels are welcome. The main thing is that they do not interfere, but help the process and do not impair performance.

When choosing a bait, pay attention to how close the tee is to the belly of the “fish”. If the distance is too small, it is inconvenient for the fish to take it. The problem is solved by using special carabiners that increase the overhang.

Type of fish

In general, fishing is an activity in which there are no strict canons and rules. Sometimes the balancer works in a completely unexpected place, sometimes it does not produce results where, it would seem, it should work flawlessly. However, there are several rules for choosing bait for different types of predatory fish, taking into account the specifics of their behavior.

Pike

The main point is that the snag should be large, with a large tee. If it is small, it makes sense to replace it with another, more suitable one. Hooks must be large! The choice of color depends on the time of fishing and the condition of the reservoir. It is advisable to choose balancers that resemble the color of roach and perches.

Perch

First of all, you need to know what the average size of the perches that are found in the pond is. For medium-sized fish, balancer numbers 2-7 are optimal. Large perch will also bite on small bait, but an impressive “fish” is preferable. The best option is to bring products of different sizes for fishing. If the current is fast, it is advisable to use narrow products to avoid twisting of the fishing line.

Additional equipment

Balance fishing for pike in winter requires the use of a wide range of equipment - the fishing performance will be influenced not only by the choice of bait, but also by the type of fishing line, fishing rod, and other components of your gear.

The rod should be light, but at the same time strong. Don't forget about the insulation pad on the handle. The length and elasticity of the whip is selected taking into account the activity of the pike:

• for the period of fat, choose more rigid models;
• For fishing in the dead of winter, when the fish are passive, fishing rods with the most sensitive whips are more suitable - they will help to detect even the lightest bites when a predator “tastes” the bait.

If you plan to fish in a rough area, then give preference to stiffer rods. After the bite, your main task will be to pull the prey out onto the snow as soon as possible, otherwise it will get stuck under the snags. Therefore, strength is important here.

The reel is selected according to the purpose of the fishing rod being equipped. If you only need it to control the bait, then it is better to choose a lightweight, compact and reliable inertial model.

The fishing line should not be too thick, otherwise the balance game in the water will be less natural. You shouldn’t choose a fishing line that is too thin - the pike will easily rub against the edge of the hole and leave along with your balancer. The best option is monofilament fishing line with a diameter of 0.2-0.30 mm. The heavier the balancer, the thicker the fishing line you choose.

Be sure to use a leash - otherwise you risk being left without bait. However, try to avoid thick metal options, since when installing them, the number of bites decreases significantly. When fishing for pike on a balance beam on the first ice or when fishing at the end of winter, when the pike is more active, you can use tungsten and titanium leashes or a thin metal string. During the deep winter period, when the fish are as passive and cautious as possible, you need to use a more inconspicuous option:

Leash equipped dl. 25cm. test 15kg. PIERCE 30 for 1 piece. Fluorocarbon leash 0.6mm 16.5kg 20cm (HS-0064) Helios 105 for 1 pack. Titanium leash 15kg 15cm (HS-0031) Helios 120 for 1 pack. Fluorocarbon leash 0.5mm 13.8kg 15cm (HS-0053) Helios 95 for 1 pack. Leash equipped dl. 15cm. test 9kg. PIERCE 20 for 1 piece. Titanium leashes DIXXON 1X1 15cm, 6kg (2 pieces) (0059722) 152 per 1 pack. Fluorocarbon leashes (15cm/0.50mm/11kg) 1pack*3pcs Sprut 240 per 1pack. Leash equipped dl. 15cm. test 15kg. PIERCE 30 for 1 piece. Titanium leashes DIXXON 1X1 10cm, 6kg (2 pieces) (0059720) 140 per 1 pack.

Select a suitable leash from the catalog

Winter fluorocarbon is a braid of woven thin threads or one piece of thick fluorocarbon. Thanks to the ideal refractive index, this material is invisible in the clear water of winter reservoirs.

In addition to being invisible and durable, the leash for winter pike should be flexible. A small swivel is attached to its end, to which an equally small carbine is attached.

It is advisable to equip the fishing rod with a nod-signaling device - it will be especially useful when fishing with a light weight balancer. Unlike perch or pike perch, pike, especially winter pike, takes the bait less pronounced - it can grab your balance beam and stand in one place for some time without releasing its “prey”. A nod will allow you to see that the potential prey is interested in the bait, at this time you need to make a hook and release the clutch of the reel to soften the jerk of the toothy one.

Mounting methods

In order to achieve a good bite, it is necessary to take into account not only all of the listed factors, but also the method of securing the bait. The balancer is attached to the fishing line with a special fastener or through a loop made of fishing line. For successful pike fishing, a leash made of high-strength steel is a desirable condition. An alternative to metal is fluorocarbon, which is much more resistant to pike teeth than nylon. However, the leash needs to be changed to a new one after each bite.

How to rig a fishing rod

I catch perch in winter using a balance rod using a spinning rod, only of a much smaller size than a fishing rod used in open water. For trolling, a rigid form up to 50 cm long is used, with guide rings and a handle with the ability to mount a reel. In conditions of low temperatures and rapid supply of bait to depths, the use of medium-sized inertial reels filled with monofilament fishing line no thicker than 0.2 mm is justified.

Perch can be caught on a balance beam without setting a leash.

The bait is attached directly to the fishing line or carabiners and miniature fasteners are used for quick changes. The supply of fishing line should exceed the parameters of the depth level being fished at least twice.

Elements of equipment for a winter spinning rod for catching perch from ice

Features of fishing with balance beams in winter

At the very beginning of winter, the effectiveness of baits is greater than that of conventional vertical spinners. The fish is very active and quickly reacts to playing bait. In the dead of winter, the activity of aquatic predators decreases. Accordingly, the effectiveness of using balancers also decreases. Closer to spring, with the increase in fish activity, fishing with a balance beam becomes successful again. To attract low-active predators, fishermen have their own techniques. One of the most popular is the use of shiny beads or teardrop pendants that serve as a point for the fish to attack. Some models are immediately equipped with such pendants, which significantly increases fishing efficiency.

When fishing with a balance beam in winter, a rigid rod with a small reel and a cork handle is used. This material is poorly wetted by water and allows you to comfortably hold the tackle even in very cold weather.

In addition to hunting predators, the balancer is great for scouting a body of water. If the bottom layer does not give bites, the wiring is repeated at higher horizons. Having fished the entire thickness of the reservoir, choose the optimal depth.

How to distinguish an original from a fake?

Today you can easily stumble upon Chinese counterfeits with an inscription on the packaging similar to the word “Rapala”.

Professionals have identified the following ways to find the differences between the original and fake models:

1. The price for a Rapala balancer cannot be low, even on sale, at least 400-600 rubles;
2. Until 2021, on the branded packaging of the Finnish manufacturer, a slot was made in the form of a cross;
3. Quality of painting of the product - the original balancers only have the bait painted, its parts, hooks and fastenings are not painted;
4. The manufacturer's logo - Rapala - should be located on the blade near the rear hook.

Note! A cheap purchase will not bring successful fishing and will gradually develop from a joyful moment into resentment for purchasing low-quality bait. Counterfeits play terribly in the water and are not able to attract predators as effectively as original models.

Useful tips

Before you buy a balancer, be sure to check it carefully:

• Check that the hooks and tail stabilizer are securely attached. Make sure the paint coating is durable;
• To eliminate the roll, wind a wire around the bow or tail or attach a weight to the opposite hook. This allows you to install the balancer in a horizontal position when securing the fishing line;
• a small pin fastener attached to the fishing line allows you to quickly change the bait if necessary;
• a wool bait on a single hook or a bead pendant on a tee allows you to increase the number of bites significantly.

How to choose a balancer - video:

The best balancers for perch

Rapala W02

This brand of balancer is often used by beginners and experienced anglers when ice fishing for perch. The length of the bait is only 2 cm, weight 4g, but the game is simply masterful! Any wiring can be done, but the most effective are sharp jerks with low amplitude. The balancer has proven itself especially well when catching schooling perch. There are different color models, so choosing the right option for different bodies of water is not difficult. The optimal depth range varies from 0.5 to 2 m. Reviews about the balancer are only positive. The only drawback is the high cost.

Dixxon "Classic"

One of the best options for catching perch in shallow waters. The balancer has proven itself well in winter fishing. It gives good results from the first to the last ice. The body of the trompe l'oeil is made of metal, the tail is plastic. Design features allow wiring in strong currents or standing water. The snag weighs 5 g, its length is 3.5 cm. It perfectly imitates a fry, which the perch is not averse to eating. The imitation of live fish is very realistic, so the “sailor” does not have any suspicions. Among the disadvantages, anglers consider the fact that pike show interest in the bait. This leads to frequent loss of balancers.

Frost Nova

Budget products from a Russian manufacturer. The price of the bait is low, so any angler can purchase several options for the Frost Nova perch balancer. The price is so low that accidentally losing the bait in a snag is not at all a pity. Low cost is combined with excellent quality of the product. The line contains several variants of baits, differing in shade and size. For catching perch, 4-gram balancers with a length of 4.3 cm and striped colors are optimal. To keep the product intact, each of the fish is packed in a blister. An additional bead pendant attached to the abdominal tee increases the catchability of the model several times. Disadvantages include:

• small tee size;
• weakly fixed plumage of the “tail”.

What colors of balance bars does pike like?

There is no clear answer to the question of what colors pike like. The catchability will depend on the fishing conditions:

• during daylight hours and in sunny weather - gear of discreet color, which does not glare and does not frighten the fish;
• in cloudy weather - light colors, clearly visible in the water;
• winter balancers for ice fishing are bright, luminous, coated with metal.

The main attention is paid to the natural coloring, imitating fish - dark top, light bottom and wiring technique. “Classic” is considered to be white with a red head, imitation of a perch.

The best balancers for perch in winter

Kuusamo Tasapaino X-Pro

This model is classic and ideal for catching large perch. The large “sailor” is a respectable predator, so manufacturers paid special attention to the reliability and durability of the product. The tail unit is not attached to the balancer, but is molded into it, which makes the structure much stronger. The special geometry makes the product highly responsive when playing. The body is made of lead alloy. This allows you to use snags both in clean shallow areas and snags. The Tasapaino X-Pro model range comes in a large number of sizes and colors. For humpback salmon, a 5-centimeter product is optimal.

Advantages:

• durable coating;
• more than 20 color options;
• excellent assembly;
• unique game.

The disadvantage of the model is, first of all, the high price. In addition, the balancer is often attractive to pikes, and quite large ones at that. The bait itself adequately withstands the pressure of a pike's mouth, but the fishing line often cannot withstand it.

Nils Master Jigger-2

A durable and beautiful balancer from Finnish manufacturers is one of the leaders in the rating. A special feature of the model is an extended tee, thanks to which the balancer can serve as a vertical spinner. Body length 70 mm. The product is distinguished by an original game, equally attractive for both perches and pikes that are inactive in winter. The line includes 28 different color options with different types of reflective elements in the form of sparkles or corrugations. All these “little things” lead to the fact that the wiring efficiency doubles. The bait is attractive even to fish located at a considerable distance. The model also breaks depth records (up to 14 m), which is impossible for products from competing companies.

Pros:

• reflective coloring, which has an additional luring effect;
• low price;
• high quality workmanship;
• depth up to 14 m;
• 28 types of coloring;
• an extended tee that allows the use of balancers as vertical spinners.

There are no negative reviews.

Aqua Jig-2 Trapper

Product made in Russia. The main reason why this model was included in the review is its completely unique catchability in relation to perch. The balancer is equipped with a tee No. 10 and can be submerged to a depth of 8 meters. The bait is also attractive to larger inhabitants of the reservoir - pike perch and pike. However, the “target audience” is still perch. The variety of colors is significantly inferior to the products of the same Kuusamo, but this does not affect the catchability in any way. Another reason for inclusion in the TOP 10 is the low price. However, almost all anglers note a drawback - a fragile rear single hook. The problem is solved by local hardening and sharpening of the hook.

Advantages:

• original style of play (with planning and diving);
• low price;
• excellent catchability.

Cons: flimsy rear hook.

Balancers for perch: video

The best balancers for pike

Lucky John Pro Series Mebaru 67

This series is designed for those anglers who want to catch large pike. The body of the balancer is made of lead alloy; plastic, resistant to low temperatures, is used to make the tail. Due to sharp turns when retrieving, the bait attracts the attention of a predator. 3 holes in the dorsal fin area make it possible to try different variations of the game. The sharp hooks of the Owner leave no chance for the nimble predator. The best parameters for catching large trophy pike:

• weight 18 g;
• length 6.7 cm.

Advantages:

• characteristic aggressive appearance of the bait;
• durable and sharp hooks;
• the ability to experiment with the game;
• variety of colors.

The only problem is that the bait is very clingy.

RAPALA JIGGING RAP

A catchy balancer from Finnish manufacturers, the main feature of which is its unique game. You can make a copy that looks exactly like the original, but there will be big problems with catching pike. The bait imitates a fry so realistically that even small pike instantly attack it. The large size of the balancer does not bother her at all. According to experts, the secret to the success of Rapala products is optimal load distribution. The range of the series is very wide. Modifications differ in color and size.

Advantages:

• variety of options;
• color fastness;
• durable and sharp hooks, minimizing the risk of slippage;
• versatility. The balancer is equally effective in deep areas and shallows, in moderate currents and in completely still water.

Disadvantage: high price. If the bait is lost, as they say, “the toad will crush you.”

Catching models

Rapala Jigging Rap

The first model of Rapala balancers to appear on the market and is still the most popular . The body shape of the bait resembles a fish. Available in the following sizes:

• 2 cm – 4 g;
• 3 cm – 5 g;
• 5 cm – 9 g;
• 7 cm – 18 g;
• 9 cm – 25 g.

On sale you can find the old 12-centimeter model, but these balancers have not received recognition, since when suspended, the rear end of the bait outweighs.

Rapala Snap Rap

A recently introduced balancer with a very active game . This is achieved through an asymmetrical tail, which is glued not to the back of the bait, but to its back. There are three standard sizes:

• 4 cm – 4 g;
• 6 cm – 9 g;
• 8 cm – 24.

Rapala Jigging Rap WH

It differs from the classic model by the presence of a three-color drop on the tee, which is the “attack point”.

Balancers with a red tail . On sale you can find baits with lengths of 3, 5, and 7 cm.

Rapala Flat Jig

These balancers are characterized by the following features:

• body flattened laterally;
• the bait has a high specific gravity;
• The balancer glows in ultraviolet rays.

Balancers are designed for fishing in strong currents . This model has only two sizes: 4 cm -16 g, 6 cm -34 g and only ten color options, including black.

Rapala Jigging Shad Rap

The body of this balancer is taller and resembles a crucian carp . A model is available with a length of 5 cm and a weight of 9 g.

The best balancers for zander

Nils Master SHAD

The unique model, introduced to the market by Nils Master in 1998, stands out primarily for its weight and size. Despite the dominance of new products, it does not lose relevance due to its unique properties. The weight of the balancer is 23 grams, length is 7 cm, which allows you to test it at great depths. The model is designed for both pike perch and large perch. The bait was also “appreciated” by river pike, which attacks the bait very readily. The line is presented in 22 color options. Some models are luminous.

Advantages:

• many color options, including fluorescent;
• original style of play;
• good bait set;
• high catchability.

Disadvantage: this model cannot be called budget.

Scorana Ice Crystal Mark 2 (80 mm)

A groovy model with 3D eyes and a fairly weighty body. The bait showed excellent catchability in Russian reservoirs. The smallest version of the model line with a length of 40 mm is excellent for perch and pike in shallow waters. There is also an 8-centimeter giant weighing 32 grams in the series, ideal for catching large pike perch. The measured play of the bait attracts the attention of large predators, forcing them to attack.

Advantages:

• good level of catchability;
• original design (just look at the photo);
• low price;
• a variety of flowers attractive to predators;
• the possibility of successful fishing in deep and shallow waters;
• 3D eyes;
• original tail section.

Disadvantages: none.

Balancer testing - underwater photography: