Pike perch is a type of predatory fish. It lives in spacious bodies of water and is especially active at night. Pike perch is also a schooling fish.
This suggests that pike perch hunt collectively, but the largest individuals prefer to hunt alone. Fishermen like this fish and catch pike perch using lures, and the “bait” is either bought or made with their own hands.
Purpose of winter spinners for pike perch
Winter bait for pike perch should be “playful” and bright, capable of luring as many of this predatory fish as possible. After all, for her, the bait is attractive due to its mobility.
The fishing gear consists of a fishing rod (handle, whip) and a nod. The latter must be very elastic in order to be able to track cautious fish. The fishing rod is equipped with a reel with fishing line, and the lighter the spoon, the thinner the fishing line is needed. Such equipment of the fishing rod allows you to play the bait properly.
Spinner device
The design of such a bait is not complicated, but it still has its own characteristics. The basis of the nozzle is the body, which can be made of brass, copper, steel, plastic, and so on. The body of the spinner may resemble a fish, or less often, some other living creature. Spoons are equipped with hooks, one or more.
If the nozzle is vertical, then the hook is soldered at one end, and at the other there is a ring for fishing line. Horizontal types of bait (balancers) involve a hinged hook in the middle of the body of the spoon.
It is worth noting that hooks are masked with various threads, hairs, and so on. This is done to distract the fish’s attention from the hooks, which are foreign objects to them. In addition, the color of the bait can be different; most often, bright shades or colors of fish are chosen: silver or gold plated.
Main characteristics
Spinners for winter fishing for pike perch differ from models intended for catching other fish in some characteristics. These characteristics should be used as a guide when you select the most catchy bait model.
- All winter lures for catching pike perch are distinguished by their narrow and elongated shape
. Some models are completely similar to rectangular plates that do not have bends or thickenings. Pike perch refuses to attack wide baits. - Spoons can be from 50 to 100 millimeters long
. Larger baits are used for hunting large pike perch in places with enormous depths. - The spoon weighs from 10 to 25 grams
. Fishing conditions determine the weight of the bait; for fishing in reservoirs with a depth of more than 10 meters, heavier baits will be required. - Most often, brass, copper, cupronickel are used for manufacturing
, but they can also be made from other materials. - as a weighting agent
. Due to the fact that pike perch has a very powerful mouth, it can tear off lead or leave marks on it, so some manufacturers pour lead between the plates. - Silver-colored spinners are considered the best
, although the bait can be of any color. Golden shades and white-colored spinners also work well. - The treble hook is attached to a movable winding ring
at the tail of the bait.
How to make winter lures for pike perch with your own hands
The benefits of making a nozzle yourself can be explained by one of several reasons:
- Relatively high price for really good lures. We are talking about branded lures.
- We cannot exclude the fact that when buying an expensive spinner, it will not be a fake. In this case, fishing may be ruined.
- The purchased specimens do not always “work” as the fisherman needs. Sometimes it’s easier to make a truly “game” bait with your own hands. Features of the manufacture of spinners, depending on the fish that you plan to catch, are described below.
For zander
Here we take the “turbine” spinner as an example. It can be made from any soft metal, but aluminum or copper are ideal.
The operating procedure is as follows:
- First, the “body” of the future attachment is drawn on paper. You can use cardboard or fiberboard if you plan to make spoons more than once, but periodically, if necessary.
- The resulting template is transferred to a sheet of metal using a marker.
- The transferred workpiece is cut from a metal plate using reinforced scissors.
- A chamfer is removed along the edges of the cut workpiece using a file.
- Next, holes are made on both sides of the workpiece. One is needed for the hook, and the second for the ring. Accordingly, they are attached to the spoon with a wire, which acts as an axis. A bead is threaded onto it before being attached on both sides through the holes.
- A weight is attached to the spoon.
- Now the petal needs to be twisted like a propeller. Thanks to this, the “bait” will spin when exposed to thick water.
- The last stage is painting the body of the “oscillator”. The favorite colors of pike perch are white and red, he likes something brighter. Enamels are suitable for painting; some fishermen use ordinary electrical tape as an option.
For perch
As for the manufacture of spinners for perch, the manufacturing principle is the same as described above. The materials are the same and the actions are the same. Due to the color of some metals, such as copper, the lure blanks do not even need to be painted. But, if possible, you can paint it.
Perch, like pike perch, is also a predator. Bright colors, such as red or yellow combined with white, also attract his attention.
For pike
To attract this predator, you need to make a truly attractive bait. It should be weighty, that is, heavy, and also shiny. In this regard, metals that can be polished are selected for production - copper, tin, brass.
A pike bait can be made from a regular cupronickel spoon. Its handle is sawn off and drilled at the ends. This is necessary in order to attach the hook and ring for the fishing line.
Finally, it is necessary to bend the stalk slightly on both sides. The rest of the spoon will make a perfect convex “oscillator”. The cut area is polished, holes are also made and the necessary elements are attached.
Basic requirements for a spinner
When choosing a spoon for catching pike perch, take into account some nuances. The choice is influenced by the specific behavior of the fish and the fishing location (not all baits sold in specialized stores are suitable). What requirements must it meet?
- It should have not only uniform, but also stepped, wavy or jerky wiring.
- It should keep the flow well, that is, without disrupting the game or going into a tailspin;
- It should not lose its visual appeal under water.
- The presence of sharp hooks is mandatory, since this fish is predatory and has a bony mouth.
- Optimal bait length: 5–10 cm for fishing in summer, and 12–14 cm for fishing in autumn.
Shape and color
Before choosing the right one, take into account the special structure of the jaw. When fishing for pike perch, the color of the spoon is paramount. Most often, in the winter months they take a silver color, and in the summer, a copper or golden color. His attention is drawn to a tee with red plumage or cambric.
What to look for when purchasing?
Some pay attention only to the color of the bait, while others pay attention to other, important factors.
In particular, they take into account shape, weight and length. It would be nice to evaluate the “game” of the spinner, but this is impossible to do in a store.
The nuances of making it yourself
Fishermen do not experience any difficulties when making their own spinners. This does not require specific skills. The main thing is to stock up on plumbing tools. You don't even need special materials. You can make bait from a dessert aluminum, steel or cupronickel spoon. The handle is bitten off, and the spoon itself is bent, giving it a shape similar to a fish.
Sometimes fish go better on homemade bait than on branded bait. When making vibrators and turntable blades, you will need cupronickel, copper, stainless steel, brass or silver. The store buys accessories and hooks. They don’t skimp on them, since their quality determines whether the pike perch will bite or not.
Types of spinners for fishing
A huge variety of “baits” can be seen in specialized stores. Each of the baits is good-looking, but there are those types of baits that you simply must have in your arsenal:
"Vlasovskaya"
It is shaped like a ski track and makes slow forward movements when going down and going up. You need to have a certain skill to use such bait. If during descent it touches the bottom, then a “field of dust” forms around it. It just really attracts pike perch, and they become more active. “Vlasov” bait is made from materials such as nickel silver and brass. They allow you to make a “oscillator” that is quite light. The treble hook is equipped with colored cambrics.
"Nurse"
This type of bait has a flat, longitudinally curved shape. A good bait for fishing on lakes and small reservoirs. When this spoon moves, it imitates a small fish. “Nurse” is slightly heavier than the “Vlasov” spinner.
Thickness varies from 1.5 mm to almost 5 mm. The length of the spoon is about 8 cm, the width is from 1 to 5 cm, for widening.
"Ray"
The name of the bait speaks for itself. It has an elongated narrow shape. One side of the bait is weighted. Can also be made of brass or cupronickel. The “beam” has a very small weight, approximately 7 grams, and its length is about 6.5 cm.
"Sudachya"
These “baits” must be subject to constant movement. It is recommended to constantly change the movement of your hands: move the street from side to side, forward - backward, in an arc, and so on. Made from the same materials as the previous ones. Weight - 7 grams.
"Boat"
This nozzle is an oval flat plate. It also requires constant play. It is 9 cm long and weighs just over 7 grams.
TOP best lures for pike perch in winter
Each of the baits for pike perch in winter has different features and technical characteristics. TOP rating of the best models, from which even beginners will not have difficulty choosing the appropriate option for themselves:
Williams spinner for pike perch in winter
Williams is the most reliable, high-quality, durable type of bait. Suitable for catching large specimens. If you choose the right technique, the spinner has proven excellent results when catching pike perch at depths of up to 80 m and in shallow water.
Moreover, it is suitable not only for catching pike perch, but also trout, salmon and pike.
The reaction of the spinner to the bait is excellent even among passive predators. The average price is 400-500 rubles.
Spinner Admiral for pike perch in winter
The bait is heavy, but shows stable characteristics in the game:
- weight - 620 g;
- the color on one side is phosphorescent, on the other it can be different;
- a reliable bait for raiding dangerous areas on a body of water;
- A distinctive feature is the individual behavior of playing on the water with a bottom spoon.
It is recommended to fish with a stepped retrieve, holding the lure while playing in one position at the top point, slightly twitching the rod with your hand and taking short pauses.
Spinner “Sudachya”
Sudachya is a catchable flat-shaped model:
- manufacturing material – durable brass, cupronickel;
- color – golden, copper, silver;
- game - active;
- The wiring is excellent even in strong currents.
If you use the right technique, the spoon will move perfectly, bending sideways or forward. This is a universal bait that can be used in waters of any depth. Suitable for using different types of crochet and perfectly attracts the attention of pike perch weighing 4-5 kg.
Also suitable for beginners.
Spinner boat
The material used to make the Boat spinner is cupronickel, brass. The model is a thin concave spoon that is slowly lowered into the water. It is considered common among anglers and is more suitable for catching pike perch in shallow water.
Consists of 1 hook. The weight is 80 g, but Sudachka showed good play on the water. Preferred color is silver, steel.
When fishing for pike perch, it is recommended to use this spoon when fishing without sudden movements.
Vlasov spinner
An active spinner with the right approach to fishing technique. Even at the bottom it does not stop oscillating and making active oscillatory movements.
It is better to use it in the dead of winter, when large pike perch are moving in the dark. Manufacturing material: brass. Shape: ski with a bend at the hook attachment point, weight: 15 g, length: 7.5 cm.
The size and weight of the bait may vary. The Vlasov spinner remains attractive for a long time because it does not wear out and does not lose its original color. Suitable for catching pike perch in strong currents. A bright tassel at the tip of the bait only enhances its attractiveness.
Luch spinner
One of the expensive spinners, but has proven effective when catching pike perch in winter:
- production material – cupronickel;
- shape - slightly concave;
- the ribs of the bait are sharp;
- the presence of a weight at one end, a bright tassel on the hook;
- location of the center of gravity - next to the hook;
- the game is similar to the movement of small fish.
Spinner Nurse
The preferred option when fishing for pike perch in large lakes and reservoirs, where the water is quite clear. The bait falls freely and begins to look like small fish.
Feature - quick achievement during oscillations:
- material of manufacture – brass;
- length - 7.7 cm;
- weight 18-19 g;
- double, triple hooks;
- the shape is narrow.
The spinner is available in different colors. This is a mobile and universal bait that works regardless of the depth of the reservoir. Also effective in moderate flow.
Spinner Uchinskaya
Heavy bait, catchable in strong currents and gusts of wind.
Equipped with a treble hook, bright plumage:
- weight - 25 g;
- length 9.2 cm;
- the presence of lead weighting in the head part.
It is better to use when fishing in strong currents.
Carnation bait
The shape of the bait is oval with a smooth oblong body. Shows a simple game on the water, as it rises up and falls down, slightly deviating from its axis. The shape resembles a carnation.
A catchable bait, but can be inexpressive when playing.
Diamond bait
Unlike the carnation, it is a more stable spinner and has an expressive game. The body is convex in the form of a symmetrical rhombus with the apex in the middle
The vibrator is made of thick metal. The thickness is the same over the entire surface. It shows a good fractional game on the water, but does not have a clear repeatability and this is the only drawback when catching pike perch at depths.
Winter spinner tube for pike perch
Spinner baits for pike perch are available in different shapes:
- Hollow, quite effective when catching pike perch in currents and depths. Lateral maneuverability is insignificant. Retrieving near the bottom or in the water column is fast.
- With sealed top. The peculiarity of such spinners is the ability to provide increased drag at the ends, shifting by 30-35 cm to the side, which is attractive for balding pike perch under the ice in winter.
- A noise spinner with both sides recessed and a pellet inside. When moving, it begins to make a rattling sound and vibrate, which is picked up quite quickly by the pike perch.
If you intend to catch large specimens of fish, then it is better to select long spoons. The preferred choice when fishing in currents is hollow tubes. If the water in the reservoir is calm, then you can fish with a sealed spinner model.
Techniques for catching pike perch using lures in winter
In winter, when it’s cold, pike perch is often in a passive state. He can grab small fish and then digest them for several days. This is where the difficulty arises: luring the predator back to the feast.
For this purpose, a certain fishing technique was invented:
- First, the “bait” is carefully lowered to the bottom of the reservoir.
- Next, the “oscillator” must be raised above the bottom surface by about 40 cm.
- You need to wait a short pause at intervals of about 5 seconds.
- Now the “bait” can be abruptly dropped. It deviates from the perpendicular, begins to dangle in the water and this lures predatory fish.
Pausing is important, since pike perch is a shy fish; it always needs time to adapt to the situation and terrain.
How to quickly and deftly catch pike perch?
By the winter cold, the activity of pike perch is significantly reduced, so the technique of trolling the predator is significantly different from the summer period. The main differences are that the lifting and lowering is carried out in a shorter period of time, and the height of movement reaches only 5 cm. You also need to feel the fishing rod in your hand.
Winter fishing time is also different in that you can catch pike perch by moving on the ice over the entire surface of the reservoir, which means that all fishing spots are available for fishing. Fishing is not recommended only in places with strong currents.
There are two types of lifting a vertical spoon:
- For this technique, first, you need to determine the fishing depth. It is determined by lowering the spinners to the bottom of the reservoir, and then raising it by 40 cm. During the game, the plate should smoothly rise 30 cm up from the fishing depth, then drop to the bottom in the interval of 10-20 cm. After a pause, the game cycle continues again .
- The technique of this fishing is carried out according to the “up-down” principle. The bait should rise quickly and then also quickly fall to its original position. After each game there is a pause, and then the actions are repeated again.
The catch of pike perch also depends on the color of the bait. They are best attracted to copper colors, as well as a combination of copper and silver colors.
Tips from experienced fishermen
Here are some tips from experienced fishermen:
- In winter, it is best to use medium or large sized baits. The fact is that the size of the catch depends on the size of the bait. The larger the spoon, the larger the pike perch.
- Fishermen advise using dark-colored spinners during the day, and light colors in the evening. This is explained by the fact that, for example, in the rays of the sun, already bright spinners will look even brighter. This may scare away the pike perch. Therefore, it is better to use muted colors of the spinners so as not to “overplay.”
- If you don’t have special enamel or paint on hand, you can paint your homemade “bait” with regular red nail polish.
- An ordinary tin can can be used as a material for making bait for pike perch. Only on one side it will need to be sanded.
“Tube” for pike perch
This device is a hollow cylinder. It is nickel or chrome plated on the outside. The manufacture of spinners for pike perch of this type can be made of copper or brass. Such a device should be 50-70 mm long and with a load with a diameter of 8-10 mm. The “Tube” spinner for pike perch has two oblique cuts. Namely, one in the place where the winding ring with fishing line and swivel is attached. It is made at a certain angle of 30°. The other is located in the area where the anchor (double or tee) is attached to the clockwork ring. The angle of this cut is 45°. This anchor is camouflaged using red hairs.
This lure for pike perch has one more subtlety. It lies in the fact that the location of the upper and lower holes with a diameter of 2 mm should be on opposite faces.
In general, this lure for pike perch is very compact, quite heavy and easy to manufacture. Also, if this device is made of good metal, then it will not darken over time.
Bottom line
Thus, there is a huge variety of baits for pike perch. They differ from each other in shape, material, color, purpose. For each fish there is a certain type of bait.
Pike-perch responds to medium-sized, brightly colored baits. The performance of this bait is no less important; it must attract a predator, lure it out of the water, then fishing will turn into an exciting activity with a big catch.