Catching pike perch with a jig is one of the surest ways to catch fanged ones. Few other methods will allow you to so quickly and accurately find and catch this fish in its intended parking areas. The extraordinary fishing technology, a variety of inexpensive baits, and the possibility of year-round fishing for predators in open water and in water areas with ice-free areas for the winter popularize fishing for pike perch using jigs from a boat and the shorelines of a reservoir.
Competent and effective equipment for catching pike perch also does not cause any particular difficulties even for an inexperienced fisherman. Consisting of well-known accessories, the tackle is not distinguished by its high cost and excessive load of high-tech elements. A spinning angler will learn more about the technique of catching pike perch with a jig by reading the article below.
Features of catching pike perch on a jig
This method allows you to hunt fangs throughout the year. Nowadays, this feature has become incredibly relevant in non-freezing sections of rivers and technical reservoirs within cities or near large industrial enterprises, where pike perch can be caught with a jig all year round, regardless of the season of the year.
The specificity and structure of jig baits for pike perch makes it possible to catch heavily snagged and cluttered bottoms of reservoirs, which are the predator’s favorite habitats, where it is simply not accessible by any other fishing method.
A huge selection of inexpensive baits in a variety of colors, shapes and dimensions certainly helps to cover any fishing conditions and choose an effective and efficient bait for any mood of the zander. Easy-to-implement methods of fishing for pike perch can be quickly mastered and do not require hours of preliminary training. Jig fishing is carried out both in standing and in flowing reservoirs of any size and depth.
The basic principle of choosing gear
It has long been proven that jig baits for pike perch are a universal, effective and almost all-season means for catching them . They can be used at any time of the year, on open water. In addition, catching pike perch with a jig has the following positive aspects:
- A fairly simple fishing technique. Any spinning angler can master it in one fishing trip.
- Possibility to fish on reservoirs, both with a clean bottom and with a snag, using special equipment with offset hooks.
- A very large range of tackle and bait makes it quite easy to assemble a fully functional tackle. Even for relatively little money.
When creating gear for catching pike perch, you need to carefully monitor the compliance of the spinning rod, reel and weight of the jig used. Everything must be chosen harmoniously , because this fishing is considered quite active and requires a lot of energy from the fisherman.
Spinning rod for fishing for pike perch must be of high quality and strong, its test parameters must correspond to your jig heads, and since this predator lives near the bottom, sometimes at considerable depths, the weight of baits can sometimes reach 40 - 50 grams .
In addition, it is recommended to take sticks of fast or medium-fast action , since jigging for pike perch requires competent and precise movements. As a rule, this is a stepped retrieve with a constant expectation of a bite at any stage.
The reel can be taken either inertia-free or multiplier. The spinning reel must have a power of at least 2500 . And multipliers work very harmoniously with casting spinning rods, which are very convenient to work with, using jig rigs for pike perch.
Expert opinion
Knipovich Nikolai Mikhailovich
Zoologist, hydrobiologist. I am interested in fishing at a professional level.
Interesting! It has been noticed that more than 80% of anglers use casting (trigger) spinning rods with a “multi” specifically for jig fishing. This way you can catch almost any large predator.
As the main fishing line, it is most rational to use braided cord . It does not stretch under load, is strong enough and transmits every movement of the bait to the fisherman.
Choosing the right jig heads
Jig heads for pike perch are selected according to their shape based on the structure of the bottom base, and, in particular, its cleanliness from various types of natural and artificial obstacles. Snags use boot-shaped weights with a flat body structure, which increases the permeability of the bait and reduces the likelihood of a blind hook. In water areas with a flat and uncluttered bottom, classic round weights are used, both with a permanently soldered hook and in the shape of a Cheburashka.
Important! The use of Cheburashka makes the play of the silicone bait more relaxed and their use is justified when the fish activity is low.
Stationary jigs are easier to control and hooking when biting using a classic jig head for pike perch brings a greater chance of success.
Important! It is worth noting that a ball-shaped load reaches the bottom faster than its flat counterpart, which must be taken into account when fishing in deep water.
Selection of jig baits for pike perch
Pike perch on jigs are best caught using silicone baits, as has been proven by the practice of pike perch hunting. Among the variety of this bait, it is worth noting vibrotails and worms, the forms of which are most effective when fishing. Twisters, crustaceans and imitations of insects are less successful among fanged fish, although they should not be excluded from the pike perch’s arsenal, and experiments in moments of no bite can make these initially unpromising forms into fishing favorites.
One of the classics of pike perch fishing is the use of a jig head with a foam fish attachment. For some reason, the clumsiness and angularity of the foam rubber’s movements arouses the greatest interest among pike perch, which is what you need to take advantage of, keeping a couple of different-sized foam rubber imitations in reserve. Jigging using an oscillating spinner like castmatser is also effective throughout the year.
Important! Models with fluorescent coating perform especially well, which are practical for catching pike perch at night using a jig.
More exotic pike perch jig baits include medium-sized front-loaded rotating spoons with narrow willow leaf-shaped petals and sinking heavy wobblers with rattlin-type driven bodies.
The best spinning rods for jigging for pike perch
There are several best models for jig fishing.
They are produced by specialized companies, taking into account all the features of jig fishing:
- Black Hole Hyper is one such example. The main advantage is the affordable cost. The length of the rod is from 2.7 to 3.2 meters.
- Major Craft Restive has a rod length of 2 m 57 cm and a test ranging from 7 to 28 grams. This model also has a low price.
- Shimano Game AR-C is an elite high-class model that is used for jigging by experienced fishermen. One of the models is available with 84 grams of dough. Length 2.-4.1 m. Tests: 6-84 grams.
Choosing lure colors
Although lures have quite a wide variety of colors, it is worth considering the selection of colors depending on the fishing conditions. Initially, the color spectrum of the bait is influenced by the depth of presentation and only then by the conditions of natural light. Pike perch has keen eyesight and is able to detect shades of color even at great depths in almost complete darkness.
Important! It is recommended to catch pike perch at night with a jig using light-colored artificial imitations interspersed with or completely covering the surfaces of fishing tools with fluorescent compounds.
Some manufacturers have successfully mastered the illumination of nozzle bodies using LEDs, which are capable of not only producing a constant luminous flux, but also flickering at different frequencies, thereby increasing the predator’s interest in attack. At depths of over five meters, yellow-green acidic colors are more visible. From three to five meters, red, white, pure yellow and pink tones are practical to use. In shallow waters, where catching pike perch is not so promising, darker color baits are used for reconnaissance purposes, ranging from blue interspersed with sparkles to the color of machine oil.
In addition, I would like to note the rationality of using attractants in jig fishing with silicone and foam rubber baits, which are impregnated with simulators.
Important! Edible rubber during periods of low predator activity brings more significant results in terms of catch.
Jig tackle
Installation of jig tackle is carried out on the basis of a spinning rod, usually with average test parameters, in the range of 7–30 grams. Often, microjigging when hunting for fanged fish does not bring significant results due to smaller baits. The spinning rod selected for equipment is equipped with a spinning reel with a high gear ratio and a finely adjustable clutch.
Important! Fine-tuning the clutch helps not only when catching a caught trophy, but also gives a chance to save the bait when hooked.
The reel itself is housed in a light metal alloy body, which does not burden the angler during dynamic fishing. The traction force of the mechanism has minimal significance on the progress of fishing in this direction. A spool of regular conical shape must accommodate at least one hundred meters of braided cords with a diameter of up to 0.18 mm.
Important! The equipment necessarily uses rigid braided cords, which cover the need for scrupulous control of the animation of the bait and the meager bite of the predator.
Choosing jig tackle
The most important element of the gear is a spinning rod, the selection of which will be discussed in more detail, going into the nuances of options for catching pike perch on a jig from the shore and from a swimming craft. An incorrect choice of rod performance characteristics will not allow you to make long casts and retrieve baits in a wide range of modes, adjusting to the prevailing conditions during fishing, thereby limiting fishing and reducing its effectiveness.
Spinning rod for catching pike perch on a jig
The selection of tackle for shore and boat fishing has a different approach, which is influenced by the casting distance. In fact, spinning rods must have rigid characteristics, which allows you to confidently hook into the bony mouth of pike perch and sensitively control the bait. Jig fishing for large pike perch from boats is carried out using short rods from 1.5 to 2 meters, with a fast action. They fish from shorelines with spinning rods over 3 meters in length and using a semi-fast action form. This nuance in the characteristics of the blank allows you to cast further and more accurately, even with lightly loaded bait.
Fishing tackle
First of all, you need to choose the right rod length, which depends on the fishing location:
- If you plan to fish from a boat, then the optimal length will be 2.1-2.7 m.
- When fishing from the shore, the rod should be larger - 3.2-3.8 m.
Do not forget about the rigidity of the rod, because hooking and piercing the rough skin of the pike perch with a soft tool will not work. Reels are mainly used inertialess. They are suitable for any gear, have all the necessary functional components and ensure the catch of even large fish. Some fishermen spend significant amounts of money purchasing baitcasting reels, but they are absolutely inappropriate in the bodies of water we are accustomed to.
Two types of fishing line can be used: monofilament and braided cord. Preference should be given to the latter, since it can withstand more load with the same diameter, and this is essential on rivers with strong currents. Braided line allows you to cast your bait further and has less resistance to water flow. In addition, this type of fishing line has a lower degree of stretch, which ensures a good response to careful bites. The diameter should be selected depending on the expected size of the fish.
Where to catch zander
On rivers, you need to look for the fanged one on the edges of channel holes, where it waits for its prey in the bottom layers. Riffles and drops, uneven terrain at depths of more than three meters on solid bottom foundations are also among the most promising points, especially in reservoirs with a current. Regardless of the hydrology of the water body, flocks of pike perch prefer snags and fresh dead wood. Perch like to stay near dams, near bridge supports and overpasses. Catching large pike perch in the fall with a jig is successfully carried out on the border of a shallow with a sharp difference in depth, the so-called underwater wall, where it goes out even during daylight hours to hunt for small fish that gather in schools for wintering.
Every fisherman wants to know where pike perch sits - promising places for pike perch fishing
Pike-perch loves running, clean water, current, and a stable bottom: where there is this, there is pike-perch. It is found in lakes rich in underground springs and springs, rivulets with deep pools and rapids. Prefers a sandy or finely rocky bottom. If there is no choice, then a hard bottom with shelters.
In large rivers, you should look for pike perch on sharp changes in depth, sand spits that form whirlpools, behind large stones in a strong current, especially if there are holes there.
Cover, current and depth – that’s the motto of pike perch!
On smaller rivers, it makes sense to look for pike perch closer to the mouth, observing the motto. Choosing a place on a river bend can give good results, especially with a difference in depth and high water.
It should be remembered that as the water recedes, the pike perch moves to deeper places downstream.
Technique for catching pike perch with a jig
For jig fishing, anglers use a lot of effective techniques, ranging from the classic in the form of stepped fishing to dragging the bait along the bottom with a short toss.
Important! An important point of the zander jig is the obligatory touch of the nozzle to the bottom, raising a spot of turbidity.
Retrieving in this style after casting requires completely laying the load on the bottom, waiting for a pause, and after these actions, starting the animation of the simulator, again touching the bottom base while playing it at a certain frequency. The general principle of carrying out such postings is justified by the fact that pike perch approach the bait not only when it is visually detected, but also from the sound of a weight hitting the hard bottom.
Important! Carrying hooks are equipped with offset hooks, transforming the hooks into non-hooking hooks.
Any failure of the simulator’s game requires an immediate sharp hook, as a result of which the angler must count on catching the fish by breaking the hook of the predator’s bony mouth. The attack of the fanged one begins with pressing the victim to the bottom, which is often noticeable when catching a trophy by the beard, outside the lower part of the head. After hooking, the fish behaves calmly, almost never showing proper resistance, and is pumped out by the reel while the line is evenly wound.
Important! Frequent disappearances of the trophy do not indicate the fighting qualities of the predator, but rather the blunt hooks on the baits that do not properly penetrate the mouth of the fish.
TOP spinning rods for jigging
When choosing a spinning rod for jigging, fishermen's reviews, of course, are of no small importance. But you can also familiarize yourself with the rating below. It includes the best rods that can be used from the shore, boat or both at the same time. This list shows better models in terms of price/quality ratio and important characteristics.
Norstream Kando 902MH
As usual, Norstream presents the best rods in any class. And for shore jig, it is best to choose Kando 902MH. This is a very long-range fishing rod, it has maximum sensitivity, and you can use it to tie fish well. Spinning provides high-quality movement of the bait, so the predator immediately notices it, and then cannot get off the hook.
You may be interested in: Spinning rod Graphiteleader Calzante
The length of the rod is 2.74 m, which allows it to be classified as a coastal one. The weight of the dough is about 12-38 g, sometimes you can use a larger weight. The system used is fast. Thus, this is the best option for a shore jig, since all its characteristics correspond to the recommended ones, and the price is quite reasonable.
Major Craft Rizer 832MH
This rod is rightfully the most sensitive of this list. Of course, its casting range is slightly less than that of the first position in the rating, but the fisherman will have a better feel for how the fish catches the bait. In addition, with this fishing rod the fish is cut and reliably tied. Thus, this is no less successful fishing rod than the previous one.
The length of the rod is 2.52 m, and the weight is 8-35 g. A fast action is also used here. The weight of the bait may be slightly greater than indicated in the test, which means that the fishing rod can be used on any body of water.
Banax Thunder 90MXF2
This model is considered the most successful jig spinning rod at a low cost. Although the fishing rod has been produced for a very long time and is considered outdated, it has been tested by time and attracts more and more anglers to take up jig fishing. This spinning rod has good sensitivity, range, and excellent fishing behavior. Of course, the rod itself is flimsy, but this does not greatly affect the quality of fishing.
The length of the Banax Thunder rod is 2.74 m, which allows it to be classified as a coastal spinning rod. The recommended test is 7-25 g, but users consider these figures to be too low, since the fishing rod can easily withstand 50 g. The action here is set to medium-fast, but the fishing rod can also be equipped with an ultra-fast action.
Pontoon21 Psychogun 912MMHSF
Many fishermen believe that this model is the best for jig fishing. Of course, this spinning rod has a slightly weaker range than the others, but it has maximum power. The rod is ideal for fishing in difficult conditions, when the fastest possible retrieval is required, for example, when fishing in snags.
The length of Pontoon21 is 2.74 m, and the test ranges from 10.5 to 32 g. As for the action, the manufacturers promise that they use a fast and very sensitive action. In fact, this is confirmed, since the fishing rod is well mobile, and its end produces very informative movements. This model is also called Deep Reaction, which means that it definitely belongs to spinning rods for jig fishing.
Daiko Ultimatum 962HMF
This rod allows you to use very heavy baits and is classified as a coastal spinning rod. It has the maximum bait casting range. Thus, it is easy for a fisherman to deliver bait over a distance of about 100 m. And if you install a very thin cord and a spinning reel, you can throw it over a hundred. Moreover, the fishing rod is made in such a way that even at such a long distance you can clearly see the bite.
You may be interested in: Norstream Dynamic spinning rod
The fishing rod has a length of 2.89 m. And the test is over 12 and up to 60 g. The manufacturer claims a medium-fast action.
Norstream Spiker 782MH
This model is considered a universal spinning rod for jigging, which has a budget price. The length of the rod is 2.32 m, and the test weight is 10-35 g. Thanks to these characteristics, the rod can be used both on the shore and in a boat. The spinning rod is also characterized by sufficient sensitivity, which is enough to sense minimal bites. In special cases, you can force fishing in difficult places.
Banax TinFish 80MF2
This is another versatile rod that has a long casting range and excellent sensitivity, so the fisherman feels great when fishing from the shore. As for fishing in a boat, it is ensured by a comfortable handle, minimal weight of the rod, and a length of only 2.44 m. A varied test can also be used here - 7-28 g. Sometimes you can install a heavier load. This rod is considered an ideal choice for beginners who need a universal spinning rod for jigging.
Major Craft Rizer 702H
If you are looking for the perfect spinning rod for boat fishing, this model is worth considering. Yes, there are very few boat fishing rods, but among them there are worthy specimens. The length of the model is 2.13 m, and the test ranges from 10 to 42 g. It uses an ultra-fast action. A characteristic feature is the ability to use large wobblers for twitching.
Norstream Partner 70H
This is another high-quality boat spinning rod. It has a thick butt, and the rings are reinforced to ensure reliable forced playing. The rod length is only 2.13 meters, the action is super fast, and the test is 15-45 g.
GAD Harrier 702MHF
This is another great cheap spinning rod that can be used for boat fishing. It has good reliability and durability, so you can rest assured that you will be able to pull pike perch out of difficult places without any problems. The product is made with high quality, the design is thought out, and the cost is minimal.
The length of the rod is 2.13 m. The rod has a fast action, the butt part is reinforced, and there is a movable tip. A spaced neoprene handle is used. Rod test - 12-45 g.
To enjoy jig fishing, you need to choose a reliable and high-quality fishing rod and other gear. With its help, you can provide the necessary wiring, notice a bite in time and cut through the fish’s mouth. Therefore, you should pay a lot of attention to the choice of such a product and take into account the recommendations of the above rating.
Jig fishing for pike perch at different times of the year
The most productive season of jig hunting is considered to be spring, which is divided into the March pre-spawning period and the May post-spawning period. In summer, the fish become more capricious and you can only jig effectively at night. Pike perch begins to be caught well with jigs in the fall with the first cold snaps, closer to October. The bite moves from dark to daylight hours and fishing can be carried out throughout the daylight hours, which cannot be said in other seasons, due to the warmth, where the twilight morning and evening hours are considered the most promising, and they try to conduct summer fishing at night.
On non-freezing reservoirs during the winter season, fishing is done in the daytime, before fishing the cord is lubricated with silicone, which prevents it from freezing.
