Millennia have passed since man learned to fish. Winter fishing is the destiny of worthy and brave people. They are not afraid of deep frosts or ice drilling, and fishing trails attract with intrigue and excitement. Crystal-ringing landscapes, the endless expanse of an ice-bound reservoir and lonely fishermen of fortune - this is the world of fishing heritage.

Progress does not stand still; centuries-old experience and skills of fishermen are being implemented into the latest devices. The gear is becoming more sophisticated, the materials used correspond to the latest research in the field of cold resistance, flexibility, and durability.

What do modern champions of winter phishing use?

Predatory fish - catfish, perch, burbot, pike, pike perch - are caught using live bait gear and special girders.

What types of girders are there?

All varieties can be divided:

1. for summer;
2. winter.

Among winter structures, one can distinguish under-ice and above-ice options.

Over-ice type

A simple homemade ice device consists of a rod sunk into the snow near the hole and a fishing line with a signal flag in the form of any light, fixed object. It could be a bright piece of fabric or a branch. The most common type is the reel design. The fishing line is wound on a drum, from which it is cast into a hole with live bait attached to a hook. The beacon or flag in the abandoned position has a horizontal position. If a fish bites and grabs the bait, the line rotates the reel, and the beacon moves to a vertical position. Having seen the signal, the fisherman should make a hook as soon as possible.

Accommodation is:

• tripod;
• on racks;
• platform.

American

The design has a spool lowered into the water. A distinctive feature of the model is its easy unwinding, invisible to underwater inhabitants.

The high cost of this type is not the only disadvantage. In the harsh Russian frosts, it is problematic to adjust the working depth, rotate the spool and adjusting screws with bare hands. If it freezes into ice, it is impossible to remove it without damage.

The advantage of the American is self-hooking by fixing the reel.

Sub-ice type

The design scheme repeats the above-described option with the only difference - the forest spreader is located under the ice. During passive fishing, the tackle is checked several hours after installation, and the likelihood of swallowing live bait is reduced, since there is no hooking due to the lack of a signal system. The forest spreader rotates freely under water in case of a bite and does not freeze.

How does the girder work?

Design of the vents

can be very different.
For example, an elementary option is when a small piece of twig with a piece of bright rag is attached to a fishing line with equipment and live bait immersed in a hole. When a predator swallows the bait, the branch bends and signals the fisherman about the bite. However, most often the device is a special holder with a coil
and
a flag
. Such versions are found in fishing stores.

The principle of operation of the girder is based on the free unwinding of the fishing line. If it remained in a strictly fixed position, the predator would immediately throw the bait, feeling resistance. Its free state allows it to move at a distance and have time to swallow a fish with a hook. Such a simple and universal operating mechanism, however, does not provide reliable fishing in any situation. Therefore, many options for girders for winter fishing have been invented.

Criterias of choice

First of all, the type of reservoir is taken into account - lake or river. Next, the permissible weight and dimensions are determined.

Flag and signaling device

The beacon should be as bright as possible, preferably in contrasting colors with a long rod. The optimal spring height is from 50 cm. You should focus on the height of the snow cover. The higher the snowdrifts, the longer the bar.

Fluorescent, salad colors are recommended by professionals. For night fishing, additional equipment with reflective tapes is used.

Reel on stand

What you should pay attention to when choosing this design. The height of the stand must always exceed the level of snow cover. During snowstorms and winds, there is a danger of the drum deepening under the snow and blocking the process.

The open type of coil is chosen more often than others to quickly eliminate the formation of loops.

Marking and perforation

The large white space of snow covers reduces the visibility of the rotation of the drum; to eliminate the effect, choose perforated edges or apply the markings yourself with a simple catchy, contrasting varnish.

Base

The manufacturing material must have frost-resistant properties and have a low level of fragility. You can add stability and thermal insulation to the necessary properties.

Hooks

This element does not have strict recommendations, it varies depending on the desired trophy and usage habit. A treble hook is usually smaller than a double hook, and a double hook is smaller than a single hook. It is easier for fish to swallow bait from a tee if each tip is small. For example, 2, 4, 8 numbers will make an ideal set. A powerful anchor may be difficult to hook and the process will not achieve its goal. Any hook must be sharp and durable. Even rust can scare away a capricious predator.

Leash

There are:

• tungsten;
• metal - wire;
• nichrome with twisted structure;
• fluorocarbon with low visibility.

The latter option has high anti-abrasive properties. In other words, it is difficult for predatory fish to bite through it.

Carbine

The presence of this element should not be neglected. At the right time, if it is necessary to partially replace the gear, it will be very useful and will save time for carrying out delicate operations in the cold.

Cargo

Its size and weight vary from:

• type of water, in running water a larger mass is required with fixation at one point and diverting leashes for live bait;
• line thickness;
• size and type of hooks;
• live bait

An ideally selected load will not interfere with the movement of the live bait, but will also prevent it from falling asleep.

Stopper

Used for rigid fixation of cargo. The length of the tackle from the stopper to the beginning of the hook is usually 400 mm, and from the stopper to the carabiner 150 mm.

fishing line

A deep bottom requires a longer fishing line. The depth in meters plus 10 meters gives the required reserve value. Small fish in the form of rotan require only 2 meters of fishing line.

Winter fishing has the following requirements:

• reduced extensibility;
• stability of properties;
• strength;
• protection against minor cuts.

Monofilament nylon and fluorocarbon gear are very popular.

Manual modifications

The spring flag is coated with rubber glue to guarantee operation due to good adhesion. In case of insufficient flexibility of the base, a disk made of thermal fabric is glued to the bottom, which makes it reliable and protects the hole from freezing. PVC fabric can serve as an additional “foundation” for the base and increase stability.

Errors in selection

The color of the signal sheet should not be dark red. Such a beacon is difficult to see at dusk and gets lost in the dirty snow. The metal fastening of the elements is certainly reliable, but it is more susceptible to freezing, and when wet, ice appears, which complicates the work with gear. Over time, rust and play appear.

When choosing gear for trout fishing, you should take into account the characteristics of the underwater inhabitants. At a depth of half a meter from the bottom, it quickly grabs prey without clenching its jaws. An alarm system with a flag thrown will not work. It should also be taken into account that trout does not tolerate pauses; an immediate hook is necessary, otherwise the bait will simply be dropped.

Winter fishing technique

The technique of fishing with girders in winter is that if a predator grabs the bait and slowly drags it into the shelter, the line will unwind, swaying periodically. At this moment, you should not make a hook. A sign that the fish was hooked on its own will be the rapid unwinding of the fishing line under strong tension. In this case, it must be fished out quickly, otherwise the fish may tangle the line. Small pike, for example, weighing up to 400 grams, are always hungry and often lose their vigilance. Therefore, they often swallow the bait completely. Spontaneous fishing, and the position of the fishing line along the shore is a sign that a young and inexperienced individual was hooked. A large predator drags its prey to the depths.

If you feel the fish moving when you pull out the fishing line, you should make a sharp and strong hook. The fishing line should not be pulled too tightly, held in a fist or wrapped around the hand. When fishing, you should be constantly ready to let go of the line, since a large predator can make a very sharp and strong jerk and break the tackle.

Even if the fishing line has a very high level of strength, you should not suddenly pull out large specimens. First, you should tire the fish a little by periodically tightening and loosening the line. It is also worth using a landing net for landing.

Using girders you can catch pike, catfish, pike perch, perch or burbot. If the target of fishing is perch, use small live baits and single hooks. For catfish, it is worth using very powerful gear and large baits, and also looking for places to place girders above deep holes. In winter, burbot lives in deep holes with springs.

Do-it-yourself zherlitsa

How to assemble tackle with your own hands at home.

Step-by-step instruction:

• buy or cut a base from material (plywood) with slots for fishing line and sockets for a stand and flag;
• sockets can be replaced with store clips;
• the stand can be made from a polypropylene tube, the length depends on the snow cover of the area;
• It is also preferable to purchase a spring and a flag in a store;
• the signal material is subject to modification in color, brightness, size;
• The rod is attached both to the base and to the stand using a cork spool or brackets, the main point is reliability;
• the reel drum is attached using various methods - from insulating tape to mounting through drilled holes, the main requirement is rigidity;
• line thickness, yardage and hooks depend on the size of the fish the fisherman is targeting

Fishing for pike on girders

The season for catching pike on girders begins after the first ice sets in and lasts until January, and sometimes longer if the winter is warm. Typically, winter fishing for girders takes place in small reservoirs, ponds and lakes. The most successful are considered to be bays overgrown with grass, quiet water, places near reeds, and coastal breaks.

Fishing for pike in winter on zherlitsy occurs in this way: the zherlitsa is placed in different places - several pieces in shallow water, and several in depth. This technique makes it possible to determine a good place. If not a single bite has been observed in 2 hours, then it is worth changing the location. You should move more than 15 meters from your previous parking lot.

Experienced fishermen advise making holes in several places in advance - it is very difficult to find a place with a good bite the first time. Also, when fishing for pike, you should not place the girders above the pits.

You can install gear over flat areas with a small amount of snags, or where there are slight differences in depth.

Review of the best ice fishing poles

Pier Master

One of the most popular models at an affordable price with excellent characteristics.

Priest Pierce Master

Advantages:

• light plastic stand, bright fluorescent color;
• non-corrosive, frost-resistant material for the stand;
• closing the hole from light and frost;
• reliable plastic reel with a stiffening rib;
• base with stop;
• reel with smooth running and tuning;
• quick assembly;
• flag with a flexible metal spring;
• the bright color of the signal element is visible in light, gray, and dark tones;
• a tight rod can withstand live bait up to 200 grams;
• instant operation, capacious in sound;
• reel with perforation for tee.

Flaws:

• When triggered sharply, the flag rod may fly out of the groove.

Pier Eco

A distinctive feature of the model is the base in the form of a tripod.

Zherlitsa Piers Eco

Advantages:

• simple alerting;
• without disassembling into parts;
• body with grooves for fastening the flag tail;
• with a regulation screw, an analogue of braking during winding, rewinding;
• easy operation;
• stable design;
• with a hole on the leg for fastening.

Flaws:

• only for medium fish, the likelihood of diving into holes with a strong grip;
• no flag reflector;
• does not protect the hole from freezing.

Stinger Tip Up Set

A set of gear from a Russian manufacturer that has been on the market for more than 10 years.

Long-term knowledge acquired over many years and rich experience became the basis for the implementation of a reliable project. The gear is not inferior in characteristics to world leaders, and at the same time has an affordable price. The brand's products are manufactured not only in Russia, but also in Taiwan, Malaysia, India, China, Singapore, and Korea.

Stinger Tip Up Set

Advantages:

• set of 10 copies;
• frost-resistant material;
• fishing line 0.40 mm and 30 meters long;
• The set contains sinkers, a carabiner, and a leash;
• quick, simple assembly and installation;
• the set is placed in a bag made of dense, reliable material with a shoulder strap;
• several compartments in the bag;
• high flag stand over 37 cm;
• compact size;
• possibility to order online;
• convenient transportation;
• the base disk covers the hole and protects;
• bright flags;
• good reel travel.

Flaws:

• not protected from spontaneous operation.

Three pillars with a straight stand

Several brand configuration options will allow you to choose the optimal set.

girder Three pillars with a straight stand

Advantages:

• straight stand with stiffening rib;
• stable disc at the base;
• with a set of multi-colored reels;
• bright orange flag;
• long spring.

Flaws:

• Possible overturning under prolonged load.

PIKE

There are Belarusian and Russian brands of gear.

girder PIKE

Advantages:

• 5 copies per set;
• the increased diameter of the base guarantees stability and coverage of a large hole;
• with mechanical stop;
• wide color range of legs in the form of pikes and coils;
• bright noticeable coloring of elements;
• visually striking originality;
• the best consumer reviews;
• reliable fixation of the fishing line;
• holder with stiffening ribs;
• reasonable price;
• all parts are made of plastic.

Flaws:

• Not a very comfortable leash.

Budget class
Model	Weight, gr.	Stand, diameter, mm	Reel, diameter, mm
Pier Master	104	190	60
Pier Eco	95	—	55
Stinger Tip Up Set	101	191	64
Three whales	99	190	60
PIKE	250	200	90

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
  Price per piece: 165 rub.
• 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