The asp is a prime example of a cautious predator. It has an elongated body. The average length is 50 cm. Although it does not have such sharp teeth as a pike, it will not miss its prey. Lives exclusively in fresh water bodies with currents.
Every fisherman wants to add such a trophy to his victories, but not everyone succeeds. Hunting for such representatives of the fish family requires careful preparation, the right location, and equipment.
Catching asp using a bombard is considered the most effective. What are its advantages, installation features, and components, we will explain further.
What it is
Often it is a plastic tube through which the fishing line is pulled. One of the ends is thickened and shaped like an oblong ball or drop.
The main function of a bombard is to cast any bait, even a small one, over long distances.
That is why fishermen classify bombarda as a type of float and often call it sbirulino.
It is divided into two types:
- floating;
- drowning
When giving preference to a purchased option, it is recommended to check the reliability of the antenna mounting and the quality of the material from which it is made. There should be no cracks or scratches on the surface.
Spinning tackle for asp
Asp are caught at a considerable distance from the shore, so a serious requirement is placed on the gear - it must always be possible to cast the bait over a long distance. Rods with a length of 2.5-3.5 m are well suited for this purpose. It is difficult to make an accurate throw over a long distance with a spinning rod of smaller sizes. Longer ones are usually too heavy and uncomfortable.
The test depends primarily on the body of water where fishing will be done. For small rivers and channels, a lighter spinning rod is suitable - 8-15 grams; vast water spaces suggest increasing the rod weight to 25-30 grams or even a little higher.
The base of a long-range spinning rod should be long and two-handed. The enlarged handle will allow you to make very long casts using the strength of both hands.
Advantages of choice
Among the advantages of use it is worth highlighting:
- Range. The asp is very careful and will not swim close to the boat or shore.
- Large selection of predatory trophies.
- Easy installation of equipment.
- Affordable price.
In order not to waste time, you can change the fishing technique, fishing tactics, and while waiting for the asp, replenish your catch with other predators.
Unlike classic spinning fishing, using a bombard for asp increases the fishing chances of catching a standing predator significantly. Because sbirulino is always interesting not only for asp, but also for pike, chub, elm, and perch.
What does the asp bite on?
Since this is a predator, it can be caught with any spoon of suitable size. Among the baits that can catch an asp are:
Jigs
Basically, such baits resemble a piece of metal that shines brightly in the water column and attracts predators with its play. The best models are the Renegelle Iron Minnow and the famous Kastmaster jigs.
Wobblers
Among the wobblers that can provoke an asp to attack, one can note the so-called cranks, characterized by active play. All baits are about 8 grams. Despite its light weight and size, it can catch a large predator. For this purpose you can use:
- Ever Greon Wildhunch SR 10g.
- Imakatsu Crank IK-180 13g.
- Lucky Croft LC 2.5 DRS 16g.
Rotating spoons
An asp may give preference to a number 1 or 3 rotating spoon, if the latter are made of high quality and do not act false in the water. As a rule, these are branded spinners, but not cheap copies.
Devons
A spinner of an original design, which was originally designed for salmon fishing, but was successfully used for asp fishing. According to asp hunters, he prefers small and medium-sized Devons.
What parts does it consist of?
Let's look at the main components in more detail.
The photo shows an example of equipment with a bombard, the placement of each element is indicated.
Rod
The optimal option is light, flexible tackle 3 m long. In conditions with limited financial resources, at first you can get by with a Bolognese or match rod or feeder.
A correctly selected fishing rod is a guarantee of high-quality and accurate casting to the right place in the reservoir.
Among the best models that are on sale today, it is worth highlighting:
- Shimano Katana 330 BX M 10–30g;
- Mikado T-Rex 232/305 cm up to 55g;
- Shimano Hyperloop 330 AX H 20-50g.
It is possible to use rods of greater length, but they will be inconvenient when casting. And their dimensions when folded are quite large.
Coil
The recommended reel size is from 2500. Smaller dimensions will also reduce the casting distance of the rod.
When hunting for predatory fish, the strength of the reel is no less important. It would be better if it had a solid metal body and additionally contained 2 spare spools.
According to reviews from experienced fishermen, the Ryobi Zauber brand performs well with models of 3000 and 4000.
Fishing line, cord
If you are used to using a cord, then it is important to remember that its thickness directly depends on the weight of the bombard.
As the main fishing line, it is better to buy braided line from 130 to 200 m unwound.
So, for 30 g of sbirulino you need to use a cord with a diameter of 0.16 mm or even more.
Products from the Konger and Kamatsu Techron brands are considered reliable.
The leash should be based on a monofilament line with a diameter of 0.25 - 0.3 mm.
The recommended leash length when catching asp with a bombard rod over 3 m is from 1.5 m. For a spinning rod of 3 m, a meter leash is enough.
Suitable types of bait
In addition, the bait should be at least 15–20 times lighter than the bombard. Otherwise, there can be no question of casting range. Plus, frequent overlaps are possible.
In search of the ideal bait, you need to remember one important rule: the asp is a surface predator, which means the bait should go close to the surface of the water.
If we talk about wobblers, then this is not the best choice. Over long distances, due to the side “wings” they will fly poorly behind the sbirulino. It is not advisable to use spinners because they spin the leash.
According to most fishermen, a light turbine is a suitable option. The bait is universal. It is distinguished by stable play in the entire direction of wiring. Average weight - 1.5 g. In appearance it resembles Aglia Mepps zero.
It is recommended to catch asp using the following types of bait:
- jigs, streamers imitating insects;
- crank frogs;
- jigs;
- front sight;
- fry
Technique for catching asp using castmaster
It’s not enough to catch a strong aquatic predator using a castmaster; you also need to know the technique of using it. And then a positive result is guaranteed. Having launched the spoon into the most promising place for fishing, the fisherman needs to take a short break. During this time, the bait will drop to the required depth and only then the game with prey will begin.
Video: Catching asp with castmaster
There are 4 main techniques for catching asp using castmaster:
- playing in the upper layers of water;
- throwing bait;
- pelagic jig;
- jig bottom wiring.
Where to look for asp
The predator's spawning begins in the second half of April. At this time, he tries to choose areas of the reservoir with increased current. But by the beginning of June, the fish begins to look for secluded places where it is better to hide.
The asp is a lover of running water, so a large number of individuals of this species are found in rivers with a wide channel (over 100 m).
These include:
- small islands;
- fallen old trees, snags;
- riffles;
- boulders;
- ditches;
- pits;
- areas below the dams, under the bridge.
In addition, when using a bombard for asp, two principles of fishing should be taken into account:
- at the location of the water splash;
- in the most likely places for individuals to stay.
The predator is most active in the summer at early dawn and before 9 a.m. and after sunset. In spring and autumn its activity decreases. If he becomes interested in the bait, it will most likely be in the afternoon.
Experienced fishermen advise, upon arriving at a pond, to immediately visually identify its possible habitats and begin fishing for them. If there is no result, do not waste time and look for other suitable areas of the reservoir.
