How to choose a spinning rod for jigging?
The outcome of your fishing depends on a competent approach to choosing gear. You also need to decide on the quality, cost, type of spinning rod, as well as the fishing location and weather conditions. Particular attention should be paid to the correct choice of reel, tuning, test and not forgetting the appropriate length.
Rod length
- The best size of jig rod is between 240-270 cm.
- Smaller parameters do not allow you to cast small bait further than 50 meters.
- Rods over 270 cm are inconvenient for beginners and amateurs.
- The length of 3 meters is suitable only for experienced professionals.
Build
Visually determining the action compared to the length of the rod is difficult. You just need to feel this gear. The structure will give you an idea of the speed of response to a bite, as well as the flexibility of the rod.
He can be sensitive to the slightest movements. Only the tip of the spinning rod is bent. In this regard, the gear was given the name “end” system. There is a parabolic one - the spinning rod bends along its entire length.
Let's celebrate! A slow action can allow for soft casting over long distances, while a fast action can well inform the owner about the placement of the jig. But it happens that a bite is noticeable only visually, and the sensations are silent, getting lost in several links of the spinning rod.
Test
Light and medium class dough corresponds to the limit of 12 – 38 grams. A test that exceeds these parameters is necessary for long casts, which are not used when fishing from a boat.
The test will determine the weight of the jig head. For large bodies of water, especially large rivers, a weight of 20–40 grams is suitable. For fishing on a small lake, pond or river, the choice should be made towards light weight - from 4 to 15 grams.
Material
This characteristic of the rod directly depends on the length of the spinning rod. The longer the rod, the lighter and stronger the material should be. A three-meter fiberglass tackle is not very convenient to use - its significant weight will make it difficult to cast easily. It is recommended to choose long spinning rods from composite material. Carbon fiber is also suitable.
Coil
There are two types of coils:
- Inertialess. It has a simple design and is easy to operate. The choice of this type of reel is quite large. For jigging, it should have a quick stopper for reverse movement, as well as a larger spool.
The latter, together with the roller, must be of excellent quality and made of durable material. Such requirements for gear can be explained by the increased load that occurs during wiring.
- Inertial. Such a reel, if chosen correctly, is not too inferior to a spinning reel. It also has a fast winding speed. Inertial gear will allow you to perceive information using your hands.
Reel and line
For pike perch, medium-sized spinning reels with 100-140 m of fishing line with a diameter of 0.2-0.3 mm on a spool are well suited. If you are using an inertial reel, the line should be slightly thicker, up to 0.4 mm. For a spinning reel, a rear friction brake is preferable - when fishing for large pike perch, it is more convenient to change its position.
The Shimano Catana 2500 FD spinning reel is a reliable budget option. Price: 3800 rub.
Braided fishing line has proven itself well in catching pike perch; compared to monofilament, it stretches less and hooks become more reliable. And in thickets, where pike perch often hide, it protects against cliffs. When catching small fish, up to 2 kg, a 0.15 mm thick cord is sufficient. The diameter of the fishing line is also determined by the fishing season (thicker during active periods).
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.
Budget models of jig spinning rods
Currently, you can purchase a jig spinning rod at a low cost, which is suitable for everyone: both beginners and seasoned fishing professionals.
Namely:
- Jaxon Trorx FD Line laying is very easy. The price of such a model is 800-900 rubles. It is good to use a Daiwo reel, which is also inexpensive. This spinning rod can be used to fish at low temperatures. It has a universal size, suitable for fishing from a boat.
- Black Hole Top Basser VS 4000. Price – up to 5 thousand rubles. Has a decent sized spool. Suitable for catching large fish. Used by experienced fishermen for jigging on large bait (above 30 grams).
- Top Basser. The price is about 4 thousand rubles. Suitable for fishing in any conditions.
- Maximus Black Widow. The manufacturer has provided blanks with fast action, as well as medium hardness. This sample is best suited for a beginner.
- Norstream Micromania is an ultra-light form. The price is quite attractive. It allows you to throw a five-gram load at 20 meters.
Technique for catching pike perch with a jig
Spinning jig fishing begins with choosing the place where pike perch is likely to live. This fish loves deep places with a clean bottom and a current.
It often hunts in places where there is a difference in the relief of the bottom surface. You can fish from a boat. This method provides the opportunity to fish a large area, as well as catch large specimens.
Fishing from the shore is no worse if you correctly determine the place for a good bite. For those who want to combine the process of fishing with relaxation, fishing on the shore is more suitable.
The main factors for a successful result of a quiet hunt:
- competently selected and assembled equipment;
- successful baits;
- correct technique;
- catchable place.
Let's celebrate! The technique is a stepped jig, during which the bait is lowered to the bottom surface. Afterwards, the bait is moved in rhythmic jerks with a correctly selected amplitude. Thus, the predator notices her. This jigging tactic allows you to catch walleye from the shore and from a boat.
Spinning equipment
If there are no other predatory fish in the reservoir that can bite off the fishing line (pike should be feared), you do not need to use leashes made of steel or other hard materials. When trolling is active, especially at low depths, it is better to never rule it out.
- A retractable leash is one of the most popular spinning equipment for catching pike perch. A sinker is attached to the end of the main line (for example, a 24 g Cheburashka), and above it, 20 cm, a blind leash made of fluorocarbon 1 m long is tied, and at the end of the leash is an unweighted jig bait (twister, squid).
- Drop-shot equipment is used when fishing for pike perch from a boat or from a steep bank. The fact is that in this type of bait fishing you need to play not in a horizontal position when fishing, but in a vertical position, lowering and raising it at an angle of 20-45 degrees.
“Retractable leash” is an excellent spinning equipment for jig fishing for pike perch with stepped wiring
Drop-shot rig for deep fishing spots
Mistakes when catching pike perch with a jig
When jig fishing, fishermen most often make 10 mistakes when hunting for pike perch:
- Insufficient rod length. Fishing for fanged predators occurs in most cases in the coastal zone. However, a short rod does not allow you to make a good retrieve - there is a high probability of getting caught on an obstacle.
- Soft spinning. The form should be hard and fast. You will need tackle that can perform hooking efficiently.
- The fishing line is of poor quality. Some fishermen, to save money, take regular fishing line. The sensitivity of the gear decreases. Braided cord is better.
- Loose line during wiring. Sagging line reduces the sensitivity of the gear - you may miss a bite.
- Incorrectly selected jig head. An option is needed that has the maximum possibility of touching the bottom. Fulfilling this requirement will reduce the number of hooks.
- Choosing a jig head that is too heavy. You need to proceed from the fishing conditions. In a calm body of water the weight should be 3-15 grams. Additional weighting of the bait is an unnecessary process that reduces the effectiveness of the bait.
- Incorrect ponytail shape. It should resemble a hammer or sickle, not a Pintail. When fishing in the current, a fork tail is suitable.
- High rise of the bait from the bottom surface. Raising it higher than 15 cm is not advisable.
- Ignoring shallows. First you need to try short casts, the range of which increases with each cast.
- Elimination of external factors. Fishing conditions affect the results of pike perch fishing.
Where to find a predator?
Nature has created two biological forms of pike perch: resident pike perch and semi-anadromous pike perch.
Residential pike perch lives in fresh rivers, lakes and ponds, and semi-anadromous pike perch lives in desalinated inlets of the seas. Only to spawn in the spring does it enter river mouths.
But not every river will become a haven for pike perch. He loves running water rich in oxygen. The habitat of the fanged predator is deep waters with strong currents. The bottom should be hard, preferably rocky, with ledges and holes.
You will be lucky if a meter-long pike perch “greets” you, because this is its maximum length. But the weight of such a giant reaches 16 kg. Large individuals of semi-anadromous pike perch live at the mouths of large rivers flowing into our southern seas: the Black, Caspian and Azov.
You can also find this fish in rivers flowing into the Baltic Sea. The Finns also catch it in their lakes.
Reviews from fishermen
I became interested in jig fishing for pike perch. We recommended the Maximus model. I was pleased with both the price and quality. The spinning rod suited me perfectly as a beginner. Grade:
Valery
I use Shimano gear. I don’t skimp on equipment; I consider myself an experienced fisherman. I learned all the intricacies of catching pike perch. Shimano can be chosen to suit every taste. I have spinning rods with short and long rods, since I fish both from a boat and from the shore. Grade:
Dmitriy
I bought Volzhanka. It suits me. Maybe not as high quality as imported models, but I like it. Grade:
Maksim
The main thing is to select and equip the spinning rod to suit your feelings. But this takes time. When I was a beginner, the catch was small. Gradually I began to feel the fish and its habits. When, where and how to catch, and most importantly – with what. It is better, of course, to choose a medium-length rod and strong fishing line. I liked Yaxon. Grade:
Vladislav
I use Shimano and Major. I catch large pike perch first, and more from the shore second. I select equipment depending on the bottom, water, and size of the pike perch. The number of fish caught does not always depend on the gear. Everything affects, right down to the weather and the mood of the fisherman himself. Verified. Grade:
Oleg
It is better to approach the choice of spinning rod for jigging for pike perch thoroughly if you want to get a good catch. You should take into account the quality of the model and its equipment. Do not forget about the size of the expected catch - after all, the length of the rod, the weight of the jig head and other parameters will depend on it.
Let's celebrate! For beginners, budget and lighter options for catching pike perch from the shore are suitable. To catch a predator, you can use any of the presented spinning rods. But you need to remember that jig fishing becomes effective when all the nuances are taken into account, so it is better to select a spinning rod after carefully familiarizing yourself with all the features of the gear and fishing factors.
Fishing tactics
The productivity of pike perch fishing is influenced by the method itself and the chosen location.
Tactics are chosen based on several factors. We are talking about the season, weather conditions. The productivity of pike perch fishing is influenced by the method itself and the chosen location. They use spinning kits with artificial baits.
Recording the behavior of pike perch at different times of the year
Many people know that the seasonality of hunting for predatory fish has its own characteristics and differences.
Spring
At this time of year, catching a predator is problematic. Activity after winter is low. Individual bursts are observed during the feeding period, immediately before spawning. This is the second ten days of April, until mid-May, which you still need to get to.
In spring, you can hunt fanged animals throughout the day, preferably during daylight hours. The probability of catching a test specimen is twilight. Silicone and/or foam rubber, rotating spoons, and spinners are used as artificial baits. Considering the spring passivity of the predator, especially in cold water, it is better to try catching a fanged one with live bait.
Summer
The water warms up, the predator becomes more active. You can use different tactics and baits. In summer, pike perch is still a little capricious, changing its preferences throughout the day. You can count on a bite throughout the whole day. During periods of extreme heat, fanged fish are also caught at night.
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In mid-July and August, pike perch often visits the shallows. Activity manifests itself at dawn and/or sunset, when the fanged inhabitant of the reservoir chases small things: bleak, roach. Among artificial baits, the predator reacts to narrow spoons and minnow wobblers.
Autumn
A truly golden time for catching pike perch with a spinning rod. From the beginning of September, pike perch have a feeding frenzy that lasts until freeze-up. This is a good time to experiment with baits. Silicone baits work well - worms, crustaceans, slugs, creatures. You can fish around the clock.
The probability of catching a qualifying and/or trophy specimen is dawn, lunch, and the beginning of sunset. At this time, the pike perch feeds literally by the hour, making only short pauses.
Winter
With the arrival of cold weather, you can fish places with unfrozen water areas: this is the prospect of meeting pike perch. General activity is low; imagination and experimentation are required.
In winter, you can use a Carolina rig or a retractable leash with small baits. When catching pike perch with jigs, foam rubber baits are considered quite perceptive in winter.
Bite and hook
Briefly: the pike perch bite is always powerful and hits the hand. It feels like the predator is pressing down on the bait. You can’t hesitate: instant cutting is necessary. The sting of the hook must be sharp to pierce the bony mouth of the predator. Bringing the fish to the net at an intense pace.
How to catch pike perch
The trophy can be taken in a landing net or simply with your hands.
There is no need to injure the fish using a hook. Having pinned a predator in snags among fallen trees, there is no need to rush. You need to try to take him away from the shelter. When working from a boat, it is better to pull up a hooked fish using a forceful style. When hunting from the shore with a long rod, you need to control the prey, preventing it from going into snags.
