Bearing fishing on the Sea of ​​​​Azov and the Black Sea, tackle for fishing

Pelengas belongs to the family of mullet species of fish and it is believed that its homeland is the Far East. It was brought to the Sea of ​​Azov in the 90s, after which it successfully took root, and after a while it could already be found in the Black Sea. The number of pelengas reached such proportions that they began to catch it on an industrial scale. Unfortunately, in our time there has been a decrease in the population of this species of fish, both in the Black and in the Sea of ​​Azov. The basis of the nutrition of this fish is made up of organic remains located at the bottom, as well as soft algae that grow on pitfalls. The pelengas has no teeth, so it should not be caught with classic baits.

Bearing fishing brings a lot of pleasure, as this fish is able to seriously resist when playing. Fishermen come across individuals weighing up to 3 kg and up to 40 cm long. From time to time, he enters the rivers, having adapted to fresh water, where he also falls on the hooks of fishermen. During their stay in the conditions of the Azov and Black Seas, the pelengas caviar has changed its structure, and it can spawn without problems in the upper reaches of the rivers.

What are pelengas caught on

Pelengas does not peck at anything, but prefers the nereis worm, which is found in the upper layers or coastal zones of the estuary or sea.

Much less often, but with no less success, the pelengas is caught on the sandworm, which is found on sandy sea shallows. This worm lives in small minks.

When fishing for pelengas in the Black Sea, it is better to use the “Inkit” worm caught in Lake Inkit. In moments when he has a zhor, he does not go over much with nozzles and he can be caught on an ordinary, large earthworm.

And yet, the main nozzle for catching pelengas is the Nereis worm. Getting this worm is not so easy. First, you need to know where to find it. Secondly, you will have to dig in the silt, being knee-deep in water, which not everyone will like. Yes, and the silt will have to be dug up a lot, although local fishermen have the secret of getting this worm. In this regard, most fishermen prefer not to bother, but buy a worm on the market, despite the biting prices. If you want to get it yourself, you need to know how to save this delicate bait.

The preservation of the worm is carried out according to a special technology, which is aimed at preserving the worm with a minimum of moisture. This is necessary so that the worm is securely held on the hook and cannot fly off when it hits the water. It is stored at a temperature from +2ºС to +6ºС in a fabric that absorbs moisture well. The second option is based on killing the worm. To begin with, the worm is washed well and filled with vodka or alcohol, after which it is sent to the freezer. There is another option, which involves salting the worm, after which it is dried in the sun. It becomes more durable and darkens, which additionally attracts the pelengas.

When they catch a pelengas

Pelengas is actively caught in the morning, although it can be no less actively caught both in the afternoon and in the evening. At the same time, the pelengas begins to peck from mid-May and this period continues until late autumn. With the advent of a real cold snap, the pelengas moves to a depth from where it can be obtained with the help of other gear.

Pelengas is highly susceptible to weather conditions, especially stormy weather. It actively pecks in the post-storm period, which coincides with the post-spawning zhor. Sometimes it gets caught in a storm if it’s not big. But such conditions are not entirely suitable for anglers, especially since much depends on the direction of the waves. By this time the water should be warm. During periods when the wind blows from the south or from the west, the activity of biting also increases. It should always be remembered that this is a shy fish, especially when fishing from a boat, although many argue that he is not afraid of a person and can have fun in the waves next to the bathers.

Tackle for catching pelengas from the shore and boat

This fish is equally successfully caught from the shore and from the boat. Fishing from the shore is characterized by long casts, so you will need a long (3,5m or more) rod with a test of 100 to 200 grams. Carp tackle is great. Pelengas is a powerful and strong fish, so you will need the same powerful reel, size 5000, on the spool of which you should wind at least 300m of fishing line, 0,35-0,45mm thick.

At the same time, it is advisable to choose a monofilament fishing line, since algae strongly cling to the braid. You will have to throw tackle at a distance of at least 100m. It all depends on the location of the shallows on which the fish feed. For greater reliability of the equipment, it is better to use a shock leader. For this, a fishing line is taken, with a diameter of 0,5-0,6 mm and a length three times the length of the rod. When installing the rod on the shore, stands are used that allow you to set the rod at an angle of 70-80 degrees.

The equipment is used the same, regardless of where the pelengas is caught – in the Black or Azov Sea. As a rule, this is a piece of fishing line, about 1,5 m long and 0,3-0,4 mm thick. At the end of this segment, a load is attached, ranging in size from 70 to 150 g. Its weight depends on the fishing conditions, such as the casting distance, the presence of waves, wind, etc.

A rocket-shaped load is best suited. This is due to the excellent aerodynamic characteristics. In addition, the load is perfectly detached from the bottom. On another piece of fishing line, a carabiner is knitted, through which the fishing line is attached to the shock leader. On the same piece of fishing line, three leashes are knitted, each 15 cm long, at a distance of 50 cm from one another. The length of this piece of fishing line can reach a value of 2,5 m. It all depends on the nature of the bottom in the fishing area, or more precisely, on the level of algae.

The leashes are attached according to the loop-to-loop principle. At the ends of the leashes, hooks No. 6 … 9 are knitted, according to the domestic classification. Hooks are selected with a long shank. This is necessary in order to fit a foam ball on the hook, which can give the baited hook positive buoyancy. Thus, hooks with nozzles rise above the algae. This is one of the main conditions for successful pelengas fishing. It is desirable to paint foam balls (or cylinders, squares) red or green. As practice shows, the pelengas reacts quite actively to balls of a red or orange hue.

At the same time, the equipment is slightly improved, namely the hook. This will reduce the number of fish gatherings and optimize the use of the Nereis worm as an expensive bait. For this purpose, a piece of wire is added to the hook and another notch is soldered. As a result, the worm is much more securely held on the hook, and the foam ball is located outside the forearm. In other words, refining saves hook space.

Where to look for bearing

On the Sea of ​​Azov, the best place where the pelengas is caught is the Arabat arrow. Next to it is an estuary, in the waters of which the Nereis worm is mined. To begin with, it is desirable to choose a suitable place. It is desirable that this place be deserted, and at a distance of 40-120m from the coast there is a sandbank. Small bays may turn out to be effective areas, where flocks of pelengas prefer to go. It can be seen from afar, as in such areas the sea literally boils. It is in such places that you need to throw your tackle.

Finding a bearing is a laborious process, especially in winter. It constantly migrates or goes to the pits. Therefore, it is almost impossible to find it and keep it at the fishing point. It is very difficult to interest this fish with something exceptional. But you can try, when fishing in the summer from a pier or from a boat in a plumb line. In this case, it becomes possible to use bait. As it is used chopped sprat, mixed with bread and sand.

Pelengas can enter the rivers flowing into the sea. On the Don, the pelengas is caught with all the gear suitable for this – both on the float and on the bottom. The equipment used is the same as when fishing at sea. The only difference is the selection of a sinker, depending on the speed of the river. The same Nereis worm is used as bait. At the same time, it is noted that the pelengas pecked at the earthworm and maggot. Unfortunately, this is not verified information and the Nereis worm is the main bait when catching pelengas.

Bearing fishing technique

Pelengas regularly comes ashore to shallow areas to find food. Therefore, the most common method of catching pelengas from the shore is considered. Firstly, you should take care of the presence of a bait, especially since the bait is changed to fresh bait with each cast. Being in salt water, the worm quickly gets wet and ceases to attract the bearing. Castings are carried out in areas of shallows, where this fish can presumably be. After casting, a pause is maintained until the load touches the bottom. After that, the fishing line is stretched so that there is no slack, and the rod is installed on the stand, at an angle of 80 degrees.

Pelengas bites are characterized by determination and power. At the same time, the line immediately begins to weaken. At this point, you need to make a cut. If the bearing is hooked, then the line should not be loosened, otherwise it may come off the hook. If these are small specimens, then pulling them out of the water will not be difficult. At the same time, it is not necessary to use a landing net. As a rule, the places for catching pelengas are flat. Therefore, most anglers pull it ashore.

Video “Shore fishing for pilengas”