Catching pike on a balancer in winter. Top 10 best winter balancers for pike

Fans of productive and mobile winter fishing have more than one version of the balancer in their arsenal. Catching pike on a balancer in winter, more often than others, allows you to get away from zero, when there seems to be no chance.

Several color options for this small artificial fish can correct the situation even in the dead of winter (in January, early February), when only winter vents can compete. A well-balanced game, reminiscent of the movements of a wounded or sick fish, provokes an inactive predator to bite.

How is gear for fishing on a balancer

Consider the main elements of equipment. Equipping a winter fishing rod for pike under a balancer includes the following elements:

Udilnik

Its basis is a fishing rod, on which all other elements of gear will be placed one way or another. It must be strong and at the same time able to absorb the jerks of this strong fish. The recommended length of the rod (with the exception of the handle) should be between 30-60 cm. This will allow you to realistically create an effective game of the bait, as well as absorb jerks of the pike during biting and playing.

Coil

Coils, most often used are inertialess, less often – multiplier with a friction brake, of medium size. When hit by a large pike, the fishing line may not withstand, so a properly adjusted friction clutch is what will save you from an annoying cliff or descent.

Fishing line

The shock-absorbing properties and resistance to freezing of the fishing line give it undeniable advantages over braided line. It will smooth out fish jerks while fighting a toothy predator, you just need to take the necessary precautions, preventing cutting on the edges of the hole. However, this can be avoided by using fluorocarbon, which is more resistant to abrasion in cold weather. The optimal line diameter is 0,25 mm

Leave

The use of a leash when catching this toothy predator is a must. Her sharp teeth have deprived more than one angler of a well-deserved trophy. Many of them prefer to make their own from a guitar string (size # 1-2), without skimping on quality swivels and carabiners. When it comes to buying ready-made, then you should pay attention to trusted manufacturers. A damaged leash must be changed to a new one in a timely manner, otherwise the game of the balancer may be hopelessly damaged.

Mounting gear

After the angler has chosen and bought high-quality fishing line, swivels, a fishing rod and other items of tackle, the time comes for installation. It happens in the following order:

• A fishing line is tied to the reel and wound in an amount of 20-25 meters. This will be enough, given the depths of the home pond and the likelihood of cutting the fishing line after it receives damage from the edges of the hole.
• The most powerful whip is installed (if it is possible to install interchangeable whips).
• A nod is put on the whip.
• A fishing line is threaded through the hole on the whip and nod.
• A clasp is tied to the threaded fishing line.
• The clasp fixed on the fishing line is fastened to the balancer.

Well, now the winter fishing rod is assembled, you can start fishing.

What bait should be used

Pike are not as picky about baits as perch and respond well to even the most inexpensive models of balancers. All the salt lies not so much in the color, but in the targeted supply of the bait – as soon as the balancer appears in front of the predator’s mouth, a reaction will follow from her side. The main thing for the angler is to find the desired object of fishing.

The most common balancers have sizes from 5 to 10 cm. Regular tees and single hooks should be immediately changed to better ones. Despite the low price of the bait, you can’t save on hooks – negative emotions will cost more. To make sure that new hooks do not spoil the game of the bait, you need to test it at home, for example, in the bathroom. Now let’s move on to the review of the best balancers.

The most effective winter balancers for pike. Top 5 (rating)

Of course, any assessments given will be subjective to some extent. But there are several models of balancers that most often delight their owners with bites. So, the best catching balancers for pike in winter are ranked in the top 5 as follows:

Rapala Jigging Rap W07

• Producer: Rapala
• Country – Finland
• Lure type – balancer
• Size (length) – 70 mm
• Weight – 18 g
• Coloring – classic and glowing (33 colors)
• Number of hooks – 1 tee at the bottom, 2 single hooks: one in the bow, the other in the tail
• Game – “eight”, amplitude is average

Rapala Jigging Rap W07 is the most catchy, rightfully occupies the first lines in many ratings due to its balanced and believable game and versatility (perch and perch are often caught in the by-catch). The paintwork of the product from Rapala retains its qualities for a very long time – it remains only to avoid hooks, so that it could please a good catch for a long time.

Nils Master Nisa 50

• Producer: Nils Master
• Country of origin — Finland
• Lure type – balancer
• Size (length) – 50 mm
• Weight – 12 g
• Coloring – in assortment
• Number of hooks – 1 tee on the bottom of the belly, 2 single hooks in the front and back of the lure
• The game is sweeping, stable

Another Finnish manufacturer Nils Master is not far behind with the Nils Master Nisa 50 model. In addition to the already traditional, believable manner of playing, it has excellent stabilization and a sweeping range of motion. Due to its small size and weight, it is considered the best model for pike fishing in shallow water, which, however, was reflected in its cost.

Lucky John Classic

Lucky John (Lucky John) Classic has proven itself as a good combination of price and quality. Many lures from this manufacturer have bright, provocative colors, realistic game.

Scorana ICE FOX 55

• The brand is Scorana
• Country: USA
• Size (length) – 55 mm
• Weight – 10 g

Scorana ICE FOX 55 is a real lifesaver for fishing enthusiasts in the dead of winter. It allows you to catch both shallow water and deep places with a weak current. The balancer has a very realistic look, has a good and stable game.

KUUSAMO Balance

• Country: Finland

Another Finn in the company of “champions” is KUUSAMO Tasapaino. The balancer model is available with a length of 50, 60 and 75 mm and a weight of 7, 8 and 18 grams, respectively. It has a very realistic appearance, is equipped with high-quality hooks, has successfully proven itself both in winter and in summer.

Lucky John Pro Series «Mebaru» 67 мм

The main material for the production of the balancer for pike was lead alloy. The tail is made of frost-resistant plastic, which withstands impacts on ice and does not crack at low temperatures. The weight of the bait allows it to be used in the course, where the toothy inhabitant of the reservoirs often keeps. Sweeping game attracts a predator from afar, and a variation of coloring (from provocative to natural colors) allows you to choose the best option for the transparency of the water or the time of day.

The polycarbonate tail quickly deploys the balancer at the extreme point of ascent, providing high-quality animation at any depth with any current strength. The bait is equipped with two tees made of durable steel. A brass plate with three holes is mounted in the back. The clasp can be hooked to each of them, the slope of the bait and, accordingly, its game will change from its position.

Strike Pro Challenger Ice 50

Large bait 50 mm long, with a tail – 70 mm. The balancer is made of lead, weighs 22,7 g. The powerful tail section ensures the movement of the bait in different directions, does not break at low temperatures, impacts on ice and predator attacks. The model is equipped with three sharp hooks. Singles in the tail and in the front are bent up for a better bite.

The line of lures is represented by a variety of bright and dark colors. The color of some models imitates the fry of perch, roach, etc. At the top there is a metal loop for hooking a carabiner.

Karismax Size 2

The bait has an ideal balance, weight and size, therefore it is used in various fishing horizons. An elongated body in combination with a dense tail provides an attractive game for a predator. The model is equipped with two single hooks and one tee with an epoxy drop. A colored drop serves as an attack point for pike, so there are a minimum of idle bites when fishing with Karismax Koko 2.

The balancer is made in Finland, however demand for it exists in many countries of Europe. The application of a high-quality paint coating prolongs the life of the balancer, leaving it attractive to the predator for many years. The lure works great in both still and running water. When fishing at depths of 5 m, in addition to pike, zander also comes across on a hook.

Nils Master Baby Shad

This balancer can be recognized by its unique high shape, which has become the hallmark of the Nils Master brand. The balancer works great in stagnant water bodies, on lakes and other stagnant water areas, where the main food supply for pike is crucian carp. The wide body has a transparent tail made of a dense polymer material that is resistant to low temperatures and predator strikes. At the top there is a loop for a hook.

The bait is equipped with hooks bent up, as well as a tee at the bottom. The model range is represented by a variety of well-designed color compositions, consisting of several shades, as well as additions in the form of small scales, eyes and fins. The structure is 5 cm long and weighs 8 g. The lure is suitable for pike fishing at depths from 1 to 4 m.

AQUA TRAPPER 7

This balancer has earned its place in the top of the best winter baits for pike due to the many positive reviews from anglers. The bait has a slightly curved body with an extension to the front of the structure. The model is equipped with two single hooks that come out of the tail and muzzle, as well as a tee suspended from the bottom.

In the back there is a loop for attaching to a carabiner. The long tail fin provides sweeping play and perfect balance of the lure. In the line you can find products of bright provocative shades and, of course, natural colors. The artificial bait is perfect for fishing in medium and strong currents.

Each angler can supplement this list or partially rewrite it, due to the preferences of the “toothy” in his area. Therefore, it is better to ask the regulars of local reservoirs – if they are talkative, it will be possible to reduce the time to search for the most effective balancer model and find out popular models. It will not be superfluous to read reviews, and do not forget about prices if the budget is limited.

Technique of fishing

No explorations are required. If the predator is nearby, then attention to the balancer will be provided. In order to properly apply the bait, you need to do the following:

• Lower the balancer to the bottom, after which it gradually rises, catching everything to the very top.
• Short strokes are made with a fishing rod, after which a pause is made for 3-5 seconds;
• Sometimes jerky twitches and movement from one edge of the hole to the other help.

Video: catching pike on a balancer in winter

Video from the series “Practice of fishing with Valery Sikirzhitsky” about a balancer and a pike.

Tactics for catching pike on a balancer

We will consider the tactics of searching for fish and how to fish correctly using balancers in stages, depending on the season, the place of fishing and the state of the bottom of the reservoir. It is used in cases where the use of other equipment is difficult due to the limited wiring – fishing through holes drilled in the ice, or there is a high risk of a “deaf” hook of the spinner. In addition, the vertical movement of the bait does not provoke a predator attack. Only a balancer moving simultaneously in two horizontal and vertical planes makes it possible to imitate the movement of a wounded victim in conditions of limited wiring and catch fish.

Pike fishing on the balancer in winter on the first ice

The period when water bodies were covered with ice, but severe frosts had not yet set in, is characterized by residual pike activity. The main attention when choosing a bait is paid to the size. The optimal size for winter fishing is 50-70 mm. Pike in winter actively peck at a vertical flashing, and the balancer is used in cases of risk of hooking an expensive spinner.

В wilderness

The period of the least activity of pike falls on the middle of winter. The fish is inactive and sluggishly reacts to bait. She prefers to observe the game of the balancer without approaching him within attack distance. In this case, ice fishing is fishing through a large number of holes, from 20 to 30, which are drilled according to various patterns at a distance of 5-7 meters from each other. The use of an echo sounder allows you to determine the nature of the bottom. To attract the attention of a predator, it is often necessary to change baits, varying them in size and color. Playing with the balancer is not aggressive, to match the inhibited fish. The chance of a bite increases when changing a large number of holes.

Pike fishing on the balancer in winter on the last ice

Porous, loose ice is a harbinger of imminent melting, which means that pike are preparing for spawning (at the end of February, in March at the beginning). Active zhor is characterized by active attacks on any bait. During this period, the balancers must be large (at least 70 mm), equipped with feathers and planes that change the direction of movement during wiring. The game is active, sweeping, with a lot of sharp jerks in the vertical direction.

On the river

It is used only in cases where the use of other baits carries the risk of hooking. However, large (32 grams or more), heavy and inactive balancers do not allow the current to show the whole game of the bait under the incoming water jets.

On small rivers

Small rivers and upper reaches of large ones are a favorite spawning place for pike. They are characterized by an abundance of benthic vegetation and twisted shores. In these conditions, it is inconvenient to make casts. Pike on the balancer is caught along the edge of the vegetation edge or in places with an abundance of snags or overhanging branches of coastal shrubs.

On the lake

Particular attention is given to the game tackle. In lakes, pike prefers in the initial period shallow, 2-3 meters places on the border of reed thickets. In the middle of winter, it goes into deep pits and falls into suspended animation; closer to winter, it again moves to shallow water, preparing for spawning. It is necessary to experiment, choosing a catchy bait.

В snag

В snag there is a high risk of hooking, therefore, the main attention is paid to finding free places that allow wiring within at least 2-3 meters in a horizontal plane.

Fishing for pike from a boat with a balancer

Fishing from a boat allows you to use large balancers exactly along the edge of the edge of the bottom vegetation, moving along the coast. At the same time, the risk of hooks is minimized, and the wiring / game is made more aggressive.

What colors of balancers do pike like?

There is no definite answer to the question of what colors a pike likes. Catchability will depend on fishing conditions:

• during daylight hours and in sunny weather – gear of a restrained color, not glittering and not frightening the fish;
• in cloudy weather – light colors, clearly visible in the water;
• winter balancers for ice fishing – bright, luminous, covered with metal.

The main attention is paid to the naturalness of the coloring imitating the fish – dark top, light bottom and wiring technique. “Classic” is considered white with a red head, imitation of a perch.

Do-it-yourself balancers for pike fishing, homemade Mebaru (video)

The video presents home-made winter balancers, analogues of Lucky John Mebaru (Mebaru). The process of their manufacture with their own hands is shown.

Balancer “Yaroslavskaya Rocket”

A rare and quite catchy handmade balancer, designed and produced since 1985 by the Yaroslavl craftsman Vladimir Paramonov.

All-metal model: top – dark copper, bottom – light brass. Equipped with interchangeable wings that allow you to change the game when you retrieve.

Length 50 mm, has two single hooks No. 3 “Dirty» in the head and tail sections and a tee «Cannelle» No. 4 in the belly of the lure. Weight 20,5 grams.

If you decide to buy this model, then keep in mind that the price of the Yaroslavl Rocket starts at 1 rubles.

What are the best balancers for pike in winter?

Most fishermen prefer products from Scandinavian manufacturers. Their disadvantage is the high cost. Those who consider fishing more utilitarian choose balancers for pike among cheap Chinese products, compensating for the quality of the product itself by improving the technique of wiring and playing tackle, without losing at all catchability compared to branded models.

In reality, on which balancer it is better to catch pike in winter, only practice can show. As a rule, each angler, depending on the conditions of fishing and the region, has his own working balancers.

In terms of popularity, pike fishing on a balancer in winter has already surpassed fishing on a lure and has come close to fishing on live bait. But in comparison with the latter, it is considered more sporty and practical, which ensures the growing interest in it of a large number of anglers.