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Increasingly, anglers prefer ultra-light spinning rods, which are referred to as ultralight or UL for short. Such gear is characterized by compact size, light baits, small reels and thin cords / fishing lines.
A few years ago, it was believed that such rods were suitable only for catching medium-sized fish, but knowing some of the features, you can easily catch a large predator, such as a pike, with an ultralight.
Is it possible to catch pike on an ultralight?
Despite the fact that it will most likely be difficult to catch a really large pike of 5 kilograms or more, specimens of 2 kilograms or so may well become frequent prey.
All professionals unanimously report that fighting a 0,14kg pike on a 0,2mm line is no less exciting than a XNUMXkg fish on a XNUMXmm line. But with proper skill, you can catch a large pike with light tackle.
Features of pike fishing on ultralight spinning
In fact, back in the 60s of the last century, it was noted that large predators often prefer small bait. Then ultralight spinning began to develop.
The main problem was to cast a small bait without an additional sinker. At that time, this was not possible due to the characteristics of the gear, so the load was left at a distance of approximately 1-1,5 m from the turntable, which complicated the casting process.
At the moment, this problem has been solved thanks to special baits.
The main feature with this type of fishing is to get a large pike with light tackle. The process of fighting will naturally be a little delayed, but for many it brings pleasure. It is very important not to try to pull the prey with a drill, as in this case the rod or equipment may not withstand. It is necessary to harass the fish, gradually pulling it up, feeling the tension of the fishing line.
Where, when and how to catch
To catch pike, it is very important to consider the time of year. Based on this, you will have to change not only the tactics of wiring, bait, but also choose the place of fishing. During spring fishing, the following rules must be observed:
- using ultralight, you need to catch with the clutch released;
- pike will be located in shallow water, where the water warms up better;
- the bait is tedious to bring almost to the very feet;
- baits should be small;
- wiring should be as slow as possible.
In summer, it is necessary to catch this fish, taking into account the following rules:
- in the first month of summer, it is necessary to look for fish in places with a lot of vegetation in the water;
- baits must have a pronounced game;
- the higher the water temperature rises, the more often the fish will go to the depth;
- For effective fishing above aquatic vegetation, surface baits must be used.
Autumn fishing implies its own characteristics:
- the bait should hang in the water column;
- bait should be large in size;
- wiring should be accompanied by jerks and pauses;
- the lure game should be sluggish.
There are times when the fish is very difficult to lure:
- at a water temperature of 8 degrees and below;
- when the fish is sick;
- during weather changes;
- after spawning.
Ultra-light lures: spinners, wobblers…
At the moment, there is a huge selection of baits available. Among the most catchy, the following can be noted:
- Silicone bait. These are the most catchy baits, small in size, on average 2-4 cm with different types of colors. This option is perfect not only for pikes, but also for some types of non-predatory fish.
- Turntables. Spinners, for example from Mepps with different sizes, ranging from zero (00) to 2, also show good results.
- Wobblers. Small wobblers “minnow” and “roll”, 3,5-5 cm long, will be an excellent option for ultralight pike fishing.
The choice of ultralight spinning
Ultralight spinning rods are the most sensitive equipment designed for catching predatory fish. Despite its small size and lightness, the rod is able to withstand heavy loads. Due to the high sensitivity, the spinning owner can achieve impressive results. With it, you can make very accurate casts over long distances, instantly hook and catch large fish. When choosing a spinning rod, you need to pay attention to several characteristics.
Rod
The length of an ultralight spinning rod can vary from 1.6 to 2.4 m. In this case, the characteristics of the reservoir must be taken into account. To catch fish in dense coastal thickets, it is recommended to choose models with a short rod.
Material
Light spinning is made from the following types of materials:
- fiberglass;
- carbon fiber;
- composite mixtures.
In the production of budget models, fiberglass is used, which has sufficient strength and does not require special care. For more expensive spinning rods, carbon fiber or carbon fiber is used. Unlike fiberglass, the material is able to quickly dampen vibrations that occur after casting the bait.
Test
Depending on the class, there are 3 types of ultralight spinning rods:
- Models that are labeled Extra Ultralight are considered the lightest. The upper limit of the test is no more than 2,5 g. Such spinning rods are designed for catching fish at close and medium distances.
- Lures that weigh up to 3,5 g can be included in the middle category. On models belonging to this class, you can see the designation Super Ultralight.
- The most popular among buyers are ultralight rods, which allow you to fish with lures up to 5 grams. The Ultralight is ideal for beginners who find it difficult to use overly sensitive rigs.
Story
When buying, you need to consider the ultralight spinning system:
- The most sensitive models include rods with fast build. However, such sticks are not designed for long-distance casting.
- Spinning related to middle system, are considered universal. With their help, the angler can use various fishing tactics.
- Rod with slow system bends along the entire length evenly. Their main purpose is to make long casts and fight large predators. Most often, these rods are used for lure fishing.
Coil
Depending on the size of the spool, there are several types of coils:
- 1000;
- 1500;
- 2000
For ultralight models, spools with a small range from 1000 to 2000 are most suitable. Decent specimens often peck at microscopic baits. Therefore, it is recommended to choose models with an additional margin. When buying, pay attention to the presence of a fractional brake.
A bite of a large specimen can occur at the most inopportune moment. The sharp movement of the fish can damage expensive equipment. Friction brake adjustment accuracy depends on the number of bearings. The maximum weight of the reel must not exceed 200 g.
Spinning reel Stinger Innova Ultralight
Fishing line
Most often, ultralight spinning is equipped with a monofilament with a diameter of 0,12-0,18 mm. However, many anglers prefer to use a more reliable option for ultralight – braided.
High strength is ensured by the multilayer structure. With the help of such a fishing line, you can catch large fish without fear of breaking. The recommended braid diameter for ultralight spinning is 0,09-0,11 mm.
Useful little things
When choosing fittings, it is necessary to take into account their size and strength. The rig must be strong and inconspicuous so that the cautious fish do not feel the catch.
Swivels
Swivels are designed to prevent twisting of the cord. Experienced anglers are advised to choose models of small sizes. To equip an ultralight fishing rod, samples that belong to group No. 0 are suitable.
Clasps
To fix the fittings, fasteners are used that fix the bait in the desired position. The catch depends on the speed and ease of installation of the bait. The optimal size of fasteners for ultralight spinning rods is 7-12mm. Larger models will stand out too much against the rigging. Fasteners such as “American women” have the greatest reliability and practicality.
Catching pike on a micro jig
Micro jig allows you to fish even in complete calm. This type of fishing differs mainly in the size of the lure, which is 1-5 cm. But despite such a small size, the effectiveness speaks for itself. It is also worth noting a large number of equipment variations, but it is important to maintain a balance.
When fishing with micro jig, you need to pay attention to the color of the lures. The most catchy are orange, light green, red and yellow shades. In order to increase the fishing efficiency, it is necessary to correctly combine the light weight of the bait and the comfortable ultralight to provide an attractive game. This method can be used everywhere, except in deep places where there is a strong current. In this case, a light bait will not show all the available efficiency.
When choosing the type of wiring, in no case should you dwell on any one type. If one option fails, you need to move on to the next one. Among the most popular wiring options for pike, there are 3 main ones:
- The classic version, which is referred to among professionals as a “step”. It is used when fishing on the current, when 2-3 turns of the handle are performed, after which the bait stops until it touches the bottom. This option is most often used by beginners.
- The next type of wiring involves pulling the bait towards you at a distance of 10 cm, making barely noticeable movements with the tip of the spinning rod. After that, the slack of the fishing line is selected, the tip of the spinning rod is lowered to its original position.
- The third type of wiring is used in calm water. The bait is dragged either using the tip of the spinning rod or by winding the fishing line. This method often provokes the fish to capture.
Micro jig fishing is often used precisely in the habitats of predatory fish, on dumps in rivers. To find the fishing point, it is best to use a Cheburashka load. Once the distance to the stall has been determined, you can set the bait.
Casting must be done against the current “fan”. A bite will be reported by a characteristic blow or jerk, which will be transmitted to the tip of the rod. Although the strike should be sure and sharp enough, the haul should be carried out without fuss.
Video: pike on ultralight
This video shows ultralight spinning fishing on a picturesque small river. You will see an interesting process of catching, catching and playing pike.