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Trolling refers to fishing from a moving boat, usually a motorized one. It can be used both for catching sea (salmon) and river fish (perch, pike, chub). The bait is artificial baits and only occasionally natural ones. Until recently, trolling for zander was considered illegal in a number of regions. Under the new legislation, this method is allowed to be used. True, with some restrictions (no more than two lures per boat).
Choosing a reservoir for trolling zander
Trolling is used on vast reservoirs (rivers, lakes, dams). With the help of a motorboat, you can easily catch large areas. In addition, the boat needs room to maneuver. The recommended depth of the river should not be less than 2,5 m.
You can find pike perch in water areas with complex ground topography (hollows, pits, depressions, and others). It can also be found in bays. It is desirable that the bottom be sandy, pebbly or rocky.
Choice of reel, line and bait
Each method of fishing requires its own specific preparation. The same applies to trolling. This moment should never be missed.
Coil
The main criterion for choosing a coil will be its reliability and durability. You will have to work in a load, and if a large individual grabs the bait, then the babin must withstand the blow.
You can use the good old spinning “meat grinder”. But you have to be able to work with her. True, with overall baits it will be difficult.
A better option would be multiplier reels. The presence of a line counter makes fishing much more comfortable.
As for the dimension, they recommend a range of 3000-4000 according to Shimano. For fishing from the shore up to 3000. In this case, the reel should provide a quick release of the fishing line. On average, the bait is released from the rod by 25-50 m. It is not advisable to place it closer. The noise of the motor will scare away the fanged one.
It is also important to have a friction brake. It is needed to hold the tackle without dropping the fishing line. When biting, the brake should work and bleed the line under heavy load. Be sure the coil must work on bearings. In this case, the fishing line will not get tangled and it is easier to work with such a reel.
Coils are inertial and non-inertial. But as experience shows, the second option is superior to the first in terms of performance.
Another parameter worth paying attention to is the gear ratio. If it is large, then this will negatively affect the bite of a large predator. The best option is a gear ratio of 3:1-4:1.
Fishing line
The scaffolding must withstand good loads, as fishing is carried out on the move and heavy equipment is used. It is recommended to use monofilament thread. It has good strength, camouflage and stretchability. The latter quality makes it possible to extinguish dynamic jerks.
Another plus is the affordable price. This is an important factor, since trolling will require a good length (250-300 m). The recommended diameter is 0,35-0,4 mm. A thicker thread will negatively affect the game of the bait.
Baits
Spinners are a classic option for trolling baits. This is the first lure that has been used for this fishing method. Recently, silicone accessories and wobblers have become very popular. The latter were distinguished by good catchability.
The choice of a wobbler is carried out according to the following parameters:
- Lure dimensions. To catch deeper water bodies, large and heavy wobblers will be required;
- Color. Acid and natural colors are considered the most effective. It is explained by the fact that fishing is carried out mainly at great depths, where it is difficult for a predator to notice the nozzle;
- The presence of additional elements, for example, a noise chamber, provides an additional advantage.
Selecting the rest of the snap-in
The rig contains three main elements:
- Main line;
- Sinker;
- Leash.
We’ve already covered the first element. Let’s consider the rest. The weight must be drop-shaped or pear-shaped. Such a sinker will cling less to various kinds of obstacles.
In addition to the main fishing line, a leash must be included in the trolling equipment. The material depends on the particular predator. For example, it is advisable to install a metal one on a pike, as it can bite through the fishing line. The zander also has many sharp teeth. Kevlar thread has good strength.
Mounting tackle for trolling
Trolling gear must be strong enough to withstand the pressure. In addition, the bait moves all the time near the ground, which is full of various natural obstacles.
Based on the above, the rod should be short and with a fast action. A coil with a strong leash is installed on it. Next, the bait and load are attached. In fact, the tackle is quite simple.
Trolling zander fishing technique
First of all, you need to find a parking place for a predator. An echo sounder helps for this purpose. If there is no such device, then promising places can be determined by external signs. For example, near steep banks, near rocky piles. In such areas there are always holes in which the fanged one likes to hide.
After determining the route, you can start fishing. The bait is released from the boat at a distance of 50-60 meters and deepens to the ground. The floating craft starts moving, and we can say the wiring has begun.
The main thing is that the bait passes along the bottom, describing the relief of the reservoir. Perhaps this is the most difficult in technology. The depth control is carried out by dropping and winding the line. If contact with the bottom is lost, then lower the fishing line until the nozzle hits the ground.
The boat should zigzag. This will allow you to cover a large area. It is also important to know how fast to troll zander. When looking for a predator, the most promising areas should be passed at the slowest speeds. So the wobbler will be able to pass all possible bumps and pits. It is desirable that he periodically “strikes” on the ground and raises the dregs. It is at such moments that the zander attacks the victim.
At the most promising points, you can even stop so that the tackle hangs. In larger areas, you can add a little speed. So you can quickly find the location of the fanged one.
The behavior of fish is influenced by weather conditions, and especially atmospheric pressure. With a sharp decrease in it, pike perch lies at the bottom and practically does not feed.
Tips and Tricks
Experienced anglers are advised to carry a fishing arsenal of lures, consisting of wobblers of different sizes, colors and characteristics. Pike perch is an unpredictable predator and sometimes it is difficult to understand what it bites better.
The minimum distance between the boat and the bait should be 25 meters. Otherwise, the fanged one will be frightened by the noise of the motor. But letting go too far is inappropriate.
In the summer, the best month for trolling is August. The water gradually begins to cool, which means that the activity of the fish slowly increase. Pike perch does not like high temperatures. Summer (June, July) is the most inefficient time of the year in terms of fishing. The fanged one comes out to feed only at night.
In autumn, the situation changes dramatically. This is the best time to hunt with trolling. You can catch pike perch from September until the very freeze-up. When the weather worsens, the indicators of biting even increase.
For safety reasons, PVC is not recommended. There is a high probability of a puncture of a rubber boat.