Pilengas, pelengas, pelingas, belengas – sea fish of the mullet family. In the scientific classification of fish, they are called mullet-lises (Liza) or the Far Eastern mullet. It is a schooling, semi-migratory fish. Pelengas gained great fame after a successful introduction in the Azov-Black Sea basin. Pilengas is native to the Far East. The fish has a spindle-shaped body, covered with large scales, which is also present on the head. Pelengas are quite similar to other mullets both in appearance and lifestyle. Individual fish can reach a size of up to 20 kg, but most often they grow up to 5-7 kg, with a length of up to 150 cm. In the Far East, fish are subject to significant migrations. In autumn it rises to rivers, sometimes up to 100 km, and in spring it goes to sea for feeding. As in the case of other types of mullets, the main food of the pelengas is the dendrite – dead, often semi-decomposed or mineralized remains of plants and animals that accumulate at the bottom or are in suspension. In addition, they can also feed on benthic animals, such as worms. It is worth noting that because of this way of feeding, fish have practically no competitors. When moving to other regions, bearings do not harm local species. Due to the fact that fish can live in both salt and fresh water, and also easily tolerate temperature changes, bearings are bred not only in “wild”, but also “cultural” reservoirs. Due to the lack of food competition in the Azov-Black Sea region, fish can grow to very large sizes.
Fishing methods
Pelengas is quite lively, cautious and quick-witted fish. In case of danger, she easily jumps over obstacles. To catch this fish for the first time, even an experienced angler needs to familiarize himself with the features of the equipment and the period of the best biting. The most popular gear for catching pilengas, as in the case of other mullets, are various bottom and float equipment. The main element of most specialized rigs are hooks, on which pop-up elements are fixed, in the form of small, often brightly colored, floats. Fish are caught in the shallows and in shallow areas of the coastal zone. They use fly, float rods, 5-6 m long, as well as match and bottom tackle.
Catching mullet on the bottom gear
Bearings respond to bottom gear, in the presence of certain, special equipment. The main element is bright, pop-up montages, where the hooks rise above the bottom. In some cases, bait can be very useful, therefore, along with ordinary bottom rods, it is quite possible to use feeder rigs, which are convenient for most, even inexperienced anglers. They allow the fisherman to be quite mobile on the pond, and because of the possibility of point feeding, quickly “collect” fish in a given place. Feeder and picker, as separate types of equipment, currently differ only in the length of the rod. The basis is the presence of a bait container-sinker (feeder) and interchangeable tips on the rod. The tops change depending on the fishing conditions and the weight of the feeder used. Nozzle for fishing can be any nozzle, both vegetable or animal origin, and paste. This method of fishing is available to everyone. Tackle is not demanding for additional accessories and specialized equipment. This allows you to fish in almost any water bodies. It is worth paying attention to the choice of feeders in shape and size, as well as bait mixtures. This is due to the conditions of the reservoir (river, bay, etc.) and the food preferences of local fish. In the case of bearings, you should pay attention to the various “feeders-nipples” and their modifications.
Baits
Pelengas are caught with various baits of plant and animal origin, depending on the local preferences of the fish. In the version of fishing on the sea coast, sea worms and so on are more often used. Various, even unusual ingredients are suitable for feeding. Along with vegetable baits, shellfish and fish meat is used.
Places of fishing and habitat
The natural habitat of the bearings is the basins of the Yellow and Japan Seas, in particular, the Gulf of Peter the Great. This fish is widely known to the inhabitants of the European part of the country because of the artificial stocking in the basin of the Azov and Black Seas, it is actively caught in the Don River. Currently, pilengas has spread along the entire Black Sea coast, including in the Crimea, and now it has already been seen in the Atlantic.
Spawning
Maturity occurs at 2-4 years of age, females mature a little longer. Spawning occurs in spring and early summer in desalinated areas of the coastal zone. Larvae and juveniles often live in river mouths. Caviar floating, ripening occurs in the upper layers of the water.