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The mandala for catching fish is the “youngest” bait of all existing ones, which has taken its place of honor next to silicone and foam rubber fish. It has an unusual structure and at the same time perfectly attracts predators.
What is a mandula
Mandula is a near-bottom composite type of fishing lure. Refers to jig. Initially, it was developed for hunting pike perch, but over time, having changed some design features, it was perfect for catching pike, perch and other predatory fish.
Also known among anglers as “Slippers” or “Slippers”. She managed to collect numerous positive reviews, and showed herself well when catching passive fish.
We offer to purchase sets of author’s handmade mandulas in our online store. A wide range of shapes and colors allows you to choose the right bait for any predatory fish and season.
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How does a mandala work underwater?
Due to its buoyancy and loading of the front part, the mandula assumes a vertical position at the bottom, depicting a fish feeding from the bottom.
Touching the bottom, the bait raises the turbidity – the predator reacts faster. The time of the fall of the mandula is regulated by selecting the desired weight-head. To enhance the effect of the mandala, a tail of shiny materials is usually added to the last tee. This provides an additional play of colors and light, which increases the chances of a catch.
What are fishing mandulas made of?
The most suitable material for the manufacture of a mandala is an EVA-based material (ethylene vinyl acetate, more simply – the “sole” from a boot, only in the form of bars). If you plan to make a mandala yourself, then such material is easy to order on various sites. If this is not possible, then you can take the old rubber beach slippers as a basis.
The main characteristics of the material are density and color. The density determines the buoyancy and strength of the mandala, and the color determines the visual appeal. Usually bright colors are used. The stronger the bait, the more durable it is.
The edge (tail) is made of visually attractive materials – colored threads, fishing line, some even use New Year’s tinsel. It is best suited if there is a bright lurex at the end of the bait.
A mandala for fishing can have a wide variety of design options, as well as be combined with replanting lures, all kinds of silicones, etc.
Dimensions and hooks
The size of the bait depends on the number of components, and how they will be located. The average diameter of the mandula is 8-12 mm, and the length of a separate component is from 15 to 25 mm. These data are approximate.
The total number of sections is 2-3 pieces, less often 4-5 pieces. This is the sum of the parts without the trimmed tee.
The number of components affects the bottom game of the bait. When hitting the bottom, a 2-3-step mandala has more favorable residual vibrations to attract a predator.
Most often, mandulas are equipped with tee hooks in the amount of two pieces.
They should be sharp, strong and light in weight. Tees give a greater realization of bites and this is their main advantage. But, unfortunately, such hooks catch not only fish, but also snags. But there is a way out – these are single hooks, most often offset. If the offset ones are protected with wire, then they are suitable for fishing in places with a lot of snags, grass and other obstacles for jig fishing enthusiasts.
Mandula is a flight of fancy. The number of sections and hooks depends only on the angler, who, when buying or manufacturing, proceeds from knowledge of the reservoir and the degree of activity of the fish.
What kind of fish can be caught on a mandula
The mandula is used mainly for catching pike, perch, salmon, pike perch, ide, asp, chub, catfish and burbot in places with little current, just where small fish live.
The world of predatory fish is very diverse. They feed on small fish, and this bait perfectly imitates the “little thing” of the underwater world.
How to catch on a mandala, fishing technique
When fishing on a mandala, it is possible to use various jig wiring techniques. Three main ones:
- Classic “step”;
- Drawing;
- Jerks.
Fishing with spinning from the shore and from a boat (spring, summer and autumn)
In summer and spring, the fish is found at the bottom of water holes, hiding under steep banks and in thickets of algae. If it’s raining or cloudy, a lure with an active game is perfect. At night, it is better to use dark mandulas.
When fishing from the shore, the recommended rod length is 2,5-3 meters. The coil must be free of inertia and with high speed. Braided fishing line is wound with a diameter of 1,5-1,8 mm and a length of 100 meters. The finished equipment is attached to the cord, which ensures the flight of the bait exactly on target.
Photo: Almond on a pike
Casting will depend on the location and flow of water. The ideal place is coastal brows. It is necessary to throw the tackle from the far edge to the depth. With this technique of fishing, there is a problem of hooking snags, in order to avoid this, it is necessary to do the jerking technique.
Fishing for a mandala with spinning continues until late autumn, until the reservoirs are covered with ice. However, winter spinning in open non-freezing areas (spillways, in places of warm drains) also shows good results.
The video below shows thefor passive pike on the mandala.
Boat fishing
When fishing from a boat, it is best to equip the mandala for fishing with a light load so that the bait sinks to the bottom for a long time. This will provide minimal hooking. But the lure game will be at a minimum. When binding a heavier load, the mandala will vibrate. This provokes predators more, increasing the chance of a great catch. When fishing from a boat, vertical wiring is used. It is necessary to perform the jerking technique with frequent pauses.
Ice fishing in winter
The structural features of the winter mandula differ from the summer version. A sliding weight is used. The weight of the load should allow the bait to sink in the hole, but break away from the bottom with any jerk. This provides cloudy water and attracts predators. The tail tee should be made 1-2 sizes smaller than the front one, the lurex tail up to 2-4 mm long.
In winter, fish bite best when the first ice appears. The disadvantage of winter fishing is that the fish act cautiously and bites can be missed. In order not to “miss” the prey, you will need a fast action rod. Use the jerking technique. Be sure to check the weather conditions. It is important to remember that predatory fish like thaw more.
Catching pike on a mandala
Pike is a predatory fish that lives in freshwater reservoirs. The mandula is great for catching it, because it imitates a small fish.
What mandulas are suitable for pike fishing
Sections should be from 2 to 5, the most optimal is 3. The first segment is the largest, and the last is the smallest in diameter. Used hooks – tees. The dimensions of the mandula can reach 30 cm, but usually a lure from 7 to 15 cm in size is enough. The average weight is 12-25 grams.
We offer to purchase sets of author’s handmade mandulas in our online store. A wide range of shapes and colors allows you to choose the right bait for any predatory fish and season.
GO TO THE SHOP
Pike mandala color
The color scheme can be very diverse, but acid colors are usually used in combination with black and white. Red and white and blue and white colors are the most popular. These working colors are good regardless of the time of year, providing excellent bite.
Wiring
Pike wiring is notable for its energetic pace and animation. Long pauses are used. Stretches must be made more energetic, adhering to the classic stepped wiring. Most often, fishing is carried out in the bottom layer, and less often – in the water column. If there is still a current in this place, then the game of the mandala will be very believable. For active pike, even more active wiring is used.
How the mandala is wired to the pike: we cast the bait and wait a few seconds. After we do the winding for 2-3 turns of the coil and immediately pause for 5 seconds. At this very time, a pike attack is possible. If there is no attack, then repeat all the steps again. If the current is strong, then it is better to increase the pause to 20 seconds.
Some anglers soak their mandulas with the smell of fish or blood. Pike on such baits goes actively and bites them for a long time.
How to make a mandala with your own hands
Nowadays, you can buy bait at any fishing store, but making it yourself is not difficult. It’s not hard and fast. A detailed process of how to make a mandala step by step in the video:
To make your own mandala, you will need:
- Material with positive buoyancy – polyurethane foam, cork, rigid foam, etc. For example, old tourist rugs (EVA) are also suitable.
- Tees in various sizes.
- Wire.
- Factory rings.
- Lurex.
Manufacture:
- Blanks of different colors must be glued together to make multi-colored cones or cylinders;
- Cut into parts of the mandula of a conical, round or square shape;
- To round the shape, it is necessary to fix the workpiece on the drill bit, and rotate it with an abrasive;
- A hole is made in the center of each workpiece with a hot awl, a wire is inserted into it, a loop is made at the end, into which the winding ring is threaded;
- At the same time, a tee is threaded into the hole;
- Colors must be alternated. For example, first light, and then dark shades;
- Further, all the details are connected together;
- The final touch is masking the hooks with Lurex.
Mandula unhooked on an offset hook
Such a bait is securely fixed on an offset hook through two punctures, the sting of the hook is hidden in the body of the mandala. When biting, the sting is released and pierces the body of the prey.
The following video will teach you how to make a do-it-yourself pike mandala quickly and easily:
Mandula is a universal bait that is suitable for all types of fish. It is used not only by professional fishermen, but also by amateurs at any time of the year. Making a mandala yourself will save your budget, and having it in your arsenal will give you a guarantee of a good catch.
We offer to purchase sets of author’s handmade mandulas in our online store. A wide range of shapes and colors allows you to choose the right bait for any predatory fish and season.
GO TO THE SHOP
Variety of mandulas – See all photos
