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Perch is a freshwater predator that lives in rivers, lakes, ponds, reservoirs and sometimes found in salty sea waters. Striped fish is the most popular object of recreational fishing. In this article, we will analyze the main points of fishing, and also learn how to catch perch in winter.
Time and place for fishing
The perch is active throughout the winter period. At some points, the bite increases, while at others it decreases, but quite successfully you can fish all winter. The main thing is to find a place to park it. The striped one lives in the place where it finds its food base. But he does not like to linger in one place for a long time. The predator will follow the fry throughout the pond.
Perch’s favorite places are:
- Svals;
- Loggers;
- Eyebrows.
A signal for the correct choice of a place is the appearance of a predator on the surface of the water or hunting in the upper layers of the reservoir. He chooses the places where they are found: bleak, top, vendace, ruff and others.
Small rivers
The main advantage of small ponds is the easier search for fish. The most promising places in such rivers will be whirlpools. It is in them that all the fish gather. The average depth of small rivers is 1,5-2 meters. It is enough to find such a level and successfully conduct fishing.
In the thaw, the striped one moves to the outskirts of the pool, and in some cases even migrates to other places. The main incentive for changing the place of deployment is the food supply. Where there is more food, perch tends to go there.
Another place where a predator likes to huddle is springs. A current is formed here, a layer of soil rises along with the microorganisms that the fish feeds on.
Lakes
On the lake, a promising point will be shallow water overgrown with aquatic vegetation, but only at night. With dawn, the striped goes deep into the reservoir and returns after sunset.
If the target is a large fish, then good shrubs or submerged trees should be found in the lake. Largemouth bass are cautious fish and safety comes first.
The main prey in large reservoirs are bleak, roach, top. Where flocks of the above fish are observed, perch will roam there. But an active predator is difficult to catch in winter. He doesn’t stand still. Drilling holes all over the body of water, and the lake can be quite large, just not enough strength.
The best time for fishing in winter is the first few weeks after the freeze. In the morning and evening hours, you can please yourself with trophy fish.
Reservoirs
Fishing in vast reservoirs is complicated by the search for a predator’s parking lot. But there is more chance to stumble upon large prey. But for this it is desirable to know the reservoir. In any case, theoretical preparation is required. It is important to study the bottom topography. Walking with a drill at random is unlikely to bring success.
In such cases, you should choose a place based on the characteristics of the behavior of the fish. More likely to stumble upon striped in dumps, underwater ridges, snarled areas and other natural shelters.
The best weather
The ideal weather for striped fishing is windless with a slight frost (5-10 degrees), stable atmospheric pressure and dense clouds. In such conditions, the bite will be stable from early morning until late evening.
The predator grabs the bait powerfully and confidently. There are practically no breaks. In addition, such weather is comfortable for the angler himself. In a word, grace for both fish and humans.
Also, good fishing happens at a frost of 10-15 degrees, high pressure, a little cloudiness. Under the influence of pressure, the striped tends to the surface of the water or in shallow water, where you can catch it with a lure or mormyshka.
How to drill holes
When drilling the first hole, it is imperative to count the number of revolutions until the ice cover is completely passed. This will give you an idea of the thickness of the ice. Thus, when drilling the following holes, you can avoid getting extra ice chips.
For two, three turns before complete drilling, we take out the drill and remove the crumbs. After that, we drill the hole to the end. Otherwise, these remains will have to be raked out of the water, which takes time.
Having made a hole, the drill must be pulled out carefully, without applying much effort. You can turn it in the opposite direction. It is advisable to immediately remove the remaining ice to the side so that later they do not create inconvenience, as they quickly freeze to the ice.
The shape of the hole will be round, resembling a cylinder. Sometimes the predator resists strongly when it hits the hook. This can rub the line against the bottom edges of the ice. Therefore, it is better to make the hole cone-shaped. In addition, it is easier to fish out large fish from such a hole.
Features of fishing by months
The behavior of the predator and, accordingly, the bite depends on the month. This is influenced by weather conditions, namely the temperature regime.
In December
The fish are under stress this month. The ice cover reduces the oxygen supply, and the perch begins to “wander” around the reservoir in search of a site with the best oxygen regime. You can find striped in both the deepest and shallowest places. As you already understood, the predator will have to be looked for. The number of holes can be quite impressive.
The bait at the beginning of winter is well served by mormyshka and baubles. The size of the last nozzle can reach up to 10 cm. With the help of a mormyshka, medium and small fish will be caught mainly.
In January
Winter in January is usually considered the coldest. It is at this time that perch activity drops noticeably. It is explained by the fact that the level of oxygen in the reservoir decreases and the water becomes colder. In this case, the preparation of gear must be approached carefully.
A more successful nozzle will be a mormyshka. It should have two qualities: small size and heavy weight. Masking will play a decisive role, so the cross section of the fishing line should not be more than 0,12 mm.
The color of the bait does not play a strong role.
In February
In the last winter month, the fish gradually comes out of the state of suspended animation and already in mid-February begins to actively hunt, roaming all over the water area. Temperature continues to influence predator behavior. If the frosts do not subside, then the perch goes to the depth and moves a little.
In lakes, the activity of fish is weaker than in flowing open rivers. The reason for this is the incoming oxygen. Also, the predator feels good in large reservoirs with great depths.
The most effective baits in February will be natural (maggots, larvae, worms, moths, and others). Of course, live bait will show high results. The main thing is that it should be included in the perch food base and be caught in the same reservoir where fishing is planned.
perch habits
Closer to the second phase of winter, the perch gradually moves from the coastlines to the center of the reservoir to deeper places. In the middle of the winter period, the fish begins to experience oxygen starvation, so they look for places such as the mouths of tributaries that carry more “fresh” water. A predator can even leave some reservoirs immediately after the first ice.
Also, the striped avoids muddy ground, choosing a rocky or sandy bottom. The reason is also oxygen. With the onset of thaws, medium and small individuals begin to appear in shallow water.
With a significant lack of air, the perch tries to stay closer to the ice. In some cases, even directly under the ice itself. Sunlight affects the depth of the predator. In clear weather, the fish will go deeper and vice versa in cloudy.
In the morning and evening, the predator approaches the shallows, and closer to the middle of the day again leaves for deeper areas. This behavior is most often seen in steep slopes.
The “signal” of the beginning of good fishing is the arrival of starlings. At this time, perch can be caught in all possible ways. At the same time, large individuals peck well.
Bait
Bait is needed not only to “stir up” the striped, but also to detain in one place for several days. This function is perfectly performed by a moth. Even better if you use a live one.
We start feeding a few days before fishing. Sprinkle the hole with a bloodworm every 15 minutes several times. Having sunk to the bottom, the bait will mix with the silt and this will provide food for the perch for how many days.
In addition to bloodworms, amphipods and chopped worms can be used. “Albumin” showed itself well – dry blood. It is used in two versions: as an additive or in its pure form.
What to catch
Perch is such a predator that takes almost any bait. Therefore, you can catch it with different gear.
remothless
Pretty interesting gear. The name speaks for itself. When choosing such a fishing gear, it is important to pay special attention to the rod itself and the equipment. The key to successful fishing is a properly tuned tool.
The rod should be light and sensitive. Must be equipped with a nod. The tackle itself is compact, as you will often have to move around the pond. The recommended section of the fishing line is 0,06-0,16 mm. Maybe a little more. The main rule for choosing a line is the appropriate weight of the lure.
The choice of the rewinder itself depends on the working depth. For fishing in a reservoir up to three meters deep, a bait weighing 0,1 g is suitable. At a depth of up to 5 meters 0,1-0,2 g and when fishing deeper than 5 meters 0,3 g.
It is also worth paying attention to the color. Fishermen recommend purchasing a green-red revolver with transverse stripes. It is she who has good catchability.
Zherlitsy
You don’t need a lot of fishing line to hunt perch. Any design will fit. It is better to put a fluorocarbon fishing line, with a section of 0,2-0,25 mm.
In winter, you will have to look for striped ones, so at first the largest possible area is covered. It’s best to do it together.
Zherlitsa is such a tackle with which you have to constantly move. While it comes to the latter, you can change the location of the first if there is no bite.
Live bait is used as bait. Verkhovka and gudgeon show themselves best. Bleak, minnow, dace are also suitable. The size of the bait should be small. Otherwise, the pike will attack.
Mormyshka
Mormyshka is a fishing bait, which is a hook soldered into a “soft” metal (lead, tin, tungsten). It can be made in different shapes: drop, ball, rhombus, in the form of an insect, etc.
The tackle itself consists of a rod, fishing line (0,9-0,12 mm) and the mormyshka itself.
The color scheme is quite varied. There is no consensus on which color is better in winter. Some argue that bright colors are more effective, while others tend to natural ones. There is some truth in this, since perch is found in different water bodies, and preferences may differ.
Balance
Fishing on a balancer implies constant movement. Just sitting near the hole and waiting will not work. It is necessary to set a stable game.
According to the experience of experienced fishermen, balancers of bright colors show themselves better. At shallow depths, light nozzles are suitable and vice versa at deep ones. During the posting, you need small pauses.
The tackle consists of a fishing rod, up to 30 cm long, an inertial reel, a monofilament fishing line with a diameter of 0,18 mm and a nod. The recommended size for an average predator is 5 cm, and the weight is 8 gr.
Baldu
The nozzle is a drop-shaped sinker with hooks on which attracting elements (beads) are hung. Even better if you equip the bald with a rattle. You can make a similar product yourself at home.
Catch on the bulldozer as follows:
- We lower the nozzle to the bottom;
- We perform small twitches to attract the attention of the fish;
- We sharply raise the tackle;
- Then lower it back to the bottom and repeat the process.
In this case, the turbidity must necessarily rise. Such actions will arouse the interest of the predator.
On the line
A devil is called a spindle-shaped mormyshka with a tee. Its peculiarity lies in a pronounced vertical play without horizontal deviations. This is what the devil is interesting for a predator.
Posting (lifting) is performed intermittently-dotted, and lowering to the bottom using different variations. Low-amplitude game to the liking of the striped.
Color does not play a decisive role, since fishing is carried out at a depth with limited visibility. Most often, fishermen use black or dark green colors.
On ratlins
Rattlins are an artificial bait like a wobbler. A distinctive feature is the location of the ring for attaching the fishing line in the dorsal part. This provides a special animation.
Unlike spinners and a balancer, the game of ratlin is softer. This behavior contributes to the fishing of a passive predator. The product is equipped with a noise chamber, which emits a “sharp” sound during active wiring. But it shouldn’t be abused. Noise can both attract fish and scare them away.
Manufacturers produce two types: winter and summer. The former are designed for plumb fishing, and the latter for casting. For fishing in winter, the most common fishing rod is suitable, but preferably not long (up to 40 cm). You will also need an inertial reel and fishing line.
Manufacturers produce two types of products: winter and summer. The former are designed for plumb fishing, and the latter for casting.
The thinner the line, the less resistance will be provided in the water. But don’t underestimate durability.
The wiring is as follows:
- We immerse the tackle on the desired horizon;
- We make a quick swing with the rod and smoothly lower it to the previous point;
- We stand a short pause and repeat the process.
On live bait
Live bait fishing has always brought good results and in this case is no exception. Live fish are more attractive than artificial ones. But there are also disadvantages. First you need to catch the fry.
The tackle is an ordinary short fishing rod (30-40 cm), which is equipped with a reel (inertial or without). A nod is set at the tip.
Live bait can be:
- Minnow;
- Roach;
- Elec and even a small okushok.
The recommended fish size is 3-8 cm.
How to fish
In different phases of winter, catching striped will be different. First of all, on wiring and tactics. It is explained by the peculiarity of the behavior of fish depending on temperature conditions, oxygen levels.
On the first ice
After freezing, the fish is in a fairly active phase. You can stumble upon it almost throughout the reservoir. However, she is not as shy as at other times of the year. Sometimes the noise from the drill even causes interest.
Wiring should be done active and amplitude, and the pauses between strokes should be short. There is no point in sitting over one hole for a long time. As well as getting carried away with monotonous wiring. It’s worth experimenting from time to time.
In the dead of winter
In the middle of the cold period, the striped becomes passive and moves away from the coastline in search of warmer oxygenated water. This is especially true for large individuals. A trifle can still be found near the shore. The best places are edges and dumps. It is here that the croakers lie down. The playing technique should be calm and measured. Perch may not chase fast prey.
On the last ice
The primary task is to determine the location of the predator. You can navigate by its food base, for example, roach. Where such flocks will be seen, it means that the striped one is nearby. Medium-sized fish can be found closer to the shore, but large ones at depth.
The activity of the fish returns again, so the wiring should be used faster and more sweeping. Don’t forget to take short breaks.
Big Bass Fishing Secrets
Large individuals are often found near schools of fish that they feed on. Among the perches there are facts of cannibalism. Lures must be the correct size. It is difficult to predict which trophy fish will covet. In a good way, it is better to have a good arsenal with you.
The largest fish are kept at great depths. Fishing begins with coastal drops, edges, holes in the middle of the reservoir. Holes are drilled at a distance of 5 meters. Fishing should be in each no more than 5 minutes.