Contents
A wide variety of pike fishing methods allow the angler to choose the most optimal one for specific conditions and achieve maximum results. Fishing on a retractable leash expands the horizon of opportunities for a spinner, and increases the chances of catching a real trophy.
What is a leash
A retractable leash is a special type of tackle installation that allows you to catch pike at the bottom. It is used both in spinning fishing (mainly on a jig), and when fishing on a feeder. The main task of such equipment is to separate the sinker and the bait. This allows shy and cautious fish to fall on the angler’s hook with less fear, and in the case of spinning, it makes it possible to hold the bait at a short distance from the bottom, simulating the natural movement of a small fish.
Appointment of a diversion leash
Is used for capture of predatory fish hiding at the bottom of the reservoir. This type of equipment allows you to successfully cope with all kinds of bottom irregularities, makes it possible to avoid frequent hooks and breaks, improves the game of the bait, making it as similar as possible to a real live fish.
When applied
It can be used at any time of the year on open water: in winter or summer, from the shore or from a boat – it doesn’t matter. The method is effective when catching pike on spinning in the following cases:
- fishing with light lures on a powerful rod;
- casting light over long distances;
- the need to keep the bait in one place.
A retractable leash allows you to attract more attention from the fish, because the bait behaves more relaxedly and more actively. The fisherman has the opportunity to feel the structure of the bottom.
Ways to mount a leash on a pike
The retractable leash can be mounted in various ways. The main options are the following methods:
- deaf without swivels – in the equipment there are only hooks and fishing line, which are inextricably linked with each other;
- with the use of swivels – for this option, you can use double or triple swivels;
- sliding – moreover, both a leash with a weight and with a bait can slide, depending on the installation.
Video: simple and complex installation
Optimal lead length for pike fishing
For fishing, diversion leashes are suitable, the length of which varies from 1 to 1,5 meters, give or take. Everything will depend on the conditions of fishing and the activity of fish in the reservoir.
The optimal length of the leash with a weight: 20-30 cm.
The breaking load of the lead line should be less than the same indicator of the lead with a weight and the main line, which will help to avoid the loss of all equipment in case of accidental hooking or catching a trophy pike specimen.
Tackle selection
An angler who is going to a pond should carefully consider the choice of gear. So, it is worth considering the basic rules in more detail.
Rod
The rod must match the features of the retractable leash. In the process of choosing a spinning rod, pay attention to the structure and length of the gear. The best choice for pike fishing is a fast action rod. It has the following benefits:
- high sensitivity;
- it is easy for the angler to control the course of the bait;
- cuts are more accurate and faster.
This rod will allow you to make sharp wiring. The recommended spinning length is 2,4 – 2,7 meters, with a test of 10-35 grams and more.
Coil
Choose your coil carefully. Multiplier or inertialess models are suitable. There are a minimum number of rules and requirements. The coil must be reliable and durable. On jerky wires, the fishing line should fit well into it. The reel should be light so that it does not weigh down the tackle. It is worth choosing products from trusted brands that guarantee the quality of goods for fishing enthusiasts.
Hazelnut, braid
Braided line is the best choice when using a retractable leash. Such products have a minimum extensibility indicator, so the angler will be able to correctly bait, focusing on the habits of the fish. He will notice even a cautious bite by performing a quick cut.
Various types of sinkers used when fishing on a branch leash
If possible, you need to choose hard and smooth cords. They allow you to perform a sharp wiring on a lead leash to attract the attention of predatory fish. Leads can be made from fluorocarbon or monofilament. The diameter of the fishing line for a cargo leash is 0,2 – 0,4 mm, for a branch leash a little less, depending on the conditions of fishing.
An additional installation of a metal leash in front of the hook will prevent sharp pike teeth from cutting off the bait at the moment of attack.
Baits
In the process of catching predatory fish, most often fishermen use baits made of silicone.
These are options such as:
- vibro tails;
- twisters;
- worms;
- crayfish.
Other types of silicone lures made in non-standard forms are also suitable. In the process of hunting for pike, you can use wobblers and spinners. Along with a retractable leash, oscillating baubles have proven themselves well, which instantly attract fish under water with their non-standard game.
No need to grind when choosing the size of the lure for pike fishing. If anglers use a twister, then its size should be at least 10-12 cm. The same rule applies to other types of baits for predatory fish.
Technique for catching pike on a leash
Usually, a retractable leash is used in order to slowly catch those points on the pond where the fish lives. The angler must seduce that underwater inhabitant who is practically not active. That is why there is no need to rush when moving around the pond. It is necessary to play the bait in one place for a long time, waiting for the activity of the pike.
Some predatory fish instantly react to a sharp and active game of the bait, so the trophy often falls on the fisherman’s hook. The spinner must create the movements of the wounded fish. To do this, you need to conduct a series of sharp jerks, as with twitching wiring. When the next jerk is completed, the line must be reeled up. Posting in this way involves making long pauses to wait for the reaction of the fish.
If the angler catches pike on the river, then you need to cast up, focusing on the direction against the current. After that, the wiring is carried out downstream.
The spinner should learn to use the power of the water flow so that the lure creates a game that attracts predatory fish. For the implementation of such goals, the sinker is lowered to the bottom. The fishing line cannot be reeled up so that the current plays with the bait. So it will look like a real fish.
Anglers who hunt pike in stagnant waters can take advantage of the long bait play in one area. However, you will have to animate the silicone fish yourself. For this, rod pulls and jerks are performed, which will make the “silicone” move under water, attracting predatory fish to the right place.
In the summer, the pike ceases to be active. That is why in the process of catching predatory fish it is impossible to do without a diversion leash. This equipment is designed to attract the attention of pike, which are inactive and practically do not eat in the summer. In the warm season, the fishing technique changes slightly. The fisherman must make slow and careful entries. It is also necessary to stop for a long time so that the pike has time to detect prey and rush at it.
Video
Catching pike in the fall in the video below:
There is nothing super difficult in fishing with a retractable leash, but it will take a few practice sessions. Thanks to this, it is possible to improve jerks in different conditions, attracting the attention of predatory fish with properly selected baits.