Contents
Ratlin is a relatively new bait, the advantage of which is an interesting game, thus zander is well caught on it. In appearance, the bait is similar to a wobbler. It differs by the absence of a blade, the location of the ring for attaching the fishing line, etc. Ratlins for zander in the summer are the best bait, according to many fishermen. Consider the main features and nuances.
General principles for choosing ratlin for zander
The main principle of selecting bait for a predator is the correct determination of its location. Pike perch loves clean, clear water with a low temperature. It prefers near-bottom areas and hunts there. Accordingly, the bait should work in the near-bottom area.
The predator feeds on narrow-bodied fish. Bleak, roach, rudd, gudgeon are considered the main food base. Such extraction is associated with the peculiarity of the oral cavity. Even in large individuals, it is small enough to eat other types of fish. It is this structure that rattlins have.
Therefore, the reliability of the hooks should be in the first place.
The presence of a noise chamber is welcome. True, some anglers argue that in winter it will be superfluous, but in the summer it’s the most. In general, pike perch is a rather unpredictable predator and therefore it is necessary to experiment.
Catching pike perch on rattlins in the summer, it is better to produce bright and catchy colors. Natural and fluorescent are also good at attracting his attention.
Rattlin on pike perch should imitate a fish feeding at the bottom. Its position should be as follows, the head is at the bottom, and the tail is at the top. In other words, the bait must be in a vertical position. This is due to the location of the fishing line attachment ring in the front.
When buying a ratlin for zander fishing, you need to pay attention to the following parameters:
- The size;
- The weight;
- The form;
- The presence of a noise chamber;
- Colors.
Product animation depends on the first three factors. In general, ratlin is considered a dynamic bait with a “nimble” low-amplitude game. Perhaps that is why it shows the best results in the warm season, since in winter the pike perch is more in a passive state and is not ready to chase a fast fish.
Based on the observations of fishermen, the recommended size of ratlin ranges from 5 cm to 10 cm. Some note that 7 cm have high fishing rates.
Equally important is the weight of the nozzle. With the same length, it may differ. Light bait will be difficult to deliver to great depths. The average recommended weight is 15 gr.
TOP best rattlin for zander in summer
Let’s give a rating of the most popular models and make a short review.
- Rapala Rattlin. The length of the bait is 5-7 cm. Equipped with a noise chamber. Can also be used in winter. Suitable for trolling in summer. Works well with jig, stepped and uniform wiring.
- YO-Zuri Sashimi Rattlin Vibe. This is a Japanese manufacturer’s model. Differs in good quality and reliability, and also catchability. The size of the nozzle is 7,5 cm, and the weight is 20 gr. Such a rattlin can be thrown far into a pond. In the water column, it takes the position of a feeding fish. Suitable for jig and uniform wiring.
- Strike Pro Flap Jack. A wide range of baits of different weights from 6 gr to 21 gr. Also, the manufacturer allows you to roam according to the color scheme. The working depth is 1-6 m. It performs well in strong currents.
You can purchase nozzles in the online store, having read the catalog in detail. Today the market offers many products of different companies, parameters and cost. You can pick up bait based on any budget.
Summer fishing features
Initially, the rattlin was created for winter fishing, but over time, spinningists began to use it and quite successfully. As a result, the nozzle proved to be even better than other summer baits.
In summer, it is better to catch pike perch on rattlins in the early morning hours or late in the evening. Pike perch does not like the hot daytime sun and lies on the bottom, but in its absence it goes to feed.
In the first half of summer, you can hunt a predator in shallow areas. After spawning, pike perch is very active, and fishing is a pleasure. The ideal places are rifts, stretches with a depth of 4-6 m. In this case, the noise chamber will only be at hand.
Ratlin allows you to quickly navigate the terrain and catch a large area. Especially with the use of watercraft. It is enough to make frequent, but smooth oscillatory movements with the tip of the rod. It is important to understand that the bait itself is moving. It is not necessary for her to set an active game with a fishing rod. Especially if the predator, so, is in the active phase.
There are no special differences between summer fishing and winter fishing. The only difference is the presence of a “rattle” and the wiring technique. In winter, it should be more even and calm.
Rules for using ratlin for zander: tactics and fishing techniques
The choice of a fishing spot, the selection of gear does not yet guarantee successful fishing. It is necessary to have knowledge of tactics and technology. It only works together. Despite the fact that rattlins for zander, so, give out an interesting game, in some cases you need to be able to set an attractive behavior for the bait. You can achieve the desired result using certain postings.
The main tactic of fishing is to catch the deep sections of the reservoir. The bait should pass almost along the bottom at a distance of 5-10 cm, periodically touching the ground. Such an action will raise the turbidity and provoke the fanged one to attack.
After the nozzle is delivered to the bottom, it is necessary to wait a short pause (3-4 seconds) and start winding. We make a couple of turns with the coil and again a short pause. Then we repeat the process.
It is not uncommon for a predator to be in the middle water column. In this case, after casting, we do not wait for the bait to touch the bottom. We wait a few seconds after touching the surface of the water and start wiring. The bait will pass at a depth of 2-3 m from the upper surface. The tactics of catching zander is to catch not only promising bottom areas, but also the water column.
Another popular tactic is fishing across the riverbed. In this case, the wiring is performed evenly, and the rattlin shows a natural game. For long casts and smooth play in strong currents, it is recommended to use nozzles with a slightly larger weight. Especially if fishing is carried out at depths of 8-10 m.
Posting types:
- Uniform. It represents a smooth movement of the product at the bottom in a given horizon. The wiring speed is minimal. This option is more suitable for hunting a passive predator;
- Jig step. It consists in making several turns of the coil and then holding a pause. The best option for processing these areas along the edges, slopes and other irregularities;
- Easy tweet. It is a jerk, pause and uniform wiring. This technique is suitable for hunting an active predator;
- Stretches. A sharp broach is made with a fishing rod along the ground with a short pause and the subsequent selection of fishing line. This method is suitable for both active and passive zander;
- Wavy. The rattlin sinks to the bottom, then slowly rises. The nozzle at the same time shakes its sides. After that, it again sinks to the bottom and a short pause is maintained. At the same time, it is advisable to do small wiggles with the tip of the spinning rod.
A few nuances for a good bite
We have already mentioned the use of bait with a sound camera. It is a cavity in which metal balls are located. When the nozzle vibrates in the water, they emit vibrations. Pike perch has a very well developed lateral line. This is the organ that determines the direction and strength of the current, as well as water vibrations.
Receiving a similar signal from the rattlin, the predator crawls out of its hiding place. Often even out of curiosity. In addition, such a system has a positive effect on the casting distance and behavior in the water. In general, there are many advantages, but do not forget that in winter this system will be superfluous.