What mushrooms are collected in the pine forest in the fall. Edible mushrooms in late autumn
The use of jigs is one of the most popular methods for fishing in winter; their high level of popularity throughout the world is due to the simplicity of their design with fairly high efficiency. Today there are many different options for jigs, their features will be revealed in this article.
What is the best bait for winter fishing?
The jig is a bait that was specially created for use in winter, so it has all the necessary properties to increase fishing efficiency at this time of year. It can be described as follows:
- The basis of the design is a weight, into the surface of which a fishing hook is soldered.
- The bait itself is attached to the end of the fishing line; the wiring techniques used make it imitate the behavior of a small fish or insect, which attracts the attention of predators.
- Modern models can differ in such parameters as color, weight and shape, which allows you to choose the most suitable option depending on the fishing conditions and the desired prey.
Types of jigs
These nozzles can be classified in different ways, but the main criterion for dividing them is weight. Depending on this parameter, the following main types can be distinguished:
- The heavy variety is used in reservoirs with a significant level of depth and rapid current.
- The middle variety is one of the most versatile attachments.
- The light version is intended for use in shallow water and in places with no current.
Modern technologies that have affected the production of jigs and expanded the number of materials used make it possible to achieve quite impressive weight even with small dimensions, which has made the process of using nozzles even more convenient.
The most catchy jigs for winter fishing
Attachments made from tungsten are by far the most popular option.
This variety gradually began to occupy a leading position instead of lead tackle due to a number of advantages, primarily due to the fact that tungsten allows you to make quite heavy jigs while maintaining small dimensions, and this nuance provides a certain degree of comfort during the fishing process.
Their other advantages include the following:
- Higher dive speed to the required depth.
- Increased likelihood of bites, since in cold weather most predators prefer to feed on small fish.
- A small-sized bait allows for a more active and believable game.
- The ability to better stay in places with strong currents even with small dimensions.
With bait
The classic version of such gear for fishing in winter is jigs with bait. They are sold in most specialized stores at an affordable price, they are easy to make at home, and the operation process is distinguished by its simplicity.
How to catch more fish?
Over 13 years of active fishing, I have found many ways to improve the bite. And here are the most effective:- Bite activator. Attracts fish in cold and warm water with the help of pheromones included in the composition and stimulates its appetite. It's a pity that Rosprirodnadzor wants to ban its sale.
- More sensitive gear. Read the appropriate manuals for your specific gear type on the pages of my website.
- Lures based pheromones.
The bait variety is divided into two main types:
- The pellet is the most common type used for ice fishing. It has a round shape and comes in a variety of colors, usually used for fishing for perch or roach.
- The droplet is another well-known species that is very easily distinguished from the pellet by its more elongated shape. It is usually used when performing a quick retrieve, during which it demonstrates a specific game that attracts potential prey. Many professional anglers agree that this is one of the most effective options for winter perch hunting.
They are another type of jig; they do not require bait. It is for this reason that their use requires certain skills and dexterity, because the bite is largely determined by the quality of the game, and for this the angler will need to demonstrate his own skills.
The classification of mothless moths is also more complex; the following varieties are usually distinguished:
- Uralka is the most common type of gear without bait. This is one of the classic varieties of mothless baits, so every winter fishing enthusiast should have it, since it often becomes the main assistant during ice hunting for perch. Externally, the uralka resembles a curved drop, which is equipped with a hook in the tapering area. Today, the market offers a wide range of such gear, which differ in weight, color and material. In some cases, the hook is additionally equipped with beads or other elements.
- The devil is no less popular, as it is considered one of the most effective baits that can attract the attention of pike perch in winter. However, it is not the only possible prey; the devil is universal and can help in catching virtually any fish. The most common gear is with three hooks, but modified versions are often equipped with four elements at once.
- The goat is often distinguished as an independent variety of mothless, but in essence it is a subspecies of the devil, which is distinguished by a reduced number of hooks; there are usually no more than two on such a nozzle. The use of this gear requires a certain amount of experience, since it requires the use of a special fishing technique with a specific game. Tungsten goat is rare and is most commonly made from Latin or copper. It is a universal bait that can attract almost any type of fish with a sufficient level of activity.
- The boat is a less universal option, which is used exclusively at a depth of no more than 2.5 meters for catching more peaceful species of fish. If such a mothless reel has been chosen, then it is necessary to use intensive wiring to provide it with active and active play. The color of the boat can be different; in most cases, the hook is additionally equipped with beads, for which soft shades are chosen.
- The ant received this name due to the visual similarity of its shape to the body of an insect. This mothless fish most or roaches during periods when this prey is sufficiently active. When conducting, it demonstrates a specific game, which is distinguished by movements with small amplitude. These jigs have universal parameters: virtually all of them are black in color and weigh 0.3 g. Some options may have more weight due to the addition of beads.
- The last option that will be considered is called the donkey. The shape of this rewinder resembles a quarter of a coffee bean; it is a universal attachment that can demonstrate equally positive results both in fast currents and in standing water. Most modern models are black in color, they are equipped with only one hook and can vary in weight.
It is impossible to determine with guaranteed accuracy which company produces the most.
However, the majority of experienced fishermen give preference and speak positively about the products of the following manufacturers:
- Fishing specializes in the production of the most modern models, which are made of tungsten and have a whole range of advantages over lead analogues.
- Lumicom also offers a wide range of different tungsten models at an affordable price, which are in good demand.
- Ladoga is a domestic manufacturer that produces all the considered jig options; they are often sold in ready-made sets and have an affordable price.
- Salmo is a company that has long specialized in the production of fishing, hunting and travel accessories of various types. The company is the world's largest and one of the most recognizable brands of artificial bait, which always ensures good demand for its product. In large stores you can find a large assortment of jigs and choose an option suitable for any situation.
- Lucky John is another well-known brand of fishing products, this organization has been operating in the relevant market segment for almost 30 years and, thanks to the stable quality of its products, has gained great popularity.
Top 5 models
For a more detailed consideration, five of the most effective and catchable models of jigs from leading manufacturers were selected; their brief reviews are given below:
The Russian-made one is a representative example for its class; like most other ants, it is made of lead. Its weight is 0.28 g, it is equipped with a thin Japanese hook No. 16, a silicone tube and yellow beads. The approximate cost is 35 rubles.
It is a triangular-shaped devil, which is additionally equipped with a loop, this bait is produced in Latvia. Hook size No. 18, weight 0.25 g, tungsten is used as the main material. The approximate price is 140 rubles.
It is the heaviest Uralka in its class, its weight is 1.3 grams. with a diameter of 5 mm. This tackle is made of tungsten, which is coated with an additional polymer layer, which provides good protection and increases service life. You can purchase this model for 150 rubles.
Designed to imitate the behavior of the corresponding insect that accidentally fell into the water and forms the basis of the diet of a number of predators after the onset of the breeding season. Sales are carried out in sets of 10 pieces, the approximate cost is 250 rubles.
Jig "Sava Uralka" is a classic tackle of this type, made of tungsten, equipped with a hole whose diameter is 1.45 mm. A package, which includes 10 pieces, costs about 340 rubles.
In some cases, it is not at all necessary to turn to store-bought options; a jig that is suitable for fishing in the winter can be made independently at home. To do this, you need to use the instructions below:
- Initially, you need to select a material to create a workpiece; viniflex, organic glass and any other types that can be easily processed using a cutting tool at home are best suited. If it is not possible to get similar varieties, then you can use wood, but you need to select the hardest and most durable species, for example, oak or ash.
- Process the workpiece in such a way that its thickness is approximately 6-10 mm.
- It is necessary to make a spherical depression in the workpiece; its dimensions should be slightly smaller than the gear being manufactured. You can use a semicircular or triangular chisel for this.
- Add the main contours to the spherical recess corresponding to the gear being made; for this you need to use a chisel of a more round shape.
- After the recess has taken its final shape, its surface will need to be cleaned; it is also recommended to treat it with dichloroethane.
- Place copper or brass foil with a thickness of no more than 0.25 mm on the recess, press tightly and squeeze out the shell of the gear being manufactured with any suitable tool. It is best to use rules for this, which are made from bamboo. During this procedure, all movements should be as light as possible so as not to damage the foil.
- Gradually, during processing, the shell will deepen; as this process progresses, it is necessary to switch to a tool with a smaller diameter, which will allow the smallest elements to be extruded.
- After the extrusion is completed, the edges must be cut off, and the shell of the tackle itself must be subjected to internal processing and tinned.
- Make a hole in the center of the shell so that a wire with a diameter of about 0.2 mm passes through it; you will need to put a hook on it.
- After fixing the hook in the correct position, solder begins to be applied to the jig using a heated soldering iron.
- All that remains is to wait for the solder to completely harden, after which you can remove the wire. Then the tackle can only be polished, sanded or painted at your discretion.
If a fisherman goes winter fishing with a jig, then we can say with certainty that he is mainly targeting roach. In rare cases, bream, crucian carp, carp and other similar species may be caught. Therefore, when you buy or create winter jigs for roach with your own hands, you can expect a good catch.
The jig can be made from a variety of materials.
These include:
- Lead. This material is one of the most popular because products made from it are of medium weight and are inexpensive. In addition, you can make lead jigs yourself. The device is used only at a depth that does not exceed five meters.
- Tungsten. Products made from this material are quite weighty, regardless of size. This jig is good if you need to reach the bottom in a short time.
- Tin. It is very rare to find such products on sale. It's all about the weight of the material, which is very light. However, many fishermen make elements at home, weighing them down in every possible way and getting a good finished product. Such jigs are used at shallow depths - up to 2 meters.
What forms of baits are there?
Catching roach with a jig will only be effective if the angler chooses the product correctly. You need to understand that the fish is quite cunning, so today it may like one bait, and tomorrow it may like a completely different one. Considering that it is impossible to predict the mood of aquatic inhabitants, it is advisable to take with you as many options as possible that today's market offers.
- Witch.
- Nymph.
- Uralka.
- A drop.
- Oatmeal.
- Damn.
- Goat.
- Ant.
- Pellet.
It must be said that in nature you can find other types of jigs that fishermen make on their own. Of course, such parts do not have names, but sometimes they work better than all the classic jigs.
All of the baits described above are used when there are reelless jigs used for catching roach. If there is bait, then a drop or a pellet will be enough. There is no need for more unusual forms.
How to attach a jig
The product can be attached to the fishing line through the body by the fore-end or by the ring. In the first case, the position is determined by the angle of the hole in the jig and the method of attachment, and in the second, the bait is located vertically.
If you need to tie an element by a ring, then resort to knitting a knot like a palomar or a clinch.
If there is a hole in the jig, the fishing line can be tied using a double knot, a single knot for thin holes, a whip knot or a cap loop.
Important! Before you start, you should insert a small silicone casing into the hole.
This action will protect the fishing line from chafing that may occur due to sharp edges.
What colors are jigs?
Some fishermen convince beginners that the jig should be selected solely based on its shape. The rest is up to the fisherman: whether he can use it correctly or not. Of course, these are important points, but we should not forget about the color of the products, which also plays an important role in the matter. In addition to the usual metallic shades: gold, reddish, gray or silver, you can find many other beautiful and bright elements on sale.
There are anglers who used green jigs for roach in winter and were very successful.
Although it is best to navigate based on weather conditions. So, at great depths and on a cloudy day, it is advisable to use light-colored products. In clear weather and in shallow water, dark jigs are used.
Equipment
In order to give jigs catchability, a number of additional elements are hung on the hooks.
These include:
- Wool threads.
- Cambrics.
- Chains.
- Feathers.
- Hanging hooks.
- Beads.
It is not uncommon for baitless jigs to be equipped with several hanging parts at once to more effectively attract fish.
If you hang a bead on the fishing line a little higher than the element, you can increase the catchability of the gear. This is often done when a rewinder is used. However, this method is also suitable for ordinary bait. During the game, the bead constantly moves along the fishing line, which attracts the attention of roach or other fish.
Lure weight
The weight of the bait plays a big role. This directly affects how the game will play out, as well as which nod or line to choose. You need to understand that a light one, which is tied to a thick fishing line, will take too long to fall. As for a heavy bait, but on a thin fishing line, it is not suitable because the desired game will not work with it, because the fishing line will constantly sag.
It is also worth paying attention to the nods, which are adjusted based on the weight of the jig. By the way, it is for this reason that many fishermen mark their baits and “guards”. The nod also ensures the action of the bait, which is very important when fishing for roach without bait.
Catching roach with a jig in winter will depend on both the depth and the weight of the product.
It is advisable to pay attention to this ratio of mass and depth:
- If the depth is within two meters, then the weight is 0.3-0.5 grams.
- From four to five meters – 1 gram.
- More than 5 meters – 1.2-1.5 grams.
In order to achieve better results, it is advisable to use tungsten jigs at depth, and lead jigs are suitable for shallow water.
As for advice regarding the correct choice of nod, in this case each angler should be guided by his own needs. Even experienced fishermen do not give any recommendations in this regard. It is only necessary to say that the parts are made of lavsan, metal plates, x-ray film, polycarbonate and polyethylene. If you wish, you can make a nod with your own hands, which will perform its task no worse than a purchased one. The main thing is that the appropriate guard is selected for the bait.
When to go fishing
The best time for roach is the first ice. Those fishermen who are just beginning to understand how a jig works can during this period practice “playing” with this bait, which more than justifies itself. In the dead of winter, it is better to switch to maggots or bloodworms. At the end of winter, when the ice layer is very thick, it is advisable to give preference to fishing with bait and bait.
Roach fishing technique
Having decided what is best for winter fishing, you should say a few words about the jig. Great importance must be given to the game. At this stage, fishermen begin to rush somewhere and actively wave their gear, which only scares away all the fish. It is necessary to lower the fishing rod with slight twitches, and raise it smoothly. From time to time you will need to tap on the bottom, and then “hang” in the water column.
Roaches love measured movements; they will never be interested in a “scared” bait. Of course, other fish may pay attention to such a game, but it is not the goal.
With a little practice, everything will turn out flawlessly.
How to fish in winter with jigs Fishing with a jig- the most common type of fishing in winter. Fishermen are constantly improving their playing techniques and inventing new forms of jigs. Example - recently gained popularity fishing in winter with a jig without nozzle. To fish with a jig without an attachment, you need a special jig and a game that is very different from fishing with a jig with an attachment.
The possibilities of fishing with jigs are far from being explored and exhausted. The changes that have occurred in recent years have affected all aspects of fishing - both fishing gear and jig fishing techniques.
Previously, it was believed that fishing in winter with a spinner and fishing with a jig were the same winter fishing rod.
The specificity of jig fishing is such that it requires continuous play with the jig at a fast pace with a small amplitude. Winter fishing rod for jig fishing has become much shorter - no more than 30 centimeters, with a comfortable handle and equipped with a reel. The weight of the winter fishing rod has also been reduced, now it does not exceed 125 g.To fish with jigs, buy a winter fishing rod equipped with a reel, preferably a closed type. A winter fishing rod with a reel is more suitable for winter float fishing rod. On an open reel, the line will freeze after you throw your winter fishing rod onto damp ice.
The reel of the winter fishing rod should rotate freely and be securely locked by tightening the nut. The hole for the fishing line on the reel of a winter fishing rod can be too small. It needs to be expanded with a thin drill or a thick heated needle or awl.
The handle of a winter fishing rod would best be made of porous rubber, cork, or porous foam (not pressed into balls). This handle of a winter fishing rod will be warmer, and you can stick a jig hook into it. Plastic or wooden handles of a winter fishing rod are worse.
The whip of a winter fishing rod should not be fragile, made of frost-resistant plastic. It is advisable that a winter jig fishing rod be painted in a bright color - this way it will be more noticeable in the snow.
Video: Winter fishing rods for fishing with jigs
Nod for jig fishing
Nod on a winter fishing rod- the most important component of successful jig fishing. The nod is not only a bite signal, but also an element responsible for the correct play of the jig.There are many designs of nods for jig fishing. Of those that are now on sale, the most common are lavsan nods and steel strip nods.
Dacron nods more sensitive, transmit the slightest movement of the jig. They do not freeze or rust. Due to the fact that they are thin and wide, lavsan nods play strongly in the wind. It is better to use such nods when fishing in a plastic fishing tent, or on small lakes or rivers, where the wind is not as strong as on large rivers and reservoirs.
Metal spring nods Jigs convey the game slightly worse, but are resistant to wind and allow you to distinguish a fish bite from a gust of wind. And there is almost always wind in winter. It is better for a novice fisherman to fish with a jig with such a nod. It is less capricious than a lavsan nod.
Fashionable in its time boar bristle nods not practical. They are sensitive - like nods made of lavsan. Boar bristle nods are round in cross-section, and not flat, like mylar or metal nods. And the wind blows in a horizontal direction. Therefore, boar bristle nods move left and right even in a slight breeze.
At one time, complex design nods were common, made from a piece of thin steel wire soldered to a spring, which was put on an axle. The nod was located perpendicular to the whip of the winter fishing rod, and was more noticeable. The lifting force of such a nod began evenly from the lowest position to the highest. This made it possible to control the most timid bites. The fish does not feel the increasing weight of the jig. This nod was very wind resistant. Now you can’t find such a nod in fishing stores. You can find it at fishing markets from homemade craftsmen, or you can make it yourself.
Video: How to choose a nod for a jig for a winter fishing rod
The length and elasticity of the nod must correspond to the weight of the jig and the nature of the game with the jig. When fishing for bream, roach, and silver bream, the game is not played at a high pace. The nod should be long. The bite usually happens “on the rise”. The nod is adjusted so that it bends at an angle of 30-40 degrees under the weight of the jig immersed in water. The nod is extended to a length of 7 to 10 centimeters.
With this setting, the game turns out to be the opposite of the stroke of the rod whip. The rod's whip moves up - the tip of the nod pecks down, and vice versa. The nod produces a wave that goes from the base of the nod to the tip.
When fishing for perch in winter, the frequency of play should be maximum. The perch bite is very sharp, it pulls the jig down. The length of the nod should be 4-5 centimeters, the angle should be 15-20 degrees. The game turns out to be direct, without a wave: rod down - nod down.
Types of bites on a winter fishing rod with a jig
- The nod pecks down. This is how perch bites, ruff. Less commonly, roach and silver bream.
- The nod goes up. This is how bream, roach and other white fish bite.
- The nod does not fall or rise, but freezes. The game ends. This is how inactive fish bite in the middle of winter.
Jigs for winter fishing
Jigs are distinguished:- by the method of tying to the fishing line (horizontally and obliquely suspended jigs), by weight - light (weighing less than 0.4 g), medium (weighing from 0.5 to 1 g) and heavy (weighing over 1 g).
- in shape - jigs are spherical, teardrop-shaped, flat, conical and faceted.
- by color - light and dark jigs, black, red, green, white, copper, silver.
Drop-shaped jigs They sway better when the winter fishing rod moves. Jigs - droplets are used for reelless fishing with an inclined suspension. They also attract fish when they move on the bottom.
Flat jigs plan to the side when moving with a winter fishing rod. Playing with flat jigs consists of slow and smooth swings.
Faceted jigs usually made of copper or silver. They have sparkling edges and are suitable for jig fishing at great depths or in muddy water.
Cone-shaped jigs And drop-shaped jigs The fish grabs deeper, which improves their hooking.
Video: The best and catchiest jigs
Jigs are tied to the fishing line by the shank of the hook or through a through hole in the body of the jig. With the last method of tying a jig, you can use a fishing line to tighten one or more bloodworms - this way they will remain alive for a long time. But the hook still needs to be disguised with bloodworms.
If you fish at great depths - more than 4 m, then you need to use heavy tungsten jigs. Then the jig reaches the required depth faster, and the game is more clearly transmitted to the nod. In order not to use a very large jig, you can tie two jigs - the light one is 10-15 centimeters higher than the heavy one.
A black jig-droplet is placed at the bottom, a copper jig-ball is placed at the top. The greater the depth of fishing, the greater the amplitude of play with a jig is needed - movements with a fishing rod are damped under the influence of a layer of water.
Having chosen a place for fishing with a jig, the angler drills holes. The ice chips from the hole must be thrown out with a scoop behind the angler’s back, under no circumstances in the direction of the wind, where the fishing line will fly away. When fishing at shallow depths, it is recommended to cover the hole with snow and make a hole for the fishing line with a stick. But this does not always give results - sometimes the fish are caught better in a clean hole.
To actively play with a jig, you need to hold the winter fishing rod with both hands. The right hand holds a winter fishing rod and rests on the thigh above the knee. The left hand clasps the right hand and is pressed to the side. The hands should be relaxed when playing with the jig, and tense while hooking the fish.
When fishing with a jig, hooking is done with any movement or change in the position of the nod with a short movement of the hand.
Fishing technique with a jig in winter
Having found the desired depth of descent, place one or more bloodworms, burdocks or mayflies on the jig. The jig is lowered to the bottom, controlling the descent with a nod. Then shake the jig at the bottom, knock 5-10 times so that a cloud of turbidity rises. Start lifting with rocking at a fast pace with an amplitude of oscillation of the rod tip of 1.5 cm. Raise the jig to a height of 50 cm and wait a pause of 2-3 seconds. Lower the jig to the bottom on a bent nod. After 5-10 cycles, you need to try to change the pace of the game and reduce the amplitude of vibrations, raise the jig higher.1. Lower the jig with bait to the bottom. Raise the jig 1-3 cm and begin a leisurely rise, playing with the tip of the fishing rod at a pace of 90-120 times per minute and an amplitude of 0.5-1 cm. Stop the rise every 3-5 cm, shaking the jig 2-3 cm. At a level of 60-70 cm from the bottom, finish lifting and lower the jig for a new cycle.
2. Lower the jig to the bottom. Swing the jig, lifting it 0.5-1 cm above the bottom. After 3-4 cycles, pause for 5-7 seconds. All movements should be slow. After 1-2 minutes, direct the fishing line to the edge of the hole. Without stopping playing with the jig, pull the line to the other edge of the hole. This is good jig fishing technique, when the fish is sluggish in the dead of winter.
3. Lower the jig to the bottom. Raise it 3-5 cm and play it like a spinner 3-5 times. Hang above the bottom and pause for 2-4 seconds. Start lifting, slowly accelerating, and leave the jig 40-50 cm above the bottom. Then lower it in jerks by 2-3 cm with a pause of 2-3 s. Leave on the bottom for 3-4 seconds. This technique of fishing with flat jigs is suitable when the fish is quite active.
4. . The jig sinks to the bottom. Then a slow rise begins with trembling oscillations, the rate of which is 100-300 times per minute, the amplitude is no more than 1 cm. The slower the rise and the shorter the amplitude of the oscillations, the more often fish bites occur. If there is a failure in tempo, it is better to start lifting the jig from the bottom again. This technique of fishing with a jig brings success all winter, with the exception of the middle of winter - the time when fish are most unbiting.
5. The jig is raised above the bottom by 0.6-1 m, and proceed to the game. The jig is lowered by 2-3 cm and, holding it, pause for 2-3 seconds. During the pause, they rock gently. Having reached the bottom, pause for 3-4 seconds and move the jig, repeating this 5-6 times. The jig is slowly lifted from the bottom 0.5-1 m.
6. The jig is lifted from the bottom slowly. Swing the tip of the winter fishing rod at a rate of 10-20 times per minute with an amplitude of 2-3 cm. Stop the rise after 15-20 cm and pause for 2-4 s. You can not raise it above 60 cm.
7. Moving the jig on the bottom, moves the tip of the winter fishing rod from edge to edge of the hole crosswise. This jig fishing technique is called “crossing the hole.” White bream, ide and chub are caught.
Video: Winter jig fishing
This jig fishing technique is not exhaustive. An angler can look for his jig fishing technique. But we must also be guided by general principles. The technique of fishing with a jig should depend on the time of year, the fish you are going to catch, and the weather.
If there is no oxygen deficiency in the reservoir, when there is first ice or in the spring, jig play can be more active. If there is a lack of oxygen and fishing with a jig in the middle of winter, before the snow begins to melt, it is necessary to sharply reduce the amplitude of oscillations of the winter fishing rod and reduce the activity of the game.
Every year I am convinced that it is better not to go out onto the very first and thin ice for the time being, although at this time pike and large perch are most active. But if the weather is stable and the ice reaches a safe thickness within a week, then the best bite will occur. However, only two factors play a decisive role in successful fishing.
The first factor is finding fish, and the second is good tackle.
The ice is still unreliable and for most anglers it will be a while before the winter season starts, and this is especially true for novice anglers.
Therefore, I still have time to talk about the most catchy jigs.
Selection of jigs
Fishing with a jig in winter is the most widespread. Therefore, as many anglers as there are, there are as many opinions about what shape or color a catchable bait should be.
It is interesting that the game of jigs is practically not discussed; it is probably assumed that everyone knows how to shake a jig, and all the “secrets” lie in the jig itself or in the nod. Many fishermen, having once caught fish with a particular jig, no longer consider it necessary to tie another one to the fishing line.
In order to meaningfully select a jig, the angler decides what kind of fish he is going to catch and where. If the depths in the fishing zone are different, as happens when fishing for perch or roach, then the fisherman also has jigs with different weights in his arsenal.
In case of active biting, relatively heavy jigs are used to increase the fishing speed. In order for the jig to respond to the actions of the fisherman, it must not only be sunk to a certain depth, but also overcome the resistance of the fishing line in the water.
To give an approximate guide, we can say that jigs weighing up to 0.2 g on a 0.06 mm fishing line effectively “work” to a depth of 3 m. If the fishing line is replaced with a thicker one, for example 0.08, then the fishing depth will decrease to 2 m.
But this is very approximate, since not only the weight of the jig plays a role, but also the density of the material from which it is made. In addition, the very statement that the jig plays is also relative. Much is determined by whether there is a bait or artificial bait on the hook and how large it is.
The desire to use small jigs leads to the fact that anglers choose the highest quality thin fishing lines for them, and also make the jigs themselves from heavy metals and alloys. It is known that the first material for making jigs was tin.
Light and very small tin jigs have not lost their importance today. They are successfully used for catching roach using falling bait in the form of burdock moth larvae in a column of light bait. The fisherman pours breadcrumbs into the hole, they gradually become saturated with water and slowly sink.
The roach moves up and down in such a column of bait. The fishing technique is that the angler very slowly lowers a light light jig with a burdock. Bites occur in the water column, sometimes three to four meters above the bottom.
After tin jigs, jigs made of lead and its alloys with tin were born. The cost of such products is now practically determined by the quality and cost of the hook. Several decades ago, jigs made of tungsten electrodes appeared, then jigs made of alloys of tungsten, nickel, iron and copper.
The most “advanced” fishermen have made and are making jigs from silver, gold, platinum, osmium and rhenium. The most suitable material is platinum.
It is easily processed, forged, drilled, soldered, and the smallest jigs with a diameter of less than 1 mm can be made from it! Gold jigs are no less good. You just need to take into account that the color of gold, oddly enough, is not very popular with fish.
An equally important characteristic, coupled with weight, will be the size of the bait. When a minimum size jig is required, we almost definitely turn our attention to baits made of heavy alloys. But fish do not always react better or faster to small bait.
So, when catching large fish in large bodies of water, bream, perch, ruffe and large roach often bite better on large lead jigs than on microscopic gold items. This is explained simply.
A microscopic jig without replanting imitates a small crustacean, which may not exist in a given body of water at a given time of year. If there is a bloodworm on the hook of such a jig, then the fish may not be interested in it either.
This means that the fish in this reservoir feed on a specific type of large crustacean. Or, more likely, the fish may not respond to the very slight vibrations of a small jig. Due to the resistance of the water, the performance of such a bait at depth may be “nothing.”
Sufficiently large jigs of a certain color become effective, creating a characteristic play in the water. The shape of the jig matters: the larger the jig, the more important its shape is.
The smallest jigs, which actually serve as bait carriers, are made in the shape of a ball or droplet. They don't have their own game. Lures weighing more than 0.15 g can already be made with a “flat”.
Such jigs have a unique game and work both with and without an attachment. Jigs in the “Ural” shape are good if they have a body size of at least 4 mm. “Bugs” are good, they have a peculiar game, but only if the hook is baited with either one small bloodworm or a “burdock” larva.
Everyone knows “ant” jigs, but what is not clear is that in most cases they are painted black. Silver, green and brown “ants” are very effective.
The essence of the design is that the two balls of the jig body have different diameters, which means they produce vibrations in the water that are different in amplitude and power. Large ants are made not from two, but from three or more balls.
A special position among baits is occupied by planning, or flat, jigs. Not only do they have a special shape, but they are also made exclusively from relatively light brass and are always used without a bait on the hook when catching any fish, be it bream or perch.
Despite the fact that under a layer of ice and snow in the water there is low illumination, the fish, even at great depths, obviously distinguishes, if not the color of the bait, then its tone. And the larger the bait, the more important its color is.
Traditionally, universal colors are considered black (for jigs of all sizes), silver (for small and medium jigs), brass color (all jigs for perch), copper color (when fishing at great depths), brown, dark green, dark purple ( medium and large jigs for catching roach and perch without bait).
Jigs with stripes, spots, and luminous jigs are quite effective when catching bream and large perch, but only in special cases.
When choosing a jig, you need to pay special attention to the location of the hole for the line in relation to the hook, the correct placement of the hook and the careful processing of the edges of the hole for the line. All of the above applies, first of all, to jigs with a single soldered or soldered hook.
Jigs with two hooks are classified as a separate class of baits; the name “goat” is firmly established behind them. A goat can be a very catchable bait in certain conditions. So, for example, when fishing in large reservoirs with clear water and at great depths, a well-made goat works well in mid-water.
Not the least role in the effectiveness of this bait is played by its color. It happens that a striped and multi-colored goat is several times better in efficiency than a regular jig with bloodworms.
The second hook not only increases the grip of the jig when fishing without natural bait, but also gives certain additional vibrations that attract fish. This applies even more to the so-called “devils”. That is, to jigs with a soldered tee. The conversation about devils is special.
When choosing jigs, I advise you to first calculate how many of them you will need for the season, heavy, medium and light, and then immediately purchase a certain supply. It will be almost impossible to find a jig on sale that is similar or similar to a tattered one at the height of the winter season.
A novice winter fisherman has a lot of questions. How to choose a fishing rod for winter fishing, how many winter fishing rods a fisherman needs, how they are equipped, what material is best to use a whip for a winter fishing rod. And also, which jig to choose for winter fishing, which winter lures are better. Find answers to these and other questions in the article.
Fishing rods for winter fishing are designed to store a supply of fishing line, regulate the working length of the fishing line, play with bait and help the angler hook a fish. In general, fishing rods for winter fishing can be divided into:
- winter fishing rods;
- winter fishing rods for jig fishing;
- winter fishing rods for fishing
As for the number of winter fishing rods, usually four to five equipped fishing rods are enough for fishing with a float rod, three to five for jig fishing, and two fishing rods for lure fishing. Let's take a closer look at the designs of fishing rods for winter ice fishing.
Fishing rods for winter fishing without a reel
The design of the fishing rod may contain a reel or be without it. Traditional fishing rod designs did not include reels for storing line. The fishing line was wound either around the handle of a fishing rod or around a whip, otherwise known as a fishing rod. To do this, side slots were made in a handle made of wood, cork or foam, into which the fishing line was placed. Or they attached a reel of wire to the fishing rod. There are many disadvantages to this design, but there are also advantages.
Disadvantages: the disadvantages include the fact that the fishing line gradually injures and bends the handle or whip and at the same time loses strength unevenly. It is not possible to regulate the descent of the fishing line precisely, down to the centimeter. The line easily freezes after the fishing rod gets into the snow or water, after which it can be difficult to reel it off the fishing rod when changing the fishing depth.
Advantages: The advantages of this design include the ease of making a fishing rod - any child can make it.
The fishing rod is quite comfortable in the hand, light and cheap.
Currently, this design is used by anglers who fish with baitless baits from shallow depths, and by professional spinners.
For baitless fishing, lightweight fishing rods made of not very dense foam are very convenient. Due to the minimal weight of the fishing rod, it is very convenient to play with a shallow jig at shallow depths, I know this from my own experience. Only a few meters of the thinnest fishing line are wound on the fishing rod, usually no more than five to seven meters, sometimes three is enough.
Exactly the same design called “filly”, but more massive and voluminous, has become widespread among lovers of fishing with float equipment. The filly is easy to install on the ice, and precise adjustment of the line slack between the fishing rod and the float is not required.
The basis of the classic version of a fishing rod for winter trolling is a long (up to a meter) rigid fishing rod made of elastic wood (juniper) or fiberglass. The handle is located in the butt part.
For example, I fish with a fishing rod in which the cork handle is taken from a spinning rod. A one-piece whip made of hybrid carbon-fiber composite is inserted and “tightly” glued into it. Above the handle, a reel is wound and glued to the whip, which is made of two bent pieces of stainless wire with a diameter of three millimeters. The distance between the reel ears is 50 cm. When throwing the line off the reel, I know exactly how many meters of line went under the ice. This design has served fishermen, for example, in the Middle Volga for many decades.
Fishing rods for winter fishing with reel
In recent years, fishing rods with a reel have become most widespread. The domestic industry produced fishing rods with two reels, but they did not catch on because they turned out to be bulky and unreliable.
Fishing rods for winter fishing with reels are divided into fishing rods with a handle and fishing rods in which the role of the handle is played by the reel body. The coil can be in a housing or without it. Both have their advantages and disadvantages.
If you plan to fish with a thin line, as a rule, when fishing with a jig, then preference should be given to fishing rods with reels in a housing that protects the thin line from freezing. Now many people produce such fishing rods with foam or plastic bodies. Unfortunately, it should be noted that industrial fishing rods were never brought to fruition.
The most common drawback is that cheap and low-quality materials are used. Either the body is dented, or the axle breaks, but the most important thing is that there are very large tolerances on the parts.
Because of this, the coil in the housing is constantly jammed. Therefore, it is necessary to either modify industrial fishing rods, or completely remake the body and even the structure itself. A rigid foam body would be best.
If the line is relatively thick, for example when fishing with a spoon or balancer, then open-reel fishing rods are preferable. This is due not only to the fact that fishing line with a diameter of 0.14–0.20 mm is not afraid of freezing, but also to the fact that relatively large diameter reels are used.
In practice, it turns out that for fishing with a vertical spoon from a depth of up to ten meters, a reel drum with a diameter of about 70 mm becomes optimal. With this diameter, the spinner usually spins the reel itself while lowering the spinner under the ice. Enclosing a drum of this diameter in a body means significantly increasing the weight of the fishing rod.
How to choose and what to equip with a winter fishing rod
It is best to select a fishing rod for winter fishing based on how comfortable it is in the hand, how neatly and securely it is assembled, and also based on how much fishing line and what diameter it should hold.
How to choose a whip for a winter fishing rod
In addition to storing a supply of fishing line on the fishing rod, the fishing rod helps you play with a jig or spoon and hook fish in time, as well as help in the fight against fish immediately after a successful hook. To do this, the design of any winter fishing rod has a fishing rod or, as it is more often called, a whip (or whip, depending on the size).
The quality of the whip, its length and stiffness are extremely important. Unless only when fishing with a float rig, the quality of the whip is not so important.
The whips that come with industrial products rarely satisfy the needs of the fisherman. Cheap fishing rods are equipped with whips made of polypropylene, nylon or even polystyrene. Polypropylene and nylon whips have very large residual deformation and insufficient rigidity. Polystyrene whips usually break on the first fishing trip. Rarely, industrial fishing rods are equipped with polycarbonate whips, which in most cases are suitable for those who like jig and float fishing.
The best ones that can be found on sale are fiberglass whips. A thin fiberglass whip is great for both a jig rod and a float rod. They can also be successfully used when fishing with small spoons, when a fishing line with a diameter of up to 0.14 mm is used.
If thicker line is used, stiffer rods are usually selected, either thicker fiberglass or hybrid glass-carbon composite. Pure carbon fiber whips can also be used, but during fishing, for example, or bursh, from a depth of more than 8–10 meters. That is, when hard cutting is required. It is difficult to purchase or make such whips yourself, so they use fragments of spinning rods. There is no point in using hollow whips, since they are either not rigid enough or not strong enough.
Some fishermen who have the technical ability make whips from light titanium alloys. Such whips have proven themselves well, especially in cases where “braid” and very heavy bait are used when fishing from great depths and in strong currents.
In addition to the correct selection of material, the correct selection of the rigidity of the whip is equally important. Giving the required rigidity is achieved by changing the length of the whip and grinding off excess material. The easiest way to remove excess material, that is, to make the whip thinner, is with sandpaper, clamping the workpiece into the chuck of a machine tool or electric drill. Personally, I select the stiffness as follows.
I attach the fishing line to the tip of the whip, which I plan to equip the fishing rod with, and pull the fishing line down. If the whip bends about thirty degrees before the line breaks, then good. But if the whip bends up to forty-five degrees, then it seems to me that this is too much. Although many people think differently, so everyone chooses rigidity based on their own experience.
How to choose a jig for winter fishing: Shape, material, color
In order to choose the right jig, the angler must know what kind of fish he is going to catch and in what conditions. In order for the jig to play in the hand, it must not only be sunk to a certain depth, but also overcome the resistance of the fishing line in the water.
What material to choose a jig from?
The desire to use small jigs leads to the fact that anglers choose the highest quality thin fishing lines for fishing, and also make the jigs themselves from heavy metals and alloys. But light tin jigs are successfully used when fishing for roach from a depth of 2–2.5 m using a falling bait in a falling column of bait. Fishermen make jigs from lead, tungsten, silver, gold, platinum, osmium and rhenium. The most suitable material for jigs is platinum. It is easily processed, forged, drilled, and soldered.
What shape of jig to choose
The shape of the jig is of great importance, and the larger the jig, the more important its shape is. The smallest jigs are made in the shape of a ball. Such jigs serve as a sinker-hook for bait and are most often used during passive fishing without active play with the tackle. Small jigs in the form of a drop or oatmeal are more convenient to use and versatile. Jigs weighing over 0.15 g can already be made with a “flat”, that is, with a flat upper body. They have their own game and work both with and without an attachment. Uralka-shaped jigs are good if they have a body size of at least 4 mm. Everyone knows “ant” jigs, but it is not clear why in most cases they are traditionally painted black. Practice suggests that “ants” of silver, green and brown colors are no less effective. Large “ants” consist not of two, but of three or more balls.
A special position among jigs is occupied by planning, or flat jigs. They not only have a special shape, but are also made exclusively from relatively light brass and are always used without an attachment.
What color jig to choose
Traditional colors are black (for jigs of all sizes), silver (for small and medium jigs), brass color (all jigs for perch), copper color (when fishing at great depths), brown, dark green, dark purple (medium and large jigs for catching roach and perch without bait). Jigs with stripes, spots, and luminous jigs are designed for catching bream and large perch, but only at certain times and in certain bodies of water.
Practice shows that it is enough to have about three dozen jigs of different sizes, shapes and colors in your arsenal.
How to choose spoons for winter fishing
As for spinners for fishing with a winter line, both vertical and horizontal, or balancers, then literally for each body of water you have to select your own baits, which differ in weight, size and color. Here we can advise you to purchase spinners only after you have consulted with anglers who constantly fish in a particular body of water, and after you have accumulated your own specific fishing experience. Sharing experiences when ice fishing is often crucial.