"How to make do-it-yourself tackle for winter fishing?" - The most common question among novice anglers. Many do not want to spend big money on preparing for fishing. The quantity of catch depends on quality preparation. Year after year, the number of winter fishing enthusiasts is increasing. This popularity is explained by the fact that it is easier to get to the place of fishing on ice than on a boat in the warm season. The success of the catch directly depends on the type of gear and some knowledge in fishing in the winter. Due to the low activity of fish in the cold season, the requirements for equipment are very high.
Subtleties of choice
At first glance it might seem that choosing the right gear for winter fishing is a simple matter. Beginners may have some difficulties at first. Therefore, you need to know a few subtleties of choosing the necessary gear. Firstly, the rods are selected depending on the method of fishing: on mormyshka, spinner or float. Secondly, the choice of the type of bait mainly depends on the type and size of the fish.
The fishing line is selected depending on the weight of the intended catch (recommended sizes of tackle from 0.04 to 0.4 mm). As a rule, animal baits are used as bait for winter fishing. Anyone can find them in fishing shops.
Let's move on to a more detailed analysis of some of the most popular gear for winter fishing.
Special fixture
Very often fishing lovers use the so-called “helicopter” in the cold season. It is a separate type of rod. It will not be difficult for an experienced fisherman to assemble a tackle-helicopter for winter fishing with his own hands. This bottom tackle will allow you to catch in any climatic conditions. One of the positive aspects of this type of device is the lack of a fishing rod.
To create this type of tackle, fishing line is selected taking into account the depth of the reservoir where fishing is planned. On average, 15 meters will be enough for you, with a thickness of not more than 0.25 mm, while it is worth remembering that it will be necessary to make an insert from a thinner fishing line. If its length is more than 3 meters, then the leashes are placed in increments of 1 meter or a little less (the main thing to remember is that they can get confused at a depth).
Experienced fishermen advise on a “helicopter” no more than 3 hooks. Firstly, planting bait is much faster, and secondly, transferring such gear to another place is easier.
The shape of the sinker (pear or olive) directly depends on the flow rate. If the force of the water flow is large, you must choose a heavier weight. Helicopter-tackle for winter fishing, which is made from a tin piece, and in appearance is very similar to a leaf of a tree. Tin should take a thick one, bend it slightly and make a hole for attaching a carbine. The tackle itself is tied to the end of the insertion of the entire bottom fishing rod.
An unpleasant moment may be the fact that using a very strong current is quite difficult and, in principle, the catch may be zero. According to the opinions of many experienced winter fishing enthusiasts, you can make several "helicopters" and install them at a distance from each other. Thus, the chance to catch large fish increases significantly. Fishermen advise installing flexible whips on the edge of the hole. According to them, you can determine - when there is a bite on the bottom tackle (the twist bends towards the hole in the ice).
Successful fishing in the winter for this type of gear requires certain skills, and immediately expect a great catch is not worth it.
Winter rods
The choice of fishing rods should be approached responsibly. By functional features, this tackle is divided into several types:
- lure rods (use bait as bait);
- float fishing rods (a bite signal is a float, live bait is hooked);
- fishing tackle.
For optimal winter fishing time, as a rule, 4-5 equipped float rods are used, 3 for fishing with jigsaw and 2 for spinners.
From the usual fishing rods, winter gear is structurally not very different. The main feature is the length, it is very small (about 25-35 cm). The reel for fishing line is small and is selected depending on the amount of winded fishing line.
For large fishing
Descent - a device used in bodies of water with a large current. Thanks to the load, the winter fishing tackle is capable of catching fish where an ordinary mormyshka is carried by a stream of water. Often, a feeder is installed as a sinker, resulting in a feeder for winter fishing.
By design, this type of gear is very similar to a "helicopter." The main difference is the number of leashes and hooks. Leashes ten centimeters long are fixed to the insert at a distance of about 70 centimeters from each other. At its end, a sinker is fixed, selected depending on the strength of the current. On the main part, 6 meters before the additional insert with leads, a feeder is attached, the position of which can be changed.
The positive side is a variable design that allows you to use tackle for winter fishing in strong currents. Fishermen themselves set the length and number of leashes, as well as the location of the main feeder. Its dimensions depend on the level of activity of the fish.
The relevance of the floats
Floating rods are not deprived of the attention of experienced fishermen. They slightly modified the design of the gear and attached the legs to the fishing rod. As the optimal size of the fishing line, numbers from 12 to 14 are chosen. A float is attached to it, below which a sinker is placed. Then a leash is tied (sizes are selected depending on the probable trophy).
The fishing process itself does not differ much from characteristic fishing in the warm season. The gear drops to the bottom so that the float is in a vertical position above the surface of the water. This method allows the snap to not freeze in the hole.
This type of fishing is passive in winter and, as a rule, experienced fishermen rarely use it. The number of rods does not exceed two, and this is in rare cases, often they install only one tackle for winter fishing. During the flow of such snap-in does not make sense.
Wintering
Fishing using baubles is primarily aimed at catching trophy specimens of fish. Very often there are predators of simply enormous size. As a result of this, the fishing line on such gear for winter fishing is used in large diameters. The fishing line should not be short, as fishing occurs at a sufficient depth. Accordingly, the presence of a coil is required.
The rod itself must be resilient and have good strength. Due to the fact that fishermen catch fish on a spinner in a standing position, the length of the fishing rod itself is slightly longer than in the case of a float or mormyshka. The most popular are collapsible structures (they are very convenient to transport and they do not take up much space).
To make such a tackle for winter fishing with your own hands is not difficult. Its assembly can be divided into several stages:
- the creation of the handle;
- coil installation;
- attaching the whip to the rod.
As you can see, the differences from float or mormuscular gear are insignificant, the only exception is the strength of the material. The lure fishing rod is many times better. Fans of this tackle recommend putting wooden or foam handles. Whips are best used with averaged stiffness indicators.
Choosing a coil is a personal matter for everyone. Which option do you like and take it, the main thing to remember is that it fits the amount of fishing line you need. The main characteristic of the coils is the excellent speed of bleeding and reeling. We will now move on to tips on her choice.
Fishing line selection
The number of types and brands is endless. Accordingly, her choice is not very difficult. The priority aspects are thickness, and the ability to maintain their properties at low temperatures. In the diametrical ratio, it should be two times thinner than the fishing line for summer fishing. If you choose the right equipment, the success of fishing will not disappoint you.
For example, for fishing on mormyshka the best option would be ordinary monofilament fishing line. In the case of flashing rods, it is best to use braided cords, they are characterized by increased tensile strength. Experienced anglers recommend carrying several different reels with different types and types of forests. The price range is large, you can find very cheap gear, and perhaps, if the budget allows, you can buy a fishing line for 1000 or more rubles.
What to catch
Next, consider what is still best to fish in the cold season. The most common bait is mormyshka. It is nothing more than a leash with a weight and hooks. The result of fishing with this method very much depends on the correctly selected snap-in elements, their shape, color. Such mormyshka proved themselves perfectly:
- ant;
- little devil;
- a droplet;
- jellyfish and many others.
They show themselves perfectly with a bad bite on a live nozzle.
How to cut ice
The first thing you come across when you come to a frozen body of water is where and how to cut through the ice. Currently, many anglers have more than one ice ax on their farm. Their number is large - from home-made to expensive (imported). Not so long ago there appeared rotting rings with motors, with which you will spend a minimum of your strength.
The most popular and frequently encountered ice ax on fishing grounds is Leningradsky. Its quality is slightly lower compared to foreign options, but its advantage is its low cost. A significant minus is the quality of the anti-corrosion coating of the cutting screw.
After a long use of the domestic rotor, it will be unusual for you to work as an imported ice ax. The time for drilling a hole is reduced significantly. The highest quality, according to the fishermen, are models of Rapala and Ericsson firms, foreign production.
Additional gear
In addition to the basic fishing tackle we have examined for winter fishing, it is also worth remembering about additional equipment.
Firstly, a fishing box, which is used not only as a storage, but also as a seat during fishing. Taking care of your health is the main thing you need to take care of during the winter fishing season. The choice of this item for fishing should be approached responsibly. The material from which it is made should slowly freeze when it is on ice. The best option would be a box made of durable plastic or foam.
The next attribute of winter fishing is a knife. Without it, the beginner will have to be very tight, so experienced anglers always have a good sharp knife with them. It doesn't have to be big; a pen cutter is a great option.
Do not forget about medical supplies for first aid. Without bandages, brilliant green and hydrogen peroxide, nowhere. Also remember the presence of a thermos with warm tea or coffee. Many, in addition to the tackle box, also take with them a backpack, which contains the necessary little things. It is great to carry food and water, as well as items not related to fishing.
Having familiarized yourself with the most popular tackle for winter fishing, you can safely go on an extreme pastime. Believe me, winter fishing will leave you only positive impressions. It may even become part of your life. Fishing is not only a great catch, but also a great vacation.