Going to the pond, each fisherman takes with him a whole arsenal of gear. This allows you to interest even the most obstinate predator. In order for the fish to be active, floating silicone baits are used in the fishing process. To make the right choice, you need to consider the features of the bait.
general characteristics
Currently, floating silicone lures are very popular among spinningists. They proved to be excellent at catching predatory fish species and won well-deserved recognition of both experienced and novice anglers. With the right selection of such lures, a rich catch is always guaranteed. But how to understand all the variety of this very, very popular products?
To do this, you first need to know what this type of gear is. This product is an imitation of a variety of living organisms (worms, larvae, fry, frogs, etc.) that make up the food base of aquatic predators. To determine the choice of bait, you should consider their classification in shape, size and color scheme.
Lure Shapes
There are different types of represented types of lures. The predator reacts to floating silicone actively. But you need to choose a product that best matches the type of fish feed base. The following varieties of such baits are:
- Twisters. Consist of a cylindrical body and a flat, soft crescent tail. Sometimes there are several. The surface of the body is often ribbed or wavy. From afar, the twister resembles a maggot. It is used for active play, thanks to which the tail vibrates, attracting a predator.
- Vibration tails. They have a specific flat tail, always perpendicular to the body of the bait. In appearance, the tails are similar to fry. Different models vary the angle of the tail, which brings additional variety to the game.
- Silicone worms. Very realistically imitate real worms. Usually they are a passive bait, however, there are models with a soft tail that actively play with various types of wiring.
- Slugs. Passive bait not intended for wiring. It copies a small flat fish or a large worm with a torn tail.
- Frogs. Those that are made with paws belong to the active type of bait. Those with soft rubber fringe instead of paws are passive. Fringe sways with the movement of water and attracts the attention of a predator.
- Creatures. They imitate the shape of a variety of underwater inhabitants, most often crustaceans.
You need to have several varieties of lures with you. You may need to experiment to make the predator pay attention to the product on the hook.
Size classification
The size of the floating silicone baits of import production is indicated in inches, domestic - in millimeters. Keep in mind that 1 inch corresponds to 25.4 mm. The following size categories exist depending on the purpose and method of fishing:
- For microjig. 0.5 to one and a half inches.
- For fishing from the shore. 2.5 to 9 inches. The size of the bait in this case depends on the fishing conditions and the casting distance.
- For trolling. These are the largest simulations up to 12 inches long.
Usually the dimensions of the silicone depend on the size of the intended production. However, fishing for microjig very often pleases with very large specimens. For a good result, it is important to choose the size of the hooks and load in accordance with the dimensions of the bait.
Color scheme
There are several dozen colors of silicone baits. Using various colors and shapes, you can choose the most catchy option. Experienced anglers recommend choosing in autumn and early spring baits of natural colors - gray, brown, green. Small bright blotches are allowed.
In late spring and summer, preference should be given to silicones of bright colors. In addition, it was noted that in muddy water it is preferable to use noticeable baits, and in a clear reservoir with good visibility - discreet.
Material
For the manufacture of artificial baits, various materials are used, on which the product's performance and scope of application depend. Typically, the type of material used distinguishes:
- classic inedible lures;
- edible silicone baits;
- floating silicone baits;
- artificial maggot, worm, bloodworm.
Over the past few years, floating varieties of lures have achieved well-deserved recognition among fishermen. And this is not surprising - the predator reacts to such silicone very actively. Currently, these baits are produced both in edible and inedible form.
Advantages
Having maximum resemblance to predators' food objects, a floating silicone bait invariably attracts their attention. It has proven itself when catching sluggish fish, as it stays afloat with long pauses during slow wiring.
In addition, when the movement stops, such a bait is perpendicular to the bottom, and in this position it is much easier for a predator to attack it.
According to reviews, such products show excellent results with the technique of catching "drop shot". The bait is indispensable in bodies of water with a strong current and in places with an overgrown bottom, since it does not go down, does not cling to algae and is able to play in water streams.
Lucky John Lures
Among the huge variety of products for predator fishing offered by both domestic and foreign manufacturers, it is worth noting the floating silicone bait Lucky John. They are very solid, catchy and are perhaps one of the best offers in terms of price and quality.
Lucky John Joco Shaker in shape - a classic vibrotail. The product in the middle part is almost entirely covered with transverse ribbing, shallow but frequent. Such a texture, firstly, increases the resemblance to small fish, and secondly, increases the surface area that exudes an attractant - an odorous substance that attracts a predator.
Due to the shape of the tail, the bait in the water makes active high-frequency movements, playing perfectly on uniform wiring. She thereby attracts the object of fishing. Vibration tails of three modifications are produced:
- 2.5 inches for medium-sized predator fishing. It is used in cases where it is necessary to adjust the size of the bait due to the unwillingness of the fish to attack a larger nozzle.
- 3.5 inches One size fits all. Used for jigging pike, pikeperch or large perch.
- 4.5 inches Designed for catching large predatory fish, as well as large catfish with a jig in the pits.
When choosing floating silicone baits for zander, perch, trout or other types of fish, the products of the presented company are considered first of all.
DIY bait
If there is no great desire to spend money on a purchased bait, you can make it yourself. This is an exciting process. How to make a do-it-yourself floating silicone bait? Yes, very simple. To do this, you need a floating material, such as polystyrene foam. It is better than the usual foam, due to the greater density and uniformity of the structure.
A piece of a suitable size is cut off from it. Then, an incision is made on the back of the bait with a sharp knife or blade. A prepared piece of expanded polystyrene (or other floating material) is inserted into it. The notch is soldered with a soldering iron.
The second method of making bait is used specifically for twisters. A small longitudinal hole from the head is drilled in it. The interior space is filled with construction foam. After drying for three to five hours, the bait is ready.
Equipment
When installing a silicone bait, it is very important to correctly select the weight of the hooks so that they do not impair its buoyancy. Therefore, such baits are equipped with special heads. They improve the game during posting.
Floating heads for silicone lures made of ultralight materials are available at the store. But more often fishing enthusiasts use homemade heads made of cork or polystyrene. It is done very simply.
The hook of the right size is selected. A cylinder is cut out of the cork or foam. Fasten a lead weight in its lower part. The heavier it is, the larger the cork should be taken. To improve the play of the bait, the front of the cylinder is beveled. It is good if the hook is put on the back loop of the cork.
Where are they used?
Using floating rubber, you can catch almost any predatory fish in our reservoirs. So, for example, it makes sense to use bait for zander in those cases when it hunts on the bottom. When the bait falls, it becomes vertical, giving the predator the opportunity to better see and attack it.
The use of floating silicone when fishing with a leash also pays off. Long pauses, during which the bait slowly pops up, can cause an inactive pike perch to bite. The best lures for catching this fish are twisters and vibro-tails.
Good floating silicone baits for trout fishing with ultralight. Among all types of nozzles, this fish prefers artificial worms. However, the successful fishing of trout depends not so much on the bait, but on how it is offered to this bait and in which layers of water the fish is currently located.
Having considered the features of floating silicone baits, you can choose the best option for specific fishing conditions.