Sudak is a desirable prey for any fisherman, and it's a boat that allows you to access places that you can't get from shore, and it allows you to quickly change fishing points, catch complex brows, and use active search tactics, which are critical to catching a fang predator. Unlike coastal fishing, here you are not tied to one point and can follow the fish as you move around the waters.
However, successful fishing requires not only a boat, but also an understanding of predator behavior in different seasons. Sudak Because fish are schooling and tied to the bottom, sonar knowledge and the ability to read depth maps are more important than the color of the bait, and the right gear and wiring technique from the boat are very different from the shore counterparts.
In this article, we will look at everything from the choice of boat and equipment to the intricacies of jig wiring and trolling. You will learn how to anchor properly on the current, which baits work best and why. sounder It's the main aid in finding a boat's berth, and be prepared for the fact that fishing requires concentration and physical training.
Choice of boat and equipment for sud fishing
For the hunt for pikes, both PVC inflatable boats and aluminum Kazankas or more modern aluminum boats are ideal. The key requirement for the boat is stability and the ability to conveniently place gear. Inflatable models are good for their cushioning and quiet running, which is important for fishing in shallow water, but hard floor (floorboard) is mandatory for comfortable wiring. Metal boats benefit from the durability and ability to install powerful motors for long-distance crossings.
You can't imagine modern perch fishing without a sonar, and this device allows you to see not only the depth, but also the structure of the bottom, the presence of driftwoods and even individual schools of fish. Hydrolocator It helps you distinguish a flat eyebrow from a sharp dump where a predator is most often standing, and without visualizing the underwater terrain, fishing becomes a lottery, especially on unfamiliar water bodies.
An important element of equipment is the anchor system. For fishing on the current or wind, an anchor weighing from 3 to 6 kg, depending on the strength of the flow and the size of the boat, using an anchor shaft with a quick removable assembly or a winch-cat allows you to instantly remove from the point when you hit a hook or strong wind. Remember the safety shaft attached to the anchor, so that you can find it in the event of a break in the main cord.
Search for a perch: reading the relief and working with a sonar
Sudak is a very pronounced bottom predator that prefers to stick to places with a hard bottom: sand, shell or pebble. He bypasses the silky areas if there is no exit of hard hills. The main task of the angler from the boat is to find the depth difference, the so-called "fall of depths". balkIt is in the dumps, where the depth changes dramatically from 4 to 8 meters, most often stand boat patrols.
Sound sounder requires skill in interpreting a picture. You need to pay attention not only to the depth numbers, but also to the color change of the bottom on the screen. A denser bottom (stone, shell) is displayed by a more greasy and bright line than soft silt. Also look on the screen for "pillars" or arcs - this is a fish. If the sonar shows a cluster of small fish (white fish) above the pit, then there may be a predator nearby.
⚠️ Attention: Don't stay long on "empty" points. If after 10-15 throws no bites, and the sonar is silent, change place. Sudak often stands in local flocks, and finding active fish is more effective than persuading passive.
When you search, use the fan method of catching. When you find a promising dump, anchor upstream and break through different horizons. If the bottom is flat, look for anomalies: single snags, navels or changes in soil structure. Often the perch is not in the deepest place, but on the adjacent plateau or on the bottom of the dump.
When searching on an unfamiliar body of water, move zigzag across the intended channel to quickly find the differences in depth, and then anchor for a detailed catch.
Equipment for fishing from a boat: spinning, coil and fishing line
The fishing from the boat dictates its requirements for the length of the rod. The optimal length of the spinning is from 2.10 to 2.40 meters. Longer forms will interfere in the boat, especially when catching or when you need to quickly take a suction. The rod test depends on the conditions: for the river with a current and depths of 10 meters, a test of up to 30-40 grams will suit, for deep reservoirs - up to 50-60 grams.
The coil must be reliable and have good traction. Shimano 2500-3000 or equivalent of Daiwa It's going to be the perfect balance between weight and power, and it's better to choose a power ratio or a universal gear ratio (4.8:1 - 5.2:1) to get fish out of the depths and get them through the current.
The main line is only wicker cord. Monophile is very stretched, which makes it impossible to make a high-quality cut at the depth and feel the cautious slaps of the perch. The diameter of the cord varies from 0.10 to 0.14 mm according to the Japanese classification (PE). Thicker cords sail on the flow, and thinner ones may not withstand contact with the shell.
☑️ Checking tackles before exit
Jig wiring technique and selection of baits
The main method of catching a pike from a boat is the classic jig. The bait is thrown, falls to the bottom, followed by a series of 2-3 turns of the coil and pause. It is at the pause when silicone plans to sink that most bites occur. The pause should be 2-4 seconds. If the pause is longer, you need to reduce the weight of the load, if less, increase.
The size of the lures depends on the size of the perch and the time of year. In summer and early autumn, smaller silicones are 2-3 inches long. In late autumn, when the perch gathers in large flocks and prepares for wintering, the size of the lures can reach 4-5 inches or more. The color matters: natural tones work in clear water (machine oil, lettuce, transparent with sequins), and in murky – bright “acid” colors.
An important aspect is the installation. For the bucking boat that the pike loves, it's better to use an offset hook by hiding the sting in the silicone body, so you can pull the bait out of the hooks without loss. If the bottom is clear, you can use doubles or tees to better implement the bites. A jig head is preferable to a jig head, because it gives you a freer game.
The secret of the "lazy" prick
If the pike is passive and doesn't respond to the classic step, try the drag technique. Lower the load to the bottom and very slowly, with long pauses, drag it down the bottom, slightly twitching the tip of the spinning. Dust and noise often provoke an attack.
Catching tactics: anchoring and trolling
There are two basic tactics of boat fishing: anchoring and trolling. Slip fishing is more sporty and requires constant movement. You anchor at a perspective point, carefully fish the sector, then you take off and move to the next one, so you can study the terrain in detail and not miss a single metre.
Trolling is a method of searching and catching moving bait. It is effective for quickly exploring large areas and finding active swarms. For trolling on a pike, high-deep wobbles are used, which are able to reach the bottom at depths of 6-10 meters. The speed of the boat when trolling is minimal, about 2-3 km / h, so that the wobler plays correctly.
When you're casting, it's critical to anchor properly. The boat has to stand up against the current or the wind. The cast is made by a fan, first under the boat, then at an angle of 45 degrees, then 90 degrees. This fan scheme allows you to block the entire work area. Remember to fix the catch points in the navigator - the pike often returns to the same places.
A combination of methods: start fishing with trolling to find active fish, find a “point”, anchor and go to the jig to the cast to finish the pack.
Seasonal Features and Preferences
The pike's behavior varies with the seasons. In spring, after spawning, it actively feeds in shallow water, but soon it slides to the depths. In summer, in the heat, the peel shifts to night and early in the morning, in the afternoon the fish hides in deep pits. Autumn is the golden time of the spinner, when the pike gathers in huge flocks and actively eats before winter.
Below is a table that helps you navigate the selection of fishing parameters depending on the season and conditions.
| Season/Conditions | Time of day | Depth of fishing | Type of bait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (after spawning) | Day | 3-6 meters | Vibrotails 2-3, wobblers |
| Summer (heat) | Night/Dawn | 2-4 metres (exits) | Sliders, narrow vibrating tails |
| Summer (day) | Day | 8-12 meters (pits) | Big silicone, foam. |
| Autumn (September-October) | All day long | Pumps, browsing. | Large silicone 4-5," jig |
| Late autumn | Day | Deep pits | Furfish, silicone |
Special attention should be paid to night fishing in summer, during which time the pike goes out to shallow watering and watering, the catch is conducted in the dark, so navigation and knowledge of the relief from memory or GPS tracks become critical. At night, the pike is less careful and can take baits that the day refuses.
⚠️ Warning: When fishing at night, be sure to have a powerful red-light headlight (to avoid blinding yourself and others) and spare batteries.
Catching and conservation
Sudak has a hard mouth that you need to punch when you cut it, but when you fish it behaves relatively calmly, resting on the weight. The main thing is not to let it go into the snags or to tangle the cord around the anchor veil. Force the catch is not worth it, it is better to tire the fish by holding the cord in tension. Sucking is mandatory, because the bumper can damage the fish, and it is difficult to take the pike with your hands because of the spines on the gill covers.
To save the catch in hot weather, use a special kukan. The fish should be released into the water immediately after catching, passing the kukan through the lower jaw or gills (carefully), the kukan with the catch falls into the water from the boat, preferably in the shade from the boat itself, this will keep the fish fresh until the end of the fishing.
Remember the rules of fishing. There are minimum catch sizes (usually 40 cm for a perch) and daily catch rates per angler. A measuring ruler should always be at hand. The release of a small perch is a guarantee that in a couple of years it will please you or other anglers trophy weight.
How to properly take a pike in the hands
Sudak has sharp spikes on its gill covers and a prickly first dorsal fin. Take it confidently by the head, pressing a spiny fin against its back, or use a special clamp (lip flu) for the jaw to avoid cuts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which sonar is better to choose a beginner for catching a pike?
For a start, any two-beam sonar with a frequency of 200 kHz will do. The main thing is the presence of a clear separation of the bottom and the ability to see the arcs of fish. Practitioner or Lowrance The initial level will be able to find the snags.
Why doesn't the pike bite the jig, even though the sonar shows it's there?
The sudak can be passive due to changes in weather or pressure. Try changing the type of wiring (for example, to a step with a toss), reducing the size of the bait or switching to a brighter color.
Can you catch a pike by trolling in shallow water?
Yes, but it requires special shallow-water wobblears or the use of downrigers/glider pairs to choke the bait, but the classic trolling of the pike is focused on depths from 4 meters and deeper, where the predator stands during the day.
Which cord is better: 4 vein or 8 vein?
For jig fishing of the pike, especially in the snag and on the shell, 4 residential wicker is better suited. It is more wear-resistant, less ragged against the shell and has a smoother profile for better water passage. 8 vein softer and quieter, but wears out faster.