Boat Fishing, whether it's an inflatable PVC boat or a metallic Kazanka, is a game changer in the way we fish a trophy. If the angler has a solid foothold on the shore, it's not the same on the water, because any sudden movement can lead to a loss of balance or even a tipping over. boat-sucker It becomes not just a handy accessory, but a vital piece of gear that keeps the catch safe and the fisherman safe, and without a reliable tool, extracting a large pike or a persistent pike becomes a lottery, where the price of error is the loss of a trophy.
The current market offers a huge variety of models adapted specifically for onboard fishing, and the differences are not only in the size of the net, but also in the design of the handle, the way it is attached to the board, and the materials used to make it. It is important to understand that there is no universal solution: what is ideal for catching bass from the inflatable side can be completely useless when hunting catfish in a metal boat. sucker It allows you to quickly and humanely complete the catch, minimizing stress for the fish and the risk of a break of gear at the most critical moment.
In this article, we will take a look at the nuances of choice, look at the design features of different models, and determine which tool will become your faithful assistant on the water. We will touch on the issues of materials, ergonomics and even how to make mounts yourself. Competent approach to choosing this item of equipment will allow you to feel confident when you catch a trophy predator.
Design features of boat suckers
The main difference between the boat version and the shore one is the length and design of the handle. While telescopic fishing rods up to 3-4 meters long are often used for shore fishing, for a boat such dimensions are excessive and even dangerous. The optimal length of the handle is from 50 to 100 cm, which allows you to work comfortably without getting up from the seat and without creating an excessive lever that could tilt the side.
The second important aspect is the folding mechanism, and it's critical for PVC boat owners that all the gear is kept to a minimum volume when they're transported. head-off Or a telescopic handle that breaks into multiple sections. Some manufacturers offer solutions where the handle consists of only two parts connected by a threaded or bayonet connection, which speeds up the assembly process on water. Metal boats are less demanding in size, but compactness is still a priority.
The attachment of the head of the sucker to the handle also plays a role. Quality models use a reliable threaded connection or a system of quick-removal locks that excludes spontaneous unscrewing in water. Cheap analogues can have weak plastic connectors that, when a trophy pike weighing 5-7 kg, can not withstand the load. Aluminum or carbon alloys in the design of the handle provide the necessary rigidity with minimal weight.
⚠️ Warning: Never use wood handled suctions for continuous operation on water without special treatment. The wood absorbs moisture, swells, becomes heavy and rots over time, which can lead to breakage at the most inopportune moment.
The shape of the head is particularly noteworthy. For a boat, round or slightly oval heads are most convenient, which are easier to place in a narrow space between the sides. Rectangular large frames can cling to gear, motor or elements of equipment of the boat. The size of the head should correspond to the expected size of the trophies: for pike and pike, the diameter is considered optimal, 40-50 cm for catfish, more overall models are required.
Materials of the net: safety of fish and convenience
The choice of the net material is not only a matter of the durability of the podsuck itself, but also of the health of the fish caught. Traditional del (leaf net) is gradually becoming a thing of the past, giving way to modern synthetic materials. Leaf, especially rough and poor-quality, can injure the predator's mucous membrane, scales and gills. For catch-and-release principles, this is a critical parameter, since damaged fish are less likely to survive after release.
The current standard has become de facto netting It doesn't absorb water, it doesn't rot, and most importantly, it doesn't stick to hooks. When you take out the slack pike, the hooks don't get tangled in the cells, which speeds up extraction and reduces the risk of pricking for the angler, and these nets are easy to wash and dry quickly, without producing an unpleasant odor when stored.
The size of the cell also matters. A cell that's too small creates a lot of resistance to water when you pick a sucker, which can be seen when you're working with a large fish. A large cell can pass through the water more easily, but small hooks can get stuck in it. The optimal solution is a mesh with an average cell size that has a smooth surface of threads.
- 🐟 Soft rubber: Ideal for preserving scales and mucous layer, does not confuse hooks, is easy to wash.
- 🕸️ Leskova del: Cheap, but traumatic for fish, hooks are very confused, absorbs odors.
- 🧶 Tissue base: It is rare, dries quickly, but may require more careful care and drying to avoid mold.
Why can't you use a rusty net?
Rust on metal elements of the mesh or hooks stuck in it contains iron oxides, which, when in contact with the gills of the fish, cause chemical burns and disrupt the breathing process, which often leads to the death of fish after release.
Types of suction attachment on the boat
Keeping the suction pod during fishing is a separate task. Holding it in your hands is inconvenient, and throwing it to the bottom is a risk of hooking or damaging the balloon (in the case of PVC). So properly mounting on board is a prerequisite for comfortable fishing. There are several basic ways of fixing, each of which has its own advantages for different types of boats.
For inflatable boats, the most popular fasteners based on slurry They're usually made of plastic or aluminum and they're fixed to the top of the balloon, and they allow you to place the handle of the suction upright or at a small angle, allowing you to have quick access. It's important that the contact surfaces of the holder do not have sharp edges that can damage the fabric of the boat.
Metal and plastic boats often use fasteners mounted in the pour-hole (key nests) or screwed to the board. Universal holders allow you to adjust the angle of inclination of the handle. Some anglers prefer simple solutions in the form of loops of cords or rubber rings fixed to the liner fence, although this is less reliable when you are excited.
| Type of attachment | Type of boat | Reliability | Universality |
|---|---|---|---|
| Strubzin aboard | PVC, Plastic | High. | Medium |
| In the storm hole | Metal, PVC | Very high. | High. |
| Rubber rings | Anyone. | Low. | High. |
| Magnetic holder | Metal | Medium | Low. |
If you use a struccine holder on a PVC boat, check the tension of the screws periodically, and they can weaken from the vibration of the engine, which will cause the suction to fall into the water or overboard.
Ergonomics and usability
The ease of working with the sucker directly affects the effectiveness of fishing. The handle should be pleasant to the touch, not slide in a wet hand or cold your palm in cool weather. Many modern models are equipped with handles from the top of the top of the sleeve. plugs These materials provide excellent grip even with gloves and do not conduct cold, which is especially true when fishing in late autumn or early spring.
The weight of the tool also matters. Constantly operating with heavy metal sucker tires the hand. Aluminum alloys and carbon allow you to reduce weight to a minimum without losing strength. Light sucker is easier to quickly lift out of the water with resisting fish, without wasting time fighting inertia.
An important element of ergonomics is that you can quickly replace your head, so if you switch from pike fishing to small bass fishing or vice versa, being able to quickly change the net to a more suitable size is a huge plus, and some head mounting systems allow you to do this with a single hand movement without requiring tools.
- 🖐️ Slip-resistant coating: Rubber or porous inserts on the handle prevent slipping from wet hands.
- ⚖️ Balancing: The center of gravity of a well-designed sucker is shifted to the head, which makes it easier to sample fish from the water.
- 🔄 Modularity: The ability to use one handle with multiple changeable heads of different sizes saves space in the boat.
⚠️ Warning: When installing a suction in the holder, make sure that the net does not touch the bottom of the boat if there are sharp objects (hooks, knife, tools), puncture of the PVC cylinder or damage to the corrosion-resistant coating of the metal boat is frequent negligence.
☑️ Checking the podsuck readiness for the season
Overview of popular models and brands
The market of fishing products is saturated with offers from various manufacturers, and choose a really high-quality product. sucker Fishing and outdoor brands are traditionally considered leaders in this segment, with companies offering time-tested quality assurance solutions.
One of the most famous brands is FlagmanTheir range of suctions is affordable and has a good quality ratio, and soft mesh and aluminum handle models are in steady demand among PVC boat owners due to their lightness and compactness. SalmoIt offers a wide range of head shapes and trim options, including pen + 2 heads sets.
For those who are looking for premium quality and maximum reliability, suitable models from the Trabucco or Greys. These brands use advanced materials such as high-strength carbon and wear-resistant polymer mesh that last for years without losing properties. Their products often feature sophisticated ergonomics and unique fixation systems that make life easier for the angler.
When choosing a particular model, it is important to pay attention not only to the brand, but also to the reviews of real users who have operated the product in similar conditions. Cheap Chinese counterparts may look attractive, but often sin poor build quality: backlashes in connections, brittle plastic, rust on metal elements appear after the first season of active operation.
Investment in quality polish from a proven brand pays off its durability and safety trophies. Cheap counterparts often require replacement after 1-2 seasons of active fishing.
Technique of removing predators from the boat
Having a good tool is only half of the success. The second half is being able to use it properly. The technique of working with a suction from a boat has its own peculiarities due to the instability of the platform. The main rule is that the fish in the suction is not "caught", but put into it. Abrupt netting frightens the predator and can provoke a jerk leading to a cliff or a descent.
The suction should be prepared in advance: put in the water so that the fish do not see the silhouette and do not get scared. The net should be stretched and under water. When the fish is tired and brought to the board, the angler smoothly brings the pod under the belly of the fish, while choosing the slack of the fishing line. It is important not to make sudden movements upwards, this will cause the pike or pike to tear to the side.
Once the fish is in the net, you need to immediately raise the sucker, but not sharply, but confidently. The hand with the sucker should work in sync with the hand holding the rod, so that the fishing line does not get entangled in the net. If you use a toothless or extractor, they are better kept ready in the pocket of the vest or on the belt, to release the hooks as quickly as possible.
- 🎣 Get the fish: Keep the suctioning still in the water and slowly bring the fish to it, not the other way around.
- 🌊 Consider the wave: On the wave, synchronize the lift of the sucker with the crest of the wave to avoid jerks.
- 🚫 Don't pick up the line. Never try to lift a large fish into a boat, keeping it only on weight with a line - this is a sure way to break the rod or cliff.
⚠️ Attention: When catching a large pike, always keep an eye on the position of the hooks. When lifting the sucker, they can catch on the side of the boat, your clothes, or even your skin. Be prepared to release the sucker handle at any time if a dangerous situation arises, it is better to lose the fish than to get injured.
What to do if a fish gets caught in a net?
If the hooks are stuck in the soft net cells, don't pull. Gently spread the net, find the forearm hook, use an extractor or pliers. In an emergency, you can cut off the leash if the fish is severely injured and not planned to release it, but try to minimize damage to the net.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What size of sucker is optimal for pike and pike?
For catching pike and perch from a boat, the optimal size of the head (frame) in the range from 40x40 cm to 50x50 cm This size allows you to comfortably start a fish weighing up to 5-7 kg. For trophy fishing, where individuals larger than 10 kg are expected, it is worth considering models with a head of 60 cm or more, but remember that working with a large sucker in a small boat can be inconvenient.
Can I use a shore suction for a boat?
Technically, it can be disassembled. However, long telescopic handles (2-3 meters) in a boat are extremely inconvenient: they are easy to catch on bushes, a neighbor or a motor. In addition, a long lever creates a large torque when catching, which can destabilize boat. It is better to buy a specialized short handle or model that can be disassembled in 2-3 sections with a total length of up to 1 meter.
How to take care of the net after fishing?
After every fishing trip, especially on salt water or in muddy waters, the net must be thoroughly washed with fresh water. Soft nets can be easily cleaned with a stream of hose or under the tap. It is important to completely dry the poop before packing into the case to avoid mold and unpleasant smell, even if the net material is synthetic.
Do you need a perch poop?
Small and medium bass (up to 300-400 grams) are usually not required to suction, as fish are easily taken by hand or by a cook. However, if you purposefully catch a big humpback (500+ grams) from a boat, suctioning will be useful. It will prevent fish from going off at the board, which is especially important if the perch actively resists or if you catch at depth and the fish is experiencing oxygen starvation.