Glassy eyes are alert! As zander fishing increases in popularity, more and more anglers are asking themselves the question – where these fish feed today? Ulrich tries to answer.
Fishing for zander is very fun – provided, however, that we can locate them first. These predators lead a very secretive lifestyle and finding them in the fishery is not so easy, such as a pike hunting just below the surface of the water. If one day the zander took perfectly in one place. in some time it may turn out, that they are now completely different. Therefore, catching zander is associated with a constant and very systematic search for fish, because it is the only way to be successful.
Large regulated rivers and dam lakes are very good zander fishing grounds, the word of water largely shaped by the hand of man. These fisheries are usually very deep, monotony, with a small amount of vegetation and a significant degree of water turbidity. In good zander fisheries, nice pikes are also often found.
A successful angler must first get to know his fishery and the habits and way of life of zander very well.
Shoals of clams
In general, everyone knows, that zander like a hard bottom, preferably with large shoals of clams. The reason for such preferences is clearly visible. Tam, where huge colonies of tiny clams form, there are also large numbers of roaches for feeding on one- and two-year-old mussels. Small roaches, on the other hand, occupy a very important position in the zander menu.
In flowing water, this predator often hunts on the border of the current. Tam, where a strong current meets almost stagnant water, the food of the white fish carried by the river is deposited at the bottom. A richly laid table attracts small items with magical power, which zanders hunt fiercely. They like these predators too, just like the related perch, gather near sunken trees. Branches and trunks lying at the bottom shade from the light, they guarantee perfect hiding places and a large amount of food. The water current breaks down just behind the obstacles, particles of natural food are deposited at the bottom, and this, in turn, immediately attracts general cargo.
Avoidance of light
Zander avoid sunny places, so the bites should be counted rather in the shaded areas, though not necessarily very deep parts of the water. The lighting of the water therefore plays a very important role when fishing for zander. These predators should be looked for there, where the water is not too illuminated, and zander find favorable living conditions. During the day, places shaded by trees or by the hulls of moored boats are very promising, bites are also to be expected under bridges. Cloudy water in the river or in post-excavation lakes also promises successful fishing.
On hot days
It doesn't, that fishing on a sunny day is doomed to failure. Zander also feed at noon – sometimes, however, in different places than usual. I caught my biggest zander on a very hot summer day, literally one meter below the surface.
The fishery in this place was very deep, and the water is cloudy like coffee with milk. Everything points to it, that such conditions suit glass-eyed zander very well.
Unfortunately, the angler is often unable to select many good zander fisheries. Wanting to be successful after all, just look for these fish. Depending on your desire, the experience and quantity of fishermen fishing together, there are many different methods for systematically checking a fishery. This is achieved very quickly with a fishfinder, Unfortunately, however, only a few colleagues use this very useful device on a daily basis.
Probing
Systematic probing with a weight of interesting portions of water is much more time-consuming. In the sewers (very good zander fishery!) for example, you can probe attractive promising places even during a relaxing reconnaissance by the water. All you need to do is take a light match rod and a few weights with you. Very meticulous anglers take careful notes, they mark characteristic points on the edge of the sketches, mark all holes, shallowing and slopes of the channel or river bottom.
If someone wants to pay more attention to a particularly promising episode, he can take a light spinning with him and test this place with a twister. But be warned, that a lot of experience is needed. The angler must have perfect feel in his hands, to perfectly sense the shape of the bottom, and happily avoid most of the obstacles that appear in the way of the lure.
The biggest advantage of this method, however, is this, that with a bit of luck, you can have bites on your first trip to unknown water. We only know the bottom shape and the depth of the fishery, exactly the same with a twister, and you also catch fish.
In the crossfire
Zander do not always use artificial bait. Sometimes they are only interested in natural baits. Then the best solution is to look for good places together with a few friends and take predators into the "crossfire of baits". A proven set with a natural bait is thrown into one place for ten minutes and if nothing happens, roll it up slowly (Caution, taking is still possible) and throw it about twenty meters away. In this way, several colleagues cooperating with each other can test very quickly even quite a long section of a river or canal. Places, where zander take, of course, much more attention should be paid.
In a hurry
If someone has neither the time nor the desire to systematically check the fishery. then there are two options for "getting in touch" with zander. For example, you can concentrate on places, where other anglers catch large amounts of white fish. Tam, where is the general cargo, There should also be zanders nearby.
The second option is to find a promising zander spot and attract predators there, also in any two ways. You can only lure with breadcrumbs and lure small fish in this way, followed by zanders or bait with coating and small dead fish or pieces of fish and lure both zanders, and general cargo. The longer the enticing period, the better…