Winter is a special time in the life of anglers when it’s time to change gear. In this type of “silent hunt” there are tricks and subtleties.
During this period, winter fishing rods are used, which consist of the same parts as summer ones, only in miniature sizes. There is a logical explanation for this: why use long gear when there is no need to throw the bait far. Located on the ice above the place where the fishing will take place, anglers just need to lower the bait into the holes directly under their feet.
Winter rods themselves, due to their small size, make it possible to “play” with bait, and this is very attractive for prey.
The success of fishing depends on correctly selected and well-tuned gear. First of all, winter fishing rods are classified according to their purpose: for mormyshki, lure fishing or with a balancer, as well as a float.
One of the important elements of this tackle is the whip, with the help of which the "game" of the bait is carried out. It is desirable that it is not plastic, since such a product quickly loses its elasticity and becomes brittle in severe frosts. Today, many anglers use handmade winter fishing rods with removable whips, which are more convenient to transport.
Those who have been fishing on ice for a long time know that it is better to use reels with open clamps in tackle, which allow you to constantly keep the mechanism in control. Such constructions that have a hidden retainer spring located directly below it are not very convenient. This is inconvenient in that when water enters, the entire coil mechanism freezes and fails.
The most popular material from which the rod is made is carbon fiber. Obtained by a special technology, it is able to withstand severe winter cold, while remaining strong and reliable. It is from it that many modern Finnish winter fishing rods are made, which are the most popular today. You can fish with them even in the most frosty frost thanks to a special design - the so-called “tulip” located on an elastic flexible whip.
An equally important role in these seasonal tackles is played by a drum, which can be either closed or open. Moreover, the latter option is used much more often, since there are less inconveniences with it. With a constant change in the depth of fishing, the water on the fishing line can freeze and bring to the need for disassembling and cleaning the drum.
In addition to the traditionally seasonal, today universal fishing rods are also used - winter and summer. The presence of nods adapted to them makes it possible to use these gear both when fishing for spinner and mormyshka, and on the balancer.
Another universal tackle that is gaining popularity is the “balalaika”, which can be purchased in almost any specialized store.
Winter fishing rods themselves have fairly simple designs, but even the most primitive system has certain nuances. Therefore, when choosing a seasonal tackle, consider all parameters: fishing conditions (depth, temperature, etc.), as well as the type of fish that the “silent hunt” will take place on.