ZANDERThe number of Zander here is unbelievable. They are everywhere and fish 60 to 80 centimeters are common. But their numbers don’t alter who they are. As Zander anglers know, these fish are picky. Plus, these are warm-water Zander (unlike those in most of Europe), and don’t always behave as expected. But, not to worry. Over the years, we at EBRO-TOTAL-FISHING have gotten to know the Ebro Zander and his quirks. Today they are Mar de Aragon’s most-fished (and most-caught) species. Ebro Zander, like Carp, can be fished all year round. However, unlike other species, tactics and techniques vary greatly from season to season. In spring and autumn, Zander are quite active and catches of 10 to 20 good fish per day are not unusual. Use a light spinning rod (fast tip, casting weight up to 21 grams). Fill your reel with good braided line (0,10 to 0,14), tie on a low-visibility leader (mono or flouro) and you’re all set. In cooler water of spring, when their metabolism is slower, Zander prefer smaller baits. During the spawn (March and April), many Zander are caught in shallow water (3 meters or less). In October and November, Zander increase their feeding in preparation for winter and larger baits are more effective. Shads in various sizes are the preferred baits. But, again, Zander are picky. The key is finding the “pattern” for the day in size, color and weight (large/blue/10 grams today may be small/yellow/7 grams tomorrow.) Once you find it, Zander all over the lake will gobble it up. Also, vary your retrieve. Both Zander and Perch will often strike at sudden changes in the speed or direction of your lure. Zander fishing in June, July and August is different, requiring patience and a complete change of tactics. In summer, the fish go deep, hide in cover and ambush their prey (rather that wander about hunting for it). Locate deep cover on your sonar (trees, brush, etc), then probe it patiently via drop-shot, vertical jigging or deep drifting). Dracovitch rigs work extremely well, but the use of natural baits is strictly regulated and violations can be expensive. We will let you know what is currently allowed. Trolling for Zander is also effective and some anglers troll year-round, though their summer catches tend toward smaller fish. Wobblers and crankbaits are preferred and, beginning in June, the deeper the better. Hang-ups are a constant hazard, but trolling is worth the risk as Perch, Catfish and even Carp regularly strike trolled baits. For this reason, trolling is done with stiffer rods, heavier lines (0,14 to 0,20) and stronger leaders. In summer, special trolling devices (outriggers, keel weights, or barrel sinkers) can be used to increase your running depth. Trolling speed can also be a factor as faster- moving baits often provoke reflexive or competitive strikes from fish hunting in groups. That’s Ebro Zander fishing. It’s tricky, but once you find the “pattern”, it’s great fun. |
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