What is spin fishing?
Spin fishing is a method that uses an artificial lure (a spinner or wobbler). Unlike traditional fishing methods using baits like worms or maggots, spin fishing involves pulling the lure through the water with a jerking motion. This creates vibrations and movement that mimic live prey and attracts predatory fish.
pike
For spin fishing for pike you need a powerful and responsive rod.
These rods, combined with a 4000-spool and, for example, a 0.14 mm Dyneema, provide direct contact with the bait. A steel leader should be placed in front of the lure. Westline offers both ready-made steel leaders in 30, 50, and 70 cm, as well as 10 m of steel leader in one piece and matching ferrules. The bait range extends from wobblers and spinners to spoons and soft plastic lures.
Zander
Spin fishing for zander is a bit more delicate than for pike. Rods with a casting weight of 10-60g and a strong backbone are suitable. Suitable reels are again medium-sized 3000 or 4000 size reels. A 0.14 mm braid, such as Dyneema, provides a direct connection between the angler and the bait. If there is a high pike population in your waters, it is also advisable to use a thin steel leader in front of the bait when fishing for zander. Medium-sized plugs, soft lures, spoons, and spinners are all suitable baits.
perch
If you want to target perch and trout in your local waters, you'll need a sensitive yet fast spinning rod—you can easily use zander gear, too. Rods with a casting weight of up to 50 g are recommended for this type of fishing.
It is particularly important to note that heavy perch can also take the bait and they are also very strong fighters - so do not use equipment that is too light!
Even if the smallest wobblers, rubber fish, spoons and spinners are used as bait, it is still recommended to use a light steel leader if necessary
Bait handling when spin fishing
Cranking:
With this method, the lure is kept in constant motion by a steady retrieval of the line, preventing it from touching the bottom. The retrieval speed can influence the height and behavior of the lure. For example, by reeling the line faster and slower, you can simulate an injured fish. This increases the attractiveness and the likelihood of catching a predator.
Pluck:
Another method is the plucking method, in which you cast the bait and let it sink to the bottom. After the bait hits the bottom, you make a sharp jerking motion so that the bait pops up from the bottom. Then you reel in the bait.
Step-like plucking / jigging:
Basically, the step-like twitching works the same way as the twitching, but with this method, you repeat the twitching action continuously. This means you let the bait sink to the bottom, make a sharp jerk with the rod, reel in a little, and let it sink again. In other words, the process repeats itself over and over again.
Grind:
With this method, the bait is moved relatively slowly along the bottom. This is intended to imitate prey fish that are searching for food or are sick. This works best on sandy or muddy bottoms, as the bait stirs up the bottom and draws attention.