Species · Coarse · Sander lucioperca
Zander
The European perch relative with a reputation for savage takes and a dogged, head-down fight. Increasingly found in UK lakes and reservoirs, often in size.
Where and when
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Stocked lakes, reservoirs, large rivers |
| Best time | Dawn/Dusk |
| Category | Predator |
Baits and tactics
- Tactics: Lures, Live bait, Dead bait
- Baits and flies: Soft plastics, Live minnows, Spinners, Smelt
Tackle that suits
| Detail | |
|---|---|
| Hooks | 6-10. Strong gauge wire. Trebles for plastics, wide gape singles for live bait |
| Mainline | 0.18-0.22mm. 6-8lb. Mono for float, braid for lure fishing |
| Hooklength | 10-15lb wire trace. 8-12". Wire trace recommended - zander have small but sharp teeth |
| Shotting | Jig heads 10-30g for lure fishing. Light leads for livebait rigs. |
| Field notes | Wire trace strongly recommended - zander teeth will cut mono; 4-6" soft plastics on jig heads, worked slowly along the bottom; Livebait (minnows, smelt) on a dropper or pike bung is deadly; Autumn and winter are prime - zander feed hard in cold water; Fish structure: weedy margins, snags, drop-offs; The first dive is violent - pump the rod and keep pressure |
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