The zander is a prized catch when fishing, but also a challenge. To be rewarded with success, the right equipment and technique is an advantage.
Zander fishing: the know-how
Since the zander is mainly active at night, the best time for fishing is late evening or early morning. However, overcast days also offer a chance of a catch during the day.
- Zander are very sensitive to noise and will immediately disappear when they hear it. Therefore, the surroundings should be quiet. It is best to use the fishing time for silence and peace and to avoid loud laughter and conversation.
- The zander is a clever predatory fish. Suitable bait includes parts of fish or special fish species such as elongated roaches and perch. The zander prefers narrow bait. For initial orientation, stick to baits that are between 7 cm and 11 cm long. However, the optimal bait differs depending on the fishing location.
- Important: Live bait fish are prohibited in Germany and therefore may not be used.
The best fishing techniques
If zander is the target of your next fishing trip, you should offer the bait at the bottom of the water.
- Avoid excessive movements of the rod and thus of the bait. Simply setting up the rod without much movement on the shore makes sense. However, it can help to pull the bait along the bottom carefully and slowly from time to time, without jerking, to attract the fish’s attention.
- Stay calm when you get a bite, let the zander pull a few meters of line and observe the behavior of the fish. With zander in particular, it can take a while before the hook is secure and the fish no longer lets go of the bait. If you are unsure, aim for about 40 meters before setting the hook.
Helpful equipment
To be successful when fishing for zander, you need the right equipment. This plays a crucial role in outwitting this demanding predatory fish and securing a catch. Adjust your equipment to the conditions of the respective body of water and remain flexible in your approach. This way, nothing will stand in the way of a successful fishing trip!
- Fishing rod and reel: Choose a medium-weight spinning rod between 2.4 and 3 meters long. This offers enough flexibility and control. A size 2500 to 4000 spinning reel is ideal, as it offers sufficient line capacity and pulling power.
- Fishing line: Choose a braided line with a breaking strain of eight to twelve kilos. It offers greater sensitivity and strength. Use a fluorocarbon leader of about 0.30 to 0.40 millimeters thick. It is almost invisible in the water and abrasion resistant.
- Lure selection: Shad-style soft plastic lures, spoons and spinners are a good choice for artificial lures. Make sure they are in natural colors to attract the curiosity of the zander. Heavy jig heads (5 to 20 grams) are ideal for bringing the lure to the desired depth.
- Hooks: Ryder hooks with a monofilament leader (0.20 to 0.27 millimeters) and a swivel element are optimal for zander. This way, the predator notices little resistance and is more likely to snap up the bait.
- Angling with a float is also practical. Here, the bait should be suspended about 1 meter above the bottom of the water. This method is particularly recommended in the dark, as the chances of success are relatively high. The float should be close to the shore.
- Additional equipment: Use a glow stick so that you can see the bite by the reflection of the light. You should avoid electronic displays, as these are too loud and will scare the fish away. A landing net with a rubberized net is gentle on the fish and makes landing easier.
- Clothing and accessories: Waterproof clothing is particularly useful for night fishing or in bad weather. A head torch with a red light can be helpful for keeping your hands free and not scaring the fish.
