What is the devil bait?

A "chertik" (little devil) is an artificial lure used in winter fishing. Anyone who has ever been on a fishing trip to the Krasnoyarsk Krai should be familiar with this jig. It was used to catch and reel in predators of various sizes, such as perch and pike, from Siberian waters. This was especially true if the trip took place along the Yenisei River, which is home to many river "alligators."

Features of the bait.

The main feature of the "devil" jig is its long, baitless design. This jig is considered the largest, allowing for the catch of fish of considerable weight and other characteristics. However, it's worth noting that many anglers use them with other types of bait, such as maggots, bloodworms, and the like.

The advantage of the devil jig is that it attracts both passive and active predatory fish at any time. It often turns out that the devil jig is the most effective in winter. Devil jigs are often tipped with colored beads or threads. They are placed near the base of the treble hook.

How to catch predators with a devil?

It's important to note that when fishing with these jigs, you'll need special rods and reels. These should be suitable for the fishing conditions and allow for varying techniques.

Reels should be equipped with a drag system (fixed or adjustable). This depends on the depth at which you'll be fishing. For depths between 2 and 5 meters, an adjustable drag system is recommended. For depths reaching 8 meters, a fixed drag system is better.

Experienced anglers recommend taking Finnish Teno rods, 425-445 mm long, on winter fishing trips. They're comfortable and don't freeze to your hands.

Technique and tactics.

When casting, it's important to master the technique of using nods of varying lengths. They can range from 165 to 235 mm. This allows the jig to oscillate approximately two times per second. However, if there's a strong wind, the nod can be shortened to 95-135 mm. When fishing in shallow water, extend the nod, allowing for a smooth, even action.

Finding fish under the ice is a difficult task for fishermen without fish finders. This requires using an auger and ice pick to drill numerous holes. Then, navigate through them in search of schools of fish. Alternatively, you can search for previously drilled holes and fish in them.

Wiring.

When casting for the first few times, lower the imp to the bottom of the pond. Then, gently tap it against the bottom a few times before you begin a more measured play. Fish typically strike about 15 cm from the bottom, and if there's no bite, gradually increase the speed of your retrieve. After about 10 casts, you can move on to a different hole.

· The movements can vary. They need to be performed depending on the type of fish being targeted. The start of the game should be as described above, with the imp sinking to the bottom.

Another important point is that when you finish retrieving the jig, you should stop the oscillating motion for about a second and then perform a sharp hookset. Many fish, while retrieving the jig, attack precisely after the oscillations stop.

These are the characteristics that the little devils have.