Catching crucian carp in the spring: when it starts to bite, what to catch and what gear to use

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To catch crucian carp in the spring was successful, it is recommended to take into account the influence of natural factors on the activity of the fish. Before spawning and immediately after spawning, the fish is highly active and bites well. At the same time, before the water warms up, it can behave passively. But with the right choice of gear and baits, fishing for spring carp can be quite successful. Crucian
Catching crucian carp in the spring: when it starts to bite, what to catch and what gear to usecarp in early spring in March is still very capricious and it is not easy to catch it, but it is possible [/ caption]

When the crucian carp begins to peck in the spring

Determining the exact timing of spring bites is difficult. Specific dates are influenced by regional characteristics, weather, and fish behavior in a particular body of water. Many fishermen consider this fish to be quite capricious. However, in reality, she just has many patterns of behavior depending on the situation. It is best to start fishing for carp in early spring, when the water warms up to at least 10-12 degrees Celsius. During this period, the fish moves from depth to shallow water and begins to actively absorb food. Sometimes crucian carp accumulate in reed zones already in winter. In ponds, crucian carp wake up later. This happens in warm enough weather. It is rather difficult to determine the exact time of this fish in spring. In one flock, it begins abruptly – during the warming period, in the other – it increases gradually.One of the characteristic features of this fish is considered to be an unpredictable bite.
Catching crucian carp in the spring: when it starts to bite, what to catch and what gear to useCrucian carp biting calendar – with warming in March-April, the first phase of activity of bellies begins [/ caption]

Spawning ban on fishing

It is important to take into account that spawning prohibitions are in force in spring. Their rules may differ depending on the region. During a specific period, a ban may be introduced on fishing from a boat or using a motor. The approximate spawning periods of crucian carp, taking into account territorial characteristics, are given in the table:

RegionSpawning time
Moscow regionEnd of May – mid-June
KareliaJune – mid-July
Chelyabinsk regionEnd of May – mid-June
Rostov regionEarly May – late May
Krasnodar regionEnd of April – mid of May
Middle zone of RussiaMid May – mid June

Features of the behavior of crucian carp and its catch by months

In early spring, fishing for crucian carp after water warming, but even before spawning, is considered quite productive. This fish wakes up during the warming period and is immediately distinguished by high activity. Spring rye lasts about 2 weeks.

March crucian carp – what does fish like in early spring?

In the middle zone of the Russian Federation and the CIS, March may be the beginning of the start of fishing for crucian carp. You can start hunting this fish right after the ice melts. In this case, bloodworms are used as the main bait
. In early spring it is worth trying to fish with an ordinary float rod. In doing so, it is recommended to consider the following:

  1. Crucian carp during this period is at a shallow depth – it is there that the water first warms up and food appears in the form of revived insects.
  2. Successful fishing requires thin tackle that is highly sensitive.
  3. In early spring, the water is clear and clear. Therefore, the fisherman is not recommended to stand at full height. All movements should be quiet.
  4. You can fish all day long.


Catching crucian carp in the spring: when it starts to bite, what to catch and what gear to useEarly spring and crucian carp fishing is done from the ice, but already for summer tackle [/ caption]

April – spring zhor begins for crucian carp

This month is considered to be more active. As the temperature rises, the fish spreads over the entire surface of the reservoir. During this period, her zhor starts and continues throughout the month. It is recommended to look for crucians among vegetation, last year’s reeds and cattails. It is worth going fishing early in the morning. In this case, you need to choose a sufficiently long
swing rod . Its length should be 5-6 meters. The cross-section of the line should have a diameter of 0.15-0.18 mm. In April, experienced fishermen prefer to use 2 tackle. The first – the flywheel is used for morning fishing, the second – for daytime.
Catching crucian carp in the spring: when it starts to bite, what to catch and what gear to useFly fishing tackle [/ caption] The first tackle is a regular float fly rod. During the day, use a longer rod – preferably a plug rod. This is due to the movement of crucians throughout the reservoir. This tackle is suitable for long distance casting. Catching Big Crucian Carp in Spring – New 2021 Video: https://youtu.be/Ph9jjatlOdI

May – a large crucian carp begins to be active

May is ideal for catching medium and large crucian carp. In this case, the main tackle is considered to be a feeder and a float rod. However, donk can also be used. Crucian carp is still active in May. At the same time, food appears for him – small mollusks, bloodworms, plant shoots, larvae and worms. The best bite is observed in bodies of water in which other fish are absent. To catch crucian carp during this period, it is worth using several baits, since the fish is considered quite finicky. Red worms are considered the best option. You can also use the larvae, semolina mash or
barley .
Catching crucian carp in the spring: when it starts to bite, what to catch and what gear to useOne of the best bait for crucian carp in the spring is barley, it also bites well on worms, bloodworms, semolina, maggots [/ caption] Maggots and bloodworms are considered good options for baiting May crucian carp. It is permissible to catch crucian carp with these baits until the very cold. In warm and calm weather, crucian carp move to the middle of the reservoir. In this case, you need to switch to a
feeder , donk or match rod.

Spring tackle for crucian carp

You can catch crucian carp in the spring with different tackle. In doing so, it is important to take into account many features. The main ways of catching crucian carp in the spring season are shown in the table:

Fishing methodsFeatures of using gear
On a float rodThis tackle is considered the most popular for crucian carp. There are several types of equipment:
  • flywheels – include only the rod and do not contain rings and reels;
  • Bolognese – the set includes rings and a regular spinning reel;
  • match – suitable for casting over long distances and have a heavy float and sliding rig;
  • plug – used for fishing under the rod tip.
On an elastic bandThis tackle allows you to fish with several different lures. With its help, it is possible to deliver the goods to a specific point. In this case, the rod is not required, and the fishing line is permissible to reel on the reel.
On the nipple and springThese tackles involve the use of a special way of swallowing the bait by a crucian carp. To do this, the hooks are hidden in the bait, which is placed in different feeders. The fish not only swallows food, but hooks as well.
For feeder and pickerThese are the most sensitive bottom gear. Even with a small bite, it is fixed with the tip of the rod.

On a float rod – a classic for catching crucian carp on a pond

The float rod can be used when fishing for crucian carp in early spring, when it rubs near the shore. Tackle includes a rod, float, fishing line, reel. Also included are a sinker and a baited hook. The length of the rod should be 4-5 meters. It is important to use a lightweight and sensitive rod. The float should also be sufficiently sensitive and in the form of a tube. The cross-section of the fishing line is chosen from 0.12 to 0.16 mm. When choosing a hook, you should give preference to number 5-7. Worms, bread, maggot are used as nozzles.
Catching crucian carp in the spring: when it starts to bite, what to catch and what gear to useFishing for crucian carp in the spring of 2021 (March) on a float rod – video report: https://youtu.be/v2JY-PlLTig An effective fishing method is the use of a match rod. This float tackle is designed for long distance casting. For fishing to be successful, it is important to set up your rig correctly. The rod must have a length of 5 meters or more.

Catching a spring carp with an elastic band

The tackle consists of a sinker, a rubber shock absorber and a leader, which are imposed on the main line: The
Catching crucian carp in the spring: when it starts to bite, what to catch and what gear to usetackle is simple and effective at the same time [/ caption] To cast an elastic band, you must have enough patience. Not everyone succeeds the first time. It is necessary to unwind the tackle itself right on the shore. Then you need to pick up a nylon cord with a sinker, unwind it vertically, and then throw it into the water. After these manipulations, the second part of the elastic will remain on the shore. It is required to attach a fishing line with leashes to it.

Catching crucian carp on a donk

This tackle has many types and variations of equipment. The simplest construction includes line, rod, weight and hook. This tackle is best used in April, when the water warms up, but the food is not over yet. Many fishermen make donks on their own. In this case, it is permissible to use the cheapest rod. The line diameter should be 0.2 mm. You will also need leashes 15-20 cm in length. Their cross section should be 0.15 mm. The weight of the sinker should be 25-30 grams.
Catching crucian carp in the spring: when it starts to bite, what to catch and what gear to useMore advanced donk with a spiral feeder and foam as a nozzle for crucian carp [/ caption]

Feeder tackle

The use of a feeder is justified in muddy places on the surface of which aquatic vegetation is present. It is not recommended to use a float rod in such areas, as it will constantly cling. Also, the feeder is indispensable if fishing is carried out at long distances. The feeder rod is quite sturdy and long. With its help, you can throw the feeder over considerable distances. It is advisable to choose tackle up to 4 meters long. It should be made of carbon fiber or composite, as these are considered to be the strongest materials.
Catching crucian carp in the spring: when it starts to bite, what to catch and what gear to useFeeder equipment options [/ caption]

Picker rod

In the springtime in March-April, it is permissible to catch crucian carp with a picker while it stands near the shore or when fishing from a boat. The picker is a versatile rod. When choosing a rod, you need to take into account the characteristics of the reservoir. For small spring rivers and when fishing for crucian carp in ponds, a length of 2-4 meters is often sufficient. Crucian carp is excellently caught on a picker in spring, fishing secrets: https://youtu.be/QV6o4cA4rY8

Catching crucian carp with a jig on a side nod

When fishing for crucian carp with a jig, you need to use an ordinary telescopic fishing rod, which is equipped with a long nod of high sensitivity. It is advisable to use light and not very long tackle 4-5 meters in size. A small reel must be attached to the rod. When choosing a fishing line, you should give preference to a diameter of 0.12-0.15 mm. To make the bite more noticeable, the tip of the nod should be painted red or orange. Sometimes a bright ball is attached to it, which has a passage ring. The nod plate is made of steel or plastic. It is important that it has pronounced springy characteristics.
Catching crucian carp in the spring: when it starts to bite, what to catch and what gear to useLateral nod for fishing with a jig – such a tackle can be used to catch crucian carp with a bare reel and with bait addition [/ caption] You need a flexible and light rod, which is complemented by a rather long nod. The kit also includes a reel, fishing line, jig. This tackle is considered the most effective option for spring. It is recommended to use it when the fisherman is actively moving around the reservoir. The tackle can be used especially successfully when fishing for spring crucian carp in ponds in the thickets of last year’s reeds and grass.

Fishing for cork – pacifier

The cork is a catchy bottom tackle. It is often called a pacifier. Perfect for catching neat large crucians. At the same time, several hooks are hidden in a special half-open feeder and filled with thick food. When the crucian carp begins to eat and suck the bait, it also swallows the hooks. As a consequence, self-undercutting is observed. After it, the fisherman just needs to pull out the fish.
Catching crucian carp in the spring: when it starts to bite, what to catch and what gear to use

Features of fishing from a boat

For this type of fishing, you will need a light and short rod, the length of which does not exceed 4 meters. In this case, you need to fish out the fish vertically. Therefore, on a swing rod, it is necessary to correctly adjust the length of the descent. A good option would be a tackle with a side nod.

If casting a fishing rod from the shore is problematic, and there is no boat, you can use the tackle with a side nod. Before fishing, it is recommended to make an opening in the thickets, which is enough for casting gear.

Useful Tips

You can start catching crucian carp in the spring when the water warms up to at least 10 degrees. The best bite is observed after flooding of rivers. In sunny weather, the fish rises to the surface. Moreover, its behavior depends on precipitation, temperature parameters, pressure fluctuations. Crucian carp has a shy character. He feels the vibrations of the ground under the feet of the fisherman and sees him. Therefore, you need to fish while sitting. After choosing a place, you need to do the following:

  1. Carefully approach the pond and throw in a small amount of bait.
  2. Move away from the water and prepare the tackle.
  3. With the ready-made equipment, go to the reservoir and carefully immerse the hook in the water. In this case, the rod must be placed on a stand.
  4. If there was no bite within 10 minutes, the fishing rod should be cast to another place. In some cases, the crucian does not want to take the bait that hangs in the water. When fishing in windy weather, place the baited hook on the bottom.

Spring fishing for crucian carp has a lot of features. For fishing to be successful, it is important to choose the right tackle and not frighten off the cowardly fish.

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