Catching walleye on ratlin in winter: fishing technique, best ratling models

There are many types of tackle and lures that are designed for winter walleye fishing. One of the most catchy baits for catching a fanged predator in winter is
rattlin (rattlin, ratling, ratler, vib, English rattlin, lipless crankbait). The bladeless sinking lure allows fishermen not to be left without a catch, even in winter. But in order to catch zander constantly and successfully, it is necessary to master the technique of playing with ratlin and choose good catching models for winter fishing.
There are a lot of Ratlins, but not all of them catch … [/ caption]

Ratlins: the first unforgettable meeting

Rattlin is the name of a bladeless flat sinking wobbler. Artificial fishing lure in appearance resembles a small fish, the narrow body of which is flattened on the sides, and the wide head is slightly oblique. Due to these features, high-frequency vibrations are created during wiring. There is a loop on the back of the fake fish that allows you to fix the fishing line. On the bottom side there are 2 tees (in the tail area and in the middle). The rear tee is smaller than the center tee. Manufacturers make bladeless flat sinking wobblers from plastic or silicone. Inside the fish there may be balls – a noisy ratling model, or there may not be such – a silent, quiet vibration model.

Principle of operation

The main feature of ratlin is to create a confident animation of the bait during the uniform reeling of the line. Such smooth posting with slight twitching of the tackle attracts the attention of predatory fish. A pike perch that sees its prey with peripheral vision immediately rushes at it. At the same time, rattlin allows you to perform other types of animation – jerking, dribbling, stretching and others. During winter fishing for pike perch, fishing is most often done at a depth of 3-7 meters or more. For this reason, for catching a fanged predator in the cold season, experts recommend choosing weighty baits that sink quickly. The optimal size of an artificial fish is considered to be a length of 7-9 cm. It is advisable to purchase rattlers painted in blue tones. It is this color that is clearly visible for fish at great depths.The presence of bright spots in the head or tail area, as well as fluorescent elements, is encouraged.
Acidman and Straight are a couple who will cover the entire deep opening [/ caption]

Note! If you plan to fish for zander in a shallow body of water, you should give preference to slowly sinking rattlin with more natural colors.

What is the difference from vibes

Vibs are called drowning bladeless cranks. The baits vibrate during the posting. On the territory of the Russian Federation and many CIS countries, vibes and ratlins are combined into one class. But in some territory of Europe and the USA, artificial fish by the type of vibes are distinguished as a separate class and are also called:

• vertical wobbler;
• bladeless wobbler (Lipness);
• VIBom – from the word Vibration, which means to vibrate.

According to the adherents of this classification, the main difference between rattlins and vibes is that the word Rattlin is the designation of only one of the modifications of a bladeless wobbler, and Vib denotes the name of a whole group of artificial fish of a similar design.

Benefits of using ratlin when fishing for zander in winter

Rattlins when fishing for pike perch are in most cases the most catchy lures that fishermen actively use for fishing during the dead-winter period and on the first ice. Among the main advantages of such baits when catching a fanged predator, it is worth highlighting:

• natural, stable for a predator, play regardless of the wiring option;
• the presence of a noise effect, which makes the artificial fish noticeable from afar and at some moments is the only effective provocateur;
• an abundance of models with different shades;
• efficiency of work at great depths;
• ease of use of a wobbler ( even beginners can easily master rattlin fishing );
• a large number of models allows each fisherman to choose the option most suitable in terms of weight and shape.

To use this bait, there is no need to purchase special fishing equipment. The only drawback of rattlin is the high risk of snagging on driftwood and algae during the wiring.

Pike perch habits in winter, depending on the period

Catching pike perch on rattlin in winter is an exciting process. However, before you go fishing, you should study in detail the habits of the predator in the cold season. Pike perch is a schooling fish that prefers to be constantly on the move. The predator migrates through the reservoir in search of fry. Dope trails are not so easy to find. The predator should be searched for on the channel edges and near pits at depths of 5-10 meters in early December, the deepest pits up to 14 meters during the dead-winter season in January and February. At the end of the freeze-up period, the fanged beetle gradually moves from the pits closer to the channel dumps. It is recommended to fish the edges and riverbeds, flooded reservoirs and encircled parts of the reservoir.
Zander parking in deep water [/ caption]

Interesting to know! If there is a good bite of the scourge on the section of the reservoir chosen for
fishing , this indicates that the pike perch is very close.

Choosing rattlin for catching fanged and big-eyed

When choosing ratlin, you should pay attention to parameters such as product weight, dimensional characteristics, shape and color, noise effect.

Form

The shape of the classic Rapalov vibrations is flat rhomboid. The outlines resemble the body of a crucian carp. It is this model that creates that vibration during the posting that attracts the attention of the zander. The predator prefers running models, without a wide body. An additional factor in favor of flat ratlers is the fact that, other things being equal, it is easier to drive them to the required depth.
Classic when fishing for walleye [/ caption]

Vib size

The larger the bait, the less bites will be on it, but the more likely it is to catch a trophy fish. The universal Sudakovskiy option is the size of the ratlin 6-7 cm. When choosing a size, it is important to start from the size of the predator prevailing in a particular territory. It is unreasonable to try to catch 4 cm bait on a large reservoir, as well as on a small river, where goose-goats live, to catch an 8 cm model.

Weight

Light rattlins are difficult to drive to great depths. For pike perch fishing in a large body of water, it is advisable to purchase lures with a large specific gravity. The weight of zander ratlin in 15-20 grams or more is the norm.
Large predator – large bait [/ caption]

Colors

For catching a predator in water bodies with great depth, experts recommend using baits painted in provocative and fluorescent tones, which are visible at great depths. If pike perch fishing will be carried out in relatively shallow water (2-4 meters), it is better to purchase rattlin, colored in natural – silver, white, orange and blue tones. The presence of bright spots in the head and tail area is allowed.

Advice! In order to increase the catching power of the bait, you can equip the hooks of the bait with multi-colored cambric.

Noise effect

You should have in your arsenal both noise and quiet vibration models. The former are good at collecting active pike perch from long distances, the latter are more effective when fishing in the wilderness and with a share of passive individuals.

Ratlins for winter fishing for pike perch – TOP-10 slaughter models and 5 more workers

Below you can find a description and photos of the best ratlin and vibes for catching zander in winter as of the 2021 season, the top 15 includes models of bladeless sinking wobblers, whose work was appreciated by professional fishermen who are adherent of winter fishing. Pike perch rattlin – new products of 2021: https://youtu.be/ZYW8XGQR83U Our TOP-15:

1. Megabite (Liberty) Gamauji S . This model is a ratler for catching a predator in reservoirs with a strong current, on dumps and in deep places. The weight of the bait varies depending on the size chosen and reaches 36 grams. Such rattlin is not carried away by the current, which makes it possible for the vibe to reach the bottom surface directly under the hole. The length of the wobbler is 8.5 cm. Large-sized trophy pike perch bite well on such a bait. The Megabite (Liberty) Gamauji S allows for chaotic and staggered striking along the bottom of the water column above the bottom.
2. River2sea Glassie Vibe . The body of the fish is made on the basis of polyurethane. The surface of the ratler is foil-coated and partially transparent. The River2sea Glassie Vibe comes in 2 sizes: 5 cm and 6 cm. The weight of the first lure is 10.6 grams, and the weight of the second is 19.5 grams. The wobbler is designed for catching a predator in reservoirs with clean clear water.
3. Craft LVR D Lucky . The bait is quite massive in vertical size, which is not typical for zander ratlin. But this bait differs from others in the strong vibration that occurs during the posting. The special design of the body allows the lure to be pulled and in free fall to simulate the behavior of a live fry. A significant advantage is the minimum risk of snagging and underwater vegetation – vib beats them off with its massive forehead. The length of the artificial fish is 9.5 cm and the weight is 28 grams. The shape of the bait dictates the wiring to be uniform and measured. It is recommended to immerse Lucky Craft LVR D to a depth of 3 – 5 meters during the game, and not more than 4 meters in the course of even less.
4. Kosadaka Rat Vib . The front area of ​​the ratler appears slightly widened and sloped. Especially well Kosadaka Rat Vib shows itself when trolling steeply in winter. Vibes are on sale, the length of which is: 5 cm; 6.5 cm. The weight of the first wobbler is 7.2 g, and the second 13.4 g. The recommended depth is up to 4-6 meters. Suitable for medium-sized rivers and reservoirs. Kosadaka Rat Vib is a sinking type of bait, equipped with 2 hooks.
5. Spro Vib is a simple but effective solution that works great at depths not exceeding 2.5 meters. That is, with this ratlin you can catch pike perch from the ice on small rivers. Usually these are individuals up to 1-1.5 kg, no more. But not everyone has a reservoir at hand, or the Volga River, it is often in such conditions that domestic fishermen have to fish. The manufacturer produces lures in blue, silver and transparent colors. Spro Vib creates a noise effect when guided, attracting the attention of a predator. The bait is 7.4 cm long and weighs 13 grams. Can be used to perform intermittent torn wiring.
6. Megabass Vibration X. The head of the lure is slightly widened and looks like a crucian carp. Rattling quickly plunges into the water, creating powerful high-frequency vibrations. Inside the artificial fish, there are balls that imitate brass, which plays the role of a sound guide for the fish. The Megabass Vibration X models of sinking and floating type are on sale. For zander fishing in winter, it is recommended to use a sinking ratlin, the length of which is 7.5 cm, and the weight is 21 g. Megabass Vibration X can be used to perform step wiring at depths of up to 6-8 meters.
7. Lucky Craft LV 300S There are no metal balls inside the Lucky Craft LV 300S rattle. The pike perch in this bait is attracted by the vibration. Due to the considerable body width, the game turns out to be sweeping. The Lucky Craft LV 300S is 6.9 cm long and weighs 21.5 grams. Suitable for animation with horizontal and vertical components. During the game, you need to pause.
8. The Bassday Orc Range Vib is a typical pike perch rattlin with a bright color. Originally intended for angling marine fish, however, it has shown good catchability in relation to freshwater inhabitants, in particular zander. Many modifications are on sale. The length of the models is in the range of 4.5 – 10 cm, and the weight is 6.3 – 33 grams. A wide range of sizes allows Orc Range Vib to be used at different depths from 2 to 12 meters or more. The bait can be used to perform hopping.
9. Rapala Rattlin Rapala . It was from this model that the name of the bladeless flat sinking wobbler came from. During the wiring, sounds emanate from the rattlin that are similar to natural ones. Due to the unique oscillation, the sound level cannot change no matter what game speed the fisherman chooses. A universal solution for both winter and summer zander fishing. The length is 7 cm, and the weight is 16 g.
10. Yo-Zuri Hardcore Drum differs from other rattlin models in its multiple and bright colors. The ratler Hardcore Drum shows the highest catchability when fishing in areas of slow reservoirs, the depth of which is 2-4 meters. The length of the bait is 7 cm. The weight of the Yo-Zuri Hardcore Drum is 18 grams. Yo Zuri Hardcore drum for reservoirs with a slow current [/ caption]
11. Cotton Cordell Suspending Super Spot The high-frequency rattlin model lures the predator into the fishing spot from a long distance. The length is 7.5 cm, and the weight is 10.6 grams. The animation is very different from a uniform game at the bottom, to sweeping stretches from the edge of the hole to the other edge.
12. Silver Stream Vibrating SR . Excellent acoustic characteristics of the product are a significant advantage of this model. Vibrating SR can be used to float muddy waters. Where the audio component comes to the fore. Ratlin can be used for hopping. The length of the artificial fish is 7 cm and the weight is 16 grams.
13. Megabass X-Wave . The wobbler allows you to use various posting techniques. If you stick to an even game while maintaining a fast pace, the rattlin will wiggle slightly from side to side. When the fisherman is slowly leading the bait, the game will resemble a swimbait animation. The ratler is 7 cm long and weighs 10.5 grams. Suitable for fishing at depths of up to 2-3 meters in the current and up to 5 meters in reservoirs without a current.
14. Sebile Flatt Shad perfectly imitates fry. The design of the artificial fish is well thought out. The rattlin profile is rounded, which has a positive effect on the activity of the bait. During wiring, the device cuts the water, creating unusual vortices. The predator will notice such tasty fry from afar. It is recommended to use the Sebile Flatt Shad model for winter fishing, which is 6.6 cm long and weighs 15 grams.
15. Usami Daiba 70S . It is convenient to use the bait for fishing in tight areas of a reservoir, holes and rifts. The wobbler can be submerged to a depth of 8 meters and hunt for a predator in bodies of water with strong currents. The Usami Daiba 70S is 7 cm long and weighs 20.5 grams.

According to the champion, the best ratlins for catching zander in winter – video review: https://youtu.be/h4WD1OaU8hA

How to equip tackle when fishing for zander with ratlin from under the ice

For angling a fanged predator on ratlers, a standard set is sufficient, used for fishing with spoons and
balancers , namely:

1. Reliable spinning reel .
2. Rigid fishing rod.
3. Monofilament fishing line, the thickness of which is 0.22-0.28 mm. The breaking load must be sufficient to play heavy prey.
4. Sharp hooks on vibe that fit the entire lure.
5. You don’t need a zander leash.

Correctly selected equipment is the key to successful fishing. To catch a predator, you will need a hard and light fishing rod, the length of which is within 0.7-1.2 meters. The bite alarm can be omitted. It is recommended to give preference to gear, the test range of which is 10-30 grams. To make it convenient to hold the rod, it is worth purchasing a model, the handle of which is made of polyurethane foam. At low temperatures, such a material does not become brittle. In order not to spoil the game, the gatehouse / whip should not be allowed to vibrate freely.

Note! It is recommended to tie the rattlin through a blind loop.

The technique of catching walleye on ratlin in winter: tactics and secrets of fishing

Catching zander at any time of the year requires thorough preparation. It will not be enough to launch the rattlin into the water and wait for a bite. To catch a predator, you will need to use a special game technique. The following animation techniques can be used:

• lower the ratlin to the bottom and gently swing the rod, adhering to the recommended amplitude of 30-50 cm;
• pause at the top;
• gradually drop the bait down, making stops;
• pause;
• smoothly raise the bait up;
• play along on the spot;
• lower the bait down.

Depending on the behavior of the pike perch, the angler selects the fishing technique and the type of posting.
Suggested points for catching zander in winter on the river [/ caption]

Other fishing techniques

The rattlin wiring is different from the usual lure. When fishing for zander in the cold season, experienced fishermen recommend:

1. Wiggle the bait in place 10 cm from the bottom surface.
2. Smoothly lift the ratler and swing it at a distance of 50 cm from the bottom. Slowly lower the rattlin back down.
3. Raise the wobbler abruptly with increasing speed to a height of 100 cm from the bottom. Reset the bait with small pauses.

It is best to combine multiple leads for the best predator fishing results. The whip movements will need to be performed smoothly, avoiding strong jerks. Otherwise, the cautious walleye may give up its grip.

When and how to sweep

In winter, zander bites are sharp. When playing, the fish has less resistance than in summer. At the first bite, you need to perform a sweep quite sharply. This will allow the hook to pierce the predator’s upper lip. If this is not done, then the hook may not pierce the tough, cartilaginous mouth of the canine tooth. Zander hooking is done without delay. For more information on fishing for winter zander with vibes and ratlins, you can watch the video: https://youtu.be/wjF774CeHIM Fishing for zander in winter is quite an exciting process. It is at this time of the year that trophy specimens of predatory fish are most often caught. Going fishing, it is important not only to choose the right rattlin, but also to get acquainted with the technique of catching zander.

Поделиться ссылкой: