Twitchbaits are gaining popularity in sport fishing, especially when fishing for predatory fish such as pike. What makes these baits unique is the action they display in the water, which has to be given by the angler himself.
A twitchbait is a type of lure that often has a slim, elongated shape and is equipped with a relatively small diving lip. This lip ensures that the lure has a subtle, sideways action when reeled in. However, the real appeal of a twitchbait lies in its ability to operate it with jerking movements (twitching). This involves casting the bait out, letting it rest for a while, then giving a few quick taps with the rod tip as you reel it in. This nervous behaviour of the twitchbait makes it irresistible to pike, zander, and other predatory fish.
For effective twitchbait fishing, a lighter rod is recommended, ideally between 2.30 and 2.40 metres long, with a casting weight of around 10 to 30 grams. This length allows for far casts, which is especially useful in open water. Combine the rod with a spinning reel for optimal casting performance. For line, a thin, braided line is usually recommended due to its minimal stretch, which is essential for transmitting twitch movements and maintaining contact with the bait. In pike-rich waters, it is advisable to use a thin steel underline to avoid cutting through sharp pike teeth.
Twitchbaits are effective all year round, but during the colder months it is best to opt for sinking or suspending variants. In summer, shallow models also work fine. The key to success with twitchbaits lies in the pauses between twitch movements. Many bites take place just after the bait stops moving, making it an exciting and adrenaline-raising experience.
Twitchbaits are effective not only because of their unique action, but also because of their ability to explore different water layers with these lures. They can be fished just below the surface to depths of several metres, depending on the angler's execution and technique.
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