I need Zander help!

[bluerinse]

Were and when did you catch the Zander?

 

Were you fishing for Zander or did you catch it by accident?

 

If you were fishing for Zander you need to use a wire trace.

Un- hooking Zander in my opinion is easier than Pike, Use long nose pliers (my preference) or forceps.

If you are fishing for Zander or pike than you should try and go with an experienced angler so that they can teach you, I am even sure depending on were you live a member of this forum would be happy to assist.

It is important that you have the right tackle when fishing for predators, you would need the correct line and terminal tackle as well as un- hooking mat and landing net of the right size.

I fish a lot for Zander and pike and would be happy to give you further information on a PM if you want.

[Dick Dastardly]

Really the problem here is the same age old one that people have with pike...........they have teeth!

[snobber]

In all fishing it is imperitive that you strike at the right time1 And for predators it is best to hit them straight away to minimise the chance of deep hooking!

 

I have some long disgorgers that I made especially for this. A John Robertson deep throat maybe helpfull for the larger fish!

[Dick Dastardly]

No wonder when predator anglers start giving advice on pike/zed handling that so many just roll their eyes and think "here come the "Pike Police" again"! A shame as good advice that is given in context is often ignored/never read.

 

The guy has allready said that this zed was caught whilst targetting other fish."instant striking",wire traces,long disgorgers (well treble hook intended ones that dont work anyway) etc etc are just not relevant here.

 

Dont get me wrong if the guy had been targetting zeds with predator gear and didnt know how to unhook one then I too would have given him a broadside! but this wasnt the case.

 

I should imagine that Dan (please correct me if Im wrong) was unsure/wary of holding his catch and therefore struggled to be able to get to the hook and remove it.Maybe simply directing the guy to a suitable site that would show how to hold a zed/pike correctly/safely would suffice along with the reassurance that the spikes are not poisonous or they will not try and intentionally bite you?

 

Then maybe if this accidental encounter fires his imagination to catch one intentionaly he might be a bit more receptive to advice on correct techniques/handling?

Edited May 15, 2008 by BUDGIE

[Colin Brett]

Unhooking Zander is usually pretty much the same as unhooking pike, but the bonus is that Zander tend not to flare up and struggle like pike can and do.

Zander are also rough skinned so much easier to get a grip of.

The PAC website gives a good description of unhooking pike so read and/or print that info and then apply it to Zander.

Link to unhooking pike

As Budgie says neither Zander or Pike will deliberately try to bite you.

Neither does the Zander have poisonous spines although they can be sharp so care is needed.

 

Colin