Whitefish Angling

Beginner whitefish anglers should observe what's happening around them, head to spots where other anglers are visible, and ask for practical tips. Unfortunately, not everyone always has the opportunity for practical instruction, so we aim to lower the threshold for trying whitefish angling for those who haven't yet tried it for one reason or another.

Indeed, it's a genuinely interesting and relaxing hobby suitable for both family juniors and seniors. What could be a more pleasant way to spend a spring day than to sit by the water on a sunny day, admire the arrival of spring, possibly sensing the scent of the year's first grilled sausage sizzling from the nearby grill – until all this silence is broken by the whitefish bell, mercilessly ringing as a sign of the first catch. Best of all, these wonderfully tasty food fish may accumulate more generously from the same spots throughout the day to fill the catch bag, though moderation is always advisable.

Where?

Whitefish angling is considerably more common in the sea than in inland waters. Indeed, it's possible to catch whitefish in freshwater, but if no certain spot is known, achieving results may require more persistent effort.

Fishing at sea should be concentrated in areas with a lot of fine sand or small pebbles because these are the regions where ragworms, which the whitefish follow to these shallow sandy shoals, slither around.

Before setting out, you can plan your location based on memories of possible sandy beaches or simply by taking out a map and exploring potential options. All current and strait locations are always considerable options.

Generally speaking, whitefish are fished in areas with water depths of about 1-4 meters, and if deeper water is nearby, you're on the right track. Fishing most commonly occurs from the shore, but if a boat is available, it allows for a slightly expanded territory and avoids the most crowded shores, which can often make filling the catch bag a bit easier.

Equipment

Does the dusty old casting combo in the corner of the basement work for whitefish angling? Yes, as long as your rod has enough power to preferably cast a weight of at least about 15 grams. Initially, you don't need particularly special equipment compared to many other types of fishing.

Rods starting from a couple of meters in length are preferable for easier line management, especially when fishing from the shore. Our selection includes a plethora of rods, including those specifically designed for whitefish angling, but a regular casting rod with a reasonably sensitive tip also works well, making it easy to detect the nibbles of whitefish sucking on worms.

The reel doesn't need any special features for whitefish angling either; nearly any reel that can cast will do. The most used reel type is the spinning reel, but a closed-face reel or even a baitcasting reel suitable for casting fishing will also serve the purpose. More avid anglers use reels with a baitrunner or drag system for fishing, but standard reels suffice for whitefish angling.

The line in this sport is seldom subjected to heavy strain, except of course for hooks/weights caught in rocks. Therefore, a main line of about 0.25 - 0.30 mm monofilament is suitable for the reel.

Rig for Whitefish Angling

Rig construction in a nutshell: Weight 20-50 g – Swivel – Monofilament Leader – Single Hook size: 6-12

For rigging, you don't need much more than a piece of line, hooks, swivels, weights, and of course baits. Generally, any type of sliding weights are suitable, meaning any auxiliary weights (bombettes, lead weights, etc.) that allow the line to slide freely through without sharp edges that might cut the line. The weights used in whitefish angling vary between 15 to 40 grams, depending on the water flow and the equipment used.

For the line, choose a piece of about 70 - 100 cm of thinner monofilament, approximately 0.15 – 0.20 mm, with a swivel tied to one end and a hook to the other. The leader used is slightly thinner than the main line partly because if the hook gets stuck on the bottom, it's often the leader that breaks, so you don't lose the whole setup, usually just the hook and a piece of line.

The swivel in whitefish angling does not require the properties typically needed to prevent line twisting; it serves only as a stop for the sliding weight as the line slides freely through it when the whitefish has accepted the bait.

A sharp single-barb hook, sizes 6-12, is commonly used, where the worm is threaded up to the middle, and the rest of the worm is left to wriggle freely. The overwhelmingly popular bait is the worm, but if worms are not available from the local store and your backyard compost doesn't yield any, the worm can be replaced with, for example, a shrimp.

Rigs for whitefish angling are available in complete sets that include everything except the bait. It is advisable to have several leaders prepared before setting out, as there may be some consumption during the day. Explore the equipment here.

Other equipment

Other recommended tools for whitefish angling include long-nosed pliers, because the whitefish often swallows the bait quite deeply, and it can be challenging to remove it even with pliers. While you can usually stick your rod into a crevice on the shore, using a rod holder that you can poke into the ground greatly facilitates placement of the rod.

So-called whitefish bells are also an excellent tool and make it easier to notice bites. A knife is an essential piece of equipment for every fisherman, and if luck has been on your side, you will certainly need it on this trip for bleeding and cleaning the fish. In the spring, the weather can also become quite pleasant, so if you plan to spend a longer time at the shore, bringing a cooler for post-catch fish processing is at least advisable.

Technique

Once you've set up your fishing gear and reached the shore, the most enjoyable part usually begins: the fishing itself. It starts simply by casting your whitefish rod into the water, reeling in any slack line, and opening the reel's bail. Next begins the waiting and watching for bites. When you hear the bells ring or notice a bite, let the fish take some line and properly eat the worm, then execute a gentle strike and reel the fish to shore. So, it's just a matter of setting up your equipment and going fishing, as the largest whitefish of the spring are often caught just after the ice melts. Always make sure to check the fishing permits and area restrictions before you start fishing.

Hopefully, with these teachings, you'll get a taste for whitefish angling. Tight lines!