Try this rig to catch your first zander!

Zander are becoming increasingly common in many of our larger rivers, but also grow to good sizes in canals and various stillwaters, especially large reservoirs like Grafham and Rutland.

They can be targeted using rods and reels designed for barbel fishing, and it’s only the bait and end tackle that need to be tweaked.

They are sensitive feeders, and bites are often indicated by a sharp knock on the rod-tip, which needs to be struck immediately. This can be frustrating, but by using small coarse baits, with a small treble hook and a single bait-holder hook, missed bites can be minimised.

FIND THE BEST VENUES TO CATCH ZANDER NEAR YOU IN THIS WHERE TO FISH GUIDE.

This rig is designed to be free-running and tangle-free, and it’s best to hook the bait ‘head up’, with the single hook through both jaws of the fish.

Do not be tempted to fish with light gear in case you encounter pike – braided mainlines of 30lb or so are recommended to land fish quickly and also to give a good chance of retrieving snagged rigs.

If you haven’t fished for zander before, give this simple rig a try as this is an intriguing species to catch!

ZANDER ARE ALSO A GREAT SPECIES TO TARGET ON LURES, HERE ARE SOME OF THE BEST TO USE.

THE TACKLE YOU NEED

HOW TO TIE IT

1 - Start by threading an extra-large run ring onto your 30lb braided mainline.

2 - Next, thread a leger boom onto the mainline, beaded end first.

3 - Double-over the last 30cm of the mainline and pass the end of the loop twice through the eye of a cross lock swivel.

4 - Now tie a four-turn grinner know with the section of doubled-over braid.

5 - Carefully moisten and tighten down the grinner knot before trimming off the cage ends.

6 - Attach a leger weight to the run ring and pull the rubber tubing on the leger boom over the swivel to semi-fix it in place.

7 - Use a combi trace that incorporates a small treble hook and a larger single bait-holding hook.

8 - Finally, all that’s left to do is clip the combi trace onto the cross lock swivel, and you’re ready to go!

TOP TIPS

1 - With small coarse baits, there’s no need to use a set of trebles. Try a trace with a small treble hook and a larger single bait-holding hook.

2 - Use a run ring with a large bore, as zander will drop a bait if they feel any resistance.

3 - Strike at even the slightest of indications, zander can be delicate feeders and will quickly leave any bait they aren't sure of.

4 - Be sure to have a good pair of forceps to hand to unhook any fish, along with a decent sized landing net and unhooking mat.

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