Zander in summer?!

[bamboo440]

Hi,

Is it acceptable to Zander fish in the summer? I mean from both a moral and success point of view. I pike fish a lot but would only fish in Autumn/Winter with baits, both due to Pike being fragile owing to low oxygen levels in summer etc and also because it just doesn't feel right. Are Zander similarly affected? If not is it worth fishing the fens for them at this time of year? Do tactics differ from the colder months?

Any advice/tips greatly appreciated,

Bamboo

[Jords]

Im going for predators tomorrow mate! Ive actually never caught a zander and people say that there is no point predator fishing in the summer. To be honest mate predators are like any fish they will feed at any time of the year if you drop a bait right on their nose! my two biggest pike where caught this year at the start of the summer! Im not saying they dont feed better in the winter cause they do but they still feed in the summer! Most people i know have caught their zander on lobworm or small roach! Zander are VERY finicky and any tension wha so ever on the line they will drop it! They have very boney mouths aswell so keep the tension on at all times even when landing ive lost 2 literally a foot away from the net!

[headless]

Hi

I used to fish for Zander only during the warmer months as I was told that was the only time to catch them, however since meeting and chatting to numerous Zander anglers over the last three or four years and having a Zander of 6lb keel over after un-hooking it, I will not fish for them while the conditions are hot. Like you say bamboo440, Zander suffer when the oxygen levels are low.

From past experinces, I believe that Pike are far hardier than Zander

During the warmer months there is plenty of small fish about for the Zander to feed on, which will reduce the chances of takes.

If there has been plenty of rain along with windy conditions, catching Zander this time of the year is not a problem as long as they are returned quickly.

I would shorten the trace lengths to 18" max and hit the runs straight away; Zander swallow the baits very quickly during the warmer weather.

I was at Roswell Pits yesterday, chatting to a mate, the water had colour
And I have to admit I was getting the urge have ago at the Zander. If the wind and rain carry on I may have a night out next week.

Darrell

[Droppenfish]

I have caught 100's of Zander and Pike in the summer and I've never had one that didn't go back strongly and healthily. To be fair I only fish with lures, but even if you are deadbaiting as long as you strike quickly to avoid deep hooking there should be no problem.

The summer predator problem is a total myth in my opinion