Lure fishing for ballan wrasse in winter can be productive but it does require altering your tactics due to their behaviour and environmental conditions.
Ballan wrasse slow their metabolism in cold water and reduce their feeding activity, but they do remain catchable with the correct approach.
Wrasse are less aggressive and more sluggish in winter, but very opportunistic. As the fish aren’t chasing prey as much in the cold weather, work your lures really slowly with small flicks, followed by a pause of up-to 10 seconds, leaving them in the strike zone a lot longer than you would in the summer.
My number one lure throughout the winter months is a senko. In clear water, opt for dark, natural colours such as black, brown and green. If you encounter murky water, go with shades such as chartreuse, orange or red.
Expect far fewer bites in the winter than you would during the warmer months, but generally the fish you catch will be of a far larger size. All my 6lb plus captures have come between the beginning of December and the end of February, all on senkos.
Add comment
Comments