Vertical jig for Zander
Complete guide — gear, lures, season and tips.
Gear
- Rod
- Jigging rod 2.1–2.4 m, casting weight 10–35 g, fast action with a sensitive tip
- Reel
- Spinning reel 2500–3000 with a precise drag
- Mainline
- Braid 0.12–0.16 mm (10–20 lb)
- Leader
- Fluorocarbon 0.30–0.40 mm, 80–120 cm
- Hook
- Offset hook 2/0–5/0 depending on lure size
- Weight
- Jig head 7–28 g
Westin W3 Powerlure
Daiwa Tatula Elite Jigging
Abu Garcia Veritas Jigg
St. Croix Legend Tournament Walleye
Shimano Zodias
Shimano Stradic FL 3000
Daiwa Certate LT 2500
Shimano Vanford 2500
Lures / bait
- Soft-plastic shads 10–15 cm in natural colors (Westin Shad Teez, Berkley PowerBait Pulse Shad, Keitech Easy Shiner, Savage Gear Cannibal)
- Slim paddle tails / pintails (Lunker City Slug-Go, Bait Breath U30)
- Dark colors at night, bright/silver in daytime on cloudy water
Season
May–October. Best night fishing June–August.
Time of day
Dusk, night and dawn; overcast/murky water fishes well by day too.
Pro tip
Zander have light-sensitive eyes — work drop-offs and edges 3–8 m deep around dusk. Use a sensitive rod tip: the take is often just a light 'tick'. Slow drags along bottom. Trolling with planer boards works well on big lakes.