Jigging (pirk) for Herring

Complete guide — gear, lures, season and tips.

Gear

Rod
Light pilker rod 2.1 m
Mainline
Mono 0.20 mm or braid 0.12 mm
Hook
#8 to #4 on a herring paternoster

Lures / bait

  • Herring paternoster rig (5–10 hooks with fly/feather)
  • Small pilker 30–80 g
Season
Spring and autumn (spawning runs)
Time of day
All day
Pro tip

Classic Baltic herring fishing from a pier or boat. Shoals at 5–20 m. Use silver blades or brightly colored paternoster rigs.