As the number of anglers increases, more and more new fishing methods are being developed, including loach fishing. So what are some methods for using loach as bait to catch mandarin fish? Let's find out.
What are some methods for baiting loaches to catch mandarin fish?
As a small freshwater fish, the loach has a slender body, is relatively small in size, and has a high protein content. It is also not very fast at escaping or alert, so some predatory fish can easily catch it. At the same time, the high protein content of the loach can provide more energy for the predatory fish. Therefore, the loach has become one of the main targets of carnivorous fish such as mandarin fish, redtail catfish, snakehead fish , and catfish.
When using loaches as bait to attract mandarin fish (such as those feeding on mandarin fish), certain methods are employed to confine the loaches to a specific area and depth. The loaches' movement in the water attracts carnivorous fish like mandarin fish to feed. The specific methods are as follows:
1. Choosing a fishing spot
Choose a deeper embankment or, on a sunny day, set up your fishing spot in the shallows. Fish will come to you faster. While it takes longer to attract fish to a embankment, there will be more fish in the area. You can choose the specific fishing spot according to the situation.
2. Buwo
If you're setting up your fishing spot for the first time, it's best to prepare over 30 jin (15 kg) of loaches. If you're using an existing spot, 10-15 jin (5-7.5 catties) is sufficient for a day's fishing. Once you've chosen your spot, when setting up your initial baiting area, pour in 10 jin (5 kg) of bait directly. Then, replenish the bait in the mornings and evenings, pouring in 3-5 jin (1-2.5 catties) each time. Be sure to replenish the bait frequently while fishing.
3. Hang bait
Generally speaking, the dorsal fin is the best spot for fishing for loaches, as it's easy to snag the bait and the loach won't easily shake off.
4. Judging by bite
First, observe the rod tip. Judge by the frequency and force of the rod tip's movement. If it's a mandarin fish, the rod tip will dip directly downwards. Second, observe the fishing line. Although loaches will pull the fishing line, fish pull with greater force. If you notice abnormal line movement, be sure to lift the rod immediately.
5. Precautions
The mandarin fish is sensitive to light, so when fishing at night, try not to shine lights directly on the water surface, as this can easily scare the fish.
