Pike-perch fishing: selecting the right bait and using it wisely

Bait fishing for pike-perch © Laurent Duclos

Pagre fishing is an exciting pursuit that requires patience, technique and the right choice of bait. This rock fish often lives at depth on rocky or seagrassy bottoms. To succeed in catching it, it is essential to choose your bait carefully, as the pike-perch is a demanding predator, attracted by natural prey with a pronounced taste.

Pagre is a marine fish of the Sparidae family, highly prized for its delicate flesh and combativeness when fishing. It is generally identified by its high, laterally compressed body, with a large head and sloping profile. It has a powerful jaw with sharp incisor teeth at the front, ideal for crushing the crustaceans and molluscs it feeds on.

Choosing the right bait to target pikeperch

The most effective baits for pike-perch fishing are usually tough, fleshy morsels that can hold their depth despite currents. Among them, strips and tentacles of cephalopods such as squid, cuttlefish or octopus occupy a place of choice. The texture and smell of these baits make them highly attractive, stimulating the paddlefish's appetite. Fresh squid, cut into tataki, is particularly recommended as it holds well on the hook while giving off a powerful scent.

Les gambas sont de bons appâts pour cibler le pagre.
Prawns make good bait for targeting pike-perch.

Prawns, whether whole or in sections held together by a rubber band, are also top-notch baits when looking for pagre. Their firm flesh easily attracts pike, especially when well presented on the rig. Likewise, big bibis, those imposing and resistant worms, are very popular. Finally, robust marine worms, such as Rag, are on the list of suitable baits, especially in areas where pager feed naturally on worms.

In action

It's important to adapt bait size and presentation to fishing conditions. On some spots, a big lump will hold better and seduce the fish more, while on others, a more subtle and natural bait will make the difference. Tenya fishing, for example, uses heavy, well-set baits that probe rocky bottoms effectively.

Prospecter correctement les fonds pour réussir.
Successful fundraising.

Finally, it should be noted that pike-perch are sensitive to the quality of the bait. A fresh, well-prepared bait will produce a better catch. In short, combining good baits with the right technique and a well-chosen spot will maximize your chances of success when fishing for pike-perch.

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