Place |
Name |
Characteristic in the rating |
1 | Kuusamo Tasapaino 50mm BR-S | Better realism |
2 | Nils Master Nisa | The best shallow water balancer |
3 | Lucky John Pro Series Mebaru | The most effective bait for big pike |
4 | Scorana ICE FOX 55mm | Bait provocateur |
5 | AQUA TRAPPER 7 | Affordable price. The most far-reaching balancer |
1 | Lucky John Pliant | The best search balancer |
2 | Karismax Koko 1 | The sharpest hooks |
3 | Nils Master Jigger | A lure that has stood the test of time |
4 | Rapala Flat Jig RFJ06-HFGFR | The best bait for areas with strong currents |
5 | USAMI DANSA Zander Special | The most effective game for zander |
1 | Rapala SNR | High quality. The most catchy balancer |
2 | Scorana Ice Crystal Mark2 | High detail bait |
3 | Kuusamo Tasapaino X-Pro | The best balancer for catching trophy perch |
4 | Frost Nova | Best price |
5 | Hijaro 50FT Sprut | Efficiency, time-tested |
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The best artificial bait for catching predatory fish in winter is a balancer. In skillful hands, it naturally imitates the behavior of small fish, therefore it causes appetite in zander, pike or perch. There is a huge selection of balancers on sale, which makes it easy for a novice angler to get confused. To narrow the range, you should look into your wallet and ask your friends what predatory fish you can catch in a particular reservoir.
- The largest range of balancers is presented in the trade for fishing perch. This small predator is common in all regions of the country, so it is easiest to catch it in winter. The main criterion for choosing a perch model will be a small size. The length of the bait ranges from 20-60 mm, and the mass range is 3-15 g.
- Pike also ubiquitous in the rivers and lakes of our country. Therefore, finding a suitable balancer will not be difficult. The largest baits can fit into the huge toothy mouth of this predator. But in winter it is better to stay on models of 50-80 mm, their weight can vary from 7 to 20 g.
- Zander is an inhabitant of large rivers and reservoirs. You have to look for it at great depths, so the baits should be quite heavy (from 10 to 30 g). Since the menu of an adult pike perch also includes large species of fish, for example, silver bream and white bream, the size of the balancer can be in the range of 50-100 mm.
- For any predator, it is necessary to select a balancer with a certain coloring. Here the approach should be the following. When the predator is active, it is better to offer him an exact copy of the fish that live in this reservoir. In the period of deaf winter, bright balancers of acid colors are able to unbalance passive fish.
Our rating includes the best balancers, which received positive feedback from domestic anglers.
The best balancers for pike
In winter, the toothy predator can feed both at great depths and on the shallows near the coast. Therefore, in the arsenal of the angler should be balancers of different sizes and weights.
5 AQUA TRAPPER 7
Country: Russia
Average price: 150 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.5
This balancer has practically no depth restrictions due to a decent weight of 14 grams.In conditions of vertical fishing in winter, this allows you to perfectly cope with the course of medium intensity, and in calm waters it can even demonstrate excellent game - from the point of rest to the return, the bait overcomes 57 cm, which will not leave indifferent even a sluggish pike, and will make fishing much more exciting.
The balancer reaches 72 mm in length and very successfully imitates a large fry with color and tail. It can be either completely transparent or have a ruby red hue. At the same time, the color solution is so successful that in most cases it is this component that is credited with the main role in the excellent catchability of the balancer. In addition, the loss of bait (hook for a snag or other object at the bottom) is not as sensitive as the loss of expensive imported tackle, and is not capable of spoiling the mood while fishing.
4 Scorana ICE FOX 55mm
Country: USA
Average price: 250 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
Scorana Ice Fox is perfect for winter fishing and can be used on any waters, regardless of the depth and nature of the current. The peculiarity of this balancer is its provocative vibration, which manifests itself even in stagnant water and shallows. Even a well-fed fish will not leave her unattended. Pike, as well as large perch, respond especially well to it.
The bait has a length of 55 mm. It has single hooks along the edges, and a tee at the bottom in the center. The plastic tail creates additional vibrations during the wiring. External realism is expressed in relief imitation of scales, which allows you to reduce the vigilance of the most cautious fish, and awaken the hunting interest of a passive predator.
3 Lucky John Pro Series Mebaru
Country: Latvia (made in China)
Average price: 535 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
To catch a trophy pike from under the ice, you should stock up on balancers from the Lucky John Pro Series Mebaru series. A distinctive feature of the lure is the manufacturer's use of a lead alloy to make the body. The tail part is made of frost-resistant plastic. The bait is able to make sharp turns during wiring, which does not go unnoticed by the pike. The dorsal fin has three holes that allow the angler to experiment with the game. The bite of a large predator will not go unpunished, because the bait is equipped with the sharpest Owner hooks. Optimum for the targeted production of trophy pike would be the use of balancers 67 mm long and weighing 18 g.
Ice fishing enthusiasts in winter rave about the aggressive appearance of the balancer, sharp and durable hooks, and the ability to change the game. Models with colors 302 and 304 show good results. The main problem for many anglers is the hookiness of the lure.
2 Nils Master Nisa
Country: Finland
Average price: 1055 rub.
Rating (2022): 5.0
When pike is hunting for prey in coastal shallow waters, the best bait is the Finnish balancer Nils Master Nisa. It differs from other brethren in a teardrop-shaped body, resembling a plump fry to a predator. Of particular note is the game of this lure. The wiring can be described as sweeping and smooth. The manufacturer managed to achieve such a game thanks to the lateral fins, which play the role of a stabilizer. The wide tail is responsible for the amplitude of oscillations. The presence of a bright bead on the abdominal threesome becomes a kind of point of sight.Therefore, the number of idle bites is reduced to zero.
Domestic anglers in the reviews mention such advantages of the balancers of the Nils Master Nisa series as a unique game, sharp hooks, resistance of the paintwork to pike teeth. The only drawback of the bait for some fishermen is the high price.
1 Kuusamo Tasapaino 50mm BR-S
Country: Finland
Average price: 490 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
The first place in our rating is given to the balancer of the Finnish company Kuusamo. The bait is successfully used not only in winter, but also when fishing in open water. The model weighs only 7 grams, and the appearance is very realistic. Due to the low weight, a good game of the bait is achieved (relevant in case of a weak current). Being in the water, it completely imitates the behavior of the fry due to the location of the hook in the middle of the balancer - in the front there is an additional hook designed for predatory fish (as a rule, they are used when hunting for pike, but zander can also be taken).
Owners who opt for the Tasapaino BR-S often use them to fish in tight spots, backwaters and shallow water. The tail fin of the bait is made of plastic and creates additional vibrations in the water that attract the attention of large fish. At the same time, it is quite securely attached to the body of the balancer and is equipped with another single hook. A tee is located in the underbelly, which is able to easily pierce the mouth of a pike and securely cling to it.
The best balancers for zander
For purposeful catching of a fanged predator, large baits with an active game are required.Since zander loves to stand on large differences in depth, the balancer should behave well both in the shallows and at depth.
5 USAMI DANSA Zander Special
Country: China
Average price: 530 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.4
An excellent balancer for sheer fishing in winter is distinguished by a special game (makes a smooth "eight"), which manifests itself at any depth, both in still water and in places with a moderate current. If a flock of pike perch approached the place of fishing, then the fisherman will definitely not be left without a catch, the main thing is to use the Zander Special tackle. A good resemblance to a small fish and repetitive movements can provoke the laziest predator.
The tackle is reliable, although it is made of frost-resistant plastic. The lack of mobility of the tail section (the balancer is completely monolithic) does not affect the trajectory of the bait and allows it to work stably at the selected fishing horizon (as a rule, this predator stays closer to the bottom of the reservoir). If the purpose of fishing is a large pike perch, then it is better to change the hook with an “eye” to a regular tee, because quite often young animals in a flock of predators aim at this particular part of the equipment.
4 Rapala Flat Jig RFJ06-HFGFR
Country: Finland
Average price: 630 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.6
This balancer at the famous Rapala brand appeared relatively recently - the release of the model was launched in 2016. Modern computer modeling methods used in the process of bait development have provided the expected result - the already existing fishing experience of numerous users allows us to talk about Flat Jig as the most effective bait for zander.She has proven herself at great depths and in reservoirs with strong currents. The presence of an ultraviolet-reflecting coating improves the visibility of the balancer, which largely determines the success of fishing in deep-water areas.
Due to the flattened body of the bait and a decent weight (this model has 34 g, but there are others that are lighter), it perfectly resists the current. The game of the balancer (horizontal planning) can be significantly diversified by changing the method of wiring. As a result, many owners talk about successful fishing, and not only in winter. The Flat Jig has also proven to be highly effective in open water conditions.
3 Nils Master Jigger
Country: Finland
Average price: 920 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
This balancer model was created in 1965 and has a phenomenal performance, as it is still in demand. Going for zander in winter with Nils Master Jigger will most likely lead to interesting fishing and catch. A layer of protective plastic repeats a metal blank. Thanks to this, there is no need to worry about the strength of single hooks located in front and behind the fish.
The tee is traditionally in the underbelly, without any “drops” - the bait is designed for good, large prey, and the interest of smaller fish is useless. The game, with the right wiring, can awaken the excitement of hunting even in a half-asleep predator, the main thing is to find a place for the fish to stay, and Master Jigger will surely provide a bite.
2 Karismax Koko 1
Country: Finland
Average price: 870 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.9
This balancer for sheer fishing in winter is kept separate from other lures by a knowledgeable fisherman.Professional anglers-athletes speak very brightly about the ability of "Koko 1" to attract large predators, in particular, pike perch (in shallow water, pike may also be interested). The bottom of the bait has a triple hook (has a drop-eye and is attached to the original and very convenient clasp). Chemical sharpening makes the stings so sharp that the zander will not even have the slightest chance to break loose if contact with the tackle occurs.
The special game of the heavy balancer is effective over a wide range of depths, and the strong mobile tail often becomes a control “trigger” forcing the river predator to attack. A huge range of sizes, weights and colors (seasonality and weather conditions are taken into account - only 27 varieties), as well as high quality workmanship, cannot but rejoice, because thanks to the correct selection, the catch during fishing is guaranteed.
1 Lucky John Pliant
Country: Latvia
Average price: 330 rub.
Rating (2022): 5.0
Balancers of the well-known Latvian company Lucky John are distinguished by their excellent workmanship. Winter baits from the Pliant series allow you to successfully search for pike perch in large water bodies. The manufacturer applied a classic natural design, imitation of scales and voluminous eyes. There are several sizes, the 12-gram version 50 mm long works best for pike perch. The peculiarity of the Pliant series is that the balancer seduces both an active predator in the first ice and a passive fish in the dead of winter. Feeding pike perch require long and sharp strokes, while a standing predator can be stirred up with smooth short movements.
Most of the reviews are positive.Such advantages of the series as a realistic view, the ability to change the game depending on the conditions of the reservoir are noted. Of the minuses, you can point to the twisting of the fishing line after several postings.
The best balancers for perch
It is most convenient to get a greedy schooling perch with the help of balancers. It is enough to pick up a few small lures to always be with a good catch.
5 Hijaro 50FT Sprut
Country: Taiwan
Average price: 250 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
The use of this balancer in winter fishing guarantees more than one successful bite - if there were fish in the pond. Many fishermen were able to verify this - Hijaro 50 FT Sprut has been on the market for a long time, and has already become a classic. The stable demand for this tackle only confirms its excellent catchability. The secret of efficiency lies in a somewhat flattened shape and narrowing in the tail section.
In addition, the high realism of the model (the smallest details of scales, eyes, the translucency of the tail) will awaken the hunter's instinct even in a passive predator. Designed for perch, the bait can easily become an involuntary "prey" of a larger fish - pike. Proper hauling (short sharp strokes alternating with a pause) will reveal the animation potential of the balancer and guarantee a catch, including in areas with a moderate current.
4 Frost Nova
Country: Russia
Average price: 65 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
A distinctive feature of the Russian Frost Nova balancers is an affordable price. Any fan of ice fishing can afford to have several perch models. Often baits from this range are used as search engines. If there is a dead hook in the snags, then it will not be a pity to lose the balancer.But the low price is perfectly combined with decent quality. The line has many sizes and colors. An average perch responds well to a balancer with a length of 43 mm and a mass of 4 g in the colors of a sailor. To ensure the safety of the catchy model during transportation, the manufacturer packed the artificial fish in a blister.
Domestic fishermen managed to appreciate the advantages of Frost Nova balancers. Many have managed to increase their catchability with a bead that is mounted on the abdominal threesome. Among the shortcomings, it is worth highlighting the small size of the tee and the weak fixation of the tail unit.
3 Kuusamo Tasapaino X-Pro
Country: Finland
Average price: 680 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.8
The Kuusamo Tasapaino X-Pro model is considered a classic balancer for large perch. To withstand the bite of a serious predator, the manufacturer paid special attention to the reliability of the design. So the plastic plumage is poured into the body of the bait, which made it possible to increase strength several times. To give additional dynamics and responsiveness of the lure when playing, a new body geometry has been developed. When creating the case, a lead alloy was used. The result is a balancer with a unique game. It works great both at shallow depths and in snags. The Tasapaino X-Pro range offers a wide range of sizes and colors. It is better to catch humpbackback with a 50 mm bait.
The advantages of the Finnish Kuusamo Tasapaino X-Pro balancer are attributed by domestic anglers to impeccable play, durability of the coating, and high build quality. But the bait often interests the pike, which leads to the loss of the balancer. And the second obvious disadvantage is the high price.
2 Scorana Ice Crystal Mark2
Country: USA
Average price: 290 rub.
Rating (2022): 4.7
Small balancers weighing up to 8 grams and no more than 4-4.5 cm long are an excellent bait for ice fishing. She demonstrates excellent play at depths from 1 to 5 meters and does not leave the perch even the slightest opportunity to ignore. Surprisingly, even pike can catch the attention of Ice Crystal Mark2 in the shallows. It's all about the calculated combination of movements and high realism of the bait - it really looks like a living fish.
A plastic translucent tail, small scales with overflow, shiny eyes can deceive the most cautious fish. In addition, the product is made at a high level and has a protective layer - even a large perch is not able to damage it. The bait uses a simple tee to allow the predator to focus on the main target. The overall combination of the characteristics of the balancer and the correct wiring guarantee a high catchability of this lure. Many lovers of fishing in the winter have repeatedly seen this from their own experience.
1 Rapala SNR
Country: Finland
Average price: 420 rub.
Rating (2022): 5.0
The balancer for vertical fishing SNR from the well-known company Rapala (a Finnish manufacturer occupies a serious niche in the fishing market) is specially designed for perch. The weight of the bait (4-24 g) and its length (4-8 cm) are presented in a wide range, which allows you to choose the perfect option, depending on the fishing conditions. The balancer for winter is traditionally equipped with a tee at the bottom and two single hooks at the edges. At the same time, the triple hook does not have a "eye" and does not distract the interest of the perch from the main bait.
The coloring is excellent realism and the best workmanship.The coating easily withstands the jaws of a perch and will last for quite a long time without any damage. Owners who have chosen Rapala SNR say they don't remember fishing when they had to return home empty-handed, even though it's not easy to catch big fish in winter. In addition, not only perch, but also pike perch may well react to the bait - the game of tackle manifests itself at the slightest hesitation. This balancer is certainly worthy of attention, and certainly worth the money.