Zander (Stizostedion lucioperca) are a member of the perch family but with the predatory feeding behaviour of the pike. The zander is closely related to perch. Zander are often called pike-perch as they resemble the pike with their elongated body and head, and the perch with their spiny dorsal fin. Zander are not, as is commonly believed, a pike and perch hybrid. If you already target Pike, you probably already have the gear to target Zander.
Below is a break-down of things you’ll need to start targeting Zander on fly.
- Fly Rod weight: 9 Weight with a fast action to cope with casting the bigger flies
- Fly Reel: 9 weight large arbor with a good drag.
- Fly Lines: 9 weight with the weight forward in Float, Intermediate & sink
- Leader: 20 lbs up to 6-8 feet long
- Trace: Only use wire trace if Pike are present.
- Trace to fly: Various clips are used, make sure they are good for up to 30lbs. Fastach or Fast links are quick to swap flies. If clips aren’t your thing, use a good knot from the knots section.
- Fly: Similar patterns to Pike but on size 1-2/0 hooks
- Net: Rubber mesh type are best Unhooking
- Mat: A must if you are fishing on hard dry ground or concrete. Some fisheries/events have strict rules that you must have one with you. Best to check with them before you go.
- Forceps/Pliers: Yes, Zander have sharp teeth
- Unhooking glove: Not required
Tips for Zander
- Ideally use a sink fly line to get the fly down deep, most Zander are caught just off the bottom with the odd exception when they are higher up in the water.
- Flies tied with hooks snag resistant (hook tip upwards)
