How to choose a lure for asp

Asp are fast, wary predators that live in Lithuania's larger rivers and lagoons. They often hunt small baitfish right at the surface, so asp fishing is dynamic: you need to cast far, retrieve fast and keep looking for fish. Here you will find which lure to choose and how to fish it.

When and where to fish for asp

Asp are most active in the warm season, usually in the morning and evening. Look for them in the current, near shallows and riffles, and where fast water meets calmer water. A hunting asp often gives itself away with sudden splashes at the surface as it attacks a shoal of small fish.

Before fishing, check the current closed seasons and the minimum size limit for asp.

What size of lure to choose

Slim 5–12 cm lures that look like small baitfish are used most often. The lure needs to be heavy enough to cast far: usually 10–25 g. For big asp in large rivers, longer lures of up to 14 cm also work.

Lure types for asp

• Metal jigs cast the furthest and work well on a fast retrieve: d3 JIG 18 g.
• Vibration lures suit times when asp hold deeper or the current is strong: deps Circuit VIB.
• Slim minnows imitate a fleeing baitfish; a sinking model casts far and holds in the current: Blue Blue Blooowin! 140S.
• Topwater lures in summer, when asp hunt at the surface: SMITH CATAPY Clicker 2.
• Floating swimbaits in river current, letting the current carry the lure downstream: DUO Realis Dead Drift 100.

How to retrieve the lure

Asp chase fleeing baitfish, so they often just follow a slowly retrieved lure. Cast beyond the spot where you see splashes and retrieve the lure fast and steadily through it. In a river, cast across or at an angle downstream so the current helps the lure work. If asp are not biting, change the speed or depth of the retrieve, and after a few casts without a bite move on to find fish elsewhere.

What tackle you need

For asp, a 2.4–2.7 m spinning rod rated for about 10–35 g and 0.10–0.14 mm braided line work well: a longer rod and thin line let you cast far. Tie a 0.26–0.33 mm fluorocarbon leader to the braid, for example VARIVAS Shock Leader Fluorocarbon.

Asp strike suddenly and hard, and on a fast retrieve they often come unhooked. So use sharp hooks, for example Owner ST-36BC, and a reliable snap, for example DECOY SN-1 Round Snap #1–#2.

Common mistakes

• Retrieving too slowly. Asp mostly strike a fast-moving lure.
• Line that is too thick. Thick line shortens your cast, and asp often hold far from the bank.
• Fishing one spot. Asp move as they hunt, so it pays to move with them.

You will find all the lures for asp in the section Lures for asp.