VANFOOK Leather Leech

The VANFOOK Leather Leech is a jig from the Japanese maker VANFOOK, designed for trout in Japanese fishing ponds (area trout), which see a lot of lures and become wary. Instead of feather it uses a thin strip of leather, with rubber legs tied in alongside it.

On a slow, steady retrieve the leather trembles with small, quiet movements, and the rubber legs move with it to tempt the fish naturally. It is a completely different presentation from the usual spoons or minnows, which makes it especially useful where fish have already seen many lures, for example in paid trout ponds.

When you feel an unusual resistance, do not strike hard: turn the reel handle a little faster, and the hook will set securely in the fish's lip.

Key features (manufacturer data):

• Weight 1.2 g
• Leather strip with rubber legs
• 6 colours: LL-11BL White, LL-12BL Red, LL-13BL Pink, LL-14BL Black, LL-15BL Green, LL-16BL Brown

What it is for and what tackle to use

• Fish: trout (especially in paid ponds), perch, chub.
• Where to fish: ponds, calm stretches of rivers and backwaters.
• Rod: an ultralight spinning rod rated for about 0.5–5 g.
• Line: 0.05–0.08 mm braided line with a 0.12–0.16 mm fluorocarbon leader, or 0.12–0.16 mm monofilament.
• Retrieve: a very slow, steady retrieve; also let the lure sink and lift it slowly.

The rod and line recommendations are a guide: they help you choose, but you can also fish with similar tackle you already own.