Lure fishing for asp is one of the most fun and addictive forms of fishing there is. Sporty and very powerful, the asp is a fabulous playmate for lure anglers. However, they are very unstable and moody, which is why you need a specific choice of asp lure, adapted to the conditions and mood of this fish. To target this fantastic predator, here is a selection of 3 essential lures for asp fishing.
The asp (Aspius aspius) is a predatory fish in the Cyprinidae family. It lives in European rivers and lakes. Virtually elusive in our lakes with lures, it unleashes passions in some of our rivers, notably the Loire and the Rhine. Here are the 3 aspe lure families which we think you should have in your tackle box, as well as a few references for the lures we use to fish for asp.
The stickbait: The aspe lure par excellence
The stickbait is an asp lure that we particularly like in summer when they're on the hunt. It can be used to trigger huge surface attacks. It's a very visual and adrenalin-filled type of fishing. Stickbaits can be used for very long throws and to attack from a distance These fish can be very wary. We generally select large noisy stickbaits for asp to make them react and help them target the lure better.
Stickbait fishing for asp is best done in low light conditions. Mornings and dusk are perfect times to try this fishing technique. As far as colours are concerned, we prefer white, which stands out well in low light conditions. However, don't hesitate to change the colour and tone of your stickbait. A small detail can make a big difference on this fish.
Here is a selection of 3 stickbaits for aspe :
- Tiemco Red Pepper
- Lucky Craft Sammy 100
- Xorus Asturia 110
Jerkbait: the asp lure for prospecting under the surface
We believe the jerkbait is the ideal asp lure if you fast prospecting for asp over a wide fishing area. This lure is formidable when the asps are posted in the water veins and decide not to surface. Go for big trout jerkbaits that will cope perfectly with the current and sustained retrieve speeds. The animation you impart to the jerkbait will provoke reflex attacks on fish posted not far from the lure. They'll stop the lure dead in its tracks and you can be sure of a thrilling fight.
Here is a selection of 3 jerkbaits for aspe :
- Duo Ryuki 80S
- Jackson Artist 80
- Zip Baits Orbit 90 Sp
Casting jig: the aspe lure that can save your day
For us, the casting jig is an essential part of asp lure fishing.. It allows reach record distances while offering a quiet actionPerfect for finding the most sulky asps. It holds the current perfectly and allows you to explore different layers of water depending on your animation and the weight of the lure. The casting jig for asp is a lure that can really save you from a fruitless day.
The weight will depend on the medium caught and the strength of the current. In general, we opt for weights ranging from 14 g to 30 g and colors with silvery blue, yellow or pink reflections.
As for the animation, nothing could be simpler! We advise you to bring back very quickly in a linear fashion. When the fish bite less, you can try to fish by printing small prints on it.
Here is a selection of 3 jig castings for aspe :
- Jabbers Moxie
- Duo Drag Metal Cast slim
- Halco twisty
The choice of colors
For all asp lures, we usually fish with :
- From White in low light
- From natural colors (Ayu, Ghos Minnow, ...) for discretion and for any occasion
- Some colors fluo to attack if nothing works
The choice of fishing areas
Generally speaking, we tend to fish in areas where the current is flowing. Asp love this type of environment and this is where you will get the most spectacular attacks. Don't hesitate to target spots where the current is very strong. You'll be amazed at this fish's ability to latch on.
Once the current zone is targeted, focus in particular on the more or less marked spots creating veins of water surrounded by calm or counter-currents. Asps are used to stationing themselves at the border to hunt fish carried away by the current. Piers of bridges, dams, rocky areas are perfect places to fix asps.
Useful links for lure fishing for asp :
Fishing knot: 5 essential fishing knots to master
