Zander

Zander are quite widespread in Spain, but tend to be more common in the central and eastern provinces. They can reach 12 kilos (26.45 pounds). They can be caught all over Communidad Valenciana, Castilla la Mancha, Aragon and Catalonia.

Most anglers target Zander using artificials or deadbaits. Traditional spoons and plugs work very well, with emphasis on patterns such as spoons, mepps style spinners and other vibrating lures. Plastic worms and American style spinnerbaits will also produce fish.  Fish these to a short wire trace and 5 kilo (11lbs) line. American bait rods can be quite good fun if fishing from a boat or to near shore features. If fishing at distance then a longer, more powerful rod will be required to set the hooks at distance.

If using deadbaits then stick to freshwater fish. Small trout or pumpkinseed work quite well, with eel section a good backup bait. Bleak is another excellent bait – especially in the many waters with huge populations of these little fish. Puncture the bait to release  juices into the water to attract fish. Fish these free line or with as little lead a possible. Zander hate resistance and will drop a bait if they feel any resistance. Float fishing will also produce fish, but again fish with a small a float as possible, preferably a pencil style float, to reduce resistance. Always fish with a large single hook or one small treble.

Zander prefer to hunt in low light conditions, so dawn and dusk are best. Try to avoid bright, sunny days – although this can be a bit tricky in Spain! Also, if you catch one fish you will probably catch a few more, since zander then to hunt in packs. Fish of the same size  tend to make up the same pack.

If you are after some good zander fishing the try some of the embalses in Valencia. This province has a very good number of waters with zander present, and a specimen is always on the cards. Otherwise fish the mighty river Ebro for a real monster!