Method

Deadbait rigs: how to get started

With a deadbait under a float or on a leger rig, you target pike and zander. You do not use live bait fish.

Good for

Plan a day of Bottom fishing

What you need

Float rod for zander: 2.70 to 3.60 m, 10 to 50 g casting weight
Stronger rod for pike, matched to the float and the size of the bait fish
Fixed-spool reel, size 2500 to 4000
Wire trace for pike, about 50 cm, with a size 6 or 8 treble hook
For zander where there are no pike in the water: mono trace 0.25 to 0.32 mm
Pike float or running lead, stops, beads and snap swivels
Dead bait fish, frozen individually, and a baiting needle
Landing net, disgorger or pliers, tape measure, priest and knife

Step by step

Before you go, sort out your German fishing licence (Fischereischein), your fishing permit and the rules for the water. You do not use live bait fish.
Float rig for pike: a stop on the main line, then a bead, the float, an olive lead, a rubber bead and a snap swivel.
Clip a wire trace of about 50 cm with a treble hook onto the swivel.
Leger rig for zander: running lead on a short side boom, a rubber bead to protect the knot, and behind it the trace with a treble hook.
Mount the bait fish so that it sits straight on the hook. For zander, go for rather small fish, about 5 to 12 cm depending on the season.
Set the float so the bait hangs just above the bottom, or cast out the leger rig and open the bail arm.
Stay right by your rod. When the fish takes line, close the bail arm and strike promptly so it does not swallow the bait deeply.
Any fish you keep, stun and kill straight away in a humane way. Unhook all the others quickly in the water.

Common mistakes

Fishing without a wire trace even though there are pike in the water: their teeth cut through normal line.
Lead too heavy for zander: they feel the resistance and let go of the bait.
Bait fish too big for zander: their mouth is relatively small.
Leaving your rods unattended: you miss the bite and the fish swallows the bait deeply.

Tips

Freeze bait fish individually, then you only take as many as you need.
On cold days, dead bait fish in a plastic bag stay fresh for a whole day's fishing.
Zander often hunt in groups: after a bite, cast straight back to the same spot.

Quick questions

Can I fish with live bait fish?

No, only use dead bait fish. In Germany, live bait fish are considered not permitted for animal welfare reasons and are expressly banned in many federal states. Dead fish, mounted well, reliably catch pike and zander.

Which trace do I need for pike and zander?

For pike, always a wire trace, about 50 cm long, because its teeth cut through normal line. For zander, monofilament is enough, but only where there are no pike. Otherwise use wire here too.

How big should the bait fish be for zander?

Fairly small. Depending on the season, about 5 to 12 cm suits: in late summer small fish of 5 to 7 cm, in autumn 10 to 12 cm too. Baits that are too big are often dropped.

Check the rules

Closed seasons and minimum sizes are set by each German state (and by each country abroad) and can be stricter on individual waters. We are building an overview with sources and check dates. Until then, check the local fishing regulations and the rules of the club or permit for your water.

Sources (5)

Last checked 2026-10-10. Found a mistake? Write to [email protected].

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