Successful fishing for asp with lures on the river Waal

Fishing for Asp on the Waal with lures: a more than exciting challenge

The Waal, one of the most important rivers in the Netherlands, is known for its strong current, numerous fish species and challenging fishing conditions. It is a popular destination for anglers, especially those looking for asp. This powerful predatory fish, also known as the "silver torpedo" because of its explosive speed and aggressive attack, offers a unique and exciting challenge for anglers. Fishing for asp with artificial bait on the Waal, however, requires specific knowledge and techniques to be successful.

What makes the Asp so special?
The asp (Aspius aspius) is a fish species that distinguishes itself by its speed and hunting method. It is a fish that mainly hunts on the surface of the water and surprises small fish with its fierce, lightning-fast attacks. Asp often occurs in flowing water and uses the power of the river to move and hunt. The Waal offers an ideal habitat for this fish species because of the constant current, abundance of prey fish and numerous obstacles that the asp can use to surprise its prey.

The Best Time for Asp Fishing
Asp can be caught all year round, but the best periods are spring and summer, when the water is warmer and the fish hunts more actively. Especially on warm days, when the surface of the water is full of life, there is a big chance that you will see asp hunting. Often the early morning hours or dusk are the best times of the day, because asp then hunts more actively for prey that is on the surface.

The Challenge of the Waal
Fishing on the Waal has its own challenges. The strong current and busy shipping traffic can sometimes make it difficult to locate the fish and fish effectively. Asp like fast-flowing water, so the current can also work to your advantage if you know how to deal with it. Look for places where the current breaks, such as at groynes, bridge piers or inlets. These are often the places where asp stay, waiting for prey that is brought in by the current.

Artificial Lures: The Key to Success
Lures play a crucial role in fishing for asp. Because this fish hunts quickly in the upper layers of the water, the bait must be fast and attractive. And don't forget that the lure should not be too big. For convenience, take a general length between 4 and 8 cm, because this represents the length of the prey fish. A number of commonly used types of lures for asp on the Waal are:

• Popper : A surface lure that splashes water when retrieved, attracting the attention of asp. It imitates a prey fish thrashing about in panic on the surface.
• Spintail : a small spinner that produces a lot of vibration and reflection which attracts the attention of hunting asp.
• Slim plugs : Often running shallow or just below the surface, these plugs are perfect for imitating small baitfish. Their fast action and bright colours attract asp.
• Propbaits : slim plug with propellers and possibly additional spinning blade(s) that can be fished subsurface. these baits are true attention grabbers!
• Spoons and metal jigs : Although spoons are often associated with pike or trout, they are also very effective for asp. Their shiny, reflective surface attracts the attention of asp from far away.
• Shads : Although shads are best known for their effectiveness when fishing on the bottom, light and fast shads can also attract asp, especially in clear waters.

The speed of retrieving the lure is important. Asp often respond to fast moving bait, so it is good practice to reel the bait in quickly. Variation in speed and movement can also help to entice the asp to attack.

Techniques and Tactics
A successful approach for asp on the Waal often requires a combination of technique, timing and the right bait. Below are some tips to increase your chances of success:

• Casting and Fast Retrieve : Because asp hunt fast-moving prey near the surface, you need to retrieve the lure quickly. This mimics the flight of a panicked prey fish.
• Spot the Hunting Grounds : Actively search for places where asp are hunting at the surface. You can often see them when they startle small baitfish or when they strike at the surface with a lot of noise.
• Use the Current : Use the current of the Waal by casting your lure diagonally upstream and then quickly reeling it in with the current. This resembles the natural movements of a prey fish being carried along by the current.

The Material
Fishing for asp requires light and manoeuvrable tackle. A spinning rod of 2.40 to 3.00 metres with a casting weight of between 10 and 40 grams is ideal. Asp have a hard mouth, so make sure you use sharp hooks and a sturdy reel with a smooth drag. Braided line of around 0.10 to 0.15 mm offers the right combination of strength and sensitivity, so that you can feel the subtle bites of the asp.

Safety and Respect for Nature
Fishing on the Waal can be dangerous due to the strong current and shipping traffic. Make sure you always choose a safe place to fish and watch out for passing ships. It is also important to treat nature and caught fish with respect, especially if you plan to release the asp.

Conclusion
Fishing for asp on the Waal with artificial bait is a challenging but rewarding activity for anglers. With the right knowledge of the fish, the water and the use of effective artificial bait, it can be a very exciting experience. It requires skill, patience and a good eye for the movements of the river, but the reward of a powerful asp that takes your bait makes it more than worth it. So grab your rod, prepare your lure and take on the challenge on the Waal!

Below you can watch a video about asp fishing on the river Waal and see immediately which lures you can be successful with!