Bersh

Bersh (Volga zander) is a zander relative, smaller in size with more pronounced stripes. Reaches weights of 3 kg.

Feeds on small fish, predominantly gobies and kilka. Has smaller teeth than zander and targets smaller prey.

Most active at 8–18 °C. Feeds year-round including winter (a primary winter fishing target on large reservoirs). Active during the day and at dusk.

Holds in large shoals in deep sections with sandy substrate in major rivers and reservoirs. Depths of 6–12 m are typical for bersh.

Caught on jig (soft plastics), mandula, and dead bait on a jig. Jigging and winter vertical fishing are the main methods. Staircase bottom retrieve.

Bersh often school in dense groups. If you catch one — keep fishing the spot, there will be more. In winter, dead baitfish on a heavy jig or balance jig are effective.