Donka (Донка) is a specialized fishing rod designed for bottom fishing. They are mostly used in lake and river fishing, and is rarely used in ocean fishing. It is used mostly on coasts of water bodies.

The basic design for a donka is a loose fishing rill with a weight and hook attached to the fishing line. An indication of a fish bite is the spinning of the rill. Another design of a donka is a short stick with fishing line tightly attached to it, and a bell is attached to the fishing line as an indicator of a fish bite (this method is especially useful for night fishing). Light signals are also available for night fishing. A feeder is commonly attached near the hook to attract more bottom fish. Donkas are constructed to specifically be used under certain conditions: depth of water, type of shore, strength of water currents, distance from shoreline the bait will be thrown to, types of fish being captured, and fishing season. A float is not necessary for donka fishing.

Donka fishing is very widespread in central Russia and Eastern Europe, and is frequently used to capture bream.

The Advantages of Donka Fishing

Donkas can be used almost anywhere (even on boats and rough shores)

Donkas are relatively inexpensive to construct

Floats are not necessary for donka fishing

Donkas can be used during any season

Donkas can be used for both day and night fishing

External links

Донка (in Russian)