A Guide to Catching a Walleye |
Posted: March 24, 2019 |
Walleyes are one of the biggest fish to pursue across the United States and it takes a skilled fisherman to catch one of these fish. There is much information that needs to be discussed before it is time to go and catch that Walleye, such as a fishing rod, line, and lures, and what kind of lakes are home to walleye. Throughout this essay, the important factors to catching that prize fish will be discussed to make catching a Walleye a little easier. To start, Walleyes are most commonly found in the upper Midwest of the United States and Canada, as the Midwest is home to large lakes, which is what the walleyes prefer (Hartman, Sternberg). Some of the best lakes to fish for Walleye in the United States are Devil’s Lake, SD, Lake of the Woods, and Lake Erie. Lake Erie has been named the “Walleye Capital of the World” because of the estimated 40 million walleye that live in the lake (Johnson, Freedman). Each of these lakes has certain characteristics that make them amazing for fishing walleye. These lakes tend to be deep with an abundance of shiners, yellow perch and/or shad, giving them the shelter and food they need (Hartman). Walleye prefer the water temperature to be around 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit and cloudier water (Sternberg). Although most people tend to believe that Walleyes thrive in clear water, it seems that the murkier the water, the more these fish seem to repopulate. This is important when choosing a lake to go to, because the clear lake may not be the best choice for making that memorable catch. These fish require gravel reefs, vegetation areas and some open water as well as the deep lake (Hartman). The best place to fish for walleye is either by weed bed, because they could be hiding in the weeds or in clear water (Eggersten, Freedman). This sounds like two totally different areas, but it depends on where the fish are at the time. In an article from the Chicago Tribune, on Lake Erie, the Walleye Capital of the world, people were having a difficult time catching any Walleye, so they had to move into clearer water, so it truly depends on the fish (Freedman). The best time to fish for walleye is after the spawning season, which is in the spring. After spawning season is the best time to fish because the male walleye eats very little while spawning and the females don’t eat at all, so they are hungry when they are done spawning (Eggertsen). The hungrier they are, the less suspicious the fish are, which makes the fisherman’s job easier. It is important to note that it is unwise to take a female from the lake during spawning because it can have a large effect on the population for the next fishing season (Eggertsen). In the northern most states and Canada, late April and early May are the best times of year to fish for Walleye (Eggertsen). If spring doesn’t work out, other times of the year are fine, but the best bait will change depending on the season, which will be discussed in the lures and baits section. According to Captain Bruce Ruthsatz in Lew Freedman’s article for the Chicago Tribune, “A lot” of walleye are nocturnal, so if they are not biting during the day, take a break and come back at night. One of the most important tools used in fishing is the rod and different rods are better for catching other fish. Most people use a jigging rod because it allows the angler to get down to depths that the walleyes are occupying (How to Catch Walleye). One good jigging rod is the 7-foot spinning St Croix Legend Elite ES70MLF (Straw). This pole is good because it allows the bites to be felt more than on other rods that Cal of Tackle Tour had reviewed. This pole is also able to swing the cast, even though it is a jigging rod (Rod Review). This rod costs $390 from Tackle Direct and has been awarded the “Ultimate Enthusiast Award” by the Tackle Tour review system. Even though this is on the more expensive end of the chain, it is an extremely good rod. Another commonly used rod for walleye fishing is a trolling rod. These rods are used behind moving boats (Fishing Rods and Wheels). One of the better trolling rods is the 8-foot Eyecon Trolling with Medium Power/ Medium Action (Model: ECT80MM2) (Allen). This rod is $210 at Walmart and is a hand held troller. This rod is also able to double as a flat of a boat rod. The last most commonly used rod is a spinning rod, which allows the crank not to rotate when pulling up a fighting fish (Fishing Rods and Wheels). One of the most useful spinning rods is the 7-foot Legend Elite Spinning Rod with Medium Power/Fast Action (Model: LES70MF) (Allen). This rod is $370 at bass pro shop and allows for light bottom bouncing (Bass Pro Shop, Allen). This rod also has medium cranks and allows for vertical jigging (Allen). This jigging feature is nice because it allows for the fish to come up nicely and gets down to deep areas of the lake. Even though this rod is on the more expensive side, it combines a jig and a spinning rod into one amazing rod. Another important part of fishing is to know what will lure in the perfect catch, and because walleyes are fished often, it is key to lure them with the right bait. Live bait is probably the best way to go. Walleyes prefer minnows, leeches and night crawlers, but different types depending on the time of year (walleye 411). During spring, which is the best time of year to fish for walleye, these fish prefer minnows, small red chubs and fatheads. During the summer, walleyes bite for leeches and night crawlers. Fall, the walleyes are hungry for minnows, large red tail chubs. During the winter, the walleye prefers minnows, large shiners, red tail chubs and small suckers. Because the food changes during each season, it is important it make sure that is what they are eating. If live bait is not an option or for an extra challenge, there are many kinds of lures that are available and that walleye bite for. One lure that works well is called a Cordell Wally Drive, which looks like a little fish and is designed to look vulnerable (Brown). This lure is also able to give a slight wiggle because of the slender shape, making the lure look like a real fish. This lure is also able to reach the depth of 20 feet. This lure costs $6.49 at Bass Pro Shop. Another lure that works well for tricking walleye is the Terminator T1 Spinner bait, which is good for fishing in the weeds because of the long green and white strings hanging off the head (Brown). The Terminator T1 Spinner has a realistic bait head on it and is made of titanium, making it difficult for the fish to break the lure. These costs $9.69-$10.59, depending on what size package you want at Tackle Warehouse. The last lure that works well at deceiving Walleye is the TriggerX Nightcrawler, which looks like a long brown worm (Brown). This bait is unique in the fact that it moves like an actual worm, can attach to a jig, rig and a spinner, and is biodegradable. Because this bait can mimic a worm, it is easily able to attract fish and is the walleye is no exception. The line that is used is one of the most important parts of catching a walleye, because getting a line that is not strong enough could be detrimental. If the line is only tested to hold a ten-pound walleye, then make sure that the walleye around are about ten pounds (Martinsen). If a walleye is caught that is heavier than ten pounds on a ten-pound line, the catch may be lost. Some of the best lines to use are braided and fluorocarbon lines. Braided lines are great because they are stronger than a single strand, which makes it less likely to lose a catch (Walleye Line Choices). One of the best braided lines is Northland Bionic Walleye Braid, because it allows the bite to be felt all the way up the line (Walleye Line Choices). Fluorocarbon lines are great because they are less visible in the water, allowing for the walleye not to be suspicious (Walleye Line Choices). This line is great in waters that have been over fished, where the walleye is more suspicious. This guide to catching a walleye will hopefully make any attempt at catching a walleye successful. Each of the topics discussed will be important to consider before leaving to go to the lake. If one item from this list is ignored, it could result in no bites or losing that greatest catch. Walleye are known to be elusive, making a catch even more impressive. Make sure this guide is reviewed before hitting the lake.
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