Gear & Tackle
Weighing in at an average of 1 to 4 pounds, walleyes usually require
medium to medium-light tackle. Rods should be in the 5'6" to 7" length, The Gary
Roach Signature Series has been designed specifically for the most productive walleye
fishing techniques, and is an ideal choice. Trilene XL line from 4# to 8# test works very
well with Leadhead jigs or slip sinkers from 1/8 oz. to 1/2 oz. for most situations.
Spinning reels are the norm for jigging, cranking and rigging presentations, while
baitcasting reels are preferred for heavy rigging situations.
Lures & Presentation
Jigs account for most of the walleyes caught, hopping
or dragging along the bottom in deep water or casting and retrieving in the shallows. Slip
sinker rigs are also designed to be worked slowly along the bottom, snelled with plain
hooks, floaters and spinner rigs. Diving and minnow-shaped crankbaits are the most popular
casting and trolling lures, available in literally hundreds of styles, colors and actions.
How to Locate
Walleyes, most active in low-light periods, relate to
structure such as weedlines, rock piles and sandbars, frequently favoring the very bottom
edges of such locations. In spring and fall, look for fish in water from 5' to 15' deep
near the mouths of streams and shoreline-connected bars and weed beds. In rivers, walleyes
congregate below dams and rapids, often lying in current breaks waiting to ambush prey
coming downstream. Warm weather walleyes are often found much deeper, from 25' to 45', or
suspended in schools roaming large lake basins.
Effective Baits
Most walleye fishermen prefer live minnows, leeches and
nightcrawlers, although Tournament Strength Power Bait, specially formulated for
walleyes, is quite effective and much more convenient. Liquid Power Bait for walleye is
also available, and makes any lure more effective. | |
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