I have located where the walleyes are holding, my problem is I am fishing on a very fast flowing river, the fish are holding in a cut made from a slight turn in the river. I am using nightcrawlers with a small split shot about five to seven inches from hook. I can feel and see the bite, but I am having a hard time getting a hookset. I know it’s walleyes as I have caught five already. Do I give them line as some have suggested, or hang on to the pole and try to feel when to set the hook. HELP I AM SO CONFUSSED.

I believe in both ways, depending on the area. If the area is clean, you can give them some line. The walleye will take the extra line and settle down faster. The hook will set and you will have the walleye. Because the river is a fast flowing is the reason to give a little extra line. I have also held on to the pole to set the hook, but I have found out that I lose more fish that way. You were told the right way to set the hook. Give a little extra line so the hook can set. Now if I was fishing a calm river or lake, I would hole the pole. The current is going to determine if you give line or hold the pole. I have tried both ways in both circumstances and found that calmer waters are good for holding. I gave extra line and did not have the same results as I do in a faster current. The bait you are using is good for faster current, so just give a little line and see the difference. You do not want to give to much line, but just enough to set the hook. The faster currents are exciting to fish aren’t they? I have not been in a fast current for a while, but look forward to it this fall. If you have any other questions, I am always here. I would like to know how this worked for you if you get a chance.