Dan, live on kanakee river shelby have been catching on to walleyes last three years.can find them anywhere but gettinem to take in the jig is tough write now,they take it hold it then drop it,i give them slak when hit.water temp is up and down could this be factor?around 50 deg. david.nagle@mchsi.com

Well here are a few things to consider to see if they help you out some. You are going to need to practice on not only a sensitive touch, but also that concentration; knowing when and how much to tighten up that line, or when and how much slack you should leave. When you’re trying to catch walleye it is very important to try and not move your line when the jig is sinking. Twitching that rod and than dropping it back down will leave too much slack. When that happens you may not feel the hit. Lowering that jig and leaving tension on the line is a much better way to catch those walleye. Watching the line as it lowers into the water, watch for any movement, then get ready and set that hook. Walleye will actually inhale the jig as they are swimming. There should be a sharp tap on your line; that’s when it’s best to set the hook. While a line tightening ever so slightly could be a walleye just mouthing the jig up, they aren’t really feeding; this will take immense concentration to get the hook set in this case. With newer walleye fishers they may become a bit upset when they fail too much to set the hook. Basically if you think you’ve noticed a twitch set the hook just in case. While fishing in weeds you should also set the hook, even if you think you’re just got on those weeds. The best hint for you is to watch that line and when you feel a twitch to try and set the hook. You could possibly be feeling some perch that may be nipping at the hook. That’s why you’re not catching the walleye. No, the temperature will not be a problem. Just have a bit of patience and you will come out with fish for dinner.