If you consider yourself a weekend fisherman, then you probably want to make the most of it. The serious angler enjoys fishing so much that they could go out on the water every day to fish. Of course, this is not always practical so, many of them usually end up fishing on the weekends. They daydream about reeling in a mess of walleye the next time they go out and making this dream a reality will make the long wait worth it.
The walleye is an elusive fish that can be hard to catch. It’s difficult to feel their bite and they put up a strong fight when hooked. This makes them harder to catch than many other species but it also makes the fishing trip more exciting. There is no other feeling quite like the one you’ll have when you have one of these fish dangling from the end of your line.
That’s why you need to find ways to increase the number of bites you get each time you head out to the water. All anglers want to reel in as many fish as they can and when you know a few of the secrets associated with catching walleyes that some of the professionals have learned, you’ll be more successful.
How to Catch More Walleyes
Having good sturdy gear is always the first step to catching more fish no matter which species you’re seeking out. Now, this doesn’t mean that you must spend a small fortune on your fishing rod, reels and accessories. It simply means that you need to put some thought into it. Choose gear that is designed for the type of fishing you plan to do and buy items that are made form good materials. Once you have the right gear, you’re ready to go fishing and the following information can help you be more successful.
Three fishing secrets to catch more walleye every weekend:
1. Don’t Overlook the Shallows- Many anglers don’t realize that you don’t need to go way out into the deeper parts of the water to catch this species. Walleyes that weigh up to eight or more pounds can be found in the shallow water around two to three feet deep. Take a few minutes to check out the shallows before heading out to the deeper parts of the water. You may be surprised at the results you have.
2. Fish During the Day- Normally, the best time to fish for this species is in the late evening or the early morning. However, if you’re only fishing on weekends, you need to take advantage of all your time. When fishing for walleyes during the day try trolling the deeper parts of the water. This will allow you to get the bait in the areas where they’re located during the day. You can also fish in areas that are shaded by trees, brush and so forth. They will be in these areas to avoid direct sunlight.
3. Choose the Right Technique- The technique that you use can make a big difference in the amount of success you have. Consider the time of year, weather patterns and the time of day when you’re fishing before you choose your technique and pick something that will help you get the bait into the area where the fish are located. For example, when fishing in the spring, jigging is an excellent technique because the walleye will be in the shallows and easier to reach.
When you apply these secrets for catching more walleyes to your fishing techniques, your weekends should be more fun and productive.
More Walleye Fishing Tips
When fishing for walleyes you need to be alert. This is a species that is known for stealing the bait off your hook without you even knowing they were there. You need to pay close attention to your line and look for those subtle signs that indicate you have a fish on the end of your hook. You can also fish with a bobber until you get more experienced at detecting a bite to help you catch more fish. Using lightweight tackle and sensitive reel will also help you detect a bite.
Once you do have a bite, set the hook carefully. Use a short snap of the wrist to secure the hook instead of a jerk so you don’t pull the bait out of its mouth. Look for areas that are populated with the type of baitfish this species is attracted to and you’ll most likely find a group of walleyes nearby. They have a tendency of staying close to a food source.
There is a wide variety of choices available when it comes to bait. This species will respond well to live bait such as minnows, worms and crayfish but they will hit artificial lures as well. The best lures to use include jigs, spinners and crankbait.
Present you bait in a slow manner and this will give them time to focus on the bait and then go after it. They won’t strike at anything moving too fast through the water because it’s an unnatural movement that will only scare them away. Apply these secrets and tips to your next weekend fishing trip and you should have some great stories to tell come Monday morning.