The walleye is a highly sought out game fish with a few unique features that make them stand out from many of the other species. They were given the name walleye because they have large eyes that reflect light much like the eyes of a cat. This allows them to see well in dark conditions and it gives them a huge advantage over their prey. They’re considered to be one of the hardest fish to catch and they’re often referred to as a very elusive species.
Walleyes are an olive color and they average about twenty-five pounds when full grown. They have a white tip on their tail, a black rear base and a spiny dorsal fin. This is a toothy species that is said to eat most anything that will fit into their mouth but they are highly attracted to minnows, worms and insects. They can be found in all types of water but they do seem to prefer clean water with hard bottoms that range between sixty-five and seventy-five degrees.
Walleye Fishing Techniques
There are many methods that can be used when fishing for walleyes. It all depends on what type of equipment you have access to and where you plan to fish. Ultimately, the technique that you use is decided by personal preference but there are three popular techniques that seem to get excellent results no matter where you fish.
Three walleye techniques widely used by all types of anglers from the novice to the experienced are listed below:
1. Trolling- This is a technique that allows you to cover a large area and locate the walleye faster than you can with any other method. When trolling, use a smooth steady pace for the best results and pay close attention to your fishing lines.
2. Jigging- This method allows you to get the bait down in the middle of the walleyes without scaring them away. Jigs are so versatile that it’s easy to find something to use even when they’re being extremely picky.
3. Casting- When you need to fish around brush, ledges and similar structures, casting is the best technique to use. It makes it easier to get the bait up in these areas where they’re hiding out waiting for a tasty meal.
Normally, the best time to go fishing for walleyes is anywhere from late evening until early morning. They’re the most aggressive during this time because of their great eyesight. However, when trolling, you can get some excellent results during the day because this technique allows you to get the bait down deep where the walleye stay during the day. Anytime its drizzling rain or whenever the skies are overcast will be a great time to seek out this species as well.
Walleye Fishing Tips and Suggestions
The more you go fishing for the walleye the better angler you’ll become. Eventually, you’ll learn the habits of this fish and how and when to set the hooks for the best results. Fishing is one of those things that you do get better at the more you go. However, it never hurts to pick up as many tips and suggestions as you can from professionals who enjoy sharing their knowledge with others.
When fishing for walleyes, it’s recommended that you use electronics whenever possible. These make it easier to find underwater structures where this species hide out and some allow you to record the hotspots for future fishing trips. This way, you’ll be able to return to the same spot during similar conditions making all of your fishing trips more productive.
Learn all you can about the water where you plan to fish before you head out and it’ll help you find the walleye faster. This way, you won’t have to waste precious time searching for the right areas where they can grow and thrive. This can also help keep you safer because you’ll know which areas you need to avoid due to unsafe conditions.
When buying gear to seek out the walleye, you don’t have to spend a lot of money or buy anything expensive, unless you just want to. However, you do need to invest in some good quality gear. This is needed to hold up to the struggle the walleyes will put up once hooked so you won’t lose your catch due to poor equipment.
Not being able to feel when the walleye takes the bait is one of the biggest problems for many anglers. They don’t feel the bite so they don’t know when to set the hook. This prevents anglers from taking advantage of many of the bites they get and this reduces the number of fish they can reel in. Buying good quality gear makes it easier to feel when they strike your line so you don’t miss as many bites thus, increasing the number of walleye you can catch per fishing trip.