WALLEYE GEAR - TECHNIQUES
TECHNIQUES
Casting/Spinning
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How to Fish: Casting and spinning for walleye is effective, especially during their feeding times at dusk and dawn. Focus on fishing near drop-offs, rocky points, and sandbars. A slow and steady retrieve works best to mimic the walleye's natural prey. Walleye are known for their cautious strikes, so patience is key.
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Gear Needed:
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Casting Rods: Medium-light to medium-action baitcasting rod (6-7 feet) for precise casting and control over lighter lures.
Casting Reel: Low-profile baitcasting reel with a smooth drag system and a gear ratio of 6.3:1 or higher.
Spinning Rods: Medium-light to medium spinning rod (6-7 feet) for versatility and sensitivity.
Spinning Reel: Spinning reel in the 2000-3000 size range, offering smooth drag and the capacity to handle walleye's runs.
Line: 8-10 lb braided line with a 6-8 lb fluorocarbon leader for sensitivity and reduced visibility.
Lures & Bait: Jigs, minnows, live worms, crankbaits, spinners, and soft plastics like swimbaits or grubs. For live bait fishing, use nightcrawlers or minnows.
Tips: -
Target areas with varying depths and structures like drop-offs, submerged rocks, and sandbars.
Use a slow, steady retrieve to allow the lure to stay near the bottom.
Walleye prefer low-light conditions, so early morning or late evening is ideal.
Experiment with color changes to match local baitfish, especially during different water conditions.
Topwater
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How to Fish: Topwater fishing for walleye provides thrilling action when they hit the surface with explosive strikes. Cast near submerged vegetation, drop-offs, or along structures like docks, and retrieve the lure slowly to keep it near the surface. Walleye will often strike just below the surface during their feeding time, so quick twitches of the lure can be highly effective.
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Gear Needed:
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Rod: Medium-light to medium-action rod (6-7 feet) for better control.
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Reel: Spinning or baitcasting reel with a strong drag system.
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Line: 8-10 lb braided or monofilament line for strength and sensitivity.
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Lures: Topwater lures such as poppers, walking baits, and frogs.
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Tips: Fish in early mornings or late evenings, when walleye are most active near the surface.
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Use a slow retrieve with slight pauses to keep the lure moving without spooking the fish.
Look for walleye in areas with heavy vegetation or rocky structure, where they hide and ambush prey.
Try different topwater lures to determine the best match for the local walleye.
Live Bait
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How to Fish: Live bait fishing is a tried-and-true method for catching walleye. Live minnows, nightcrawlers, and leeches are ideal when presented near bottom structures like drop-offs or underwater humps. The motion of live bait will entice walleye to strike.
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Gear Needed:
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Rod: Medium-light to medium-action rod (6-7 feet) with a sensitive tip.
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Reel: Spinning or baitcasting reel with a smooth drag system and high line capacity.
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Line: 6-8 lb monofilament or fluorocarbon line for stealth and sensitivity, with a fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility.
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Bait: Live minnows, nightcrawlers, leeches, or dead baitfish.
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Tips: Use a slip sinker rig or a bottom-bouncing rig to keep the bait near the bottom.
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Use a bobber to keep live bait at the desired depth near drop-offs or rocky points.
Wait for the walleye to take the bait fully before setting the hook, as they are often cautious feeders.
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