Hi, Andrew Martinsen here. Every now and then it's time to remember the basics
of walleye fishing so we can stay at the top of our
game and continue to enjoy this sport we love so much.
Stick to the colors that work: Bright colors in dirty
water, more natural colors in clear water.
Have the mindset of the pro and be versitile. Let the
conditions you find yourself in dictate your fishing
strategy. Always adapt. Give the walleyes what they want
how and when they want it.
Just because a certain lure or technique has worked
in the past, doesn't mean it's going to work today.
Go with what works today, because each day truly is different.
And as always, sharpen those hooks!
It's always good to remember the basic fundamentals from time to time,
don't you think?
- Andrew Martinsen
Last-Second Heroics
Check out this catch. This nice walleye gets netted just in the nick of time thanks to a quick net (and a bit of luck).
Planer Boards Bonanza
Running planer boards is a hot topic among walleye fanatics like you and me.
I've learned that when running boards, one of the most important things to
consider is the stability of your boards. The boards
should be able to plane smoothly in rough spots, and should
be able to perform well at the slower speeds that are often
used while trolling for walleye.
One of my favorite baits to use when running boards would have to be a
crankbait. I like to go around 2 miles per hour with these.
That's why it is a must that your boards be able to function
flawlessly at slow speeds.
Trolling Crankbaits for Success
Another big topic these days is trolling crankbaits. There is no question that this
method has become extremely popular, but the question that always needs to be considered is,
"when is the best time to employ any fishing method?" The answer almost always depends
on testing out different methods on the water to find what works best for you that day.
In the case of trolling crankbaits, one tip that may be of assistance to you is to try
speed-trolling them during the Summer months when the walleye become more listless. They
are fed very well by their food source in these months, and subsequently aren't as
eager to latch on to a slowly presented live bait as they may be in the Spring or Fall
when their food source is more depleted.
Next time you're out on the water in the Summer, try trolling a crankbait at about 2.5 to 3mph
in an area where you know there are fish, but they aren't biting that day. Let me know
how it goes!
Moon Phase Fishing
Studies indicate that during the 3 days surrounding the full moon and the three days surrounding the new moon, walleye love to eat
even more than they normally do. Find out how you can use the moon phases to your advantage in this report on
moon phases and walleye fishing.
Bottom Bouncer Strategies
Using bottom bouncers to fish for Walleye can be very effective, but many anglers may have questions about these rigs.
Keeping track of the bottom where you are fishing is important when using this tackle, and speed plays a big part as well
because of course as the name implies, the most important factor of all when fishing with bottom bouncers is to ensure you
have employed enough line so that your presentation is able hit the bottom of the lake, river, stream or reservoir.
Read about some bottom bouncer techniques in this report.
Line Selection
Go to any tackle store and there will be rows of fishing line of all different types and weights. When fishing for Walleye knowing the right type of line to use means understanding the different line types available.
Choosing the right type and weight of line often makes all the difference.
Walleye fishing is a fascinating sport, and there is nothing like catching these fish to make a fishing trip extremely enjoyable.
It's important that we practice respect for the walleye and their habitat so that we can all can continue this
exhilarating sport for many decades to come.
During the spawning season and most of spring, long line trolling using minnows
or other baitfish in the shallow water can be more effective than hitting every deep water hot spot on the water.
Discover more about this popular tactcic on this page about long-lining.
Working Underwater Structure
When it comes to Walleye fishing, underwater
structure such as reefs can play a big part.
They play an
important role in the life of Walleye, and they have huge advantages to you and me as walleye anglers.
A GPS fish finder can be a valuable part of your fishing repertoire.
Many anglers use these devices to get better results in less time when fishing. Walleye can be unpredictable, and using a fish finder can help you find where the fish are every time, no matter what time of year it is or what the weather conditions are like.
Find out more about using fish finders to accellerate your success on the water.
Using Lake Maps to Find Walleye
Lake maps can be very useful when
you are going on a fishing trip, so that you can understand
the best areas and also the places to stay away from.
Lake maps will allow you to read depths and other
underwater features, plus let you accurately assess the
routes which will be used for migration and feeding.
The lines that are represented on the maps indicate depth,
and these will gradually increase as the map moves away
from shore.
Advanced speed trolling techniques may make a big
difference the next time you go Walleye fishing.
This method is very effective by trolling parallel to the
edges of the weedbeds, using float diving crankbaits to
minimize any snags from accidental weed contact.
This can be a rewarding
tactic to try out on the water, but as with everything
when it comes to walleye fishing, be sure to keep safety
as your top priority when you're out there speed trolling.
The simple fact is that eighty percent or more of all Walleye are caught by twenty percent or fewer of the total anglers fishing.
So what do these twenty percent know that the masses do not? If there is one set rule the pros follow, it is that Walleye are unpredictable fish.
Read more about finding reliable fishing holes.
Baits for Shoreline Fishing
When casting for walleye from shore, there are several baits that an angler should never leave home without.
Because leadcore line is stronger, it is more effective at catching the Walleye which are deep.
Another benefit of this line is the fact that it is colored in a different color for every thirty feet of line.
This will make it very easy for you to determine how much line is out and how deep you are fishing, without needing a line counter or other extra equipment.
When it comes to Walleye, minnows can be an excellent bait.
bait, but this bait is not effective all the time.
During the spring and fall months, when the water
temperature drops down and the air may be chilly,
minnows can be one of the best baits of all to tempt
sluggish Walleye into action.
Walleye fishing is a great pastime, but in warm water or warm weather
these fish can provide a challenge. Walleye have eyes that are sensitive
to light, and in the sunnier months and warmer weather the fish change
their patterns and may be harder to catch for anglers who usually ice
fish for walleye in the winter.
During warm weather, the fish generally seek deeper waters, which
hold deep beds of weeds and other structures. The weeds give the
Walleye protection from the glare of the sun and hold an abundance
of food in the form of bait fish, which like to hide in these same weeds.
If you have tried around three presentations at one of your
spots and have not gotten any responses within about an
hour to an hour and a half, it may be time to consider
moving to a different area. Here are more ways to uncover productive water when
walleye fishing.
Pulling in Walleye on the Bay de Noc
If you are looking for a fun walleye fishing experience
then Bay de Noc walleye are the way to go.
The bay is located in the Michigan on the extreme northern part of Green Bay.
Discover how to catch more walleyes on the Bay de Noc.
Tying Crawler Harnesses
If you are a frequent angler, or you just want to save money while you catch more fish, then tying your own crawler harnesses, also known as worm harnesses, is the perfect way to do all of this.
This can be done quickly, easily, and with little cost involved. It can cost you under a dollar and take two minutes or less to tie your own worm harness, and compare that to what you would pay in a bait shop for a comparable rig, if you could find one.
When it comes to walleye fishing, many feel that it doesn't get any better than trolling. Even if you have the right trolling set up and speed, you still need good bait rigging.
That is where crankbaits, spinners and the 3-way swivel come in.
Discover more information about walleye trolling rigs.
The Best Places to Fish for Walleye in Minnesota
There is wonderful walleye fishing to be had throughout Minnesota, from the small lakes to the large impoundments opportunities abound for anglers to make a prize walleye catch.
In fact, professional anglers assert that Minnesota offers some of the best walleye fishing opportunities.
Mesotrophic lakes are the ideal home for walleye. There is plenty of food available so the fish can grow. The natural beds of these lakes have perfect spawning areas.
The mesotrophic lake is also an ideal spot for the angler. There is a good size population to choose from. The waters are easy to navigate throughout the season.
One of the premier places to fish for walleye in all of North America is
Lake of the Woods. This beautiful lake - which can
be accessed from either
Minnesota on the U.S. side or Manitoba on the Canadian side -
is home to an abundant walleye population.
Spinner harnesses are equipment that should be in every angler's box of tricks. Although spinner harnesses are widely available commercially, many anglers spend time making their own. Making your own spinner harnesses isn't hard and it allows you to customize the rig to the walleye you fish.
How Analyzing Barometric Pressure Can Catch You More Walleye
Barometric pressure doesn't seem like a term that most would connect with
fishing for walleye. There are several schools of thought that support
or dispute the influence of barometric changes. Most anglers who have
fished long enough realize that there is something going on between walleye and atmospheric changes.
Discover how analyzing barometric pressure can put more walleye in your net.
Catching More Walleye Using Reef Runners
Reef Runners' claim to fame is a line of deep running lures that walleye find too tempting to say no.
When it is time to hit the deeper depths, a prepared angler is going to need some Reef Runner
lures on board.
If the walleye are sitting shallow, the Little Ripper is the best choice.
This lure will reach four feet when cast and seven foot depths when trolled.
Its design gives it a lot of action and it cuts a fairly wide pattern.
Read more about catching more fish with reef runners.
Thanks again, Take care, and Great Fishin'! (Always),
