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?
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.
Warm Weather Walleyes
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.
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.