Tips
   Casting Tips
   Nighttime Tips
   Jigging Tips
   Crankbait Tips
   Migration Tips
   Contour Trolling
   Shoreline Tips
   Summer Tips
   Hooking Tips
   Planer Board Tips
   Trolling Tips

  External Links    Walleye Central
   Walleye Hunter
   Fishing Blog
   Walleye Angler

Andrew Martinsen's Walleye Fishing Update Click here for the secrets. (limited-time only) Walleye Fishing: Back to the Basics   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. 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. Here's a report about choosing the right line. Electronic Navigation 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. 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. Read more about fishing for walleye in warm weather. Uncovering Productive Water 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. 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. Find out more about tying crawler harnesses for walleye fishing.