Andrew Martinsen - WalleyeFishingSecrets.com - How to Catch Nets Full of Walleye

Helping Anglers Like You Catch More Fish!

Andrew Martinsen's Walleye Fishing Update

"I grew up fishing walleye on Lake of the Woods and since that time I've been accumulating every technique I could uncover for increasing your walleye catch count. Have fun on the water, and great fishing to you!" -Andrew

Walleye Fishing: Back to the Basics

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 & crafty net.

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.

- Andrew Martinsen

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!

- Andrew Martinsen

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.

Walleye Fishing Strategies For Shallow Lakes And Rivers

Many times shallow lakes have darker waters and a limit of ten horsepower.

Shallow lakes have an advantage over deeper lakes, because it is often easier to to understand the locational patterns of the fish in these lakes.

Read more about fishing shallow rivers and lakes in this report.

Fishing Ethics

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.

Here's more about ethics and walleye fishing.

Going For Trophy Walleye

We’ve all been there:

There are some days when you may catch plenty of fish, but they are all smaller Walleye with no good sized or trophy fish in sight.

How can you attract the trophy Walleye without having to reel in dozens of small fish as well?

Here's a report for you on attracting and catching trophy walleye.

Long-Lining for Walleye

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.

Here's more for you about walleye fishing and underwater structure.

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.

Catching More Walleye with Swimbaits

When it comes to artificial lures, it's hard to beat a swimbait for walleye fishing.

These colorful, energetic lures have the ability to engage even the most reticent fish. Knowing the in and outs of using swimbaits can make you a top adversary of the great marble-eyed predator.

Discover more about using swimbaits while walleye fishing.

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.

Learn more about utlilizing lake maps when walleye fishing.

Speed Trolling for Success

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.

Here's some more about the practice of walleye speed trolling.

Tracking Down Walleye

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.

Walleye Fishing on Lake Michigan

Lake Michigan is one of the great walleye fishing spots in the United States.

Walleye in Lake Michigan love finding underground structure and often make their home near these areas. They also tend to be found in areas where there are sand bars and on the edges of drop offs.

Discover more about Lake Michigan Walleye Fishing.

Baits for Shoreline Fishing

When casting for walleye from shore, there are several baits that an angler should never leave home without.

Here's more about shoreline baits.

Walleye Fishing Using Leadcore

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.

Here's more about using leadcore.

Walleye Fishing Tips for Sunny Days

The sun sparkling on the water can be soothing to watch, but walleye don't share that sentiment. The large eyes that set these fish apart are also extremely sensitive to the light. However on sunny days there's usually a way to get them to take the bait.

Here's more about walleye fishing on sunny days.

Jigging To Catch More Fish

When it comes to Walleye fishing, jigging is an important consideration.

Jigging techniques can vary, as can the perfect jig for the water you are fishing and the conditions that are present while you are fishing.

There are some things that you should look for in any jig you are considering.

Discover more about jigging for walleyes.

Catching More Walleye with Minnows

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.

Find out more in this report on using minnows to catch walleye.

Choosing Marine Electronics

Deciding what electronics you want to have on your boat is all down to a matter of personal tailoring.

How much and what kind of electronics you will need has to be based on your fishing lifestyle. Discover the most essential marine electronics.

Catching Walleyes After a Cold Front

It's great to be an angler, especially when the fishing is hot. Yet at times, fishing can be a bit temperamental and change at the drop of a lure. When the walleye fishing suddenly goes cold, a cold front may be the reason behind the lull on the line. Learn more about fishing for walleyes after a cold front.

Lake Huron Walleye Hotspots

Lake Huron is the second largest of the Great Lakes of North America and is home to some great walleye fishing opportunities.

The lake's varied structure, sunken reefs, islands, and deep clear water combined with sandy, shallow shorelines make this the perfect environment for walleye to thrive and grow.

Discover some hotspots for catching walleyes on Lake Huron.

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.

Wild Winter Walleyes

Fishing for walleye in the winter can be just as enjoyable and rewarding as it is any other time of year, if not even more so. Winter fishing is different and requires different kinds of techniques and knowledge.

Find out some winter walleye tips.

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.

Night Walleye Fishing

Oftentimes, there is no better time to fish for walleye than in the dark and still of night. It is then that they rise from the murky deep to fill themselves with perch, shad and minnows. This is also when a greater yield of large walleye is possible as the heavier females relax for an evening meal. Here's more about walleye fishing at night.

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.

Enticing Walleyes with Great Baits

Bait is the equalizer when it comes to walleye fishing. A good lure will incite the fish and let you get the chance to set the hook.

Jigs, crankbaits, spinners and live bait are all popular choices when it comes to walleye lures.

Discover effective baits for walleye fishing.

Tips for Walleye Fishing in Michigan

Michigan boasts several bodies of water with a prevalence of walleye and is a firm favorite with many anglers.

If you would like to try to catch a walleye in Michigan, below are some tips that may prove useful.

Find out more in this Michigan fishing report.

How to Fish for Walleye From the Shoreline

Fishing for the glassy-eye walleye from the shoreline can be a very relaxing and enjoyable experience.

But, before you set off on your fishing trip, here are some hints and tips for shoreline fishing.

Read more about shoreline fishing.

Walleyes in the Rocky Mountains

Cherry Creek Reservoir, Jackson Lake and Carter Lake are just a few spots that hold walleye in Colorado. Find out the best times to hit these spots and more about finding these fish in Colorado.

Reservoir Fishing for Walleye

Fishing reservoirs for walleye can be great fun. It can provide a very different experience to lake or river fishing.

In addition, reservoirs offer wonderful opportunities to catch some early season walleye, with many anglers choosing to ice-fish at some reservoirs.

Find out more about reservoir fishing for Walleye.

Walleye Fishing the Thermocline

The thermocline is a very important part of the water column. After all, due to the conditions that exist there it hosts the most habitable spot for walleyes to hang out.

If the body of water that you're fishing has a thermocline, it will be advantageous for you to locate it using your fishfinder.

Discover some more info about walleye fishing the thermocline.

Late Summer Walleyes

Summertime and fishing seem to go hand in hand. What could possibly be better than spending the day on the water with a rod and reel?

Late summer can bring several challenges when it comes to catching walleye. Knowing where to look and how to tempt them can help you hook a finicky fish.

Read more about catching more late summer walleyes.

Catching Walleye in Quebec

Located in the eastern part of Canada, the province of Quebec hosts a seemingly endless amount of lakes, rivers, and streams. Many of these waters are home to quality walleye fishing. A little planning ahead of time will have you speaking the language of French-Canadian walleye in no time. At this page, you can discover Quebec walleye fishing tips.

Catching Large Walleye

The trophy-size fish - eight pounders and up - can be harder to haul out of the water. Adding some tournament-tested tips to your repertoire can help put you on those big fish hiding in the depths.

Here's more about putting large walleye in the net.

Walleye Fishing Mindset Tips

Fishing for walleyes is a great way to spend your time. This tasty fish is pleasant reward for a day's work, but they can test your mental aptitude as you try to find and catch them.

In order to hook walleye on a regular basis, it's important to possess a mindset that is open and flexible to change.

Discover more walleye fishing mindset tips.

Alternating Walleye Presentations

Walleye are one of the most challenging fish to seek because they are notoriously finicky and changeable. If you've done your homework, you'll hit the water prepared for both the seasonal and environmental influences on the fish. Sometimes, being prepared isn't enough. Knowing when and how to change your presentation can make all the difference.

Find out more about how and when to change walleye presentations when you're out fishing.

Rigs for Walleye Trolling

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.

Casting for Walleye

It is not uncommon for fishing enthusiasts to assume that trolling is the final word when fishing for walleye. However casting can be far more effective than trolling in a variety of situations, particularly in instances where the commotion from a boat motor could spook a potential catch.

This is most relevant at night when such a disturbance could scatter feeding walleye. The looming shadow of a boat in shallow waters could also present too much of a threat to shallow daytime feeders. Casting can often have a clear advantage, and if done right can result in a substantial catch.

Here's more about casting for walleyes.

Optimal Trolling Speeds for Walleye Fishing

The optimal walleye speed can vary depending on the day you're out fishing. On some days a faster speed will be preferred by the fish and on other days, they'll hit up your presentation when you're trolling at a crawl. As always when it comes to walleye fishing, the key is often to observe the feedback you are receiving as it pertains to the interest of the fish.

There are some important considerations to consider when it comes to your trolling speed, and you can go to the following page to discover more about more about walleye trolling speeds.

Fishing Rocky Bottoms for Walleye

While many walleye can be found hiding in underwater timber and foliage, they can also be found on the rocky river or lake bottoms.

Rocky bottom fishing can be tricky though, as your hooks and sinkers can get caught in snags below the water and fishing line can get knicked, thus weakening it and making it more susceptible to breaks once you finally try to reel your catch in.

Find out more about fishing rocky bottoms for walleye.

Walleye Fishing on Lakes vs. Rivers

Lakes and rivers are both great places to fish when on the hunt for walleye. These fish have typical behavioral patterns that are influenced by seasons and changes in the weather.

Knowing the differences between lake and river environments will increase your chances of catching a walleye wherever they are.

Discover more about the differences between lake and river walleye fishing.

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.

Here's a report about Minnesota walleye hotspots.

Walleye Fishing Tips for New Lakes

Fishing a new lake can be an exciting adventure. It can also be daunting to go out on new waters without a clear idea of where to start. Investing some time before you hit the lake can lessen the aggravation and make your day more productive.

Here are some tips for walleye fishing on new lakes.

Early Season Walleye Fishing in Mesotrophic Lakes

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.

Find out more about pulling walleye out of mesotrophic lakes.

Lake of the Woods: Walleye Wonderland

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.

Discover more about fishing walleyes on Lake of the Woods.

Walleye Rods

There are many tools an angler needs in order to be successful, but the rod stands alone. Without the proper rod, all the swimbaits in the sea won't catch the quality and quantity of fish that you're after. Matching the proper pole to the presentation will increase your chances of landing a walleye.

Here's more about walleye rods.

Finding Walleye Quickly

Spending all day fishing for walleye sounds like an ideal situation for many anglers. However we don't always have a ton of time on a particular day on the water.

When time is of essence, there are a few key factors that will help you find walleye quickly.

Building Crawler Harnesses

There are many lures that can be effective when walleye fishing. The crawler harness is definitely one of them. This versatile lure is a must have in an angler's tackle box. Learning to make your own will open all the possibilities that come with personal customization.

Read more about how you can build a crawler harness.

Techniques for Catching River Walleye

Slip-bobbering with crawlers, leadheads with leeches and spinner rigs with minnows are three great methods to catch river walleye.

Read more about catching more river walleye.

Fishing for Walleyes on Lake St. Clair

Lake St. Clair is the heart shaped lake in the state of Michigan, which connects two of The Great Lakes, Lake Huron and Lake Erie. This whole area is known for its beautiful scenery and thanks to its many natural attractions and camping and recreational areas it is a popular holiday destination. The main reason to come here, however, is for its fantastic fishing opportunities... especially walleye fishing!

Find out more about walleye fishing on Lake St. Clair.

Making Spinner Harnesses

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.

Discover more about making spinner harnesses.

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),

Sincerely,

Andrew Martinsen