Andrew Martinsen's Walleye Fishing Secrets

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Andrew Martinsen's Walleye Fishing Update


Enticing Walleyes with Effective Baits

Walleye-Catching Lures and More

Jigs are by the far the most popular lure used in walleye fishing. They are simple to use and extremely versatile. A jig is a hook with a lead head coated in either silicone or rubber.

They come in a wide range of colors and sizes, which makes it easy to make presentation changes if the bite is slow. They can be paired with other baits to configure a tempting and effective walleye lure.

The trick to using jigs is to go with the lightest weight possible that still allows you to feel the bottom. Jigs in the 1/8 to 1/4 ounce tend to work well in shallow waters while the 3/8 to 5/8 ounce jigs respond better in deeper waters and strong currents.

Crankbaits are a hard-bodied lure that comes in a wide variety of styles. It can be overwhelming selecting this type of lure because there are literally hundreds of options to choose from. Action is the most important thing to consider when buying a crankbait. Walleye prefer a top-to-bottom roll motion rather than a side-to-side wobble. Most lures have dark backs and colored sides that simulate the movement of live prey. Since prey grows over the season, choose a couple different sizes of crankbaits so that you can match the natural prey.

Spinner baits are also referred to as a crawler harness. This lure blends one or more metal blades with colored beads and live bait to make a lethal attractant to walleye. The spinning blade produces movement, noise and flash as it cuts through the water. This presentation can easily be tweaked in order to appeal to the most discerning of walleye diners.

Artificial baits have many merits, but sometimes it takes live bait to get the walleyes to strike. Nothing feels and moves like the real thing and some walleye are so jaded that they won't respond to anything else. Minnows, night crawlers and leeches are good go-to baits, but frogs, crayfish and salamanders can also entice a hungry fish. Make sure you place the bait securely on the hook or the walleye will nip it off without the courtesy of getting hooked. Check the status of the bait periodically and change it if it is in poor condition. Live bait works best when it is active and moving at the end of the line.

The perfect lure will do nothing if it isn't presented properly. Jigging, casting and drifting are all great methods to utilize when the walleye are actively hunting. These techniques call for a slow and steady hand as you try to optimize the presentation of the chosen lure. When the fish are deep or suspended, trolling is often the best method. The fish in this situation are less responsive and require a more aggressive approach. Downriggers and planer boards can be used to make the most of trolling by presenting baits at several depths all at once.

There are many techniques and lures that anglers utilize in order to catch walleye. Catching the eye of the walleye is the key to a good presentation and becoming familiar with the different options will make you more versatile on the water. Everyone has their favorite way to lure in walleye; spend some time to find yours.

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