Omar Khalid
Walleye fishing is a popular sport with a dedicated following. Many anglers are turning to plastics to target aggressive walleye and improve their catch rates. The use of plastics allows anglers to cast further, fish more quickly, and stay on the bite without having to pause to re-bait. Plastics are also more cost-effective than traditional bait, and their lifelike designs can trigger predatory instincts in fish. When fishing with plastics, it is important to be flexible and adjust to the conditions of the day. Anglers should experiment with different jig weights and casting techniques to find what works best for them. The colour, size, and tail type of plastic lures are also important considerations that can impact the success of a fishing trip.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Season | Spring |
| Water body | River or lake |
| Water depth | Shallow (4-8 feet) or deep |
| Water velocity | Faster or stronger current |
| Jig weight | Heavy or light |
| Jig type | Long shank hook, round head, or a combo of both |
| Plastic type | Soft plastic with twister or paddle tails |
| Plastic size | 3-4 inches |
| Plastic colour | Any, but preferably matching the forage base |
| Bait type | Live or plastic |
| Bait size | Chunky |
| Bait colour | Orange |
| Fishing technique | Casting, pitching, jigging, dragging, rip jigging, backtrolling |
| Fishing speed | Fast |
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What You'll Learn
Choosing the right jig weight
Water Depth and Current:
The depth of the water column and the strength of the current play a significant role in determining the appropriate jig weight. In deep waters, heavier jigs are often necessary to reach the desired depth. Conversely, in shallow areas or when fishing in rivers with strong currents, lighter jigs may be preferred to avoid drag. For example, in the Mississippi River, anglers often use jig weights between 1/8 oz and 3/4 oz, adjusting the weight based on the current and location.
Presentation and Action:
The jig weight affects its presentation and action in the water. Lighter jigs create a slower, more natural fall, which can be advantageous for enticing bites. Heavier jigs, on the other hand, drop faster and may be useful for reaching the desired depth quickly or when fishing in deeper waters. The weight of the jig also influences its action during retrieval. A heavier jig will sink deeper and move with the current, which can be useful for presenting the lure at the right depth.
Water Clarity and Visibility:
Water clarity can also impact the choice of jig weight. In clear water, a lighter jig that can be presented halfway down the water column may be more effective, as it is less likely to spook the walleyes. In stained or cloudy water, a heavier jig that can be fished near the bottom is often a better choice. Additionally, the use of bright or fluorescent colors in low-visibility conditions can help increase the visibility of the lure, making it more attractive to walleyes.
Fish Behavior and Activity:
Understanding the behavior and activity level of walleyes is essential for choosing the right jig weight. Slower presentations with lighter jigs are often more effective when walleyes are less active. A light jig allows for a slower retrieve, which can be ideal for enticing bites from lethargic fish. On the other hand, heavier jigs can be useful when walleyes are more aggressive and actively feeding, as they create a faster presentation that matches the fish's energy level.
Experimentation and Experience:
Ultimately, choosing the right jig weight requires experimentation and experience. Anglers should be willing to try different jig weights and observe how they perform in various conditions. Over time, they will develop a feel for the appropriate jig weight based on the behavior of the fish, water conditions, and their own personal techniques.
In summary, selecting the right jig weight involves considering factors such as water depth, current, visibility, and fish behavior. By experimenting with different weights and presentations, anglers can improve their success in dragging plastics for walleyes.
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Selecting the right plastic lure size
When it comes to selecting the right plastic lure size for walleyes, there are a few key considerations to keep in mind. Firstly, the size of the lure can vary greatly, from short and stubby to long and skinny, and everything in between. The most common size for soft plastic lures is typically between 3 and 5 inches, with 4 inches being a popular choice for many anglers. However, it's important to remember that the size of the lure should also depend on the size of the walleyes you're targeting. For larger walleyes, a bigger lure, such as the Gulp Alive 5-inch Jerk Shad, might be more effective.
Another factor to consider when selecting the right plastic lure size is the current velocity and water depth. When fishing in faster currents or deeper water, bulkier and larger lures tend to work better. This is because they create more resistance in the water, allowing you to maintain control and feel the bites more easily. In contrast, when fishing in shallow water or slower currents, opting for smaller and lighter lures is often more effective as they are less likely to snag and provide a more natural presentation to the fish.
Additionally, the time of year and water temperature can also play a role in lure selection. During the spring, when walleyes are migrating to spawn, they tend to be more active and aggressive. This is when larger lures with vibrant colours can be very effective, as the increased action and flash can trigger the predatory instincts of the fish. In the summer months, as walleyes move deeper, they may respond better to smaller lures that can be worked slowly and methodically through the deeper water columns.
It's also worth noting that the colour of the lure can be just as important as its size. While bright and vibrant colours can be excellent for attracting attention, it's crucial to match the colour to the forage base in the system you're fishing. This means understanding the primary food sources of the walleyes in that particular body of water and selecting lure colours that mimic those prey items. For example, if crayfish are prevalent, an orange jig might be a good choice, as it mimics the colour of rusty crayfish.
Lastly, the tail type of the plastic lure can also impact its effectiveness. The two main types of tails are twister tails and paddle tails, each creating different actions in the water. Twister tails tend to have a whipping action, while paddle tails create more subtle twitches. Depending on the behaviour and feeding patterns of the walleyes, one type of tail may outperform the other. For example, twister tails might be more effective when the fish are more active, while paddle tails could be better when a slower presentation is required.
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Using the right colour plastic lure
When it comes to using plastic lures for walleyes, colour is an important factor to consider. While walleyes can be caught with white jig-n-plastic lures, especially up to a dam, this may not always be the case. If the walleyes are not attracted to white, you will need to switch up the colour of your lure.
There is a vast array of coloured plastic lures available, which can be overwhelming. It is best to stick to colours you are confident in or those that match the forage base in the system you are fishing. For example, an orange jig and grub combination can mimic a rusty crayfish, as seen in Lake of the Woods.
The Zoom Super Flukes, for instance, offer a wide range of colours, and you can choose the bigger varieties if you wish. The Super Flukes have a unique tail action with subtle twitches, which is ideal for cold fronts or when the fish are looking for something slower.
The colour of your plastic lure can also be combined with other techniques, such as the weight of the jig, to increase your chances of catching walleyes. For instance, when fishing shallow, use light jigs (1/16 to 1/4 oz), and when fishing deep, go heavier (5/16 to 3/8 oz).
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Choosing the right tail type
When it comes to choosing the right tail type for walleyes, there are two main types of tails available in soft plastic lures: twister tails and paddle tails. The Moxi, for instance, has a longer twister tail, while the Pulse-R has a thumper paddle tail. The Zoom Super Flukes, on the other hand, have a unique tail action with subtle twitches rather than a whipping action, which is more suitable for cold fronts or when the fish prefer a slower presentation.
Twister tails, such as the Mister Twister tails, are very effective when used in shallow water during the spring. They offer a unique action that attracts walleyes and can be combined with a jig for a successful catch. The combination of a jig and a twister tail allows for a simple yet effective presentation that can result in a high number of catches.
Paddle tails, such as the ribbed or spiked profiles like the B-Fish-N Pulse-R or the Salmo Spikey Shad, are another popular option. These tails exaggerate the profile of the lure while reducing bulk. They are particularly effective in dirtier water and when dragging jigs upstream, as the larger profile can create more movement and attract attention. The Scheels Pro Swimmer, with its big thumper paddle tail, is an excellent choice for dragging jigs upstream in faster currents.
When selecting between twister and paddle tails, it is important to consider the behaviour of the walleyes you are targeting. Twister tails often create a more erratic action, appealing to aggressive walleyes, while paddle tails provide a more subtle presentation, making them ideal for cautious or less active fish. Additionally, the type of water body and current speed can influence your choice. Twister tails excel in shallow waters, while paddle tails can provide better results in deeper or faster waters.
Ultimately, the right tail type depends on various factors, including water conditions, walleye behaviour, and personal preference. Experimenting with different tail types and sizes can help you determine which ones work best for your specific situation.
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Casting and retrieving techniques
Casting Techniques:
- Be flexible and nimble: River systems vary, and conditions can change throughout the day. Therefore, it's important to adjust your casting approach based on the specific river system and the current conditions.
- Identify the location of the fish: Walleyes can often be found in holes or troughs of deeper, slower water before the spawn. During the spawn, smaller males push up the dams or to the swiftest current in a river, while females stage up deeper. After the spawn, they rest in the flats.
- Use the right weight for your jig: When searching for fish, use heavier jigs to cover more water. Once you've located the fish, switch to a lighter jig to allow the plastic bait to tick the bottom occasionally, which is preferred by most fish.
- Cast at the right angle: Position your boat to find the perfect angle to cast and keep the jig in front of the fish. This may involve casting slightly up-current and letting the bait float and bounce downstream.
- Cast repeatedly: When you find a roaming pod of walleyes, keep casting back to increase your chances of catching multiple fish.
- Experiment with different plastics: There are numerous types of plastics on the market, varying in size, colour, and tail design. Try different options to see what works best for you.
Retrieving Techniques:
- Swim It: Adjust your reeling speed based on the depth you're fishing. Use lighter jigs for shallow water and heavier jigs for deeper water.
- Jig It: Let the jig fall to the bottom, then "pop" your rod tip to shoot the bait up. Experiment with different amounts of "pop" and "pause" to entice the fish.
- Combo of Both: Combine the Swim It and Jig It techniques to keep the fish guessing.
- Pitch-and-Run: Use jigs and shiners, especially in rivers with current seams, eddies, and riffles. This technique can be effective even in high skies, bright sun, and calm winds.
- Rip Jigging: Fish at speed to target aggressive walleyes. Casting and rip jigging techniques are very productive in 4-16 feet of water.
- Drag Live Bait: When a hot bite fades, drag live bait through that area before moving on. This technique can attract multiple waves of fish throughout the day.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a variety of plastics on the market that differ in size, colour, and tail design. When fishing, it is important to be flexible and nimble, and to adjust to the day. For example, when fishing shallow, use light jigs, and when fishing deep, go heavier. Plastics allow anglers to cast further without losing bait and to keep on a hot bite without pausing to re-bait.
When dragging plastics for walleyes, it is important to consider the weight of the jig. A heavy jig can help cover a lot of different water when trying to locate the fish. Once the fish are found, switch to a lighter jig to avoid snags and allow the bait to tick the bottom. Dragging plastics upstream can be effective, especially in faster current, as it allows for slower crawling than slipping downstream.
Some recommended plastics for walleyes include the Scheels Pro Swimmer, Zoom Super Flukes, Berkley Gulp Alive line, and Mister Twister tails. The Pulse-R and Moxi are also effective, as they emit vibrations under the surface that trigger the fish's predatory instincts.
