Maya Ellison
Walleye fishing with plastics is a great way to fish quickly and efficiently. Plastics allow anglers to cast further without losing bait, and they can be used in the same scenarios as live bait or trolling crankbaits. With plastics, you can take advantage of the current that sweeps bait downstream, and they become even more effective as the water warms up in the summer. The variety of soft plastics available means you can choose from different sizes, colours, and tail types to find the perfect combination for your fishing system. You can also experiment with different techniques, such as swimming the jig or pitching plastic bait, to trigger bites from walleye.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Water depth | 4-8 feet |
| Bait type | Soft plastic lures |
| Bait size | 3-4 inches |
| Bait colour | White/Pink, Salt-n-Pepper with green paddle tail |
| Bait shape | Chunky, short and stubby, long and skinny |
| Bait tail type | Twister tails, paddle tails |
| Fishing technique | Swim It, pitch-and-run, jig |
| Jig type | B-Fish-N H20 jig, B-Fish-N Tackle's Draggin' Jig |
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What You'll Learn
Soft plastic baits are more durable than live bait
Soft plastics are also advantageous when it comes to colour options. They are available in a wide range of colours, including natural shades that mimic the appearance of minnows or other forage fish. This allows anglers to match the colour of their bait to the water conditions and the type of prey fish they are targeting. Additionally, soft plastics can be scented to make them even more attractive to fish, further increasing your chances of success.
The durability of soft plastics also extends to their ability to withstand the elements. They are less likely to be affected by high skies, bright sun, and a lack of wind, which can be challenging conditions for live bait. Soft plastics can also produce more vibration when fishing in low light or off-coloured water, making them more effective in these situations.
Furthermore, soft plastics have lifelike actions thanks to their ultra-soft textures, which trigger a fish's predatory instincts. The way the bait pulsates and creates distinct tremors in the water column attracts the attention of walleyes and entices them to investigate. This is a significant advantage, especially when fishing in areas with heavy cover or deep water where a more subtle presentation may be required.
While soft plastics offer many benefits, it's important to note that there are times when live bait may still be preferred. For example, in tough weather conditions or when fishing with inexperienced anglers, live bait can be a more familiar and effective choice. Ultimately, the best bait to use will depend on various factors, including the time of year, water conditions, and the behaviour of the fish you are targeting.
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Using a spinner and bottom bouncer setup
Walleye fishing with a spinner and bottom bouncer setup is a versatile technique that can be used in a variety of water depths and speeds. Bottom bouncers are a great option for beginners and experienced anglers alike, as they are simple to use and highly effective in catching walleyes.
When using a spinner and bottom bouncer setup, it is important to consider the type of rod and reel you will be using. A stiffer, medium-heavy baitcasting rod is recommended, as it helps to pop the bottom bouncer through rocks and snags. For the reel, a baitcasting reel with a flipping switch, such as the Quantum Accurist PT, is ideal for holding the rod securely. Additionally, a line counter reel can be beneficial for keeping things simple and easy.
In terms of bait, soft plastics are a popular choice for walleye fishing with bottom bouncers. The soft plastic lures come in various sizes, typically ranging from 3 to 4 inches, and can be chosen based on your personal preference or to match the forage base in the system you're fishing. Soft plastics are advantageous because they allow for faster casting and longer bites without the need to re-bait. Additionally, they create visual cues and vibrations that trigger the fish's predatory instincts.
When fishing with a spinner and bottom bouncer setup, you have the option to vary your speed. You can go as fast as two miles per hour to cover more water, or slow down to a mile per hour or less. This versatility allows you to explore different depths and fishing styles. Additionally, you can experiment with different hook styles, such as plain snells, live bait, or the popular half-crawler Slow Death style hooks.
To improve your chances of catching larger walleye, consider using soft plastic or Gulp! baits behind a harness. Curve the soft bait to resemble a banana shape, as this added movement can trigger larger fish and prevent smaller fish from biting. This technique, combined with the spinner and bottom bouncer setup, will create an enticing presentation that is hard for walleyes to resist.
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Plastics are more effective than live bait in warmer waters
Plastics are increasingly becoming a popular alternative to live bait for walleye fishing. The design of plastic lures has evolved to include features that trigger a fish's predatory instincts. As the water warms up, plastics become more effective than live bait. Here's why:
Firstly, the plastic design has evolved to include vibration, flicker, and quiver, resulting in an attraction based on visual cues and the way the bait pulsates. Walleye's lateral lines detect these distinct tremors, drawing them in for further investigation. This attraction to the pulsation of plastic lures is particularly advantageous in warmer waters, where the increased water temperature amplifies the bait's vibrations.
Secondly, plastics allow for quicker fishing, longer casts, and the ability to maintain a consistent bite without the need to pause for re-baiting. This efficiency is crucial for capitalising on small and precious bite windows, especially in challenging conditions. The buoyancy of plastic lures also keeps them suspended in the water, preventing your spinner from snagging on the bottom.
Additionally, the scent and flavourings in modern plastic lures are incredibly effective at attracting walleye. These scents are impregnated into the material, and when combined with the right colours and shapes, they can perfectly mimic live forage. Scented plastics are particularly advantageous in warmer waters as the scent disperses more effectively, creating a stronger attractant for fish.
Moreover, plastics offer a wider range of colours and hues than live bait, allowing anglers to experiment with different combinations to pique the curiosity of walleye. An orange jig and grub combination, for example, may not resemble a rusty crayfish, but it can still be highly effective, as evidenced by the blaze-orange crustacean parts found in the stomachs of walleye.
Finally, plastics are more durable than live bait. Live bait is easily pulled off by walleye, whereas plastic lures are more challenging for the fish to strip off. If a walleye misses the plastic lure, it may return for another attempt. This durability is advantageous in warmer waters, where increased fish activity can result in more aggressive strikes and a higher likelihood of bait being pulled off.
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Choose plastic baits with a ribbed body and a tail
When choosing plastic baits for walleye, one of the most important considerations is the tail design. The two main types of tails available on soft plastic lures are twister tails and paddle tails, and each has its own unique characteristics and performance. Paddle tails tend to create more flash and "kick", making them a popular choice for anglers targeting walleye. The ribbed body design of the paddle tail creates a distinct thumping action that attracts the attention of nearby fish. This thumping action triggers the predatory instincts of walleye, making them more likely to strike.
The ribbed body design of plastic baits also contributes to their effectiveness in attracting and catching walleye. The ribs create a unique vibration and pulsation in the water, which is detected by the lateral lines of the fish. This creates an attractive sensation that entices them to investigate and strike the lure. The combination of the ribbed body and paddle tail enhances the overall action and performance of the lure, making it a deadly combination for targeting walleye.
Additionally, the ribbed body design of plastic baits allows for better flexibility and movement in the water. This added movement creates a more natural and lifelike presentation, mimicking the movements of the walleye's prey. The ribs also help to create a slight resistance in the water, which can make the lure appear more realistic and enticing to hungry fish. By combining the ribbed body with a paddle tail, anglers can achieve a smooth and seductive swimming action that is irresistible to nearby walleye.
When selecting plastic baits with a ribbed body and paddle tail for walleye fishing, it is important to consider the size and colour options available. Soft plastic lures come in a variety of sizes, ranging from short and stubby to long and skinny, allowing anglers to choose the perfect match for the type of prey fish present in the water body. As for colour, the options are endless, with manufacturers offering a wide range of colours and combinations to choose from. Selecting colours that match the forage base in the system or opting for attention-grabbing hues can both be effective strategies depending on the conditions and behaviour of the fish.
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Plastics can be fished in shallow waters
When it comes to fishing for walleye, plastics can be a highly effective alternative to live bait. In fact, renowned fishing guide Tony Roach has been known to fish for walleye in shallow waters of 4-8 feet, surprising onlookers who mistake his technique for bass fishing.
The use of plastics allows anglers to fish more quickly and cast further without losing bait, making the most of those precious bite windows. When fishing with plastics in shallow waters, it's important to consider the size, colour, and tail design of your lures. In terms of size, most soft plastic lures range from 3 to 4 inches, with 4 inches being a popular choice. However, you can find plastics in a variety of sizes to match your preferences and fishing conditions.
Colour is another important consideration when selecting plastic lures. The range of colours available can be overwhelming, but it's important to choose colours that match the forage base in the system you're fishing. White/Pink is a popular colour combination for walleye fishing, and purple body variations with chartreuse or green paddle tails can also be effective. Additionally, the colour Salt-n-Pepper with a green paddle tail is a great option for clear water in most lakes.
The two main variations of tails for soft plastic lures are twister tails and paddle tails. Paddle tails tend to be more effective in triggering bites, but it's beneficial to experiment with both types to find what works best for you. When fishing shallow waters with plastics, it's recommended to use light jigs ranging from 1/16 to 1/4 oz. This technique is particularly effective when casting around structure.
By following these tips and techniques, anglers can successfully fish plastics in shallow waters for walleye, taking advantage of the versatility and effectiveness that plastic lures offer.
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Frequently asked questions
Walleye are known to hide in weeds, brush, and rocks, so a snagless jig is recommended. B-Fish-N Tackle's Draggin' Jig is a good option for this. You can also try a weedless jig, a Chatterbait, or the Tokyo Rig. When it comes to colour, stick to what you're confident in or what matches the forage base in the system you're fishing.
There are a variety of soft plastics on the market, with different sizes, colours, and tail types. Popular baits include the AuthentX line of plastics, such as the Moxi and the Pulse-R, as well as the Walleye Assassins. The AuthentX Ribb-Finn is also recommended, as it has a ribbed body and a tail that swims naturally.
Soft plastics can be used all year round, but they are especially effective during the summer when fish metabolism increases and live bait becomes less necessary.
