Walleye fishing is one of the most popular forms of recreational fishing, attracting avid anglers all year round. Baits are an essential tool for walleye fishing, as they can either make or break your catch. Each walleye angler has their preferences when it comes to baits, but there are some popular ones that are more effective than others. In this article, we will discuss the types of baits for walleye fishing and their effectiveness in catching the prize fish.
1) Live baits:
Live baits are a go-to for many walleye anglers due to their effectiveness in catching walleye. If you are going for live baits, the most popular ones are nightcrawlers, minnows, and leeches. Nightcrawlers work well in warm water, while minnows are suitable for colder temperatures. Leeches are known to be effective lures for walleye, as they can be wafting around in the current or on the bottom, mimicking walleye’s preferred prey.
2) Crankbaits:
Crankbaits are artificial lures that mimic live bait. They are popular with walleye anglers because they can cover a large area and attract fish from different parts of the water. Crankbaits come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, but the most effective ones for walleye fishing are those that are slim, with a natural-looking finish, and swims straight. These lures can imitate the movements of injured or dying prey, which can attract the walleye’s attention.
3) Jigs:
Jigs are versatile lures that can be used in different fishing conditions. They are small, weighted lures that can be tipped with live bait, scented bait or plastics. The most popular jigs for walleye anglers are those that have natural or commercially produced soft plastics, such as twister tails, grubs or curly tails. A popular technique when using jigs is to bounce the lure off the bottom to create a dust cloud, mimicking a feeding frenzy, which can attract nearby walleye.
4) Spinnerbaits:
Spinnerbaits are another popular artificial lure that has gained popularity among walleye anglers in recent years. These lures have a rotating, metallic blade at the front, which creates vibrations and flash that can attract the walleye’s attention. The most popular spinnerbait used for walleye fishing comes in a tandem-blade design, one Colorado and one Indiana blade, and can be tipped with live bait or plastics.
Walleye fishing is a sport that requires a lot of patience, skill, and knowledge of the right baits to use in different fishing conditions. Whether you choose live baits, artificial lures, or a combination of both, always remember to choose the right bait for the right fishing conditions. Happy fishing!