Walleye fishing is a popular pastime for fishing enthusiasts, and one effective technique that promises great success is trolling. Trolling involves dragging bait or lures behind a moving boat to entice walleye to strike. This article will provide you with valuable tips and techniques on How to Troll for Walleye to become a successful walleye troll.
Selecting the Right Equipment
Before embarking on your trolling adventure, it’s important to ensure that you have the right equipment. Here are some key items you’ll need:
Trolling Rods: Opt for medium to medium-heavy action rods with a length of 7 to 8 feet. These rods provide the perfect balance between sensitivity and strength. The medium action allows you to detect the subtle bites of walleye, while the medium-heavy action provides the power needed to reel in larger fish.
Reels: Choose reels with a smooth drag system and a high gear ratio to keep up with the fast-moving walleye. A smooth drag system is essential to prevent the line from breaking when a walleye makes a sudden run. A high gear ratio allows you to quickly retrieve the line and set the hook efficiently.
Line: Use a monofilament or fluorocarbon fishing line with a test strength of 10 to 12 pounds. This will ensure sufficient strength and sensitivity to detect bites. Monofilament lines are more forgiving and have better shock absorption, while fluorocarbon lines are virtually invisible underwater, increasing your chances of success.
Trolling Weights: Invest in a variety of trolling weights to adjust the depth at which your bait is presented. Different weights will be necessary depending on the water’s depth and current. Heavier weights are used to target deeper areas, while lighter weights are suitable for shallower waters. Experiment with different weights to find the right balance.
Lures and Baits: Select lures and baits that resemble the natural prey of walleye, such as crankbaits, spoons, and live bait like minnows or leeches. Crankbaits with rattles can be particularly effective in attracting walleye. Experiment with different colors, sizes, and actions to determine what the fish are most responsive to on a given day.
Trolling for Walleyes-How to Pick the Right Bait
Choosing the Right Location and Depth
To increase your chances of hooking walleye while trolling, it’s crucial to choose the right location and depth. Consider these factors:
Structure: Walleye are often found near underwater structures such as weed beds, rocky areas, drop-offs, and submerged points. These areas provide cover and ambush points for walleye to prey on smaller fish. Use a fish finder to locate these structures and concentrate your trolling efforts in these areas.
Water Temperature: Walleye are most active in water temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Use a fish finder or a thermometer to locate areas with the desired temperature range. Pay attention to areas where the temperature changes, as walleye often congregate in these transition zones.
Depth: Start by trolling in waters between 10 and 30 feet deep. Adjust the depth based on the location of walleye marks on your fish finder. If you’re not getting any bites, try trolling at different depths until you find the optimal zone. It’s also a good idea to vary the depth of your lines by using different lengths of line released.
Trolling Techniques | How to Troll for Walleye
Now that you have the right equipment and have located a promising fishing spot, it’s time to discuss various trolling techniques that will help you entice walleye effectively.
Speed Control: Maintain a speed of 1.5 to 3 miles per hour depending on the walleye’s activity level. Adjust your speed until you find the sweet spot that triggers the most strikes. Walleye can be more active and aggressive at certain speeds, so experiment with different speeds to see what works best on a given day.
Downriggers: Downriggers are useful tools for trolling at specific depths. Attach the fishing line to the downrigger’s release clip and let it down to the desired depth. This allows you to precisely control the depth at which your bait is presented. Downriggers are especially effective when targeting walleye holding in deeper waters.
Planer Boards: Planer boards are used to spread out your lines and cover a larger area. They allow you to troll multiple lines simultaneously and increase your chances of success. Attach the planer board to your fishing line and let it out to the side of the boat. The planer board will take your line away from the boat, creating a wider trolling path.
Depth Control: Use a combination of trolling weights and the length of line released to control the depth at which your bait is presented. Experiment with different depths until you find the optimal zone. It’s also a good idea to vary the depth of your lines by using different lengths of line released. This allows you to cover a range of depths and increase your chances of attracting walleye.
Vary Your Presentation: Walleye can be picky at times, so it’s essential to have a variety of lures and baits at your disposal. Experiment with different colors, sizes, and actions to find what works best on a given day. Pay attention to the water clarity and adjust your presentation accordingly. In clear water, use more natural-looking lures, while in murky water, opt for lures with brighter colors and more vibration.
Master Offshore Trolling: Top 5 Techniques You Need to Know!
Tips for Success
To maximize your success while trolling for walleye, keep the following tips in mind:
Stealth Matters: Walleye have excellent eyesight, so it’s important to minimize noise and vibrations in the boat. Turn off unnecessary electronics and move quietly to avoid spooking the fish. Use a trolling motor instead of the main engine for a quieter approach.
Be Patient: Trolling requires patience. Keep in mind that walleye may not always strike immediately, and it may take time to locate the right depth and lure combination. Stay persistent and be ready for action at all times. Pay attention to any subtle signs or changes in the fishing environment that may indicate walleye activity.
Pay Attention to Weather: Walleye tend to be more active during overcast days or low-light conditions. Cloud cover and a light chop on the water can increase your chances of success. However, don’t let adverse weather conditions deter you from trolling. Walleye can still be caught in sunny or calm conditions, especially during early morning or evening hours.
Keep Safety in Mind: Always prioritize safety while trolling. Wear a life jacket, be aware of your surroundings, and follow boating regulations. Check the weather forecast before heading out and be prepared for any changes in conditions. Let someone know about your fishing plans and expected return time.
FAQ
What equipment do I need for trolling walleye?
You will need trolling rods, reels with a smooth drag system, a fishing line with a test strength of 10 to 12 pounds, trolling weights, and lures and baits that resemble walleye’s natural prey.
How do I choose the right location and depth for trolling walleye?
Consider underwater structures, water temperature, and depth. Look for weed beds, rocky areas, drop-offs, and submerged points. Walleye are most active in water temperatures ranging from 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Start trolling in waters between 10 and 30 feet deep and adjust based on fish finder readings.
What are some trolling techniques for walleye?
Maintain a speed of 1.5 to 3 miles per hour, use downriggers for precise depth control, utilize planer boards to cover a larger area, vary the depth of your lines, and experiment with different lures and baits.
What tips can help me succeed in trolling for walleye?
Minimize noise and vibrations in the boat, be patient and persistent, pay attention to weather conditions, and prioritize safety by wearing a life jacket and following boating regulations.
Conclusion
With the right equipment, knowledge of effective trolling techniques, and some patience, you can greatly increase your chances of catching walleye. Remember to select the appropriate gear, choose the right location and depth, utilize different trolling techniques, and pay attention to the tips for success. Enjoy the thrill of trolling for walleye and the satisfaction of reeling in these prized fish!
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