Mastering the Art of Trolling Crankbaits for Big Walleye
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Tips for Catching More Walleyes Pulling Crankbaits
- 2.1 Trolling Techniques
- 2.2 Using the 50 Plus 2 Method
- 2.3 Trolling along Rock Spines
- 2.4 Checking the Baits for Straight Tracking
- Landing a Big Walleye: Patience is Key
- Rod and Line Setup for Trolling Crankbaits
- Fine-Tuning Your Trolling Patterns
- 5.1 Speed and Depth Considerations
- 5.2 Paying Attention to Wind and Sun Direction
- 5.3 Observing Lure Positioning
- Conclusion
Tips for Catching More Walleyes Pulling Crankbaits
Fishing for walleyes can often be a thrilling experience, and one of the most effective techniques for targeting these elusive fish is by pulling crankbaits. In this article, we'll delve into a number of tips and techniques that can help you catch more walleyes using this popular fishing method. From trolling techniques to proper bait positioning, we'll cover all the essentials to help you become a more successful crankbait angler.
Trolling Techniques
When it comes to pulling crankbaits, trolling is the preferred method. Trolling allows you to cover a larger area of water and present your baits at various depths, increasing your chances of enticing walleyes to strike. However, it's important to have the right trolling technique to maximize your success.
Using the 50 Plus 2 Method
One effective trolling technique is the 50 Plus 2 method. This technique involves letting out approximately 50 feet of line from your reel, followed by attaching a two-ounce snap weight. After attaching the weight, you can let out the remaining line until you reach your desired depth. By using this method, you can ensure that your crankbaits are running at the right depth to target walleyes.
Trolling along Rock Spines
Another effective tactic is trolling along rock spines that dip into deep mud on both sides. These rock spines serve as transition areas where walleyes often gather, making them prime spots for trolling crankbaits. By pulling your baits across the fish's nose along these rock spines, you increase your chances of attracting a strike.
Checking the Baits for Straight Tracking
One crucial aspect of successful crankbait fishing is ensuring that your baits track straight through the water. Before deploying a crankbait, it's essential to check its tracking to avoid any issues with your spread. Simply sling the bait out the side of the boat with a few feet of line and observe its movement. If the bait tracks hard to the right or left, it may dive into your spread and cause problems. In such cases, you can use a saddle needle nose pliers or a crankbait tuner to make slight adjustments to the bait's hard eyelet, ensuring it runs true.
Landing a Big Walleye: Patience is Key
When you hook into a big walleye while pulling crankbaits, it's essential to exercise patience and avoid rushing the process. Maintain a steady and even pressure on the fish, avoiding the temptation to crank the reel and bring the fish in quickly. By applying steady pressure and playing the fish patiently, you increase your chances of successfully landing that trophy walleye.
Rod and Line Setup for Trolling Crankbaits
Having the right rod and line setup is crucial for trolling crankbaits effectively. Opt for an eight-foot rod with a slow action to provide built-in shock absorption. Combine it with a ten-pound monofilament line, allowing for stretch and softness that acts as a shock absorber. This setup helps prevent the bait from being yanked out of the fish's mouth and improves your chances of hooking and landing walleyes.
Fine-Tuning Your Trolling Patterns
To consistently catch walleyes while pulling crankbaits, it's vital to pay attention to the little details that can make a big difference. Consider the speed and depth at which you're trolling, as well as the number of feet of line you have out. Experiment with different baits and their designs to find what works best in the given conditions. Additionally, observe the direction of travel and how it affects your success. There may be times when trolling in one direction produces more bites than the other. By being observant and adaptable, you can replicate successful patterns and increase your overall catch rate.
Speed and Depth Considerations
When it comes to trolling crankbaits, adjusting your speed and depth can significantly impact your success. Walleyes may be more active at different depths and may respond better to slower or faster lure presentations. By varying your trolling speed and adjusting the amount of line you let out, you can experiment with different depths and lure actions to find what the walleyes prefer.
Paying Attention to Wind and Sun Direction
Sometimes, trolling in a specific direction can make a significant difference in your catch rate. Certain days or conditions may trigger walleyes to feed more when the wind is blowing in a particular direction or when the sun is positioned a certain way. It's essential to observe these factors and test different directions to determine the most productive pattern for the day.
Observing Lure Positioning
As you troll with multiple rods, observe how the position of the baits impacts your success. If you consistently get bites on the outside rod of a turn, it suggests that the lure on that rod is speeding up compared to the inside lures. This awareness allows you to adjust your spread and keep all baits running at the optimal speed, resulting in more hookups.
Conclusion
Pulling crankbaits for walleyes can be an exciting and rewarding fishing technique. By incorporating the tips and techniques discussed in this article, you can enhance your chances of catching more walleyes on your next fishing trip. Remember to pay attention to trolling techniques, check your baits for straight tracking, exercise patience when landing big walleyes, and fine-tune your trolling patterns based on various factors. With practice and observation, you'll become a more proficient crankbait angler and enjoy more success on the water.
Highlights
- Trolling crankbaits is an effective method for catching walleyes.
- The 50 Plus 2 method ensures baits are running at the desired depth.
- Trolling along rock spines increases the chances of attracting strikes.
- Checking bait tracking helps prevent spread issues and improves catch rates.
- Patience is key when landing big walleyes.
- Use an eight-foot rod with a slow action and ten-pound monofilament line for trolling.
- Adjust trolling speed, depth, and lure positioning for optimal results.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the best trolling technique for catching walleyes with crankbaits?\
A: Trolling is the preferred technique for pulling crankbaits. It allows you to cover a larger area and present baits at different depths, increasing your chances of catching walleyes.
Q: How can I ensure that my crankbaits track straight?\
A: Before deploying a crankbait, sling it out the side of the boat with a few feet of line and observe its movement. If the bait tracks hard to the right or left, make slight adjustments to the hard eyelet using pliers or a crankbait tuner.
Q: What should I do when I hook a big walleye while pulling crankbaits?\
A: When you hook a big walleye, exercise patience and avoid rushing the process. Apply steady and even pressure on the fish, avoiding the temptation to crank the reel and bring the fish in quickly.
Q: What kind of rod and line setup is recommended for trolling crankbaits?\
A: It is recommended to use an eight-foot rod with a slow action and combine it with a ten-pound monofilament line. This setup provides built-in shock absorption and prevents the bait from being yanked out of the fish's mouth.
Q: Are there any factors to consider when fine-tuning trolling patterns for walleyes?\
A: Yes, factors such as trolling speed, depth, wind direction, and sun position can significantly impact your success. Pay attention to these factors and adapt your trolling patterns accordingly.
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