Vertical Jigging Methods
Some people prefer to troll and prospect for walleye, others like to plan ahead and jig. I'm a jigging man myself, probably because it involves so much strategic planning, which is a big part of the thrill I get from fishing. I just decided to take a few minutes to address how to jig. I think there are 2 schools of thought when it comes to vertical jigging for walleye.
1) Take your jig to the bottom, then lift your rod about 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, stay for one or two seconds, then go back down to the bottom, repeat. This method works best when fishing with artificial bait like ice jigs, or even ball jigs with sot plastic bait. Since these baits do not move on their own, some movement must be provided by you, and the up and down movement is the best way to trigger those bottom hugging walleyes.
2) Take your jig to the bottom, then lift your rod about 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, and stay there for 30 seconds or more. Then go back to the bottom, and raise again. When using live bait such as minnows, worms or leeches, this method is usually the best approach. The bait will provide the movement you need to attract the walleye, it is best to stay put and pay close attention to be able to detect any subtle bite. Moving up and down excessively with live bait will take away from the "feel" which is in my opinion critical for success.
In both methods, it is crucial to maintain a vertical line, make sure you never have slack in your line, and the distance from the bottom may vary up to 3 feet, but 6 inches to a foot are the most frequently active feeding areas. Get used to watching your line, and set the hook at any lateral movement or twitch. Walleye rarely smack a vertical jig presentation, instead they will come up to your bait, and gently suck it into their mouths and stay there or swim away slowly. You need to pay attention when jigging, if you are the type who needs to talk, drink, eat, smoke, look at the scenery while you fish, you will probably have difficulty with vertical jigging, because this method requires attention like no other.
Sometimes, one method is much better than the other, depending on factors like how aggressive the fish is for example. Like in any fishing situations, when you try one method, and the sonar says the fish is right there, but it is not biting, change to something else. Only fools don't.
1) Take your jig to the bottom, then lift your rod about 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, stay for one or two seconds, then go back down to the bottom, repeat. This method works best when fishing with artificial bait like ice jigs, or even ball jigs with sot plastic bait. Since these baits do not move on their own, some movement must be provided by you, and the up and down movement is the best way to trigger those bottom hugging walleyes.
2) Take your jig to the bottom, then lift your rod about 6 inches to a foot off the bottom, and stay there for 30 seconds or more. Then go back to the bottom, and raise again. When using live bait such as minnows, worms or leeches, this method is usually the best approach. The bait will provide the movement you need to attract the walleye, it is best to stay put and pay close attention to be able to detect any subtle bite. Moving up and down excessively with live bait will take away from the "feel" which is in my opinion critical for success.
In both methods, it is crucial to maintain a vertical line, make sure you never have slack in your line, and the distance from the bottom may vary up to 3 feet, but 6 inches to a foot are the most frequently active feeding areas. Get used to watching your line, and set the hook at any lateral movement or twitch. Walleye rarely smack a vertical jig presentation, instead they will come up to your bait, and gently suck it into their mouths and stay there or swim away slowly. You need to pay attention when jigging, if you are the type who needs to talk, drink, eat, smoke, look at the scenery while you fish, you will probably have difficulty with vertical jigging, because this method requires attention like no other.
Sometimes, one method is much better than the other, depending on factors like how aggressive the fish is for example. Like in any fishing situations, when you try one method, and the sonar says the fish is right there, but it is not biting, change to something else. Only fools don't.
Labels: fishing tips
Subscribe to my Feed!
2 Comments:
Hey Marc, I liked you post on jigging for Walleye, Im a jig freek myself. I find it boring to just burn around a lake/reservoir trolling. I would rather fish for my trophy. I fish the reservoirs here in Alberta as well as the world famous Bow River for the massive trout that live here. Stop by the Blog and check it out. Thanks again for you info. bowriverblog.com
Thanks for your post on jigging for walleye marc, I find it boring just trolling around a lake. I would rather fish for my trophy. Thanks again for your post. bowriverblog.com
Post a Comment
<< Home