Best Walleye Lures
Increasing your walleye catching number is directly related to the type of lures that the angler has in their tackle box. Below is a list of the best walleye lures that will increase catch numbers.
Trolling for Walleye
#1 Berkley Flicker Shad/ Minnow
A Berkley Flicker Shad , is by far the most successful lure that can be used to catch early spring and late fall walleyes. It best resembles the bait fish that all walleyes feed on and comes in a variety of lengths and colors. Generally, any color variation will work but I have had most of my success on a Racy Shad Size 5, and Chartreuse Pearl Size 5. These lures give you the best bang for your buck and really pack a punch on catching walleye.
#2 Storm Smash Shad 5
This lure has incredible action and comes in a variety of colors and that is very important when fishing for walleye. Depending on the weather that day, walleyes can become very finicky and the Smash Shad provides the angler with vibrant color options as well as duller colors. The Storm Smash Shad, Fire Perch and Hot Perch seem to provide the highest catch numbers while trolling. These lures have been used side by side with the Berkley Flicker Shad and they both have successfully caught fish. These two lures are a must have in any angler’s box and make the list for the best walleye lures.
#3 Rapala Shad Rap
Another great lure to have in your arsenal is a Rapala Shad Rap . These lures have been on the market for many years, and not much has changed on them. That is because the consistently catch fish. Use a 07 Shad Rap in either Perch color or Silver and you will catch fish.
Technique:
When trolling for walleye, let enough line out to place your bait about 6 inches to a foot off bottom. Troll at a rate of 1.8 to 2.1 mph in the spring to early summer. As the temperature of the water rises, increase your speed to 2.2 to 2.5 mph the walleye will become more active and trolling at faster rates will increase catch numbers.
Bouncing for Walleye
#1 Mack’s Smile Blade Slow Death Rig
This is the highest rated lure to consistently catch a basket of walleye in the spring and summer months. The lure is comprised of a Mack’s Smile Blade, a tier of beads and a slow death hook. Use this rig by threading a night crawler onto the hook and break off the last half an inch of the crawler. Attach the rig to a 1.5-ounce bottom bouncer and drop the rig to the bottom. Troll at a speed of 0.8 to 1.1 mph. Make sure that you keep the bouncer vertical in the water column. You can do this by adjusting your line until you feel the bouncer slightly dragging on bottom. This rig comes in many colors. Build up your tackle box a hearty supply and many color variances because these will catch more fish than anything in your box.
#2 Slow Death Hook
This tactic is the same as the Mack’s Smile Blade Rig, but it utilizes a standalone hook instead of the full rig. Use a Slow Death Hook, and a 3-foot leader of 10 lb. mono-filament. Tie one end to the hook and the other to the bottom bouncer. Fish the same as the Mack’s Smile Blade Slow Death Rig.
To learn more about the type of bait that walleye forage for, there is a great article at In-Fisherman.
