When I do seminars on walleye fishing, the most frequent questions are often about the most basic things. Those of us who have fished for decades forget that not everyone knows how to thread on a twister or hook a worm on a jig. Little things matter when it comes to effectively jigging walleye. Here are the fundamentals of the techniques and baits of the jigging game. Technique: Vertical jigging This is the most basic form of jigging — the style of fishing many of us start with, and it is undeniably effective. Some walleye anglers only vertically jig. A strong case can be made that, across the widest range of conditions, vertical jigging is the most effective way to catch walleye. It works in current and in lakes, and at various depths. Vertical jigging also provides an excellent hook- set angle that is about as good as it gets. How to do it The basic technique is simple: drop a baited jig (live bait or plastic) to the bottom, then impart motion by lifting and lowering the rod tip. As a rule, less action is usually better, but the fish will often tell you what they prefer. Start with a gentle lift-and-drop motion and adjust from there. There are times when a more aggressive jigging motion will trigger strikes, but more often a subtle presentation works best. Even a rocking boat will impart action to a jig. More times than I care to admit, I’ve placed a jigging rod in a rod holder only to have the jig inhaled by a walleye. The “dead-stick” jig often shows just the right amount of action — especially in cold water or when walleye are unwilling to bite. What to tie on A 1⁄4- or 3⁄8-ounce ball-head jig is the standard. Lighter jigs excel in shallow water. Heavier jigs are better in strong current or when you need to get to the bottom quickly. Longer-shank hooks work well for plastics, while shorter-shank hooks (such as the Northland Fireball) are ideal for live bait. In lakes, walleye often hold in 30 feet of water or more, which can require heavier jigs. Heavier jigs are easier to feel when the wind is blowing and the boat is moving. However, keep in mind that walleye inhale jigs, and the heavier the jig, the more effort it takes to suck it in. This can lead to
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