Walleye Fishing Lures: Jigs

When fishing for picky fish like walleye, it is important to remember to fish slowly, because you are not going to get a bite the instant your bait descends into the water. Walleyes will take their time determining whether or not they want to eat whatever is on the end of your line. This is why jigs are one of the most popular types of walleye fishing lures. They sink into the water quickly and are meant to be retrieved slowly.

Using a jig when walleye fishing requires utilizing some specific techniques. You will need to employ a jerky retrieval method. After you have cast and allowed your jig to sink, start to reel in a little bit and then stop. Wait for your jig to sink back down before reeling again. This is imperative because it is during the time when the jig is sinking back down into the water that a walleye will bite. Make certain that your line does not have any slack during your retrieval because you will want to be able to feel a strike. You probably will not be able to see a strike since walleyes normally hide out deep in the water. The speed at which you jig will depend on the season and the activity level of the walleyes. Slow jigging works well during fall walleye fishing because the water is cold and the fish will not be as active. During months of warmer water and active fish, you can be faster in your retrieval.

Some jigs, such as bucktail jigs, come with feathers, plastic, or some other attractant attached. But it is definitely okay to use a plain jig and hook a minnow or leech to it. You can hook a minnow through its lips or eye sockets, but the most secure way to hook a minnow is through the top of its head. It is best to hook a leech through the end that has its sucker.