How To Pick The "Perfect" Walleye Jig For Your Situation

While many anglers are sure that they know everything there is to know about their sport, there are times when you just have to relent and ask for advice. In using walleye jigs, there are some special circumstances to take into consideration that will help you choose the jig you are going to use, as well as how you plan to set it up. If you follow seven basic steps for walleye jigs, your approach to fishing for these interesting fish will be more successful.

First of all, you want to stay on the bottom of the lake or river you're fishing, since this is where walleye will spend the majority of their time. You'll want to size your jig to keep the bait trailing along the bottom. Of course, you'll want to find a happy medium because a smaller size will be easier for the walleye to catch (they eat by inhaling the water around the target), but choosing one too small also makes it too light.

The next step to successfully choosing your walleye jigs is to determine the amount of forage in the area; a jig that is too light may not have a large enough profile to attract walleye if the forage in the area is thick and large. Try several sizes until you find the one that works - fine tuning your fishing is all about trial and error.

Step 3 involves choosing the right type of jig; walleye jigs come in several shapes because various shapes may work better in one environment, while others may do the trick in a different location. Ball style jigs are the most common choice and work well for casting as well as vertical jigging, in both current and still waters. These versatile jigs are popular for trolling or drifting in larger sizes. If you want to cast into the weeds, consider a swimming jig that is long and flat with the hook eye in the front. If you need something more hydrodynamic, you should use current cutters or pancake walleye jigs, designed especially for moving water.

The next step to success in choosing walleye jigs is to change colors; don't assume that a specific color is always going to work in a specific area or under certain conditions. Jigs come in hundreds of colors for a reason, and sometimes just a slight variation will get you better results.

In addition, be sure to use a variety of bait. Don't always stick to the "rules" of what bait will work best with which walleye jigs. Minnows, nightcrawlers, leeches, and any other bait you opt for can be rotated based on what's getting you the bite.