Walleye Jig Fishing Tips and Pointers

When it comes to catching walleyes, jig fishing is the most popular choice and for good reason. Any serious angler will tell you that using jigs will allow you to catch more of these fish than anything else you could try. A jig is described as being "lead-headed bait with a single hook". The hook is designed with a feathery like trailer or skirt that helps to attract the attention of the walleye.

Jigs will work great in water that is clear or slightly cloudy and when fishing in shadowy and dark water. It is also best used for fishing in water that reaches temperatures below sixty. Since the walleye prefer cooler temperatures it makes since that jigs would work great for catching them.

Types of Jigs Available

Jigs are considered to be a "presentation" lure. What this means is that the way you present the lure to the fish is very important. They are meant to be slowly pulled through the water to have the greatest effect. This will make the walleye more interested in the bait and you will get more hits.

Jigs come in different colors and sizes so you need to determine which one would be best to use at any given time. As a general rule the light colored jigs are best used when you are fishing in clear water. The lighter colors are typically white, green and chartreuse. Using a transparent skirt presents less of a threat to the walleye fish and they will be more likely to bite. Dark colors such as brown, purple and black are best used in murky water with a darker color skirt.

Jigs come in several different sizes and weights. It is imperative that you know which one to use in every type of situation to get the best results. These weights range from 3/16 to 3/4 ounce and normally, you will use the lightest weight possible. However, it is recommended that you have a variety of weights available so you will be prepared for all water conditions. If you are fishing in clear water it is best to use the lighter weights. The 1/4 or 1/8 ounce is recommended along with using a lightweight line and spinning tackle. The lighter jigs are best used when the fish are being passive.

The heavier jigs such as the 3/8 or 5/8 ounce are best used for murky and deep water fishing. The heavier jigs will also work better in high wind when it is harder to feel the bites from the fish. The heavier jigs are the ones to use when you are night fishing or when the fish are being aggressive.

Different jigs also come in different designs. Some have a pointed head with the eyelet located on the front. Others have a broad head with the eyelet coming out of the top. If you are going to be fishing around weeds you will find that the pointed head will work the best because it is less likely to get tangled.

Techniques for Using Jigs

When it comes to the different types of techniques one of the first things you need to remember is that it is your job to make the jig look as alive as you can. This will catch the attention of the walleye and send them swimming your way. So the technique you use while pulling the jigs through the water is a very important aspect of jig fishing. You need to be aware of the speed, direction and depth of the jig to determine the best way to move it through the water to produce the most dramatic affect and get the results you are after.

Even the way you cast and retrieve the line makes a difference in jig fishing. When casting, you need to use techniques that will reduce the amount of disturbance to the water to avoid startling the walleye. Practice your casting and retrieval techniques so you will be able to get the most from all of your fishing trips.