Every angler dreams of the perfect fishing moment, the perfect adventure, the perfect cast and of course the perfect catch. At FishOn!tario our goal is to help anglers of all ages make that dream a reality! Lake Ontario, Erie and the other Great Lakes offer some of the finest Fishing in the world, Join us for the Journey.
Minnow-tipped jigs, worm harnesses and crankbaits are impressive lures for catching the elusive Walleye. One of the best techniques, regularly underestimated for catching your "Opel Eye's" is the Jigging Spoon! Offered in different shapes, sizes, colours and weights, there is a vast variety to choose from. This article summarizes the fundamentals and key concepts to understand why your jigging spoon selection is made, depending on date, time, and location.
When first entering into a tackle store you may feel overwhelmed while being confronted with the surplus of altered variations on the classic jigging spoon! The key to picking the correct jigging spoon relies on the body of water you are planning to fish. For example if you are going to be fishing high current areas, weight is a key factor. A heavier spoon will be required to find bottom, in comparison to low current areas where a lighter application should be used.
When choosing your spoon it is important to consider what type of bait fish inhabit the water where you are planning to fish; shiners, smelt, chubs, mud minnows, etc. Why? Simply because this is what the walleye are typically feeding on throughout the season. When Walleye are not in an aggressive feed they are commonly more attracted to natural colors.
Tipping your jigging spoon with live bait, such as minnows, worms, or leeches is a crucial part to succeeding in tough fishing conditions. Remember, the jigging spoon is only advantageous for attracting fish to the lure. When dealing with a slower bite, live bait can provide added scent which draws the fish from farther distances and provoke strikes once they have located your lure.
Fishing breaks, rock piles, drop offs, points and mouths of rivers or creeks is a great place to locate Walleye. During late winter and spring, focus bait action near creeks, rivers, and flats where Walleye will be spawning. Seasonal progression into summer causes changes a lake's oxygen levels, baitfish patterns, and temperature, usually driving the Walleye into deeper water. In late autumn and early winter, Walleye will be staging on flats and shoals with adequate baitfish populations waiting to travel to their spawning grounds. Find flats where bait fish will inhabit and structural niches where the Walleye can seek cover while not feeding. During early morning and late evening when the fish are feeding, focus on the flats, throughout mid-day target were the Walleye rest in deeper water.
Print Article