As the ice thaws and the water starts to warm, there's nothing quite like the thrill of setting out on the water in search of walleye. Spring brings a unique opportunity for anglers to employ jigging techniques that can yield impressive results. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just dipping your toes into the world of fishing, understanding the basics of springtime jigging for walleye is essential. From selecting the right jig to mastering the technique, let's embark on a journey to make this spring fishing season your most successful one yet.
Selecting the Right Jig: Size Matters
When it comes to jigging for walleye, choosing the right size and type of jig is paramount. A general rule of thumb is to start with a 1/4 ounce jig head for every ten feet of water you're fishing. As you venture into deeper waters or face stronger currents, consider upsizing your jig size to maintain control and ensure you're able to feel the bottom. The type of jig head also plays an important role in your presentation. For a subtle, natural presentation in clear water, round head jigs are tough to beat, especially those with an eye or color that mimics natural prey walleye feed on. In darker water or at deeper depths, jigs with flash and a tapered head prove more effective - providing both sound and action effectively drawing walleye in from further away.
Mastering the Best Jigging Technique for Walleye
The key to successful walleye jigging lies in mastering the technique. Start with a vertical approach, positioning your boat directly over the spot you intend to fish. In current you will need to use your electric trolling motor to maintain a vertical position over your bait; effectively mimicking a small bait fish caught in the current and struggling to keep up. Use a gentle, rhythmic lifting and dropping motion to make your jig mimic a wounded baitfish. This action is irresistible to walleye, especially in the spring when they're actively feeding. Remember, the goal is to keep your jig bouncing along or near the bottom, as walleye tend to feed in this area during the spring months.
Make Adjustments to Your Jigging Technique
While spring offers prime conditions for vertical jigging, understanding how to adjust your technique for different seasons and scenarios can significantly improve your hookup rate. When fishing lakes or slow, slack-water jigging speed is less aggressive, while faster currents require a jigging speed and cadence that matches how baitfish would struggle to swim and search for cover. During the colder months, a slower, more methodical approach is often more effective, as walleye become more lethargic. As the warmer months approach, walleye become more aggressive, which gives you more options for jigging cadence, speed and presentation. If you're getting strikes, but are unable to set the hook you should consider adding a Ghost Stinger hook to your presentation. Often times that second hook grabs the corner of the walleye's mouth making it easier to hook and land fish.
Avoiding Common Jigging Mistakes
One of the most common mistakes anglers make while jigging for walleye is not maintaining contact with the bottom. Walleye are bottom-oriented predators, so your jig needs to be in their strike zone to maximize your chances. Another frequent error is using too heavy a jig, which can lead to a less natural presentation and spook wary fish. Lastly, ensure your jigging movements are smooth and controlled; erratic actions can be less effective. Remember, the jigging bite is mimicking baitfish, not causing a reaction strike.
Gear Up for Success
As we wrap up our guide on springtime jigging for walleye, remember the importance of starting with the right gear. A fast-action rod, matched with the appropriate walleye jig and bait or plastic, sets the stage for an exciting season of vertical jigging. And as always, learning from each outing and adapting your technique will only enhance your fishing experience. For those looking to up their game, check out our selection of Ghost Jigs. These jigs were designed to help you land that trophy spring walleye. Gear up, get out there, and experience the joy of springtime walleye jigging firsthand!