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Tips on Finding the Perfect Location to Fish for Walleye
If you are an avid angler, you probably already know why the walleye is an excellent catch. If you have only begun your adventures in fishing, then the walleye is definitely the fish you’ll want to catch one of these days. It’s a sleek, beautiful fish with a tinge of gold and olive that can grow to an impressive 30 to 36 inches in length. It’s also quite a challenge to reel in. To catch it, you will have to know its habits to find the perfect place where you can fish for walleye.
The popularity of the walleye
Other than its impressive appearance which makes it a favorite wall mounting, the walleye also makes a popular meal at the dinner table. It is a great tasting fish and for many anglers, considered as the one with the best taste among freshwater fish.
Walleye remain as one of the most popular for anglers to catch. Its elusiveness makes it perfect for tournaments and it is also the type of fish that lives in some of the most picturesque areas in the U.S. and Canada. The views, along with the perfect walleye catch, make pursuing this fish an incredible adventure.
Where to find the walleye
The walleye is a fish that likes little light and it is built to survive darker areas in a lake. Walleye have eyes that are highly efficient at gathering light so it does not matter if the area where they swim is dark or if the sky is overcast because these fish can see clearly. In fact, even in choppy waters when the area near the surface of the lake is rough, walleye can still hunt for their prey even if the visuals aren’t too good.
The walleye is Minnesota’s state fish and although it is certainly abundant in this area, the fish can also be found in other locations in both the U.S. and Canada. Rivers such as Missouri, Mississippi and Seagull in Cook County are excellent locations for walleye fishing. In Canada, the Great Lakes, Winnipeg River, the Forks, Gouin Reservoir and Columbia River in British Columbia are a favorite among locals and tourists. You can also find walleye in many wildlife refuge areas.
How the walleye behaves
Knowing where the walleye lives is just half the adventure. This fish is rather elusive, making it an exciting challenge and a top choice as a game fish for many anglers. Because of its excellent eyesight, the walleye is also capable of staying in deeper waters, although anglers prefer to catch the fish near the surface close to the banks of the lakes or rivers, when it is often found feeding. This is the easier way to catch the fish, when it’s more receptive to lures and bait, whether they’re live or artificial.
However, the walleye also spends a lot of its time looking for food so you can expect it to be on the move. During these times, they are difficult to catch from the banks so fishing with a boat is often required.
The night fish
The walleye is the type of fish that you will have to wait for at night to catch because of its nocturnal habits. Your chances of catching one are also better if you fish during overcast or cloudy days when light don’t penetrate the water too much.
And of course, there’s also the walleye chop you should watch out for. On days when the water is rough, the walleye like to feed and throwing in your life-like lure can reel in a pretty good catch.
A season for catching walleye
Not everyday is a good day to fish for walleye. Females, which are preferred because of their size over males, are often not interested to feed post-spawn. They will keep to the bottom of the lake to rest.
You are better off fishing for walleye in spring or fall. These are excellent seasons to catch the walleye, so if you want to get your hands on this solid-bodied fish, April through May and September through October are great months to fish. These are the times when walleye are more receptive to lures and bait because of their feeding activity. However, knowing where they are found during certain months is also important.
In May, for example, just after the walleye have spawned, the transition phase keeps the fish near the areas where they spawned and walleye tend to group together. This is why they are best fished near large sand flats. Summer, on the other hand, is not very friendly for walleye-chasing anglers, when it’s more difficult to lure the fish.
In winter, ice-fishing for walleye is a favorite among anglers. Holes are bored through the ice to drop the bait into the water. Using jigs, minnows or jigging spoons, anglers have had excellent success in catching this fish.
Walleye are one of the most sought-after fish in North American waters. Also known as dore, jackfish, pickerel, walleyed pikes and marble eyes because of its distinctive gold and olive green eyes, walleye are characterized by their spotless fins, black rear, and white-tipped tail. Walleye may be found in rivers and lakes.
Fishing Tips for Lake Walleye Walleye may both be found in natural and man-made impoundment lakes. In most cases, the best time of the year to fish for walleye is during the summer not because they are easier to fish but rather because people have more free time to enjoy fishing.
Walleye are creatures of habit. The first thing to remember is that walleye prefer swimming in the most suitable temperatures (approximately 73 F) during the summer but at the same time, they may also swim where there’s a lot of food for them to enjoy and when there are no bigger and predatory fish to worry about. Sunlight is also another thing they must absolutely avoid!
Again, save time by going directly to the local authorities and ask about the best spots for fishing. There are, however, a number of tips to remember where it’s best to fish depending on the time of the day.
At dawn, walleye can be easily found between weed beds. Remember that they are nocturnal feeders so they are up all night eating. At dawn, they are just getting ready to leave their feeding places and go deeper to avoid sunlight.
When the sun is fully up, expect to find walleye in shaded areas. When there are no structures to provide shade, walleye could go deeper, anywhere between twenty and fifty feet. In areas with structures around like rock piles, walleye are sure to be in the vicinity because they also provide shade for them.
Walleye travel in schools like other fish. When you have caught a fish in a particular area, you are sure to catch more from the same area.
Fishing Tips for River Walleye
If you are lucky, the river you frequently fish may have walleye swimming in them throughout the year. This is especially true with bigger rivers. Nevertheless, it’s best that you ask local authorities regarding walleye seasons. In some instances, walleye only enter rivers to enjoy better water temperatures at a given point in time or for spawning before returning to their lake origins.
The best places to ask are Conservation and Natural Resources offices and local fishing and bait shops. It’s also prudent to ask if they have walleye fishing seasons and if so, what the requirements are regarding sizes and so forth.
For rivers with considerable depth, you will more likely catch walleye swimming around twenty-five feet below the surface. They could even be swimming deeper than that in the larger rivers or in winter or fishing during mid-summer. In shallower rivers, however, you have a good chance of catching walleye at just 10 feet below.
For some, the best fishing technique or tactic to use for catching fish is by utilizing lead head jigs. Consider the casting distance when shopping for jigs because you will want to cover the greatest possible area with every cast. Colors are also important, and you will want something easily spotted even underwater. Buy something that will best resemble the fish they feed on.
If you notice a current, make sure to cast your jig upstream. Let it go slowly reach the bottom then pull it up just as slowly. Exert light effort because walleye are more vulnerable to subtle approaches. Expect to lose a good number of jigs each fishing trip; it’s a given when it comes to walleye fishing.
Use live minnows as bait. Hook through the lips then make sure your bait works with the current and continues to be on display. If you see a walleye doing its best to go after your minnow but consistently falling short, try to re-hook your bait but this time pinning it through the dorsal fin. The latter will, however, make it harder for you to retain control of your bait in hard and strong currents.
Ultimately, there is really little difference between fishing for lake and river walleye. As long as you are familiar with the routines of walleye, you are sure to go home with one or more excellent catches!
Basic Things to Remember about Rigging and Jigging for Walleye
Rigging and jigging are two of the primary ways to use your bait and start catching some delicious walleye. If it is your first time to fish for walleye, you will enjoy greater productivity rates once you understand the basics of the two.
Basic Things to Remember about Rigging for Walleye
To rig live bait for walleye, you will have to use a slip sinker. This is connected to the hook you need to pierce your live bait. With rigged bait, you only have to drop it in the water and allow the bait to do its work. The constant movement of your live bait will set out vibrations that will induce the walleye into taking the bait; hook, line, and sinker.
Rigging is a technique more effective in a specific fishing area. It is not ideal if you wish to cover the maximum possible area because of how it works. In rigging, you and your live bait stay put in one area. You wait for the walleye to come after you and not the other way around. Walleye traveling for better water temperatures are more prone to taking the bait so you will have more chances of catching them during the day. At night, walleye are too busy feeding from their long-time preferred habitats to notice your bait.
A spinning rig is one of the most popular choices for catching walleye. When you are using a spinning rig, you should remember to keep your rig vertical while you keep your boat stationary. If you sense that a walleye has taken the bait have your companion move your boat on top of your catch as you begin pulling the fish to the surface.
When shopping for rigs, consider the leader length you will use because you will want more length to handle the finickier walleye. Colors rarely matter.
Basic Things to Remember about Jigging for Walleye
With rigging, it is up to the bait to make the necessary action to catch the eye of walleye in this instance. In jigging, however, an angler is used and controlled by the individual to produce the necessary bait movement and action. Because of the presence and function of anglers, artificial bait may be used with jigging. The main advantages of artificial jigs over real ones are the added scent and better hook strength.
Another difference between jigging and rigging is the timing. When you feel a bite, you reel in the rigged bait slowly but with jigged baits, you set your hook right away.
Here are the several types of jigging techniques you can use.
Trolling Jigs - Jig trolling techniques may work where spinner rigs and crank baits have failed. Generally, however, jig trolling is used for walleyes not traveling in schools and swimming in medium depths.
To make trolling more successful, try to bounce your jig at the bottom as your boat moves forward. Long-shank hooks are a preferable match with trolling jigs because they can keep your baits vertical. Vertical Jigs - Whether you are fishing in lakes or rivers, as long as the depths are eight feet or more, vertical jigs may be used effectively. Vertical jigs work better in rivers, of course, but you can increase their effectiveness by looking for the deeper areas of lakes.
To keep your bait vertical, look for long-shank hooks again as well as round heads. With a long-shank hook, you get a better grip on your walleye once you start reeling it in unlike with a shorter hook. Using light-wire together with vertical jigs also makes a better combination because they are less vulnerable to snagging.
Consider the jig weight when using vertical jigs for fishing. This is especially true if you are fishing in deeper waters and stronger currents. With vertical jigging, it’s better to have someone with you so you can fully concentrate on manipulating your fishing rod. Pitching Jigs - Pitching jigs are more effective if you are fishing for walleyes in shallower depths. Most cases, walleyes are hiding amidst structures and break lines in shallow depths. Just remember that walleye, especially older ones, do not like sunlight so they are sure to look for shade. When pitching jigged bait, you need to use short-shank hooks and keep bait horizontal.
Finally, jigging and rigging have their respective shares of pros and cons so consider trying them out to see which one works better for you.
Getting Ready for the Eye-Opening Walleye Season Opener
Walleye season is just about to open and the first day is always an eye-opening experience for all. You need to start preparing in order to enjoy maximum fishing pleasure. Although you do this every year, you still end up forgetting one or two essentials. For a perfect start this year, use the following tips as a checklist of things to do and bring.
Checking Your Fishing Gear and Equipment for the Walleye Season
Fishing License - do not wait for trouble to come knocking at your door. Apply early, submit your requirements promptly, and keep your fishing license together with the rest of your fishing gear.
Fishing Rods, Reels, and Lines - For fishing novices, keep in mind that this recreational activity is just like playing golf or tennis. There are certain rods, reels, and lines that work better in certain situations.
Tackle Box - You can not catch walleye without bait so make sure your tackle box contains all the necessary equipment: live and plastic bait, jigs and rigs, hooks, slip bobbers, split shots, hooks, plugs, crank baits, and crawler harnesses. Keep in mind that the quantity of bait and other tackling essentials you will bring with you will greatly depend on when and where you will be fishing.
Fishing Nets - Consider taking with you several types and sizes of fishing nets to meet all possible fishing needs you will encounter on the opening day of walleye season.
Troubleshooting Kit - Take a pair of pliers with you: this is the ultimate fishing tool that will help you solve lots of small and big troubles while you are fishing for walleye. Make sure you also have a filet knife, side planers, fish chains, nail clippers, forceps, and hook sharpeners included in your troubleshooting kit.
Locating Tools - To help you search for more walleye, make sure you have got with you fish markers, a portable fish finder, compass, head lamps, fish scale, fishing maps, and tape measure.
Electronic Equipment - Have a camera with you at all times to keep photographic evidence and remembrances of your catches. Make sure you have got an extra electric motor ready for emergency needs. If possible, have GPS and batteries as well.
Comfort - To be able to fish more comfortably and successfully, make sure you are wearing fishing boots and you have got life jackets and rain gear ready in cases of emergency. A pair of fishing gloves, a bottle of mosquito repellent (one that won’t be easily washed off by water, preferably), sunscreen and sunglasses, all-purpose rags, and a small bucket for your dumping needs. Pillows and sleeping bags are also necessary if you are staying the whole day. There will be times when you will need to take a short nap while waiting for some walleye to take the bait.
Consider any special health conditions you may have. If you are wearing contact lenses, be sure to take with you all your supplies.
Consider bringing means to entertain yourself especially if you are fishing on your own. Take with you a couple of books, a portable DVD or music player, or playing cards. Other essentials you could bring are garbage bags, a knife, axe, and flashlight.
Food - If it’s going to be a long trip, decide if you wish to go to the bank once in a while to eat. If not that, check if you have got all your cooking supplies. Have your coolers ready, a bottle opener, coffee maker, ice, eating utensils, plates and glasses, and sealable bags.
Medical Kit - Besides the usual essentials of a basic medical kit, take with you as well a couple of painkillers, moist towelettes, tissue paper, and allergy medicine since you will be spending a lot of time outdoors.
Boat - Have a professional give your boat a thorough checkup at least a month before the opening of walleye season to ascertain if it’s ready to face another fun but challenging voyage. Make sure you have got boat seats, anchors, and an adequate supplies of oil or gas. Take a repair kit on board and make sure you know the basic troubleshooting solutions for common boating problems.
If you are fishing in a new area, make sure your boat is capable of meeting the expected current strength, depth, and weather conditions.
General Concerns - Of course, preparing for the opening of walleye season is not limited to checking your gear and equipment. Familiarize yourself with the rules and requirements as well.
coin collecting is something that dates back to the when coins were first issued for trade. It was only in the Middle Ages that people turned this into a hobby because of the art work and the historical value.
coin collecting today is still a hobby that many people enjoy. One of the most precious and most expensive collections that anyone can ever have are those of gold coins. The most expensive gold coin ever bought was worth around $8000000. This was the American 1933 Gold Eagle. This is why the collecting of gold coins deserves to be called the hobby of kings.
Gold coins were one of the oldest forms of money. This was later followed by silver coins. Gold coins were in circulation in the United States from 1838 to 1933. The design was the Liberty Head bust but this was only made until 1907. The design was then changed to the Indian Head and Saint Gaudens motifs and was used until 1933 when the Great Depression began. This prompted the recall of gold coins which makes them very difficult to find today.
Since these are no longer in circulation, the price for one of this rare commodity is quite high. Gold is now used for other things such as jewelry or bars that people retain as an investment.
South Africa minted its first gold coin called the Krugerrand in 1967. This coin has no face value but merely stands as a symbol. It is made of 1 ounce of gold and can be purchased for investment purposes.
Since then other countries also minted bullion coins. Canada made the Gold Maple Leaf in 1979 and Australia made the Nugget in 1981. These two are much more popular than the South African coin because of its 24 carat purity.
A lot of people retain gold today as an investment because they speculate that the demand will cause its market value to increase. Others hold it as a form of insurance should the financial situation become worse. There was a point in time when the more paper money that was made, the higher the price of gold which maintained gold and cash as equal value. After this standard ended in 1971, this enabled government to produce more paper currency without increasing the price of gold.
Since gold coins can longer be used to purchase merchandise most coin collectors just keep them to remember that people once used them.
