Presentation Part 2-Hooking on to that Walleye | |
| |
| This picture obviously needs an explanation. The day was quite cold, hence the toque. It was also very bright and sunny and the glare was too much to take. Forgot my sunglasses and the ball cap did the trick. I thought that I needed to explain this so that you don't think that I am as loony as the picture looks. |
Although backtrolling as described in the Presentation Part 1 article is my preferred method of presentation, I will (depending on conditions) use other methods. On a windier day when I get tired of the water splashing over the backboard while I am trying to backtroll, I will drift or anchor over my favourite spots and use a cast and retrieve technique. Here I use my trolling 3-way rig or change to a jig with a trailer hook. A slow retrieve, bouncing the bottom or near the bottom will often produce really good results. There are a whole host of lead jigs and floating jigs that work well. | |
You will have to experiment with lead jigs to get the right weight to get you down to the depth that you want to fish. With a floating jig, I set it up in a similar manner as the 3-way rig described in the Terminal Tackle article but replace the spinner with the jig. In both cases, make sure that you attach a trailer hook and a juicy dew worm. By now, you have the idea that I really like the worm. To me, it is a universal bait but if minnows, leeches, plugs or lures are working, then go for it. | |
Occasionally I fish in an area that has a fairly heavy current and here I sometimes like to use my downrigger. I will anchor in the current, let out from 5 to 10 ft. of line and attach the line to the clip on the cannon ball. Lower it to the depth that you want and let your bait wobble in the current. Again, experiment with different depths. I have caught some nice ones like this.
| |
Another method that gives a lot of control over your boat and presentation is an electric motor. Both bow and transom mounts work well. I prefer the transom mount for slow trolling and the bow mount works well when using a cast and retrieve method. The bow mount has a foot control that frees up both hands for rod control.
| |
A final thought on presentation relates to when you should fish. All kinds of environmental factors will govern how good the fishing is at any point in time.
| |
I try to pay attention to what conditions are present when I catch fish. Some of my best catches of walleye have been at high noon on the brightest and the sunniest of days. Now the water isn't crystal clear but it isn't really dirty either. So, I guess my point is, don't hesitate to fish when the spirit moves you. You might be pleasantly surprised. Don't get caught in a rut and fish only when, according to traditional thought , you are supposed to.
| |
Until next time, good fishing and good sportsmanship. | |
| |
