Hey there, fellow anglers! Looking to get out on foot and chase after some walleye? In this article, I’m here to reveal some tips and techniques that I have used to catch walleye from the bank. Whether you’re a beginner or an advanced angler, this article should have something beneficial for you to learn how to catch walleye from shore!
Article Navigation:
- Walleye Behavior
- Shore Fishing Gear
- Walleye Techniques For Shore Fishing
- Shore Fishing Location
- Patience Is A Virtue
- Conservation
- Let Us Know What Else You Want To Learn About
Cracking the Code of Walleye Behavior
To increase your chances of success in catching walleye from shore, it’s essential to understand the behavior of walleye. Obviously, the best opportunity to shore fish for walleye are when they are relating to shallow water. Walleye are often drawn to shallow areas near structures and cover during the spring and fall. In the spring, walleye are drawn shallow to spawn, and they remain in these shallow depths for several weeks afterwards. In the fall, walleye feed up heavily before winter by corralling large baitfish schools in shallow bays. If fishing during the summer months, fish for walleye during the night. Walleye will slide up near shore under the cover of darkness to feed when the water temperature is warmer. By knowing walleye seasonal movements, you’ll be one step closer to catching that trophy walleye from shore.
Equipping Yourself to Catch Walleye from Shore
Before we dive into some of the best shore fishing techniques, let’s make sure you have the right shore fishing gear and equipment to catch walleye. For shore fishing walleye, I recommend a medium-light to medium power spinning rod. Pair this with a spinning reel that has a good drag system for light line. When walleye fishing, I recommend using a braided main line with a fluorocarbon leader. For the braid, choose anywhere from 10-20 lb. test. For the fluorocarbon leader, 6-12 lb. tests will do the job. Don’t forget to bring a fishing backpack or portable tackle box stocked with an assortment of lures. If you desire, a shore fishing net can be helpful for landing fish as well.
Mastering Expert Techniques to Catch Walleye from Shore
Now, let’s explore several techniques to help increase your chances of catching that monster walleye from shore.
Crankbaits: Trigger Walleye Into Biting
Walleye’s are typically thought of as finicky fish and light biters by many anglers. One technique that may change your mind however is casting shallow crankbaits for walleye. This is an aggressive technique that gets some incredible bites that you would have never expected from a walleye.
There is nothing special about the retrieve when fishing shallow crankbaits. Keep your rod tip down and use a slow and steady retrieve. Every one in awhile, give the crankbait a slight twitch and pause with the rod, and then continue the retrieve. A lot of the times walleye will begin to follow the crankbait when it is being reeled steadily and will bite when the retrieve is interrupted.
Jigs: The Old Reliable
Jigs are one of the most versatile lures a walleye angler has in their arsenal. They are a great option when shore fishing since you can fish them at a variety of depths. Choose the appropriate jig weight to maintain bottom contact for the depth you are fishing. As far as retrieves, lift the jig a few feet off bottom before letting it sink back to bottom. Make sure that the jig reaches the bottom when you let it fall back down as bottom contact is crucial for jigging success. If you plan on using soft plastics, opt for a more aggressive snap jigging retrieve.
Live Bait Tactics: The Allure of Natural Baits for Walleye
All walleye anglers know that walleye can be incredibly finicky at times. Sometimes, live bait can be the game-changer when targeting walleye from shore. Minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers are all excellent options. Rig them with your preferred live bait presentation for the scenario you will be fishing. Live bait can be irresistible to walleye and increase your chances of a successful catch.
Precision Casting: Reaching the Sweet Spots for Walleye
Accurate casting is key to reaching those sweet spots where walleye lurk close to shore. Practice your casting techniques to improve accuracy and distance. Try using a sidearm or overhead cast to achieve precision. Pay attention to wind direction, as it can affect your casting distance and potentially help you reach those elusive walleye. The further you can cast a lure from shore, the more water you will be able to cover. Although this seems like a minor detail, it can definitely increase your chances of catching walleye.
Location Matters: Identifying the Best Spots to Catch Walleye from Shore
Finding the right spot is crucial when fishing from shore to catch walleye. When you are covering water on foot instead of in a boat, picking high-percentage areas is critical. Look for points, drop-offs, and areas with submerged structures like fallen trees or rocks. These spots attract walleye as they provide cover and serve as ambush points for their prey. Current is another hot spot to keep in mind when shore fishing for walleye.
Patience and Persistence: Essential Virtues in Walleye Fishing
When it comes to catching walleye from shore, patience and persistence are essential virtues. Walleye can be elusive, and not every cast will result in a bite. Stay focused and vary your retrieve and location until you find something that works. Walleyes don’t normally hang out alone. If you catch one, continue using the same pattern and you will see success. Remember, every cast brings you closer to that trophy fish.
Conservation and Ethical Fishing Practices
As responsible anglers, it’s crucial to prioritize conservation and practice ethical fishing. Adhere to catch-and-release guidelines to preserve the walleye population for future generations. Handle fish with care, use barbless hooks to minimize injury, and return them to the water as quickly and gently as possible. Respect fish and wildlife habitats by minimizing your impact and leaving the environment as pristine as you found it.
Congratulations! You’ve now are equipped with the knowledge to fish for walleye from shore. By understanding walleye behavior, having the right gear, and mastering the techniques discussed, you’re well on your way to becoming a successful angler. So go ahead and hit the shore with confidence. Remember, each fishing trip is an adventure, and the thrill of landing that prized walleye is waiting for you. Tight lines and happy fishing!
Let Us Know What You Want To Learn About
Thanks to everyone that responded to our survey. The results indicated that most of our audience consists of shore fisherman, hence the reason we wanted to write this article for you guys. Be sure to follow us on Instagram @theanglersline if you want to provide input and suggestions for future articles as well!