Dragging for Walleyes - the Anglers`s Xperience

ANGLING ACADEMY
By Seth Burrill of axfishing.com, with Rich Landers
Dragging for Walleyes
A slow approach to catching walleyes when they get stubborn
Timing
Dragging jigs is effective year-round;
a go-to technique when fishing
gets tough.
Equipment
Rod - 6’6” -7’ medium power
fast-action spinning rod.
Reel - Small light-weight spinning.
Main line - 6# Berkley Fireline
Leader - 8’ of 8# Fluorocarbon.
Jig Head - Northland Odd Ball or
comparable style. Weight 1/4- to
1/2-ounce, depending on depth. Head
color depends on water clarity: in clear
water, use a shade of red; in stained or
muddy water, go with a shade of green.
Plastic - Berkley Gulp Goby or Berkley
Gulp Leech.
Bait
No bait needed with this
presentation. Berkley Gulp formula
has plenty of scent. Tipping hook with
worm or leech takes away from the
plastic's natural appearance.
Location
Technique works in any
walleye waters, especially
those with steep
drop-offs.
Technique
PATIENCE is No. 1 requirement. Abandon Type A personality and master a style that will boost catches in both size and numbers.
Seth’s angle
In late summer, walleyes
will move to offshore
humps and extended points
to feed on schooling
leeches. When brining the
walleye in look closely to
see if they are expelling
leeches or minnows. This
will tell you if you are using
the proper presentation.
Always match the hatch.
STEP 2: Position boat just away from the drop-off, typically in 30-40 feet of water; make long cast onto the flat. (This technique won't work
vertically. Casting required.) When jig hits the bottom, lift rod tip slowly, never allowing the jig to come off bottom. Optimum rod, reel and line
enables angler to feel the jig dragging across bottom at all times. PAY ATTENTION to feel of lure coming across gravel bar or other change in
composition - hot spots for walleyes. Once rod has been lifted to the top, slowly reel down and pause at the bottom before re-starting the
process.
STEP 1: Locate area of interest holding walleyes. Choice locations include feeding flats bordered by a steep drop-off. (Tapering drop-offs don't
hold as many walleyes.) Electronics help locate this structure and any fish holding on them.
IDENTIFYING THE STRIKE is the hardest trick to learn. Tip: if the jig feels heavier than normal, set the hook. The largest walleye respond to this
technique with the softest bites.
1
Walleyes locate
shallower on the flat
during low-light hours.
2
Bright conditions
usually force walleyes to
deeper water.
Berkley Gulp Goby
3
Northland Oddball
4
Boat positioned just
outside of first major
depth change.
Breakline were major
change in depth occurs.
Side view
Top view
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