When it comes to Walleye, backtrolling may be one of the most effective methods to a successful fishing trip.
Walleye may be actively feeding at times, but many times the fish will just lay or suspend in the water waiting for a quick and easy meal to come swimming by.
This is when this tactic can be the most effective, because it slows down the speed some and makes it easier to place the bait right where you want it.
Walleye love to hang out around structure under the water, many times at the bottom or close to it between rocks, in any indents in the bottom, and other small protected areas.
A fish finder with a depth function can help you determine exactly what depth is the most effective, because you will be able to see where the Walleye are in the water column.
One trolling technique that can catch more Walleyes is to locate underwater structure.
Start with a jig, and slowly backtroll while trying to keep at the same depth.
Look at the depth finder, and when the bottom rises up or drops back then head back in the other direction.
Start slow, around a quarter of a mile an hour. If this is not effective and you are not getting any bites, try speeding up a little, to around a half mile an hour.
If adjusting and varying your speed does not work and you have tried different jigs, try switching to a live bait harness, and slowly troll along the structure contours, making sure the bait and harness bounce slightly.
This technique is very effective, especially if you have a fish finder and have located the Walleye in the water.
Another tactic that many pros and experienced Walleye anglers use is to use a fat crawler or a live or artificial minnow, and to set the bait depth right above the underwater structure.
Keep the weight used to the minimum necessary to ideally position the bait on the structure. This will keep the weight from dragging down the bait below the depth you want it at.
Once you have the bait positioned at the right depth, slowly pull the rod upwards slightly, and then let it fall back down.
Do this while backtrolling around the underwater structure, making sure to cover the entire structure.
If fifteen minutes or more passes without a bite, move on to the next structure. If wind becomes a problem, tying a drift sock to the bow of the boat can help you slow down the speed even more.
This is very effective when the Walleye are feeling lazy and will only bite at bait that moves very slowly.
Give these tips a go next time you're out on the water!
Andrew Martinsen's multimedia Walleye Fishing Secrets Guide is all about you catching more walleye and bigger walleye. Sign up at his site for free walleye fishing tips.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Andrew_Martinsen
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