Ask the Walleye Pro: Dennis Jeffrey
Q: I’ve only fished for walleyes using a jig tipped with live bait. When is it a good idea to use other methods such as casting crankbaits and trolling? Could you please provide detailed pointers for these methods? I’d like to become a more versatile walleye angler.
-Josh Zwart, Shakopee, Minn.
A: Josh, jigs have caught more walleyes than any other presentation. Though as the water temperature rises to 50 degrees and the walleyes move deeper I start trolling. I put down my electric trolling motor and move very slow. I put out a six or seven foot rod rigged with 8 pound test line. I prefer using Stren low-visibility green, a 1/4 ounce up to 3/8 ounce weight, and a 4 to 6 foot snell with a bead.
I prefer using Owner hook snells because I have had great success with them. They come pre-tied and have a bead built in that glows, and the hooks are sharp. I tip this with a good night crawler or leech. The key to live bait rigging is to have a lively bait presentation at all times. Check it often and change your bait as often as necessary. This will give you the active presentation you need. I also suggest dropping it over the side of your boat and checking to make sure it looks natural before you let it out.
Pitching crankbaits is the best presentation in early spring. No. 4 and No. 5 jointed Shad Raps or the Rapala Husky Jerks are both good crankbaits for fishing shallow water. Adjust the speed in which you retrieve your crank in order to find out what the walleyes want.
Q: I have a question about rod selection. I use only one rod for all my walleye fishing. It’s a 6 foot, 6 inch, medium action graphite rod that works very well for live bait rigs. Would this same type of rod work well for trolling? How about for casting? What kind of rods do you use and what would you recommend for a casual angler looking to expand his walleye rod selection?
-Justin Turell, Madison, Wis.
A: Justin, in my opinion, you have the perfect rod! It’s perfect for any presentation you choose. As your rod collection grows, I would recommend getting a 6 foot, 6 inch, medium-fast action or light action rod for jigging. I also prefer the G-Loomis walleye series 813, 6 foot, 9 inch medium-heavy for bottom-bouncer rigs. The G-Loomis is by far the best rod, even for the casual angler. Quality, craftmanship, and warranty are important, but the superior sensitivity is the key. Being able to feel a fish bite and feel the bottom is why these rods are an excellent choice.
Q: I hear all the time that casting crankbaits up to shore is a great tactic for catching walleyes. Whenever I use this method I catch more bass than walleyes. There are so many different types of crankbaits out there I am not sure I am using the right ones. I was wondering if you’d identify a few of your favorites and explain why they are so effective. Thank you.
-Alan Biggermann, Pierre, S.D.
A: Alan, two of my favorite crankbaits are the No. 4 and No. 5 jointed Shad Raps. They drive fish crazy. The action and dive curve they produce give you everything you need for casting and trolling. They work great with both monofilament and fire line. They have great hooks and are always tuned. The Rapala Husky Jerk is another great crankbait for casting.
Dennis Jeffrey of Garrison N.D. has been a professional fisherman since 1998. Since the inception of the Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour, Jeffrey has qualified for the championship every year. His greatest angling achievement is winning the 2004 RCL Walleye Tour Angler of the Year award. At age 53, Jeffrey has been married to his wife Irene for 34 years, who is his No. 1 fishing partner and is also a co-angler on the tour. Working with numerous fishing organizations, Jeffrey’s goal is to get as many youth involved in fishing as possible. Jeffrey’s sponsors include Ranger Boats, Evinrude, Minn Kota, Moritz Marine and the Garrison Chamber.