Q: I’ve read before that many professional walleye anglers catch their fish while snap-rigging with night crawlers. Would you explain in detail what a snap-rig is and how to use it?
-Harv Mullew, Toledo, Ohio
A: Harv, to get spinner rigs to the depths we need them at we add lead weights. Usually we prefer those weights to be as far away from our bait as possible, which is where the snap rigs come into play. Snap weights are simply a small pinch pad snap that you can add various size weights to. They can be purchased from Off Shore Tackle and come in a kit with various weights.
The purpose of snap weights versus other forms like in-line weights, or bottom bouncers is that they can be snapped on your line further from your bait. Most pros use what is called the 50/50 method. This means letting out 50 feet of line, snapping on your weight, letting another 50 feet out and snapping on a planer board. The weight size you use will determine the depth you reach. There is an excellent book titled “Precision Trolling” that has charts to tell you the depths with various weights.
Q: I have fished a few amateur bass tournaments and the past and I am thinking about fishing a few walleye events in the future. What’s the biggest difference between competitive bass and walleye fishing? What advice do you have for someone who is thinking about fishing his first walleye tournament?
-Daryl Guncer, Waupaca, Wis.
A: Daryl, without a doubt you should fish as a co-angler on either the Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour or Walleye League. The knowledge you will gain by fishing with different pros will be very helpful. You just step into the boat and the pro provides everything. You will learn about the equipment that is needed and the many presentations the pros use.
Tournament bass and walleye fishing are similar in many ways with the exception of some presentations. We do a lot of trolling and also use a lot of live bait. Boat control is very important to us along with the use of our electronics. When you fish as a co-angler, you become our partner and our weights are combined so we want you to catch lots of fish.
Q: What’s the biggest walleye you’ve ever caught? What lake did you catch it on and what were you using for bait?
-Mike Nelsen, North Branch, Minn.
A: Mike, I think it would be hard to argue that one of the best fisheries for big walleyes is Lake Erie. There have been several tournaments held on Lake Erie over the years and it often takes close to an 8 pound average to cash a good check.
My biggest fish came from Lake Erie and I measured her at 32 1/2 inches. By the way, she is still swimming, and I caught her on a spinner with a Power Crawler and 10 pound test line.
Bill Leonard has been fishing as a professional walleye angler for the past 16 years. Leonard, an Estherville, Iowa native, has fished the Wal-Mart FLW Walleye Tour for the past five seasons and has finished in the top-10 five times. Last season, Leonard finished in the 10th place in the FLW Walleye Tour Angler of the Year standings and has consistently placed near the top of the standings throughout his career. His favorite techniques for tricking the elusive marble-eye are jigging and trolling. His sponsors include Ranger Boats, Berkley, Abu Garcia, Lindy Fishing Tackle, Off Shore Tackle, Soo Sports, Frenzy Crankbaits and Aqua Innovations.