Ask the Walleye Pro: Bill Leonard
Q: Just getting introduced to the FLW Walleye League as a first-time tournament angler. What types of things should I be looking for to become a great angler? I’ve been reading up on as much information as I can but there seems to be so much information out there it’s hard to focus on any particulars. Thanks!
-David Day, Minnetonka, Minn.
A: David I would keep reading but start breaking the information down into specific areas. In other words trolling, jig fishing, bottom bouncers ect. With the Internet, magazine articles and TV shows you can learn a lot before even getting on the water. Also attend as many seminars you can. Lets talk about trolling crank baits for a minute. The first thing you need is a line counter, the Precision Trolling book and a few cranks. The information in Precision Trolling will provide you with the knowledge of knowing at what depths your baits are running. Next get a selection of bottom bouncers and spinners. Fishing bouncers will always keep you in the zone and you will enjoy some success. Take baby steps and learn one method before moving on to the next. Practice makes perfect so get on the water as much as possible. Good luck and always keep your lines tight.
Q: When fishing walleyes with a slip bobber how far off the bottom do you fish?
-Ron, Hayward, Wis.
A: I like to experiment with depths. If I am going to put out two slip bobbers they will both be at different depths to let the fish tell me what they want. A good rule of thumb would to be 6 inches up to 18 inches. Sometimes if you are fishing over brush you may have to move it up a little more. I like to fish slip bobbers with a small jig and closer to the bottom so I often get snagged and break off. I rig my bobber set up with short lead of 1-to-2 inches and tie it to my main line with a swivel. Above the swivel I put an egg sinker; it helps in casting and getting the line to slip through the bobber better. Then if I break off I can just replace the lead. Always use lighter line for the lead. Good luck Ron
Q: I’ve never used a three-way rig before but I’ve heard it’s an effective presentation. How does it work? Please show me the finer points.
-Nick, Clear Lake, Iowa
A: Nick, a three-way rig is fished much like a bottom bouncer. Keep your line at not more than a 45-degree angle and pick it up and let it down making bottom contact.
Do not however just let it drag. Most often three-way rigs are associated with river or current fishing. The advantage over a bouncer is that you can go to longer droppers and longer leads. In other words, you have the ability to fish at any depth by just lengthening your dropper. Remember three-way rigs aren’t just for bait; many of us pull crankbaits with them. An example of this would be to fish a floating Frenzy down in 15 or 20 feet of water when without the three way it would only go down 3 or 4 feet. Good luck and do lots of experimenting.
Q: What recommendations do you have for fishing walleyes on Spirit Lake? I’ve caught a few here and there, but never a consistent bite.
-Rick Geis, Worthington, Minn.
A: Rick, Spirit Lake can be fickle to say the least. It’s pretty easy to catch fish in the spring and fall, but it can be rather tough in the summer months. Spirit Lake is a big dishpan with little structure. In the summer months I like to fish the basin with leadcore and 9M Frenzy’s in perch color. Troll them at about 2-2.5 mph and right down the middle of the lake. Don’t overlook the suspended fish on Spirit Lake; if you are marking fish that are up off the bottom they will often be walleyes. I also like to fish with suspended spinner rigs and Power Crawlers on Off Shore planer boards. The advantage of the Power Crawlers is that when the perch pick at your bait you do not have to bring everything in and re-bait. Another method that can produce is fishing right over the top of the weeds with spinner rigs. Good luck and keep at it.
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. In 2004, 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, Minn Kota, Abu Garcia, Lindy Fishing Tackle, Off Shore Tackle, Soo Sports, Frenzy Crankbaits and Aqua Innovations.