Handling Walleye?

[Josh Smith]

Hi Folks,

I am just wondering how you all handle walleye.

Used to be I would transfer them directly to the stringer and not touch them at all.

This year, however, I will probably use a cooler filled with ice instead of the stringer.

What is the best place/way to hold them by hand?

Thank you,

Josh

[Bluebasser86]

Usually you can cradle their belly and they'll hold still for you.

[A-Jay]

Like this ~

 

 

or like this

 

 

 

A-Jay

[Kevin Beachy]

Like this ~

 

PB Waldo.jpg

 

or like this

 

The Waldo Twins.jpg

 

 

A-Jay

some nice fish.....................

[Dwight Hottle]

I like to hold them like this.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/uploads/gallery/album_71/gallery_12184_71_31258.jpg

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/uploads/gallery/album_71/gallery_12184_71_4474.jpg

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/uploads/gallery/album_71/gallery_12184_71_33056.jpg

[slonezp]

Like this ~

 

PB Waldo.jpg

 

or like this

 

The Waldo Twins.jpg

 

 

A-Jay

Braggart.  I hold them like this

[A-Jay]

I like to hold them like this.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/uploads/gallery/album_71/gallery_12184_71_31258.jpg

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/uploads/gallery/album_71/gallery_12184_71_4474.jpg

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/uploads/gallery/album_71/gallery_12184_71_33056.jpg

 

Some Wicked Good Waldos right there Sir . . . .

 

A-Jay

[J Francho]

Between two parts of a sandwich roll....

[roadwarrior]

I like to hold them like this.

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/uploads/gallery/album_71/gallery_12184_71_31258.jpg

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/uploads/gallery/album_71/gallery_12184_71_4474.jpg

http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/uploads/gallery/album_71/gallery_12184_71_33056.jpg

 

Geez...

 

 

 

[Josh Smith]

Thanks, guys.

 

Been thinking about getting one of those lippin' things that in A-Jay's bottom pic.

 

Am I right in remembering that the gill plates are sharp?

 

I've only caught like two of these on my life.  Actually, one was a Sauger.  Dad went after bass and walleye; I went after bass and panfish.

 

I've never forgot the fight those things put up.  The one I tied into with the ultralight especially was an experience!

 

Lures... I've tried walleye lures but the most successful (limited, I know!) were a Rapala minnow on an ultralight that I let float down the river to a rock, then twitched.  BOOM!

 

The other was an inline spinner.

 

I'm thinking all these Red Devil spoons would be great to use.

 

Some day, I'd like to go pike and musky fishing, too, and move beyond what I was taught.

 

That's for another day, though.  What kind of lures do you all favor?  What rods and reels?  I'm thinking that if my old 5000 and 5500 new 5500c3 and 5600 Mag are considered a bit heavy for bass by today's standards, they should be about right for Walleye.  They're on MH rods, three being graphite and one being hybrid (Cherrywood HD, my favorite.)  They range between 5'6" and 6'6", which is also my preference.

 

I'm rebuilding a Lew's spinning reel that was Dad's, but it's not done yet.  For those pictured, I really think I'd prefer the baitcasting reels anyway!

 

I have been listening to seminars on walleye fishing while I fall asleep.  Lots I didn't know!

 

Thanks, guys!

 

Josh

[Bluebasser86]

Watch out for the gill plates, dorsal fin, and teeth (duh). 

 

3" Berkley power minnow or Keitech Swing Impact on a jighead and suspending jerkbait catch a majority of my walleye every year. Rattle Traps and shad raps are popular baits for them as well. Jigging spoons are great when they're in deep water. Use the appropriate rods and reels for the baits you're using just like in bass fishing. I prefer to chase them with spinning gear but catch plenty on casting gear as well.