colored lines and walleye

[fishboy]

I have been reading all the posts now for some time about all the different lines and what are best for walleye fishing. My question is: Do walleye's actually see the line? I fish on a clear lake and was always told to use clear mono for jigging, trolling or anything else I do because if I use colors like green, smoke or any of the braided lines the walleye would see the line and pass up the presentation. Is color/clear line really that big of a deal? Thanks.

[Mike1410]

I don't think that it always is the case but I feel certain that at times it makes a big difference. I have had two identical rods and reels with identical baits set up, the only difference being braid on one and mono on the other. While in the middle of a school of walleye I would switch rods. At times they just wouldn't take the lure on the rod with braid but would bite when I switched back to mono.

[risor39]

If you want the benifits of the superlines just tie on a short section of mono and you get the best of both.Works for me.

[s.f.]

in most rivers, line color doesn't seem to impact the bite one way or the other. but in most lakes, especially lakes that have an ample forage base for the walleyes, the less visible line is best, no doubt!
remember, 'big fish don't grow big eating things with lines and hooks attached to their food'. that means less conspicuous hooks also make a difference. proof will always end up in the livewell...
s.f.

[Peluso]

This is a quote from the great Mike McClelland. If walleyes could see line they would never get hung up in gill nets. An interesting thought and I have thought of it many times since he told me this. I still feel at times lines make a difference, but many times when you compare mono to braided lines or super lines it is more the difference of how the bait will be presented. All line will swim a jig or lure or your bait in different ways. Experiment with that first, and use whatever you have the most confidence in. That will be the line that will catch the most fish for you. Good fishing and don't forget to shoot the puck. Mike Peluso #999

[s.f.]

mike, thanks for settin' up this reaction for me!
when mike first met me, we discussed 'FINESSE' type fishing. you can imagine, being so successful with gawdy bottem bouncers, short leaders
and big hooks, what his thoughts were. as a matter a fact, his way of thinking was why i decided to start fishing tournaments full time. i thought if this what i gotta beat, this will be easy pickin'. well, obviously, i miss judged mike's ability, to say the least. but....!!!
he might have a hard time admittin' this....he fishes with thin, less visible line and small hooks on long leaders when the situation calls
for it. he says fish 'can't think'. he says i 'give the fish too much credit'. well, after a few lickin's in some finesse type situations,
he changed and immediately took a second place on one of those ordeals. so...the rivers and western impoundments are one thing, beware in many other places. McClelland just loves these discussions with me...and i love gettin' him all worked up about this stuff too!
(watch him try to land a mille lacs walleye with a 12 foot leader on 4lb. test...it's just great!)
s.f.

[Cangl]

Have to agree with S.F if those lake fish can't see it those river fish won't have a clue. I fish one type of water as often the other, across the street and the state. The other night as darkness set in the flo green would have extended the fishing about 10-15 minutes thats for sure but as for all day those inland clear water stocked fish seem to know better.