View Full Version : Question on live bait for walleye..................
Does anyone here use gizzard shad to consistently catch walleye? The reason I ask is because this is the predominant forage in most of the lakes and reservoirs I fish. I have the equiptment to both catch and keep the bait alive and am planning to give them a shot. Just curious as to what type presentations you might recommend while using shad? For those interested, I will be fishing in central Kentucky. Thanks.........Alan
Walleye Express
11-19-2002, 07:52 PM
Alan.
A few years back I bought myself one of them there fancy throw nets. Even bought the little green saucer-like throwing device that gets you that perfect oval shaped toss every time. I got darn good with it to. Could catch as many as 50 of them little rascles on virtually every toss. The rivers I fish are filled with both shad and aliwife during the fall, and I to thought using these greasy little rascles versus the blue or gray shiners would work better. Nope, didn't happen. I did catch one nice walleye on one of them though, on a day when nothing else was working. I use jigs mostly and the shads body shape is also tough to work with. Funny though, seems like every plastic lure that immitates them seems to work. Go figure.
Capt. Tony
11-19-2002, 11:46 PM
Alan,
Small shad is a good choice in inland lakes but walleyes will take 3" shiners, too. use about a 1/4-oz. slip sinker above a snap swivel with a 24" leader smaller diameter than your line. Use a #4 short-shank hook. Hook shiner through back so it will try to swim. This action should bring in fish especially in the early spring and late fall. A tip: Since this calls for small-diameter leader, try a piece of very small clear plastic tubing on your line at the hook. this will prevent the walleye's teeth from breaking the line. The tubing can be purchased at hardware stores like Sears or Lowes. Keep the minnow fresh. jigs with curly tails are also good. Tony