KEEP IT LIGHT - - - - AND FEEL THE BITE

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I remember years ago coming up to the northwoods, and fishing with my dad. Although my dad never spent as much time on the water as I did, he did enjoy fishing, especially for walleye and panfish. The thing I remember the most is, my Dad always accusing me of positioning the boat so all the fish were on my end of the boat. That really was not the case at all, but it seemed that way to my Dad when I would catch many more walleyes than him. What was really happening most of the time, was the equipment he was using. His fishing rod was not graphite of course, fairly heavy action, and usually had 12 to 15 lb test line on the reel. My Dad is no longer with us, but if he were, I would make sure he would be using better fishing gear today.

Now that I am a full-time guide, it is important for me to make sure my fishing clients understand how to use todays new equipment. The main fish of choice for my clients, is the elusive walleye. The number one thing I hear the most is, (we would like to catch a nice meal of walleyes, but we don't know how). Some clients like to use their own fishing rods, but if I feel their equipment is too heavy, I will suggest using the ones I provide.

Because I am taking all about "Feel", when it comes to catching walleyes, I suggest a medium light graphite rod, in the 6 ft. or 6.5 ft. in length. The rod is the most important thing to help "Feel" the light pickup that a walleye can give you. Second most important thing is line test. 6-pound test is my choice, but 8-pound will also work. A jig and fathead minnow combo are the most productive for me, especially in the spring and fall.

A jig and leech, or jig and nightcrawer combination is also effective in July and Agust. "Use as light a jig as possible to get the bait where you want it"! When fishing shallow water weed lines, use a 1/16th ounce jig, this will allow you to work the bait over and through the weeds, thus preventing the jig from falling too fast into the weeds. A slight popping motion over early cabbage- weed, and letting the bait fall on the outer edge, is deadly on walleyes feeding in the weeds, especially in the spring. The combination of the graphite medium light rod, 6-pound-test line, and light jig, help you feel that sensitive pickup, and also help determine the difference between a fish or a weed. When moving to deeper water depths, such as 14ft. to 25 ft., I like to go to a 1/8th ounce jig. On windy days I will go to 1/4 ounce jig, to make sure my bait is down where the fish are, especially if I am drifting. Remember, we are talking about "Feel". Once you have mastered the art of being able to feel that sensitive pickup through your fingers on the rod of the bait being picked up, you're well on your way of putting more fish in the boat. Be patient, don't work the jigs too fast. Nice and easy does it, especially on the days when the fish are not aggressive. Jig fishing with light gear, is a fun and exciting way to catch fish.

Remember,
Keep it light, and Feel the Bite - - - -
Bill Hassey

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