Boat fishing for walleye and whitefish

[Joshticoun0]

This weekend my father and I are heading out to the lake to do some fishing. We're looking at targeting walleye and whitefish. The depth is about 20ft so it is going to be different than fishing from shore.

Last time we went we got skunked since we didn't really know what to use because we have never been on a boat before to target those deep fish.

So I'm wondering what type of tactics and lures to use so we can get on some fish. Thanks!

[bluetick]

Put a couple minnows on a weighted walleye rig and let er go to bottom . 20 FT isn't that deep for good walleye.
This is easiest and most successful in our lake .

[Rackmastr]

Leech or minnow on a jig head, as close to the bottom as you can fish usually. I prefer bottom bouncing at times to locate, but if you are on fish, a jig head and leech is hard to beat for putting walleye to the boat.

[PerchBuster]

Originally Posted by Rackmastr

Leech or minnow on a jig head, as close to the bottom as you can fish usually. I prefer bottom bouncing at times to locate, but if you are on fish, a jig head and leech is hard to beat for putting walleye to the boat.

X2.......black and orange 1/4 oz jig is money for me. Use lightest line possible. I like 10# test main line tied to a good quality barrel swivel and a 4 ft leader of 6# fluorocarbon. No need to cast around. Anchor up in your spot, Drop it right over the side, right to the bottom. Impart a little action or let the waves do it for you and hang on. Leech and/or minnow. They will tell you which one they prefer that day. Good Luck!

[marty1]

Originally Posted by Joshticoun0

This weekend my father and I are heading out to the lake to do some fishing. We're looking at targeting walleye and whitefish. The depth is about 20ft so it is going to be different than fishing from shore.

Last time we went we got skunked since we didn't really know what to use because we have never been on a boat before to target those deep fish.

So I'm wondering what type of tactics and lures to use so we can get on some fish. Thanks!

If you're jigging for eyes try putting on a small brass bead head nymph 10" up from your jig with a 3"-4" tag so the fly has a bit of movement.The whites I've caught somedays out numbered the walleye I was targeting, lots of fun.Size 14 copper John's,wire worms are also effective and pheasant tail.Good luck

[Joshticoun0]

Originally Posted by PerchBuster

X2.......black and orange 1/4 oz jig is money for me. Use lightest line possible. I like 10# test main line tied to a good quality barrel swivel and a 4 ft leader of 6# fluorocarbon. No need to cast around. Anchor up in your spot, Drop it right over the side, right to the bottom. Impart a little action or let the waves do it for you and hang on. Leech and/or minnow. They will tell you which one they prefer that day. Good Luck!

Whats the reasoning for the light leader? Are walleye really picky (I've never really fished for them)?

[Willowtrail]

You’ll get lots of answers in here. So far all are great in my opinion. You won’t find leeches this time of year though.

I use braided line, 10lb and in the dirty lakes I tie direct to a jighead. 3/8oz pink and white.

If the lake is clean I tie on 36” of 6lb fluoro.

Jig just off the bottom, somedays I jig, others I set in rod holder.

I also love slip bobbers. Same jig but set under an 1 1/4” slip bobber with a minnow. Setbit within a foot of re bottom and wait for it to disappear.

Next for the boat. I hope you have Sonar, look for sharp drops and fish the bottom of the drop.

[3blade]

Originally Posted by Joshticoun0

Whats the reasoning for the light leader? Are walleye really picky (I've never really fished for them)?

Fluorocarbon has almost the same refractivity as water so it essentially “disappears”, it is also more abrasion resistant than other line types. Using fluro leaders, I typically will out-fish braid or mono 10-1 in all conditions. Highly recommended.

The fish are where you find them. 2-20 ft and anywhere in between. Drifting around structure and jigging on the bottom should let you know if there are fish there pretty quick.

[jkind]

Originally Posted by marty1

If you're jigging for eyes try putting on a small brass bead head nymph 10" up from your jig with a 3"-4" tag so the fly has a bit of movement.The whites I've caught somedays out numbered the walleye I was targeting, lots of fun.Size 14 copper John's,wire worms are also effective and pheasant tail.Good luck

This has worked for me as well.

[Kim473]

Originally Posted by Willowtrail

You’ll get lots of answers in here. So far all are great in my opinion. You won’t find leeches this time of year though.

I use braided line, 10lb and in the dirty lakes I tie direct to a jighead. 3/8oz pink and white.

If the lake is clean I tie on 36” of 6lb fluoro.

Jig just off the bottom, somedays I jig, others I set in rod holder.

I also love slip bobbers. Same jig but set under an 1 1/4” slip bobber with a minnow. Setbit within a foot of re bottom and wait for it to disappear.

Next for the boat. I hope you have Sonar, look for sharp drops and fish the bottom of the drop.

Sometimes Gulp leaches work really good and can buy them in most sporting goods stores as well as the TFH and places. In the summer I like minnows most of the time.

[Drewski Canuck]

Name of the lake would help. Sometimes there are seasonal locations for walleye in the fall.

Whites will not be on spawning beds yet, but this is important later in the fall for walleye location.

As for technique, nothing better than drifting from deep to shallow on a light chop.

Use 1/2 ounce pink and white with a double tail jib body. Use a piece of belly strip from the last walleye you caught. 1/2" x 2" is fine, make sure you hook through the skin. Start at 30 FOW and drift in. Just "hop" the jig once in a while. When you hit the pencil weeds start up and go back out. Eventually you will find the depth they are at.

Last year on the Sept long there were 3 - 4 foot waves and the fish were in 8 FOW chasing minnows. Lots of big fish, lots of fun.

Drewski

[Sooner]

Sonar to tell depth and bottom structure, troll if it's a new lake to you. When you get a bite trolling, we stop and drift that spot if the wind is good.

Nothing better than dropping your line off the side and to the bottom and feeling that tug. Jig Head, curly tail and a minnow is my favorite.

Good luck.