When it comes to Catching Walleyes there are several ways to fish and several types of baits and lures to use. But using Nightcrawlers is the oldest and still best method for catching these incredible tasting fish.
Two Best Fishing Methods For Using Nightcrawlers
There are two methods I like to use simultaneously when fishing for Walleyes with Nightcrawlers; using a Slip Bobber & dragging a Jig.
How To Rig A Slip Bobber
To rig a Slip Bobber you will need to purchase rubber stoppers and add one to your line. You do this by feeding your fishing line through the wire loop that the stopper is on. Make sure to feed a good 5 or 6 inches through. Now hold both ends of the fish line together and pull the stopper off the wire loop and unto your line. Keep pulling the stopper until the end of your fishing line, along with the other side of the line passes through the stopper. Now you can slide your stopper to the depth you want. *Note, if you wet the line or run it through your mouth first the rubber stopper will slide down the line much easier and will not tear the stopper.
Now that you have a stopper on you can feed your line through the top of your Slip Bobber and tie on a jig. You are now ready to use your slip bobber rig. *Note, if the depth is set to deep the bobber will not stand up. This tells you that your jig is resting on the bottom of the lake. You want to be two to four feet off the bottom.
Where To Use Slip Bobbers
When using a slip bobber you can fish weed-lines, sandbars, or the drop-offs, they are all very effective and good places to fish. The main thing you need to know is how deep it is and adjust according. When using the slip bobber place your rubber stopper such that your bait is 2 – 4 feet off the bottom. That will catch the suspended Walleyes and keep the crabs from destroying your worm.
How To Use A Jig With Nightcrawlers
When using a jig drag it slowly across the bottom, just keep note of any fish-cribs, rocks, stumps, or debris that you may snag. These structures can take off your Nightcrawler quickly or even cause you to lose your jig.
The two types of bites you will feel are; more resistance than normal on your drag and a good old strike that jerks the rod. For the higher resistant drag/bite reel in your slack and drag another 2 or 3 feet. If the resistance is still there set the hook. For the nice hard strike just reel up the slack and set the hook. You could wait for a second jerk, but I like to set the hook as soon as I can.
Best Structures For Jigging
The best structure to focus on for jigs are those slopes that drop off quickly (slope of 40 to 60 degrees) from very shallow water and weeds. This is also a good place to use a Nightcrawler on a slip bobber.
How To Hook Your Nightcrawlers
Nightcrawlers are not as tough as Leeches so they will tear off easily. But I have found that you can add a stinger hook and increase your success rate of landing those Walleyes. Also by using a stinger hook you can use half of a Nightcrawler and catch more Walleyes per dozen Nightcrawlers. To hook your Nightcrawler connect the broken end to your jig, take the other end of the Nightcrawler and hook it with two of the treble hook barbs. Now you can toss it out and let it sink to the bottom and begin your drag. In the video I explain and show how to hook the Nightcrawler and even catch a nice Walleye when explaining how to drag and the types of strikes you will get.
