Question for Casters?

[Defernaut]

For all those who go out and cast for walleye, what setup and technique seems to work best for ya? Last weekend was my 1st time walleye fishing on the lake and I'm trying to get the hang of it. We were using Erie Deeries tipped with crawlers. Is there a better setup? Also, how long do you typically wait after casting to retrieve? Thanks for any information.

-Mike

While Erie Dearies have been a popular bait for years and have caught a bazillion walleyes, I don't often use them anymore. Instead I use a casting harness that I make myself. Snip off a 25" length of 20# fluorocarbon and tie on a #2 Gamakatsu baitholder or octopus hook with a snell knot. Slide on 5 6mm beads and then a #3 Colorado blade on a #2 folded clevis. Gold and hammered brass are my favorites. Put on one more bead and then tie a double knot loop at the end of the leader trapping another bead in the loop. Push the loop through an egg sinker (half an ounce for shallower water or three quarters for deeper). Then attach a medium size barrel swivel. Tie it to your line with an improved clinch knot and you are ready to go. Use no more than an inch or so of night crawler on the hook. More will do you no good. I once caught a limit of walleyes on one and a half night crawlers. How deep to fish depends of course on how deep the fish are. Keep in mind that you should keep your bait above the fish. You have to find that level. I fish mostly on shoals and reefs in the Summer, so I avoid letting my bait settle to the bottom. It can get hung up or the line can be abraided on the rocks . (Not to mention a catfish swallowing it out of sight). Make a dead slow retrieve and be aware of any change in tension. Walleyes are light biters and many times you won't feel much at all. When in doubt, set the hook. Like always, the hardest part is finding the fish, but if you drag this bait past a hungry walleye, he'll eat it.