When anglers head out to the lake for a day of walleye fishing, rarely is there a spinnerbait in their lure selection. Using a spinnerbait for walleye is slowly becoming a go-to presentation for walleye located in timber, weeds, and open water. It offers a presentation that mimics prey that they have not seen before. This article covers the top 10 tips you need to effectively fish and select a spinnerbait for walleye.
1. What is a Spinnerbait used for Walleye Fishing?
Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of walleye fishing with spinnerbaits, let’s break down what these lures are all about. A spinnerbait is a unique lure that combines the flash of a spinner with the profile of a jig. It’s like the Swiss Army knife of fishing lures – versatile, effective, and a bit quirky.
The anatomy of a spinnerbait is pretty straightforward:
- Wireframe: Shaped like a safety pin, it holds everything together
- Blade(s): The spinning part that creates flash and vibration
- Skirt: Soft, flowing material that mimics a baitfish’s tail
- Hook: Where you’ll hopefully find your walleye
Spinnerbaits for walleye work by mimicking their favorite snacks. The spinning blade creates a lifelike flash and vibration that walleye find irresistible. It’s like ringing the dinner bell for these hungry predators.
2. Why Walleye Can’t Resist a Good Spinnerbait
Now, you might be wondering, “What’s so special about spinnerbaits for walleye?” Well, it’s all about science, baby! These lures tap into the walleye’s natural predatory instincts like nothing else.
The secret sauce is in the trifecta of walleye attraction:
- Vibration: The spinning blade sends out low-frequency vibrations that walleye can feel through their lateral line.
- Flash: The metallic blade reflects light, mimicking the scales of a baitfish.
- Action: The unique movement of a spinnerbait imitates a fleeing or injured prey.
This combination is like catnip for walleye. They simply can’t resist investigating, and that’s when you’ve got ’em!
“Spinnerbaits are like a walleye’s kryptonite. They just can’t say no to that flash and vibration.” – Bob “The Walleye Whisperer” Johnson
3. Choosing the Right Spinnerbait for Walleye
Picking the perfect spinnerbait for walleye isn’t rocket science, but there are a few key factors to consider:
Size Matters
When it comes to spinnerbaits for walleye, size does matter. Here’s a quick guide:
| Water Clarity | Recommended Spinnerbait Size |
| Clear | 1/8 oz – 1/4 oz |
| Stained | 1/4 oz – 3/8 oz |
| Murky | 3/8 oz – 1/2 oz |
Colors That Make Walleye Go Wild
Walleye can be picky eaters, so having the right color can make all the difference. Some top choices include:
- White
- Chartreuse
- Silver
- Gold
- Firetiger (green/orange/yellow)
Pro tip: Match the hatch! Choose colors that mimic the local baitfish for best results.
Blade Shapes and Their Impact
The shape of your spinnerbait’s blade can dramatically affect its action:
- Colorado blades: Round shape, slow rotation, lots of thump
- Willow blades: Narrow shape, fast rotation, more flash
- Indiana blades: Teardrop shape, a mix of thump and flash
For walleye, a combination of a Colorado and willow blade often works wonders. It gives you the best of both worlds – flash and vibration.
4. When and Where to Toss Your Spinnerbait
Knowing when and where to use spinnerbaits for walleye can make the difference between a great day on the water and going home empty-handed. Let’s break it down:
Seasons of Spin
Spinnerbaits can be effective year-round, but they shine in certain seasons:
- Spring: As walleye move shallow to spawn, slow-rolled spinnerbaits can be deadly
- Summer: Try burning spinnerbaits over weed beds or near drop-offs
- Fall: Walleye are feeding heavily, making this prime time for spinnerbait action
- Winter: Slow your retrieve way down and target deeper water
Hot Spots for Walleye
Walleye love structure, so focus on areas like:
- Points
- Drop-offs
- Weed edges
- Submerged timber
- Rocky shoals
Weather Conditions That Scream “Spinnerbait Time!”
Some weather conditions are perfect for throwing spinnerbaits:
- Overcast days
- Windy conditions
- After a cold front
- During low-light periods (dawn and dusk)
Remember, walleye are often more active in less-than-ideal conditions, so don’t let a little bad weather keep you off the water!
5. Mastering the Art of the Retrieve
Now that you’ve got your spinnerbait and know where to throw it, let’s talk about how to make it irresistible to walleye. The retrieve is where the magic happens!
Slow and Steady vs. Fast and Furious
Walleye aren’t known for their speed, so a slower retrieve is often your best bet. However, don’t be afraid to mix it up:
- Slow roll: Keep your rod tip low and reel slowly, just fast enough to keep the blade spinning
- Burn and kill: Reel quickly, then pause abruptly. This imitates a fleeing baitfish
- Yo-yo: Let the bait sink, then quickly reel up a few feet. Repeat
Depth Control: Making Your Spinnerbait Dance
Controlling the depth of your spinnerbait is crucial. Here are some tips:
- Use a heavier spinnerbait to get deeper
- Change your rod angle to affect depth (higher for shallower, lower for deeper)
- Count down before you start your retrieve to hit specific depths
Tricks and Techniques to Trigger More Strikes
To really up your spinnerbait game, try these pro moves:
- The Helicopter: Let your spinnerbait flutter down on a slack line
- The Bump and Run: Intentionally bump your lure into the structure
- The Stutter Step: Add quick pauses to your retrieve
Remember, the key is to make your spinnerbait look like an easy meal. Walleye are opportunistic feeders, so give them an opportunity they can’t refuse!
6. Gearing Up for Spinnerbait Success
Having the right gear can make or break your spinnerbait fishing experience. Let’s talk about the ideal setup for throwing spinnerbaits for walleye.
Rod and Reel Combos
For spinnerbait fishing, you’ll want a setup that allows for long casts and a good feel. Here’s what to look for:
- Rod: 6’6″ to 7′ medium to medium-heavy action
- Reel: Baitcasting reel with a 6.4:1 or 7.1:1 gear ratio
This combo gives you the power to set the hook and the sensitivity to feel those subtle walleye bites.
Line Selection: Braid, Mono, or Fluoro?
Each type of line has its pros and cons for spinnerbait fishing:
- Braided line: Great sensitivity, no stretch, but visible in clear water
- Monofilament: Stretchy, forgiving, and less visible
- Fluorocarbon: Low visibility, sinks, but more expensive
Many anglers opt for a braided main line with a fluorocarbon leader for the best of both worlds.
Must-Have Accessories
Don’t forget these essential items:
- Pliers: For removing hooks and adjusting your spinnerbait
- Line clippers: For quick, clean line cuts
- Spare blades and skirts: To customize your spinnerbait on the fly
- Tackle box: To keep everything organized
With the right gear, you’ll be ready to make the most of your time on the water.
7. Customizing Your Spinnerbait for Walleye
One of the best things about spinnerbaits is how customizable they are. With a few tweaks, you can turn a good lure into a great one.
Trailer Hacks
Adding a trailer to your spinnerbait can make a big difference:
- Curly-tail grub: Adds extra movement and bulk
- Minnow-shaped soft plastic: Gives a more realistic profile
- Pork rind: Old school, but still effective for a subtle action
Tweaking Your Spinnerbait
Don’t be afraid to modify your spinnerbait to match the conditions:
- Bend the wire arm to change the running depth
- Switch out blades for different actions
- Trim the skirt for a more compact profile
DIY Spinnerbait Modifications
For the crafty angler, try these custom mods:
- Add a small spinner to the hook for extra flash
- Paint the blade with glow-in-the-dark paint for night fishing
- Attach a stinger hook for short-striking fish
Remember, the goal is to make your spinnerbait stand out from the crowd. A little customization can go a long way in fooling finicky walleye.
8. Troubleshooting Your Spinnerbait Game
Even the best anglers have off days. When the walleye aren’t cooperating, it’s time to troubleshoot.
Common Mistakes
Avoid these pitfalls:
- Retrieving too fast
- Using the wrong size for the conditions
- Ignoring the wind direction
- Fishing only one depth
What to Do When Walleye Aren’t Biting
If you’re not getting any action, try these tactics:
- Change your retrieve speed
- Switch to a different blade type
- Try a new color
- Move to a different area
Adapting Your Approach for Pressured Fish
In heavily fished waters, walleye can wise up to common tactics. Here’s how to outsmart them:
- Downsize your spinnerbait
- Use more natural colors
- Fish during off-peak hours
- Try unconventional retrieve patterns
The key is to be flexible and willing to experiment. What worked yesterday might not work today, so keep adapting until you find what the walleye wants.
9. Spinnerbaits vs. Other Walleye Lures
While spinnerbaits are fantastic for walleye, they’re not the only game in town. Let’s see how they stack up against other popular walleye lures:
| Lure Type | Pros | Cons |
| Spinnerbait | Versatile, covers water quickly | Can be less effective in very cold water |
| Jig | Great for bottom-hugging walleye | Slower presentation |
| Crankbait | Covers different depths easily | Less weedless than spinnerbaits |
| Live bait | Very natural presentation | Requires more maintenance |
Spinnerbaits often shine when:
- You need to cover a lot of water quickly
- Fish are actively feeding
- You’re fishing around heavy cover
However, don’t be afraid to switch it up. Sometimes combining techniques can be the key to success.
10. Conservation and Ethical Fishing with Spinnerbaits
As anglers, it’s our responsibility to protect the resources we enjoy. Here are some tips for ethical spinnerbait fishing:
Proper Catch and Release Techniques
If you’re planning to release your walleye:
- Use barbless hooks or crimp the barbs on your spinnerbait
- Wet your hands before handling fish
- Support the fish’s body horizontally
- Minimize time out of water
- Revive the fish before release if necessary
Sustainable Fishing Practices
To ensure healthy walleye populations for years to come:
- Follow local regulations on size and bag limits
- Rotate your fishing spots to prevent overfishing
- Properly dispose of old fishing line and lures
- Consider using lead-free alternatives when possible
By fishing responsibly, we can ensure that future generations can enjoy the thrill of catching walleye on spinnerbaits too.
Conclusion
Spinnerbaits for walleye aren’t just a fad – they’re a highly effective tool. They have been proven to mimic prey and present an easy meal to walleye. Remember, the key to success with spinnerbaits is versatility and persistence. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different sizes, colors, and techniques until you find what works.
As you head out on your next fishing adventure, keep these tips in mind:
- Match your spinnerbait to the conditions
- Pay attention to retrieving speed and depth
- Don’t hesitate to customize your lure
- Practice conservation to protect walleye populations
With practice and patience, you’ll soon be reeling in walleye like a pro. So grab your tackle box, hit the water, and let those spinnerbaits work their magic. Tight lines and happy fishing!