Jig Fishing Walleye – Q&A with Joel Nelson

No doubt, jig fishing is one of the most popular tactics for catching walleye all year round. You can’t understate the versatility of jigs in varying environments. You can cast ’em, troll ’em, fish ’em vertically – rig ’em up with plastics, minnows, crawlers, leeches. They should be a staple in every walleye fisherman’s arsenal.

This video breaks down Joel Nelson‘s personal take on fishing jigs.

In this article, we will be discussing jig fishing for walleye with expert angler Joel Nelson. Joel shares his insights and tips on jig selection, bait preferences, line choices, rod and reel setups, and techniques for fishing in different environments. So, let’s dive in and learn from Joel’s expertise!

Jig Selection and Color Preferences

When it comes to jig selection, Joel mentions that he fishes a lot of chartreuse, red, or orange jigs. These colors mimic rusty crayfish, which are abundant in many waters. In environments where rusty crayfish are present, Joel recommends using blaze orange, hot orange, or lighter red colors. However, in Clearwater or other conditions, he tries to match the hat to be more natural. The rule of thumb for Joel is to fish the lightest jig possible to mimic a natural fall rate, while still being able to feel the bait and the bottom. The weight of the jig depends on the situation, ranging from a half ounce jig in heavy current areas to a sixteenth ounce jig in calm, shallow water. Joel emphasizes the importance of experimenting with different sizes and retying throughout the day to figure out what works best in a given situation.

Line Choices and Leader Setup

Joel prefers using 10 or 15 pound 832 braid for most situations, as he finds it to be strong and sensitive. He uses a direct tie with a Palomar knot for a strong connection. In situations where water clarity is a concern, he switches to 8 or 10 pound fluorocarbon leader material tied with an Albright special knot. This combination of braid and fluorocarbon leader works well in various conditions.

Rod and Reel Setup

According to Joel, the key component to successful jig fishing is an extra fast action rod. This type of rod provides the necessary backbone and sensitivity to detect bites and set the hook effectively. Joel recommends finding a rod with an extra fast action that fits your budget. As for reels, Joel emphasizes the importance of reeling hard enough to pull the slack out of the line when setting the hook. He suggests using a high-speed reel that allows you to pick up more line quickly.

Bait Preferences

When it comes to bait preferences, Joel mentions that minnows are a staple early in the season. The larger minnows from the prior year are especially effective when there is no fresh spawn of minnows or bait in the system. As the season progresses, Joel prefers using leeches for their toughness and natural movement. When there are bug hatches or when fishing close to the bottom, he switches to crawlers. Plastics are Joel’s all-time favorite bait, especially for jig fishing later in the season. He uses them on jigs and sometimes on spinners as well.

Plastic Profiles

Joel mentions that the longer ring worm varieties are effective earlier in the season. He also likes using split tail shiner or smelt profiles when fishing deep or off the edge of a weed line. Curly tail grubs with big aggressive movements are great for fall scenarios. Paddle tails are another favorite, especially in the summer. Overall, Joel recommends using a variety of plastic profiles to see what the fish are preferring on any given day.

Top Jigs

Joel shares his top three jigs for walleye fishing. The first is the Current Cutter Jig from Northland, which works well in both lakes and rivers. It has a great wire keeper and a good profile that cuts through current. The second is the Fireball Jig, a classic jig that has been around for a long time and is essential for live bait delivery. The third is a long shank jig, which is especially effective for early season walleyes that tend to short strike. Using a stinger hook can help increase hooking success.

Tips for Fishing in Different Environments

When fishing in lakes or rivers, Joel offers a couple of key tips. First, he advises not to drive over the areas where you plan to jig fish, especially if they are shallow. Staying back a little bit can prevent spooking the fish. Second, line management is crucial, especially in windy conditions. Pitching with or against the wind and keeping the rod tip low can prevent a big bow in the line, which can make it difficult to detect bites. In rivers with current, Joel suggests using different line types, such as mono and braid, to see which one works best in terms of line control. Letting the walleyes tell you what they prefer is key.

Jig Trolling

Joel mentions that jig trolling is an underrated technique for catching panfish. It allows you to cover a lot of water and fish at different depths by using jigs of varying weights. By pulling jigs at a consistent speed, you can target different depths and increase your chances of catching more fish. Joel recommends using different sizes and types of plastics to see what the fish are responding to. Jig trolling can be especially effective for crappies, as they tend to move up in the water column towards dusk.

Keeping Hooks Sharp

Joel emphasizes the importance of keeping your hooks sharp when jig fishing. When your jig is in contact with the bottom, it can get beaten up against rocks and wood, which can dull the hook. Joel suggests keeping a file on hand and checking your hooks regularly. Giving them a light brush with the file, especially after getting snagged, can help keep them sharp and increase your hooking success.

In conclusion, jig fishing for walleye can be a highly effective technique when done correctly. By selecting the right jig, using the appropriate bait, choosing the right line and leader setup, and employing the right techniques for different environments, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to experiment with different sizes, colors, and profiles to see what the fish are responding to. And don’t forget to keep your hooks sharp for optimal hooking success. Happy jig fishing!