Jigging Raps Trigger Walleyes All Year Long
Heavy Jigging Raps were designed for ice fishing, but their erratic action triggers walleye strikes all year long if properly rigged and jigged.
Jigging Rapalas are a highly effective lure for catching walleyes throughout the year. Whether you’re fishing through the ice in winter or in open water, the jigging rap technique can help you land plenty of fish. In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of using Jigging Rapalas and the best techniques for success.
The Versatility of Jigging Rapalas
One of the great things about fishing with Jigging Rapalas is that it’s a versatile technique. You can either vertical jig or cast, depending on your preference and the conditions. It’s a simple and lazy way to fish, as you just move around the spot and look for fish.
The Importance of the Jigging Rapala’s Action
When fishing with a Jigging Rapala, it’s crucial to understand the lure’s action. In open water, you need to use a horizontal triggering motion. By sweeping the rod tip, the heavy lure shoots forward like a panic bait fish before plunging back to the bottom. This motion mimics the movement of a distressed baitfish, which can trigger strikes from hungry walleyes.
To eliminate line twist, it’s recommended to tie a barrel swivel into the line about 18 inches above the lure. This will ensure that the lure moves freely and naturally in the water, increasing your chances of attracting fish.
Covering a Lot of Water
One of the advantages of fishing with a Jigging Rapala is that it allows you to cover a lot of water. By trawling forward at a speed of around seven tenths to one mile per hour, you can trail the lure a short distance behind the boat. This technique is especially effective when fishing in water depths of around 25 feet.
The line should descend at about a sixty-degree angle to the surface, allowing the lure to reach the desired depth. This approach not only covers a large area but also triggers plenty of strikes, based on the experience of many anglers.
The Best Time to Use Jigging Rapala
According to experienced anglers, the jigging Rapala technique starts to pick up in the spring when the water temperature reaches around 60 degrees. It remains effective throughout the summer and starts to fall off in the fall when the water temperature drops to around 50 degrees.
This means that there is a large window of time where this technique can be very effective. Many anglers have reported having numerous successful days using jigging Rapalas, with some even catching 40, 50, or 60 fish on a regular basis.
The Unique Presentation of a Jigging Rapala
One of the reasons why Jigging Rapalas are so effective is their unique presentation. When the lure hits the bottom, it jumps off to the side, crashes, and throws up a puff of silt. This action imitates a baitfish that is trying to escape, which can trigger aggressive strikes from walleyes. The fish hit the bait right on the bottom, which is why their mouths are often filled with jigging Rapalas. The interesting thing is that you never feel the bite when the fish takes the lure. It’s only when you start reeling in that you realize a fish is on the end of your line.
The Heavy Bait and Constant Movement
Jigging Rapalas are heavier baits, so it’s important to keep them moving. If the bait sits on the bottom for too long, you may not feel the fish pick it up. As soon as you feel the lure hit the bottom, it’s recommended to start moving it again. This constant movement can entice more strikes and increase your chances of hooking a walleye.
Impressive Results and Whacking and Stacking
Many anglers have had impressive results using Jigging Rapalas. They have reported catching 40, 50, or even 60 fish in a single day on a regular basis. This technique has proven to be highly effective, even when compared to traditional live bait rigs with leeches, nightcrawlers, and red tail chubs.
In fact, anglers have witnessed the power of jigging Rapalas when fishing in the middle of summer. While others were struggling to catch a few fish, those using jigging Rapalas were reeling in 12, 15, or even 20 fish from the same school. It’s truly an amazing sight to see how effective this bait can be.
Keeping the Catch
While many anglers practice catch and release, there are times when keeping the fish is necessary. In the case of the anglers in the video, they were on a mission to make good points with their wives, so they decided to keep a bunch of fish. It’s important to note that this was not their usual practice, but rather a special occasion.
