Side Imaging: Shallow Walleye Hot Spots
Side imaging reveals subtle changes in bottom content that attract and hold both baitfish and walleyes during early spring. BONUS: A peek inside Al Lindner‘s jig box!
Springtime is a great time for walleye fishing, and with the right gear and technique, you can find yourself in the middle of a school of walleye. In this transcript, we follow along with an experienced fisherman as he explains the importance of side imaging and how to use it to find walleye hot spots.
Side Imaging
Side imaging is a type of sonar technology that allows you to see the bottom of the lake in great detail. By using side imaging, you can identify areas of gravel, rocks, and weeds that are attractive to walleye. As the fisherman explains, “These areas will be overgrown with weeds in summer weed beds will come over this but their gravelly stuff like you’re seeing in here that’s what you’re making that contact on right now this broken gravelly little stuff like that that’s what those fish are use right now.”
Jigging
Jigging is a popular technique for catching walleye, and the fisherman explains why: “When you’re fishing in the spring like this is one bait that’ll get it done and that’s the jig.” He recommends using the BMC Hot Skirt Jig and the BMC Moon-Eyed Jig in sizes of 1/16, 1/8, and 1/4 ounce.
Big Lakes
The fisherman also explains why big lakes are great for walleye fishing: “On these big lakes you get in areas like we’re in now a lot of times you’re not fishing you know two three or four fish there’s hundreds of fish and in some cases I know in some cases there’s thousands in the schools they move that Vick and that’s how many fish can be in these big water lakes.” He also mentions that rivers can be great for walleye fishing, as they often migrate up into the river systems.
Conclusion
Side imaging and jigging are two great techniques for catching walleye, and big lakes are the best places to find them. With the right gear and technique, you can find yourself in the middle of a school of walleye. So get out there and start fishing!