The erratic darting action of Jigging Rapalas triggers walleye strikes during the heat of summer. Snap your rod tip upward every few seconds to impart speed and direction changes to the lure.
Jigging Rapalas are becoming increasingly popular among anglers targeting walleye. These lures have proven to be effective in triggering strikes from walleye, especially when the fish are in a neutral or negative feeding mode. In this article, we will explore the reasons why jigging Rapalas are so effective at enticing walleye strikes and how to use them effectively.
The Power of Triggering Strikes
When walleye are not actively feeding, it can be challenging to get them to bite. Slowing down with traditional presentations like rigs or jigs tipped with live bait is often the go-to approach. While this can work, walleye can also be triggered into striking by fast-moving presentations that mimic fleeing prey. This is where jigging Rapalas come into play.
Jigging Rapalas are designed to imitate injured baitfish, and their erratic, darting action triggers an instinctive response from walleye. When a walleye sees a jigging Rapala zip by, it doesn’t have time to examine it and decide whether it’s hungry or not. Instead, it reacts instinctively and strikes at the lure because it thinks it’s getting away. This involuntary response is what makes jigging Rapalas so effective at triggering strikes from walleye.
Using Jigging Rapalas
To effectively use jigging Rapalas, it’s important to have a little barrel swivel on the line to eliminate line twisting. A foot of barrel swivel is sufficient to prevent line twisting and ensure a smooth presentation. Without a barrel swivel, line twisting can occur, which can affect the lure’s action and decrease its effectiveness.
Jigging Rapalas are versatile lures that can be used for various fish species in different conditions. In Southern California and other western states, anglers use jigging Rapalas to target bass and other deep-water species during the winter months. They are also effective for lake trout fishing in open water. Some anglers even use jigging Rapalas for smallmouth bass fishing in a variety of conditions.
The Benefits of Jigging Rapalas for Walleye Fishing
Jigging Rapalas offer several advantages for walleye fishing. First, they allow anglers to get to the bottom quickly. The lure’s design and weight enable it to sink rapidly, reaching the desired depth where walleye are often found. This is particularly beneficial when targeting walleye in deeper water.
Additionally, jigging Rapalas are small contact baits that have a heavy profile. This makes them ideal for vertical jigging, a popular technique for walleye fishing. The lure’s action and design make it easy to impart an enticing jigging motion that walleye find irresistible.
The Appeal of Jigging Rapalas for Walleye Anglers
For walleye anglers, using Jigging Rapalas may seem unconventional at first. The idea of using a jigging Rapala in open water, even in warm temperatures, can be a bit hard to grasp. However, the results speak for themselves. Anglers have reported catching twenty times more walleye on a jigging Rapala compared to a live bait rig with a nightcrawler. This is a testament to the effectiveness of these lures in triggering strikes from walleye.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Jigging Rapalas are a game-changer for walleye fishing. Their ability to trigger strikes from walleye, even when the fish are in a neutral or negative feeding mode, makes them a valuable tool in an angler’s arsenal. By imitating injured baitfish and utilizing an erratic, darting action, jigging Rapalas elicit an instinctive response from walleye, causing them to strike. Whether you’re fishing in open water or through the ice, jigging Rapalas are a versatile and effective lure for targeting walleye. Give them a try and see the difference they can make in your fishing success.
