What Size Hook for Walleye Fishing

Are you tired of going on fishing trips and coming back empty-handed? Do you want to increase your chances of catching that prized walleye? One crucial element to consider is the size of your hook. Using the wrong size can lead to frustration and disappointment.

Walleye fishing requires a specific approach, and choosing the right hook size is a vital part of that strategy. With so many options available, it can be overwhelming to know which one to use. Choosing a hook that’s too big or small can impact your success on the water.

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of walleye fishing hooks and explore what size hook is best for catching these elusive fish. We’ll cover everything from hook size recommendations to tips on how to choose the right hook for different types of bait. So, let’s get started and reel in some walleye!

What is the typical size range of walleye that you would catch while fishing?

Walleye size range

The average size of walleye varies depending on their location, but they usually range from 12 to 20 inches long. However, in some areas, walleye can grow up to 30 inches long and weigh over 10 pounds. The size of the fish can also be affected by factors such as water temperature, food availability, and fishing pressure.

Factors affecting the size of the walleye

• Water temperature: Walleye tend to grow faster in warmer water temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit
• Food availability: Walleyes require a lot of protein-rich food to grow big. Areas with plenty of forage fish like minnows and shad will have bigger walleyes.
• Fishing pressure: Overfishing can cause smaller fish sizes since most anglers keep the larger ones.

Tips for catching large walleye

• Fish at night or early morning when they are more active.
• Use live bait like leeches or minnows since larger fish prefer these over artificial lures.
• Fish near structures like weed beds and sunken logs where larger walleye may hide.

How does the size of the hook affect the likelihood of catching a walleye?

The impact of hook size on catching rate

The hook’s shape and size play an essential role in catching a walleye. The right hook size increases your chances of having a successful catch. The larger the hook, the less likely it is you’ll hook a walleye since they have small mouths. Using a smaller hook may increase your chances of catching fish since walleye will find it easier to swallow.

Factors affecting the hook size

• Bait size: Bigger baits need bigger hooks, but make sure that there’s enough gap between the bait and the hook so that the fish can swallow it easily.
• Fishing location: Choose a smaller hook for clear water or shallow waters where walleyes can see better and are more cautious. Use a larger one for murky water where visibility is low.
• Personal preference: Ultimately, it depends on personal preference and what works best for you.

Tips

• For live bait, use hooks with a long shank (size 8-10) to allow the bait to move freely in the water.
• When using artificial lures like jigs, use smaller hooks (size 2-6).
• If you’re fishing in an area with many snags or weeds, consider using weedless hooks.

Are there any specific types of hooks that work better for catching walleye?

The best types of hooks for catching walleye

There are different types of hooks available in the market, but not all are suitable for catching walleye. Some popular options include:

Jig Heads

Jig heads are popular among anglers because they allow them to add various soft plastics or live baits. Their weight helps them sink quickly into deep waters where walleyes usually swim.

Spinnerbaits

Spinnerbaits work well in murky waters since they create vibrations that walleye can detect. They are also ideal for fishing in shallow waters where walleyes can see the flash of their blades.

Crankbaits

Crankbaits mimic the movement and color of small fish, making them an excellent option for catching bigger walleye. They work well in deeper waters and can be used with a fast or slow retrieve depending on water temperature and time of day.

At what time of year do walleye tend to be more active and therefore easier to catch?

The best time to catch walleye

Walleye behavior can vary depending on the season, but there are some general guidelines that anglers follow when deciding when to fish for them:

Spring

In spring, walleye start moving from deeper waters towards shallower areas to spawn. This makes them more accessible from shorelines or near structures like rocks or weeds. Walleye will also be more active during overcast days and during low-light conditions like dawn and dusk.

Summer

In summer, walleyes move to deeper, cooler waters since warmer temperatures reduce their oxygen levels. During this season, fishing is best early in the morning and late afternoon or evening when water temperatures are lower. You may have better luck using live bait like leeches or nightcrawlers instead of artificial lures.

Fall

In fall, as the water cools down, walleyes return to shallower areas again. Fishermen will often use jigs tipped with minnows or other live bait since walleye are more willing to bite during this season.

Winter

In winter, walleyes move to deeper waters and become less active. Ice fishing for walleye is a popular activity in areas where the water freezes over. Anglers will often set up near drop-offs or structures and use small jigs with live bait or artificial lures to attract them.

How should you adjust your hook size when fishing in different types of water (i.e. lakes, rivers, streams)?

The impact of water type on hook size

The choice of hook size can also depend on the type of water you’re fishing in:

Lakes

In lakes, anglers usually fish for walleye in deep waters close to drop-offs or structures like rocks or weed beds. You’ll need a heavier jig head or sinker to reach those depths, and a long shank hook can make it easier for the bait to move freely in the water.

Rivers

River currents can affect how fast your lure moves through the water. In fast-moving currents, it’s best to use a heavier jig head or sinker and a smaller hook size so that the bait stays closer to the bottom where walleye feed.

Streams

Streams tend to have shallower waters than rivers and lakes, so using smaller hooks (size 10-12) is more appropriate. You may also want to use lighter jigs since they don’t need as much weight to reach deeper waters.

Can using a larger hook actually decrease your chances of catching a walleye?

The effect of larger hooks on catch rate

A common misconception among anglers is that using a larger hook can increase their chances of catching a walleye. However, this isn’t always the case. Using a larger hook can actually decrease your chances of catching fish since walleyes have small mouths and may not be able to swallow the bait easily.

Factors to consider when choosing the right hook size

• The size of your bait: If you’re using live bait like minnows or leeches, you’ll need to make sure that there’s enough gap between the hook and the bait so that the fish can swallow it easily.
• The type of water: In clear water or shallow waters where walleyes can see better, use smaller hooks (size 6-8). In murky water where visibility is low, you may want to use slightly larger ones (size 4-6).
• Your personal preference: Ultimately, it depends on what works best for you and your fishing style.

What are some common mistakes that anglers make when choosing a hook size for walleye fishing?

Mistakes to avoid when selecting a hook size

Choosing the right hook size is crucial when fishing for walleye. Some common mistakes anglers make include:

• Using hooks that are too large: As mentioned earlier, using hooks that are too large increases your chances of missing bites since walleyes have small mouths.
• Using hooks that are too small: Hooks that are too small can also be problematic since they don’t provide enough gap for the bait to move freely in the water.
• Not considering water conditions: Water clarity and depth play an essential role in determining the right hook size. In clear water, smaller hooks are more appropriate, while in murky water, larger ones may be needed.
• Not experimenting with different hook sizes: Sometimes, it may take a few tries to determine the right hook size for a particular location or bait type.

How can you determine the appropriate hook size based on the type of bait or lure you are using?

Factors that influence hook size when using specific baits/lures

The choice of hook size can also depend on the type of bait or lure you’re using:

Jig heads

Jig heads come in various sizes and shapes, but generally, a long shank (size 8-10) is suitable for live bait like leeches or minnows. If you’re using soft plastics, choose a jig head that matches its weight and length.

Spinnerbaits

The right hook size for spinnerbaits depends on the blade’s size and weight. Smaller blades need smaller hooks (size 6-8), while bigger blades require larger ones (size 4-6).

Crankbaits

Crankbaits usually come with treble hooks already attached to them. However, if you need to replace them, use hooks that match the lure’s size and weight.

Live bait

If you’re using live bait like nightcrawlers or minnows, use hooks that allow enough gap between the bait and the point of the hook so that fish can swallow it easily. The general rule is to use small hooks (size 8-12) for smaller baits and larger ones (size 6-8) for bigger baits.

In conclusion, choosing the right hook size for walleye fishing is important to ensure a successful catch. Factors such as bait size and fishing location should be considered when selecting the appropriate hook size.

Frequently Asked Questions about What Size Hook for Walleye Fishing

What size drop shot hook for walleyes?
To rig a walleye bait, it’s recommended to use drop-shot hooks in sizes 1, 1/0, or 2/0 and tie a palomar knot. For the best action with a finesse plastic, nose hooking is a versatile option.

What is the best setup for walleye fishing?
For the best results, it is recommended to use a 6-foot medium-light spinning rod with a fast action and a medium-sized 30 reel when fishing for walleye. This setup allows anglers to detect subtle strikes, as walleye tend to slurp the bait and can be easily missed.

Can you catch walleye with circle hooks?
The editors at In-Fisherman are still testing out circle hooks on different types of fish, such as panfish, bass, and walleyes. They have found that the hook usually catches the fish near the surface. This was reported on January 7, 2013.

What color hooks for walleye?
When the water was clear, all the different colors of fishing lures were equally effective. However, in murky, turbid water, the gold-colored lures were the most successful. And when the water had a green tint from algae, the walleyes were most attracted to black lures. This information was reported on June 19th, 2022.

Is drop shot good for walleye?
One of the most versatile rigs around to catch multi-species is called the drop shot rig. We have found that this same rig will catch both smallmouth bass and walleye. It has proven to be a very effective rig for many of the various situations you might run into on Lady Evelyn Lake.

What is the best bait for walleye?
Using live bait can greatly increase the chances of catching walleye, and this is typically done through still fishing, drifting, or trolling. To capture the attention of walleye in clear water, a bottom-bouncing rig or slip sinker can be used. Some of the most effective live bait options for walleye include leeches, nightcrawlers, and minnows.