MyFishFinder Forum

MyFishFinder By Species => Walleye => Topic started by: Scientist on Nov 14, 2007, 02:37 PM

Title: Catching Walleyes using live Herring as bait
Post by: Scientist on Nov 14, 2007, 02:37 PM

This question is going out specifically to those of your fisherman that catch Walleyes using herring(aka alewives) as bait. How long do you wait to set the hook and where do you hook them (i.e. behind the dorsal fin or through the nostrils, etc) ?

Title: Re: Catching Walleyes using live Herring as bait
Post by: Webguy on Nov 15, 2007, 07:38 AM

I set the hook right away to avoid gut hooking fish, the rods are usually in a holder so it translates into a couple seconds, sometimes more if I'm preoccupied. I use small trebles (#10) and hook them through the nose which works well, especially when drifting.

Title: Re: Catching Walleyes using live Herring as bait
Post by: Scientist on Nov 15, 2007, 11:08 AM

Really? I have waited as long as 15 minutes to set the hook and have never gut hooked a walleye, ever with a herring.  Crawlers is a different strory. 

Title: Re: Catching Walleyes using live Herring as bait
Post by: Webguy on Nov 15, 2007, 01:41 PM

15 minutes? ...that's mind boggling!

Title: Re: Catching Walleyes using live Herring as bait
Post by: Scientist on Nov 15, 2007, 03:22 PM

I have had times when they just mouth the bait or chew on the tail only. Wanted to see if anyone else had the same experience. Imagine the patience needed

Title: Re: Catching Walleyes using live Herring as bait
Post by: gunner1 on Nov 15, 2007, 08:07 PM

You use a 10" bait for walleye?? :o :o

Title: Re: Catching Walleyes using live Herring as bait
Post by: Scientist on Nov 16, 2007, 08:51 AM

Quote from: gunner1 on Nov 15, 2007, 08:07 PM

You use a 10" bait for walleye?? :o :o

Average bait size for herring here is 6 to 8 inches. They are 4" in the early spring which are perfect for trout.