I went through my notes, checked them twice and must say, not really crazy on how Versus films the action on the water. Really no big secrets revealed through the filming, and not much said that would help the everyday angler improve their skills. That said, there was a bunch of tackle spotted that could help you find the right equipment if you are equipping your boat for walleye.
First off, this was totally a trolling tourney for the anglers who made the top ten. Unlike Green Bay where some of the top anglers may do some jigging, these guys were running the big water with boards, linecounters and covering space. Its funny to hear people say Lake Erie is BIG water, but when you consider many of the tourneys take place on inland lakes, Erie is about as big as it gets.
Here are some quick hits, and other points of interest that were actually mentioned, or shown throughout the show that could help folks boat more walleye:
As mentioned already, this was a trolling tourney where inline boards and linecounter reels are important tools in catching walleye. Church and Off-Shore boards were predominately used by all the anglers. All the anglers were using Daiwa Sealine SG 27 LCA reels with one notable exception, the Berkley pro was using Ambassadeur LC reels which falls under the Pure Fishing umbrella. Did not see anyone using the Shimano Tekota reels, which actually surprised me a little bit.
This was an April tourney, and one of the hot spots was on the northwest and northeast corners of Kelley’s Island.
Some of the anglers were tipping their cranks with crawlers on the belly hooks.
Being early in the year, some of the guys firmly believe in running at least one bait high in the water column where some of the fish are feeding. At least one 7 lb fish was caught only five foot below the surface.
To help split the costs, many of the teams room up while on the road. When someone doesn’t make the cut, they help out the other anglers in anyway possible. It might being tying rigs or boat maintenance.
Lots of trolling rods being used, from Daiwa’s to Shimano Talora rods. I noticed that Ted Takasaki who finished second was running the same rods that I use, St. Croix Premier Glass trolling rods. These are medium strength with a moderate action, which I really like for running boards. Plenty of backbone with a soft tip.
Saw a lot of the boats using RAM rod holders.
If you were out early this spring at all, you already know how important it was to find some clean/clear water to fish in. Several mentioned this, with one angler saying it meant being able to see the prop on the main motor when it was in the down position.
There was a mix of baits being used, both minnow shaped cranks and crawler harnesses. The key for the cranks was to run them about 1.5 mph or less. A fast presentation just was not going to call in these fish on a regular basis. Guys who were running the meat rigs were going even slower.
I know it was early in the season, but I have yet to see any of the pro’s running spoons which seems to be a very productive bait down here on Erie.
And the last helpful hint, specially when the water is mirky or clouded. The person who is really in the fish calls out the amount of feet left on the linecounter reel so the netman is prepared to get the fish in the net at the right time. Leaves very little to chance that way.
Hope it helps, good luck using these tips the next time out.