Guide to Best Jigs for Walleye Fishing 2023
We’ve scoured the seven seas and dipped our lines in countless lakes to bring you the ultimate guide to walleye fishing jigs. We’ll save you time, money, and frustration by pointing you towards the best jigs out there.
So buckle in, fellow anglers; we’re about to dive into the great world of walleye fishing. There’s a whole ocean of knowledge we’re eager to share with you.
Let’s reel in some walleye!
Key Takeaways
- Ball Head Jigs are versatile and effective for different fish species, including walleye fishing.
- Long-Shank Jigs have a compact design and are ideal for live bait presentation in walleye fishing.
- Stand-Up Jigs are great for vertical jigging and have an attachable ‘sting’r’ hook for short strikers.
- Swimbait Jigs have a lifelike action and sharp hooks, making them effective for attracting walleye.
Quick List 1-3
- Stand-Up Jigs: They have a compact design ideal for vertical jigging and an attachable ‘sting’r’ hook for short strikers, proven successful on professional walleye tours.
- Long-Shank Jigs: Effective for walleye fishing with a compact design for live bait presentation; ideal for vertical jigging but may require assembly.
- Ball Head Jigs: Unique design with versatile features for different fish species, but there are concerns about paint peeling off and mixed feedback about price and packaging
Last update on 2024-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best Jigs for Walleye Fishing
Let’s get right into talking about the best jigs for walleye fishing.
We’ve got ball head jigs, long-shank jigs, stand-up jigs, swimbait jigs, and propeller jigs to cover.
Each of these has unique features that make them top choices for walleye.
Ball Head Jigs
- #1 all-time money winning jig on the PWT & FLW Pro Walleye Tours
- Attach “sting’s” hook to nip the short striking nibblers
- Produces a compact live bait presentation
- Ideal for vertical jigging with a minnow, leech or half a night crawler
- Durable and long lasting
Last update on 2024-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Moving on to ball head jigs, they’re an absolute game-changer when it comes to walleye fishing. With their unique design, two-color paint job, and black nickel sharp hooks, these jigs are a must-have for any fishing arsenal. They feature a baitholder to prevent soft bait from sliding down, and a big bright eye to attract fish. Available in various weights, they’re suited for a range of fish species.
The XFISHMAN ball head jigs are indeed a worthy addition to your fishing gear. However, we’ve heard mixed feedback about the paint peeling off and the weight of the box. But remember, every product has its pros and cons. It’s about finding what works best for you.
- Product Specs
- Comes in a pack of 25 or 50
- Various weights available
- Equipped with sharp hooks and baitholder
- Pros
- Unique design with big bright eye
- Versatile for different fish species
- Appreciated for hook quality and durability
- Cons
- Concerns about paint peeling off
- Some find the box weight excessive
- Mixed feedback about price and packaging
Long-Shank Jigs
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When it comes to walleye fishing, we can’t overlook the effectiveness of long-shank jigs, such as the Northland Tackle Long Shank Fire-Ball Jig. This jig isn’t just a tool, but a game-changer for all you walleye hunters out there. Its short-shank Fire-Ball design gives a compact live bait presentation, making it ideal for vertical jigging with a minnow, leech, or half a night crawler. It’s a powerful ally when you’re out in the water, aiming to reel in the big ones.
- Product Specs:
- Material: Plastic
- Color: Super-Glo Chartreuse
- Package Dimensions: 4.88 x 1.88 x 0.69 inches
- Pros:
- Effective for walleye fishing
- Compact design for live bait presentation
- Ideal for vertical jigging
- Cons:
- May not be suitable for all types of fishing
- Requires assembly with ‘stings’ hook.
Stand-Up Jigs
- UNIQUE DESIGN—XFISHMAN jig heads come in a 2-color paint job with black nickel sharp hooks. The jigs also feature a baitholder and keeps your favorite soft bait from sliding down.
- Big Frightened Eyes- This optimized jig head also features a big bright eye that catches the attention of unsuspecting fish anywhere they are.Great bright eye, great thump!
- EASY TO USE–Great for catching a variety of predator fisheasy to use for anglers of all levels of experience ( 1/8, 3/16,1/4, 3/8 oz great for bass walleye) (1/32, 1/16, 1/8 oz great for crappie bluegillpanfish perch trout)
- MUST HAVE FOR ANY FISHERMAN– Equipped with a strong, sharp hook that’ll grab and hold on during the fight. You can’t call your fishing arsenal complete until you have a few XFISHMAN 2-color round jig heads in your tackle box
- CHOOSE FROM WEIGHT(s): 3/8oz, 1/4oz, 3/16,1/8oz,1/16, 5 Colors: Firetiger,Orange Chartreuse,Pink Chartreuse,Blue White,Voodoo
Last update on 2024-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
We believe the Northland Tackle Stand-Up Fire-Ball Jig is a standout choice in the realm of stand-up jigs for walleye fishing. This jig isn’t just another gadget; it’s a tool of liberation from subpar catches. Its short-shank Fire-Ball design creates a compact live bait presentation that’s proven deadly on walleyes. The jig’s unique feature is the attachable ‘sting’r’ hook, designed to nip at those short-striking nibblers, ensuring you don’t miss out on any potential catches.
- Product Specs:
- Color: Super-Glo Lumi
- Size: One Size
- Material: Plastic
- Item Weight: 0.13 Ounces
- Target Species: Perch, Walleye
- Pros:
- Compact design ideal for vertical jigging
- Attachable ‘sting’r’ hook for short strikers
- Proven successful on the PWT & FLW Pro Walleye Tours
- Cons:
- Only one color available
- Only one size available
- Plastic material may not be as durable as metal jigs.
Swimbait Jigs
- Aspirin-head jigs shape, provides a lifelike action in the water, making it an irresistible target for fish of all types and sizes.
- Embedded 3D Holographic Eye give it a realistic look that further enhances its effectiveness, while the chip-resistant painting ensures that it retains its appeal over time.
- Sharp high carbon steel hooks, this jig head is designed to penetrate fish quickly and securely, improving your chances of landing a catch every time.
- The wire lure keeper on the jig head allows for a wide range of lure and bait applications, giving you greater flexibility and control over your fishing technique.
- With its versatility and durability, this jig head is ideal for both saltwater and freshwater fishing, making it a must-have for anglers looking to expand their options.
Last update on 2024-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Diving into the world of swimbait jigs, it’s clear that the Dr.Fish 10 Pack 3D Eye Fishing Jig Heads are a top choice for walleye fishing. They’re designed for liberation on the water, ready to break free from the conventional.
The aspirin-head shape of these jigs, combined with their lifelike action, make them irresistible to walleyes. Moreover, they’re equipped with sharp high carbon steel hooks for quick and secure penetration. The 3D holographic eyes provide a realistic look, while the chip-resistant painting ensures they remain appealing for a long time.
- Product Specs:
- Aspirin-head shape
- 3D Holographic Eyes
- Chip-resistant painting
- Pros:
- Lifelike action
- Sharp high carbon steel hooks
- Suitable for both saltwater and freshwater fishing
- Cons:
- Comparison to VMC Moon Eye jig heads in terms of shape and price
- Not ranked high in Best Sellers Rank in Sports & Outdoors and Fishing Jigs
Propeller Jigs
- Unique “propeller” blade adds flash & sonic vibration
- Lures fish & trigger ‘me to strike
- UV coated paint design to attract fish in from afar
- Tip with live bait or your favorite plastic grub
- Perfect for moderately colored, stained or muddy water
Last update on 2024-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Moving on to propeller jigs, let’s take a closer look at the Northland Tackle WH4UV-6-99 Whistler Jig. This product is a game-changer, with its unique propeller blade that adds flash and sonic vibration to lure fish. The jig’s UV coated paint design catches the eye of fish from afar, while the new fish scale design further enhances its appeal.
Freedom seekers, this jig is for you. It’s not about being confined to traditional fishing methods anymore. It’s about embracing new tools and devices, like this propeller jig, that bring liberation and broaden your fishing horizon.
- Product Specs:
- 1/4 oz size
- Assorted color
- For Bass, Panfish, Trout, Northern Pike
- Pros:
- Propeller blade for added attraction
- UV coated paint
- New fish scale design
- Cons:
- Some may find the propeller feature unnecessary
- Not ideal for all fishing conditions.
Factors to consider when selecting a Jig for Walleye Fishing
When choosing the best jig for walleye fishing, there are several factors we need to take into account.
We’ll need to look at the importance of jig size.
Our strategy for selecting colors.
The material and durability.
The impact of the seasons on our choice.
Additionally, we can’t overlook the relationship between depth and jig weight.
Jig Size Importance
In our quest to catch the perfect walleye, we can’t ignore the crucial role the size of the jig plays in our success. The jig size importance to walleye fishing is paramount. It’s not merely about using any jig; it’s about using the best jigs for walleye fishing. Let’s break it down.
| Factor | Jig Size | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Depth | Smaller/Larger | Deeper water requires a larger jig to sink and stay at the bottom. |
| Water Clarity | Larger | In murky water, a larger jig is more visible. |
| Prey Size | Match the Hatch | Walleye are more likely to bite a jig that resembles their typical food size. |
| Current | Larger | Stronger currents require a larger jig to maintain position. |
| Season | Varies | Different seasons may require different jig sizes due to walleye behavior changes. |
Color Selection Strategy
Now that we’ve discussed the importance of jig size, let’s delve into another crucial aspect – the color selection strategy, a key factor to consider when we’re selecting the best jigs for walleye fishing.
Walleye are known for their sharp vision, hence, color plays a significant role in attracting them. Darker hues like blue or black work best in low light conditions or murky waters. On clearer days or in transparent waters, brighter colors such as yellow or green are more effective. Additionally, metallic colors like silver or gold mimic the shimmer of small fish, making them a good choice.
Thus, our color selection strategy involves a keen understanding of the fishing conditions and the behavior of walleye to ensure a successful walleye fishing experience.
Material and Durability
Often, we’re not just picking a walleye jig based on its size or color, but we’re also greatly considering its material and durability. The best walleye jigs are those made to last, able to withstand the rough underwater conditions and the powerful bites of the walleye.
Let’s break down the key factors:
| Material | Durability |
|---|---|
| Lead | Can withstand harsh conditions |
| Steel | More durable but less dense |
| Tungsten | Highest density and durability |
The material directly impacts the jig’s durability. Lead is standard but steel and tungsten options offer increased toughness. Choose the material that best fits your fishing style and environment. Remember, the journey to becoming the best walleye angler is not just about the catch, but also about the gear that gets you there.
Seasonal Jig Choices
Building on the importance of material and durability, let’s dive into the seasonal factors we should consider when selecting the perfect jig for walleye fishing.
Like us, walleye change their behavior with the seasons, and our jig choices need to adapt accordingly.
In spring, they’re aggressive, so we’d recommend a larger, bolder jig – something that’ll really catch their eye.
Come summer, they’re a bit more laid back, so it’s best to switch to a smaller, subtler jig.
Autumn and winter bring cooler water temperatures; walleye are slower, so a jig with a slower descent rate is the best walleye choice.
Depth and Jig Weight
Let’s delve into the crucial factors of depth and jig weight when selecting the ideal jig for walleye fishing. We must align our jig weight with the depth we’re fishing to ensure liberation from frustration and increase our success.
Here’s a simple guide:
| Depth (ft) | Jig Weight (oz) | Walleye Fishing Advice |
|---|---|---|
| 1-10 | 1/8 – 1/4 | Lighter jigs for shallow depths |
| 10-20 | 1/4 – 3/8 | Moderate weight for mid depths |
| 20-30 | 3/8 – 1/2 | Heavier jig for deeper waters |
| 30-40 | 1/2 – 3/4 | Use for very deep waters |
| 40+ | 3/4 – 1 | For extreme depths |
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Ideal Time of Day for Walleye Fishing?
We’ve found that dawn and dusk are typically the best times for walleye fishing. They’re more active during these periods, so we’re more likely to get a bite. It’s all about timing, really.
What Other Types of Bait Can Be Used for Walleye Fishing Apart From Jigs?
Besides jigs, we’ve found that live bait like minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers work great for walleye fishing. They’re attracted to the movement and scent, making your fishing experience more successful and enjoyable.
What Are the Common Mistakes to Avoid When Fishing for Walleye?
We’ve noticed some common mistakes when fishing for walleye. Not checking local regulations, choosing the wrong time of day, and ignoring weather conditions can all hinder your success. We’ll help you avoid these pitfalls.
Can I Use the Same Jig for Walleye Fishing in Different Seasons?
We’d advise against using the same jig all year round. Walleye’s preferences change with the seasons, so it’s crucial we adjust our gear accordingly for the most effective catch. Always adapt to their habits.
What Types of Fishing Rods Work Best With Jigs for Walleye Fishing?
We’ve found that medium-heavy rods work best with jigs for walleye fishing. They’ve got the strength we need for setting the hook and the sensitivity to feel those subtle bites. Trust us, you won’t regret it.
Conclusion
We’ve navigated the sea of walleye jigs, dissected their nuances, and highlighted the champions.
Remember, the perfect jig dances to the tune of walleye’s desires, blending color, size, and weight into an irresistible performance.
It’s your secret weapon, your invisible lure in the depths.
So, choose wisely, cast your line with confidence and let the walleye do the waltzing.
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