The Best Walleye Lures of 2023

We’re casting a wide net to bring you the top-rated walleye lures for 2023. We’ve reeled in the best of the best, so you don’t have to flounder in your search.

It’s a vast sea of options out there, but we’re here to navigate you through it. We’ve got the scoop on what’s biting this year. Let’s dive right in, shall we?

After all, we’re all here to reel in that big catch, aren’t we?

Key Takeaways

• The size and color of the lure are important factors to consider when choosing a walleye lure. Smaller, realistic lures work best in clear water, while larger lures are more effective in murkier waters. Brighter colors or metallic finishes attract attention in murkier water.
• The material and durability of the lure greatly impact its performance and longevity. Plastic and soft plastic lures offer good durability, while metal and wood options have their own pros and cons. Finding the right balance for your fishing needs is important to ensure the lure lasts.
• The depth and action of the lure are crucial in attracting walleye. Crankbaits are excellent for deeper waters, and the lure’s action should mimic the movement of the fish’s natural prey. Choosing the right type of lure based on the depth is important, and lifelike action can trick a walleye into striking.
• When purchasing a walleye lure, it is important to find the right balance between price and quality. Lower-priced lures may not last or perform well, while the most expensive lure isn’t always the best. Considering the quality of materials and durability is crucial to achieving the right balance.

Best Walleye Lures

As we turn our attention to the best Walleye lures for 2023, we’ll focus on five standout models that have consistently proven effective.

These include:

• The Northland Tackle FB2-6-99T Fire-Ball Jig 1/16 OZ.
• The Acme Tackle Company Hyper-Rattle Jigging Lure
• Berkley PowerBait Ripple Shad
• The Rapala Jigging Rap
• The Rapala Rippin’ Rap

Each of these lures brings a unique advantage to your fishing experience, making them indispensable tools for any serious angler.

Northland Tackle FB2-6-99T Fire-Ball Jig 1/16 OZ

We’re turning our attention to the Northland Tackle FB2-6-99T Fire-Ball Jig 1/16 OZ, a top-rated walleye lure with a proven track record on the PWT & FLW Pro Walleye Tours. This compact, two-toned lure is the #1 all-time money-winning jig, renowned for nipping short-striking nibblers in the bud, thanks to its ‘sting’r’ hook. It’s not just walleyes that fall for this deadly decoy; saugers, perch, and other predators have met their match with this jig.

Despite its success, some users have expressed concerns about the lure’s durability when up against larger fish. Feedback suggests the hook could potentially bend after a fierce tussle, which may cause doubts about its reliability for reeling in bigger catches.

Last update on 2024-05-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Product Specs:

• Size: 1/16 OZ
• Material: Other
• Target Species: Perch, Walleye
• Number of Pieces: 2
• Pros:
• Proven track record on professional walleye tours
• Effective on various predator species
• Compact and two-toned for visibility
• Cons:
• Durability concerns with larger fish
• Potential for the hook to bend during a struggle.

acme Tackle Company Hyper-Rattle Jigging Lure

Last update on 2024-05-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Shifting gears, let’s dive into the details of the Acme Tackle Company Hyper-Rattle Jigging Lure, another top-rated contender in the walleye lures category for 2023.

This lure is known for creating a unique combination of sight and sound that triggers more bites due to its HD2 finishes and the glow and UV features for optimum visibility.

Despite a few instances of hooks catching on the bottom, user feedback is largely positive, with reports of catching four walleye in just ten minutes. The lure’s quality and durability are also often praised. While there’s some confusion about the price variation between colors, it doesn’t seem to impact the overall satisfaction of our fellow anglers.

• Product Specs:
• HD2 finishes
• Glow and UV features
• Available in 10 colors and 3 sizes
• Pros:
• Unique combination of sight and sound
• High catch rate
• Good quality and durability
• Cons:
• Hooks may catch on the bottom
• Price confusion between colors
• Rattle is minimal

Berkley PowerBait Ripple Shad

Last update on 2024-05-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Let’s now take a closer look at the Berkley PowerBait Ripple Shad, one of the best-rated walleye lures for 2023. This lure boasts a unique segmented body that offers increased vibration and swimming action, making it irresistible to walleye. Its design provides more surface area for better scent dispersion, and the exclusive PowerBait scent and flavor add to its appeal. The Ripple Shad, with its blend material and blue-silver color, is a product of Berkley’s legendary innovation and professional bass angler experience.

Many users have reported catching a variety of fish species with this lure. However, some feel that its durability could be improved, especially when encountering a school of fish. Despite this, the lure’s effectiveness and versatility make it a top choice.

• Product Specs:
• Blue-Silver color
• Blend material
• Size: 2 (8-count)
• Exclusive PowerBait scent and flavor
• Pros:
• Unique segmented body for more vibration and swimming action
• More surface area for better scent dispersion
• Effective on a variety of fish species
• Cons:
• Some users have reported durability issues
• The pink stripe doesn’t run through the entire body.

Rapala Jigging Rap

Last update on 2024-05-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Moving on to our next top-rated lure for 2023, the Rapala Jigging Rap is a versatile and effective option that’s especially loved by those keen on vertical jigging in Lake Erie. This lure’s unique design keeps it in the strike zone with minimal forward travel, mimicking the slow fade of a minnow. Its rear plastic fins create a spiraling climb and fall when jerked, attracting the attention of suspended fish.

Users have praised the Rapala Jigging Rap for its solid lead makeup and streamlined body, which allow for quick sinking. While its paint may chip around rock piles, the lure’s effectiveness in catching fish, particularly walleye, makes it a favorite among seasoned anglers.

• Product Specs: Fixed weight system, rear plastic fins, quick sinking, Chrome and Gold Yellow Perch color options
• Pros: Versatile, effective for vertical jigging, mimics natural minnow movement, solid lead makeup.
• Cons: Paint may chip around rocks, smaller than expected, and the hook may break if caught on clothing.

Rapala Rippin ‘ Rap

Last update on 2024-05-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Next on our list of top-rated walleye lures for 2023 is the Rapala Rippin’ Rap, renowned for its exceptional performance on both fresh and saltwater. Its tall, skinny body shape, distinctive loud BB rattle system, and lipless design set it apart from the competition. The hard vibrating action is irresistible to walleye, and it’s a long-casting lure, giving you a wide area of influence.

However, be aware that while the lure is highly effective, it can wear out after about 100 fishes, due to impacts with docks, walls, and fish teeth. Nonetheless, its overall performance and the reputation of the Rapala brand make it a reliable choice.

• Product Specs:

Tall, skinny body;

Loud BB rattle system;

Lipless design;

Hard vibrating action

Long-casting.

• Pros:

Exceptional performance on fresh and saltwater;

Attractive design;

Wide area of influence;

Reputable brand.

• Cons:

Hooks can be weak, requiring replacement;

Durability can be a concern after heavy use;

Increased price.

Factors to Consider when buying a walleye lure

When selecting the perfect walleye lure, there are several key factors we must consider.

It’s essential to take into account the size of the lure, the right color for conditions and species, and the material’s durability.

Additionally, we’ll need to evaluate the lure’s depth, action, and the balance between price and quality.

Lure Size Matters

Choosing the right size for your walleye lure can significantly affect your success on the water. Larger lures often catch larger walleye. However, water clarity, temperature, and the walleye’s diet can influence the appropriate lure size.

For instance, in clear water, smaller, more realistic lures typically work best. In murkier waters, larger lures can be more effective due to their visibility. When considering the top-rated walleye lures for 2023, keep these factors in mind.

A diversity of lure sizes in your tackle box will ensure you’re prepared for any fishing condition. Ultimately, understanding the importance of lure size will enhance your liberation on the water.

Choosing Right Color

In our quest for the perfect walleye lure, it’s essential to consider color, as it can significantly impact our fishing success. The best walleye lures often mimic the natural food source in the area, so color choice should replicate this.

For clear water walleye fishing, opt for natural, muted colors like green, brown, or black. In murkier water, brighter colors or metallic finishes can help attract attention.

Remember, walleye are predators; they’re attracted to movement and contrast. So, selecting lures with color contrasting belly can be effective.

For night fishing, glow-in-the-dark or luminous lures are ideal.

Observation and experimentation are key for walleye anglers when choosing the right color. Try different combinations, observe the walleye’s response, and adjust accordingly.

Your perfect walleye lure is out there – let color guide you to it.

Material and Durability

While we’re considering the best walleye lures, it’s crucial we don’t overlook the importance of material and durability. The material can greatly impact a lure’s performance and longevity. Traditional materials such as plastic and soft plastic are often used in fishing tackle, offering good durability.

Here’s a breakdown of common materials:

Material	Durability
Plastic	High
Soft Plastic	Medium
Metal	High
Wood	Low

Plastic lures are resilient and can withstand rough conditions, while soft plastic offers more flexibility, which can be appealing to walleye. However, it may not last as long. Metal and wood options have their own pros and cons. It’s about finding the right balance for your fishing needs. Durability is key to ensure that your walleye lure withstands the test of time.

Depth and Action

After we’ve considered the material and durability, let’s now turn our attention to another important aspect: the depth and action of the walleye lure, which play a significant role in attracting walleye.

When choosing your fishing tackle, consider the depth at which walleye are likely to be found. This will determine the type of lure you need. For example, crankbaits are excellent for deeper waters as they can dive to the required depth and mimic the action of real prey.

The action of the lure is equally crucial. It should mimic the movement of the fish’s natural prey in the water. A lure with a lifelike action can trick a walleye into striking.

Price Vs Quality

Now, let’s tackle the dilemma every angler’s wallet faces: price versus quality in walleye lures.

It’s tempting to opt for the least expensive walleye lure in the fishing tackle shop, but remember: the best walleye lures balance both cost and effectiveness. Price shouldn’t be your sole guiding factor.

Instead, consider the quality of the materials, the lure’s durability, and its proven success in walleye fishing. Lower-priced lures might save you a few bucks now, but they may not last or perform as well.

Conversely, the most expensive lure isn’t always the best. Achieving the right balance between price and quality is crucial.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can You Properly Store and Maintain Your Walleye Lures?

We’re keen on keeping our lures in top-notch condition. It’s simple: we wash them with mild soap, dry thoroughly, and store them in a cool, dry place. Regular maintenance ensures they’re always ready to shine.

What Are Some Effective Techniques for Using These Top-Rated Walleye Lures?

We’ve found that varying retrieval speeds, casting at different angles, and using a twitching motion can significantly increase the effectiveness of our lures. Don’t forget to match the lure color to the water conditions, too!

Can These Walleye Lures Also Be Used for Other Types of Fish?

Absolutely, we’re convinced these lures can catch anything with fins! They’re incredibly versatile, attracting a broad range of species, not just walleye. Their design and movement make them irresistible to many types of fish.

How Can One Identify a Good Fishing Location for Walleye?

We’re often asked how to spot a prime walleye fishing location. We’d suggest looking for underwater structures, current breaks, and weed lines. They’re attracted to these areas, especially during feeding times.

What Are the Best Seasons or Times of Day to Use These Walleye Lures?

As the sun’s rays paint dawn and dusk, we’ve found these are the prime times to cast out. Spring and fall seasons also provide fruitful periods for us to utilize our favorite lures.

Conclusion

In wrapping things up, we’ve found that the best walleye lures for 2023 are those that blend versatility, durability, and proven effectiveness.

Our research has shown that the right lure can make all the difference in your angling success. Remember, purchasing a top-rated lure is a small investment that often pays big dividends.

It’s not just about buying a lure; it’s about equipping yourself with the right tool to catch that trophy walleye.