Ever feel like you’re throwing everything but the kitchen sink at those elusive walleye, only to have them swim by? It’s frustrating when your tackle box seems full, but the fish aren’t biting! Choosing the right gear for walleye can feel like a guessing game. You see so many lures, colors, and sizes, and it’s tough to know what really works. Do you need crankbaits or jigs? What about the perfect line? This confusion stops right now.
This guide cuts through the noise. We will show you exactly what tackle makes a real difference when targeting walleye. You will learn the secrets behind choosing the best lures for different water conditions and times of the year. Stop wasting time and money on gear that doesn’t perform. Keep reading to unlock the proven tackle setups that will fill your livewell with more walleye than ever before.
Top Tackle For Walleye Recommendations
- ULTRA-REALISTIC: Our fishing lures are specifically designed to simulate real distressed fish, featuring lifelike 3D eyes, realistic colors to make the lure more attractive, and an ingenious multi jointed body connected that makes the popper swimbaits mimic real fish s-type movement.
- SUPERIOR HOOKS: The spinnerbaits lures are rigged with two incredibly sharp mustard hooks that are rust-proof, and unbelievably durable and flexible. Moreover, the treble hooks have an excellent hook-up so to make that monster bass or trout never escapes your line.
- INCREDIBLY VERSATILE: The fishing swimmer baits are ideal for targeting any predator fish like bass, trout, walleye, pike, yellow perch, musky, catfish, roach, largemouth, smallmouth and so on. Our fishing tackle lure is ideal for professional fishermen and novice anglers alike, and they can be used in both freshwater and saltwater.
- BUILT-IN GRAVITY BALLS: The realistic bass fishing swimbaits feature gravity balls that allow you to throw the line at a longer distance, allowing you to stay further from the fish, and making sure you don’t spook your bass or trout. Furthermore, the gravity balls give the crankbaits a unique sound that attracts fish.
- Versatile Multi-Species Lures：Designed for bass, trout, salmon, walleye, pike, and panfish in both freshwater and saltwater. Effective for casting, trolling, or jigging across lakes, rivers, and coastal waters.
- Professional-Grade Construction：10 durable spinnerbaits (5x 0.22oz + 5x 0.11oz) with 2.36" lifelike profiles. High-carbon treble hooks maintain razor sharpness, while UV-reactive sleeves enhance visibility in murky waters.
- Optimal Flash & Vibration：Patented rotating blades generate intense flash and low-frequency vibrations without aggressive retrieval. Mimics injured baitfish movement to trigger predatory strikes.
- Portable Storage Solution：Heavy-duty tackle box prevents hook tangling and rust. Compact design fits in vest pockets – ideal for bank fishing, ice fishing, or boat tournaments.
- INSIDE EACH MTB PRO WALLEYE BOX: Each Mystery Tackle Box PRO Walleye fishing kit contains the best quality fishing lures targeting Walleye which includes a variety of hardbaits, soft plastics and terminal tackle (6-7 items).
- EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS: Designed for freshwater Walleye, you'll get top named brands as well as exclusive and limited edition fishing products inside each MTB PRO Walleye fishing kit.
- EXPERT CONTENT: Tips, tricks, and instructions to learn new techniques and help you catch more fish. Perfect for kids and adults of any age from beginners to avid anglers.
- IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: We know a thing or two about packing a box full of fish-magnets. We've been doing it since 2012. Rip this fishin' kit open and start discovering new fishing lures & techniques to up your angling game!
- Biggest, baddest and strongest rig on the Pro Walleye tours
- Hand snelled with premium Salmon-Egg hooks, sports a durable 40” Bionic leader harness with a buoyant cylinder body float
- Floats the rig over rocks, moss, grass and zebra mussels
- INSIDE EACH BOX: Each Mystery Tackle Box contains the best quality fishing lures specifically designed for freshwater Walleye fishing including hardbaits, soft plastics and terminal tackle (4-6 items).
- EXCLUSIVE PRODUCTS: Designed for freshwater WALLEYE fishing, you'll get exclusive and limited edition fishing products inside each Mystery Tackle Box.
- EXPERT CONTENT: Tips, tricks, and instructions to learn new techniques and help you catch more fish.
- IMPROVE YOUR SKILLS: We know a thing or two about packing a box full of fish-magnets. We've been doing it since 2012. Rip this fishin' kit open and start discovering new fishing lures & techniques to up your angling game!
- An essential lure on the water and under the ice alike, the Northland Fishing Tackle Puppet Minnow will get the job done on just about any species of fish. Built to imitate the action of a darting minnow, this lure darts upward on the lift and swims in a semi-circle during freefall.
- This ice fishing and open water fishing bait is perfect for all species of fish including bull bluegills, perch, walleyes, crappies, pike, and trout year-round. It can be fished in a variety of different ways to get bit in any situation. Rip it up and down vertically, cast it out and pop it back, or slowly raise and lower it to give it a rocking motion that fish can’t resist.
- Northland fishing and ice fishing jigs are made with quality components, so you can fish with confidence no matter what bites. The Puppet Minnow doesn’t miss many fish with two stout jigs on the front and back, plus a treble hook on the bottom. You can fish this jig plain or tip your bottom treble with a minnow head!
- The Puppet Minnow from Northland Fishing Tackle is a lights out lure for anglers everywhere. Available in small ⅛ Oz sizes that can entice panfish all the way up to 1 Oz variations that will seal the deal on pike and lake trout, there’s a Puppet Minnow for any situation. This darting jig is available in five total sizes and fifteen different colors, including UV and Glo options that work well in low light or ice fishing conditions.
- Designed on the PWT & FLW Walleye Trails
- Tournament Tested Walleye Rigs That Haul "Em In
- Premium Matzuo Salmon-Egg hooks
- Attractor blade for maximum flash and lifelike reflection
- 【Quality Material】Spinner colorado blades are made of premium quality copper. reliability enough that can be used for long time.Idea present for fisherman
- 【Easy Spin】Easily Spin design, allowing your colorado blade to rotate freely underwater, producing full reflections and erratic water flashes to attract hungry fishes
- 【Bright Color】Spinner Blades are come in a variety of painted holographic finished and the smooth surface is shiny and reflective.Specially selected colors attraction to big fish
- 【DIY Your Own Spinners】The spinner blades is an necessary part of making your own spinner, walleye rigs or jigs.The colorado blades lure making kit will bring your lures back to life and makes fishing more fun
The Ultimate Buying Guide: Landing More Walleye
Walleye are fantastic fish to catch. They offer a great fight and taste even better on the dinner table. To consistently hook these popular fish, you need the right gear. This guide helps you choose the best tackle for your next walleye adventure.
Key Features to Look For in Walleye Tackle
When buying gear for walleye, focus on features that attract the fish and help you control the fight. Good tackle makes your fishing trip more successful.
1. Lure Action and Vibration
- Action: How the lure moves underwater matters a lot. Jerkbaits should dart side-to-side. Crankbaits need a steady wobble. Look for lures that mimic injured baitfish.
- Vibration: Some lures create vibrations in the water. Walleye sense these movements through their lateral line, which acts like a built-in sonar.
2. Color Selection
- Water Clarity: Choose bright colors like chartreuse or orange on cloudy days or in murky water. In clear water, natural colors like silver, gold, or green work best.
- Light Conditions: Low light (dawn/dusk) calls for darker or more vibrant colors. Bright midday sun favors lighter, flashier options.
3. Hook Quality
Sharp hooks equal better hooksets. Always check the quality of the treble hooks. Strong, sharp hooks prevent the fish from shaking loose once they bite.
Important Materials Matter
The materials used in your tackle directly affect how long it lasts and how well it performs.
Plastics and Soft Baits
Soft plastic lures are very popular for walleye. Look for plastics that are durable yet flexible. Softer plastic often feels more natural to the fish, encouraging them to hold on longer. Some plastics include added scent, which is a big bonus.
Hard Baits (Crankbaits and Jerkbaits)
- Body Construction: Quality hard baits use tough plastics or sometimes wood. Ensure the lip (bill) on a crankbait is securely attached; a broken lip ruins the lure’s action.
- Hardware: Stainless steel or high-quality coated wire is essential for the internal components and line tie points to resist rust, especially if you fish in both fresh and saltwater occasionally.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Not all tackle is created equal. A few small details make a big difference in performance.
Quality Boosters
- Weighting Systems: For jig heads, tungsten is heavier than lead for the same size. This allows for a smaller profile while still sinking fast, which walleye often prefer.
- Finish and Paint Job: Lures with durable, chip-resistant paint jobs last longer. High-quality finishes also reflect light better, creating more flash.
Quality Reducers (What to Avoid)
- Flimsy Split Rings: If the rings connecting the hooks to the body are weak, they can bend open during a fight. Always upgrade these if they seem thin.
- Poorly Balanced Lures: A cheap lure might not swim correctly, even when retrieved steadily. Test new lures in shallow water before relying on them.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you plan to fish directly influences the tackle you should buy.
Trolling vs. Casting
- Trolling: If you plan to pull lures behind a moving boat (trolling), you need deep-diving crankbaits or spinner rigs designed for stability at various speeds. These lures must maintain their action consistently.
- Casting and Jigging: When casting from shore or vertically jigging, lighter lures are preferred. Jigs (weighted hooks with soft plastics or hair) need to sink quickly to the bottom where walleye often hold.
Seasonal Adjustments
In the early spring when water is cold, walleye are sluggish. Use slower presentations and smaller, natural-looking baits. In the hot summer, walleye move deeper or feed more aggressively, so you might use faster retrieves or larger profile baits.
10 Frequently Asked Questions About Walleye Tackle
Q: What is the best general-purpose lure color for walleye?
A: Chartreuse or white are excellent starting points. They show up well in most water conditions.
Q: Should I use live bait or artificial lures?
A: Both work! Live bait (like minnows) is often the best when fish are very picky. Artificials offer convenience and casting distance.
Q: What size hook is best for walleye?
A: For general jigging, sizes 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz jigs are standard. If using live bait, size 2 or 1/0 hooks are common.
Q: How deep do I need my crankbaits to dive?
A: This depends entirely on where the walleye are. If they are shallow (under 10 feet), use shallow divers. If they are deep, you need lures rated for 15 feet or more.
Q: What is ‘snelling’ a hook?
A: Snelling is a way to tie a hook that creates a very strong, straight line from the hook eye to the leader, which is great for jigging.
Q: Do I need special line for walleye?
A: Many anglers prefer braided line for sensitivity when jigging, but fluorocarbon leader material is highly recommended because it is nearly invisible underwater.
Q: What is a ‘spinner rig’ and when should I use it?
A: A spinner rig uses a blade that spins to attract fish as you drag it behind the boat, usually with a crawler or leech on the hook. This is perfect for covering large areas of water.
Q: How does water temperature affect my lure choice?
A: Colder water means slower, more subtle presentations. Warmer water allows for faster retrieves and more aggressive lure action.
Q: Are expensive lures always better than cheap ones?
A: Not always, but better quality lures usually have superior hardware (hooks, split rings) and better swimming actions right out of the package.
Q: Should I use scented sprays on my artificial lures?
A: Scent can definitely help! If the walleye are biting tentatively, adding a fish-attracting scent can encourage them to hold onto the lure longer, giving you more time to set the hook.
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