How do I Rate Fishing Lines for Walleyes?

fishing reel image by Brett Mulcahy from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Walleye were introduced to western reservoirs nearly 100 years ago, as were a variety of freshwater game fish including brown trout and rainbow trout. Equipped with a toothy mouth, walleye feed on a variety of minnows and smaller fish. Growing to lengths of 30 inches or more and capable of weighing 10 pounds, walleye are favored among many anglers who look to large reservoirs as a escape from crowded streams and rivers. Fishing for walleye includes a careful selection of gear, including line.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

Monofilament fishing line
Braid fishing line
Fluorocarbon fishing line

Step 1

Utilize monofilament lines in colors including clear and green when going after walleye. Monofilament lines are often spooled on new reels and are typically less expensive. Understand the characteristics of monofilament lines including memory that can cause casting issues. Choose monofilament for price, durability and when fishing short lengths of line at a time.

Step 2

Select a braided fishing line that is also referred to as a super line. Braid lines use several strands of high strength line that are braided or woven together to form a small diameter line that is smooth, round and durable. Know that braided lines typically have little to no stretch and provide excellent sensitivity. Choose a braid line in colors such as crystal, dark green and bright blue, yellow or orange.

Step 3

Spool your reel with fluorocarbon line as an alternative to monofilament line. Fluorocarbon line is virtually invisible underwater allowing lures and baits to be presented to even finicky walleye. Fish fluorocarbon line for better abrasion resistance than monofilament as well as greater sensitivity.

Step 4

Choose the type of line in a pound test that best suits the walleye fishing you will be doing. Spool 20-pound test, or heavier, braided line onto your reel when fishing deep waters especially near or around structure. Choose a fluorocarbon, for example, when fishing shallow or when walleye might be experiencing heavy pressure from anglers.

Article Written By Keith Dooley

Keith Dooley has a degree in outdoor education and sports management. He has worked as an assistant athletic director, head coach and assistant coach in various sports including football, softball and golf. Dooley has worked for various websites in the past, contributing instructional articles on a wide variety of topics.

Editor's Pick

Backcountry Camping Tips

You've already tried car and RV camping. You've camped at commercial campsites that had a convenient restroom and water supply. Now, you want to explore the road less traveled. Backcountry camping, also known as primitive camping, is a wonderful way to explore the remote...
More Backcountry Camping...
Popular Article

Beach Camping Near Pismo Beach, California

Pismo State Beach, California, has many attractions and activities including camping, swimming, hiking and wildlife viewing. Birdwatching is one of the primary activities in the area. The park also has the largest over-wintering colony of monarch butterflies in the natio...
More Beach Camping...
Featured Video

Common Sense Hiking Tips

The first and most fundamental thing is never hike alone. There are too many situations, especially as an unexperienced hiker, where you may find yourself without anyone to help you. So the buddy system works and applies very much in hiking.
More Camping Basics...