What gear do I need for walleye fishing?

[Kylersk]

I've currently got an ultra light st croix and a cheapy medium rod. Both have 4# test on them currently. Would these work for eyes? If not, what do you recommend? How about lures as well? I've read about spoons and such.. do you tie them directly to the line? or use a swivle or something?

Any and all advice is greatly appreciated.

[BDR]

Your medium rod w/4# test would get you started. I prefer med/lites for eye's. Rod/reel combos are endless in variety. You can get anything from the JR's combos(great bang for the buck) or get into the more expensive lines of Thornes, Midwest Rod/Reel. They can all be found on the FM sponsor page. I would have an assortment of jigging spoons, JR's flashers, slammers, Scenic angel eyes, Custom J/S Slendor spoons to name a couple. I would also have some moonglows, glowdrops, a couple Nils Jigging Raps. I like to use just a minnow head on one and whole minnow on the other, untill the fish "tell" me what they want.

Don't forget the old #6 hook with a small spit shot below an Ice Buster.

I tie these directly to my line. I will change frequently so twist is usually no problem.

[Matt Breuer]

When using spoons I always use a crosslock. This allows for ease of change, and eliminates twisting, as well as gives the spoon "free" action.

Four lb. test should be fine! I too like the JR's medium lights, great walleye fighting rod for the dollar!

[Ryan Berger]

I guess I am slow,, crosslock??????????

[Captain B.R.K]

Kylersk - You changed your aviator!! Lookin' good with that pike:)

You should be fine with that medium rod of yours. But if have a cheapo medium rod, like one I had previously- then it's time to upgrade. Click on the link below my post and check out rods by JR Tackle, Midwest Rods, and Thorne Bros .

What you want is a nice graphite blank that is sensitive yet allow you to feel the lure being worked. Everytime you jig you should be able to feel that lure bounce.

That cheapo rod you have sounds like something I use to own and was WAY to heavy for anything I owned. Like a 2x4 in my hand compared to what is on the market today.

You won't scarifice any quality in the rods- regardless of price. All 3 make a quality rod and will get you on the right foot.

Take a peak........I own a handful of TB rods and a JR rod. All great rods!

As for jigging lures- the sky is the limit! I use a lot of Angel Eyes from Scenic Tackle ! Also use some buckshot spoons as well.

[Matt Breuer]

Crosslock and Duo-Lock snaps are what I use. Many spoons these days come with Duo-Locks, which work great. If I run out I buy Berkley Crosslock Snaps.

Crosslock Snap...

Duo-Lock Snap...

[upnorth]

I like med lites or even a lite power ice rod for walleyes. Those dang ultra lites are just to wimpy to set the hook and fight a fish, you need some back bone. I myself don't care for the medium power not enough flex to cushion the 4# line with a larger fish. I wrap my own rods so I am can't really recommend a brand.

I have an assortment of jigs and spoons. Angel Eyes are a must, Glow devils(or are they glow demons now), swedish pimples and I really have been getting some fish on a whistler jig lately, and you also need a handfull of just plain old jigs in a variety of colors, I usually just buy the 1/16th ounce version for ice fishing.

[berke99]

Matt- I use the same locks when I pull plugs. Do they really eliminate line twist while ice fishing? I've never used them while ice fishing.

[Matt Breuer]

I use them on most all of my spoons, and whenever I'm jigging a Chubby Darter. It doesn't completely eliminate line twist, I'm not sure it's possible, but it helps! The things I like most about the duo-locks and snaps are the ease of changing baits, and the free motion it allows the bait to have compared to tying directly.

[Northlander]

If your going to jig bigger spoons, jigging raps etc put a good quality barrel swivel up your line about 3' from your snap going to your lure. Thats the only way to calm down line twist. I havent found a way to totally eliminate line twist but this helps a lot.

Also I would get a good med action rod and some 6-8# test line for bigger fish and baits. 4# is ok for smaller fish and lures but when your running 1/2 oz or higher baits you want a rod with some backbone and a nice strong line. Most important ofcourse is that you work a reel with a good drag. I really like my JR's tackle 8 ball bearing reels. They have been going strong all year and the drag works great.

[buzbunni]

I'm a big fan of swivels a few feet up the line as well. I use swivels for all of my rigs(excluding my baitcasting set-ups)including my panfish set-ups.

I like the way they help subdue line twist, and, after reading posts on guys who watch fish stare at lures that spin, I decided it might be wise to put a swivel up the line.

It seems to help on both fronts.

[Iceman12]

Matt, can you get those crosslock snaps at any sporting good stores? Like Gander or Fleet Farm?

[Matt Breuer]

I get duo-locks with my Phelps spoons, which you can get at Gander Mt. It's a double hitter!

They also have crosslocks there.

[Jim Hudson]

Something I like to do instead of using a snap is tie a uni-knot, but modify the knot to keep a loop in your line. To do so, just tie a regular uni-knot, and as you tighten the knot apply pressure to the tag end with your teeth or a pliers while holding the lure with your other hand. This will cinch the knot in a place just above the lure to give you this loop. It may slip after a few fish, but just re-tie and go back to fishing. Gives you great action on spoons and swimming lures without the need for a snap on some shy 'eyes on clear water lakes. Like people have said, there is no sure way of eliminating line twist, but this loop will help some too.

Also, it works well on cranks while trolling, gives them a bit more action. Good luck out there fishing for 'eyes, dont get discouraged if you dont start catching them right away. Key in on areas that are known produces with your new equipment, this will give you the confidence needed to go search for them in other lakes and different parts of certains lakes.