walleye and weeds

[styx]

I was fishing a sand bar that had scattered rocks. Depth was about 13-17feet. there was a lot of floating weeds and had a tough time lindy rigging due to fouling the set up with weeds. Same problem jigging. Had to end up slip bobbering but was not able to move around much.

Any ideas on how to work this are better. It seems to be the best area of the lake for walleyes. thanks

[Ole1855]

Styx,

I was fishing Mille Lacs this weekend with my daughter and her boyfriend, we too were fishing the shallow bars that are topped with weeds, both of them were complaining about pulling so many weeds until my daughter pulled in a 31" walleye. The complaining stopped after that. We were lindy rigging with leeches, a plain hook and a float.

Ole

[markkstanley]

You can either keep your rod tip in the water or put a rubber band on your line to stop weeds from running down to your jig. I would put the rubber band on at least 6ft above your jig. Another solution is to use a casting bubble. Fill it with water so it doesn't float. I use the rubber band method on Minnetonka where we have floating milfoil debris all summer.

[styx]

thanks for the tips. I'll try it next time out

[Borch]

Another option is to use a spinner with a bottom bouncer. The weeds hang up and the bouncer and usually do not make it to the spinner. Otherwise, the rubber band, bubble rigs works well. I've also used a bobber stop with a large bead or button to catch the weeds or heavy algae.

Good Luck

[Northlander]

Or just toss a weedless jig. I like Lindy's Veggie Jigs for this. Bottom bouncers do ok but still are a pain in weeds.

[Mike Walerak]

I had the same scenario last week and the answer was to pitch jigs to the pockets. The fish seemed to be holding tight to the scattered clumps and were eager to bite a well placed jig.

By making short casts the jig can be cleaned off after every cast. And another target can be chosen while you are cleaning off the jig. With a little practice a guy can get pretty efficient and boat more fish.

mw

[Muddog]

maybe try a 3-way rig with a 4-5' leader. Most of the weeds should stop at the 3-way and let your bait run in the clear a little longer.

[Hookmaster]

How do you attach the rubber band to your line?

[markkstanley]

Just tie a knot. Works better if you wrap the rubber band a few times around your line before tying the knot. Gives you plenty of bulk to catch the weeds but no added weight.

[redhooks]

Bullet sinkers and wire weedguards on the hooks might help as well.

redhooks