After a long period of profoundly deep thought I’ve sworn off livebait for pre-spawn walleye fishing to test a theory:
1. Because of cold-blooded metabolism active feeding windows in cold water are minimal
2. A reflexive strike should have a higher percentage of effectiveness than the short periods when walleyes really feel like feeding in cold water.
3. If the strike is reflexive the importance of scent is minimal
4. If a minnow is impaled on the hook with a less than natural presentation, any feeding appeal is minimized
5. Why go to livebait after a monster cold front? The barometer has already squeezed the walleye’s bladder so much that it doesn’t feel like eating, provoking a strike with a finesse presentation should be more effective.
SO FAR this spring I’ve played even or a little better when fishing with others using livebait. I typically don’t fish when guiding, but some clients want to see if the theory works, insisting that i try plastics or hair while they jig or rig with bait…with the understanding that any fish I catch while guiding go back in the river. Might have to stop this…twice clients have gotten cheesed when eaters were tossed back in that would have filled out their limits and we came in short.
Preliminary research tells me plastics/hair are every bit as good as minnows. Just like using blade baits, throwing plastic or hair is a matter of FAITH..and if you REALLY BELIEVE in what you’re doing you’ll fish harder and catch more fish.
I BELIEVE in those Lindy Munchies and Ringworms.
I BELIEVE in the B-Fish-N ringees and super-dos.
I KNOW NOT HAVING THE LIVEBAIT CRUTCH IS MAKING ME A BETTER ANGLER!!! (Those of you who have shared the boat with me know this doesn’t take much to accomplish!)
Maybe I’m getting flaky, like those guys who use only dry flies for trout that wouldn’t be caught dead with ‘garden hackle’
Really not trying to prove anything–to myself or anybody else. Just trying to gain more insight into the way walleyes operate.
Just thought I would think out loud in this forum. Does anybody else out there hear fish voices in their dreams???