Looking at fine tuning my rattle bait setup as it’s quickly becoming one of my favorite ways to catch walleyes through the ice
What rod/line setup are you all using?
Braid to fluoro with a barrel or straight fluoro?
In the past I’ve ran a 28” medium with 8lb braid to 8lb leader
My thoughts would be to go a longer rod and straight fluoro with the treble hooks
Also not sold on the 40+ inch rods
Spend a lot of time in the shack these days
I have two Thorne Bros. Walleye Sweetheart custom baitcasting set up in 32″ of Medium and Medium Heavy power. Running 6# mono.
Just this past year I acquired two Shimano Curado BFS reels and those have braids set up on them. Those are on my Thorne Bros. Perch and Panfish Sweetheart customs 32″ for all around fishing in the shack.
If were talking about spoons that rattle, I don’t do anything different than a normal spoon.
No
Rattle baits as in lipless cranks
Rippin rap for example
Ahh, I run mostly mono on all my ice fishing stuff. Just use a slightly stiffer rod for those all though I have no confidence in them honestly so do not run them often.
Rattle baits are my bread and butter on the ice.
I’m running 10lb braid as a main line with an 8 or 12lb 36″-48″ floro tied direct with a uni to uni knot. I’m not worried about line twist as I’m always jigging/ripping the lure. Rod size in the shack I’m using the longest on possible 38″-36″ medium graphite. long rod since it’s less work to jig and helps fighting the fish better, graphite for the feel when they tap it on the free fall down.
The live target golden shiners are my go to bait since it falls off to the side like a wounded minnow, Other lipless baits I’ve used don’t have any action on the fall.
If anyone knows of any other lipless cranks that have a good falling action please let me know. I had some golden shiners custom painted just for more color options.
I have a 28″ Fenwick Walleye Elite Tech that I use with those up on Winnepeg. They do work well for that.
How big and heavy of lipless rattle baits are you guys running?
Have used up to 7/8th ounce rippin raps when on Winnipeg but usually in Minnesota I am using the 1/2 ounce or 5/16. 10lb braid to floro. adjust leader weight depending where I am fishing. Prefer a longer rod at least 34 inches for longer strokes.
Slab raps medium sized for most part.
Live target all sizes depending where I am fishing.
Chubby darters all sizes. But they are typically lighter.
All have there place and time and all worked differently stroke wise.
Rattle baits that has good falling action. Well at least the ones that falls down and stands up are: Yo-Zuri, Jackall, Spro, Owner, Strike King Red Eye Shads.
I’ve tried, the micro Eurotackle Z-Viber of 1/16th oz. to the largest 4″ Rat’L Trap of 1 1/2 oz. I think.
I also ripped the Giant Chubby Darter here and there. 3 oz. and about 5 1/2″ long.
You must be logged in to reply to this topic.
