How to Catch More Walleye on Jigs and Crankbaits: Dale Stroschein

Walleye world record holder and Bass Pro Shops Pro Staff Angler Dale Stroschein breaks down his tips to catching more walleye on crankbaits and jigs. It’s all about paying attention to detail and being dialled in.  

Jig Fishing Tips for Walleye

When you're jigging for walleye, sensitivity and feel are the name of the game. Stroschein deploys 6-pound braid (the same diameter as 2-pound mono) for his jigging. Stroschein opts for hi-vis, which provides an added ability to see your line.

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This has two real advantages:

  1. The line's small diameter means that it cuts through the water better than monofilament. This means less scope in the line and a more direct connection between you and the fish.
  2. Braid is highly sensitive. This means that you will be able to better detect the bottom and be able to feel more bites (even the faint ones).

The result, more bites and more walleye.

Crankbait Tips for Walleye

When it comes to crankbaiting for walleye, precision matters. Dale Stroschein explains the importance of keeping your hard bodied lure running the way it should.

He recommends casting a couple of times and reeling in your crankbait or other hardbody lure. As you retrieve the lure, pay attention to how it runs.  A crankbait that is running right, will come straight back to your rod tip. When the bait is running true, it will dive to the right depth and send off the right vibration.

If it veers to the left or the right of the tip, however, he recommends tuning it. If the lure runs to the left, take a pair of fine needle nose pliers and twist the eye of the lure to the right (if the crankbait runs left, twist the eye to the right).

After you tune the lure, test it by casting and retrieving it. Continue to adjust as needed.