Hey guys... I’m new to trolling for Walleyes, but just wondering if you guys typically use leaders trolling cranks for them? I was just thinking I would probably get sawed off from pike or muskie if I don’t use leaders.
So if you do, what exacty, Fluro? What lb?
Thoughts?
" Is the water clear or murky?" seems to be the big question. I fish the murky waters of Green Bay like b.Trout and have a snap tied directly to some skinny 12# fireline for the diving plugs I fish with. I have a second set up that I tie on 10# flouro leader directly to the poly line using the Albright knot so I can jig vertical baits, where the fish have more time to scrutinize things. So trolling for eyes no.... jigging for eyes, yes. Note: All the spinner rigs for harnesses, I tie with flourocarbon.
The Big Game #12 lb is the same diameter as #10 XT. I go with that because that's what the Precision Trolling App leads/depths are based on. Either is fine.
Bite-offs are unfortunate but do happen. Fluoro may help a bit if there are enough toothy critters around to be of concern but I don't think I'd run anything over #10-12lb. Grab a bunch of Flicker Shads and Husky Jerks (when on sale). Those won't break the bank like some baits on the market (Live Target) if they get bit off.
Ok thanks, great info. Yes, I will be mostly trolling rivers that are not very clear. I just thought maybe guys use a leader, in fear of being bit off by a muskie or pike. But you are saying in clear water, the walleye can sometime see the mono?
I was going to run the Big Game 12 lb mono, but wasn’t sure if I should use an additional leader to that, or just run the mono to a snap, and snap to the Crankbait.
Probably depends on where you are trolling. Inland lakes? Green Bay? Is the water murky or gin clear?
I do most of my trolling for walleye on the lower bay of Green Bay and Winnebago. When I first started, I used 10 lb mono on my reels with a 3 or 4 foot fluoro leader. I have since gone away from that after fishing with others who just go with mono on the lower bay. The water is not very clear and I don't think that the line spooks them. When you get up north of Bay Shore/Oconto, the water clears up significantly and fluoro may be helpful. Lakes that I have trolled in Northern WI are either stained or have average water clarity so I just go with mono straight to the lure.
