Walleye is a type of freshwater fish that is widely known for its delicious taste and popularity among anglers. It is scientifically known as Sander vitreus and belongs to the perch family. Walleye are native to North America and are commonly found in the northern United States and Canada.
10 best walleye lures
Walleye are known for their elusive nature, making them a challenging species to catch. However, using the right lures can significantly increase your chances of success. Here are ten of the best walleye lures that have proven effective for many anglers:
- Jigging Rapala. This vertical jigging lure has a lifelike swimming action that can entice walleye into striking.
- Berkley Flicker Shad. This crankbait imitates a baitfish and is designed specifically for walleye fishing. It has a tight wobbling action that triggers strikes.
- Rapala Shad Rap. This versatile lure can be cast or trolled. It mimics a wounded baitfish and works well in a variety of water conditions.
- Mepps Aglia Spinner. Spinners are excellent lures for walleye. The Mepps Aglia spinner, with its flashy blade and vibrant colors, can attract the attention of walleye from a distance.
- Northland Tackle Mimic Minnow Shad. This soft plastic bait closely imitates the profile and swimming action of a minnow, making it a deadly lure for walleye.
- Storm Hot ‘N Tot. This classic lure has been around for years and continues to produce great results. It has a tight wobble that walleye find irresistible.
- Live Target Yellow Perch Crankbait. Designed to mimic a yellow perch, a favorite prey of walleye, this crankbait can fool even the wariest fish.
- Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon. Spoons are effective for walleye fishing, and the Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon is a reliable choice. Its unique design creates a lifelike swimming action.
- Keitech Swing Impact Fat. A soft plastic paddle tail swimbait like the Keitech Swing Impact Fat can be deadly for walleye. Its realistic action and appearance make it irresistible.
- Salmo Hornet. This small crankbait is perfect for targeting walleye in shallow water. Its tight wobble and realistic finishes make it a top choice for many anglers.
Jigging Rapala
The Jigging Rapala is a popular lure choice for targeting walleye. It’s a versatile and effective lure that can be used in a variety of fishing conditions. Here’s a description of how to use the Jigging Rapala without listing:
The Jigging Rapala is a hard-bodied, minnow-shaped lure with a weighted design. It features a single treble hook attached to the belly of the lure. The lure’s body is typically made of durable plastic or wood, with various colors and patterns available.
To fish with a Jigging Rapala, you’ll need a fishing rod and reel setup suitable for walleye fishing. Start by selecting a Jigging Rapala lure size that matches the depth and conditions of the water you’re fishing in. Smaller sizes are typically used in shallow water, while larger sizes are suitable for deeper water or when targeting bigger walleye.
When casting, use an underhand motion to propel the lure into the water. Let the lure sink to the desired depth before beginning your retrieval. The Jigging Rapala is designed to imitate the movement of a wounded baitfish, so your retrieval should mimic this action.
To achieve the desired action, use a combination of upward jerks of the rod tip and subtle pauses. The upward jerks should be sharp and quick, creating an erratic darting motion that attracts the attention of nearby walleye. After each jerk, allow the lure to pause momentarily, imitating a vulnerable baitfish. This pause is often when the walleye will strike.
Experiment with the speed and intensity of your jerks and pauses to find the most effective presentation for the walleye in your fishing location. Pay attention to any feedback you receive from the fish, such as strikes or follows, and adjust your technique accordingly.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Versatility: The Jigging Rapala is a versatile lure that can be used in various fishing scenarios and target a wide range of species. It is commonly used for ice fishing but can also be effective in open water, whether in freshwater or saltwater environments. Realistic swimming action: The Jigging Rapala is designed to imitate the movement of injured or dying baitfish. Its vertical jigging action creates a lifelike swimming motion that can attract predatory fish and trigger strikes. Multiple size and color options: The Jigging Rapala is available in different sizes and color patterns, allowing anglers to choose the most suitable option based on their target species and fishing conditions. The variety of sizes and colors increases the chances of finding the right match for the local baitfish or prey species. Attractive noise and vibration: The Jigging Rapala produces noise and vibrations when jigged, which can help draw the attention of fish and increase their curiosity. This can be particularly useful when fishing in low visibility conditions or when fish are less active. | Limited casting distance: Due to its weight distribution and design, the Jigging Rapala is not optimized for long-distance casting. It is primarily intended for vertical jigging and performs best when dropped vertically below the angler’s location. Limited use in certain fishing techniques: While the Jigging Rapala excels in vertical jigging, it may not be as effective in other fishing techniques such as casting and trolling. Its design and action are specifically tailored for vertical presentations, so anglers may need to consider alternative lures for different fishing styles. Prone to snagging: The treble hooks on the Jigging Rapala can be prone to snagging on vegetation, structure, or rocky bottoms, especially when fishing near the bottom. Anglers should be cautious and adapt their techniques to minimize snags and maximize fishing time. |
Berkley Flicker Shad
The Berkley Flicker Shad is a popular lure choice for walleye anglers. It is a minnow-shaped crankbait that is designed to imitate the natural swimming action of a baitfish. The Flicker Shad comes in a variety of sizes and colors to match the forage in different fishing conditions.
The lure features a durable plastic body with a bill on the front that helps it dive to specific depths when retrieved. It is equipped with sharp treble hooks that increase the chances of hooking walleye when they strike.
The Flicker Shad is known for its ability to produce an enticing wobbling and rolling action in the water, which can trigger aggressive strikes from walleye. It is effective when cast and retrieved, trolled, or used in a slow jigging motion. The lure can be used in both shallow and deep water, depending on the desired depth of the presentation.
Overall, the Berkley Flicker Shad is a versatile and reliable lure that has proven to be successful in catching walleye. Its lifelike swimming action and attractive color patterns make it a go-to choice for many anglers targeting this species.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Unique rolling action: The Flicker Shad is designed with a distinct rolling action that imitates the movement of a wounded baitfish. This action can be highly attractive to predatory fish, triggering strikes even in tough fishing conditions. Versatility: The Flicker Shad is a versatile crankbait that can be effective in various fishing situations. It is commonly used for targeting walleye, bass, pike, and other game fish in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Size and color options: The Flicker Shad comes in a range of sizes and color patterns, allowing anglers to choose the most suitable option based on their target species and fishing conditions. The variety of sizes and colors increases the chances of finding the right match for the local baitfish or prey species. Quality construction: Berkley lures, including the Flicker Shad, are known for their quality construction. They are built to withstand the demands of fishing, including strong hooks, durable finishes, and sturdy components. | Limited diving depth range: The Flicker Shad has a relatively limited diving depth range compared to some other crankbaits on the market. It typically dives to a depth of around 10 to 12 feet, which may be insufficient for anglers targeting fish in deeper waters. Susceptibility to snags: Like many crankbaits, the Flicker Shad’s treble hooks can be prone to snagging on vegetation, submerged structure, or rocky bottoms. This can result in lost lures or require extra effort to retrieve and clear the bait. Durability of paint finish: Some anglers have reported that the paint finish on the Flicker Shad can chip or wear off relatively easily, especially after extended use or encounters with hard-hitting fish. While the lure’s performance may not be affected, the appearance may become less appealing over time. |
Rapala Shad Rap
The Rapala Shad Rap is a highly regarded lure among walleye anglers. It is a minnow-shaped crankbait designed to imitate the appearance and swimming action of a wounded baitfish, which is a preferred meal for walleye.
The Shad Rap features a sleek and realistic body shape with a textured finish that mimics the scales of a real fish. It is typically made from durable materials that can withstand the teeth and strikes of walleye. The lure is equipped with sharp treble hooks to increase the chances of hooking and landing fish.
One of the key attributes of the Shad Rap is its versatility. It can be effectively used in various fishing situations, including casting and retrieving, trolling, or even as a jerkbait. Its diving lip allows it to reach different depths, making it suitable for both shallow and deep water walleye fishing.
When retrieved, the Shad Rap exhibits a tight wobbling and rolling action, which closely resembles the movement of a distressed baitfish. This action is known to trigger aggressive strikes from walleye, especially during times when they are actively feeding.
The Shad Rap comes in a range of sizes and color patterns to match the forage and fishing conditions. Anglers often experiment with different colors to find what the walleye are most responsive to on a given day.
Overall, the Rapala Shad Rap is a reliable and effective lure for walleye fishing. Its lifelike appearance, realistic swimming action, and versatility make it a favorite choice among anglers targeting this species.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Realistic swimming action: The Shad Rap is known for its lifelike swimming action, imitating the movements of a distressed baitfish. Its tight wobble and natural rolling action can attract a wide range of predatory fish and trigger strikes. Versatility: The Shad Rap is a versatile lure that can be used in various fishing scenarios. It is effective for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, making it suitable for targeting a variety of species such as bass, trout, walleye, pike, and more. Quality construction: Rapala lures are renowned for their high-quality construction, and the Shad Rap is no exception. It features strong hooks, durable finishes, and sturdy components that can withstand the rigors of fishing and endure strikes from aggressive fish. Diving depth options: The Shad Rap is available in different models with varying diving depths, allowing anglers to target fish at different water columns. This versatility in diving depth makes it suitable for various fishing conditions and helps cover a wider range of fishing scenarios. | Limited color selection: While the Shad Rap offers a variety of color patterns, the specific color options may be relatively limited compared to some other crankbaits on the market. This may not provide anglers with as many choices to match the local baitfish or specific fishing conditions. Relatively higher price: The quality construction and reputation of Rapala lures often come at a higher price compared to some other crankbaits available. The Shad Rap may not be as budget-friendly for anglers on a tight budget. Susceptibility to snags: As with most crankbaits, the treble hooks on the Shad Rap can be prone to snagging on vegetation, submerged structure, or rocky bottoms. This can result in lost lures or require extra effort to retrieve and clear the bait. |
Mepps Aglia Spinner
The Mepps Aglia Spinner is a popular and effective lure for walleye fishing. It is a classic inline spinner that has been used by anglers for decades.
The Aglia Spinner features a rotating blade attached to a wire shaft, with a treble hook at the end. The blade comes in various sizes and colors, allowing anglers to choose the one that best matches the fishing conditions and walleye preferences.
When retrieved through the water, the rotating blade creates flash and vibrations that mimic a small fish or injured prey. This attracts the attention of walleye, triggering their predatory instincts and enticing them to strike. The Aglia Spinner can be retrieved at different speeds, allowing anglers to experiment and find the retrieve speed that walleye are most responsive to.
One advantage of the Aglia Spinner is its versatility. It can be used in various fishing techniques, including casting and retrieving, trolling, or even vertical jigging. It is effective in both shallow and deep water, making it suitable for different walleye habitats.
It’s important to note that walleye have different feeding behaviors depending on the season and location. In some situations, they may be more inclined to strike a fast-moving spinner, while in others they may prefer a slower presentation. Therefore, it can be beneficial to vary your retrieve speed and experiment with different blade sizes and colors to determine what triggers the most strikes from walleye.
Overall, the Mepps Aglia Spinner is a versatile and reliable lure for walleye fishing. Its spinning blade, flash, and vibrations make it a highly effective lure for enticing walleye to bite.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Versatility: The Mepps Aglia Spinner is a versatile lure that can be used in various fishing scenarios and target a wide range of species, including trout, bass, pike, walleye, and more. It can be effective in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Irresistible spinning action: The Aglia Spinner features a unique blade design that creates a spinning and flashing action in the water. This spinning action mimics the vibrations and reflections of a wounded baitfish, attracting predatory fish and triggering strikes. Easy to use: The Aglia Spinner is a simple and straightforward lure to use. It casts easily and can be retrieved at different speeds to adjust the depth and action. It is suitable for anglers of all skill levels, including beginners. Durable construction: Mepps lures are known for their durability, and the Aglia Spinner is no exception. It is built with high-quality components, including a strong wire frame, sharp hooks, and sturdy spinner blades that can withstand the demands of fishing and endure strikes from aggressive fish. | Limited depth control: Unlike some other lures, the Aglia Spinner does not have a built-in diving depth control mechanism. Its effectiveness is mainly in the topwater or near-surface range. It may not be the best choice for targeting fish in deeper water columns. Limited casting distance: The weight and design of the Aglia Spinner may limit its casting distance compared to other lures. While it can be cast a fair distance, it may not be as effective for long-range casts or reaching fish in distant locations. Limited color selection: While the Aglia Spinner is available in various color patterns, the specific color options might not be as extensive as some other lures. However, the traditional silver and gold finishes are known to be highly effective in many fishing situations. |
Northland Tackle Mimic Minnow Shad
The Northland Tackle Mimic Minnow Shad is a popular choice among walleye anglers. It is a soft plastic swimbait designed to imitate the appearance and swimming action of a shad, which is a common prey for walleye.
The Mimic Minnow Shad features a realistic body shape with lifelike details such as scales, fins, and eyes. It is typically made from soft, durable plastic that offers a natural feel and movement in the water. The lure is usually pre-rigged with a hook, making it ready to use right out of the package.
One of the key features of the Mimic Minnow Shad is its paddle tail. This tail produces a subtle and enticing swimming action when retrieved, closely mimicking the natural movement of a live shad. The paddle tail also creates vibrations in the water, further attracting the attention of walleye and triggering their feeding response.
The Mimic Minnow Shad can be fished in various ways, including casting and retrieving, vertical jigging, or even on a drop-shot rig. It is effective in both shallow and deep water, depending on the desired depth of the presentation. Anglers often experiment with different retrieve speeds and techniques to find what works best on a given day.
The lure is available in a range of sizes and color patterns to match the forage and fishing conditions. It is recommended to choose colors that closely resemble the shad or baitfish species found in the area where you are fishing.
Overall, the Northland Tackle Mimic Minnow Shad is a versatile and realistic lure for walleye fishing. Its lifelike appearance, subtle swimming action, and paddle tail make it a go-to choice for many anglers targeting walleye.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Realistic appearance: The Mimic Minnow Shad is designed to closely mimic the look and profile of a shad, which is a common prey fish for many game fish species. Its lifelike appearance can be highly attractive to predatory fish, increasing the chances of getting strikes. Natural swimming action: The Mimic Minnow Shad features a natural swimming action when retrieved, mimicking the movement of a live shad. This action can entice predatory fish and trigger their feeding response. Versatility: The Mimic Minnow Shad is a versatile bait that can be used in various fishing scenarios. It can be effective in both freshwater and saltwater environments, making it suitable for targeting species such as bass, walleye, pike, trout, and more. Durable construction: Northland Tackle is known for producing durable fishing lures, and the Mimic Minnow Shad is no exception. It is made from high-quality soft plastic material that can withstand multiple fish strikes and endure the rigors of fishing. | Limited color selection: The Mimic Minnow Shad may have a relatively limited color selection compared to some other soft plastic baits on the market. While it offers various color options, they may not match every angler’s preference or specific fishing situations. Limited scent options: Unlike some other soft plastic baits, the Mimic Minnow Shad may not come pre-infused with scent attractants. Adding scent attractants manually may be necessary to enhance its effectiveness, especially in situations where fish rely heavily on scent to locate prey. Potential for tail tearing: Due to the soft plastic material and the swimming action of the bait, the tail section of the Mimic Minnow Shad can be susceptible to tearing or becoming less effective after extended use or encounters with aggressive fish. Regularly inspecting and replacing damaged tails can help maintain the bait’s performance. |
Storm Hot ‘N Tot
The Storm Hot ‘N Tot is a popular and effective lure choice for walleye fishing. It is a classic crankbait that has been widely used by anglers for many years.
The Hot ‘N Tot features a compact, minnow-shaped body with a sturdy construction. It is typically made from durable materials that can withstand the teeth and strikes of walleye. The lure is equipped with treble hooks that are sharp and reliable for hooking and landing fish.
One of the notable characteristics of the Hot ‘N Tot is its unique swimming action. When retrieved, the lure produces a wide, searching wobble combined with a rolling action. This action imitates the movements of a distressed or injured baitfish, which is an enticing target for walleye. The lure’s action also creates vibrations and displaces water, attracting walleye from a distance.
The Hot ‘N Tot is available in different sizes and color patterns to match the fishing conditions and walleye preferences. Anglers often experiment with various colors to find what the walleye are most responsive to on a given day.
This lure can be used in different fishing techniques, including casting and retrieving, trolling, or even as a jerkbait. It is effective in both shallow and deep water, making it versatile for various walleye habitats.
It’s important to note that walleye feeding behavior can vary depending on the season and location. They may be more inclined to strike a fast-moving lure during certain periods, while preferring a slower presentation during others. Therefore, it can be beneficial to vary your retrieve speed and experiment with different depths to determine what triggers the most strikes from walleye.
Overall, the Storm Hot ‘N Tot is a reliable and proven crankbait for walleye fishing. Its unique swimming action, durability, and versatility make it a trusted choice among anglers targeting walleye.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Erratic, wide wobbling action: The Hot ‘N Tot features a wide, erratic wobbling action that imitates the movement of a distressed baitfish. This action can be highly attractive to predatory fish, triggering strikes even in tough fishing conditions. Versatility: The Hot ‘N Tot is a versatile lure that can be used in various fishing scenarios. It is effective for both freshwater and saltwater fishing, making it suitable for targeting a variety of species such as bass, walleye, pike, trout, and more. Durable construction: Storm lures are known for their durability, and the Hot ‘N Tot is no exception. It is built with high-quality components, including strong hooks, durable finishes, and sturdy body construction that can withstand the rigors of fishing and endure strikes from aggressive fish. Depth control options: The Hot ‘N Tot is available in different models with varying diving depths. This allows anglers to choose the appropriate lure based on the desired depth range they want to target, making it versatile for fishing at different water columns. | Limited color selection: While the Hot ‘N Tot offers a variety of color patterns, the specific color options may be relatively limited compared to some other crankbaits on the market. This may not provide anglers with as many choices to match the local baitfish or specific fishing conditions. Relatively heavier weight: The Hot ‘N Tot can have a relatively heavier weight compared to some other crankbaits. While this weight can be advantageous in certain situations, it may limit its effectiveness for long-distance casting or fishing in shallower water. Susceptibility to snags: As with most crankbaits, the treble hooks on the Hot ‘N Tot can be prone to snagging on vegetation, submerged structure, or rocky bottoms. Anglers should be cautious and adapt their techniques to minimize snags and maximize fishing time. |
Live Target Yellow Perch Crankbait
The Live Target Yellow Perch Crankbait is a highly realistic and effective lure for walleye fishing. It is specifically designed to imitate the appearance and movement of a yellow perch, which is a primary forage species for walleye.
The Yellow Perch Crankbait features a lifelike body shape and intricate detailing, including realistic scales, fins, and eyes. The lure is carefully crafted to closely resemble the natural coloration and markings of a yellow perch. This level of realism can greatly increase its effectiveness in enticing walleye to strike.
When retrieved, the Yellow Perch Crankbait exhibits a natural swimming action that closely mimics the movements of a real perch. The lure’s diving lip allows it to reach specific depths in the water column, making it versatile for both shallow and deep water walleye fishing. The crankbait’s action produces vibrations and wobbling movements that can trigger the predatory instincts of walleye, enticing them to bite.
The Yellow Perch Crankbait is typically equipped with sharp treble hooks, ensuring a high hook-up ratio when a walleye strikes. Its durable construction allows it to withstand the teeth and aggressive behavior of walleye.
It is important to note that walleye feeding preferences can vary depending on factors such as water temperature and forage availability. Therefore, it can be beneficial to experiment with different retrieve speeds and techniques to find the presentation that is most effective on a given day.
Overall, the Live Target Yellow Perch Crankbait is a lifelike and reliable lure for walleye fishing. Its realistic appearance, natural swimming action, and attention to detail make it a favorite choice among anglers targeting walleye.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Realistic appearance: The Live Target Yellow Perch Crankbait is known for its lifelike appearance, closely resembling a yellow perch. Its detailed design, color patterns, and 3D eyes can be highly attractive to predatory fish, increasing the chances of getting strikes. Natural swimming action: The Yellow Perch Crankbait is designed to replicate the natural swimming action of a live yellow perch. Its body shape, weight distribution, and diving lip create a realistic wobbling and darting action that can entice predatory fish and trigger their feeding response. Versatility: The Yellow Perch Crankbait is a versatile lure that can be used in various fishing scenarios. It can be effective in both freshwater and saltwater environments, making it suitable for targeting species such as bass, pike, muskie, walleye, and more. Quality construction: Live Target lures are known for their attention to detail and high-quality construction, and the Yellow Perch Crankbait is no exception. It is made from durable materials, features strong hooks, and is designed to withstand the rigors of fishing and endure strikes from aggressive fish. | Limited color selection: The Yellow Perch Crankbait may have a relatively limited color selection compared to some other crankbaits on the market. While it offers various color options, they may not match every angler’s preference or specific fishing situations. Potential for snagging: The treble hooks on the Yellow Perch Crankbait can be prone to snagging on vegetation, submerged structure, or rocky bottoms, especially when fishing in areas with obstructions. Anglers should be cautious and adapt their techniques to minimize snags and maximize fishing time. Relatively higher price: Live Target lures are often priced at a higher range compared to some other crankbaits. The Yellow Perch Crankbait may not be as budget-friendly for anglers on a tight budget. |
Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon
The Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon is a classic and versatile lure that can be effective for targeting walleye. It is a spoon-shaped lure with a shiny silver or chrome finish that mimics the flash and movement of a baitfish.
The Silver Minnow Spoon features a curved, concave shape that creates a side-to-side wobbling action when retrieved. This action closely resembles the movement of a wounded baitfish, which can trigger the predatory instincts of walleye. The spoon’s design allows it to be fished at various depths, making it suitable for both shallow and deep water walleye fishing.
When retrieved, the Silver Minnow Spoon can be worked in different ways to entice walleye. Anglers can employ a steady retrieve to maintain a consistent wobbling action, or they can use a stop-and-go technique to mimic a wounded or struggling baitfish. The lure’s reflective finish and fluttering motion in the water can attract the attention of walleye from a distance.
The Silver Minnow Spoon is typically equipped with a single, sharp treble hook that provides a solid hook-up when a walleye strikes. It is important to note that walleye may strike the lure on the retrieve or during the pause, so it’s crucial to be ready for a bite at any moment.
The lure’s versatility extends beyond retrieving. It can also be effective when vertically jigged or trolled at controlled speeds. These techniques allow anglers to present the lure at different depths and locations, increasing the chances of enticing walleye to bite.
Overall, the Johnson Silver Minnow Spoon is a reliable and proven lure for walleye fishing. Its spoon-shaped design, flashy finish, and wobbling action make it a go-to choice for many anglers targeting walleye.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Versatility: The Silver Minnow Spoon is a versatile lure that can be used in various fishing scenarios. It is effective in both freshwater and saltwater environments, making it suitable for targeting a wide range of species such as bass, pike, muskie, walleye, trout, and more. Weedless design: The Silver Minnow Spoon features a unique weedless design with a single hook that is positioned upward and shielded by a metal weed guard. This design allows anglers to fish in areas with heavy vegetation or cover without getting snagged, making it an excellent choice for fishing in weed beds, lily pads, and other vegetation-rich areas. Attractive wobbling action: The Silver Minnow Spoon has a unique concave shape and a wobbling action when retrieved. This action creates flashes and vibrations in the water, mimicking the movement of a wounded baitfish. It can attract predatory fish and trigger strikes. Durable construction: The Silver Minnow Spoon is built to be durable and withstand the rigors of fishing. It is typically made of high-quality materials, including corrosion-resistant metal finishes, sturdy hooks, and strong wire construction. | Limited casting distance: The weight and design of the Silver Minnow Spoon may limit its casting distance compared to some other lures. While it can still be cast a fair distance, it may not be as effective for long-range casts or reaching fish in distant locations. Limited color options: The Silver Minnow Spoon may not offer as many color options compared to some other lures. It is commonly available in silver or gold finishes, which are known to be effective, but anglers seeking a wider variety of color patterns may find the selection limited. Relatively slower retrieval speed: The design and weight distribution of the Silver Minnow Spoon are more suitable for slower retrieval speeds. It may not perform as well when retrieved rapidly or aggressively, limiting its versatility in certain fishing situations. |
Keitech Swing Impact Fat
The Keitech Swing Impact Fat is a soft plastic swimbait that has gained popularity among walleye anglers. It is specifically designed to imitate the appearance and swimming action of a baitfish, making it an effective lure for walleye fishing.
The Swing Impact Fat features a robust, yet supple body with a large paddle tail. This paddle tail creates a realistic swimming action when retrieved through the water. The subtle movements of the tail produce vibrations and thumping sensations that mimic the natural movement of a live baitfish, attracting the attention of walleye.
The lure’s soft plastic construction allows for a lifelike feel and movement, enhancing its effectiveness in fooling walleye into biting. The Swing Impact Fat is typically infused with scent and salt, further adding to its appeal and encouraging walleye to hold on longer upon striking.
The bait’s versatility makes it suitable for various fishing techniques. It can be rigged on a jighead and cast and retrieved, allowing for precise control over the depth and speed of the presentation. Additionally, it can be used on a drop-shot rig or Texas rig, providing options for different fishing scenarios and preferences.
The Swing Impact Fat comes in a range of sizes and color patterns, allowing anglers to match the forage and fishing conditions. It is recommended to choose colors that closely resemble the baitfish species commonly found in the walleye’s feeding grounds.
It’s important to experiment with retrieve speeds, pauses, and fishing depths to determine the most effective presentation for the day. Walleye feeding behavior can vary, so being adaptable and adjusting your approach can make a difference in enticing strikes.
Overall, the Keitech Swing Impact Fat is a versatile and lifelike soft plastic swimbait that is highly effective for walleye fishing. Its realistic swimming action, soft texture, and scent make it an attractive and enticing lure for targeting walleye.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Realistic appearance and action: The Swing Impact Fat features a lifelike baitfish profile with detailed body contours, fins, and a paddle tail. When retrieved, the soft plastic material and paddle tail produce a natural swimming action that closely mimics the movement of a live baitfish. This realistic appearance and action can be highly attractive to predatory fish. Versatility: The Swing Impact Fat is a versatile bait that can be used in various fishing scenarios. It is effective in both freshwater and saltwater environments, making it suitable for targeting species such as bass, pike, muskie, walleye, trout, and more. It can be rigged in different ways, including on a jighead, Texas rig, Carolina rig, or as a trailer for spinnerbaits or chatterbaits. Durable construction: Keitech is known for producing high-quality lures, and the Swing Impact Fat is no exception. It is made from durable soft plastic material that can withstand multiple fish strikes and endure the rigors of fishing. It also features a scent-infused formula that can help attract fish and encourage them to hold onto the bait longer. Range of color options: The Swing Impact Fat is available in a wide range of color patterns, allowing anglers to choose the most appropriate color for specific fishing conditions and to match the local forage. This versatility in color selection can increase the chances of attracting fish in various water conditions. | Can be prone to tearing: Soft plastic baits like the Swing Impact Fat can be susceptible to tearing or damage after repeated use or encounters with aggressive fish. While the durable construction helps prolong its lifespan, it’s important to regularly inspect the bait and replace it if it becomes excessively worn or damaged. Requires additional rigging: The Swing Impact Fat requires rigging with a jighead or other appropriate rigging method before it can be effectively fished. This adds an extra step and may require additional tackle or equipment to rig properly. Limited durability in heavy cover: While the Swing Impact Fat is a durable bait, it may not hold up as well in heavy cover or dense vegetation. The exposed paddle tail and soft plastic material can get snagged or torn when fishing in areas with lots of structure or cover. |
Salmo Hornet
The Salmo Hornet is a popular and effective lure for walleye fishing. It is a compact, hard-bodied crankbait known for its versatility and ability to produce excellent results.
The Hornet features a unique shape with a chubby body and a wide, pronounced lip. This design allows the lure to dive quickly to specific depths, making it suitable for both shallow and deep water walleye fishing. The lip also generates a tight wobbling action and creates vibrations that can attract the attention of walleye.
The Hornet is typically made from high-quality materials that can withstand the teeth and strikes of walleye. It is equipped with sharp treble hooks that improve the hook-up ratio when a walleye strikes.
One of the key features of the Hornet is its ability to maintain its action even at slow speeds. This is especially advantageous when walleye are in a more lethargic or inactive feeding mood. The lure’s tight wobble and subtle movement can entice strikes from even the most finicky walleye.
The Hornet comes in a variety of sizes and color patterns, allowing anglers to match the forage and fishing conditions. It’s beneficial to choose colors that closely resemble the prey species or baitfish that walleye commonly feed on in the area.
When using the Hornet, anglers can employ different retrieve techniques, including steady retrieves, pause-and-go presentations, or even occasional jerks to mimic an injured or fleeing baitfish. Varying the speed and depth of the retrieve can also help determine the most effective approach on a given day.
Overall, the Salmo Hornet is a versatile and reliable crankbait for walleye fishing. Its unique shape, tight wobbling action, and ability to perform at slow speeds make it an attractive choice among anglers targeting walleye.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
| Lifelike appearance: The Salmo Hornet is designed to imitate the appearance of various baitfish species. It features realistic color patterns, intricate details, and 3D eyes that can be highly attractive to predatory fish, increasing the chances of getting strikes. Multi-species appeal: The Hornet is a versatile bait that can be used to target a wide range of species, including bass, walleye, pike, trout, and more. Its small size and realistic swimming action make it effective in both freshwater and saltwater environments. Durable construction: Salmo lures are known for their durability, and the Hornet is no exception. It is constructed with high-quality materials and features strong split rings and sharp hooks that can withstand the rigors of fishing and endure strikes from aggressive fish. Precise and consistent action: The Hornet has a consistent and predictable action that makes it easy to work effectively. Its tight wobbling and vibrating action at various retrieval speeds can trigger aggressive strikes from fish, especially when targeting actively feeding or aggressive predators. | Limited depth range: The Hornet is primarily designed for fishing in shallower depths. While it can still be effective in depths up to 10-12 feet, it may not perform as well in deeper water compared to some other crankbaits specifically designed for deeper diving. Limited casting distance: Due to its compact size and weight, the Hornet may have limitations in terms of casting distance. It may not be as suitable for long-range casting or reaching fish in distant locations. Relatively smaller profile: While the smaller size of the Hornet can be advantageous in certain situations, it may not be as effective for targeting larger predatory fish that prefer larger prey. It may be more suitable for targeting medium-sized or smaller game fish. |
