Setting up your fishing lure is a crucial step in the fishing process. Whether you are fishing for walleye or any other fish species, choosing the right fishing lure and rigging it properly can make all the difference between a successful day on the water and a frustrating one. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take a look at how to set up your fishing lure so that you can catch more fish and have a great time on the water.
Step 1: Choose the Right Fishing Lure
The first step in setting up your fishing lure is to choose the right one. With so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the best fishing lure for your needs. However, with a little research and understanding of what kind of fish you are targeting, you can make the right choice.
Jigs are one of the most popular fishing lures for walleye, while crankbaits and spinnerbaits are great options for targeting bass. Plastic worms and minnow baits are versatile lures that can be used for a variety of fish species, including walleye and bass.
Step 2: Rig Your Fishing Lure Properly
Once you’ve chosen the right fishing lure, the next step is to rig it properly. The way you rig your fishing lure will depend on the type of fishing lure you are using and the type of fish you are targeting.
For example, when fishing with jigs, you can rig them with live bait or artificial bait. If you are using live bait, simply hook the bait onto the jig and you’re ready to go. If you are using artificial bait, you may need to add a soft plastic tail or a grub to the jig.
When fishing with crankbaits, you’ll need to make sure that the hooks are properly positioned so that the lure has the right action and dives to the right depth. You can also add a trailing hook to the crankbait for added hooking power.
With spinnerbaits, you’ll need to make sure that the blade is positioned correctly so that it spins at the right speed and creates the right amount of vibration and flash. You may also want to add a trailer hook to the spinnerbait for added hooking power.
When fishing with plastic worms or minnow baits, you’ll need to rig them properly so that they mimic the natural movement of baitfish. For plastic worms, you may need to add a weight to the head of the worm to make it sink, while minnow baits can be rigged with hooks and sinkers to control their depth and action.
Step 3: Choose the Right Line and Leader
The type of line and leader you choose will also play a crucial role in the fishing process. For example, when fishing with crankbaits or spinnerbaits, you may want to use a braided line or a fluorocarbon leader to help you feel the lure’s action and detect bites more effectively. When fishing with plastic worms or minnow baits, you may want to use a monofilament line or a fluorocarbon leader to provide more sensitivity and to help you feel bites more effectively.
Step 4: Adjust the Line Tension
Once your fishing lure is rigged properly, the next step is to adjust the line tension. This is important because the line tension can affect the way your fishing lure behaves in the water. If the line tension is too tight, the fishing lure may not have the right action and may not dive to the right depth. If the line tension is too loose, the fishing lure may not have enough resistance to create the right action
and may not stay in the desired position. To adjust the line tension, you can use a rod with the right power and action, or you can use a line-adjusting device.
Step 5: Pay Attention to Depth and Action
Once your fishing lure is set up, it’s important to pay attention to its depth and action. This is because fish are often attracted to lures that mimic the movement of their natural prey. The depth and action of your fishing lure will depend on the type of fishing lure you are using, the type of fish you are targeting, and the conditions of the water.
For example, when fishing with jigs, you may want to fish them close to the bottom to mimic the movement of crawfish or other bottom-dwelling prey. When fishing with crankbaits or spinnerbaits, you may want to vary the speed and retrieve to imitate the movement of a fleeing baitfish.
Step 6: Adjust Your Fishing Lure Based on Conditions
Finally, it’s important to adjust your fishing lure based on the conditions of the water. For example, if the water is murky or stained, you may want to use a brighter fishing lure to help you attract fish. If the water is clear, you may want to use a more natural-looking fishing lure to avoid spooking the fish.
Setting up your fishing lure is a critical step in the fishing process. By choosing the right fishing lure, rigging it properly, choosing the right line and leader, adjusting the line tension, paying attention to depth and action, and adjusting your fishing lure based on conditions, you can increase your chances of catching more fish and having a great time on the water. With a little practice and patience, you can master the art of fishing lure setup and become a successful angler.