Walleye? Why?

[axisgear]

I have a question that has been burning me for a few weeks now. Why on EARTH would you fish for walleye if you did not intend to put them on the table for dinner?
For one,they don't fight too hard( My left shoe would make a far better adversary than even the fiestiest waldo:lol: !). They don't make blistering runs and barely put a bend in the rod most times.I think I had a 30"er make my drag click once:evil: .

For two,they don't jump...at all!

I pose this question because I had a "gentleman" make a comment to me a few weeks ago;"You know...just because you can catch your limit doesn't mean you have to keep your limit.Haven't you ever heard of catch and release?":SHOCKED: :cwm27: :lol: .

"Catch and RELEASE!?! WALLEYE!!!!!. (You certainly must be joking![in thought])Only if they are less than 15 inches!",I exclaimed.He did not respond to my laughing reply as he angrily walked away.

So if you are a catch and release fisherman,why then would you choose walleye as your quarry? Why not fish for something that fights like Mayweather,but doesn't make the best table fare?(Bass,Carp,Catfish[my personal favorite],trout,etc......):confused:

I'm not trying to ruffle any feathers,I just don't understand:help: .

[beer and nuts]

Some serious, some not.

1. Because the guys that say that NEVER have went fishing for silver..ie salmon, steel.:lol:

2. I see die-hard walleye guys seeing it as more of a chess game going after eyes, its not so much in the fight of the fish but more of the challenge to find and catch the walleye plus catching them with finesse techniques. Now if your talking bay eyes right now where you can catch them with your shoe as bait its hard to comprehend but river, lakes or when the eyes disappear on the bay--its more the challenge.

3. Well frankly alot guys just like to catch fish!

4. Try using lighter rods and lines. If your talking bay eyes right now, try drifting and jigging for them.

5. Walleyes make excellent table far of course but so do bluegill, brook trout, perch etc.. which fight(if comparable to salmon) about as much as walleye. Ever smelt fish in Higgins lake-not much fight there, it about the challenge of hook/lining a smelt!

6. Alot of guys choose walleye because thats the closest fishery and most abundant to them.

7.Why is largemouth bass fishing so big all over the USA, that tablefare is not so good?

8. And why do you even care if other people catch and release anything? Think of it as more fish for you!!!

I'm sure more will chime in on this one!

[GMONEY]

they fight good in the detroit river........wait, i'm thinking sheepheads:D

[Swamp Monster]

Well, I like the way Canada does it with slot limits. I would throw back the big uns and eat those 17 inchers. I'm not so concerned with getting my limit every outing, but some seem to think they need to beable to say I got my limit to justify their fishing ability. Not saying at all that this fits you, but I have known some that it certainly fits.
To each his own, but I agree, I love eating walleye!

[axisgear]

I must add that I rarely ever catch my limit of waldo in my local waters,it was a VERY good day!I rarely ever target them,it's more of a bonus than anything.I also have four fish eating monsters at my house(Myself and my three boys) and walleye is tops on our menu;) .

I also must add that I am 90% C&R. The other 10% is walleye,panfish and the occasional 24 to 30 inch pike.

[No.4shot]

Lots of walleye anglers will release the larger ones with the thoughts that they are able to reproduce more fish than a 15-17" fish. Plus the smaller ones taste better.

[El Diablo]

I think beer and nuts brought up some good points. I think alot of the challenge and fun in walleye fishing is trying to figure them out. Not so much the fight they put up. Alot of it has to do with honing your technique. Walleye are different than any other fish I ever went after. Their unique adaptations and feeding habits make them that way.

"Fish is fish" as a buddy of mine says and that makes alot of sense to me. I've caught 2 pound snapper down south that put up more fight than anything in freshwater (That's an exageration but kinda true. Also I consider kings to be a transplanted saltwater fish). That doesn't mean I don't enjoy fishing for freshwater fish.

If the only enjoyment from walleye fishing for you is putting meat on the table then that's cool too. I think we have a killer walleye fishery that can support taking your legal limit of legal size fish so what's the problem? Let him practice what he preaches and that leaves more fish for you.

[Bassman Dan]

I only fish for eyes if I want to eat them. They fight like you were reeling in a wet rag. I mainly fish for bass and pike because they put up the best fight and I like all the different techniques there is to catch them. If I had my own boat I would target walleye more often, but my fishing will probably always lean towards the harder fighting fish. As for eats, walleye taste good but so does pike and bluegill. I could never figure out why some people only fish for one species but if that is what they like then more power to them.

[DTSTrout]

Having fished for some 50 years, I've gone through many phases. Catching any fish at all, catching lots of fish and catching big fish. Tried many different species. I currently fishing for sheephead just because they are so much fun, agressive, hard fighting. Eating them is not an issue. I'm sure I will change again sometime and be passionate about something else. I've also learned that trying to figure anyone else out is a waste of time. I do my best to enjoy what I do, I try to accept what everyone else does (very hard sometimes!), and I try not to make anyone else think the way I do. If you find someone who likes to fish for what you do and in the way that you like to do it, you are a lucky person. Enjoy!

[Johnny G]

shallow water eyes fight just like a bass. the sides of channels that dump into lake st.clair, like 12 ft deep, a 16 incher will give ya all kinds of fun. they dont jump, but they sure do run!

[andy capp]

Well I agree with alot of people here. Now I will state this...I have thrown back 80% of the walleye I caught on my boat this year, I just dont like to clean fish anymore during the week.

Walleye fishing is very fun and finding them is the best part. Thats why I fish for them. Walleye on a rod and reel do fight well if you are not trolling. Drifting and jigging they put up a nice fight.

Anyone can catch a bass, but can anyone catch a walleye.

[axisgear]

shallow water eyes fight just like a bass. the sides of channels that dump into lake st.clair, like 12 ft deep, a 16 incher will give ya all kinds of fun. they dont jump, but they sure do run!

Maybe I'm just fishing for them on the wrong side of the state:lol: ! I will admit that a wally caught in cold water will fight a whole lot better than one out of the Grand river.

When I was younger we (My friends and I) used to stop at a few select lakes while carpooling home from work in the middle of the night.We were throwing top water lures on the flats hoping for largemouths,but catching lots of walleye.Upon recalling this,I do remember them putting up a decent fight;) .

I am not saying the "gentleman" is at all wrong for practicing C&R;just don't preach it to me while I'm salivating,thinking about dinner tomorrow:D !

[KI Jim]

All the legal size 'eyes I catch under 24" go home for the fatal (but delicious) hot oil bath.

That being said, i think 'eyes fight a bit more than a lot of folks give 'em credit for-depending on the tackle. If you are using 30 LB line on a 8 1/2 foot rod and a size 1 dipsey with a and you get one on a spoon with a big honkin' trble hook, and you don't stop the boat, then yeah, they fight about as much as a wet boot-maybe less.

On the other hand, catch one on 6 lb test with a light graphite rod while throwing a Weapon or Erie Dearie, then, they give a pretty nice scrap. No, Mr. Walleye will never be confused with a steelhead or smallie, but for a tasty fish, i'll take 'em anytime.

Jim

[wally-eye]

Same with me, any eye over 24 inches gets tossed back. I only eat the 18 inchers or so. The ones over 24 just don't have the taste I'm looking for. Now that 30 incher for the wall is another story.........

[RichP]

I pose this question because I had a "gentleman" make a comment to me a few weeks ago;"You know...just because you can catch your limit doesn't mean you have to keep your limit.Haven't you ever heard of catch and release?":SHOCKED: :cwm27: :lol:

You know...just because you have a mouth doesn't mean you have to open it, might have been my response depending on the way he said it. :evil:

[Robert Hoover]

heres some food for thought a 17 inch walleye which is by no means a full grown adult might go a little over 1.5 lbs a 17 inch bass can weigh up to 2.5 lbs easily if not more.It is alot harder to catch adult walleye than anything alse maybe that is why you guys can say you havent experienced a hard fighting one you catch a bass,pike,sheep head,musky it is usually let go what about the walleye usually gets taken home mainly the walleye has either no closed season or a short one to protect it and very little means of catch and release fishing for it.the next time you compare a fighting fish to a walleye make shure the weights are closer matched.Im shure that a 1.5 lbs bass rips your arms off!Oh and by the way nothing can compare to the fight of a salmon or even a trout.

[shametamer]

no. 1..eyes are an interesting prey..throw out great lakes and deal with inland eyes.....probably as difficult a fish to find, lure,boat that is considered a gamefish...i gave up fishin for green carp(largemouth) years..no decades ago..seem like any puddle i dropped in on you caught largies in a cast or 2..to this day..never targeting them i catch hundreds each year..smallies are predictable as to where they will be on a particular body of water or stream. find weed find pike..find hot weather find pike in deepest hole..fairly simple....crappies? find wood or shade in reasonably deep water...muskies in rivers? find a Y or point of river island...............no. 2 a reasonably 'wild'(non plant) eye of decent size taken on a crank bait in water temps of 68 to 75 fights every bit as hard most any fish of equal size..except a smallie......no. 3 a great many fisherman..almost every pro...overmatches the fish with line strength..ask yourself do u really need 20 lb test to boat a 2 lb bucketmouth? yeah if YOU"RE SCARED TO DEATH YOU WILL LOSE HIM on lighter line...90 lb leaders for 10 and 15 lb skis..sure..but the fish needs dentures after the strike!:lol: salmon? c'mon when is the last time you seen a charter lose a salmon on line snap? they come unbuttoned skiing across rough seas at 3 or 4mph...trout? planted 5 pounders(rainbows, browns) on 2 pound test and jolly green giant was accepted practice for years..not fun, nor challenging..but tasty............tourney yourself(open water, 1 man)..try 7;30 a.m. til 3 p.m. kent,pontiac,belleville,chemung,stoney creek,devils, duck, diamond,gun, fremont..put a limit together 5 keeper eyes......10 lakes..if u succeed in 1 during those hours...you will do better than 90% or better of todays fisherman:evilsmile bonus u have the choice to keep an eat!:D

[chamookman]

Well said Shametamer ! C-man

[baydog2]

Fished this last Sunday in the rain storm on the Saginaw River. Was casting for bass when this 27" eye hit my Bandit crankbait about ten feet from the boat. I thought for sure I had a dandy Smallie on for a short time. He even peeled line off on the first initial hit. After he did not do the the famous Smallie jump, I thought to my self I had a darn Sheepie. Well he went home with me to make Walleye bacon wraps this week.:corkysm55 To each his own if a fish is caught legally then it is up to the fisherman/woman what he is to do with the fish.
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/126162.JPG

[Gone Fishing]

Thanks for keeping it civil gentlemen, I thought this would be closed by now.

[Can't Touch This]

I actually love the fight of the walleye, they never stop digging, love fishing for them. Of course, i always keep my share of them. Usually if i am going stickly C&R, i will go for bass and pike in the bays, i think it's a bit funner to cast for fish, and they are hard fighters.

[skidoojc]

no. 1..eyes are an interesting prey..throw out great lakes and deal with inland eyes.....probably as difficult a fish to find, lure,boat that is considered a gamefish...i gave up fishin for green carp(largemouth) years..no decades ago..seem like any puddle i dropped in on you caught largies in a cast or 2..to this day..never targeting them i catch hundreds each year..smallies are predictable as to where they will be on a particular body of water or stream. find weed find pike..find hot weather find pike in deepest hole..fairly simple....crappies? find wood or shade in reasonably deep water...muskies in rivers? find a Y or point of river island...............no. 2 a reasonably 'wild'(non plant) eye of decent size taken on a crank bait in water temps of 68 to 75 fights every bit as hard most any fish of equal size..except a smallie......no. 3 a great many fisherman..almost every pro...overmatches the fish with line strength..ask yourself do u really need 20 lb test to boat a 2 lb bucketmouth? yeah if YOU"RE SCARED TO DEATH YOU WILL LOSE HIM on lighter line...90 lb leaders for 10 and 15 lb skis..sure..but the fish needs dentures after the strike!:lol: salmon? c'mon when is the last time you seen a charter lose a salmon on line snap? they come unbuttoned skiing across rough seas at 3 or 4mph...trout? planted 5 pounders(rainbows, browns) on 2 pound test and jolly green giant was accepted practice for years..not fun, nor challenging..but tasty............tourney yourself(open water, 1 man)..try 7;30 a.m. til 3 p.m. kent,pontiac,belleville,chemung,stoney creek,devils, duck, diamond,gun, fremont..put a limit together 5 keeper eyes......10 lakes..if u succeed in 1 during those hours...you will do better than 90% or better of todays fisherman:evilsmile bonus u have the choice to keep an eat!:D

Couldn't be said any better! If I wanted to go where all the fish fight there guts out I would fish the ocean.

[sfw1960]

2. I see die-hard walleye guys seeing it as more of a chess game going after eyes, its not so much in the fight of the fish but more of the challenge to find and catch the walleye plus catching them with finesse techniques. Now if your talking bay eyes right now where you can catch them with your shoe as bait its hard to comprehend but river, lakes or when the eyes disappear on the bay--its more the challenge.
YUP.......
Shamey - you da man!!
That's it - especially the part about eyeballZ in 75 degree water.... they get cranked UP!
:lol:

I hope this sheds some light on the situation , axisgear!
:evilsmile

I still catch bass & pike here -N- there , but I don't think they fight "all that swell".

I like catching most anything!

[fasthunter]

no. 1..eyes are an interesting prey..throw out great lakes and deal with inland eyes.....probably as difficult a fish to find, lure,boat that is considered a gamefish...i gave up fishin for green carp(largemouth) years..no decades ago..seem like any puddle i dropped in on you caught largies in a cast or 2..to this day..never targeting them i catch hundreds each year..smallies are predictable as to where they will be on a particular body of water or stream. find weed find pike..find hot weather find pike in deepest hole..fairly simple....crappies? find wood or shade in reasonably deep water...muskies in rivers? find a Y or point of river island...............no. 2 a reasonably 'wild'(non plant) eye of decent size taken on a crank bait in water temps of 68 to 75 fights every bit as hard most any fish of equal size..except a smallie......no. 3 a great many fisherman..almost every pro...overmatches the fish with line strength..ask yourself do u really need 20 lb test to boat a 2 lb bucketmouth? yeah if YOU"RE SCARED TO DEATH YOU WILL LOSE HIM on lighter line...90 lb leaders for 10 and 15 lb skis..sure..but the fish needs dentures after the strike!:lol: salmon? c'mon when is the last time you seen a charter lose a salmon on line snap? they come unbuttoned skiing across rough seas at 3 or 4mph...trout? planted 5 pounders(rainbows, browns) on 2 pound test and jolly green giant was accepted practice for years..not fun, nor challenging..but tasty............tourney yourself(open water, 1 man)..try 7;30 a.m. til 3 p.m. kent,pontiac,belleville,chemung,stoney creek,devils, duck, diamond,gun, fremont..put a limit together 5 keeper eyes......10 lakes..if u succeed in 1 during those hours...you will do better than 90% or better of todays fisherman:evilsmile bonus u have the choice to keep an eat!:D
Very good points and analysis. I must admit that 99% of the time I'm a catch and keep guy though. Honestly more than 80% of all the meat I ever eat at home is wild. Either venison or fish. I kind of like the fact that I can say I'm able to do that. (The other 20% is when I want to switch to chops or some nice juicy brats, ect;) ) I've still got enough venison to last until October and I'm having a fish fry on Friday for some friends......Walleye, Perch, Silverbass, and bluegill!!!:corkysm55 :corkysm55 (Honestly for a fishfry bluegill is by far my favorite. As far as baking...Definitely walleye fillets.)
Now about the guy using the heavy duty line......I'm one of those:lol: :lol: . I use fireline on my spincast reel setup. I think it's like 6 lb diameter and 30lb test. I love that stuff. It's tough line, I've yet to snap my line on a fish.(Even a Northern with no leader.)and the feedback is AWESOME when the bite is sensitive. Honestly though. I have no problem with guys that catch and re-lease either. To each his own. Know what I mean:) :) .

[Big_P]

I like keeping Eyes for the table but, am not upset to let them go either. If it's under 15" or over 22" it's going back in my book. As far as a fight....it does have a lot to do with where and how you catch them. Good example.....SALMON....on the big lake trolling for them they sure do put up a hell of a fight but, wait until August comes around and they hit the river. If you've never caught a fall run King in the river I advice you do.....and bring an extra pair of shorts!!:yikes: :lol:

[shanny28757]

When fishing is slow...bass will save your ass. I also like the challenge of fishing for walleye. Bass are fun to fight but they can be caught much more easily than walleye. I do quite a bit of catch and release even with "eater" size fish but then again i do enjoy a good walleye fish fry.

[Bassman Dan]

I'm glad this thread stayed civil. I learned some things reading it. Like I have said before, I like fishing for everything. In the future when I get a boat I will target walleye more but for now the only place I fish for them is at dams or when I'm with some friends. They are not very easy to catch from shore or boat for that matter and I do most of my fishing from shore. I've caught pike, bass, crappie, bluegill, and rockbass all in one day on the same lure but no walleye. I have never caught a walleye by accident. I have caught almost every other fish by accident though. I know rattle traps, jigs and crank baits will catch eyes from shore but those darn bass and pike gobble them up before the eyes get a shot.:lol: So I guess I will just keep fishing for fish. No matter what you fish for the important thing is to have fun and enjoy the outdoors.

[tubejig]

Crazy question, kind of like why do men prefer blonds? The others have the same frame, long legs, sexy eyes, you get the picture. but for some reason the melon needs to be bleached.

Before I go on any more, shametamer said it best with his statement.

[bjacobs]

Fished this last Sunday in the rain storm on the Saginaw River. Was casting for bass when this 27" eye hit my Bandit crankbait about ten feet from the boat. I thought for sure I had a dandy Smallie on for a short time. He even peeled line off on the first initial hit. After he did not do the the famous Smallie jump, I thought to my self I had a darn Sheepie. Well he went home with me to make Walleye bacon wraps this week.:corkysm55 To each his own if a fish is caught legally then it is up to the fisherman/woman what he is to do with the fish.
http://www.myfishingpictures.com/img/126162.JPG

What are walleye bacon wraps?
And if you don't mind could you share the recipe.
Have a freezer full of eyes and just looking for something different to do with a few of them.

[FishDaddy09]

When we drive 2 hours to erie to fish walleye it's not with catch and release on our minds. We are there to get our limit. Now after we get our limit and we have the time to continue fishing then we catch and release. I don't eat bass so when I bass fish they go back, many times when I'm gill fishing I don't feel like cleaning fish so they all go back. catch and release is a good thing and I would encouage everyone to practice it, but if I'm spending a lot of money and time to make a long drive my limit is coming home with me.

[Johnny G]

its more of a hunt for walleye. with bass most of the time, you see them, you catch them. with walleye, if you can see them, they can see you. thats always been my #1 rule for these slick fish. i dont really operate on C&R unless they're subs, or four or five pound fish. those that are 17-18 are one of the best eating fish around.

[gregm]

Good Topic...

I've often thought about this too because walleye are my favorite prey to chase and I often do C&R walleye, especially those over 18 inches or so.

Walleye do have a good fight, I've caught some in shallow water feeding in weeds that stripped line when they hit and were a b#$&^@ to get in. I like shametamers tackle analysis as part of the issue.

No doubt about it smallies are the "fight" fish to catch and thus that is why they are my second favorite fish to catch.

However, there is something more to it than just fight (although that is important). If it were all about just the tug, we'd all be carp fisherman. I think its the "to each is own" arguement similar to why to some guys like pheasants versus grouse.

[fasthunter]

Good Topic...

I've often thought about this too because walleye are my favorite prey to chase and I often do C&R walleye, especially those over 18 inches or so.

Walleye do have a good fight, I've caught some in shallow water feeding in weeds that stripped line when they hit and were a b#$&^@ to get in. I like shametamers tackle analysis as part of the issue.

No doubt about it smallies are the "fight" fish to catch and thus that is why they are my second favorite fish to catch.

However, there is something more to it than just fight (although that is important). If it were all about just the tug, we'd all be carp fisherman. I think its the "to each is own" arguement similar to why to some guys like pheasants versus grouse.
I'll have to second that on the fighting. I catch them drift fishing Lake Erie whenever I get the chance. About ten years ago when my Dad used to take me out I used to catch easy limits quite frequently on planer boards. On planer boards, unless it's a hog they tend to water ski up on top which isn't much of a fight, but when I catch them drift fishing, they fight ALOT harder. They aren't jumpers or long runners, but they tend to fight and want to stay down at the bottome. There constant "Digging" as someone else said makes them quite fun to want to reel up. Now that I think of it. One of my other favorite fish to catch do that too. Channel Cats. Those aren't exactly boring to catch either. :D
Now about eating fish. I must admit I'm still a fish eating junkie. I very seldomly don't keep fish, but if they are runts, out of season, or I'm just fishing for an hour after work and I'm tired I will let them go. (I can't stand people that throw there fish in the freezer whole just to clean them .............Waaaay later....BLAH!!..My old man used to to that.) I'd rather just clean them as soon as I can and throw the fillets right in the freezer. Much easier when you want to eat them later.

[axisgear]

I'll have to second that on the fighting. I catch them drift fishing Lake Erie whenever I get the chance. About ten years ago when my Dad used to take me out I used to catch easy limits quite frequently on planer boards. On planer boards, unless it's a hog they tend to water ski up on top which isn't much of a fight, but when I catch them drift fishing, they fight ALOT harder. They aren't jumpers or long runners, but they tend to fight and want to stay down at the bottome. There constant "Digging" as someone else said makes them quite fun to want to reel up. Now that I think of it. One of my other favorite fish to catch do that too. Channel Cats. Those aren't exactly boring to catch either. :D
Now about eating fish. I must admit I'm still a fish eating junkie. I very seldomly don't keep fish, but if they are runts, out of season, or I'm just fishing for an hour after work and I'm tired I will let them go. (I can't stand people that throw there fish in the freezer whole just to clean them .............Waaaay later....BLAH!!..My old man used to to that.) I'd rather just clean them as soon as I can and throw the fillets right in the freezer. Much easier when you want to eat them later.
What is this FREEZER device you speak of?:D . I must add too that channel cats taste like CRAP!

[walleyeman2006]

well i been fishing walleye for over 20 years...threw my first legal fish back a few days ago...most of my fish come trolling and its way to hard on em,,,,,catch and release maybe jiggin or drifting but thats it

for those who think a 17-18 inch fish is better then a 25 incher lol please send me all the 25+ inch fish you catch lol.....seriously clean the fish soak em over night and take the belly fat and lateral(mud) vein out...and you wont know the difference

id rather have 4-5 pounders theres just a lot more meat on em...i can fill the freezer a lot faster lol

allso had my first walleye jump completly out of the water....was about 17 inches ..i think he thought he was a salmon lol

[fasthunter]

What is this FREEZER device you speak of?:D . I must add too that channel cats taste like CRAP!
Pretty good tasting actually:lol: :lol: :p . You just have to get the dark meat off next to the skin. They can't be that bad if you can get cats at the store, and in restaurants.:D Yes, walleye is better though. (Freezer is what use get when you don't have a few kids that eat all of your fish.......;) . :D )

[fasthunter]

well i been fishing walleye for over 20 years...threw my first legal fish back a few days ago...most of my fish come trolling and its way to hard on em,,,,,catch and release maybe jiggin or drifting but thats it

for those who think a 17-18 inch fish is better then a 25 incher lol please send me all the 25+ inch fish you catch lol.....seriously clean the fish soak em over night and take the belly fat and lateral(mud) vein out...and you wont know the difference

id rather have 4-5 pounders theres just a lot more meat on em...i can fill the freezer a lot faster lol

allso had my first walleye jump completly out of the water....was about 17 inches ..i think he thought he was a salmon lol
I think they taste good too walleye.:)

[alex-v]

What are walleye bacon wraps?
And if you don't mind could you share the recipe.
Ah, it is a top secret recipe known to just a few people.

It is pretty tasty way to prepare Walleye and some other fish. Some guys like to do their larger walleye with this recipe and leave the smaller fish for deep frying.

I will give you just one link to a thread found down in the fish recipe forum. If you do a search down there for "walleye bacon" you will find several other threads.

Here is the link and back to our regularly scheduled topic:
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=146790&highlight=walleye+bacon

[Due51]

I don't know if you'll find a more relaxing evening of fishing than drifting down the D or SCR on a calm spring/summer evening catching eyes. Frankly, I have enough fillets in the freezer but I thoroughly enjoy the quiet drift with a bunch of other fisherman out there. If I have four in the box, I'll C&R until the sun's just about gone. Get my 5th and head to the launch.

[baydog2]

Ah, it is a top secret recipe known to just a few people.

It is pretty tasty way to prepare Walleye and some other fish. Some guys like to do their larger walleye with this recipe and leave the smaller fish for deep frying.

I will give you just one link to a thread found down in the fish recipe forum. If you do a search down there for "walleye bacon" you will find several other threads.

Here is the link and back to our regularly scheduled topic:
http://www.michigan-sportsman.com/forum/showthread.php?t=146790&highlight=walleye+bacon
That is the one! I like using a buger rack that way you can flip these on the grill easier. My favorite sauce is KC Masterpiece.:D

[SalmonSlayer]

For two,they don't jump...at all!



Fishing lake erie last year in michigan waters out of sterling park during the lake erie outing for the st joe fishing league....we had a walleye hit a downrigger with a spoon and just as I grabbed the rod...he went airborne!!! We thought for sure it was a steelie, but upon bringing him to the net it sure was a walleye...all 17" of him fought JUST LIKE A STEELHEAD!!! He pulled drag, he jumped, he dove down, he jumped not once, not twice, but 3 TIMES!!! Now is this the norm? NO certainly not! But with the right equipment and not horsing them in, a walleye can and will put up a respectible fight. I also have to chime in on the challenge of finding them and enticing them to bite on the drift. When you get a walleye on a 6 ft Ultralight spinning rod with a small reel and 6 lb line, you know it! An 8 ft medium action rod with 20 lb mono is not the way to go with these fish!

Oh one more thing...THEY EAT VERY WELL!!!! And when my wife and daughter (who is only 2) ask me for more walleye I cannot turn them down!

[Zofchak]

^^^ I've had Walleye jump a few times as well, normally when they were hooked in shallow rivers during the spawn. While fishing the Maumee this year I saw several Walleye (Small Males) jump completely out of the water for no apparent reason:yikes: . First time for everything I guess.

[Reel_Screamer86]

Same with me, any eye over 24 inches gets tossed back. I only eat the 18 inchers or so. The ones over 24 just don't have the taste I'm looking for. Now that 30 incher for the wall is another story.........



A 30" where i live would never go on the wall thats a common size here..........

[Westlakedrive]

Where do you live?

[sfw1960]

Yeah , Mr. - where do you live??
Obviously somewhere that 30" walleyes "only" weigh six pounds....
:coco:
LOL!!!
:lol:

P.S. we got NO walleyes to speak of around here......

R