Timing, Equipment, Strategy Keys For Fishing Opener This Year
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- After we factor this year's unusual spring and the weekend forecast, where's the best place and the best way to fish walleye for this weekend's opener?
"I'm going to be on those small, shallow farm lakes down from Hector up to Hutchinson," local fishing guide Steve Carney said. "And I'm going to search for fish first with a jig and minnow, slow. And when I catch that first fish, I'm going to anchor, and I'm going to put a bobber right on that spot where I caught that first fish."
And let's not forget the proper equipment.
"Most people put on a bobber, put on a weight, and they don't pay attention to what they're doing," Carney said, holding a bobber on his pole. "This is up-size for walleyes. This is a very large size bobber, a large size weight and a colored hook. This gives you weight to be able to throw it out to a long distance and the walleye will not be able to feel this. It will not be able to detect it."
For the heartier fisherman, timing can make all the difference. It's not just about being there early in the morning, it can be late at night, too.
"A lot of these fish aren't biting until five after eight at night, and they don't bite until 4:30 in the morning, and they're done at 6:30 in the morning," Carney said. "If you struggle during the day, the night bite right now is a very good thing to do. It's a little difficult for people sometimes, but if you have the proper lighting, the lifejackets, and your boat is relatively clean where you can move around ... They will come in after dark."
