Page 18 - ODUMar-Apr2019

Vapor provide a silhouette for the

fish. If the moon is out, metallic
colors come into play with Clown and
Black Silver as obvious options.
Sexier shad and Table Rock work in
varying conditions.

A hand-held spotlight can be a key
tool from a boat. The walleyes push

up so shallow that shining a bright
light up against the rocks can return
hundreds of reflective eyes from
below. Reservoirs with running inlets
can also be explored and monitored
with the spotlights. Once the run has

started clear your calendar for a few nights of great fishing.

After using the mobility of the boat to figure out some details, switching to shore on later nights lands
more fish. Every cast can be placed and retrieved through the shallow strike zone, hung up lures can be
retrieved quicker, and the time spent launching the boat and controlling it can be spent fishing. Knee-
high waterproof boots, hip waders, or even full waders give the angler more than enough mobility.

Shore-bound anglers can troll with two methods. The traditional way is to use a jerkbait behind a 14-
foot rod like the Bass Pro Shops Crappie Maxx Tightline Special and simply walk the edge of the dam.
This is especially easy on dams with solid concrete walkways at the water level. Similarly, a small planer
board like the Offshore OR38 can take lures a bit further out. Wade out and attach the board a few feet
in front of the lure. With the bail open, toss the board just far enough away from the rocks to get
started. Walk along the dam and the lightweight board will keep the lure tracking parallel to shore. The

OR-38 board can switch directions, so you only need to carry one for the night.

After one bite, standing on a rock or wading makes it easy to cast parallel to the rip rap. Stay in the area
for a few minutes but don’t be afraid to move up and down the shore in an attempt to stay with the

fish.

The late nights and darkness might lull you towards sleep but when a walleye splashes and hits the lure
at your feet the senses snap back quickly. Eventually a real giant will show up. Starting the season with
a personal best secures bragging rights and your big-fish confidence soars for the rest of the season.