My, My...A Walleye Willard 6-8-22 (with video)

[TubeDude]

Thanks.  However, it always amazes me that so many people think of walleyes as poor fighters.  Sure, when you hook one while washing lures at mach 3 you take the starch out of them before they can show much.  But most of the eyes I catch are caught either at low speed bottom bouncing or while casting jigs.  And most of those put up as good of a fight as any other fish.  And some of the big mamas at Utah Lake can really beat you up.  But the main thing I really like about casting for them is feeling the solid CHOMP when they slam their toothy jaws shut on whatever I am fishing.  Ya just don't get that while fast trolling. 

Better than that is when you feel that very light tap, wait just a second after you know shes got in her mouth and set the hook, those big momas do not like to come in and when they roll you see the big swirl of water from there tail and you know that hook can pop out of that rock hard mouth any second,  that a adrenaline RUSH,

You bring up a good point.  Walleyes do not always chomp hard when you are throwing jigs.  As you well know, those big pre-spawn mamas you chase so well in Utah Lake are a lot slower and less aggressive in that cold ice out water.  You really have to have your strike antenna up and be aware of any "change in the force".  A lot of guys miss strikes they never knew they had.  That's why it is so important to have light and sensitive gear so that you can feel everything going on at the other end of your line. 

And another good point...walleyes (especially the larger ones) really do have hard mouths.  If you don't get a good hookset you are likely to get your lure back without a fish attached.  This happens a lot when they do their customary open-mouth head shake as you are reaching for them with the net.  On some days I have found it helpful to do a wind down on the reel and do a second hard hookset to help insure a good hookup.  Doesn't always work but it can put a couple more fish in the net some days.