Use the right weights: Fishing Tips from Professional Angler Pat Slater
By Kjel

Posted: August 20, 2012

Hi to One and All!

The photo is of a FAT 19 inch Buffalo Bill walleye I caught on August 12th on a Mack’s Lure Double Whammy Pro.

The days are getting a little shorter, cooler nights, and a cold front coming in the next few days should help to lower water temperatures.  I’m looking forward to some great fall fishing.

I had the opportunity to put on a seminar at Cabela’s in Billings yesterday and I spoke on trolling, both crankbaits and livebait.  I shared a couple of  techniques used during this summer’s tournaments.  One was simply reminding those present that when running bottom boucers have heavier weights on the front rods.  Lighter weight bouncers on the rods in the back will allow those lines to be even further back and reduce tangles during sharp turns. 

Also I discussed various weighting options which can position the harness/bait at different distances off the bottom.  Long wires on bouncers hold the bait high, large floats near the hooks lift the bait even higher.  If the fish are hugging the bottom and it’s sandy or muddy with few snags, try using an “egg” or bullet” sinker ahead of the barrel swivel and a short leader on your floating harness rig.  This will position your bait a few inches off the bottom.  Slinky weights rigged on the main line allow you to feed line to tentative biting walleyes.  Be sure to place a plastic bead between the eye of the slinky weight and the knot to reduce the risk of wear or line breakage.

I’ll talk more about crankbaiting next week….  Use the right weights: Fishing Tips from Professional Angler Pat Slater

Til next time….Be Smart and Be Safe!

Pat Slater
Pro Staff: Mack’s Lure & Ranger Boats

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