If you are reading this write-up, you understand how challenging it is to choose the best lures for walleye. Of course, lakes and rivers are full of walleye. Nevertheless, catching one of them is not easy unless you target them using the right fishing lures. But the good news is that I have covered this issue for you.
Quick Product Comparison:
Best Lures for Walleye
I compared the best simwbaits, jerkbaits and crank baits for walleye fishing. In this article I describe the winners in each category. If you are interested to learn more about a specific type of lure, make sure to read the more in-depth reviews in which I compare the most popular lures of each category.
Rapala Husky Jerk 14 – Jerkbait
- Suspending/Neutral Buoyancy
- Long-Casting
- Loud Rattles
If you are looking for a suitable lure for fishing walleye, then this product is what you need. It comes not only from a reputable brand but also one of the most popular choices in our entire fishing blog. Thanks to its subtlety. It can take your fishing experience to the next level of success.
You must be thinking what so special about this fishing lure when making the first glance. The good news is that there are a few numbers of essential attributes that make this product unique and special. One of them relates to the coloring. It is worth noting that fishes mainly prefer to stay in dark places with thick vegetation, which means less light. However, you need not worry about this issue with this fishing lure. With its bright and sharp colors, you will attract walleye without much effort regardless of the lighting conditions.
Another essential aspect of this product is that it comes with a wide range of color options. So you can easily choose the one based on your preferences. Additionally, it is significantly durable, which means you need not purchase your fishing lure every year. Your one-time purchase will be sufficient enough to last many seasons. The colored coating of this lure is also resistant to scratch, and it is easily amenable to replacement.
Pros
- It is significantly durable.
- The color coating is not susceptible to scratch.
- You can easily replace all the modules.
- It is suitable for luring other types of fish.
- Wide range of color options.
Cons
- Some users have reported that it is relatively bigger when compared to the image.
You can also check our more in-depth review on the best jerk baits for walleye.
Salmo Hornet – Crankbait
This product is another top pick for luring walleye on our list. Despite being considerably affordable, it comes with durable construction made from high-density foam. As such, you do not have to worry about falling apart while luring your favorite fish. Besides, if you are looking for a suitable lure for trolling and casting, this product will be ideal.
Another essential attribute of this product is that it is available in different colors and sizes. Thanks to its 24 different color options, you can easily choose the one depending on your preference. Moreover, you will not have a hard time finding the right size.
When it comes to its functionality, you should not assume that this product is entirely for catching walleye. You can also use it to lure other types of species.
Pros
- It is significantly affordable.
- It features durable construction to ensure prolonged usage.
- It is available in a wide range of colors.
- Ideal for trolling and casting.
- It is a multi-species fish catcher.
Cons
- None
You can also check our more in-depth review on the best crankbaits for walleye.
Spro SB60 BBZ1 – Swimbait
- Available in both floating and sinking versions
- Designed by the world-renowned swim bait expert-Bill Siemantel
- Sure to entice even the most wary of lunkers into striking
If you are looking for swim baits that can take your fishing experience to the next level, then you should consider this product. The craftsmanship that comes with these baits is pretty unique and amazing. It is available in different models, and each of them has a different price tag based on the model you choose. Besides, the length of these baits is six inches.
An essential feature of these baits is selecting between the slow and fast sink versions. The former will sink one foot every three seconds, while the latter will fall at a rate of one foot per second. So it is a matter of personal preference. Another good thing about these baits is that they will sink horizontally, thereby increasing the chance for luring more walleye.
This product is also available in four lifelike colors: Wicker Perch, Blue/Black Herring, Rainbow Trout, and sexy love shad. As such, you can select a fishing lure based on your color choice.
Pros
- This product is an outcome of a world-renowned expert.
- It comes in two versions: floating and sinking.
- Ultra-realistic swimbaits.
- It is available in four different colors.
Cons
- It is quite expensive.
You can also check our more in-depth review on the best swimbaits for walleye.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is crankbait?
Crankbait is a kind of fishing lure made of wood or hard plastic. Its main function is to mimic a swimming fish’s natural movement, thereby luring the targeted fish. There are different sizes, lip variations, and multiple colors that you can choose when it comes to appearance. In contrast to its counterparts, crankbaits have shorter lengths and are rounder. For this reason, crankbaits are an ideal choice for fishing in deep waters.
- What is jerk bait?
Like crankbaits, you can also find jerk bait made of plastic, wood, or polymer. These materials allow you to cast your bait for longer distances and ensure durability. Moreover, the body shape of jerk baits is long and aerodynamic, which further helps you cast them far away. In comparison to crankbait, jerk bait usually comes with three hooks.
- What is the difference between crankbaits and jerk bait?
One of the essential differences between these two fishing lures comes with body shape. Crankbaits have fatter and rounder body shape, while jerk baits come with a lengthier body. Additionally, there is a difference in the number of hooks. Unlike crankbait that has two hooks, jerk bait mainly comes with three hooks.
Another essential difference between jerk baits and crankbaits relates to the retrieval depth. Jerk baits are excellent for luring fish in shallow waters as they sink up to six feet deep. On the other hand, crankbaits are ideal for medium to deep waters. They can allow you to target fish at a depth between five feet to twenty-five feet. So the bottom line is it brings down to personal preference.
There is also a variation with the usage of these two fishing lures. You do not need to put much force on the line after casting your crankbait into the water. However, it is not the same for jerk bait. You jerk bait needs to appear like a fish that is trying to escape. As such, you will need to twitch the rod continually, thereby causing it to shake around. For this reason, jerk baits are not friendly for beginners.
- What is the best time of the day to lure walleye?
Answering this question will vary from person to person. Nevertheless, many people suggest that the best time of the day to lure walleye is dusk and dawn. To be specific, you should fish for walleye thirty minutes after and before sunrise and sunset. It is worth noting that this type of fish usually feeds all night long.
Final Words
To sum up, choosing the best lures for catching walleye can be daunting, especially if you have no prior experience. Additionally, these days, there are several options, making it even difficult to pick the right lure for walleye. However, we are optimistic that this review has helped you narrow down your choices.
The above-list products are some of the best lures available in the market. Nonetheless, each of these products is unique and has its pros and cons. As such, you should pick the one that meets your needs.
Niels Thomas is a wildlife expert and fishing fanatic that works with major fishing brands like Deeper Sonar, Abu Garcia, Berkley, PENN, BassPro and Pure Fishing. Through sharing the best fishing tips, tricks, gear reviews, locations and much more he hopes to inspire fishing fanatics to start their own journey towards becoming the King of the Catch!