Pennsylvania Angler & Boater - November/December 2017 - 23

When fishing during the fall and
winter months, air temperatures are
lower, and temperatures can drop
quickly from day to day. Dress in layers
and avoid cotton clothing. The best
preparation for these conditions is three
layers. A thermal base layer that wicks
moisture such as wool or synthetic
blends. A middle layer of fleece based
clothing that retains body heat without
holding moisture, and an outer shell
that is wind and water resistant. Always
wear a life jacket. Today's life jackets
are comfortable, and some double as
a fishing vest with pockets for your
essential gear.

An assortment of cold water lures.

general, start large and drop size and weight as
the bite materializes. A 5-inch body is not too
large, but I will drop down to under a 3-inch body
depending on conditions. With larger jigs, I prefer
a baitcasting rod and reel. Cast the jig, and let it fall
to the bottom. Without lifting the rod, take one to
two revolutions on the reel handle and stop. This
will lift the bait and move it forward at about 5-foot
intervals. Pause and feel the lead jig hit the bottom.
By keeping the rod stationary, the angler feels
contact as soon as it happens. As the jig touches the
bottom, it causes a disturbance. A plumb of debris
clouds and clears. This is what causes the strike.
The hopping motion coming out of the cloud of
debris is almost irresistible to Walleyes.
Down sizing jigs calls for a different approach
that is often contrary to the technique above.
Using smaller jigs requires more finesse. Lift the
rod slowly, moving the jig inches at a time. Slowly
bounce the jig with the rod tip, moving the rod
from the 10 o'clock to the 11 o'clock position. Reel
up slack line, drop the rod back to the 10 o'clock
position and repeat. This process should be slow.
When a Walleye strikes, it will be a subtle 'tick'
often followed by pressure. If you feel pressure, set
the hook. Unlike other methods, the finesse bite is
often light.
Scents can be an asset in colder water
conditions. Placing scent paste on hard and soft
lures can be effective. In areas where bass and
Walleyes coexist, expect to catch bass during these
outings. Both Walleyes and Smallmouth Bass will
follow and target the same forage.
www.fishandboat.com 		

Both Walleyes and Smallmouth Bass will follow and target the same
forage during fall and winter.
Pennsylvania Angler & Boater * November/December 2017

23



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