What # test line to use?

[Holy carp]

What do you all run for fishing line in the winter walleye fishing? I've been running fire line on a couple of reels usually 6-10lb line because I get sick of having fish snap my line. I've always had success with this line during early ice, but I am looking to go to a lighter line in hopes of catching more fish this time of year. Anyone have any suggestions? Not sure if switching line will help but I'm willing to try it, the last couple of weekends have been really really slow. 

Adapt or accept mid winter blues?? 

 

[monstermoose78]

4 or 6 pound mono

[eyeguy 54]

I like 6 for the eyes and very important to have the drag set right. They should not snap your line. 

[Jim Panfish Uran]

Mono will decrease your rods sensitivity, I'd stick with 10lb fireline and run a nice long mono or flouro leader if you're worried about the 'eyes seeing your line. 

[AlwaysFishing23]

7 minutes ago, eyeguy 54 said:

I like 6 for the eyes and very important to have the drag set right. They should not snap your line. 

 

Same. Never snapped a fish off using 6. If I'm using bigger spoons or something I may use 8 but not if it's really clear. And for a dead stick or bobber rod I like 8 for that.

[Wanderer]

I spend enough time bare icing it that I prefer to stick with mono to avoid freezing problems.

 

I usually have 6 or 8lb mono on my walleye rigs, depending on what I'm planning on fishing with.

 

Like Eyeguy states, use your drag.  It's ok to have it a little tight for the hookset but once you get a feel for the size of fish you have on, loosen it and take your time bringing them in.  Don't force the issue at the hole too much but keep the tension on.

[Hawg]

I use 10# Power Pro and a swivel with a couple feet of 8# mono. 

[Cliff Wagenbach]

Like everyone has said, set your drag right!

I use 8# test mono in the winter to avoid icing problems when I am outside the house.

8# or 10# suffix  braid inside for jigging.

Cliff

[Borch]

Some of these reels have sticky drags and if you don't use the right grease they get really stiff when they get cold.  I've been using Cal's low temp grease,(very light coat) or running them dry on my winter reels.  Helps a lot.

[Holy carp]

Thanks guys!! I'm almost always on top of my drag, it's more the occasional pike that snaps the line I think. I had a guy tell me to go to 2lb mono this time of year for walleye because they are seeing the thicker lines and not taking the bait based on that, but 2lb test is like trying to give me directions in mandarin, I dont pan fish so I have never used anything less then 6lb line, and honestly I would think a cigar would have a chance at snapping 2lb line. 

Anyone care to tell some tricks or tips they have for mid winter walleye? This dog can and will welcome new tricks anytime they are offered!! 

[theharvester]

Use the backwind .once you use it you wont go back .

[Hawg]

2# is a pain to use plus it's too light for walleyes

[Borch]

Personally I don't see a need for 2lb for eyes and rarely use it for panfish.  The 3lb hi vis stuff I use is hard enough to see.  If you concerned about fish see the line run 6lb flouro leader.  It's invisible in the water.

[Wanderer]

4 hours ago, Holy carp said:

Thanks guys!! I'm almost always on top of my drag, it's more the occasional pike that snaps the line I think. I had a guy tell me to go to 2lb mono this time of year for walleye because they are seeing the thicker lines and not taking the bait based on that, but 2lb test is like trying to give me directions in mandarin, I dont pan fish so I have never used anything less then 6lb line, and honestly I would think a cigar would have a chance at snapping 2lb line. 

Anyone care to tell some tricks or tips they have for mid winter walleye? This dog can and will welcome new tricks anytime they are offered!! 

 

The hook sets on walleyes with 2lb mono leave a lot to be desired.  You'll lose as many fish as you land.

 

Do what Borch suggests if you're worried about line being visible.  You can also try downsizing your presentation if you're in clear water.  Set lines have been working better than jigging for us lately.  And the bigger fish have been grabbing the smaller minnows.

 

Cant say that's the case everywhere but it's been that way for us.

[hardcore365]

4 hours ago, Holy carp said:

Thanks guys!! I'm almost always on top of my drag, it's more the occasional pike that snaps the line I think. I had a guy tell me to go to 2lb mono this time of year for walleye because they are seeing the thicker lines and not taking the bait based on that, but 2lb test is like trying to give me directions in mandarin, I dont pan fish so I have never used anything less then 6lb line, and honestly I would think a cigar would have a chance at snapping 2lb line. 

Anyone care to tell some tricks or tips they have for mid winter walleye? This dog can and will welcome new tricks anytime they are offered!! 

6lb fluoro ice line on my dead stick rod 

6lb ice braid on my jigging rods

4lb fluoro ice on my panfish rod

 

mid winter walleyes you say...

be quiet when in shallow

drill your holes well ahead of prime time 

stay away from groups (me personally I just don't like to fish in a group anyways) 

slow your roll and pay attention to mood of the fish. This time of year you might only get one shot at a fish and you better be able to make it bite. 

Think of early spring spots that hold eyes and start around there.