Jump to content
  • GUESTS

    If You  want access  to member only forums on FM, You will need to Sign-in or  Sign-Up now .

    This box will disappear once you are signed in as a member.

What # test line to use?


Holy carp

Recommended Posts

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?? 

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

4 or 6 pound mono

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Builders

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

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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. 

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

  • Thumbs Up 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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!! 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 'we have more fun' FishingMN Creators

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.

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

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.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

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. 

  • Thumbs Up 2
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.



  • Similar Content

  • Your Responses - Share & Have Fun :)

    • jparrucci
      Very low, probably 2 feet lower than last year at ice out.
    • mbeyer
      what do they look like this spring?
    • SkunkedAgain
      I might have missed a guess, but here are the ones that I noted:   JerkinLips – March 27th, then April 7th Brianf. – March 28th Bobberwatcher – April…. MikeG3Boat – April 10th SkunkedAgain – early April, then April 21st   Definitely a tough year for guesses, as it seemed to be a no-brainer early ice out. Then it got cold and snowed again.
    • mbeyer
      MN DNR posted April 13 as Ice out date for Vermilion
    • Brianf.
      ^^^45 in the morning and 47 in the evening
    • CigarGuy
      👍. What was the water temp in Black Bay? Thanks....
    • Brianf.
      No, that wasn't me.  I drive a 621 Ranger. 
    • CigarGuy
      So, that was you in the camo lund? I'm bummed, I have to head back to the cities tomorrow for a few days, then back up for at least a few weeks. Got the dock in and fired up to get out chasing some crappies till opener!
    • LakeofthewoodsMN
      On the south end...   Lots of ice on the main basin, but it is definitely deteriorating.  Some anglers have been fishing the open water at the mouth of the Rainy River in front of the Lighthouse Gap.  The rest of the basin is still iced over. Pike enthusiasts caught some big pike earlier last week tip up fishing in pre-spawn areas adjacent to traditional spawning areas.  8 - 14' of water using tip ups with live suckers or dead bait such as smelt and herring has been the ticket.  Ice fishing for all practical purposes is done for the year. The focus for the basin moving forward will be pike transitioning into back bays to spawn,  This is open water fishing and an opportunity available as the pike season is open year round on Lake of the Woods. The limit is 3 pike per day with one being able to be more than 40 inches. All fish 30 - 40 inches must be released. With both the ice fishing and spring fishing on the Rainy River being so good, many are looking forward to the MN Fishing Opener on Saturday, May 11th.  It should be epic. On the Rainy River...  An absolutely incredible week of walleye and sturgeon fishing on the Rain Rainy River.     Walleye anglers, as a rule, caught good numbers of fish and lots of big fish.  This spring was one for the books.   To follow that up, the sturgeon season is currently underway and although every day can be different, many boats have caught 30 - 40 sturgeon in a day!  We have heard of fish measuring into the low 70 inch range.  Lots in the 60 - 70 inch range as well.   The sturgeon season continues through May 15th and resumes again July 1st.   Oct 1 - April 23, Catch and Release April 24 - May 7, Harvest Season May 8 - May 15, Catch and Release May 16 - June 30, Sturgeon Fishing Closed July 1 - Sep 30, Harvest Season If you fish during the sturgeon harvest season and you want to keep a sturgeon, you must purchase a sturgeon tag for $5 prior to fishing.    One sturgeon per calendar year (45 - 50" inclusive, or over 75"). Most sturgeon anglers are either a glob of crawlers or a combo of crawlers and frozen emerald shiners on a sturgeon rig, which is an 18" leader with a 4/0 circle hook combined with a no roll sinker.  Local bait shops have all of the gear and bait. Up at the NW Angle...  Open water is continuing to expand in areas with current.  The sight of open water simply is wetting the pallet of those eager for the MN Fishing Opener on May 11th.   A few locals were on the ice this week, targeting pike.  Some big slimers were iced along with some muskies as well.  If you like fishing for predators, LOW is healthy!  
    • Brianf.
      Early bird gets the worm some say...   I have it on good authority that this very special angler caught no walleyes or muskies and that any panfish caught were released unharmed.        
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

By using this site, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. We have placed cookies on your device to help make this website better. You can adjust your cookie settings, otherwise we'll assume you're okay to continue.