Watch Jeremy Smith and Ty Sjodin deploy classic walleye tactics at beautiful Manotak Lodge on Perrault Lake in the heart of Sunset Country, Ontario.
Rapala Jigging Raps and jigs rigged with soft plastics have proven to be some of the best bait options for catching walleyes. Watch Jeremy Smith and Ty Sjodin cover lots of water to catch loads of walleyes using the new popular color options. A four-star fishing lodge with a reputation for fantastic trophy fishing, quality accommodations, excellent meals and friendly service. Nestled on the shores of beautiful Perrault Lake are modern guest cottages, accommodating from two to twelve each. We immaculately maintain our buildings, grounds, and boats, while our proficient staff takes care of your every need.
For Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Whitefish, Perch and Muskie, Perrault Lake has over 50 miles of shoreline and is directly connected to Cedar Lake which has an additional 67 miles of shoreline. Both lakes are 9500 acres and provide excellent fishing. We provide contour maps of both Perrault Lake and Cedar Lake that illustrate water depths, underwater structure and other helpful information. Steve will advise you of the current hot spots and will assist you with your choice of lures and rigging.
In this article, we will be discussing some high-speed walleye tactics that we used during our fishing trip at Manotak Lodge. We experimented with different baits and techniques to catch these elusive fish. One of the most effective baits we used was the jigging wrap, which proved to be a game-changer. We also utilized the power of technology to locate and target walleyes in various conditions. So, let’s dive in and explore these tactics in detail!
High-Speed Walleye Tactics: Jigging Raps
The Jigging Rap is an incredible bait that mimics a soft plastic minnow profile. It is highly effective in attracting walleyes and can be difficult to beat. During our trip, we used the new scented version of the Big Bite plastics, which proved to be irresistible to walleyes. These baits come in various profiles and are a must-have when fishing in Sunset Country. We found that using two tools, the jig and the jigging wrap, was the key to catching walleyes. The jigging wrap was perfect for covering deeper water, while the jig worked well in shallower areas. When fishing on snaggy rocks, a great technique for shallow jigging is to cast the bait on top of the rock pile and slowly swim it back just a foot or two off the bottom. Occasionally giving it a little snap can entice walleyes to bite. The quarter ounce VMC Hardball Jig paired with the Big Bite Sensation four-inch slim minnow plastic was a deadly combination that walleyes couldn’t resist.
The Perfect Rod for High-Speed Walleye Tactics
We were using the redesigned St. Croix Eyecon series rod specifically designed for jigging wrap fishing. This seven-foot-one medium power moderate-fast action rod provided excellent control and power. The ergonomics of the handle were designed perfectly for this style of fishing, allowing for more control and better hooksets. The rod’s flexibility in the midsection helped to hold onto the fish, making it a deadly tool for jigging wrap fishing.
Choosing the Right Line
There has always been a debate about what line to use when fishing with jigging wraps. Some anglers prefer mono, while others opt for braid. Both have their advantages, but the key factor is the drag system of the reel. With the buttery smooth drag systems of Daiwa reels, we found that we could get away with using braid. Braid offers better control and visibility, allowing us to detect bites more easily. However, mono can also be effective, especially when fishing slack line situations. We used Sufix Advance as our main line for mono and Sufix 832 in hi-vis yellow for braid. The hi-vis line aided in bite detection and helped us unsnag the jigging wraps from rocks more easily.
Fishing with Technology
Fishing in extreme conditions, such as strong winds, can be challenging. However, with the advancements in fishing technology, it has become much easier to fish in these conditions. During our trip, we utilized the LakeMaster map to identify likely fish-holding structures. We then used 2D and side imaging to examine the spots and locate the fish. Side imaging was particularly useful in Canadian lakes with rocky bottoms, as it helped us identify bottom transitions. Once we found a pot of walleyes, we marked a waypoint and dropped the trolling motor to start fishing.
But the real game-changer was the Mega Live forward-facing real-time sonar. This technology allowed us to see our lure fall on the cast and watch the fish respond to it in real-time. It was truly mind-blowing and one of the most amazing things we’ve ever experienced on the water. We could precisely cast to the fish and spot lock using the Mega Live, making fishing in extreme conditions feel like cheating.
The Thrill of Catching Muskie and Walleye
During our trip, we had the opportunity to catch some incredible fish, including muskie and walleye. The jigging wrap proved to be effective in catching both species. The sharp hooks of the jigging wrap required delicate handling to prevent them from popping out of the fish’s mouth. The buttery smooth drag systems of our reels, particularly the Daiwa reels, provided confidence in our gear and ensured that the fish didn’t break our line.
The Importance of Color Selection
When it comes to jigging wraps, color selection can play a significant role in attracting walleyes. While we didn’t have a favorite color, we found that starting with something bright and then switching to something natural worked well. Rapple offers a range of colors for Jigging Rap, including cool Great Lakes trolling-style baits. Experimenting with different colors can help you find what works best in your fishing location.
Conclusion
Our fishing trip at Manotak Lodge was a thrilling experience filled with high-speed walleye tactics. We discovered the power of jigging wraps, which proved to be a game-changer in attracting walleyes. The combination of the jig and the jigging wrap was highly effective, with the scented version of the Big Bite plastics being irresistible to walleyes. The St. Croix Eyecon series rod designed specifically for jigging wrap fishing provided excellent control and power.
Choosing the right line for jigging wraps is a matter of personal preference, but we found that braid, specifically Sufix 832 in hi-vis yellow, offered better control and visibility. The hi-vis line aided in bite detection and made it easier to unsnag the jigging wraps from rocks. Fishing in extreme conditions was made easier with the help of technology. The LakeMaster map, 2D, and side imaging allowed us to locate fish-holding structures and identify bottom transitions. The Mega Live forward-facing real-time sonar was a game-changer, allowing us to see our lure fall and watch the fish respond in real-time.
During our trip, we had the thrill of catching muskie and walleye using the jigging wrap. The sharp hooks required delicate handling, and the smooth drag systems of our reels ensured that the fish didn’t break our line. Color selection played a significant role in attracting walleyes, and experimenting with different colors can help find what works best.
Overall, our fishing trip at Manotak Lodge was a bucket-list experience. The abundance of giant walleyes in Perrault Lake made it a paradise for walleye enthusiasts. Whether you’re targeting big walleyes or looking to catch a ton of eater-sized walleyes, this lake has it all. The jigging wrap proved to be one of the most effective tools for catching walleye, and the advancements in fishing technology, such as the Mega Live sonar, made fishing in extreme conditions feel like
