Soft-water walleye fishing is an extremely popular activity across the Midwest. In Minnesota, chasing walleyes is a common everyday experience that I enjoy on a regular basis.

While most walleye anglers have their tried-and-true techniques, it is always possible to tweak traditional presentations and try something new once in a while. I am a big believer in learning from others.

The live bait rig is perhaps the most classic walleye presentation. One of the simplest ways to increase your walleye odds is to use fluorocarbon material for your leaders. Fluorocarbon is less visible in the water than traditional monofilament line, and it does make a difference. Six-pound-test leaders are ideal.

I have also come to believe in using long leaders. All of my leaders are 5 to 6 feet long. Separating the weight from the hook is a game changer. 

I often use a colored bead above my hook. Red or chartreuse works the best for me. Red number 6 hooks work well for leeches and ‘crawlers while size 4 hooks are my choice when using larger minnows. If my hook is getting fouled with moss or weeds, I switch to a floating jighead. 

When fishing a live bait rig, do not drag the sinker on the bottom. Instead, touch bottom with the weight, then raise it off bottom. This simple technique reduces snags and definitely increases bites.

I also have become a big believer in using some type of no-snag weight when fishing rocky areas. These longer weights ride over snags more efficiently and come loose easier when a snag occurs. Several companies make them.

Boat speed is important when using live bait rigs. I try to keep my speed at .5 to .8 mph. If I know I am going through a school of fish, I may slow down even more, and even hover above them. 

One of my favorite walleye presentations is a “slow death” rig with a bottom bouncer. Walleyes seem to live the spinning hook and ‘crawler. I use a variety of blades with a slow death hook. Standard spinner blades work, but I prefer the Smile blade option most of the time. I troll these rigs at a speed of 1 to 1.5 mph. 

Half a ‘crawler is by far the best bait option with slow death hooks, but I will also thread on minnows and leeches. A piece of plastic with a small chunk of ‘crawler also works well at times.

Even though I may be targeting walleyes with a slow death presentation, I find that other species like the appeal of this rig. Bass, northerns, big sunfish and even crappies hit a slow death rig.

Don’t ignore spinner rigs when summer walleye angling. The flash, color and vibration all play a part in attracting strikes. I prefer ‘crawlers with a two-hook harness, but single hooks with minnows or leeches can also be deadly. I tie many of my own rigs which, gives me a good wintertime project, but also allows me to vary leader length and line weight to my own preference. I still like 5- to 6-foot leaders most of the time

Tweaking standard presentations is a common practice for the people I fish with, as is trying something entirely new. Sometimes, little changes in presentation can be a game changer. 

If what I am doing is not working, what is the harm in tying something a little different?