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Member No.: 10427
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Walking out from the red squiggly line where would you set up? I was thinking about walking towards the shoal. I would start making holes at the underwater point that leads up to the starting bay. Starting bay is sandy around its edge. Their is a strong flow of water to the northwest. If you recognize the depth map please dont name the area or lake . Thanks
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Member No.: 17206
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If you are concerned, just tie enough leader on of whatever weight you feel appropriate. Walleye can be aggressive and they can be a very soft bite, either way I opt for the least amount of hardware (swivels, etc), braid for main line and swap the leader out as appropriate. Having said that, 10 is probably the max I would go and for the most part I will fish 10lb braid with 6-8lb fluorocarbon leaders. When ice fishing (and this is just my opinion) the fluorocarbon is worth the extra price for its increased abrasion resistance but just in my own experience and watching a lot of videos online to specifically note where the line is contacting the ice (esp lakers), it seems to happen primarily to your main line when the fish is running. Your real risk with light line for leader material is getting bit off or more likely bad knots but some of the biggest fish I have ever caught came on light line so I am far less concerned with a straight line break and far more concerned with making sure the line I do have, especially the leader, gets swapped at any sign there is wear or just because, its cheap insurance. Similarly I will go up in line size for pike leaders, still using fluorocarbon but may opt for weights as high as 80lb but tied to a much lighter main line. In florida we have caught 50-60 pound sharks on 8lb main line this way (but catching shark this way requires a long pole - badumpbump).
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Member No.: 10783
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Ya I always run braid with a 10lb leader. I agree for sure with the abrasion factors. I aways use a long leader 20 feet or more so when the trout run the uniknot is in the bail. Guess Ill rig a few lighter lines try that.
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Thank you everyone for your responses, I appreciate all the help/advice. I agree with others comments on lighter lines being capable catching big fish(not walleye specific). The Last pike I brought through the ice in pic was on a ultra light rod. I got lucky! I had a great hook set in the upper lip. Walleye and pike are toothy fish so I go with flourocarbon leaders. I'm no expert but go with something light and abraision resistant. Thanks again for everyone's contribution to this post.
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Lake dependant, fishing up north i’ve pulled walleyes out of 80’ when targeting trout. Typical rule of thumb is early ice they’re where you left them in the fall or not far. Mid season start to look a little deeper (last i was out 45’ deep water hump). Late season staging for the spawn, shallower reefs (20’ or less) river mouths, entrance to bays with gravel.. where the forage is, the walleye aren’t far behind.
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