Bucktails For Walleye: An Unusual Technique That Catches Big Ones

When fishing grass or off the bottom, vertically jigging bucktails for walleye is a presentation most anglers COMPLETELY overlook. One of those “catch-em-all” baits you can toss at just about any species, bass and walleye anglers have been reaping the benefits of this mainstream saltwater bait in recent years. The bucktail jig features tinsel and hair meant to draw attention from even the most finicky fish, hiding and waiting to strike.

Selecting The Right Location

Bucktails for walleye can be vertically jigged directly below you whether you are on a boat or a dock. Anywhere there is water below you holding fish, they’ll strike a bucktail jig. That being said, there are definitely places you’ll have better luck.The main benefit of a bucktail jig is the added hair. This hair slows the rate of fall, and gives Walters a longer window of opportunity to check it out. Rather than sinking and falling, bucktail jigs glide. Where this comes in handy is murky, high water. When water levels are up or the water is stained, drop a big, bright bucktail jig below your boat. The gliding fall will spread out those hairs, enticing walleye to take a bite.

Bucktails For Walleye In The Grass

Another spot bucktail jigs excel is in the grass. For similar reasons, walleye love to strike bucktail jigs in the grass. When walleye move to weeds and vegetation for their summer homes, they can be a bit more finicky. Tricking them into biting is a little harder, and you need a slower bait to convince them to strike. Rather than switching to a finesse bait or a soft plastic, drop a bucktail jig into the grass. The hairs slow the fall and won’t snag on the vegetation, so you can even swim it through if you’re not in a position to jig it vertically.This tactic works especially well in rivers. When current picks up and walleye have a harder time finding their meals, a slow, flashy tactic like this takes the cake. Fish bucktail jigs when you need to slow down rather than becoming a finesse angler, you won’t regret it!