Perfect Pitching and a Few Other Tips for Out Fishing Your Buddies

Want to out Fish your Friends try these Tips

 Trolling for walleye early in the season can lead to some fast pace fishing, but as the water gets warmer, the weed beds get thicker, and the most aggressive fish come out of the water and into frying pans, it is often necessary to turn to your finesse game in order to keep catching walleye. 

 Many top anglers claim that pitching is the key to catching big walleye at any point in the season, especially in weed choked waters and around structure that cannot be approached without spooking fish.  Although jigs are often used for pitching, slip bobbers, rigs, and lures can be effective as well.

However, to master pin-point pitching and get the edge on your friends, you should practice a little before you hit the water, as well as pick up a pair of glare-reducing polarized glasses that will help you see more walleye and structure.  A few things that will give you a further edge are highly visible, but natural looking line (sometimes you can see the strike before you feel it) and a hook sharpener. 

Pitching Technique

The idea of a pitching, unlike flipping (a similar method used in bass fishing), is to place the bait quietly where you want it, since walleye are easily startled.  Unlike flipping, you do not need to hold the lure in your other hand.  In fact, it is much like a side arm cast that uses the flexibility of your pole tip to send your lure sailing level with the water’s surface.
The best lakes in Michigan for Walleye

Simply tip the rod down toward the water with 10-24 inches of line out beyond the pole’s tip.  Trip your bail, but keep your index finger or thumb on the line so it does not drop into the water.  Swing your arm down and back, allowing the lure to swing backwards, slightly bending the rod tip.  Then, bring your arm forward and up, in the direction you want to cast, while snapping your wrist upward.  As the lure is flung forward, release your grasp on the line and let it fly.  This should create a flat trajectory for the lure, keeping it close to the water.  Just as the lure is about to hit the water, feather or stop the line coming out of your reel so it slows drastically and drops silently into the water, hopefully in front of a large, aggressive walleye. 

Practice Makes Perfect

By bending a hook, removing the barb, or using a weedless setup, you can practice this technique in your back yard or even on your lunch break.  All you need is your pole, an appropriately weighted jig, and something flat to use as a target. 

When you practice, focus on form, a soft drop, and don’t forget to use the various setups and weights you’re likely to use, since they’re probably won’t fly the same.

Developing an accurate pitch will add another weapon to your walleye-fishing arsenal, helping to ensure that you can hone in on walleyes and out-fish your buddies regardless of the season.