What are you fishing for? Rapalas are great because they are so versatile for many species (I like the jointed ones) and gulp powerbait is great as well. Again, it all depends on what and how you plan to fish. Other crank baits that I really like include x-raps, shad raps and taildancer (by rapala), pretty much anything by luckycraft (but they are pricey), as well as bomber lures. Strike King, in addition to Berkley, make great soft plastics as well. Again, it all depends upon how you plan to use them. I think if you are more specific, others and myself may be able to better answer your question. Take care and good luck!
Reply by: RUSSKIE Posted: 5/15/2007 8:24:33 AM Points: 45
I have 2 questions about these berkley gulp minnows. 1- Have they been effective for Walleye?......2 what type of jighead are you using with them? The Lindners have been swearing on them lately on the In-Fisherman show, but they are up north and fishing for Walleye there is a lot different than here. Any advise on these gulp minnows would be very much appreciated.
And don't forget the wounded minnow action! As for the question, I don't know about walleyes and I hook it on a buzzbait (both the enhanced scent trail and buzz blade attraction makes this a perfect combo for me).
Russkie, I grew up fishing walleyes in MN and one universal truth is that walleyes will hit plastic jigs whether they be gulp or otherwise (gulp is a very good bait due to its texture, lifelike action and scent). Sometimes (usually in Spring and early Summer) jigs can outfish other baits, sometimes not. Probably the best colors for walleye are chartreuse, white and smoke brown. The first two for low visibility situations and the latter for clear bodies of water. When the fish are really biting, you may not need any live bait. When they are finicky, tipping the jig with minnow, crawler or leech can be effective. As far as lead head size, usually a 1/4 or 3/8 oz. one will work for most situations (unless fishing in deeper water or strong currents, but again the above can be used then as well, it's just in how you make your presentation). Any color of jig head whether silver (lead) can work fine. However, Northland tackle makes a nice minnow immitation lead head jig in a variety of colors (you can find them at Sportman's warehouse). I usually try to match the color of my jig head to the color of the plastic bodied grub/twister tail that I am using. The most important thing is making sure that the hook of the jig goes through the center line of the grub, so that it swims through the water with the proper action. Well, I hope this is of some help. Take care and best of luck!
Thanks for the tips. I actually did learn how to fish for walleye from some friends of mine that were from MN as well. My favorite and most consistant way of catching them in the past few years has been exactly what you said.......casting jigsheads with a grub or twister tail attached, matching jig to body color and making sure you have the plastic body centered on the hook. I will deffinitely be trying the GULP minnows, they just look too good not to try. Thanks again
