In this video, professional angler Doug Wegner shares his expertise on selecting and modifying lures for spring walleye fishing on Green Bay. He emphasizes the importance of tailoring your tackle to improve performance and stand out from other anglers.
Featured Tackle
- LIPLESS CRANKBAIT – Rapala Rippin’ Rap: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- HAIR JIG 1 – VMC Bucktail Jig: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- HAIR JIG 2 – VMC Moon Tail Jig – Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- STINGER HOOK 1 – VMC Hybrid Treble Hooks, size 8: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- STINGER HOOK 2 – VMC Bladed Hybrid Treble Short Hooks: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- STICKBAIT – Rapala Husky Jerk 14 (Voodoo Haze): Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
- SUSPENSION STRIP – Storm SuspenStrips: Buy at Bass Pro Shops | Buy at Tackle Warehouse | Buy at FishUSA
Rippin’ Rap Modifications
Wegner begins with the Rapala Rippin’ Rap, a staple in Green Bay’s spring walleye scene. Straight out of the package, these lures feature a larger treble hook on the front and a smaller one on the rear. To enhance hook-up ratios and reduce snags from zebra mussels, he recommends swapping the front and back hooks, placing the larger hook at the rear. Additionally, upgrading to VMC Hybrid Treble Hooks can further minimize snagging and improve performance. These hooks have a short shank and a slight inward curve, making them less prone to catching debris. For the #6 Rippin’ Rap, Wegner suggests a # six hook on the back and a #8 on the belly. For the #7, use a #5 on the back and a #6 on the belly. Adding an X-Rap tail or bladed treble hooks can also alter the lure’s fall rate and provide additional flash, which can be effective in enticing bites.
Hair Jigs and Stinger Hooks
Hair jigs, such as the VMC Bucktail Jig and VMC Moon Tail Jig, have gained popularity in recent years. Wegner notes that the bucktail jig, with its round head and shorter profile, closely resembles the gobies prevalent in Green Bay. To further enhance these jigs, he ties his own stinger hooks using VMC Hybrid Treble Hooks in size eight. These hooks feature a wide gap and a strong shank, ensuring a solid hookset. For added attraction, he sometimes incorporates Bladed Hybrid Treble Hooks, providing extra flash and vibration to the presentation.
Crankbait Adjustments
When it comes to crankbaits, particularly the size 14 Rapala Husky Jerk, Wegner employs Storm SuspenStrips to achieve neutral buoyancy. By applying these adhesive lead strips to the underside of the lure, he ensures it suspends at the desired depth, keeping it in the strike zone longer. This modification is especially useful when targeting deeper fish, as it allows the bait to remain in front of them without rising to the surface.
By implementing these lure modifications and understanding the specific conditions of Green Bay during the spring, anglers can significantly increase their success rate when targeting walleye.
