Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Tour, May 28-31
According to Wal-Mart RCL Walleye Tour pro Jeff Taege of Rhinelander, Wis., one of three baits will be the key to bringing home the trophy in this $346,000 event on giant Lake Erie near Port Clinton, Ohio. Taege definitely knows his stuff: He has fished the RCL Tour since its inception and was a semifinalist in last year’s championship.
The baits he is referring to are the Normark Husky Jerk, Normark Down Deep Husky Jerk and the Storm Deep Junior Thunderstick. But, as Taege is quick to point out, just knowing the bait won’t help much if anglers don’t know what colors to use.
Taege says the water on Erie will be in one of three categories of clarity: clear, milky or stained. This clarity will be dictated by weather conditions and location on the lake, and naturally, successful bait colors will depend on the water.
In clear water, he recommends natural colors like shiner, perch and shad. Fish these at about 15 feet for the best results. If the water is milky, go to brighter colors like chartreuse, clown and fire-tiger. Finally, in muddy conditions, use loud colors with loud rattles, and be sure to use scented attractants.
During late May, walleyes will be making their move from Toledo and Bass Islands back to the east as they follow the forage.
Links:
Pro field
Co-angler field
Tournament details and payouts
Pre-tournament press release