Walleye Fishing: A Beginner Angler's Guide to the Walleye

In case you have never been fishing before and it's your first time, many of your knowledgeable fishing friends will probably advocate to go fishing for Walleye. It is a very well-liked fish, and also the state fish of Minnesota, is also an achievement to catch it. Once you are able to get one its worth all the effort. Here are some fascinating things you might want to know about the walleye:

Getting to know the Walleye

The other names given to the Walleye, or Sander Vitreus, are Walleyed pike, yellow Walleye, Pickerel or yellow Pike even it is no relative of Pikes or Pickerels. This fish with numerous names is a native of Canada, even though it also found in many northern parts of the United States. You can say it is the North American cousin of Europe's Pike Perch.

What do Walleye look like?

Walleye is a sleek looking beautiful fish that grows to about 30 to 36 inches in length. There looks is more or less like the Perch. They are said to have a weight of almost 10 to 15 lbs. or 5 to 7 kgs, there may be some who are heavier. For example, if you catch a Walleye in the state of Montana, it can weigh more than 16 lbs. and can be around 36 inches in length. They have a huge mouth which is packed with sharp teeth.

The color of Walleye is a mixture of gold and olive and the middle part is generally olive, and the color slowly turns golden at the flanks. The bottom of the fish is white, with dark saddle on the upper side.

For this fish the female Walleye is more likely to be bigger compared to males. The growing speed depends on the area and the food they get. For instance Walleye found in southern regions are inclined to grow larger and faster than others.

Walleye are old geezers, and are able to live for 10 years or even more. In fact, believe it or not, the longest living Walleye recorded lived to be 29. This can only be possible in regions where the fish population is untouched. Though, in places where there is a lot of fishing the fishes don't survive for more than 4 or 5 years.

Why Walleye?

There is a reason for the fish being named Walleye; underneath its eye surface there is a layer that collects light and its eyes reflect this light. As a result the fish is able to see even in areas where there is very little light. This also explains the reason that why Walleye can stay in deep water. This has been noticed by many anglers who typically fish for Walleye during dusk or at night, and this is the time for feeding also.

Walleye also have the capability to see well in rough or breaking water, and it goes to catch the prey. Due to this reason many fish catchers go into the rough water.