When fishing the edges, I like to use a lead-head jig and Berkley Power grub. I find I can cover the area much more thoroughly. If the fish are really active however, and are relating to the emergent weed growth, I want to cover as much water as possible looking for aggressive fish and I'll do that by chucking a #7 or #9 Rapala Shad Rap.

As the morning progresses, light levels will change and so will my presentation. When walleye are off the weed edges and points they are relatively active, which means a larger strike zone and willingness to chase down a bait. Once light levels force them into the weeds, their strike window is much smaller and they're in a neutral or negative mood and not likely to pursue or chase down a fast moving bait.

These fish can still be caught, as long as the presentation is slow, very slow. As far as slow presentations go, there's nothing that will produce more Walleyes than vertical jigging. I'll dunk the weed pockets just inside the weed edge with a jig and power grub, tipped with a minnow or a piece of dew worm. I'm convinced that any time you're faced with a situation where you have to leave the bait in front of a fish for a period of time to get it to react to it, adding scent to your lure or the real thing will tip the odds in your favor. For dunking, I prefer a 7 to 8 foot Shimano spinning rod with a quick tip and stiff butt. I'll spool up with 8 lb. Berkley Trimax and use the lightest jig head that I can remain in contact with, yet still be able to get down and fish just up off the bottom.

Line-watching is important in this style of fishing because most of your pickups will come on the fall. Be alert, and watch for any twitch, hesitation or movement on your line. If the line moves, or doesn't feel right when you go to lift it, set the hook.

If I happen to be out just after a cold front has passed through, I'll probe and concentrate on the inside turns rather than the points. And I'll slow down. I'll try and keep the bait in front of the fish for as long as I can before picking it up and making another cast. It's during this period (cold front conditions) that the strike zone or strike window is incredibly small and fishing can be tough. The fish are still there but are inactive and tighter to cover. However, they are still catchable. Being able to recognize the conditions you are faced with prior to getting out on the water will definitely help. During cold front conditions, you may only get 6 or 7 pickups the entire day, but if you prepare yourself mentally, you'll be able to stick with it, knowing that it may be a long time between bites.

Fishing the weeds here in southern Ontario is productive; the fish are there, and they're predictable. Have a great summer and don't get bogged down...

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