I will let you in on a three to seven inch secret. These lures are catching more than their fair share of giant walleyes as well!

The phenomenal growth, and the resulting interest created by organizations such as the In-Fisherman Professional Walleye Trail has been responsible for what can be best described as a deluge of myth busting revelations. Yes, it is now all right to say that walleye do, and always did reside in weeds, beside stumps and logs, among pencil reeds, throughout bull rushes, under docks. Yes and depending on when you fish, even in open water, and the list goes on.

These facts continue to plague many anglers. For years they were lead to believe that if you were not fishing near a shoal, rapids, or rocks, you were probably wasting your time. Although breakthroughs primarily on location factors have stolen the limelight, there have also been dramatic changes in lures and their presentations.

The use of planer boards, or deep trolling with lead-core line, have become part of the successful modern day walleye angler's arsenal. Eventhough just a few years back these items were almost religiously reserved for the salmon and trout angler. There are literally tons of new jighead designs, spinner rigs, blade finishes and bottom bouncers. Let's not forget the one that shows up in almost every picture containing a big walleye, 'The Crankbait'.

My love for crankbaits is no secret when it comes-to bassin'. But I will let you in on a three to seven inch secret. These lures are catching more than their fair share of giant walleyes as well! Although crankbaits are consistent tools for the troller, try concentrating your efforts on casting cranks when the conditions are prime. The ideal conditions will usually be overcast days with a bit of a chop on the surface to help breakdown light penetration. Other times of low light, such as early morning or right at dusk, can be particularly successful ones for the crankbait angler. All of the above are conditions that will usually spur feeding activity and prompt walleyes to roam away from cover, making them more vulnerable to your presentation.