5 Best Walleye Lures for Shore Fishing: Maximize Your Catch

When you buy through link on this site, we may earn a commission. Learn more

So, what are the best Walleye lures for shore fishing? Fishing from the Shore? Learn How to Make Walleyes Jump into Your Bucket!

We’ve all been there. You’re telling fish tales to your buddies, and everyone’s showing off their latest catch. Then there’s you, staring at an empty bucket and a disapproving worm, while your friends have walleyes practically leaping into their arms. ????????

But fret not, shore-bound angler! Your days of empty buckets and sarcastic worms are about to end. We’re about to unveil the top five lures that’ll have you competing in the “who caught the biggest walleye” league in no time. Ready to make your fishing game go viral? ???? Let’s dive in!

The 5 Best Walleye Lures for Shore Fishing

If you’re looking to score some walleye while shore fishing, you’ll need to use the right lures. Here are 5 of the best walleye lures for shore fishing:

  #1   Keitech Fat Swing Impact  

Keitech Fat Swing Impact

The Keitech Fat Swing Impact is a versatile soft bait that can be used for a variety of different fishing techniques. The bait’s unique shape and design allows it to swim with a side-to-side action that is sure to attract the attention of any fish in the area. This walleye fishing lure is made with high quality materials and construction that make it durable enough to withstand even the most aggressive strikes. Whether you are fishing for bass, trout, or other freshwater fish, the Keitech Impact is sure to help you land the big one!

  #2   Berkley Flicker Shad Fishing Hard Bait  

Berkley Flicker Shad Fishing Hard Bait

Tis bait is perfect for anglers who want to land big fish. This durable and realistic bait is designed to swim at depths of 6-8 feet, making it ideal for targeting large predators such as bass, walleye, pike, and muskie. The black gold coloration is perfect for attracting attention in murky waters, while the 4cm size ensures that this bait will be irresistible to even the biggest fish like walleye.

  #3   Berkley Gulp Alive Minnow Fishing Soft Bait  

Berkley Gulp Alive Minnow Fishing Soft Bait

The Berkley Gulp Alive Minnow Fishing Soft Bait is a great alternative to live bait, offering better durability and long lasting results. These baits have a natural presentation in action, scent, and taste, making them irresistible to fish. With 400x more scent dispersion than plastic baits, the Gulp! Alive! Minnows will help you expand your strike zone and catch more fish.

  #4   High-Strength Fishing Ball Bearing Swivel  

High-Strength Fishing Ball Bearing Swivel

Looking for a reliable and high-quality ball bearing swivel for your next fishing trip? Look no further than the High-Strength Fishing Ball Bearing Swivel with Coastlock Snap. These swivels are made of high quality materials and construction, meaning they will withstand even the most strenuous fishing conditions. The corrosion-resistant black and silver finish will keep your swivels looking new, while the welded ring provides superior strength. With multiple sizes to choose from, you’ll be able to find the perfect ball bearing swivel for any fishing situation.

  #5   Dr.Fish 3 Way Swivel Fishing Tackle  

Dr.Fish 3 Way Swivel Fishing Tackle

The Dr.Fish 3 Way Swivel is a versatile and durable fishing tackle that provides a heavy pound test and is made of high-strength stainless steel. It’s nickel-plated for added durability, has a strong tensile force, and can reduce the tangles and twists in your line, even in strong water currents. The three-way design allows you to fish with two baits on one line, or drop a sinker and free float your bait. The swivel also rotates smoothly, making it an efficient choice for catching trout, walleye, pike, and catfish.

Each of these lures has its own advantages, so experiment and see which ones work best for you. Live bait is always a good option when fishing for walleye, but jigs and spoons can also be very effective. Crankbaits are a good choice if you’re fishing in deeper water.

Different Types of Walleye Lures

There are many different types of walleye lures, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Here is a rundown of some of the most popular walleye lures:

Crankbaits: The Versatile Choice

Often resembling small fish, crankbaits come in various shapes and sizes. Their built-in wobbling motion, paired with reflective surfaces, makes them irresistible to walleye. They dive to different depths, ensuring you target walleye wherever they may lurk.

Jigs: The Essential Walleye Lure

Almost every angler’s toolbox contains jigs. Their simplicity – a lead-weighted head combined with a hook – belies their effectiveness. The secret? Their diverse application. Whether tipped with live bait or soft plastics, jigs consistently lure walleye in various conditions.

Pro tip: Don’t just cast and hope for the best. These lures love a bit of action. Think of them as the rockstars of your tackle box – they want to jump, dive, and put on a show!

Spinner Rigs: Flash and Vibration

Perfect for covering large water areas, spinner rigs produce enticing vibrations and flash as they move. When paired with live bait, they become even more effective, mimicking the movement and look of prey that walleye can’t resist.

Soft Plastics: The Realistic Temptation

Often used with jigs, soft plastics imitate the texture and movement of live bait. From worms to minnows, their lifelike designs paired with strategic retrieval techniques make them highly effective, especially in clear waters.

Spoons: The Shimmering Attraction

Spoons offer a unique combination of flash and wobble. Their curved bodies reflect light and create a fluttering motion, simulating injured prey. While heavier versions dive deeper, lightweight spoons stay near the surface, allowing you to target walleyes at different depths.

Slip Bobbers: The Patient Approach

For anglers who prefer a more passive approach, slip bobbers are a must. They suspend your bait at the desired depth and are particularly effective during spawning seasons when walleye stay close to the bottom.

How to Fish with a Walleye Lure

If you’re looking to snag a walleye while shore fishing, using the right lure is key. Here are some tips on using a walleye lure to help you get bites and land fish.

Use a bright-colored or flashy lure

Walleyes are attracted to shiny objects, so using a lure that’s brightly colored or has a lot of flash can help you get their attention.

Choose a baitfish-shaped lure

Walleyes typically feed on smaller fish, so using a lure that’s shaped like a baitfish can be effective in getting their attention and triggering a strike.

Use scent or flavor attractants

Adding scent or flavor to your lure can also help attract walleyes and trigger strikes. You can find scented and flavored lures at most tackle shops.

Vary your retrieves

When fishing with a walleye lure, it’s important to mix up your retrieves to see what the fish are responding to. Try different speeds, depths, and patterns until you find something that works.

Tips for Using Walleye Lures: Mastering the Art of the Catch

Walleye fishing is as much about skill as it is about using the right tools. Lures can significantly impact your success rate, but knowing how to use them effectively is crucial. Here are some expert tips to ensure you’re maximizing the potential of your walleye lures.

Match the Hatch:

Always observe the natural prey in the waters you’re fishing. Try to match your lure’s size, shape, and color to the local baitfish or forage. This increases the odds of walleye taking interest in what you’re offering.

Experiment with Colors:

While natural colors often work best, don’t hesitate to switch things up on cloudy days or in murky waters. Bright colors like chartreuse, orange, or neon can be more visible in these conditions.

Vary Your Retrieval Speed:

Walleye can be unpredictable. If one retrieval speed isn’t getting bites, try slowing down or speeding up. Incorporate pauses or jerks to mimic an injured fish.

Adjust Lure Depth:

Walleye are known to change depths based on water temperature, light conditions, and prey availability. Using a variety of diving lures, bottom bouncers, or weighted jigs ensures you present your lure at different depths.

Sharpen Your Hooks:

A sharp hook increases the chances of a successful catch. Regularly check and sharpen your hooks to ensure they penetrate effectively when a walleye strikes.

Use Scented Baits:

Enhance your soft plastics or jigs with fish attractants or scented baits. The added scent can sometimes make the difference, especially in colder waters where walleye rely more on their sense of smell.

Observe the Water Clarity:

In clear waters, walleye are more likely to be spooked by unnatural presentations. Opt for more natural, subtle colors. In stained or murky waters, however, brighter, more vibrant lures can be more effective.

Take Note of Weather Patterns:

Walleye activity often increases with incoming weather fronts. Before or after storms, try using more aggressive lures and techniques.

Don’t Ignore Live Bait:

While artificial lures are versatile, sometimes live bait is the key, especially when walleye are more passive. Rig live bait with jigs or spinner rigs for optimal presentation.

Be Patient and Adaptive:

While certain lures and techniques might be successful one day, they might not work the next. Always be ready to adapt based on the conditions and the walleye’s behavior.

Final Thought

When shore fishing for walleye, always remember to survey the environment. Identify potential hiding spots, like underwater structures or vegetation, and cast your lures accordingly. With the right lure and a bit of patience, you’ll be well-equipped to land a fantastic catch from the shore.

Remember, fishing isn’t just about the catch. It’s about the tranquility of nature, the thrill of the chase, and the stories you’ll tell. And as the legendary fishing enthusiast, Anonymous, once said:

Fishing is not an escape from life, but often a deeper immersion into it.

Now, go out there and make some waves, my shore-bound champions! ????????????