Mastering Vertical Jigging for Walleye: Tips, Gear & Lures That Work

If you’re serious about catching more walleye this season, vertical jigging needs to be in your fishing arsenal. Whether you’re targeting deep structure in open water or ice fishing midwinter, vertical jigging is one of the most effective techniques for enticing stubborn walleye. At Live Two Fish, we design lures and soft plastics built for real results — and vertical jigging is where they shine. 🎣 Why Vertical Jigging Works for Walleye Walleye are notorious for hugging the bottom and striking with subtlety. Vertical jigging gives you direct contact with your bait, keeping you in the strike zone longer while offering precise control of presentation and depth. Whether you’re fishing in 15 feet or 50, this technique delivers. 🧊 When and Where to Jig Vertical jigging for walleye is effective year-round, but especially in: Spring, Fall and Winter: When walleye move deeper and slow down. Post-Spawn Spring: When they’re feeding aggressively on baitfish. Clear Water or Structure Spots: Rock piles, drop-offs, submerged humps, or edges of weed lines. Use electronics to locate fish and hover directly above them — that’s your sweet spot. 🛠️ Essential Gear for Vertical Jigging To get the most out of this technique, you’ll want: Medium-light to medium action rod with a sensitive tip Braided line (8-10 lb) with a fluorocarbon leader Quality jig heads in 1/2 to 1 oz (depending on depth and current) Looking for the perfect jig head? Check out the Fire Perch or Red Rage Jig Head from our shop — proven fish catchers. 🧡 Go-To Lures: Creamsicko & More Soft plastic minnows are a vertical jigging staple. The Midwest Minnow – Creamsicko 4" has become a fan favorite thanks to its split-tail action and irresistible orange-and-white color combo. Pair it with a red or black jig head for that natural wounded baitfish look that walleye love to crush. Other killer vertical jigging baits from Live Two Fish include: Midwest Minnow Eye Candy: A deadly black/Red/Green combo for clear or low-light conditions Ice Ice Baby: Perfect for aggressive bite windows Pickleback: A stealth option when the bite is finicky 🔥 Pro Tips for More Strikes Use subtle movements: Let the jig do the work. Don’t over-jig: Lift and pause, or gently shake just off bottom. Watch your line: Most hits come on the fall or pause. Experiment with colors and sizes: Some days they want flash, some days finesse. 🎯 Wrap-Up: Jig Smarter, Catch More Whether you’re fishing from a boat, kayak, or through the ice, vertical jigging for walleye is a technique that delivers results when done right. Get the right gear, stay above the fish, and trust your feel — the next thump could be your personal best. Ready to level up your vertical jigging game? Shop our full collection of soft plastics, jig heads, and walleye-ready gear at LiveTwoFish.com. Tight lines, The Live Two Fish Team 🎣

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