In this video tip, Mark Courts helps breakdown which type of line to use when jigging for walleye.
When to Use Monofilament
When fishing shallow or pitching jigs in a river situation, it’s important to have a rod set up with mono at all times. This is because mono allows the bait to float through the water column. In this situation, Mark will often pair it with a 1/4 oz or 3/16th oz jig. As for size, he will typically use 6 or 8lb XT in a hi-vis color like flame green. However, in a natural lake that’s clear he will switch to a lo-vis green.
When a fish comes up to eat a minnow, they often attack from the back and/or side to grab it. Since mono has stretch, it allows the fish to get the bait fully in its mouth before setting the hook. He also emphasizes when using creek chubs or spot tail shiners to pair mono with a long shank jig and hook the bait by going in the mouth, out the gills, then back up through the belly and out right at the dorsal fin. This allows the bait to swim naturally in the water and float up with the mono.
When to Use Braid
Braid does have its place pitching jigs, especially when vertical jigging due to the low stretch that allows or extreme sensitivity. It also shines when pitching in current where it’s crucial to be able to feel everything going on. For this setup, Mark recommends pairing it with a softer tipped rod to make up for the lack of stretch in the line.
It’s especially important to take advantage of braid when fishing timber or in thick weeds, as the advantage of braid is that it makes it much easier to rip through vegetation.
When pitching smaller, more finesse style, baits, Mark recommends using an 8-10 lb braid with an 8-10 lb fluoro leader. For bigger baits or heavier weeds, he recommends going up to a 14lb braid with a 14-17lb fluoro leader making it easier to rip that bait through.
Ultimately, he recommends having a rod rigged which each type of line so that you are prepared for any situation.
