Subtlety is Key- Approaching Wary Walleye with Capt. Brandon Stanton
Don’t overthink it- Subtle & Simple
It’s no major discovery to claim that walleye are notorious for being fussy to bite. When it comes to targeting particular fish, sometimes the simplest, old-school techniques provide the perfect solution. Captain Brandon Stanton of Team Gunsmoke Sport Fishing has proven that relying on straight-forward methods can turn challenging conditions into successful trips on the hard water. When walleye are acting like this, expect them to be laying close to the bottom, rooting their snouts around the bottom for bugs and minnows.
During these periods, anglers can have a tendency to answer one extreme with another by aggressive jigging with bold, loud, flashy lures to “fire em up” or muster up a reaction strike. While sometimes that may be the case, for the most part this practice is believed to intimidate more fish than it attracts. Instead, adopting a subtle, minimalistic approach can demonstrate natural forage and coax even the cautious walleye into biting. The lesson boils down to the importance of understanding their sluggish behavior and adjusting the presentation accordingly.
“It feels extra rewarding when you know you can crack the code!”- Capt. Brandon
By threading a minnow through the mouth, out of the gill plate, and securing it again through the back above the dorsal fin, you create a flat, lifelike presentation that mimics a distressed minnow festering along the bottom. Captain Stanton uses a VMC Sleek Jig for this style of fishing. With the designed extra-long shank and technical locking curve, this setup capitalizes on the walleye’s instinct to opportunistically strike easy prey without appearing overly aggressive or unnatural. The slim profile of the jig, combined with the natural motion of a minnow threaded on the hook, is a simple sirens call to tempting these bottom-oriented fish into biting. The subtle movement resembles a minnow slowly stirring up the bottom sediment, giving the impression of an easy meal. It’s a simple yet highly effective way to entice stubborn walleyes when they’re hunkered down low.
To complete this setup, a medium-powered ice rod paired with 8lb fluorocarbon line provides the perfect balance of sensitivity and strength. A rod of this power allows for delicate control of the jig’s action, while the fluorocarbon ensures stealth in clear water, where walleyes are often the most cautious. Patience and precision are key with this approach, as it relies more on the natural presentation than frequent jigging. This classic combination of simple gear and straightforward techniques is a testament to how going back to basics can solve modern fishing challenges anglers periodically expereince. When the bite is tough, resisting the urge to overcomplicate your presentation and focusing on natural, time-tested methods can make all the difference in turning a slow day into a memorable one
Simple Solution-
View from the underside of the minnow. Run the hook point through the mouth and out of one of the gill plates, spin the hook 90 degrees, and push the hookpoint in between the spine and the swim bladder. This method enables minimal damage to the bait so it still moves slighly underwater.
Captain Brandon Stanton has been fishing Lake Huron/Saginaw Bay for about three decades. He is respected by industry professionals with his reputation for successful guide trips and diverse background of experience in fishing the Great Lakes. He can be contacted below for charter services in 2025 for ice fishing Saginaw Bay walleye, Detroit River jigging trips in the spring, or big water trolling through the summer months and beyond.
All photos shared within this article are property of B. & L. Stanton of Team Gunsmoke Sportfishing and have been used with permission for purposes.
Team Gunsmoke Sportfishing:
Cell #: (989) 963-0215.
Email: teamgunsmokesportfishing@yahoo.com.
Tackle Cited:
1.) VMC Sleek Jig,
2.) Plueger President® Fenwick®Elite Tech™ Ice Combo,