How to Find Walleyes on Big Water

Brad Hawthorne, a multi-species fishing guide on Mille Lacs Lake, shares his strategies for catching walleye on big water during the fall. He demonstrates how to use electronics and sonar technology to locate and catch walleye efficiently. Hawthorne also discusses why adapting your fishing techniques based on the behavior of the fish and the changing conditions on the water is a crucial component.

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LOCATING WALLEYE WITH MAPPING ELECTRONICS
Finding walleye on expansive lakes requires precision. Hawthorne uses mapping tools like the LakeMaster VX chip to identify key fish-holding areas. The shading features allow him to highlight contours, making it easier to pinpoint walleye hotspots. He stresses that anglers should use technology to adjust their approach based on current conditions, whether it's depth, bottom type, or wind direction.

USING SONAR AND LIVE IMAGING
Once walleye are located with side imaging, Hawthorne switches to live sonar for a closer look. He determines whether to use a spot lock, drift, or pitch technique based on the size of the school. If walleye remain stationary, he deploys live technology to track his lure and watch walleye react in real-time. For mobile schools, he uses side imaging and adjusts his tactics to keep up with the fish. For a more in depth look at how Hawthorne utilizes side imaging, check out this video - Uncover More Walleyes With Sonar Technology: Tips For Success: https://youtu.be/fQ5RBubwkBI

ESSENTIAL GEAR FOR FALL WALLEYE
Hawthorne highlights the need for versatile gear, including forward-facing sonar, 2D chirp sonar, and trolling motors with drift mode. He emphasizes that anglers should use every tool available to maximize their chances on big water. He also touches on jigs and live bait as part of his walleye fishing approach. To learn how Hawthorne chooses jigs and how to present them, check out this video - Jig and Minnow Walleyes | Best Jig Hook Shank Size: https://youtu.be/9ys2LU_wdXM

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