Spring on the Detroit River is an event that every angler, from seasoned veterans to absolute beginners, should experience at least once. It’s not just great fishing—it's the heart of the walleye world. We host the single biggest walleye migration on the planet as millions of Lake Erie walleye push upstream to spawn.

As your guide with Reel Fishn LLC, I can tell you that when these fish are running, there is only one way to consistently put trophy-class walleye in the boat: vertical jigging.

Hundreds of charter days have taught me hooks are critical. Too often, factory hooks are cheap and inadequate. That's why my summertime go-to, Berkley Flickers on Saginaw Bay, get immediate hook upgrades. I replace factory hooks with Mustad Triple Grips or VMC Barbarians—stronger, sharper, and built to hold.

While bigger isn't always better, one size up is my rule. A size 6 Flicker gets a size 4 Mustad. And forget three hooks; they cause lost fish, net tangles, and injuries. I remove all but the rear hook. It's simpler, safer, and gets your line back in the water faster.

Quality hooks cost more, but they're worth it. At Reel Fish'n, performance trumps price. Invest in your hooks; invest in your success.

The Detroit River is widely recognized as one of the top destinations for walleye fishing in the United States, particularly during the spring season. Although there are numerous presentation methods that can be effective, vertical jigging with heavy jigs weighing 3/4 and 1 ounce is the most commonly used. This is because the river's heavy currents, the fact that walleye prefer deeper water, and the fish's widespread distribution make vertical jigging the most viable option. However, it is important to have the appropriate gear to execute this technique effectively. Here are some tips on how to "gear up" for vertical jigging:

The Western Basin of Lake Erie is a large body of water, with diverse fishing options such as reefs, islands, water color changes and multiple baitfish options all packed into one general area. Let’s review how I determine starting points, lures, lure colors, speed and depths to target.