React quickly by setting the hook to any tap, strike or line hesitation. As winter progresses, walleye feeding habits change. The action is usually in the morning or late afternoon. Attach a 2 to 3 inch minnow to the Swedish Pimple. A slower lift - fall presentation with a pause will produce good walleye.
All fish bite better and strike harder with first ice.
Often the action is so fast no bait is used on the Swedish Pimple. In this case, set the hook hard on any strike as you jig the Pimple. But as the winter progresses the water gets cold, the fish become more sluggish and feed gingerly. Let the walleye take it. When the line begins to move off at about a 30 angle under the ice set the hook and bring it in.