Active and passive drifting are the two basic approaches. In active drifting, the angler attempts to control all aspects of depth, speed, action, and the path a lure will take. A finely-honed sense of touch is used to keep the lure swimming in the strike zone. The action is key to triggering walleye. Active drifting is the answer when walleye are fussy and want a lure brought to them in a certain way.
Subtle differences can be critical to eliciting a strike from finicky walleye.
Precise presentations are often essential in clear lakes or rivers where angling pressure is high, under the mid-day sun, or at other low points in walleye activity levels. In fact, two people in the same boat using similar equipment and identical jigs can experience different success due to almost imperceptible differences in the way they control their lures. A precise presentation can also enhance catch rates when walleye are aggressive. Determine fish activity levels and tailor your approach accordingly. Passive drifting is more exploratory and requires less work.