Walk Retrieve

Walk Retrieve is a vertical rod retrieve for some surface contact lures where the rod is moved a short distance quickly, then slight slack line is introduced, resulting in the lure moving to one side. Then, reel in the slight slack line and repeat in a consistent frequency. This results in the side to side lure action. 

Aliases and Comparisons:

  • Walk the Dog Retrieve: Common name.
  • Side to Side Retrieve: Descriptive name.
  • Walk vs Jerk Retrieve: The same rod movements and rod tip location. The main difference is the walk retrieve is for some surface contact lures and the jerk retrieve for some sub-surface lures producing underwater erratic lure action.
Why is Walk Retrieve Important?

Walk retrieve is important to:

  • Impart Lure Action: Imparts the walk, a S-Shaped, side to side surface lure action.
  • Produce Noise: Some lures have rattles.
  • Create Commotion: To produce some splashing and a wake.
  • Fish Slower: Lure can be retrieved more slowly than a straight retrieve.
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Walk Retrieve Options
  • Retrieve Speed: Speed is managed by the frequency of the quick rod movements.
  • Lure Sideway Movement Amount: The amount of side to side lure action can be controlled somewhat by controlling the amount of slack line introduced. Too much can result in the line getting caught in the lure’s hooks.
  • Rod Tip Movement Amount: Some suggest the rod movement is between 4 to 6 inches. 
Additional Considerations
  • Initial Action: Common for the retrieve to commence immediately albeit some suggest a pause to let the lure landing wake to dissipate as the wake could get the attention of the bass. 
  • Secondary Action: Pause can be introduced in most cases. 
  • Lure Visibility: Generally lures that utilize walk retrieves are selected in calm water or light chop.  
Walk Retrieve - It's About the ALLURE™
Suggested Common Surface Contact Lures for Walk Retrieve
See All Surface Contact Lures

Walking Bait

Frog Lure
Specifically, walking Frogs.

Twitch Bait
Some suggest the Twitch Bait uses more of a walk retrieve then a twitch retrieve. 

Suggested Common Minimal Contact Lures for Walk Retrieve
See All Minimal Contact Lures

Glide Bait
Not generally called a walk retrieve but it is the same rod movement and similar lure movement.

Hard Swimbait
An option to the more common straight retrieve, and not generally called a walk retrieve, same rod movement can be applied to produce a similar lure movement.

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