A popular freshwater gamefish is a walleye. Walley is common in northern lakes through Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. Anglers target the species because of the flaky, white, sweet-flavored fillets. Additionally, the fish is an excellent fighter on light and medium tackle. Walleye are caught both trolling or bottom bouncing jigs on rocky reefs below the water’s surface and are known for aggressive strikes. by walleye fish teeth. Learn what you need to know about walleye teeth. 

Do Walleye Fish Have Teeth

The question is often asked, do walleye have teeth? Yes, walleye have teeth in the bottom and top of the jaw. The purpose of the sharp teeth is to catch prey, including minnows, crawfish, and snails. Additionally, the walleye utilizes the teeth to grasp the freshly caught meal firmly. 

The walleye has a menacing appearance. When peering into the mouth of a walleye, the dentures are irregularly scattered. There are up to 40 bright white canines. The front of the mouth features fangs on the upper and lower part of the walleye jaw bone. 

Do Walleye Bite Humans

Walleye are not aggressive towards humans. When asked the question do walleye bite humans the answer is that the species will not attack an unsuspecting person.

To take the topic of a walleye biting a human further, some question do walleye bite swimmers and again the answer is no. We have swum in lakes with significant walleye populations and never were attacked by walleye.

Despite their lack of aggressiveness, anglers must remain cautious when handling the fish. The sharp teeth pose a risk to hands when removing the hook. 

Unlike bass, anglers must never reach into the fish’s mouth. Utilize needlenose pliers to dislodge hooks. Place hands at the rear portion of the grips to avoid coming in contact with the teeth. 

In the event a walleye bites the hand or fingers when removing fishing hooks, the puncture is minimal. While bleeding may occur, the walleye bite wound is minor. Wash the hands with soap and water to help prevent infection. However, don’t be in fear of will a walleye bite you because it is not aggressive and intentional.

Can Walleye Bite Through Fishing Line

The teeth of a walleye seldomly bite through a fishing line. Due to the lack of rows of dentures, the fish cannot chew through the line compared to musky. However, the line does part with repeated strikes on the line due to abrasion. 

To help prevent the line from breaking, inspect the fishing line for wear. When abrasion is present, cut the weak portion of the line and re-connect the lure, hook, or jig. 

When fishing with lures, the painted surface will display evident marks as a result of walleye teeth. Chips, scratches, and indentations are a result of walleye aggressively hitting baits. Show the lure off to your friends and family. The markings are a clear indication of the force applied when they strike. 

However, know that when comparing freshwater fish with sharp teeth, the walleye ranks high. The musky, northern pike, and walleye are freshwater fish equipped with sharp teeth. It is not uncommon for people to ask how many teeth do musky have. The mouth of a musky can have in excess of 600 teeth.

Do Walleye Teeth Inject Venom

The teeth in the mouth of a walleye do not inject venom. Except for the dentures puncturing the skin, no long-term pain is associated with the bite. Animals and fish equipped with venom glands inflict severe and often debilitating injuries. 

Additionally, despite their appearance, the walleye fish teeth are not sharp. In fact, the tips are slightly flattened. However, nonetheless, caution must be taken to prevent the fish from grabbing hold of flesh. 

Why Do Anglers Target Walleye

Walleye are considered the tastiest freshwater fish. Because the fish is highly regarded for their excellent table fare, anglers specifically target the species. The fillets are prepared in multiple ways, but beer battering and deep-frying is the most popular cooking method. 

In addition to the taste, the walleye is a dogged fighter. The deep, strong runs will bend rods and pull drag. Bring along a net for scooping the fish out of the water to reduce the risk of coming in contact with the teeth. 

When the question is asked how fast can a walleye swim, know that the walleye do not swim at a rapid pace. In fact, when trolling never present baits at over 3 miles per hour because they prefer to strike lures that move lazily through the water.

We know the answer to does walleye have teeth. However, you should not become fearful of holding the walleye after it is caught. Just because walleye have teeth does not mean you will encounter a walleye bite wound by removing the fishing hook.

Now You Know What To Expect When It Comes To Walleye Teeth

The walleye is exceptional to target in the northern portions of Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. While yes walleye have teeth, the walleye will not stalk and bite a swimmer. However, nglers must take precautions when handling the fish. Utilize pliers and gloves to prevent coming in contact with walleye teeth.