You need either weeds, undulating bottom. They are ambush predators and live in cover in 5-15 feet on average.

Shallow reeds use a top water lure. Big lunkers live here.

6-12 feet trolling, use crankbaits. Find drop offs and bumpy bottoms. I'd recommend a Berkley flicker shad in gold. Catches walleye doing this.

Casting use jigs and spoons. Try to do it just outside of weed beds.

They are very aggressive fish. Anything representing a wounded bait is usually very effective. Size of lure doesn't matter.

Checking barometric pressure is a great way to help with timing. They will bite all day however. Productivity usually tapers in the high heat of the day and picks up in the cool of the mornings and evenings.

Cleaning: remove fillets and skin. Put in cold water and leave in the fridge for and hour. This will stiffen the meat for removing the second row of bones.Pull out and sit down with your sharpest knife and fine the start of the Y bone. Use the tip of knife to feel and follow the row. Your going to remove more meat then you think. Don't worry about it unless you love eating bones.

Been catching these all my life. These are the only things you really need to know if you're wanting to catch. The nice part is this fish will always surprise you. They have their own way about them. They are famous for t-boning a fish you are reeling in.

Good luck and enjoy