Walleye fishing is a popular pastime for anglers across North America. The right reel can make a big difference in your success on the water. A good walleye reel should be smooth, reliable, and able to handle the specific techniques used for this species.
Spinning reels are often the top choice for walleye fishing. They work well for casting light lures and live bait rigs commonly used to target walleyes. Baitcasting reels can also be effective, especially when trolling or using heavier lures. The best reel depends on your preferred fishing methods and skill level.
When choosing a walleye reel, pay attention to the gear ratio, drag system, and line capacity. A smooth drag is crucial for fighting walleyes without breaking your line. The right gear ratio helps you retrieve lures at the proper speed. Enough line capacity lets you fish deep or make long casts. We tested many reels to find the ones that perform best for walleye fishing.
Best Reels for Walleye Fishing
We’ve put together a list of top reels for walleye fishing. These reels offer smooth operation and durability to handle the unique challenges of walleye fishing. Our picks will help you land more fish and enjoy your time on the water.
Pflueger President Spinning Reel
We highly recommend this reel for walleye fishing due to its smooth performance and great value.
Pros
- Smooth operation
- Lightweight and durable
- Versatile for various fishing techniques
Cons
- Slightly pricier than basic models
- May be too light for some anglers
- Limited color options
We recently took the Pflueger President Spinning Reel out for a day of walleye fishing, and it left us impressed. The graphite body and rotor make it surprisingly light in hand, which helped reduce fatigue during long casting sessions. We found the 10-ball bearing system to be buttery smooth, making retrieves a joy.
The sealed drag system worked like a charm when we hooked into a feisty walleye. It gave us precise control to tire out the fish without worrying about line breaks. With a max drag of 14 pounds, it handled our catch with ease. The instant anti-reverse feature was also a nice touch, giving us solid hooksets every time.
We really liked the slow oscillation gearing, which laid the line evenly on the spool. This improved our casting distance and accuracy, letting us hit those hard-to-reach spots where walleye love to hide. The 5.2:1 gear ratio struck a nice balance between speed and power, perfect for various walleye fishing techniques. While it’s a bit pricier than some basic reels, we think the Pflueger President offers excellent value for its performance.
KastKing Brutus Spinner
We believe the KastKing Brutus Spinner is a solid choice for walleye anglers seeking a reliable, budget-friendly reel.
Pros
- Smooth drag system
- Lightweight graphite frame
- Versatile size options
Cons
- Not ideal for saltwater use
- May not suit advanced anglers
- Limited color choices
We recently took the KastKing Brutus Spinner out for a day of walleye fishing, and we were impressed with its performance. The reel felt light in our hands, thanks to its graphite frame and rotor. This made for comfortable casting all day long.
The smooth drag system stood out to us. It adjusted easily and provided consistent pressure when we hooked into some feisty walleye. We appreciated the up to 17.5 pounds of drag power, which gave us confidence when fighting larger fish.
We found the gear ratio to be just right for walleye fishing. It allowed us to work our lures at the perfect speed to entice bites. The anti-reverse feature was also a plus, letting us set the hook quickly when we felt a strike.
While we enjoyed using the Brutus Spinner, it’s not without its drawbacks. The reel is best suited for freshwater use, so it may not be the best choice if you also fish in saltwater. Some advanced anglers might prefer higher-end models with more features.
Overall, we think the KastKing Brutus Spinner offers great value for walleye anglers. It’s a capable reel that won’t break the bank, making it a good option for both beginners and budget-conscious fishermen.
KastKing ReKon Line Counter Reel
We think the KastKing ReKon Line Counter Reel is a solid choice for walleye anglers looking for an affordable, feature-packed trolling reel.
Pros
- Accurate line counter
- Smooth carbon disc drag
- Versatile for multiple species
Cons
- Some units may have quality issues
- Not as durable as higher-end reels
- Can be tricky to adjust at first
We recently took the KastKing ReKon out for a day of walleye fishing, and it left us impressed. The line counter worked like a charm, helping us keep our lures in the strike zone. We found the carbon disc drag system smooth and powerful, easily handling feisty walleyes.
The reel’s versatility stood out to us. While we used it for walleye, it’s clear it can handle other species like salmon and trout. The size 10 model we tested held plenty of line for our needs. We liked the comfortable EVA grips on the double paddle handle, which made long days of trolling less tiring.
One thing to note: the ReKon takes some getting used to. At first, we found the settings a bit fiddly, but after a short learning curve, it became second nature. While it’s not the most high-end reel on the market, we think it offers great value for its price point. For anglers wanting a decent line counter reel without breaking the bank, the KastKing ReKon is worth a look.
Sougayilang Graphite Trolling Reel
This reel offers good value for walleye anglers looking for a budget-friendly option with useful features.
Pros
- Strong drag power
- Precise line counter
- Durable construction
Cons
- Some accuracy issues
- Potential drag problems
- Bulky design
We took this reel out for a spin on our latest walleye trip. The carbon fiber drag washers lived up to the hype, giving us plenty of stopping power when we hooked into some bigger fish. We liked how the line counter made it easy to hit specific depths consistently.
The graphite body kept the weight down, which was nice for long days on the water. The stainless steel handle felt solid in our hands. We noticed the gears ran smoothly thanks to the brass construction.
While mostly positive, we did have a few gripes. The line counter was off by several feet at times, which was frustrating. We also had some issues with the drag sticking after a few uses. The reel is a bit on the bulky side compared to some higher-end models we’ve used.
Sougayilang Round Baitcaster
We think the Sougayilang Round Baitcaster is a solid choice for walleye fishing, offering good performance at a budget-friendly price.
Pros
- Smooth casting
- Strong drag system
- Versatile for different fishing styles
Cons
- Mostly plastic construction
- Some quality control issues
- Can be tricky for beginners
We recently took this reel out for a spin, and it left us with mixed feelings. The casting action is nice and smooth, which is great for getting your lure right where you want it. We found it worked well for trolling and bottom fishing, two popular techniques for walleye.
The drag system held up nicely when we hooked into a few good-sized fish. It gave us the control we needed without any jerky movements. We also liked how versatile this reel is – we could see using it for other species like trout or bass too.
On the downside, the reel feels a bit plasticky. We worry about how it might hold up over time with heavy use. A few anglers we talked to had issues with their reels right out of the box, so keep an eye out for any problems early on. If you’re new to baitcasters, you might find this one tricky at first. It took us a bit of practice to get the hang of it. All in all, it’s a decent reel for the price, but it might not be the best choice for serious anglers or those looking for top-notch quality.
Buying Guide
When choosing a reel for walleye fishing, there are several key factors to consider. We’ll break down the most important features to look for.
Reel Type
Spinning reels and baitcasting reels are popular choices for walleye fishing. Spinning reels are easier to use, while baitcasting reels offer more precision.
Line Capacity
Look for reels holding enough lines for the depths you’ll be fishing. Walleyes often stay in deeper waters, so aim for reels with good line capacity.
Gear Ratio
A moderate gear ratio between 5:1 and 6:1 works well for most walleye techniques. This allows for versatility in retrieval speeds.
Drag System
A smooth, strong drag is crucial for fighting walleye. Carbon fiber drags offer excellent performance and durability.
Ball Bearings
More bearings generally mean smoother operation. Look for reels with at least five ball bearings for good performance.
Material
Aluminum and graphite are common reel materials. Aluminum is more durable but heavier, while graphite is lighter but less robust.
Size
Match your reel size to your rod and fishing style. Medium-sized reels (2500-3000 series) are versatile for most walleye fishing situations.
| Feature | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| Reel Type | Spinning or Baitcasting |
| Line Capacity | Adequate for deep water |
| Gear Ratio | 5:1 to 6:1 |
| Drag System | Smooth, strong (e.g., carbon fiber) |
| Ball Bearings | At least 5 |
| Material | Aluminum or graphite |
| Size | Medium (2500-3000 series) |
By considering these factors, we can choose a reel that’s well-suited for walleye fishing.
Best reels for walleye fishing: Top 5 options for 2024: FAQ
Walleye fishing gear can be confusing. We’ll answer common questions about rods, reels, and setups to help you pick the right equipment.
What are the top-rated rod and reel combos for walleye fishing in 2024?
Some great walleye combos for 2024 include the St. Croix Premier/Daiwa BG combo and the Fenwick HMG/Pflueger President pairing. These setups blend sensitivity, strength, and smooth drag systems.
The Shimano FX/Shimano Sienna combo is another solid choice. It offers good value for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
How do I choose the best size reel for walleye trolling?
For walleye trolling, a 2500 to 3000-size spinning reel works well. These sizes hold enough lines and have smooth drags to handle fighting walleye.
Larger 4000-size reels can also work. They hold more lines for deep trolling but may feel bulky for some anglers.
Which Shimano spinning reel is recommended for walleye fishing?
The Shimano Stradic FL is a top pick for walleye fishing. It’s smooth, durable, and has a great drag system.
For a more budget-friendly option, the Shimano Sahara FI performs well. It offers good value and reliability for walleye anglers.
What is the ideal rod action for targeting walleye?
A medium-light to medium-action rod is ideal for walleye fishing. These actions provide enough backbone to set hooks and fight fish.
They also offer enough sensitivity to detect light bites. Fast action tips help with lure control and bite detection.
What are the preferred specs for a walleye spinning reel?
Look for a smooth drag system reel and 6-10 lb line capacity. A gear ratio between 5.2:1 and 6.2:1 works well for most walleye techniques.
5-7 ball bearings ensure smooth operation. Sealed bearings help protect against water and dirt intrusion.
What length rod should I use for walleye fishing?
A 6’6″ to 7’6″ rod suits most walleye fishing situations. Shorter rods work well for vertical jigging and fishing from a boat.
Longer rods in the 7′ to 7’6″ range are better for casting and trolling. They provide more leverage when fighting fish.