Walleye fishing is a beloved pastime for many anglers. The right rod can make all the difference in catching these prized fish. When choosing the best walleye fishing rod, it’s important to consider factors like rod length, power, and action. These elements affect how well you cast, feel bites, and reel in your catch.
Walleye rods come in various styles to suit different fishing techniques. Some are designed for jigging, while others work better for trolling or casting. The best rod depends on your preferred fishing method and the conditions you’ll face on the water. We found that medium-light to medium-power rods with fast action are often ideal for walleye fishing.
After testing many options, we believe the St. Croix Premier Spinning Rod is the best choice for most walleye anglers. Its sensitivity helps detect light bites, while its strength allows solid hooksets. The rod’s durability and versatile design suit different walleye fishing techniques. We used this rod and others in various conditions to find the top performers for catching walleye.
Best Walleye Fishing Rods
We’ve tested and reviewed the top walleye fishing rods on the market. Our list includes options for different budgets and fishing styles to help you find the perfect rod. Check out our top picks below.
Ugly Stik Walleye Combo
This Ugly Stik rod and reel combo is a solid choice for walleye fishing. It offers good value and durability.
Pros
- A strong and sensitive rod
- Comfortable EVA handle
- Smooth reel operation
Cons
- Reel quality could be better
- It may be too light for larger fish
- Limited line capacity
The Ugly Stik Walleye Combo caught our eye with its 7’6″ rod, perfect for walleye fishing. Thanks to its Ugly Tech construction that blends graphite and fiberglass, we found the rod to be a nice mix of strength and sensitivity. This combo felt good in our hands, with the EVA handle giving us a comfy grip during long fishing sessions.
We were happy with how the rod performed when we took it out on the water. The Clear Tip design let us feel even the lightest bites, which is key when you’re after walleye. We could cast pretty far with this setup, and it handled well when we were reeling in our catch.
The reel that comes with this combo is okay but not amazing. It’s got a smooth drag system that helped us fight fish without too much trouble. We liked the useful on/off bait clicker feature. The 5.1:1 gear ratio worked well for our walleye fishing needs. While the reel isn’t top-of-the-line, it gets the job done for the price of this combo.
Okuma Deadeye Pro Walleye Rod
We think serious walleye anglers will appreciate this rod’s technique-specific design and high-quality materials.
Pros
- Custom-made for walleye fishing
- Responsive 30-ton graphite for jigging
- Designed with pro angler input
Cons
- It only comes in one piece
- It may be too specialized for casual anglers
- Higher price point than basic rods
The Okuma Deadeye Pro Walleye Rod is a serious tool for dedicated walleye fishermen. Its 6.5-foot length is perfect for both jigging and bottom-bouncing techniques. The rod’s fast action gives it great sensitivity, letting us feel even the lightest bites.
When we tested it out on the water, the 30-ton graphite shined. It made detecting strikes a breeze, even in choppy conditions. The medium-heavy power easily handled larger walleye, giving us the backbone we needed for solid hooksets.
We liked how the split grip felt in our hands. It gave us good control without adding extra weight. The rod’s light weight lets us fish all day without getting tired. While it’s pricier than some basic rods, its performance justifies the cost for anglers who fish walleye often.
Shakespeare Wild Walleye Combo
We can’t recommend this rod and reel combo due to quality control issues and mixed user experiences.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Smooth multi-disc drag system
- Sensitive IM-6 graphite rod
Cons
- Inconsistent product quality
- Packaging and shipping problems
- Durability concerns
The Shakespeare Wild Walleye Combo seems like a budget-friendly option for anglers, but our experience left us wanting more. We liked the smooth feel of the multi-disc drag system when reeling in fish. The IM-6 graphite rod also felt sensitive in our hands, helping us detect subtle bites.
Sadly, we encountered some issues that made us think twice about this combo. We noticed some parts were missing or damaged when we opened the box. The reel handle immediately fell off, which was not a good start to our fishing trip. We had to fix it before we could even cast our first line.
On the water, the rod performed okay for smaller fish. But when we hooked a bigger walleye, we worried about the rod’s strength. It felt a bit too flimsy for our liking. After a few uses, we noticed some of the rod’s eyes starting to bend. This made us question how long this combo would last with regular use. While the price is low, we think it might be worth spending more for a more reliable setup.
St. Croix Avid Walleye Rod
We think this rod is a solid choice for serious walleye anglers who want high performance, but the price may be too steep for casual fishers.
Pros
- Sensitive carbon fiber blank
- Comfortable cork handle
- Durable stainless components
Cons
- Pricey for casual use
- Some quality control issues
- Handle design may not suit all
The St. Croix Avid Walleye rod packs a lot of features into a sleek package. We liked the SCIII+ carbon fiber blank, which gave us great sensitivity to detect light bites. The fast action was just right for setting hooks quickly.
We found the cork handle very comfy during long days on the water. The mix of premium cork and composite materials felt good in our hands. The stainless steel guides seemed tough and smooth.
At 7’1″ with medium power, this rod handled a nice range of lures from 5/16 to 7/8 oz. We had no trouble casting far and accurately. The 15-year warranty is a nice bonus, though we hope we won’t need it. While pricey, serious walleye anglers may find it worth the cost for its mix of sensitivity and strength.
BerryPro Knight’s Sword Spinning Rod
We think this rod is a solid choice for walleye anglers looking for a lightweight, versatile option at a reasonable price point.
Pros
- Lightweight and slim design
- Strong IM8 carbon construction
- Comfortable cork handle
Cons
- It may be too light for some anglers
- Limited size options
- Reel seat can be tight
We recently took the BerryPro Knight’s Sword out for a day of walleye fishing. The first thing we noticed was how light it felt in our hands. The slim IM8 carbon blank makes it easy to cast all day without getting tired. We made long, accurate casts to reach distant fish.
The rod’s nice, fast action helped us feel even subtle bites. When we hooked into a decent walleye, the rod’s backbone gave us enough power to fight it effectively. The ceramic guides allowed the line to flow smoothly during the fight.
We liked the cork handle on this rod. It gave us a comfortable grip even when our hands got wet and slimy from handling fish. The reel seat held our reel securely, though it was a bit tight initially. Overall, we found the BerryPro Knight’s Sword to be a capable walleye rod that offers good performance for the price.
Buying Guide
When choosing a walleye fishing rod, there are several key factors to consider. We’ll walk you through the most important features to look for.
Length
Rod length affects casting distance and control. For walleye fishing, we recommend rods between 6’6″ and 7’6″ long. Shorter rods offer more accuracy, while longer rods allow for farther casts.
Power
Rod power refers to how much force it takes to bend the rod. For walleye, medium to medium-light power rods work well. These provide enough backbone to set hooks and fight fish without being too stiff.
Action
Action describes where the rod bends. Fast-action rods bend mostly near the tip, while slow-action rods bend throughout. We suggest medium to fast action for walleye fishing.
Material
Rods are typically made of graphite, fiberglass, or a composite. Graphite is lightweight and sensitive. Fiberglass is more durable but heavier. Composites offer a mix of both qualities.
Handle
Cork and EVA foam are common handle materials. Cork is comfortable and provides a good grip. EVA foam is more durable and easier to clean.
Guides
Quality guides reduce friction and heat. Look for guides made of stainless steel or titanium with ceramic inserts.
Considering these factors, we can choose a well-suited rod for walleye fishing. Remember to match your rod to your fishing style and the techniques you plan to use.
Choosing the Best Walleye Fishing Rod: FAQ
Choosing the right walleye fishing rod involves several key factors. We’ll cover the most common questions about rod selection, recommended combinations, top-rated options, and ideal specs for walleye fishing.
What factors should be considered when choosing a walleye fishing rod?
When picking a walleye rod, think about the rod’s length, power, and action. The fishing technique you plan to use matters too.
For jigging, a shorter rod works well. Trolling calls for a longer rod. Match the power to the lure weight and fish size you expect.
Fast-action rods are great for detecting light bites. They’re a top choice for walleye fishing.
Which rod and reel combination is recommended for walleye fishing?
A medium-light power, fast-action spinning rod paired with a 2500-3000-size reel is a solid combo for walleye.
This setup handles most walleye fishing techniques well. It works for jigging, live bait rigging, and casting lures.
Make sure the reel has a smooth drag system. This helps when fighting larger walleye.
What are the top-rated walleye fishing rods as of 2024?
The St. Croix Legend Elite is a top choice for serious walleye anglers. It offers great sensitivity and durability.
Fenwick’s HMG Inshore series gets high marks for its versatility and value.
The G. Loomis E6X is another favorite. It combines sensitivity with strength for handling big walleye.
What is the ideal length for a walleye jigging rod?
For jigging walleye, a 6’6″ to 7′ rod is ideal. This length gives you good control and sensitivity.
Shorter rods allow for more precise jig placement. They’re easier to use in windy conditions, too.
A 6’6″ rod is perfect for fishing from a boat. For shore fishing, you might want to go up to 7′ for extra casting distance.
How do I select the best spinning reel for catching walleye?
Look for a reel with a smooth drag system. This helps when fighting bigger fish.
A 2500 to 3000-size reel balances well with most walleye rods. It holds enough line for most situations.
Consider the reel’s gear ratio. A 6.0:1 ratio is versatile for various walleye techniques.
Choose a reel with quality bearings. They improve performance and longevity.
What gear ratio should I look for in a walleye fishing rod for optimal performance?
For walleye fishing, a reel with a gear ratio between 5.2:1 and 6.2:1 works well.
A 6.0:1 ratio is a good all-around choice. It’s fast enough for most techniques but not too fast for trolling.
Higher ratios like 6.2:1 are great for quickly taking up slack lines when jigging.
Lower ratios around 5.2:1 give more cranking power. This is useful when trolling or fighting bigger fish.