Walleye usually don’t require the most powerful rods, but they for sure need to be sensitive. These fish aren’t the best fighters, although they’re picky on bites.
Knowing this, the best fishing rods for walleye are medium to medium-light power rods with fast action. These rods give you the sensitivity to feel light bites and the strength to hook and land walleye. Look for rods between 6’3″ and 7′ long. They work well for jigging, trolling, and other walleye fishing methods.
You might want different rods for different techniques. A shorter rod is good for jigging, while a longer one helps with trolling and casting further. Some rods can do both jobs well.
For a quick recommendation, the St. Croix Legend Tournament Walleye rod is a top choice that many anglers like. It’s sensitive and strong, perfect for catching walleye.
Walleye Fishing Rod Essentials
A great walleye rod combines the right sensitivity, action, and length to match your technique. These factors play a big role in your success on the water.
The Science of Sensitivity and Rod Action for Walleye
When picking a walleye rod, sensitivity is key. You need to feel those light bites! Look for rods made with graphite or carbon fiber. These materials send vibrations straight to your hand.
Rod action affects how you’ll feel bites and set the hook. Fast action rods bend mostly near the tip. They’re great for jigging and using live bait. You’ll notice bites quickly and can set the hook fast.
Medium action rods bend more in the middle. They work well for trolling and using crankbaits. They give fish a bit more time to take the bait.
If you have the opportunity, try this test: Hold the rod by the handle and tap the tip on the floor. A sensitive rod will vibrate in your hand.
Rod Length and Its Impact on Walleye Fishing
Rod length affects your casting distance and control. Longer rods generally cast farther. Shorter rods give you more control.
For most walleye fishing, a 6.5 to 7-foot rod works well. It’s long enough to cast far but short enough to handle easily in a boat.
Longer rods (7.5 to 8 feet) are better for trolling. They help spread out your lines and handle big fish.
Shorter rods (6 to 6.5 feet) are good for tight spots or vertical jigging. They’re easier to use in windy conditions too.
Think about where you fish most often. That will help you pick the right length. Remember, the best rod is one that feels comfortable in your hands!
Most Versatile Rod: St. Croix Triumph Travel
The St. Croix Triumph Travel rod is a great choice for walleye anglers on the go. This 4-piece rod packs down to just 2 feet long, fitting easily in its padded nylon case. You can take it anywhere without hassle.
At 7 feet long when assembled, the Triumph Travel gives you good casting distance and sensitivity. The rod feels lightweight and responsive in your hands. Its medium power works well for a variety of walleye techniques.
Some key features include:
- 4-piece design for easy transport
- 7 foot length
- Medium power
- Fast action
- Padded carrying case
The thin, sensitive tip helps detect light bites. You’ll feel those subtle walleye strikes. The fast action provides good hook-setting power too.
This versatile rod handles different lures and presentations. Use it for jigging, trolling, or casting. It works with live bait or artificial lures. The Triumph Travel adapts to your fishing needs.
Keep in mind the rod may feel slightly lighter than its rating. If you prefer a stiffer feel, consider going up to the medium-heavy version. For most walleye tactics though, the medium power hits the sweet spot.
Check price on:
Best Budget Walleye Rod: Fenwick HMG
The Fenwick HMG is a top choice for walleye anglers on a budget. You’ll get great value for around $120. This rod offers custom lengths and actions for different walleye fishing techniques.
The HMG has a premium cork handle that feels comfortable in your hand. Its soft-touch reel seat gives you a secure grip while fishing. These features let you focus on catching walleye instead of worrying about your rod.
Fenwick uses high-modulus graphite in the HMG. This material makes the rod both strong and sensitive. You’ll be able to feel light bites and have the power to reel in big fish.
Some key specs of the Fenwick HMG include:
- Price: Around $120
- Handle: Premium cork
- Material: High-modulus graphite
- Reel Seat: Soft-touch
The HMG comes in spinning and casting models. You can pick the right one for your preferred fishing style. Its versatility makes it great for jigging, trolling, or casting for walleye.
For the price, you get a rod that performs like more expensive options. The Fenwick HMG gives you the features you need to catch walleye without breaking the bank.
Check price on:
Best Walleye Jigging Rod: G. Loomis Walleye Series GLX
The G. Loomis Walleye Series GLX is a top choice for walleye jigging. This rod combines sensitivity and strength, making it ideal for feeling those subtle walleye bites.
The high-modulus GLX construction gives you amazing sensitivity. You’ll be able to detect even the lightest nibbles, helping you catch more fish.
These rods come in different lengths and actions to suit your needs. For jigging, consider the WPJR 821S model. It’s perfect for using 1/8- to 1/4-ounce jigs with 6- to 8-pound line.
G. Loomis offers several options in this series:
- Light power with extra fast action (WRR 8500S GLX)
- Medium-light power with fast action (WRR 8501S GLX)
The light and balanced design of these rods reduces fatigue during long fishing days. You’ll be able to cast effortlessly and stay comfortable while waiting for that big catch.
While the price tag is higher than some other options, many anglers find the quality worth the investment. The G. Loomis Walleye Series GLX can significantly improve your walleye fishing experience.
Check price on:
Best for Vertical Jigging: St. Croix Legend Tournament Walleye “Jig”
When you’re after walleye in deeper waters, the St. Croix Legend Tournament Walleye “Jig” rod is your go-to choice. This rod shines when you’re vertical jigging in 25-35 feet of water.
The LWTS66MLF model is perfect for this technique. It handles jigs up to 3/8 ounce with ease. You’ll feel every nibble and bump thanks to its sensitive design.
Pair this rod with 8-pound hi-visibility line for the best results. The bright line helps you spot even the slightest movement when a walleye takes your bait.
St. Croix is known for quality, and this rod lives up to that reputation. It’s built to last and perform well trip after trip.
Here’s what makes this rod stand out:
- Length: 6’6″
- Power: Medium-Light
- Action: Fast
- Great for jigs from 1/8 to 3/8 ounce
You’ll love how this rod helps you detect bites and set hooks quickly. It’s a top pick for serious walleye anglers who want the best tool for vertical jigging.
Check price on:
Best Pitching Rod: Fenwick Elite Walleye
The Fenwick Elite Walleye Rod is a standout choice for anglers looking to excel in pitching techniques. Designed with precision and performance in mind, this rod offers several features that make it a top contender in the walleye fishing community.
This rod has exceptional sensitivity. This is deadly for pitching, where detecting subtle bites can make all the difference. The rod’s blank construction transmits even the faintest nibbles, so you can set the hook quickly and effectively.
The rod’s medium-light to medium power and fast action make it versatile for various pitching scenarios. It provides enough backbone to handle larger fish while maintaining the flexibility needed for precise casting and lure control.
When it comes to pitching, the Fenwick Elite Walleye Rod excels due to its combination of sensitivity, balance, and action. The rod performs exceptionally well with a variety of lures and techniques, from pitching jigs to handling live bait rigs. The rod’s responsiveness allows for precise lure placement, which is just what you need in pitching to specific targets.
Here’s what makes the Fenwick Elite Walleye Rod stand out:
- Durability: Built to withstand tough fishing conditions
- Length: 6’6″ to 7’0″ (varies by specific model)
- Power: Medium-Light to Medium
- Action: Fast
- Great for: Pitching jigs from 1/8 to 3/8 ounce
- Material: High-quality graphite blank
- Handle: Comfortable cork grip
- Guides: Stainless steel with zirconium inserts for smooth line flow
- Weight: Lightweight design for reduced fatigue
- Sensitivity: Exceptional for detecting subtle bites
Check price on:
Best Trolling Rod for Walleye: St. Croix Eyecon Trolling Rod
The St. Croix Eyecon Trolling Rod is a top pick for walleye fishing. It’s made with a mix of SCII carbon and S-glass, giving you the perfect balance of strength and flexibility.
You’ll love how this rod handles moderate actions. It’s great for presenting lures at different speeds and depths as you troll for walleye.
The rod comes in a 7-foot length, which is ideal for most trolling setups. It can handle line weights between 10-20 pounds, matching well with common walleye trolling tactics.
St. Croix builds these rods to last. They’re made in Mexico with careful attention to detail. You get a 5-year warranty too, so you can fish with confidence.
The Eyecon series is made just for walleye fishing. This means you’re getting a rod that’s tuned for the specific needs of trolling for these fish.
Key features:
- Length: 7 feet
- Action: Moderate
- Line weight: 10-20 lbs
- Material: SCII carbon and S-glass blend
- Warranty: 5 years
Whether you’re new to walleye trolling or a seasoned pro, this rod offers great performance at a reasonable price. It’s a solid choice for your next fishing trip.
Check price on:
Best Budget Trolling Rod: Okuma Deadeye Classic Trolling Rod
Looking for a quality trolling rod that won’t break the bank? The Okuma Deadeye Classic Trolling Rod might be just what you need. This rod offers great value for walleye anglers on a budget.
The Deadeye Classic is part of Okuma’s new line of walleye-specific rods. It’s designed to handle all popular walleye trolling techniques.
One of the standout features is Okuma’s UFR (Ultimate Flex Reinforcement) tip technology. This special design blends fibers in the rod tip to boost strength without losing sensitivity.
Here are some key specs:
- 24-ton carbon blank
- Extended tip section
- Up to 400% increase in lifting power
You’ll appreciate the rod’s versatility on the water. It works well for different trolling methods like using planer boards or flat lines.
The Deadeye Classic gives you a nice balance of strength and feel. You can detect those subtle walleye bites while still having the power to fight bigger fish.
For the price, this rod offers impressive performance. It’s a solid choice if you want a dedicated walleye trolling setup without spending too much.
Check price on:
Frequently Asked Questions
Walleye fishing can be tricky. Here are some key things to know about rods, reels, and lines for catching these popular fish.
What are the top-rated walleye jigging rod lengths for precise casting?
The best walleye jigging rods are usually 6’6″ to 7′ long. This length gives you good control for working jigs. Shorter rods around 6′ work well in boats. Longer 7’6″ rods can help with longer casts from shore.
Can you recommend a premium rod and reel combo specifically designed for walleye angling?
The St. Croix Legend Tournament Walleye combo is a top choice. It pairs a sensitive graphite rod with a smooth-casting reel. The Shimano Curado DC combo is another great option. It has a digital cast control system for extra accuracy.
What features make a fishing rod ideal for both walleye and bass fishing?
Look for a medium-light to medium power rod. Fast action tips work well for both species. A 6’6″ to 7′ rod length is versatile. Graphite blanks offer good sensitivity. Cork or EVA foam grips give comfort for long days fishing.
How to select the best fishing line weight for targeting walleye?
For walleye, 6-10 lb test line works well in most cases. Use 6-8 lb for finesse techniques with light lures. Go with 8-10 lb for fishing around cover or with larger lures. Fluorocarbon line can be a good choice for its low visibility.
What size fishing reel is most appropriate for walleye fishing techniques?
2000 to 3000 size spinning reels match well with walleye rods. These sizes hold enough line and cast well. For baitcasting, choose a 100 to 200 size reel. Larger reels can work for trolling, but may be heavy for casting all day.
Are there specific benefits to using braided line when fishing for walleye?
Braided line can be great for walleye fishing. It’s very sensitive, helping you feel light bites. The thin diameter cuts through water for long casts. Braid also has no stretch, giving better hook-sets. Use a fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility near your lure.
