For the most part When fishing for walleye you’re going to want a medium light or maybe medium action fishing rod. Walleye bites are often very subtle as compared to something like a northern pike that will just hammer your lure and run.
Even for smaller 2 to 5 pound walleye having the correct rod is essential. This holds true whether you are fishing in your local lake or looking for monsters on the Columbia River or the lakes of Manitoba.
In a hurry?
If you are in a hurry and just want to pick the best walleye rod for you below is a selection of rods on Amazon that combine both value and quality.
Daiwa Bass AirdX Spinning Rod (2 Piece), 7’/Medium Casting Rod
SHIMANO STC Spin, Travel Spinning Fishing Rod Trolling Rod
St Croix Triumph Spinning Rods Jigging Rod
So what makes a great walleye rod?
When selecting a walleye rod you need to consider what your basic technique is going to be. Whether you are jigging, casting or trolling there are specific rod types that fit each technique best. Before we get into that, Let’s take a look at the various parts and functions of great walleye rods!
Rod Power / Flexibility
Obviously not all rods are created equally. Some feature much higher flexibility A fishing rods power refers to the “blank” section of the rod or the main shaft.A light power rod will bend with the least pressure whereas a heavy power rod will require the most force to get it to bend. If there is the potential for larger walleye in the area you will want to steer more towards a medium power. Additionally the type of lures or bait being used and, the fishing style will dictate the type of rod power you require. Read on below for a brief overview of power requirement and fishing technique.
Rod Power/Action and Fishing Technique
Jigging
Medium power fast or extra fast action:This power action combination makes your jigging presentations very lively while having the backbone to set the hook when you get a bite.This rod specification will also work for using slip bobbers. The most sensitive jigging rod is the extra fast action, ideal for the sometimes dainty walleye bites.
Casting
Medium power and action:The medium action on these rods adds more backbone enabling you to cast your crankbaits and other lures further.
Trolling
Medium heavy power medium/moderate action: Heavier presentations that need a bit more backbone for when you’re trolling and bottom bouncing.
Walleye Fishing Rod Action
Refers to where on the fishing rod the blank bends. Extra fast action and fast action it will just be the tip of the fishing rod that bends. Medium action will be much further down the rod, about two thirds down from the tip. This will help with casting further with crankbaits and other spinning presentations. Finally you have a heavy action rod which will bend much closer to the butt of the rod.
Rod length
The vast majority of rods you’re going to want to consider are in the six to eight foot range. Longer rods will increase your leverage for casting and can also be an asset getting your bait further off the boat when jigging. Though with the vast majority of the walleye fishing I’ve done this hasn’t been an issue. Once I Mark a school of fish it is normally pretty steady landing fish.
Reel seat/attachment
This is a very important component. The real seat needs to be versatile and stand up to the test of time. In selecting a rod you need to make sure that the Reel seat is high quality. Stainless steel is a good choice due to its resistance to corrosion and strength.
Hand grips
This is usually a matter of personal preference. It should be noted that if you use a rod holder on a boat or on land constantly putting the rod in and out of the holder will start to deteriorate cork over time. Foam can be a better option if this is your fishing Style.
Line guides
The line guides on a walleye fishing rod are also a consideration. They need to be well made and properly attached to the rod. In addition they need to be constructed of durable material so they don’t decay and cause line abrasion.
Jigging Walleye Rods
St Croix Triumph Spinning Rods
St Croix X is a company with an over 70 year history of making fishing rods.They back up this history with a five-year manufacturer’s warranty.This is a general purpose spinning rod that is a lower-cost option Of good quality.
This Rod features medium fast action with cork handle grips. and lightweight graphite Construction. The line rating on this Rod is 6 to 12 lb test. it is rated to use lures between1/4 and ⅝ oz. This is a lighter weight Rod weighing 3 1/2 ounces and coming in at 6 feet total length. one thing about this route that may be a concern to some people is it single piece construction so if you were looking for a compact rod 4 in luggage this is probably not a great option. that being said it six feet long it will easily fit in most vehicles for a day trip.
Lew’s Speed Stick 6’7″-1 Medium Vertical Jigging Walleye Spinning Rod (LSS67MXFS)
The Lew’s Speed Stick is a spinning rod specifically designed for fishing walleye. It is a medium extra fast action rod, for people that want a little extra sensitivity when they are jigging. It also has cork grips with a total Rod length of 6 ft 7. Weighing in at around four and a half ounces this is heavier than the St. Croix rod.
Casting Walleye Rods
Daiwa Bass AirdX Spinning Rod (2 Piece), 7’/Medium
Don’t let the name fool you this is the perfect power/ action rod for casting. This two piece 7 foot casting rod is excellent for fishing walleye at a very reasonable price. It is made from high quality graphite with aluminum oxide guide rings. This keep the rod weight very low. The medium action is perfect for hammering out those crankbaits .
Trolling Walleye Rods
SHIMANO STC Spin, Travel Spinning Fishing Rod
This is the Shimano STC ( Shimano travel concept. A really cool feature about these rods is there multiple piece this particular model is 5 pieces total making it extremely compact for travelling. STC shimano’s come standard with their own carrying hard case. With its medium-heavy action it is a perfect trolling rod. at just under 9 feet in length that weighs about 6 and 1/2 oz. This is a heavy duty rod is designed to cast Lures from 1/2 ounce up to 1 3/8 oz.
Okuma Classic Pro GLT Downrigger Rod
This trolling rod features a medium power glass fiber construction in two pieces. The stainless steel rod seat is perfect for a trolling rod that will be out in the weather while you fish. I has stainless steel with titanium oxide line guides. At 8′ 6′ and 340 grams (almost 12 ounces) it is a fair bit heftier than the other rods in this review. Pretty much the ideal walleye trolling rod.
FAQ
How long should a walleye rod be?
Shorter rods 6-7 foot are ideal for jigging. Larger trolling rods can be around 10 feet in length. With casting rods falling somewhere in between.
What is the best all around walleye rod?
While walleye rods can range from medium extra fast to heavy moderate, a close all purpose would be around the medium fast action range if you had to select a single rod.
What pound test line is best for a walleye fishing pole?
This will vary by the fishing technique you use but 6 to 12 pound will cover most uses, consider the weight rating of line you use when selecting a rod.
