Are you an angler in need of the perfect rod for walleye fishing? Do you know exactly what to look for in these types of fishing rods? If not, this article should prove very useful.
Here we have reviewed several of the best and most popular walleye fishing rods currently on the market, and explained the pros and cons associated with each rod. We have also included a Walleye Fishing Rod Buying Guide, in which we will highlight and explain the various factors and characteristics you should consider when shopping for—and ultimately purchasing—a walleye rod.
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Best Walleye Rods For The Money (2019)
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Walleye Fishing Rod Buying Guide – What To Look For
If you are currently in the market for a walleye fishing rod there are several factors you need to consider. These include the type of fishing method you plan to employ while fishing for walleye, as well things like the length and weight of the rod, its power rating and action. To help simplify the purchasing process for you, below we will cover each of these factors in some detail.
Fishing Method
When it comes to fishing for walleye, there are basically three fishing methods you can employ: trolling, jigging and spinning. And the type of walleye rod you select should depend on the style of fishing you plan to do. Here are our recommendations regarding the proper rod for each style of walleye fishing:
Trolling
Trolling from the back of a boat is a great way to catch walleye. However, this type of fishing can be very hard on a walleye rod, particularly if you intend to use a lead core, downrigger or planer board. Because of this, we recommend one of the heavier walleye rods. According to walleye fishing experts, when trolling for this species of fish you are best off using a medium to heavy power rod.
Jigging
Jigging is also a great way to fish for walleye. If this is the style of fishing you plan to do, the most important thing to remember is that sensitivity is paramount in a walleye fishing rod. For this type of fishing, we recommend a lightweight rod with a lot of play in the tip—enough play to allow you to feel even the most softest of strikes.
Spinning
Now that we have covered the methods of trolling (medium to heavy rod) and jigging (very lightweight rod), the final method is spinning—a type of fishing done with lures that you cast and retrieve. For this fun style of fishing, you should shoot for a walleye rod whose weight is in between the heavy and very lightweight rods. For this, we recommend a light to medium power rod, making it heavy enough to endure the constant cast and retrieve, yet sensitive enough to feel your strikes and quickly set the hook.
Other Considerations
On top of identifying the type of fishing in which you plan to engage, you should also take into account several other factors when purchasing a walleye fishing rod. Some of these considerations include:
Length
Although the length of a walleye fishing rod is not the most important factor to consider, it should definitely be taken into account. According to experts, some of the most effective walleye rods measure about 7 to 8 feet in length. With this length, the rod will be exceedingly comfortable in your hand. It will also have a quick and sensitive tip, while still having more than enough capacity to set the hook and land a trophy size walleye. If you plan to troll for walleye, you may want a rod that is a little bit longer and stronger, but for jigging and spinning the above mentioned size is an exceptional choice.
Weight
Although we have spoke to the weight of the rod previously, this factor is so important that it bears repeating. In most cases, the weight of the rod will depend on the type of fishing you plan to do. When jigging, always go for a rod that is lighter in weight, and when trolling, a stronger more durable rod is preferable.
Spinning will require a medium power pole. In most cases, you will want to use a line strength from 6 to 15 pound test. This will depend on the type and size of fish you are pulling out of the water. Lighter weight line is more difficult for the fish to see, but if you happen to land a big one it might be difficult pulling it in on only 4 pound test line.
Power
In most cases, when fishing for walleye you will need a rod with light to medium intensity. The only exception is when you plan to fish only via trolling. If this is your preferred style of fishing, you should definitely consider a heavy intensity rod to absorb the beating your rod will endure in this environment.
Action
Because walleye tend to have very light bites (which makes them such a great sporting fish), you’ll need a rod with fairly light action at the tip and better feel. Ideally, you should consider purchasing a walleye rod with fast activity—even very, very fast activity when jigging.
KastKing WideEye Walleye Fishing Rod
The KastKing WideEye Walleye Fishing Rod is designed to be one of the best walleye fishing rods on the market today. With a mixture of lightweight design, power and sensitivity, not only will you never miss another walleye strike, you’ll have a much better chance at landing each and every fish.
The KastKing WideEye Walleye Fishing Rod features both Fuji frame guides and Fuji reel seats—the best in the business. Their changing weight reduction makes them some of the most lightweight and comfortable rods currently available; and the rod’s telescoping design means no disassembly and a great transfer of power. These are truly rods for the walleye fisherman.
Pros
- Sensitive. The KastKing WideEye Walleye Fishing Rod has an ultra sensitive tip that allows it to recognize and respond to even the most subtle bites from a walleye.
- Lightweight. All of these walleye rods are designed with weight reduction technology that makes them very comfortable to fish with.
- Versatile lineup. There are 13 models of the KastKing WideEye Walleye Fishing Rods available, in both spinning and casting models.
Cons
- May take a while to learn. For those accustomed to heavier rods, the KastKing WideEye Walleye Fishing Rod may take some time getting used to.
- Not great for trolling. Although great for spinning and jigging, these rods are not quite durable enough for consistent trolling.
Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod
The Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod is a lightweight graphite composite rod made with outstanding light and ultra light actions. The full-cork handles means they feel very comfortable in the hand and will never sink should they be accidentally dropped into the water.
With the Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod you’ll get the perfect reel seat with a cushioned hood to protect it from the elements. The stainless steel guides will never rust and the stainless steel inserts are designed specifically to protect against corrosion.
Shakespeare-Micro Spinning Rods utilize ultra-light fishing designs to catch even the biggest walleyes; and with a variety of lengths and powers you are sure to find just the right rod for your style of fishing.
Pros
- Corrosion resistant. The Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod has guides that are completely resistant to rust and corrosion.
- Portable. The two-piece design of these great walleye rods make them very easy to transport, fitting nicely into any trunk.
- Comfortable. With an ergonomic, grip-friendly handle, the Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod feels very comfortable in the hand.
Cons
- Fragile at tip. Some reviewers have complained that the tip of the Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod is a bit fragile.
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod
The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod from Shakespeare is equipped with a clear tip design that provides extra strength right where you need it most. Equipped with its patented Ugly Tech construction, the rods feature added graphite for lighter weight and increased sensitivity, allowing anglers to sense every bump and bite to their baits.
The cork handles on the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod offer a firm yet smooth handhold for hours of comfortable fishing and reliable hook sets. Even better, the one- piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff guides eliminate insert pop-outs for ease of use, while exposed blank style reel seats with cushioned stainless steel hoods ensure your reel stays firmly in place.
All of these rods are backed with an industry-best seven year warranty, demonstrating the absolute faith that Shakespeare has in these great walleye rods.
Pros
- Budget-friendly. The Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod is made with the budget conscious consumer in mind.
- Light action. The light action of this walleye fishing rod makes it easy to detect minor bites when jigging or spinning.
- Great warranty. With a 7-year no questions asked warranty, the Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Rod is definitely built for durability.
Cons
- Setup difficult. Some reviewers have complained that it is difficult to get this two-piece walleye rod assembled perfectly and ready to go.
Last Word
There is, of course, no one-size-fits-all rod when it comes to fishing for walleye. Many of the factors you will need to consider will depend on the region in which you are fishing, the method of fishing in which you plan to use, and even your own comfort. If you plan to engage in multiple styles of fishing—jigging, trolling and spinning—we recommend a medium weight and power rod with a sensitive tip and durable body.
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