Blog

As an angler, choosing the right rod is crucial to your success on the water especially when it is about specific fish. Here to target walleye, the right rod can make all the difference in the casts. But with so many options on the market, it can be perplexing to decide which rod is best for you. But fear not, we’ve done the research and compiled a list of the best walleye rods available.

From fast action to medium power, these rods offer the perfect balance of sensitivity and strength needed to land those elusive walleye. But what makes a rod burst with the kind of power and responsiveness required to reel in these fish? Is it the type of material used in the construction, or the length of the rod? Perhaps it’s the number of guides or the type of reel seat? Whatever the case may be, we’ve identified the top rods that deliver the perfect combination of performance and budget to make your walleye fishing dreams a reality.

I am already a St. Croix Triumph happy user, so I thought why don’t give a try to another hyped fishing rod i.e. St.Croix Eyecon. Actually, I was search for a jigging rod for which sensitivity is top requirement and St. Croix’s premium SCII carbon fiber construction make them an ultimate winner among the rod’s with sensitivity feature.

The Eyecon rod with the same construction impressed me with its performance as it let to feel even the slightest tucks by walleye. It was a full day trip and it ended without any arm fatigue.

With a 8 pound monofilament fishing line  on 7.1” feet medium power and medium power rod I first used live minnows as they are the popular option for jigging especially for walleye. Then I switched to 5/8 oz. crank bait. For summer fishing, I prefer heavy weights up to 1 oz. when fish go deeper.

After all, with all this set up I ended with successfully catching a 17 inches walleye approximately of 2 pounds and a 22 inches walleye, almost 4 pounds or bit heavy. With this rod you can pick 6 lb. to maximum 20 lb. line weight.

Summing up for St. Croix Eyecon spinning rod, its an excellent choice for deep rocky structure jigging walleye. It features a split grip cork handles that offers perfect grip and wouldn’t let the rod to slip from your hand.

The aluminum oxide guides although require cleaning maintenance after saltwater fishing but are strong and durable enough and wouldn’t bend easily under pressure.

So it’s a trusty investment on St. Croix Eyecon, make sure to add it your walleye rod arsenal and as it’s a St. Croix so it suits your other fishing types too. Although it is available as an 8 feet long rod but power is medium and for trolling heavy power rods are better suited.

Overall, if you are looking for a rod that wouldn’t break easily go for it.

The best spinning combo for walleye title goes to the Ugly Stik combo, which is a technique-specific combo specially designed to help you reel in your next big walleye catch.

With a length of 7’6″ and a medium-light power rating, this rod is the perfect size and strength for catching 20 pounds of walleye. It’s a recommended combo for casting and jigging but thanks to its high-quality graphite and fiberglass construction, which also makes it a volunteer for trolling too. The fiberglass makes it flexible and durable to serve as a trolling rod so you won’t have to worry about this combo breaking down after just a few fishing trips.

Moreover, the EVA grips also retain their shape even placed in the rod holders. But what sets this combo apart is the attention to detail that has gone into its design. The Ugly Stik® Walleye Spinning Combo features stainless steel guides, which help to reduce line friction and improve casting distance.

And let’s not forget about the reel that comes with this combo. With a 5.2:1 gear ratio and a maximum drag of 4 pounds. Honestly, I wasn’t impressed by the reel quality although it is fair according to the price but I replaced it with PENN Fierce 4000 size reel with 10lb max drag power and used 20 lb. braided fishing line

The Ugly Stik’s clear tip design offered the sensitivity required for walleye fishing although not the same as the St. Croix Eyecon. It is also slightly heavier than graphite and carbon fiber rods but this doesn’t breaks the deal. 

Overall, the Ugly Stik® Walleye Spinning Combo is the best spinning combo for walleye on the market. I mostly recommend this combo to my fellow beginner anglers and at this level, you can stick to the same reel included in the package. 

With its technique-specific design, you can be sure that you’ll have the right tools for the job.

If you’re looking for a top-quality spinning rod without any budget constraints, the Shimano COMPRE Walleye Spinning Rod is an excellent option. This rod is designed to deliver excellent performance and sensitivity with its versatility being available in 12 lengths and 3 medium power variation suitable for the average angler too.

The COMPRE Walleye Spinning Rod is built with high-quality graphite materials and features a sensitive tip that allows you to feel every bite and movement of your lure. The rod is also incredibly lightweight and easy to handle, making it suitable for long days of fishing.

Out of all the size and power ratings to target up to 10 pounds of walleye, I chose the 6.8 feet medium-heavy rod, extra fast action tip, and hooked a Rapala Shad Rap size 7 crankbait. I used a 12 lb. monofilament fishing line. So it’s a durable set for heavy fishing. 

One of the standout features of the COMPRE Walleye Spinning Rod is its versatility. Whether you’re jigging or casting, this rod is up to the task. It can handle a wide range of fishing techniques and is suitable for use in both freshwater and saltwater environments as zirconia guides wouldn’t be rusted. 

Overall, the COMPRE Walleye Spinning Rod is a fantastic option for anglers of all skill levels. Moreover, they are recommended for both Speed and Slow Pitch jigging.  

Pair it with one of the best 3000 size Shimano spinning reels for best results.

With experience using a wide range of fishing rods, I was intrigued to test out the Daiwa Aird-X Spinning Rod. As I heard a lot about this rod from a friend of mine. This particular model stands out due to its innovative “Braiding-X” construction, which reinforces the blank and reduces blank twist this saves the rod’s natural action and saves from the sudden failure of rods under heavy loads while jigging.

In terms of its construction, the Braiding-X technology lived up to its reputation. The reinforced graphite blank provided ample strength and durability, allowing me to reel in walleye with ease. Additionally, the reduced blank twist made for more accurate casts, minimizing the risk of tangling or losing my bait altogether.

Upon taking the Aird-X out for a spin, I was impressed with its overall performance. The rod felt sturdy and well-balanced in my hands, which made for a smooth and effortless casting experience. I particularly appreciated the sensitivity of the rod, which allowed me to feel even the slightest nibble from walleye lurking below the surface.

These medium heavy and fast action rods offer to throw lures up to 1 oz. lures. You can try night crawlers and line minnows to attract walleye. From 4 to 17 lb. line rating you can land different pounds of walleyes from 2 to up to 20 pounds. 

The Daiwa Aird-X is available in relatively shorter lengths as compared to other walleye rods i.e. 5.6 to a maximum of 7 feet. These length ranges make them more suitable for Speed Jigging than slow pitching which requires longer rods up to 8 feet.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Daiwa Aird-X Spinning Rod to any angler looking for a reliable and high-performing rod for walleye fishing. Its innovative construction and sensitivity make it a standout choice among spinning rods on the market.

Ice fishing anglers mostly prefer comfortable handle rods that offer a strong grip even wearing gloves in cold temperatures. The 13 Fishing Microtec Walleye Ice Fishing Combo proves to be the right pick here. What immediately caught my attention was the rod’s custom handle designs, which promised to enhance the walleye fishing experience.

Taking the Microtec Walleye out on the ice, I was struck by the rod’s overall balance and sensitivity. The custom handle design provided a comfortable and ergonomic grip that allowed me to maintain precise control even in the coldest temperatures. The rod’s sensitivity was also impressive, allowing me to feel the slightest nibble from a lurking walleye with ease.

Moreover, I found that it handled a wide variety of other species with ease too, making it a great all-around option for ice fishing.

It’s a fiberglass rod so durability and flexibility are its top features. I wasn’t expecting this to be highly sensitive but the manufacturers proved me wrong. It also comprises durable bigger loops of stainless steel guides for an enhanced casting experience. 

Rather than Rapala jigging Shad rap, I would recommend going with the smaller rattle spoons to fool cold water walleye. Try to pick lures ranging from 1/8-1/4 oz. weight and use a dead stick and you can easily land 2 to 6 lbs. walleyes.  

The rods are available in medium to medium heavy power ratings to land bigger walleye from an ice hole. These rods are available in three different styles i.e. full grip, split grip, and dead stick. Each model features a different length (26, 36, and 28 inches).

As it’s an ice fishing combo, there is also a reel attached that features 3 ball bearings along with an instant anti-reverse clutch for more control. It’s an aluminum spool reel so can easily handle loads and aggressive reeling. 

Overall, it is a pretty good deal under $50 to get an ice fishing rod and reel. Their components and construction ensure that they will stand up to the rigors of ice fishing season after season. So you wouldn’t regret buying it.

When it comes fishing for walleye from shore a 6.6 feet medium power long spinning rod is an ideal pick and when it comes with the already paired reel, it’s a treat for shore anglers. Pflueger President XT Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo is best as a shore set up for walleye jigging.

While this combo may be slightly more expensive than the popular Ugly Stik, I believe that it is well worth the investment for serious anglers looking for a high-performing setup.

The combo features a Fenwick HMS carbon fiber rod and a Pflueger President size 30 reel. This setup will surely be the best gear to help you land big fish from shore.

With 8-14 lb. line rating and lure rating 1/8-1/2 you can throw bigger and land bigger too. Use moving baits like spoons, swimbaits, jerkbaits, and jigs to catch spring walleye from shore. These lures have fast action and dive quickly.

In addition to the rod, the standout features of the reel is its 10 ball bearings and sealed dag system which provides an incredibly smooth and responsive experience on the water.

This combo is capable of handling a wide range of fish species, making it an ideal choice for anglers who like to switch up their fishing tactics. Whether you’re fishing in freshwater or saltwater, the President XT Combo can handle the job with ease.

Overall, I would highly recommend the Pflueger President XT Spinning Reel and Fishing Rod Combo to any angler looking for a high-quality jigging and casting setup that will deliver exceptional performance on the water as it is light enough to be used for extended periods without causing fatigue.

Conclusion

Opting for a technique-specific rod that is designed to meet the specific demands of walleye fishing can make a significant difference in your ability to catch fish. Ultimately, investing in a quality walleye rod that is tailored to your technique and style can lead to greater success on the water and a more rewarding angling experience. So take your time to research the best walleye rods and make an informed decision.