Top 5 Walleye Fishing Rods: Reviews & Buying Guide for Anglers

Ever felt the heart-stopping pull of a Walleye on the end of your line? That thrilling moment can quickly turn frustrating if your rod isn’t up to the task. Walleye, known for their tricky bites and powerful runs, demand a rod that can handle the challenge. Choosing the wrong rod can mean missed opportunities and lost fish.

The world of fishing rods can be overwhelming! There are so many brands, lengths, and actions to pick from. It’s easy to get confused by the jargon and end up with a rod that isn’t right for your fishing style or the type of Walleye you’re after. You might end up missing bites, or even breaking your rod! The pain of choosing a rod is real, but don’t worry, we’ll make it easier.

This blog post is your guide to finding the perfect Walleye fishing rod. We’ll break down the key features you need to know. You’ll learn how to pick the right length, power, and action. By the end, you’ll have the knowledge to choose a rod that will help you land more fish. Get ready to reel in those Walleye!

Our Top 5 Walleye Fishing Rod Recommendations at a Glance

Top 5 Walleye Fishing Rod Detailed Reviews

1. Shakespeare® Wild Series Walleye Combo

Shakespeare® Wild Series Walleye Combo

Rating: 9.2/10

The Shakespeare® Wild Series Walleye Combo is built for walleye fishing. This combo has a rod and reel. It is designed to help you catch fish. The reel has a smooth drag system. It also has an aluminum handle and spool. The rod is made of sensitive graphite. This combo is perfect for both new and experienced anglers.

What We Like:

  • The reel has a 4+1 bearing system. This makes reeling smooth.
  • The multi-disc drag system helps you fight fish.
  • It has an aluminum spool and handle. This makes it strong.
  • The soft-touch handle knob is comfortable to hold.
  • The IM-6 graphite rod is sensitive. You can feel the fish bite.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some anglers may prefer a different handle material.
  • The reel might not be ideal for larger fish.

The Shakespeare® Wild Series Walleye Combo is a good choice for walleye fishing. It is easy to use and has many great features. It offers a good value for the price.

2. Ugly Stik 7’6” Walleye Round Fishing Rod and Reel Walleye Combo

Ugly Stik 7’6” Walleye Round Fishing Rod and Reel Walleye Combo, Ugly Tech Construction with Clear Tip Design, Size 20 2 Ball Bearing Conventional Reel

Rating: 9.4/10

The Ugly Stik 7’6” Walleye Round Fishing Rod and Reel Combo is made for walleye fishing. It’s built tough to handle big walleye. This combo has a strong rod and a smooth reel. The Ugly Tech construction uses graphite and fiberglass. This makes the rod strong but still sensitive. It also has a comfortable handle.

What We Like:

  • Durable Ugly Tech construction is very strong.
  • The clear tip design is good for feeling bites.
  • The EVA handle is comfy to hold.
  • The Size 20 reel has a smooth 2 ball bearing system.
  • It comes with a 7-year warranty on the rod.
  • The star drag system lets you control the fight.
  • The reel has a graphite spool to keep it light.
  • Eight stainless steel guides add durability.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some anglers might prefer a different handle position.

The Ugly Stik Walleye combo is a good choice for walleye fishing. It’s built to last and easy to use. This combo is a great value for the price.

3. Berkley 7’ Cherrywood HD Spinning Rod

Berkley 7’ Cherrywood HD Spinning Rod, One Piece Spinning Rod, 6-14lb Line Rating, Medium Rod Power, Fast Action, 1/8-3/4 oz. Lure Rating, red

Rating: 9.2/10

The Berkley 7’ Cherrywood HD Spinning Rod is a one-piece fishing rod. It is red and has a 6-14lb line rating. This rod is medium power with a fast action. It can handle lures from 1/8 to 3/4 oz. This rod is made for catching fish!

What We Like:

  • The cork handle feels great. It stays warm in cold weather.
  • The rod is sensitive. You can feel the fish bite!
  • It has a lightweight design. This makes the rod easy to use for a long time.
  • The rod has durable guides. They help you cast smoothly.
  • The reel seat is dependable. It keeps your reel secure.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some anglers may want a rod with more power.
  • The rod is only available in one color.

This Berkley rod is a good choice for many anglers. It is a quality rod that is easy to use. You should try it!

4. St. Croix Rods Triumph Spinning Rod

Rating: 8.9/10

The St. Croix Rods Triumph Spinning Rod, 6’0″, MF is a great fishing rod. It is built for anglers who want quality and performance. This rod is strong, sensitive, and ready to catch fish. It is designed for spinning reels and perfect for many different fishing situations. The Triumph series offers a great balance of value and performance.

What We Like:

  • The rod uses premium SCII carbon fiber. This makes it strong and light.
  • It has hard aluminum-oxide guides. They are durable and perform well.
  • The cork handle is comfortable. It helps you fish for a long time.
  • It comes with a 5-year warranty. This shows St. Croix stands behind their product.
  • The rod is sensitive. You will feel every bite.

What Could Be Improved:

  • Some anglers might want more options in handle length.
  • The price point may be higher for some anglers.

The St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod is a solid choice for anglers. It is a reliable rod for catching fish. You should consider this rod for your next fishing trip.

5. St. Croix Rods Avid Walleye Spinning Fishing Rod

St. Croix Rods Avid Walleye Spinning Fishing Rod, ASWS66MLF, Carbon Pearl

Rating: 8.8/10

The St. Croix Rods Avid Walleye Spinning Fishing Rod, ASWS66MLF, Carbon Pearl, is built for serious walleye anglers. This rod is made with high-quality materials. It features a carbon fiber blank and premium components. This rod is designed for sensitivity and strength. It’s ready to help you reel in your next big catch.

What We Like:

  • The rod uses SCIII+ carbon fiber. This makes it sensitive and strong.
  • Stainless steel guides are used. They resist corrosion.
  • The handle is super grade cork. This feels great in your hand.
  • It has a fast action. This helps with hooksets.
  • The rod comes with a 15-year warranty.

What Could Be Improved:

  • The price is on the higher side.
  • The carbon pearl finish might be susceptible to scratches.

Overall, the St. Croix Avid Walleye rod is a great choice for walleye fishing. It is a high-quality rod that will last for years. This rod is a good investment.

Walleye Fishing Rod: Your Guide to a Great Catch

So, you want to catch a tasty walleye? Awesome! You’ll need a good walleye fishing rod. This guide will help you find the right one. Let’s get started!

Key Features to Look For

Choosing a walleye rod can be tricky. Here are some key things to think about:

  • Length: Rod length matters! Shorter rods (around 6-6.5 feet) are great for boat fishing. They let you control the lure better. Longer rods (7-8 feet) are better for casting long distances from shore.
  • Power: Rod power tells you how much weight the rod can handle.
    • Ultra-Light (UL): Good for small jigs and light lines.
    • Light (L): Works well for small crankbaits.
    • Medium (M): The most common. It’s a good all-around choice for walleye.
    • Medium-Heavy (MH): For larger lures and stronger fish.
  • Action: Rod action is where the rod bends.
    • Fast Action: Bends mostly at the tip. This is good for feeling bites and setting the hook quickly.
    • Moderate Action: Bends in the middle. Great for casting and fighting fish.
    • Slow Action: Bends throughout the rod. Not as common for walleye fishing.
  • Sensitivity: You want to feel the fish bite! Look for a rod that transmits vibrations well.
  • Handle: Comfortable handles are important. Cork or EVA foam are popular choices.

Important Materials

The materials used in a walleye rod affect its performance.

  • Graphite: Graphite rods are super sensitive. They let you feel even the lightest bites. They are also usually lighter than other types of rods.
  • Fiberglass: Fiberglass rods are strong and durable. They are good for beginners. They are also usually less expensive.
  • Composite: Composite rods combine graphite and fiberglass. This gives you a good balance of sensitivity and strength.

Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality

Some things make a rod better. Others make it worse.

  • Quality Components: Look for good quality guides (the rings that hold the line) and reel seats (where the reel attaches). These parts should be durable.
  • Construction: A well-built rod will last longer. Check for smooth finishes and strong connections.
  • Price: You don’t always have to spend a fortune. You can often find a good rod without breaking the bank.
  • Brand Reputation: Some brands are known for making great rods. Do some research on brands before you buy.
  • Poor Materials: Cheap materials will reduce the quality of a rod. Avoid rods made with low-quality components.
  • Poor Construction: A poorly made rod can break easily.

User Experience and Use Cases

How will you use your new walleye rod?

  • Boat Fishing: Medium-action rods, 6-7 feet long, are excellent. They are good for jigging or using live bait.
  • Shore Fishing: Longer rods (7-8 feet) are best for casting far. Use a medium-heavy rod if you use heavier lures.
  • Jigging: Fast-action rods are perfect for feeling the subtle bites when jigging.
  • Trolling: Use a rod with a moderate action. This action helps with the constant pressure from trolling.
  • Live Bait Rigging: A sensitive rod will help you detect bites when using live bait.

Walleye Fishing Rod FAQs

Q: What length rod is best for beginners?

A: A 6.5-7 foot medium-action rod is a good starting point.

Q: What’s the difference between fast and moderate action?

A: A fast action rod bends mostly at the tip. A moderate action rod bends more in the middle.

Q: Which is better: graphite or fiberglass?

A: Graphite is more sensitive, but fiberglass is more durable. It depends on your needs.

Q: How do I choose the right rod power?

A: Choose the power based on the size of the lures and fish you expect to catch.

Q: What kind of handle is best?

A: Cork and EVA foam handles are both comfortable and popular.

Q: Can I use the same rod for all types of fishing?

A: You can, but different rods work better for different techniques.

Q: How do I care for my walleye rod?

A: Rinse it with fresh water after fishing and store it in a safe place.

Q: What are rod guides?

A: Rod guides are the rings that the fishing line runs through.

Q: What does “reel seat” mean?

A: The reel seat is where you attach your fishing reel to the rod.

Q: How important is brand name when buying a rod?

A: Brand can indicate quality, but try to read reviews to see if the rod is right for you.

In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.

If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.

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