Suppose you happen to be a novice or experienced angler. In that case, it is essential to acquire top-quality fishing equipment to enhance your chances of successfully capturing the large fish you are after. Just before making a purchase, it needs to be done to invest an extensive quantity of time in thoroughly investigating buying advice and reviews available through the internet in order to make a properly informed selection.
For this reason, we have comprised a short guide that should tell you everything you need to know about the walleye rod. We have analyzed a lot of feedback coming from other users, selected four best walleye rods currently on the market and tested them for your convenience. Be sure to read our reviews as they will guarantee a good purchase.
What To Look For When Searching For The Best Walleye Rods?
There are numerous things you should consider when choosing the rod you want to dedicate to successful walleye fishing.
Type Of Rods
All four types are compatible with walleye fishing. We have concluded guide for the best walleye rods.
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Spincast rods’
They offer the most painless usage and with the right training can be used even by children and rookie anglers. Besides a forefinger grip initiate, these rods feature small rings throughout the pole.
Spincast rods have heavier lines and thicker cover and are usually more potent than spinning ones. When examining the reel placing slot on your spincast rod take into the account that this component is exposed to a lot of pressure during long fights with the fish.
They arrive with guide rings that are largest closest to the reel, and very small at the top – simply said, the size of guides gradually descends. The number of circle guides on the unit depends on the elasticity and measurement of the rod.
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Spinning rods
Most often these rods feature a broad fishing line guide which ensures minimal abrasion alongside the line. They can be combined with rather lightweight and flexible monofilament lines and allow for capturing not only walleyes but also crappies, bluegills, and perch.
Spinning rods typically feature an EVA foam or Cork handle or grip. Traditional anglers usually prefer Cork handles; however, finest rods come with a combination
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Baitcasting rods
Most often these rods feature a broad fishing line guide which ensures minimal abrasion alongside the line. They can be combined with rather lightweight and flexible monofilament lines and allow for capturing not only walleyes but also crappies, bluegills, and perch.
Spinning rods typically feature an EVA foam or Cork handle or grip. Traditional anglers usually prefer Cork handles; however, finest rods come with a combination.
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Fly Rods
Fly rods are typically long and thus provide exceptional flexibility while also guaranteeing a more natural appearance of the lure. On the downside, they are not so easy to handle and can prove to be difficult to use for beginners mostly because the fly line (not the lure) determines casting capability.
For effective line storage, a fly fishing reel affixes below the upper layer of the rod. In order to get large fish under control, modern versions of fly reels feature integrated drags (disc type) that allow for reliable adjustment range.
2. The Power Of The Fishing Rod
The characteristics of the reel should be matched to the weight, and the proportions of the rod as that influences the strength of the fishing rod the most. There are different power levels for you to choose:
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Ultra-light Rods
These rods are the most responsive. Actually, an ultra-light spinning rod would be an ideal choice if you want to catch small fish for bait. They are also suitable for tight areas fishing.
Do mind that extremely light action rods feature less power which could make lure overpowering and lead to the rod blank breaking if sufficient force is applied.
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Medium Weight Rod
Medium power rods are able to load more and are thus a good choice when you are angling on the shore, boat or pier.
They are also suitable for surf fishing, although light spinning rods can do well in those cases too.
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Heavier Rods
Heavy spinning rods perform the best when you do the offshore and surf fishing.
These rods feature substantial action and strength which means that they won’t bend too much and won’t be able to withstand the same load either.
3. Cast Distance And Cast Accuracy
The best walleye fishing rod should offer accuracy and allow for right cast distance. You should opt for a rod blank capable of loading more as it will enable you to throw baits that have recoil on the rod, But also with consistent distance. In order to get the most out of your effort while casting, we recommend choosing a rod with moderate action and medium power.
Moreover, choosing a longer rod will enable you to cast farther. Namely, when action and power are equal, a lengthier rod allows you to cast the identical lure much farther than before. However, if your lure is light, you will be able to control it better if you use a shorter and forgiving rod rather than a lenghtier rod.
Top 4 Best Walleye Rods On The Market – Detailed Reviews 2018
Here is the well researched reviews to find best walleye rods available on the market. Discussion below includes detailed review of each rod including great information regarding it.
1. Okuma Dead Eye Technique Specific Walleye Rod
Okuma Dead Eye Technique Specific Walleye Rod is a one-peace 7-foot long rod which offers medium light power. It can work with ⅛ to ⅝ lure weights and 6 to 12-pound test line. It is a multipurpose model that allows for a wide range of fishing styles and is suitable for both recreational and professional anglers. The glossy finish of a deep brown colored blank makes the rod appear stylish and classy.
It has all that you need to catch yourself a good-sized walleye- the sensitivities, strength, and finesse. Designed with responsive IM8 rod blanks and the split grip which contributes to the effective transmission of vibrations straight to your hand, it provides superior ‘feel’ and makes you aware of every movement the fish makes against the lure so that you are able to act fast when necessary.
The triangular EVA grip is durable and easy to clean but also makes the rod more resilient and able to withstand at least few fishing seasons. ALPS gun smoke stainless steel guide frames fitted with zirconium inserts also account for durability as they are sure to prevent corrosion, chipping, abrasion and build up of friction and thus line damage or breakage too. With a limited lifetime warranty, this rod is a safe buy with only one downside- a somewhat higher price.
Pros
- Versatile
- Both sensitive and strong enough to catch a good walleye
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Above average price
2. Okuma Dead Eye Walleye Trolling Planer Board Rod
Okuma Dead Eye Walleye Trolling Planer Board Rod is an open water type rod; 7 feet and 6 inches long and of medium light power, it is more suitable for experienced anglers and professionals. This two piece rod features a slow action tip; it takes 8 to 17 pounds test line and 1/2 – 2 oz. lure weight. The same as the other Okuma model reviewed, this rod looks stylish due to the deep, rich gloss-brown blank color.
This rod is extra durable due to resilient tubular glass blank structure and gun smoke stainless steel guide frames which have polished titanium oxide inserts. There are nine guides plus a tip. It is ideal for all around trolling, use with planer boards, dipsy divers, and downriggers. Triangular EVA foregrip and Fuji-style graphite reel seat with full shrink tube rear grip guarantee comfortable usage.
This Okuma trolling rod is highly economical and offers more than enough for the price you need to pay for it. It is durable, made of good materials and most importantly, it performs well and is sure to land you numerous walleyes. The only complaint might be a short warranty period, but at a price, you really could not expect more.
Pros
- Durable tubular glass blank construction
- Guide frames made of gun smoke stainless steel
- Fuji-style graphite reel seats
- Comfortable triangular EVA foregrip
- Hook keeper
- Budget friendly
Cons
- Short warranty period of only 1 year
3. St. Croix Eyecon ECS63MXF Spinning Rod
St. Croix Eyecon ECS63MXF Spinning Rod is a 6 feet 3 inches long one piece rod which offers medium power. It works with 6 to 10-pound test line and 1/8 oz. – 1/2 oz. lure weights. The extra fast tip is great for vertical jigging and justifies the fact that this rod is specially designed for walleye fishing.
Croix rods are, there is no doubt, high quality and a lot of users appreciate the fact that they are made in the U.S. We personally liked how sensitive the rod is as we could feel the smallest fish. It has the perfect tip section to feel the fish pick up the bait and adequate backbone to handle bigger walleyes and get them boat-side. However, the tip is also rather small which makes it liable to breakage and necessary to treat it with great care avoiding lifting fish into the boat with the rod.
Although casts are smooth and precise, and the rod is properly balanced and feels good in hand due to EVA foam type grip, we did find some downsides. First of all the guides are not perfectly aligned, which we expected for the price it sells at. Next, the manufacturer offers only a 5-year warranty, which is disappointing in comparison to lifetime warranties most of their competition offers for similarly priced rods.
Pros
- We could feel the slightest tap from a finicky walleye
- Good value
- Made in U.S.
- Very light weight
Cons
- Small tip prone to breakage
- No lifetime warranty
4. Fenwick Elite Tech Walleye Spinning Rod
Fenwick Elite Tech Walleye Spinning rod is 5 foot 9 inches long and offers medium power. It comes in different configurations from which you can choose the one that best suits your needs and your preferred walleye catching technique. This rod takes a line rating of 4 to 12 pounds test and can work with 1/8-3/4 lure rating. It features a graphite rod blank which makes it durable and strong and eight titanium frame guides which make it feel lightweight
Although not an ideal rod for heavy lures, it surely offers dependable speed and sensitivity. This rod offers extraordinary ‘feel’ thanks to the extra-fast tip which clearly transmits the nudges and the bites the fish make on the lure so you can act accordingly. Moreover, thanks to the EVA grip and Hidden Handle Design you are able to have a solid hold of the rod and control it even when it is raining or the rod is wet for some other reason.
If you do not put much pressure on the rod, it should last for years and the lifetime warranty guarantees that you replace the rod if it does break. Fenwick Elite rods are not cheap, but their price balances their quality quite well.
Pros
- Limited lifetime warranty
- Durable graphite rod blank
- Hidden handle design
Cons
- Not suitable for heavy lures
- Might be too short for some users
- Not appropriate for low-budget users
Conclusion
All four reviewed best walleye rods perform exquisitely and are sure to catch you a good-sized walleye, but Okuma rods have to be given a slight advantage as they offer the best performance and features at the lowest price.
Both Okuma Dead Eye Walleye Trolling Planer Board Rod and Okuma Dead Eye Technique Specific Walleye Rod are almost faultless and fit every budget, what else could you wish for?
