10 bestWalleye Fishing Rodsof June 2025
112M consumers helped this year.
1

Sougayilang Spinning Fishing Rod and Reel Combos Portable Telescopic Fishing Pole Spinning reels for Travel Saltwater Freshwater Fishing
Sougayilang

10.0
2

Walleye Round Combo 7'6"
Ugly Stik

10.0
3

Shakespeare Micro 7' Spinning Rod, 2-Piece Fishing Rod, Graphite Composite Blank, Light Rod Power, Comfortable Full Cork Handle
Shakespeare

9.8
4

Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and 6' Fishing Rod Combo Travel Kit, Includes Cloth Travel Bag, 4-Piece, Graphite and Fiberglass Rod with Clear Tip Design
Ugly Stik

9.7
5

St. Croix Rods Eyecon Spinning Rod, 7'0"(EYS70MLF2), Walter Green
St. Croix Rods

9.5
6

St. Croix Rod Premier Spinning Rod
St. Croix Rods

9.3
7

Okuma B-S-902-65 Boundary Medium-Heavy Spinning Combo, 9' Length, Black and Silver Finish
Okuma

9.1
8

St. Croix Rods Triumph Spinning Rod, 6'0", MF
St. Croix Rods

8.8
9

GX2 Spinning Rod 7'
Shakespeare

8.6
10

St. Croix Rods Avid Walleye Spinning Fishing Rod, ASWS71MMF, Carbon Pearl
St. Croix Rods

8.3
A Guide to Selecting the Best Walleye Fishing Rods
Choosing the right walleye fishing rod can make your fishing experience much more enjoyable and successful. The right rod will help you feel bites better, cast more accurately, and fight fish more effectively. When picking a rod, it's important to think about where you'll be fishing, the techniques you prefer, and the size of walleye you expect to catch. Understanding the key features of fishing rods will help you make a choice that matches your needs and style.
Rod Length
Rod length refers to how long the fishing rod is from tip to handle. This is important because it affects casting distance, accuracy, and control. Shorter rods (around 6 feet) are easier to handle and offer better control, making them good for fishing from boats or in tight spaces. Medium-length rods (6.5 to 7 feet) are versatile and work well for most walleye fishing situations, offering a balance between casting distance and control. Longer rods (over 7 feet) can cast farther and are helpful when fishing from shore or when you need to cover more water. To pick the right length, think about where you'll fish most often and whether you need more control or more casting distance.
Power
Power describes how much force it takes to bend the rod. This is important because it affects how well the rod handles different lure weights and fish sizes. Light power rods bend easily and are sensitive, making them good for detecting light bites from walleye, especially when using small lures. Medium power rods are more versatile and can handle a wider range of lure sizes and fishing situations. Heavy power rods are rarely needed for walleye, as they are designed for much larger fish. Choose a power that matches the size of lures you plan to use and the average size of walleye in your area.
Action
Action refers to where the rod bends when pressure is applied. Fast action rods bend mostly at the tip, making them very sensitive and good for feeling light bites and setting the hook quickly. Moderate action rods bend more toward the middle, offering a balance between sensitivity and flexibility, which is helpful for fighting fish and using a variety of lures. Slow action rods bend throughout the length of the rod and are rarely used for walleye. For most walleye fishing, a fast or moderate action rod is best, depending on whether you value sensitivity or a bit more flexibility.
Material
Rod material affects the rod's weight, sensitivity, and durability. Most walleye rods are made from graphite, fiberglass, or a combination of both. Graphite rods are lightweight and very sensitive, making them great for feeling subtle bites, but they can be more fragile. Fiberglass rods are tougher and more flexible, but less sensitive and heavier. Composite rods combine both materials for a balance of sensitivity and strength. If you want to feel every bite and don't mind being a bit more careful, graphite is a good choice. If you want a rod that can take more abuse, consider fiberglass or a composite.
Handle Type and Material
The handle is where you grip the rod, and its type and material can affect comfort and control. Handles are usually made from cork or EVA foam. Cork is comfortable, lightweight, and offers a good grip even when wet, but it can wear out over time. EVA foam is more durable and easy to clean, but some anglers find it less comfortable. Handle length also matters: longer handles give you more leverage for casting and fighting fish, while shorter handles are easier to use for jigging or casting with one hand. Choose a handle that feels comfortable in your hand and matches your fishing style.
Line and Lure Weight Ratings
These ratings tell you the range of fishing line strengths and lure weights the rod is designed to handle. Using the right line and lure weights helps you get the best performance from your rod and prevents damage. Lighter ratings are best for finesse techniques and smaller lures, while heavier ratings are for bigger lures and stronger lines. Match the rod's ratings to the type of fishing you plan to do and the size of lures and lines you prefer.

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