Best Rod And Reel For Walleye Fishing 2023

Sergio Smirnoff

Hello, my name is Sergio Smirnof, and my goal with FishReeler is to provide a valuable resource for anglers of all levels, from beginners to experienced veterans. I hope that my passion for fishing and dedication to the sport shines through in the content I create and inspires others to get out on the water and catch some fish!

Walleye are one of the most popular fish to catch, and there’s nothing quite like a good day out fishing for them. So, if you’re looking to get into walleye fishing, you’ll need the right rod and reel. In this blog post, we’ve compiled a list of the top-rated rods and reels for walleye fishing. These combos have been proven to be effective in catching this species of fish.

Best Rod and Reel For Walleye Fishing Reviews

We’ll also provide tips on how to use them for maximum success. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman, read on for the information you need to know.

1# Pflueger President/Bass Pro Shops Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

Pflueger President Spinning Reel Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Length: 4’6″, 5′, 5’6″, 6′, 6’6″, 7′, 7’6″
Ball Bearings: 6+1

This is one of our lightest combos, perfect for a day on the lake or trout fishing on a stream. Features include a machined aluminium spool, 9 stainless steel ball bearings, 1 instant anti-reverse bearing, and a braid-ready spool. The RT2 graphite blank is sensitive enough to feel the slightest nibble.

Pros
  • The Pflueger President Rod and Reel Combo is made in America

  • The rod handles fish up to 12 pounds

  • It comes with 4 blank line spools, 2 of which are fixed-spool tackles

  • 8+1 stainless steel ball bearings help the reel spin correctly (and efficiently)

Cons
  • It is best suited for smaller species of fish, not the big one

2# Abu Garcia Revo SX/Bass Pro Shops Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

Abu Garcia Revo SX Spinning Reel Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Length: 5’6″, 6′, 6’6″, 6’8″, 6’9″, 7′, 7’2″, 7’6″
Ball Bearings: 8+1
Action: Fast, Extra Fast

This combo is for anglers who demand the very best in both performance and comfort. The reel features a carbon body and gears, while the rod is built with Carbon Coil Technology for an incredibly smooth cast. The guides are Fuji FaZlite, making them extremely durable, and the Winn grips provide a non-slip grip even when wet.

Pros
  • Carbon Coil Technology for a smooth cast

  • Guides are durable and non-slip

  • Kodak Fuji FaZlite Guides

  • Winn Grips

Cons
  • It’s not rated for saltwater

  • Does not come assembled

  • Tackle can be expensive

3# Daiwa Fuego LT/Bass Pro Shops Pro Qualifier 2 Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

Daiwa Fuego LT Spinning Reel Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1, 5.2:1
Length: 6’6″, 6’8″, 7′
Ball Bearings: 6+1
Action: Fast

This Rod and Reel Combo is perfect for anglers who demand quality. The sleek design and durable build of this reel are perfect for those long days on the water, while the carbon-infused housing ensures that it remains light and easy to handle. With a powerful drag system and 7 bearings (6+1), this combo can handle anything you might throw at it. The rod itself features Powerwall construction, ensuring that every cast is smooth and accurate. And with its Fuji guides and minimalist reel seat, this rod looks as good as it performs.

Pros
  • Durable build

  • Lightweight and easy to handle

  • Powerful drag system

  • 7 bearings (6+1)

  • Powerwall construction

  • Fuji guides

  • Minimalist reel seat

Cons
  • Rod is shorter than expected

  • The handle of the rod is too thin

4# Shimano Curado K/Bass Pro Shops CarbonLite Baitcast Rod and Reel Combo

Shimano Curado K Baitcast Reel Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left, Right
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1, 7.4:1, 8.5:1
Length: 6’6″, 6’9″, 7′, 7’3″, 7’6″, 7’9″
Ball Bearings: 6+1
Action: Fast, Moderate, Extra Fast

This reel is good for beginners or experienced anglers. Its robust and durable build will let you tackle any fish that comes your way, while the comfortable design ensures hours of fishing without fatigue. The rod is also built for strength and comes with a great line ID system so you can stay focused on the fish, not on your gear.

Pros
  • Robust and durable build

  • Tackle any fish

  • Comfortable design

  • Great line ID system

Cons
  • Rod may be too heavy for some

5# Bass Pro Shops Platinum Signature Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

Bass Pro Shops Signature Spinning Reel Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.7:1, 6.0:1
Length: 6’9″, 7’1″, 7’4″
Ball Bearings: 10+1
Action: Fast

Looking for a premium fishing combo that won’t break the bank? Bass Pro Shops has you covered with our Platinum Signature Spinning Rod and Reel Combo. This combo features a solid 1-piece aluminium frame, super-lightweight rotor, and Micro-Pitched Gearing System for smooth performance.

The 11-bearing (10+1) system ensures consistent drag and reliable hooksets, while the Machined-aluminum handle with Soft Touch knob gives you a comfortable grip. The rod is also outfitted with a Fuji SiC guide set, Winn grips, and Fuji reel seat with Soft Touch coating to keep you fishing in comfort all day long.

Pros
  • A Single Piece Frame for Strength and Minimized Weight

  • Micro Pitched Gear System is Reliable

  • 11 Bearing 10+1 System Ensures Consistent Drag

  • Super Lightweight Rotor with Machined Aluminum Handle Adds Durability

Cons
  • It is quite expensive

6# Lew’s Speed Spin Spinning Combo

Lew's Speed Spin Spinning Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Length: 6’6″, 7′
Action: Fast

The Lew’s Speed Spin Spinning Combo is a professional-grade setup that is perfect for anglers who demand the best in terms of performance and durability. This combo features a rugged graphite body, high-strength solid brass Speed Gears, and a double-anodized ported knurled aluminium spool – ensuring smooth and consistent operation no matter what the conditions. The rod itself is built with an HM30 high-modulus graphite blank, stainless steel guide frames with aluminium-oxide inserts, and Lew’s exclusive SoftTouch graphite skeletal reel seat for superior comfort and sensitivity.

Pros
  • Durable construction

  • The smooth and responsive drag system

  • Multi-purpose design

  • Lightweight and well-balanced

  • Affordable price

Cons
  • The reel is difficult to cast

  • The line gets easily tangled

7# Bass Pro Shops Extreme XML Baitcast Combo

Bass Pro Shops Extreme Baitcast Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left, Right
Gear Ratio: 7.5:1
Length: 6’6″, 7′
Ball Bearings: 6+1
Action: Fast

If you’re serious about bass fishing, then you need the Bass Pro Shops Extreme XML Baitcast Combo. This top-of-the-line reel has an externally adjustable Inertia Transfer Braking System that ensures smooth, consistent casting no matter what the conditions. Plus, the PowerLock instant anti-reverse ensures positive hooksets every time. The rod is made from RT4 graphite for sensitivity and strength, and it features stainless steel guides with aluminium oxide inserts for long life.

Pros
  • Best in class reel for smooth, consistent casting

  • Externally adjustable Inertia Transfer Braking System

  • PowerLock instant anti-reverse

  • An RT4 graphite rod is sensitive and strong

  • Stainless steel guides with aluminium oxide inserts

Cons
  • Rods are too long

8# Abu Garcia MLF Spinning Combo

Abu Garcia Spinning Combo MLF

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Specification

Reel Size: 30
Retrieve: Left/Right
Length: 7′
Gear Ratio: 5.1:1

The Abu Garcia MLF Spinning Combo is a professional-grade reel that features a lightweight graphite body and rotor, Everlast bail system, Machined aluminium spool, Rocket Spool Lip Design, Rocket line management system, Slow Oscillation, 3+1 bearing system, and Winn advanced polymer Dri-Tac grips. The rod has 24-ton graphite construction and a Texas Rig hook, keeper.

Pros
  • Lightweight graphite body and rotor

  • Everlast bail system

  • Machined aluminium spool

  • Rocket Spool Lip Design

  • Slow Oscillation

  • 3+1 bearing system

  • Winn advanced polymer Dri-Tac grips

Cons
  • Rod is a bit too light for some fishermen

  • The Rocket line management system can be difficult to use

9# Zebco Bill Dance Rod and Reel Spincast Combo

Zebco Bill Dance Rod Spincast Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Length: 6′
Power: Medium
Gear Ratio: 4.1:1

The Zebco Bill Dance Spincast Rod is perfect for aspiring anglers. It features durable construction and D-ring guides, letting you cast with precision and control. The reel comes pre-spooled with a 10 lb. line and has a three-bearing system for smooth operation.

Pros
  • Durable construction

  • D-ring guides for precision casting

  • Pre-spooled with 10 lb. line

  • Three bearing system for smooth operation

Cons
  • The handle may be not strong

10# Lew’s Mach Smash Spinning Combo

Lew's Mach Smash Spinning Combo

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Specification

Reel Size: 300
Retrieve: Left/Right
Length: 7′
Power: Medium
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1

The Lew’s Mach Smash Spinning Combo is an amazing product that features a durable one-piece graphite frame with graphite side plates, 8 stainless steel double-shielded ball bearings, Zero Reverse one-way clutch bearing, oversized multi-disc drag system, and solid brass Speed Gears.

This combo is also built with a premium IM6 graphite blank, Lew’s exclusive graphite skeletal reel seat, stainless steel guides with stainless steel inserts, split-grip Winn Dri-Tac grip with ergonomic design, and aluminium handle with Combat Grip paddle knobs.

Pros
  • Rod is sensitive to the slightest catch, so when a fish hits your bait, you know

  • The rod can handle larger sizes of lures and baits

  • Best for jigging with heavier weight than other rods

Cons
  • None

11# Offshore Angler Frigate Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

Offshore Angler Frigate Spinning Rod Combo

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Specification

Reel Size: 8000
Retrieve: Left/Right
Length: 10′
Power: X Heavy
Gear Ratio: 4.9:1

Introducing the Offshore Angler Frigate Rod and Reel Combo – perfect for anglers looking for a high-quality, durable reel that can handle any fishing situation. This reel features an all-aluminium frame, carbon fibre-reinforced composite rotor, stainless steel main shaft, and 8-bearing system with Powerlock instant anti-reverse.

The braid-ready forged, double-anodized aluminium spool ensures smooth operation, while the American-made Ocean Silk saltwater lubricant keeps your reel running like new season after season. So get ready to tackle the big ones with the Offshore Angler Frigate Rod and Reel Combo.

Pros
  • Durable

  • High quality

  • All aluminium frame

  • Carbon fibre-reinforced composite rotor

  • Stainless steel main shaft

  • 8 bearing system with Powerlock instant anti-reverse

  • Braid ready forged, double anodized aluminium spool

Cons
  • The Combo is heavy

  • This Rods and Reels are not sensitive enough for light bites

12# Shimano Sedona FI/Bass Pro Shops Bionic Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel Combo

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Specification

Reel Size: 4000
Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1

Lighten the load on your next fishing trip with the Shimano Sedona FI/Bass Pro Shops XPS Bionic Spinning Rod and Reel Combo. This combo features a lightweight G-Free body construction, super-lightweight Magnumlite rotor, and cold-forged Hagane gears for ultimate durability.

Gear ratios and drag power are higher in most models, making it easy to land that big one. The RT3 Graphite blank is built with integrated Powerwall construction for maximum sensitivity and strength, while Sea Guide guides with titanium-oxide rings offer smooth operation even when fighting a big fish.

Pros
  • Lightweight body construction

  • Super-lightweight Magnumlite rotor

  • Cold-forged Hagane gears

  • Gear ratios and drag power are higher in most models

  • RT3 Graphite blank is built with integrated Powerwall construction

  • Sea Guide guides with titanium oxide rings

Cons
  • Some models have low gear ratios

13# Pflueger President XT/Bass Pro Shops Spinning Rod and Reel Combo

Pflueger President XT Spinning Reel Combo

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1, 6.2:1
Length: 6’6″, 6’8″, 7′
Ball Bearings: 6+1, 9+1
Action: Fast

Grab a Pflueger President XT/Bass Pro Shops Spinning Rod and Reel Combo for an extreme fishing experience! This reel is packed with features to provide you with comfort and balance, while the rod is designed for powerful casts. Aluminium shafts and gears make this combo robust and corrosion-resistant, perfect for wet environments.

Pros
  • This combo will last for years of fishing

  • Extreme fishing experience

  • Comfortable and balanced

  • Robust and corrosion-resistant

Cons
  • It may be too heavy for some users

  • It could have more features

FAQ

What type of rod is best for walleye?
There is no definitive answer when it comes to the best rod for walleye fishing. However, most anglers agree that a medium-action rod is best for casting light lures or bait. If you are targeting larger walleye, then a heavier-action rod may be a better option.
What size reel is best for walleye?
The size reel you need for walleye fishing will depend on the size of the fish you are targeting. A smaller reel is good for catching smaller walleye, while a larger reel is better for catching bigger fish.
How long should a walleye rod be?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this question, as the length of a walleye rod will vary depending on the person using it. However, a good rule of thumb is to go with a rod that is about as tall as the person casting it.

Conclusion

The Best Rod and Reel for walleye fishing is an important part of your fishing gear. A quality rod can make all the difference in how enjoyable a day on the water will be, but it’s hard to know which one to buy! We created this guide as a resource for people who want to find out what makes some rods better than others so they can choose their next purchase with confidence. Hopefully, you found our reviews helpful or at least learned something new about rods that you didn’t know before reading this article.

Sergio Smirnoff
Sergio Smirnoff
Professional fisherman with 40+ years of experience.
Fishing and the ocean is a passion of my life. I am passionate about all kinds of sea fishing: fishing from the shore (spinning, float, baitcasting), from a boat, and spearfishing day and night.

I live in Tenerife (Canary Islands) for the last 10+ years and share my daily fishing experiences on my website. Many years of personal experience as a fisherman and the vast experience of my friends allow me to write professionally on any fishing topics (from choosing a flashlight and equipment to deep-sea fishing).

All of my advice is based on practical real-world experience and will be useful to both novice anglers and professionals. Read more about the author.

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About the author: Each article is verified by the fishing expert Sergio Smirnoff. The articles are written by professional and amateur fishermen with 20+ years of fishing experience.

Note: The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of any agency. The articles are for informational purposes only, share your opinions in the comments and join the fishing discussions, let's share our fishing experiences together!

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