When it comes to fishing for the notoriously sneaky walleye, the correct technique and equipment can make all the difference.
There are plenty of great rods on the market that can detect the shy bites walleyes are known for.
This article will walk you through some of our personal faves, as well as give you information on how to select the perfect rod if this is the type of fish you plan on targeting.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Walleye Rods
- OUR TOP PICK: Cadence CR5
- RUNNER-UP: G.Loomis Walleye Series
- BEST WALLEYE JIGGLING ROD: GOOFISH Solid Nano Jigging Rod
Comparison of the Best Walleye Rods
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Are All Walleye Rods the Same? Can Any Rod Be Used for Walleye?
While it’s pretty easy to target walleyes with a traditional fishing rod, not all walleye rods are the same. Many have qualities that make them the best choice for a specific technique. The most common rods you’ll see in walleye fishing are jigging, spinning, and trolling rods.
Jigging and spinning use the same type of rod, so if you don’t have a preference of one over the other, that’s a good versatile choice. If your technique of choice is trolling, however, it’s necessary to have a more robust rod.
As alluded to before, walleye-specific rods will also have one quality that should be emphasized over the others: sensitivity. These fish are known for having one of the softest bites among the pike fish family, which makes it tough for an angler to know when to strike. For this reason, having a sensitive rod that can detect the most minute movements can really make a difference in the fishing process.
What Makes a Great Walleye Rod?
When you’re browsing for the perfect walleye rod, whether in-store or online, it’s a good idea to make sure your pick has a few baseline qualities that will make it suitable for fishing for this species.
Length
While length isn’t the most vital part of a great walleye rod, it’s not an aspect to be totally overlooked. When it comes to your walleye pick, try to find something that’s in the range of six to six-and-a-half feet. This will allow for suitable casting control and balance. If you’re trolling, a slightly longer rod may be a better fit.
Power
For jigging and spinning rods, the best fit for fishing walleye is a medium or medium-light power, maybe even a bit lighter if you plan to fish for the smaller end of the spectrum of these fish. This will allow for fast action and flexibility without compromising the backbone of the rod.
Action
Sensitivity is key when it comes to walleye, so the faster the action, the better. It’s a good idea to go for a very flexible rod and having a fast or very fast action is the best option for a walleye rod.
Key Terms to Know
To help compare products in this review, we have included a few key specifications for each. Here is a quick summary of what they mean.
- Type of Rod: This refers to how the rod is intended to be used. Can include baitcasting, spinning, fly rod, etc.
- Materials: The materials the rod is made of.
- Handle: The material and/or type of handle on the rod.
- Available Length(s): The length(s) this rod is available in.
- Available Power(s): Power refers to how much force it takes to bend the rod. These fall under the designations of ultra light/med-light/light/medium/med-heavy/heavy/etc.
- Available Action(s): The actions the rod is available in. This refers to where the rod flexes and includes slow/moderate/moderately-fast/fast/extra fast/ etc.
Review of the Best Walleye Rods
If you’re not sure which rod would be a good fit, check out our list! Here are some of our top picks from the market today:
Best Overall:
Cadence CR5
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who bought and reviewed the CR5 from Cadence were majorly impressed with the rod’s ability to pull in big fish for a great price. Buyers compliment the look and feel of the rod, commenting on its sensitivity and powerful backbone. Some users say the handles could use minor improvements to make it more comfortable for all-day use.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The Cadence CR5 won the top spot on our list because of its incredible and special components designed to make the rod as durable as possible. We love the carbon-wrapped reel seat and blanks, as well as the high-quality stainless steel guides. There’s no need to worry about strength with this rod.
Who Will Use This Most
We’d recommend this product to anglers who need a seriously sturdy rod for walleye fishing that doesn’t compromise sensitivity. Although this rod has a great backbone, it also has the sensitivity needed to detect the shy, soft bites that walleye are known for.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Besides adding some heavier power options, the rod’s design falters with the handle style. Anglers who bought the CR5 say that the handles are a little too short to provide the perfect amount of control. If Cadence added an extra inch or so to the rod, this would provide more accuracy.
Bottom Line
Aside from the handle design-issues, the CR5 line from Cadence is near-perfect for fishing walleye. Sensitive enough to detect their shy bites and strong enough to pull in the largest fish in the water, these rods are a super reliable pick for any angler.
Product Specs
Type of Rod:
Spinning
Materials:
Stainless steel, carbon fiber
Handle:
Cork and EVA
Available Lengths:
6 ft, 6.6 ft, 7 ft
Available Power(s):
Ultralight / Light / Medium / Medium Light
Available Action(s):
Moderate / Moderate Fast / Fast
Runner-up:
G.Loomis Walleye Series
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Reviews of the G Loomis Walleye Rods are overwhelmingly positive. Those who purchased rods were happy with their general performance, especially the sensitivity and balance. Although it really depends on personal preference, some buyers said they’d prefer foam handles.
Why it Stands Out to Us
This rod makes an appearance as the runner-up on our favorites list because of its lightweight and sensitive design. It trumps many different traditional rods in terms of sensitivity, an essential feature for fishing for walleye. Though it is a simple design, it is effective and reliable.
Who Will Use This Most
Although the Loomis rods would be a reliable pick for any walleye fishermen, this is an especially good setup for those who prefer jigging over other angling techniques. Reviewers say the rod has the perfect action and sensitivity for vertical jigging.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Although it is personal preference, some anglers prefer foam handles for comfort over cork. Also, while this is a great pick for fishing for walleye, this isn’t a very versatile rod. Unfortunately, there can’t be a great deal of crossover from walleye fishing to targeting other species.
Bottom Line
It’s pretty hard to find faults in the G Loomis Walleye Rods. They’re a sturdy choice for any angler looking to detect the soft bites of these elusive fish and powerful enough to pull them in one after the other.
Product Specs
Type of Rod:
Spinning
Materials:
Fiber Blend
Handle:
Cork
Available Lengths:
6.3 ft, 6.10 ft, 7.6 ft, 7.1 ft
Available Power(s):
Light / Medium / Medium Light / Medium Heavy
Available Action(s):
Fast / Extra Fast
Best Walleye Jiggling Rod:
GOOFISH Solid Nano Jigging Rod
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Goofish is a newer, but very popular brand among some anglers. Those who took a chance on this jigging rod from the company were singing its praises. The compliments thrown out had to do with the exceptional strength, sensitivity, and great action for jigging.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Although this company is lesser known than some of the most popular angling brands, they’ve put out some incredible products that haven’t gotten the recognition they deserve, these jigging rods included. They are sturdy and steady making them great for pulling in giant walleyes.
Who Will Use This Most
As mentioned in the title of the actual product, these rods are the perfect fit for anglers who prefer jigging as their technique of choice. Those in the angling community who have given the rods a go say they provide excellent action for slow pitch jigging, a common technique in attracting walleye.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Although the majority of the qualities of these rods are really great, there’s always room for some improvement. Because these aren’t made specifically for fishing walleye, they aren’t as sensitive some rods on the market. They also could use a handle redesign.
Bottom Line
With a fun, funky design and incredible jigging performance, the Goofish rods are another great option for anglers testing their hand at walleye fishing. Although they could be a little more sensitive, overall, this is a reliable setup for the jigging technique.
Product Specs
Type of Rod:
Casting, Spinning
Materials:
Nano and high-ton toray carbon fiber
Available Lengths:
6.6 ft
Best Walleye Ice Fishing Rod:
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
UglyStik is a well-known and loved company, and the majority of buyers of this rod were happy with their choice of rod/reel. Buyers complimented the strength of UglyStik's rod construction and the simplicity of the design, but were dissatisfied with the reel included with this combo and some of the rod’s line guides.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Like many anglers, we’re also familiar with UglyStik's high-quality standards. We admired this particular UglyStik combo because of its strength and thoughtful design. Although the reel could use some improvements, the rod is worth the purchase.
Who Will Use This Most
We’d recommend this UglyStik combo to anglers who need a reliable ice fishing rod for Walleye. It’s fairly inexpensive, durable, strong, and sensitive, an excellent combination of features for walleye fishing. This is a great pick for both beginners and seasoned anglers.
What Could Be Improved and Why
The line guides on the rod could be improved. They can’t handle braided line as well as they should and don’t hold up well to wear and tear. The reel in this combo is also not super high-quality. Some users may prefer to replace both the reel and line guides.
Bottom Line
Although there are some quality issues here with the reel and line guides, overall, this is still a great product for fishing walleye, especially for ice fishermen. The rod possesses the qualities needed to be a great purchase.
Product Specs
Type of Rod:
Spinning
Materials:
Aluminum, Stainless steel
Handle:
EVA
Available Lengths:
2.5 ft, 2.16 ft, 2.33 ft
Available Power(s):
Light / Medium / Medium Heavy
Available Action(s):
Light
Best Walleye Spinning Rod:
Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rod
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who purchased the Fenwicks Eagle Spinning Rod were excited by several aspects of the product. First and foremost, they were happy with the rod’s value and price. Buyers also praised its sensitivity and weight, but wished it was more durable in the long run.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We chose this as the featured spinning rod on our favorites list because it provides some great abilities as a walleye rod. It has incredible sensitivity and action which, in combination, make an excellent choice for fishing walleye. It also offers lengths that can provide super long, smooth casts
Who Will Use This Most
This is a great rod to pair with any spinning reel. Spinning rods/reels are an awesome choice for beginners who may be wanting to try their hand at walleye fishing. They are easy to figure out and master and they also provide excellent casting performance.
What Could Be Improved and Why
One of the major complaints that comes up with Fenwicks Eagle Rods has to do with the durability of the rod tip. Graphite is used in the construction of this line, which is super-sensitive, but doesn’t provide great strength. If Fenwicks could add some structural enhancements to the rod blank, the overall product would be greatly improved.
Bottom Line
When it comes to spinning rods, the Fenwicks Eagle line is a reliable choice for any angler who prefers spinning techniques. Although it’s not the most durable pick on the market, when handled properly and gently, it offers incredible fishing performance.
Product Specs
Type of Rod:
Spinning
Materials:
Stainless steel guides with aluminum oxide inserts
Handle:
Cork and TAC grips
Available Lengths:
5.6 ft, 6 ft, 6.6 ft, 7 ft, 7.6 ft, 8 ft
Available Power(s):
Light / Medium Light / Medium / Medium Heavy / Ultra Light
Available Action(s):
Moderate / Moderate Fast / Fast
Best Walleye Rod and Reel Combo:
Ugly Stik Walleye Round Combo
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
As mentioned before, UglyStik is a very popular brand among seasoned anglers. Those who reviewed this combo were happy with the majority of its functions, mostly excited by the rod’s durability and strength. Buyers were less satisfied with the reel’s performance, but thought it matched the price.
Why it Stands Out to Us
Combos are a great option for many anglers, so it wouldn’t be a comprehensive list if we didn’t include one on our favorites. UglyStik made the cut because of this rod’s excellent strength, which doesn’t compromise sensitivity. Its simple design is reliable, consistent, and effective.
Who Will Use This Most
Rod/reel combinations are a really good option for a wide range of anglers, especially for those on a budget and beginners who don’t want to take the task of balancing a rod and reel together. This combo comes at a super-reasonable price, so it’s accessible to all.
What Could Be Improved and Why
As with most UglyStiks, the line guides on this rod are considered an issue among anglers. They can’t handle all types of line super well, so some users prefer to replace them rather than deal with them. The reel on this combo is also mediocre.
Bottom Line
Overall, like most UglyStik products, this walleye combo is consistent and reliable. It provides the sensitivity needed to catch the fish, but it’s also strong enough to last a lifetime.
Product Specs
Type of Rod:
Spinning
Materials:
Ugly Tech construction with a combination of graphite and fiberglass
Available Lengths:
7 ft, 7.6 ft
Available Power(s):
Medium Heavy / Medium Light
Available Action(s):
Fast
7. KastKing WideEye Rod
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
Those who purchased a WideEye Walleye Rod from KastKing were thrilled by the company’s commitment to affordability. KastKing prides itself on providing quality-made products at a fair price, and buyers of this line really appreciated that. There were few complaints and mostly praises of the durability, sensitivity, and action of the rod.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We love KastKing’s commitment to fair pricing because it keeps angling accessible without compromising the quality of their products. The WideEye rods provide exceptional performance at their price point, a combination that cannot be beaten.
Who Will Use This Most
Anglers on a budget can rest easy knowing if they purchase the WideEye rod, the performance will stand up to luxury rods at a much higher price point. This is also a great option for beginners who want to try out walleye fishing but can’t afford a huge price commitment.
What Could Be Improved and Why
Besides some general one-off quality control issues, these rods are really solid. The one design modification that could improve the rod would be to change the place of the hook keeper, as some anglers say it tends to get in the way when using the rod.
Bottom Line
Overall, the WideEye rod is an incredible budget pick for anglers who cannot afford to break the bank on their next walleye rod. Before going for a luxury product, try out this line. You may be surprised by what you can reel in!
Product Specs
Type of Rod:
Casting, Spinning
Materials:
Toray IM9
Handle:
3A Cork, EVA
Available Lengths:
6.2 ft, 6.8 ft, 7.1 ft, 7.7 ft, 5.6, 7.6 ft, 8.6 ft
Available Power(s):
Medium / Medium Light / Medium Heavy
Available Action(s):
Fast / Extra Fast / Moderate
Best Walleye Trolling Rod:
SHIMANO Trolling Rod
PROS
CONS
What Recent Buyers Report
The majority of recent buyers of the Shimano Trolling Rod were satisfied with its performance on the water. Although some complained about the inclusion of some cheaply-made hardware, the vast majority of users thought the rod had a durable construction and was adequately priced.
Why it Stands Out to Us
We were impressed with Shimano’s trolling reel for several different reasons, mainly because it is super-strong without compromising the sensitivity needed to detect soft bites from walleye. It’s tough to find the balance between the two and Shimano mastered it gracefully.
Who Will Use This Most
As the name suggests, this is a product made for trolling. That means this is a rod that should be paired with an adequate trolling reel and be cast from a watercraft. Although it is not very versatile, it performs its designed job well.
What Could Be Improved and Why
A couple of complaints that could be resolved with some design improvements include the first line guide being a little too small as well as the inclusion of some cheaply-made components. If Shimano could use all high-quality materials in the construction of this rod, it would be near-perfect.
Bottom Line
With a few minor improvements, this Shimano Trolling Rod could be perfect, but even as-is, it’s an easy recommendation to make. Any angler who prefers trolling as their technique of choice should feel confident choosing this rod.
Product Specs
Type of Rod:
Trolling
Materials:
Aluminum, Aeroglass
Handle:
EVA
Available Lengths:
9 ft
Available Power(s):
Medium
Available Action(s):
Moderate Fast
Types of Walleye Rods
There are a few product variations within the title of “walleye rods.” Which one you will choose will depend on your technique of choice, however, some can be used interchangeably between techniques.
Spinning
A spinning rod is one that is built to accommodate a spinning reel. They tend to be a little shorter than a casting rod and the reel hangs below. They are known for being easy to use and are popular among less-experienced anglers thanks to their excellent casting and simplicity.
Jigging
Jigging rods are used for the technique of jigging. They tend to be short and lightweight, a good combination for the jerky, vertical motions that the angler will try to achieve with their bait. Jigging rods are also very flexible and will bend in a fight with a fish to take the pressure off the angler.
Trolling
Trolling rods are used for boat fishing and tend to be a little lengthier and more robust in size. They don’t require the same amount of flexibility as a casting rod does but should have a bit stronger backbone.
Perks of Getting a New Walleye Rod
Buying a new rod is a huge commitment and the choice isn’t always easy. It may be very tempting to go for the cheapest rod, but that’s probably not the best choice. Think about the pros of purchasing a higher-quality rod.
Quality
In most cases, rods on the higher end of the price scale are more thoughtfully-created. Many rods that are cheap have been created with low-quality materials like plastic that will break easily after limited use. Quality will shine through in the materials used and the look and feel of the rod.
Durability
With some cheaper rods, it isn’t uncommon to take it out on the water for the first time and have it snap under the pressure of a fish. This is super-frustrating and is pretty easily avoidable. If you splurge on a rod that is a little higher quality, you’ll spend less time and money in the long run.
Ease of Use
As mentioned above, quality-made rods tend to be more thoughtfully-crafted. This usually results in special features that can make the angling process a lot more fun and comfortable.
Conclusion
When it comes to finding the best walleye rod for you, above all, remember that sensitivity is key. Though they may be elusive, walleye are a fun species to target and a rewarding catch to bring home. Happy fishing!
