Looking for the best walleye fishing rod and reel combos in 2023? Look no further! We’ve compiled a list of the top five combos guaranteed to help you land that big one. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, these combos will get the job done.
So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start fishing!
5 Best Walleye Fishing Rod & Reel Combos
- Best Fishing Combo for Strength and Durability – PENN Battle III Combo
- Best Value – Zebco Roam Spinning Reel and 2-Piece Fishing Rod Combo
- Best Walleye Rod Combo for Additional Casting Distance – Shakespeare Wild Series Walleye Combo
- Best Walleye Rod Fishing Combo for Salt and Freshwater – Shimano TEK700 Tekota Custom Combo
- Best Smooth Casting Fishing Rod and Reel Combo – Daiwa Legalis LT Spinning Combos
1. PENN Battle III Combo
Best Fishing Combo for Strength and Durability
Key Features:
- Full Metal Body and Side Plates
- Has a CNC gear technology system
- Has the HT-100 Carbon Fiber Drag Washers
- Features a 5+1 sealed stainless steel ball-bearing system
- Made up of graphite Composite Blank
Besides its key features, this rod and reel combo also comes with a unique one-piece stainless steel.
For this reason, it eliminates one of the most prevalent concerns in standard rod guides, which is inserted pop-out. Hence, PENN is one of the most known brands for its high-tech features and durability.
If you’re interested, also check out our Penn Battle 2 review.
2. Zebco Roam Spinning Reel and 2-Piece Fishing Rod Combo
Best Value
Key Features:
- Has a twist-lock reel seat
- Has a tough fiberglass rod blank with 4 + tip shock-ring stainless steel guides
- Has cushioned split comfort grip rod handle
- Features an instant anti-reverse clutch and a switchable right or left-hand retrieve
- Has an adjustable front drag
This durable fishing rod and reel combo are ideal for anglers because of its high-quality features at an affordable price.
Moreover, it comes in a 2-piece, 6 foot 6 inches medium-size/power, making it the right rod if you want to catch walleye fish and other fish conveniently.
3. Shakespeare Wild Series Walleye Combo
Best Walleye Rod Combo for Additional Casting Distance
Key Features:
- Has a smooth multi-disc drag system
- Has a 4+1 bearing system
- Made up of aluminum spool
- Has a soft-touch handle knob
- Features a sensitive IM-6 graphite rod
Shakespeare is one of the brands known for producing quality rods and reels offered at a fair price.
Thus, their Wild Series Walleye Combo is a 7′ medium light 1-piece rod, making it perfect for anglers who fish in a spacious place for casting.
4. Shimano TEK700 Tekota Custom Combo
Best Walleye Rod Fishing Combo for Salt and Freshwater
Key Features:
- Made up of the diecast aluminum frame
- Super Free Spool
- Has a Cross Carbon Drag
- Features a super stopper and anti stopper
- A-RB (Anti-Rust Bearings)
This Shimano Tekota is known for its high-quality performance, especially in catching walleye or tuna. Its strength and durability are what you’ll need if you like casting for both fresh and saltwater species.
On the other hand, the palm-able line counter will appeal to great lake anglers.
5. Daiwa Legalis LT Spinning Combos
Best Smooth Casting Fishing Rod and Reel Combo
Key Features:
- Has a sensitive lightweight Graphite Blank
- Has an Automatic Tournament drag
- Has light and touch guides
- Made up of ZAION-V material
This lightweight rod is not your average fishing walleye rod and reel combo. Nonetheless, the two high-quality components to form a seamless casting and operating gig are what this rod and reel offers.
On top of that, its features are specifically designed for freshwater species and saltwater species. Hence, anglers fond of casting in light saltwater and freshwater will appreciate this.
Types of Rod for Catching Walleye
In fishing for walleye, you only have three options on what type of walleye rod to use; a spinning rod, a trolling rod, or a basic jigging rod.
Let’s examine the distinctions between the three types of rods for targeting walleye.
Trolling Rod
To use a trolling rod properly, you drag baits or lures behind a moving boat. Literally, the name says it all. Therefore, if you want to catch walleye while trolling, you should use a more substantial rig to handle these hard-hitting fish. Not only must the rod be able to maintain its rigidity during a tell, but it must also be sensitive enough to denote a strike.
Additionally, longer rods and deep-diving lures are preferred when trolling for walleye because they are typically located in deeper waters.
Also, check out these best trolling lures to help you catch more!
Spinning Rod
What differentiates spinning rods from traditional rods is the location of the reel. The reel is installed underneath the spinning rod, with the line guides pointing downwards.
This type of rod is used for light-to-medium action and medium-to-fast action. As a result, an adjustable and mid-range rod is utilized for spin fishing.
Jigging Rod
Large metal jigs worked off of jigging rods are dropped vertically below the boat or the location from which they were cast, ideally over a structure known to be teeming with walleye.
The best jigging rods capitalize on one thing… sensitivity. It is especially important for this type of rod because Walleyes have a reputation for being choosy eaters, so you’ll need to use the right lures and bait to catch one and detect their nibbles.
Therefore, an ultralight, light, or medium power rod with a shorter, faster action will be adequate.
Read Also: Best Ultralight Spinning Reels
Things To Consider When Buying Walleye Rods
Finding the most suitable walleye fishing rod for you as an angler is essential to get a powerful, sensitive, and durable rod to capture a large fish while detecting their light bites.
Not all walleye rods meet the requirements, but figuring out the useful features can make your walleye fishing worthwhile.
Here are four of the most important variables to consider when purchasing a new or replacement walleye fishing rod.
1. Size Does Matter
The first thing you need to think about is the size of the rod. You don’t want a rod that’s too short or too long – you’ll want something in the middle that’s just right for your height and strength.
You also need to consider the type of fish you’re going after. You can get away with a lighter and shorter rod if you’re targeting smaller walleye.
But if you’re going after the big ones, you’ll need a heavier and longer rod to handle them.
2. Action Is Paramount
Action refers to how the rod bends when you’re casting. There are three types of action – fast, medium, and slow.
As a general rule of thumb, faster action rods are better for smaller fish, while slower action rods are better for larger fish. But it depends on your personal preference and what type of fishing you’re doing.
3. Don’t Forget About the Material
The material of the rod is also important. Most rods are made from either graphite or fiberglass, but some are made from a composite of both materials.
Graphite is lighter and more sensitive, while fiberglass is heavier and more durable.
4. Consider the Price
Of course, you’ll also need to think about the price. Rods can range from very cheap to very expensive, so finding a rod within your budget is essential.
But don’t just buy the most affordable rod you can find – make sure it has all the features you need and that it’s made from high-quality materials.
5. Get the Right Accessories
Don’t forget to get the right accessories for your rod. This includes a good reel, line, and lures. You’ll also need a good tackle box to keep everything organized and in one place.
6. Power, Sensitivity, and Durability
When it comes to walleye rods, power, sensitivity, and durability are the most critical factors.
You need a powerful enough rod to handle the big fish, sensitive enough to detect their biting, and durable enough to withstand their fight. A good walleye rod will have all of these features.
7. 1-Piece vs. 2-Piece Rods
Another thing to consider is whether you want a 1-piece or 2-piece rod.
- 1-Piece Rod
When casting your rod, this will alleviate your stress as it comes as a whole. Therefore, 1-piece rods are usually suggested to beginners because there’s less of a possibility of tangles while disembarking the rod for storage.
- 2-Piece Rod
A 2-piece rod can be disassembled into two separate parts when not in use, enabling you to transport and store your tool conveniently.
However, it can fall apart and get your lines tangled up. Hence, this rod is mostly used by experienced anglers.
Conclusion
Indeed, a blend of strategy, location, and equipment contributes to walleye fishing success. Thus, a piece of equipment equipped with powerful features won’t work if you don’t know which will suit your needs.
So knowing the basics is what you need to get the best walleye fishing rod that’ll satisfy your personal preferences and plan for your fishing trip.
Nonetheless, whether you’re new to the game or have been at it for a long period, walleye fishing can be enjoyable, demanding, and fulfilling hobby.
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