The Best Fishing Rods for Walleye
We compared the rods best suited for walleye: sensitive enough to detect a light bite on the bottom, yet strong enough for trolling and landing big catches.
Our #1 pick
St. Croix
Best Overall Cane
$190.79
Walleye often take the bait with just their lips, near the bottom. The most important feature of a walleye rod is therefore sensitivity: a tip that transmits even the slightest nibble, so you can set the hook at the right moment.
For jigging and rig fishing, look for a light casting rod that’s about 6 ft. 6 in. to 7 ft. long, with a light-medium to medium power rating and a fast action. For trolling, a longer, more flexible rod better absorbs the jerks. Our selection covers both uses and all budgets.
Pair your rod with a reel around size 2500 and a sensitive line (braided line with a fluorocarbon leader): you'll have a complete setup for walleye.
St. Croix
St. Croix Rods Triumph Spinning Rod Medium/Fast, 7'0"
A sensitive, lightweight graphite rod made by a brand known for its walleye rods. Excellent for jigging and casting wobblers.
Pros
- Very sensitive
- Lightweight
- A specialized and reliable brand
Cons
- More expensive than an entry-level cane
Manufacturer description
- •PREMIUM SCII CARBON FIBER MATERIAL: Proprietary carbon fiber composition with an increased strain rate, higher flexural strength, and refined resin yielding the strongest, lightest, and most sensitive SCII to date
- •GUIDES: Hard aluminum-oxide guides with stainless steel black frames
- •FEATURES: Nylon reel seat, nylon primary nut material & stainless steel secondary nut material. Premium cork handle for comfortable handling and a cork composite butt cap
- •SPECIFICATIONS: Length – 7’0”; Power – M; Action – Fast; Line Wt. – 6-12 lbs; Lure Wt. – 1/4-5/8 oz; Pieces – 1; Handle – 5
- •5-YEAR WARRANTY: Backed by St. Croix Superstar Service
Specifications
- Color
- Deep Run Blue
- Size
- 7'0"
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Pflueger
Pflueger 7' President Spinning Rod, 2 Piece Fishing Rod, Medium Rod Power, 6-12 lb Line Rating, Lure Rating 1/8-1/2 oz
A versatile, reasonably priced graphite rod: sensitive enough for jigging, strong enough for rigs and good-sized walleye.
Pros
- Good balance between sensitivity and price
- Various lengths
- Versatile
Cons
- Simpler finishes
Manufacturer description
- •PFLUEGER PRESIDENT 7' SPINNING ROD: Performance meets value in a lightweight and dependable package. With a balanced design, this rod will become a reliable companion when you’re on the water.
- •ENHANCED RESPONSIVENESS: With a lightweight carbon composite blank construction, this rod delivers unmatched versatility and touch to keep you in control of every battle.
- •8 STAINLESS STEEL GUIDES: Built with stainless steel inserts to help your rod handle the most intense fights.
- •FULL GRIP CORK HANDLE: Creates a comfortable grip that reduces hand fatigue during longer days.
- •DOUBLE FOOT HOOK KEEPER: Add convenience to any adventure with a rod that's suitable for all bait applications.
Specifications
- Color
- Blue
- Size
- 7' - Medium - 2pc
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Ugly Stik
Ugly Stik Elite Spinning Fishing Rod
Almost impossible to break, even in a heavily loaded rowboat. The transparent tip remains sensitive enough to detect the light bites of walleye.
Pros
- Virtually indestructible
- Sensitive Scion
- Perfect for families
Cons
- Heavier than a pure graphite rod
Manufacturer description
- •UGLY STIK ELITE 6'6" SPINNING ROD: Built with added graphite for a lighter feel while maintaining the legendary strength Ugly Stik is known for, these 7-piece fishing rods deliver proven durability and reliable performance on the water
- •UGLY TECH CONSTRUCTION: These spinning rods feature a precise blend of graphite and fiberglass to create a rod that’s incredibly strong, but still sensitive enough to detect subtle strikes
- •7 UGLY TUFF GUIDES: One-piece stainless-steel guides with a PVD coating reduce friction, protect your line, and provide smooth line flow while minimizing wear over time
- •PREMIUM CORK GRIPS: Designed for comfort and control, the cork handles provide a secure hold and a traditional feel that performs season after season
- •ROD SPECIFICATIONS: 6 - 14 lb line rating, Medium power, 6 - 14 lb action, and 1/4 - 5/8 oz lure rating. The signature Ugly Stik Clear Tip design adds extra strength and sensitivity right where it’s needed most
Specifications
- Color
- Grey
- Size
- 6'6" - Medium - 2pc
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Abu Garcia
Abu Garcia 7' Vendetta Spinning Fishing Rod, 2-Piece Rod, 6-12 lb Line Rating, Medium Rod Power, Fast Action, 3/16-5/8 oz Lure Rating
A lightweight rod with a fast tip, designed to feel the bottom and work a jig with precision.
Pros
- Fast and precise action
- Very light
- Good sensitivity
Cons
- Less suitable for trolling
Manufacturer description
- •ABU GARCIA VENDETTA 7' SPINNING ROD: A balanced and lightweight rod designed for on-the-water technique and style. High density EVA handle (type G) with a Rubber rod butt and a split grip is more comfortable and durable than ever.
- •6 - 12 LB LINE RATING, MEDIUM POWER, FAST ACTION: The Vendetta Spinning Fishing Rod is up for the next challenge. Lure rating of 3/16 - 5/8 oz. The Texas-rigged hook keeper will work with all bait applications.
- •30-TON GRAPHITE CONSTRUCTION for a lightweight, balanced design and increased sensitivity. Intracarbon technology provides a lightweight barrier to improve durability without adding weight.
- •8 DURABLE GUIDES: Built to withstand tough fights and rough treatment without fraying the line, these stainless steel guides with titanium zirconium inserts are ready for battle.
- •CCR REEL SEAT: Ergonomically molded so it’s lighter and sleeker while still providing a heavy duty, flex free anchor point for the reel. 2-piece fishing rod is designed for increased sensitivity.
Specifications
- Color
- Black
- Size
- New Model
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Okuma
Okuma Classic Pro GLT Copper/Lead core Trolling Rod (12-27 Lbs)
A long, flexible rod designed for trolling: it absorbs the jerks and keeps fish hooked on trolling lures.
Pros
- Designed for trolling
- Absorbs shocks
- Good price
Cons
- Not very practical for throwing
Manufacturer description
- •Durable Glass Fiber Blank Construction
- •Stainless Steel Hooded Reel Seat with Graphite Cushion Inserts
- •Stainless Steel Double Foot Guides with Titanium Oxide Inserts
- •Durable Shrink Tube Over EVA Butt for Easy Removal From Rod Holder
- •Tip Over Butt Ferrule Connection for Improved Strength
Specifications
- Color
- Gloss Black & Mirrior Silver
- Size
- 12- 27 Lbs
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.
Ugly Stik
Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Reel and 6' Fishing Rod Combo, 2-Piece, Graphite and Fiberglass Rod with Clear Tip Design
A matching rod and reel, ready to fish: the easiest way to get the right gear for walleye fishing.
Pros
- Complete set
- Very sturdy cane
- Affordable price
Cons
- Less sensitive than a high-end rod
Manufacturer description
- •UGLY STIK 6' GX2 SPINNING FISHING ROD AND REEL COMBO: The next-gen Ugly Stik, featuring better balance and improved components for enhanced durability. From the makers of the #1 rod series in the world.
- •SIZE 30 FISHING REEL: Machined double anodized aluminum spool is lightweight and corrosion resistant with an oversized bail wire and bail spring compression.Recovers at the rate of 28" | 70cm with every turn of the crank. Gear ratio of 5.2:1.
- •6 DURABLE UGLY TUFF GUIDES: PVD-coated one-piece stainless steel guides provide excellent corrosion resistance and durability to reduce line fray.
- •UGLY TECH CONSTRUCTION: Constructed from graphite and fiberglass for a better balanced rod, while maintaining legendary toughness and strength. Ugly Stik GX2 fishing rods are covered by a 10 year warranty you won't find anywhere else.
- •UGLY STIK CLEAR TIP: 2-piece fishing rod features Ugly Stik Clear Tip design for strength and sensitivity. 6 - 15 lb line rating, Medium power. Built tough to stand up to what's next. Lure rating of 1/8 - 5/8 oz.
Specifications
- Color
- Black/Red
- Size
- 30 Size Reel - 6' - Medium - 2pc
- Quantity
- 1
Price and details provided by Amazon at display time — may vary. Affiliate link.