Imagine this: you’re out on the water, the sun is shining, and a gentle breeze whispers across the lake. You’re trolling for walleye, hoping for that thrilling tug on your line. But what if your gear isn’t quite up to the task? Choosing the right walleye trolling rod and reel combo can feel like a puzzle. There are so many choices, and it’s tough to know which ones will really help you land those big fish.
Many anglers get frustrated because they end up with gear that’s too heavy, too light, or just not sensitive enough. This can lead to missed bites, lost fish, and a less enjoyable day on the water. You want a setup that feels good in your hands and helps you feel every subtle nibble. You want something reliable that won’t let you down when you hook into a monster walleye.
This post is here to help! We’ll break down exactly what makes a great walleye trolling rod and reel combo. You’ll learn about the key features to look for, understand why certain combinations work better than others, and discover how to pick the perfect setup for your fishing style. By the end, you’ll feel confident in your choice, ready to hit the water with gear that makes a real difference. Let’s dive in and find your next favorite walleye trolling combo!
Our Top 5 Walleye Trolling Rod And Reel Combos Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Walleye Trolling Rod And Reel Combos Detailed Reviews
1. Ugly Stik 7’6” Walleye Round Fishing Rod and Reel Walleye Combo
Rating: 9.3/10
Get ready to reel in those walleye with the Ugly Stik 7’6” Walleye Round Fishing Rod and Reel Combo. This kit is built tough, just like you need it to be when battling a big fish. The rod and reel work together smoothly, making it easier to cast and land your catch. It’s designed for walleye, so you know it’s got the right stuff.
What We Like:
- Super strong Ugly Tech construction for durability.
- The Clear Tip design helps you feel even the slightest nibble.
- The EVA handle feels good in your hand and won’t slip.
- The Size 20 conventional reel has 2 ball bearings for smooth casting and retrieving.
- The 8 stainless steel guides mean no more broken inserts.
- The rubber rod butt makes it comfortable to brace against.
- The Star Drag system lets you control the fight with up to 15lbs of drag.
- Comes with a 7-year warranty on the rod – that’s confidence!
- The on/off bait clicker is handy for knowing when a fish is biting.
What Could Be Improved:
- This is a right-handed reel, so lefties might need to look elsewhere or adapt.
- The reel is a conventional style, which can take a little practice for beginners to master compared to spinning reels.
This Ugly Stik combo is a solid choice for any angler targeting walleye. You get a reliable and tough setup that’s ready for action on the water.
2. Okuma CPDR-862M-30DXT Great Lakes Trolling Combo
Rating: 9.3/10
The Okuma CPDR-862M-30DXT Great Lakes Trolling Combo is a fantastic fishing setup designed for anglers targeting fish in the Great Lakes. This combo features an 8’6″ two-piece rod with a medium action, making it versatile for various trolling techniques. It also includes a reel with 2 ball bearings for smooth operation. The black color adds a sleek look to your gear.
What We Like:
- The rod has special actions made just for Great Lakes trolling.
- Its E-Glass blank is strong and built to last.
- The guides have double feet and are made of aluminum oxide, which helps your line cast smoothly and lasts a long time.
- The reel has machine-cut brass gears, giving it extra strength and reliability.
What Could Be Improved:
- While durable, the E-Glass blank might feel a bit heavier than some carbon fiber rods.
- The 2 ball bearings in the reel are good, but some anglers might prefer more for ultra-smooth retrieves.
This Okuma trolling combo offers solid performance and durability for Great Lakes anglers. It’s a reliable choice for a successful fishing trip.
3. Ugly Stik 7′ Carbon Walleye Spinning Rod and Reel Combo
Rating: 9.3/10
The Ugly Stik 7′ Carbon Walleye Spinning Rod and Reel Combo is built tough, just like you expect from Ugly Stik. This combo is made specifically for catching walleye, offering the right balance of strength and feel. It’s a two-piece rod, making it easy to transport. The medium power and line rating of 6-12 lb are great for many fishing situations. Plus, the lure rating of 1/8 to 3/4 oz means you can use a variety of lures.
What We Like:
- The rod uses Ugly Tech construction with 100% 24-ton graphite. This makes it light and balanced.
- The EVA rear-grip is tough. The golf-style fore-grip feels good in your hand and gives you great control.
- The reel is lightweight with a graphite body and rotor. The machined aluminum spool adds strength without extra weight.
- It has 4 bearings (3 ball bearings + 1 roller bearing) for smooth casting and reeling.
- The oil felt front drag system lets you control the fight with up to 14lb of drag.
- Ugly Tuff guides are PVD coated and made of stainless steel. They reduce line wear and keep your line running smoothly.
- The reel’s gear ratio of 5.1:1 means you get a good retrieve speed.
What Could Be Improved:
- While the reel is lightweight, some anglers might prefer a slightly lighter reel for extreme finesse techniques.
- The 7′ length is versatile, but for very specific walleye techniques, a slightly longer or shorter rod might be preferred by some experienced anglers.
This Ugly Stik combo is a reliable choice for walleye anglers. It offers a great combination of durability, performance, and comfort for a successful day on the water.
4. Shakespeare® Wild Series Walleye Combo
Rating: 9.4/10
The Shakespeare® Wild Series Walleye Combo is built for anglers who want to land those big walleye without breaking the bank. This combo gives you a reliable setup that feels good in your hands and performs well on the water. It’s designed to make your fishing trips more successful and enjoyable.
What We Like:
- The 4+1 bearing system offers super smooth retrieves. You’ll feel every turn of the handle.
- A smooth multi-disc drag system lets you fight fish confidently. It adjusts easily.
- The aluminum spool and handle are tough and won’t bend easily. They add strength to your setup.
- A soft-touch handle knob feels great, even after hours of fishing. Your hand stays comfortable.
- The sensitive IM-6 graphite rod helps you feel even the slightest nibble. You’ll know when a fish is biting.
What Could Be Improved:
- While generally well-made, some users might find the reel’s frame could be a bit more robust for extreme conditions.
- The rod’s sensitivity is good, but for the most demanding techniques, a higher-grade graphite might be preferred.
This combo offers fantastic value for its price point. It’s a solid choice for walleye anglers looking for dependable gear.
5. Shakespeare® Wild Series Trolling Combo
Rating: 9.2/10
The Shakespeare® Wild Series Trolling Combo, Multi, 8’6″ – Medium is built for serious anglers. This rod and reel set is designed to handle tough fishing conditions. It offers a great balance of power and sensitivity. You can feel every bite with this combo.
What We Like:
- The rod has a strong, one-piece tubular composite blank. It also offers a telescopic option for easy storage.
- The stainless steel guides and inserts are tough. They resist corrosion and wear.
- Comfortable EVA grips make long fishing days easier. Your hands won’t get tired.
- The reel has a strong, one-piece graphite frame. It also features durable side covers for protection.
- This combo is built to last and perform well.
What Could Be Improved:
- The medium action might be too light for some very large game fish.
- While durable, the graphite frame on the reel could be susceptible to very hard impacts.
This Shakespeare® Wild Series Trolling Combo is a solid choice for anglers seeking reliability. It provides the features you need to tackle a variety of trolling applications.
Choosing the Best Walleye Trolling Rod and Reel Combo
Trolling for walleye is a fantastic way to cover a lot of water and find those hungry fish. A good rod and reel combo makes this process much easier and more enjoyable. This guide will help you pick the perfect setup.
Key Features to Look For
When you’re shopping for a walleye trolling combo, a few things really stand out.
- Rod Length: Longer rods, usually between 8 and 12 feet, are great for trolling. They help you cast farther and keep your lures away from the boat’s motor. They also offer better control over your line and can absorb the shock of a big fish hitting your lure.
- Rod Action: The action of a rod describes how much it bends and where it bends. For walleye trolling, a moderate or moderate-fast action is ideal. This means the rod bends mostly in the top half or middle. This action helps cast lures well and provides a good cushion when a fish strikes, preventing them from tearing free.
- Rod Power: Power refers to how much force it takes to bend the rod. Medium or medium-heavy power is usually best for walleye. This gives you enough backbone to handle larger walleye and the weight of your trolling setup, like planer boards or downriggers.
- Reel Type: For trolling, you’ll most often see baitcasting reels or trolling reels. These reels hold a lot of line, which is important when walleye are hitting lures far behind the boat. They also have smooth drag systems. A smooth drag lets line out gradually when a fish pulls, stopping it from snapping your line.
- Gear Ratio: The gear ratio tells you how many times the spool turns for one turn of the reel handle. A lower gear ratio (like 3.x:1 or 4.x:1) is good for trolling. It gives you more cranking power to bring in big fish or heavy lures.
Important Materials
The materials used in your rod and reel combo affect its strength, weight, and how it performs.
- Rod Blanks: Most walleye trolling rods use graphite or a composite of graphite and fiberglass. Graphite is lightweight and sensitive, letting you feel subtle bites. Fiberglass is more durable and flexible, which is good for absorbing shock. A composite rod offers a good balance of both.
- Guides: Rod guides are the rings that your fishing line passes through. Look for guides made with durable inserts like ceramic (often aluminum oxide or silicon carbide). These reduce friction on your line, helping it cast farther and last longer. Stainless steel frames are common and resist rust.
- Reel Construction: Reels are often made from aluminum or graphite. Aluminum frames are strong and durable. Graphite frames are lighter. Both can work well. The internal gears are often made of brass or stainless steel for strength and smooth operation.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things can make a combo great or not so great.
- Build Quality: A well-built combo feels solid. The reel should crank smoothly with no wobble. The rod guides should be securely attached and have smooth inserts. Poorly made components can break easily and lead to lost fish.
- Drag System: A smooth and reliable drag system is crucial. If the drag “jerks” or “grabs,” it can break your line. High-quality drag systems use materials like carbon fiber or felt washers that release line consistently.
- Line Capacity: Make sure the reel can hold enough fishing line. Walleye trolling often involves long runs, so you need plenty of line.
- Comfort: The handle on the reel should feel comfortable in your hand, especially during long days on the water. The rod grip should also be comfortable and provide good traction.
User Experience and Use Cases
Using a walleye trolling combo is all about making fishing easier and more successful.
- Ease of Use: A good combo is straightforward to set up and use. The reel should be easy to cast and retrieve. The rod should feel balanced in your hands.
- Versatility: While designed for trolling, many combos can also be used for other fishing techniques like casting or bottom fishing for walleye and other species.
- Durability: A quality combo will last for many seasons. It can handle the stress of fighting fish and being transported to and from the lake.
- Feeling the Bite: A sensitive rod will let you feel even the slightest tap from a walleye. This helps you react quickly and set the hook.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the best rod length for walleye trolling?
A: For walleye trolling, rods between 8 and 12 feet long are generally best. Longer rods help keep your lure away from the boat and provide better control.
Q: What does “rod action” mean in simple terms?
A: Rod action describes how much the rod bends when you put pressure on it. Moderate or moderate-fast action is good for trolling because it bends in the top or middle part of the rod.
Q: Why is a smooth drag important for walleye trolling?
A: A smooth drag lets line out slowly when a fish pulls hard. This stops your line from breaking and helps you land the fish.
Q: Should I get a baitcasting reel or a spinning reel for walleye trolling?
A: Baitcasting reels are usually preferred for walleye trolling because they offer more line capacity and cranking power.
Q: What is a good gear ratio for a trolling reel?
A: A lower gear ratio, like around 3.x:1 or 4.x:1, is good for trolling. It provides more power when you reel in fish or heavy lures.
Q: How do I know if a rod is sensitive enough?
A: A sensitive rod lets you feel subtle bites. Look for rods made with graphite or a good composite material. The guides also play a role in feeling bites.
Q: What are some common materials for rod guides?
A: Common materials for rod guides include ceramic inserts like aluminum oxide or silicon carbide, which reduce friction. The frames are often made of stainless steel.
Q: Can I use a trolling combo for other types of fishing?
A: Yes, many walleye trolling combos are versatile and can also be used for casting or other bottom-fishing techniques.
Q: How important is the line capacity of the reel?
A: Line capacity is very important for trolling. You need enough line to handle long runs when a walleye strikes far behind the boat.
Q: Where should I store my rod and reel combo when not in use?
A: Store your combo in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight. Some anglers use rod cases for extra protection.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.
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