I’m an experienced fishing guide, and today I will share my top 10 best rods for trolling walleye – your ultimate guide.
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, this guide will help you make the right choice when it comes to the rods you use for trolling walleye.
Trolling is one of the best ways to catch walleye, and having the right rod makes all the difference.
With so many options out there, it can be hard to know which one is best for your needs. That’s why I put together this comprehensive guide so that you can find the perfect rod for trolling walleye.
So let’s get started!
10 Best Picks Of Trolling Fishing Rods For Walleye
Our Top 3 Favourite
Mr. Walleye Series Telescopic Rod
Are you looking for the perfect rod to troll walleye? With so many options on the market, knowing what rod is best for your needs can be difficult.
The Mr. Walleye Series Telescopic Rod is ideal for anglers seeking quality gear for trolling walleye. This specialized action rod is designed to detect even the lightest bites and offers a variety of rigging options for various depths and situations.
When it comes to gear selection, the Mr. Walleye Series Telescopic Rod is a great choice for trolling walleye. Its lightweight design makes it easy to store in rod lockers, while its telescopic feature allows the rod to adjust easily depending on the depth of the water.
This specialized action rod helps anglers detect even the slightest bites from walleye, making it a prized tool among experienced fishermen.
For best practices when using this rod for trolling walleye, attach the sinker 10′ ahead of the crankbait or crawler harness if trolling 30′ of water with suspended fish.
If fishing in deeper waters, adjust accordingly in front of the harness to reach deeper targets or lessen weight if fish are higher up in the water column. Pay close attention to your sonar readings throughout your trip and make adjustments based on what you find on your screen.
With its specialized action and adaptable design, the Mr. Walleye Series Telescopic Rod is a great choice for anglers who want top-tier performance when trolling walleye…
St. Croix Rods Eyecon Trolling Fishing Rod
Now that we’ve gone through the unique features of the Mr. Walleye Series Telescopic Rod, let’s move on to one of the best and most popular rods for trolling walleye: The St. Croix Rods Eyecon Trolling Fishing Rod.
This rod is designed specifically with walleye anglers in mind and has all of the features necessary to make it a top performer in any condition.
It is made from SUPER-PREMIUM 100% LINEAR S-GLASS CONSTRUCTION which makes it incredibly strong, light, and sensitive, giving you an edge when it comes to detecting subtle bites.
It also features IPC tooling for smoother actions and increased strength and ART for greater strength in hook settings and fish battles. Plus, it has a 5-YEAR TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY backed by St. Croix Superstar Service – so you can be sure your investment will last!
When selecting a rod for trolling walleye, knowing what techniques work best and understanding their habits is key to success.
The Eyecon Trolling Fishing Rod allows you to take advantage of all available techniques, from crankbaits to jigging, allowing you to adjust your presentation depending on how active the fish are.
Plus, its sensitivity will help you detect even the slightest bites from wary walleyes! The St. Croix Rods Eyecon Trolling Fishing Rod has everything an angler needs for successful walleye trolling trips – making it an excellent choice for any angler looking to maximize their catch rate!
With its superior construction, versatile design, and unbeatable warranty – this rod should be at the top of your list when selecting tackle for your next trip out on the water.
Now let’s take a look at another great option: Okuma Deadeye Telescopic Trolling Rod…
Okuma Deadeye Telescopic Trolling Rod
Coincidentally, the OKUMA Deadeye Telescopic Trolling Rod is one of the best rods available for trolling walleye.
It’s crafted with high-quality materials to ensure that it can withstand harsh conditions while also providing an ultra-sensitive action to detect even the slightest bites.
The rod is made from a blend of fiberglass and graphite, making it lightweight yet incredibly durable in all kinds of weather. Furthermore, it features ergonomic handles and guides that are designed for optimal strength and performance when fishing.
When it comes to line selection, this rod can handle a variety of lines, including monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braid lines. This allows anglers to tailor their tackle setup based on their specific needs.
Lastly, following best practices like using a quality knot and properly setting your drag will help you get the most out of this rod when trolling for walleye.
Overall, the OKUMA Deadeye Telescopic Trolling Rod is an excellent choice for anglers looking for a reliable rod that can handle tough conditions and consistently perform in any environment.
With its durable construction and versatile line options, this rod will make sure you’re ready for whatever comes your way on the water.
Now let’s take a look at another great option—the St Croix Eyecon Trolling Fishing Rod.
St. Croix Rods Eyecon Trolling Fishing Rod
Now that you’ve had a chance to learn about the Okuma Deadeye Telescopic Trolling Rod, it’s time to move on and take a look at St. Croix Rods Eyecon Trolling Fishing Rod.
This rod is built for serious trolling tactics with superior production technology and super-premium 100% linear S-Glass construction, making it stronger, lighter, higher in modulus, and more dynamic than other traditional glass rods.
Plus, it has Kigan Master Hand 3D guides featuring slim, strong aluminum-oxide rings with black frames for improved drag performance and line setup.
The Fuji TCS reel seat with black hood offers superior comfort, while the premium-grade EVA handle allows for better grip and control over your gear.
With two coats of Flex-Coat slow cure finish applied, this rod is also backed by a 5-year transferable warranty from St. Croix Superstar Service, so you can rest assured your gear will last no matter what kind of fishing adventures you embark on!
Lew’s Speed Stick 7’6′-1 Medium Planner Boards Telescopic Rod
When it comes to trolling for walleye, rod selection is arguably one of the most important aspects. The Lew’s Speed Stick 7’6′-1 Medium Planner Boards Telescopic Rod is a great option for anglers looking for a reliable trolling rod that can handle some serious punishment.
This rod features:
- Premium IM8 graphite blanks
- Lew’s exclusive graphite skeletal reel seat
- Full-length cork grips and foregrip with Duracork inlays
- Fuji Concept O guides with deep-pressed aluminum oxide inserts
- Patented ‘No Foul’ hook keeper
- Shrink tubing grip for easy removal from your rod holder
- Extended shrink tubing foregrip
These features make Lew’s Speed Stick an ideal choice when it comes to trolling techniques, as well as lure selection.
Not only is this rod durable enough to withstand any conditions you may encounter while fishing, but it also offers plenty of sensitivity and accuracy to make sure you don’t miss out on those big bites. Plus, the comfortable cork handles provide plenty of grips even when wet!
With Lew’s Speed Stick 7’6′-1 Medium Planner Boards Telescopic Rod, you can be sure you have all the necessary components for a successful day out on the water.
This rod is truly designed with both performance and comfort in mind, making it a great choice for any serious angler looking to take their fishing game to the next level.
So if you’re ready to start trolling walleye like an expert, then look no further than Lew’s Speed Stick 7’6′-1 Medium Planner Boards Telescopic Rod!
Now let’s move on to another quality option – Okuma Dead Eye Classic Walleye Rods DEC-S-661-MLFT.
Okuma Dead Eye Classic Walleye Rods Dec-S-661-Mlft
When it comes to trolling for walleye, few rods can compete with the Okuma Dead Eye Classic Walleye Rods DEC-S-661-MLFT. This rod is perfect for most anglers with its lightweight construction, precision design, and dynamic materials.
Tackle selection is a breeze thanks to the versatile range offered by this rod, allowing you to fish in shallow or deep water depths. When it comes to luring styles, the Okuma Dead Eye Classic Walleye Rods are up to the task, no matter what type of bait you choose.
The fast taper graphite design helps ensure that your lures will remain in place while trolling so you can stay focused on hauling in those walleye. It’s an ideal choice for both beginner and professional anglers alike.
The next rod we’ll discuss is the Okuma Fishing Tackle Okuma Dead Eye Classic Technique Specific Fast Taper Graphite Walleye Rod – DEC-S-701-MLFT. This rod features all the same great features as its predecessor but with increased power and sensitivity for more experienced anglers.
With improved balance and precision components, this rod will help you land even bigger walleye catches than before!
Okuma Fishing Tackle Okuma Dead Eye
When trolling walleye, you need a rod specifically designed for the technique. The Okuma Fishing Tackle Dead Eye Classic Technique Specific Fast Taper Graphite Walleye Rod- DEC-S-701-MLFT is a perfect choice.
It is designed to provide maximum power and sensitivity while still being lightweight enough to ensure you don’t tire out easily.
This rod is perfect for anglers looking for a more versatile setup, as it can handle multiple techniques like casting, jigging, and trolling.
With its 24-ton carbon blank construction, stainless steel guides with zirconium inserts, and graphite reel seat, this rod gives you all the features you want in a walleye rod without breaking the bank.
The flexibility of this rod makes it ideal for both novice and experienced anglers alike. With its ample length of 7 feet and medium light action, you can get great casting distance without having to sacrifice your ability to feel even the lightest of strikes from walleyes. Plus, its parabolic action helps keep fish hooked up longer so you can enjoy more time on the water!
No matter what type of lure or bait you choose when trolling for walleyes, this rod will give you an edge that will help make your fishing trips successful. Whether it’s crankbaits, dash baits, swimbaits, jigs, or worm harnesses – this rod has got you covered!
So if you’re looking for a quality trolling setup that won’t break the bank but still provides excellent performance – look no further than the Okuma Fishing Tackle Dead Eye Classic Technique Specific Fast Taper Graphite Walleye Rod- DEC-S-701-MLFT! With its reliable performance and versatility, it’s no wonder this is one of our top picks for rods for trolling walleye.
Ready to take your game up a notch? Then let’s move on and take a look at Lew’s Speed Stick 10’6″ -2 Medium Flat Line Trolling Rod!
Lew’s Speed Stick 10’6′-2 Medium Flat Line Trolling Rod
The Lew’s Speed Stick 10’6-2 Medium Flat Line Trolling Rod is an excellent choice for walleye anglers looking to take their trolling game to the next level.
This rod offers a premium IM8 graphite blank, a patented ‘No Foul’ hook keeper, and an extended shrink tubing foregrip – all of which are perfect for baiting strategies and line selection when targeting walleye.
Moreover, the rods are built with durability in mind, so you won’t have to worry about frequent gear maintenance or replacements. This rod also has Fuji Concept O guides with deep-pressed aluminum oxide inserts, making getting your lure into the strike zone easier.
Furthermore, its full-length cork grips and foregrip with Duracork inlays provide reliable performance and increased sensitivity when detecting light bites from walleye. All these features make the Lew’s Speed Stick 10’6-2 Medium Flat Line Trolling Rod an ideal choice for serious walleye anglers.
Plus, it comes in various sizes and actions, allowing you to choose the one best suited for your fishing needs. With this rod under your arm, you can be sure of catching plenty of walleye on your next outing! And as a bonus, it’s incredibly easy to use and handle – even when using heavier lures or bigger baits.
Moving onto the Lew’s Speed Stick 8’6-1 Medium Planner Boards Telescopic Rod…
Lew’s Speed Stick 8’6′-1 Medium Planner Boards Telescopic Rod
The Lew’s Speed Stick 8’6′-1 Medium Planner Boards Telescopic Rod is ideal for trolling walleye. It features IM8 graphite blanks, Lew’s exclusive graphite skeletal reel seat, and Fuji Concept O guides with deep-pressed aluminum oxide inserts.
The combination of these materials ensures that the rod is lightweight yet offers superior durability.
Additionally, it has a patented ‘No Foul’ hook keeper and a shrink tubing grip for easy removal from your rod holder and extended shrink tubing foregrip.
When using this rod to troll walleye, paying attention to both your rod design and lure selection is important. For instance, a medium-light action rod paired with jigging spoons or soft plastics works well in shallow water depths, while heavier action rods combined with crankbaits are suitable for deeper water trolling.
Moreover, when selecting lures, choose ones that can be trolled at appropriate speeds according to the type of fish you are trying to target.
Lastly, Lew’s Speed Stick 8’6′-1 Medium Planner Boards Telescopic Rod is designed for optimal performance when trolling walleye.
Its lightweight design allows for excellent casting distance and accuracy, while its sturdy construction provides superior strength and sensitivity, which results in more successful catches. With the right setup and techniques, this rod will help you land plenty of trophy-sized walleye!
Moving on now to Lew’s Speed Stick 6’6′-1 Medium Flat Line Trolling Rod…
Lew’s Speed Stick 6’6′-1 Medium Flat Line Trolling Rod
The Lew’s Speed Stick 6’6′-1 Medium Flat Line Trolling Rod is a fantastic choice for anglers looking to take their walleye trolling game to the next level.
This rod is designed with the fisherman in mind and features a premium IM8 graphite blank, along with Fuji Concept O guides, deep-pressed aluminum oxide inserts, and a patented “No Foul” hook keeper.
Here are three great things that this rod has to offer:
- Duracork inlays on both full-length cork grips and foregrip for added durability and strength
- Shrink tubing grip for easy removal from your rod holder
- Extended shrink tubing foregrip for increased comfort when trolling
This rod provides all the necessary components needed for an effective trolling setup – from line choice to lure selection.
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just getting started, this is an excellent option for targeting those prized walleye! With its versatile design and powerful construction, you can repeatedly count on it to deliver results!
From its top-notch materials to its impressive performance, the Lew’s Speed Stick 6’6′-1 Medium Flat Line Trolling Rod has become one of the most popular choices among anglers of all ability levels. Whether you’re a novice or a pro, this rod will provide everything you need to succeed on the water.
Now let’s move on to discuss some of the Techniques of trolling for walleye.
Techniques For Trolling For Walleye
Trolling for walleye is one of the most exciting techniques expert anglers use to target the species. It’s like a dance with the fish – you try out different moves and hope they’ll take the bait!
To help you get your groove on, here’s a guide to some of the best trolling techniques for walleye.
| Rigging Techniques | Trolling Lures | Trolling Speed |
|---|---|---|
| Float & Jig | Crankbaits | Slow |
| Bottom Bouncers | Spoons | Medium |
| Planer Boards | Spinners | Fast |
| In-line Weights | Worms | Variable |
Float and jig is a great technique for walleye fishing because it allows you to cover a large area and present your lure at different depths. Bottom bouncers are weighted rigs that drag lures, baits, or live bait along the bottom.
Planer boards are also popular for trolling as they allow you to cover more water quickly and keep your lures away from the boat.
Finally, in-line weights are effective when targeting suspended walleye, allowing you to get down deep without spooking them.
For trolling lures, crankbaits are probably the most popular choice. They come in various sizes and colors, so you can experiment with different ones until you find what works best in each situation.
Depending on the conditions, spoons, spinners, and worms can also be effective when targeting walleye.
The speed of your trolling presentation is also important for success; if it’s too slow or fast, it won’t entice the fish to bite.
Generally speaking, slower speeds work better in shallow waters, while faster speeds are more effective when fishing deeper waters.
With that said, sometimes varying your speed throughout a troll can be beneficial as well – this helps keep things interesting for any curious walleyes swimming nearby!
Using these rigging techniques combined with appropriate trolling lures presented at an optimal speed, you should have no problem finding success while trolling for walleye!
6 Factors To Consider When Buying Rods For Trolling Walleye
When it comes to trolling for walleye, having the right rod can make all the difference in your fishing experience. Here are 6 key factors to consider when buying rods for trolling walleye:
1. Action and Power
Walleye rods need to have moderate to fast action and medium to heavy power to handle the strong fights that walleye can put up.
A rod with too much flex can lead to lost fish, while one that’s too stiff may not provide enough give to prevent break-offs.
2. Length and Material
Trolling rods for walleye typically range from 7 to 10 feet in length. Longer rods provide more leverage and allow for longer sets, but can be more difficult to handle.
Graphite rods are popular for trolling walleye due to their sensitivity, lightweight, and durability.
3. Guides and Inserts
Look for rods with high-quality guides and inserts that can withstand the constant friction and stress of trolling.
Stainless steel or ceramic guides are good options, as they provide smooth line flow and can handle the heat generated by friction.
4. Reel Seat and Handle
A comfortable, non-slip handle is essential for long hours of trolling. Look for rods with a secure reel seat that can accommodate your preferred reel size and type. A handle with a good grip and a comfortable length will help reduce fatigue.
5. Sensitivity and Feel
Walleye rods need to be sensitive enough to detect even the lightest bites. Look for rods with a sensitive tip that can transmit the slightest vibrations to your hand. This will help you detect bites and set hooks quickly.
6. Durability and Construction
Trolling rods take a beating from the constant motion of the boat and the stress of fighting fish.
Look for rods built with durable materials and construction methods that can withstand the rigors of trolling. A rod with a solid warranty and good customer support is also a plus.
By considering these factors, you can find a rod that’s well-suited for trolling walleye and will help you land more fish.
Conclusion
As a fishing expert and walleye enthusiast, I can confidently say that the top 10 best rods for trolling walleye are second to none. You can be sure that they will give you an edge in catching more and bigger fish.
Trolling for walleye is an art as much as it is a science. To succeed at it, you must have the right gear, the right understanding of techniques, and the patience to let your rod do its job.
As with all things in life, practice makes perfect! If you take your time to learn the ropes of trolling for walleye, you will soon find yourself reaping the rewards of your hard work.
The best way to become a better angler is to get out there and try different techniques until something works for you. With these top 10 rods for trolling walleye, you now have all the tools necessary to take your fishing game to the next level!
So what are you waiting for? Get those lines in the water and start catching some trophy-sized fish!
