Do you like trolling for walleye on Lake Erie? A good walleye trolling rod is a must when fishing on Lake Erie. The lake is hard on your gear. In this article, we highlight the 3 best walleye trolling rods!
Best Walleye Trolling Rods | 3 Picks
| Rod Name | Length Options | Power/Action | Material | Line Weight (lb) | Where to Buy | Price Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Okuma Classic Pro | 7’6″ – 8’6″ | Medium/Moderate | Fiberglass | 8-20 | BUY HERE | $40 – $60 |
| Daiwa Great Lakes | 8’6″ – 10’6″ | Medium-Heavy/Moderate-Fast | Graphite Composite | 10-25 | BUY HERE | $70 – $100 |
| Okuma Deadeye | 7’0″ – 8’6″ | Medium-Light/Fast | IM8 Graphite | 6-12 | BUY HERE | $80 – $120 |
Best Walleye Trolling Rods: A Close Look at Top Picks
The market is flooded with trolling rods, but not all of them are suitable for walleye fishing. We’ve narrowed down the choices to three top rods: the Okuma Classic Pro Trolling Rod, the Daiwa Great Lakes Trolling Rod, and the Okuma Deadeye Trolling Rod. Let’s take a deep dive into what makes each of these rods stand out.
Okuma Classic Pro Trolling Rod
Overview of Okuma Classic Pro Trolling Rod
The Okuma Classic Pro Trolling Rod is a popular choice among anglers for its combination of durability, sensitivity, and performance. Its fiberglass construction offers a great balance of flexibility and backbone, making it perfect for trolling for walleye. This rod comes in several lengths, typically ranging from 7 to 10 feet, with varying actions for different trolling styles.
- Key Features:
- Material: Fiberglass construction, known for its strength and flexibility.
- Action: Medium to moderate, providing a nice balance between sensitivity and power.
- Length: Available in multiple lengths, with the most common being 8’6” and 9’6”.
- Guides: Corrosion-resistant guides for smooth line flow.
Ideal Conditions for Using the Okuma Classic Pro
The Okuma Classic Pro excels in medium-depth trolling. Its moderate action makes it ideal for detecting walleye bites while still providing the strength needed to handle larger fish. Whether you’re fishing in lakes or rivers, this rod offers the versatility to fish in various conditions, from shallow to moderately deep waters. These rods are also durable, they will withstand all trolling rod holders.
Daiwa Great Lakes Trolling Rod
Overview of Daiwa Great Lakes Trolling Rod
The Daiwa Great Lakes Trolling Rod is designed with serious anglers in mind. Built for tough conditions, it features a lightweight yet powerful carbon composite construction. This rod is tailored for trolling in the Great Lakes, but it’s just as effective for walleye fishing in any larger body of water. When your trolling speed is faster in the summer, these rods hold up great!
- Key Features:
- Material: Carbon composite construction for strength and lightness.
- Action: Medium to fast action, offering quick hook sets and excellent sensitivity.
- Length: Typically comes in 8’ to 10’ lengths, ideal for longer trolling runs.
- Guides: Stainless steel guides with ceramic inserts, minimizing wear and tear on the line.
When and Where to Use the Daiwa Great Lakes Trolling Rod
The Daiwa Great Lakes Trolling Rod is excellent for deeper trolling. Its fast action provides the sensitivity needed to detect bites at deeper depths, making it ideal for large, deep lakes. This rod shines when trolling for walleye in challenging conditions like rough waters or when fishing at significant depths.
Okuma Deadeye Trolling Rod
Overview of Okuma Deadeye Trolling Rod
The Okuma Deadeye Trolling Rod is known for its ruggedness and ability to handle the stress of heavy trolling. It features a durable blank construction with a combination of fiberglass and carbon, providing strength without sacrificing sensitivity. The Deadeye is available in various models to suit different trolling preferences. These are excellent rods to use while trolling crankbaits.
- Key Features:
- Material: A hybrid blend of fiberglass and carbon for strength and sensitivity.
- Action: Moderate to medium-fast, great for handling the power of walleye.
- Length: Available in lengths ranging from 7’ to 9’.
- Guides: Stainless steel guides for added durability.
Best Situations for Using the Okuma Deadeye
The Okuma Deadeye Trolling Rod excels when targeting walleye in both shallow and deep waters. It’s ideal for anglers who need a robust rod that can withstand the constant stress of trolling at different speeds and depths. Whether you’re targeting walleye in rivers or deeper lakes, this rod can handle it all.
Choosing the Best Walleye Trolling Rod
When selecting the best walleye trolling rod, several key factors should guide your decision. Let’s explore these factors in more detail.
Action and Power: What’s Best for Walleye Trolling?
- Action refers to how far down the rod bends when pressure is applied. For walleye trolling, a medium to moderate action rod is ideal, as it allows you to detect light bites without sacrificing strength when fighting the fish.
- Power refers to the rod’s backbone and its ability to handle heavier fish. For walleye, a medium power rod typically provides the right amount of flexibility and strength.
Rod Length: Does It Matter for Walleye Trolling?
Length is crucial when it comes to trolling for walleye:
- Shorter rods (7′ – 8′) are ideal for closer trolling, especially when trolling at slower speeds or in shallow waters.
- Longer rods (8′ – 10′) are better suited for faster trolling and deeper water. These rods allow you to keep more line in the water, which helps cover more ground.
Material and Durability: Why Build Quality Matters
The material of the trolling rod plays a significant role in its durability, sensitivity, and overall performance. The best walleye trolling rods typically use:
- Fiberglass for strength and durability in rough conditions.
- Graphite or composite materials for increased sensitivity and lightweight performance.
Sensitivity: Finding the Balance Between Sensitivity and Strength
Sensitivity allows you to feel even the slightest bite, which is essential for walleye trolling. However, you also need strength to handle the constant pressure of trolling. A well-balanced rod, like the Okuma Deadeye, offers both sensitivity and durability.
Comparing the Best Walleye Trolling Rods
Best for Beginners?
- Okuma Classic Pro Trolling Rod is the most beginner-friendly. Its moderate action makes it easy to detect bites, and it’s not too heavy to handle.
Provides the Best Value for Money?
- The Okuma Deadeye Trolling Rod offers the best value for money, providing a strong, durable rod that performs well in different conditions.
Works Best in Specific Conditions?
- For deeper trolling in challenging conditions, the Daiwa Great Lakes Trolling Rod is your best bet, with its strong construction and fast action.
Consider your specific needs and techniques when selecting the right trolling rod length. This article should help make that choice easier!