Top 10 Best Fishing Reels for Walleye

Do you love walleye fishing? Are you looking to up your fishing game? Check out the Top 10 Reels for Walleye Fishing below. There is a reel available for all styles and budgets!

Summary of the Top 10 Fishing Reels for Walleye

Trolling Reels for Walleye

Trolling is a popular and effective method for catching walleye. They are essential to keeping your bait in the strike zone. Trolling reels are also great because they keep a lot of fishing line, have elevated gear ratios, and smooth drags. Here are the top trolling reels to consider:

1. Shimano Tekota 500

The Shimano Tekota 500 is a workhorse trolling reel that’s perfect for walleye fishing. This is the preferred trolling reel for tournament anglers and series weekend fishermen. These reels have great longevity with the right maintenance. They have a good reputation in the fishing charter community.

Pros:

• Durable construction
• Smooth drag system
• Large line capacity

Cons:

• Slightly heavier than some competitors
• Higher price point

Feature	Specification
Gear Ratio	4.2:1
Weight	20.5 oz
Line Capacity (lb/yds)	12/420, 14/360, 17/300
Max Drag	18 lbs

2. Okuma Magda Pro MA-30DX

The Okuma Magda Pro MA-30DX offers great value for walleye trolling enthusiasts. This is the most used reel for trolling on Lake Erie. It is a great budget-friendly choice for trolling crankbaits. They also make great reels for using braid with dipsy divers.

Pros:

• Affordable price
• Reliable line counter
• Corrosion-resistant components

Cons:

• Not as smooth as higher-end models
• Plastic construction may not be as durable

3. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 Round Baitcast Reel

The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 is a classic round baitcasting reel that excels at trolling for walleye. These reels are great for shallow inland lakes where a line counter reel may not be necessary. For example: if you are trolling a weed line or ledge.

Pros:

• Time-tested design
• Excellent durability
• Smooth operation

Cons:

• No built-in line counter
• The learning curve for beginners

4. Daiwa Sealine SG-3B Line Counter Reel

The Daiwa Sealine SG-3B is a reliable line counter reel that’s perfect for precision trolling. These are great for trolling crankbaits on a 20-size and dipsy divers on a 30-size.

Pros:

• Accurate line counter
• Sturdy construction
• Smooth drag system

Cons:

• Heavier than some competitors
• Can be noisy during retrieval

5. Penn Squall LevelWind

The Penn Squall LevelWind is a versatile trolling reel that can handle both freshwater and saltwater fishing. These reels are especially popular in deep lakes where divers and lead-core fishing line will be used. These are budget-friendly and last a long time.

Pros:

• Corrosion-resistant materials
• Smooth-level wind system
• Powerful drag

Cons:

• No line counter
• Heavier than some freshwater-specific models

Factors to consider when choosing a trolling reel for walleye

When selecting a trolling reel for walleye fishing, keep these key factors in mind:

1. Line capacity: Ensure the reel can hold enough line for your preferred trolling depth and distance.
2. Drag system: Look for a smooth, reliable drag to handle fighting larger walleye.
3. Line counter: A built-in line counter can help you maintain precise trolling depths.
4. Gear ratio: Lower gear ratios (around 4:1 to 5:1) are ideal for trolling as they provide more cranking power.
5. Durability: Choose a reel with corrosion-resistant materials and solid construction to withstand frequent use.
6. Weight: Consider the overall weight of your rod and reel combo for comfortable all-day fishing.
7. Price: Set a budget that balances quality and affordability for your needs.

Spinning reels for walleye

These reels are versatile and easy to use, making them a popular choice for walleye fishing. Spinning reels are used to fish walleye in rivers. Likewise, they are used while jigging or using live sonar from a boat. By far these are the most used walleye fishing reels. Here are the top spinning reels to consider:

1. Pflueger President

The Pflueger President is a budget-friendly spinning reel that offers excellent performance for walleye fishing. This reel is by far the most used among anglers because of its price point and durability. These reels will last for years with minimal maintenance. Just the normal clean and lube will work!

Pros:

• Smooth operation
• Lightweight design
• Great value for money

Cons:

• Not as durable as higher-end models
• May not handle larger fish as well

2. Shimano Stradic FL

The Shimano Stradic FL is a high-performance spinning reel that’s perfect for serious walleye anglers. These high-end reels have a smooth drag and are great for walleye fishing. These are most used by tournament anglers. If you are a recreational fisherman and don’t have a budget, these are great reels.

Pros:

• Extremely smooth operation
• Lightweight and durable
• Excellent drag system

Cons:

• Higher price point
• May be overkill for casual anglers

3. Daiwa BG

The Daiwa BG is a rugged and reliable spinning reel that offers great value for walleye fishing. They are durable and will last long with regular maintenance.

Pros:

• Durable construction
• Smooth drag system
• Excellent line capacity

Cons:

• Heavier than some competitors
• The handle may be too large for some anglers

4. Abu Garcia Revo X

The Abu Garcia Revo X is a versatile spinning reel that performs well for various walleye fishing techniques. These reels are on the upper end of price ranges but are a great choice for walleye fishing. They offer a smooth drag and hold the braided line well.

Pros:

• Lightweight design
• Smooth operation
• Good line management

Cons:

• Not as durable as some higher-end models
• Drag system could be stronger

5. Penn Battle III

The Penn Battle III is a sturdy spinning reel that can handle both freshwater and saltwater fishing. These are not too common with walleye fishermen but they are a great reel. They offer the same features as other popular walleye reels without breaking the bank.

Pros:

• Durable construction
• Powerful drag system
• Versatile for various fishing conditions

Cons:

• Heavier than some freshwater-specific models
• May be overkill for smaller walleye

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Spinning Reel for Walleye

When selecting a spinning reel for walleye fishing, keep these key factors in mind:

1. Reel size: Choose a size that balances well with your rod and fishing style. Sizes 2500 to 3000 are typically ideal for walleye.
2. Gear ratio: A gear ratio between 5.0:1 and 6.2:1 offers a good balance of speed and power for walleye fishing.
3. Drag system: Look for a smooth, reliable drag to handle fighting walleye of various sizes.
4. Line capacity: Ensure the reel can hold enough line for your preferred fishing techniques.
5. Weight: Consider the overall weight of your rod and reel combo for comfortable all-day fishing.
6. Durability: Choose a reel with corrosion-resistant materials and solid construction to withstand frequent use.
7. Price: Set a budget that balances quality and affordability for your needs.

By considering the pros and cons of each reel type and model, you can make an informed decision that suits your fishing style and preferences.