Do you love walleye fishing? Are you looking at new reels for walleye fishing? 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 Reels for Walleye Fishing
| Category | Reel Name | Key Features |
|---|
| Trolling | Shimano Tekota 500 | Precision line counter, durable construction, ergonomic handle for comfort. |
| Okuma Magda Pro MA-30DX | Built-in line counter, corrosion-resistant frame, lightweight yet robust design. |
| Abu Garcia Ambassadeur | Smooth drag system, classic round design, ideal for long-term durability. |
| Daiwa Sealine SG-3B | Rugged build, smooth operation, perfect for deep trolling setups. |
| Penn Squall LevelWind | High-quality level-wind system, anti-reverse bearing, lightweight graphite body. |
| Casting | Pflueger President | Smooth performance, lightweight graphite body, corrosion-resistant components. |
| Shimano Stradic | High-efficiency gearing, water-resistant drag, designed for easy casting. |
| Daiwa BG | Rugged design, oversized gears for strength, smooth and reliable drag system. |
| Abu Garcia Revo X | Compact design, smooth cast, and retrieve, 7-bearing system for precision. |
| Penn Battle III | Full-metal body, exceptional drag system, heavy-duty bail wire for durability. |
Trolling Reels for Walleye Fishing
Trolling is a popular and effective method for catching walleye. Trolling reels (with a line counter) are essential to keeping your bait in the strike zone. Trolling reels are also great because they hold 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 weekend series fishermen. They are known for having the smoothest drag in their class. These reels have great longevity with the right maintenance. They also have a good reputation in the fishing charter community.
| 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, walleye harnesses, and dipsy divers. If you are looking at getting into trolling, this is a beginner reel that won’t break the bank.
3. Abu Garcia Ambassadeur Line Counter
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. The line counter will help you keep your bait in the strike zone.
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. These are medium quality and budget. If you use your fishing gear more than the average person, but not tournament fishing, this is the right reel for you.
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. This reel is less popular, but is still a great reel.
Choosing Trolling Reels for Walleye Fishing
When selecting a trolling reel for walleye fishing, you want to choose a reel that is right for you. Do you only fish on the weekends? Do you fish tournaments? What is your budget? All of these plus the factors below need to be thought about.
- Line capacity: Ensure the reel can hold enough line for your preferred trolling depth and distance.
- Drag system: Look for a smooth, reliable drag to handle fighting larger walleye.
- Line counter: A built-in line counter can help you maintain precise trolling depths.
- Gear ratio: Lower gear ratios (around 4:1 to 5:1) are ideal for trolling as they provide more cranking power.
- Durability: Choose a reel with corrosion-resistant materials and solid construction to withstand frequent use.
- Weight: Consider the overall weight of your rod and reel combo for comfortable all-day fishing.
- Price: Set a budget that balances quality and affordability for your needs.
Spinning Reels for Walleye Fishing
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 and lakes from shore or a boat. Likewise, they are used while jigging or using live sonar from a boat. By far these are the most used walleye fishing reels. When looking at a new spinning reel for walleye, choose one that’s going to fit your needs. Below we have summarized each spinning reel’s features.
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!
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. They aid in fighting big walleye. These are most used by tournament anglers. If you are a recreational fisherman and don’t have a budget, these are great reels.
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. Daiwa is a trusted brand.
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.
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.
Choosing Spinning Reels for Walleye Fishing
When selecting a spinning reel for walleye fishing, keep these key factors in mind:
- Reel size: Choose a size that balances well with your rod and fishing style. Sizes 2500 to 3000 are typically ideal for walleye.
- Gear ratio: A gear ratio between 5.0:1 and 6.2:1 offers a good balance of speed and power for walleye fishing.
- Drag system: Look for a smooth, reliable drag to handle fighting walleye of various sizes.
- Line capacity: Ensure the reel can hold enough line for your preferred fishing techniques.
- Weight: Consider the overall weight of your rod and reel combo for comfortable all-day fishing.
- Durability: Choose a reel with corrosion-resistant materials and solid construction to withstand frequent use.
- 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.