Walleye Fishing Setup: A Complete Guide to Choosing the Right Gear
By:
FishUSA Staff
August 16, 2024
With the vast array of walleye fishing gear available today, it can be overwhelming to choose the best rod and reel setup. Whether you’re debating between a spinning or casting setup, rod length, action, reel size, or gear ratio, this guide will help simplify the process. We’ll highlight some great walleye fishing setups that will set you on the path to success.
With the vast array of walleye fishing gear available today, it can be overwhelming to choose the best rod and reel setup. Whether you’re debating between a spinning or casting setup, rod length, action, reel size, or gear ratio, this guide will help simplify the process. We’ll highlight some great walleye fishing setups that will set you on the path to success.
Spinning setups are incredibly popular among walleye anglers due to their versatility and ease of use. Whether you're jigging, casting, or using live bait, a spinning setup can handle it all.
Rod and Reel Selection
Rod Length and Action: For general-purpose walleye fishing, a 6’6” to 7’0” medium-light or medium action rod is ideal. These rods provide the sensitivity needed to detect subtle bites while offering enough backbone to set the hook and fight a walleye effectively. The St. Croix Eyecon Spinning Rod (ECS70MLF) is a great option for most walleye fishing techniques. Shop Walleye Spinning Rods
Reel Size: Pair your rod with a 2000 to 3000-size spinning reel. The Shimano Vanford 3000 is an excellent choice, offering smooth drag, lightweight construction, and the capacity to handle various line types.
Line: A popular choice for walleye spinning setups is a 10 lb Power Pro Super Slick braided line as the mainline. This line offers minimal stretch for better sensitivity and stronger hooksets. Attach a 6-10 lb Gamma Edge Fluorocarbon leader to increase your chances of fooling wary walleyes, as it’s nearly invisible underwater.
Jigging Setup For Walleye
Jigging is one of the most effective techniques for catching walleye. The right setup can vary depending on the jig size and method you’re using.
Trolling requires a different approach and specialized gear to ensure your bait runs at the correct depth and speed.
Rod and Reel Selection
Rod Length and Action: For trolling with planer boards, a 7’0” to 8’6” medium-moderate action rod is ideal. The St. Croix Eyecon Walleye Trolling Rod (ET70MM, ET86MM) provides the necessary flexibility to absorb a fish’s headshakes while maintaining control over your bait. Shop Walleye Trolling Rods
Reel: The Daiwa Sealine SL-3B Line Counter Reel (20 size) is an excellent choice for trolling. The line counter feature is crucial for ensuring your bait is running at the correct depth.
Line: Berkley Trilene XL 14 lbline works well, offering the right balance between strength and line diameter to optimize your bait’s action.
Line:Sufix 832 Advanced Lead Core Line (18 lb) sinks at a rate of about 7 feet per color, allowing you to reach deeper water effectively. For shallower depths or more subtle presentations, Sufix Performance Lead Core line (18 lb) sinks at about 5 feet per color.
Leader: Attach a 50-foot 12-17 lb Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon leader to keep your bait visible yet stealthy.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the right walleye fishing setup is crucial for a successful day on the water. Whether you’re jigging, casting, or trolling, the right combination of rod, reel, and line can make all the difference. Consider your fishing style, the conditions you’ll be facing, and the gear options outlined in this guide to build a setup that works best for you.
The next time you’re preparing for a walleye fishing trip, keep these tips in mind, and you’ll be well on your way to landing more fish and making unforgettable memories on the water.
