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Fishing for walleye requires the right gear. The reel you choose can make or break your fishing trip. Fishing reels for walleye come in many shapes and sizes. Not all of them are created equal.
We’ve searched high and low for the best fishing reels for walleye. Our list covers both spinning and trolling reels. Each type has its own strengths when it comes to catching walleye.
Picking the perfect fishing reel for walleye can be tough. There are so many options on the market. Some work great for walleye, while others fall short. We’ve done the hard work for you.
This guide will help you find the ideal fishing reel for walleye. We’ll explain what makes a great walleye reel and share our top picks. With the right reel, you’ll be ready to tackle any walleye fishing challenge.
Spinning Reels for Walleye
Spinning reels are a popular choice for walleye fishing. They’re versatile and easy to use. These reels work well for casting lures and live bait. They’re great for jigging, rigging, and casting from shore or boat. Spinning reels for walleye should be lightweight and have a smooth drag system. This helps when fighting those hard-pulling walleyes. Let’s look at some top spinning reels for walleye fishing.
Pflueger President
The Pflueger President spinning reel is a popular choice for walleye anglers. This reel offers a great balance of performance and affordability. The Pflueger President comes in various sizes, making it versatile for different walleye fishing techniques.
Pflueger President spinning reels feature a lightweight graphite body. This design helps reduce fatigue during long fishing sessions. The aluminum spool and handle add durability without adding much weight.
For walleye fishing, the smooth drag system of the Pflueger President is a standout feature. It helps when fighting those hard-pulling walleyes. The reel’s 10 bearing system ensures a smooth retrieve, which is crucial when using finesse techniques for walleye.
The Pflueger President handles braided line well, a common choice for walleye fishing. Its line lay is even, reducing the chances of tangles or knots. This reel performs well with small soft plastics and live bait presentations, common tactics for walleye.
Pflueger President spinning reels are suitable for both shore and boat fishing. They work great for jigging, rigging, and casting applications. The reel’s versatility makes it a solid option for anglers who target walleye in various conditions.
| Pros | Cons |
| Smooth drag system | Some users report quality issues with newer models |
| Lightweight design | May not be suitable for very large walleye |
| Good value for money | Limited color options |
| Versatile for different walleye techniques |
The Pflueger President spinning reel is a solid choice for walleye anglers looking for a reliable, budget-friendly option. Its features cater well to the specific needs of walleye fishing, making it a popular pick among both novice and experienced anglers.
Daiwa BG
The Daiwa BG spinning reel is a solid choice for walleye anglers. This reel offers great value with features often found in pricier models. The Daiwa BG comes in various sizes to suit different walleye fishing techniques.
Daiwa BG spinning reels boast a durable aluminum body. This design provides strength without adding much weight. The reel’s smooth drag system is a standout feature for walleye fishing. It helps when fighting those hard-pulling walleyes in deep water.
The Daiwa BG’s Digigear system ensures smooth power transfer. This is crucial when using finesse techniques for walleye. The reel’s seven-bearing system (6+1) delivers fluid operation, enhancing sensitivity for detecting subtle walleye bites.
Daiwa BG spinning reels handle braided line well, a popular choice for walleye fishing. The dynamic cut aluminum ABS spool improves casting performance and line lay. This reduces the chances of tangles or wind knots when casting for walleye.
The waterproof drag system of the Daiwa BG adds durability. It performs well in various conditions, from shore fishing to boat use. The reel’s versatility makes it suitable for jigging, rigging, and casting applications when targeting walleye.
| Pros | Cons |
| Smooth, powerful drag | Not fully waterproof |
| Durable aluminum body | Anti-reverse switch may be unnecessary |
| Good value for money | Heavier than some competitors |
| Versatile for different walleye techniques |
The Daiwa BG spinning reel is a reliable option for walleye anglers seeking performance without breaking the bank. Its features cater well to the specific needs of walleye fishing, making it popular among both casual and serious anglers.
Abu Garcia Revo X
The Abu Garcia Revo X spinning reel is a solid choice for walleye anglers. This reel offers a mix of performance and affordability. The Abu Garcia Revo X comes in various sizes, making it versatile for different walleye fishing techniques.
Abu Garcia Revo X spinning reels feature a lightweight design with an asymmetrical body. This helps reduce fatigue during long walleye fishing sessions. The reel’s smooth drag system is a standout feature for fighting those hard-pulling walleyes.
For walleye fishing, the Abu Garcia Revo X’s six stainless steel HPCR bearings ensure smooth operation. This is crucial when using finesse techniques for walleye. The Rocket line management system improves casting performance and line lay, reducing tangles when casting for walleye.
The Abu Garcia Revo X handles both mono and braided line well, common choices for walleye fishing. Its versatility makes it suitable for jigging, rigging, and casting applications when targeting walleye. The reel performs well in various conditions, from shore fishing to boat use.
| Pros | Cons |
| Lightweight design | Some users report occasional wind knots |
| Smooth drag system | May require more tweaking to dial in |
| Good value for money | Not fully waterproof |
| Versatile for different walleye techniques |
The Abu Garcia Revo X spinning reel is a reliable option for walleye anglers seeking performance without breaking the bank. Its features cater well to the specific needs of walleye fishing, making it popular among both casual and serious anglers.
Trolling Reels for Walleye
Trolling is a key technique for catching walleye, especially in deeper waters. Trolling reels are built to handle the constant pressure of dragging lures behind a moving boat. They often have line counters to help control depth. A good trolling reel for walleye should be durable and have a strong drag system. It should also be able to hold enough lines for deep-water fishing. Here are some excellent trolling reels for walleye anglers.
Shimano Tekota 500
The Shimano Tekota 500 is a robust trolling reel for walleye fishing. This reel offers durability and performance for both salt and freshwater use. The Shimano Tekota 500 features a redesigned body that enhances comfort during long trolling sessions.
Shimano Tekota 500 reels boast a HAGANE Body for increased durability. This design helps withstand the rigors of walleye trolling. The reel’s Cross Carbon Drag system provides smooth and consistent drag pressure when fighting larger walleye.
For walleye trolling, the Shimano Tekota 500’s line counter is a standout feature. It helps maintain precise depth control, crucial for targeting walleye in deeper waters. The reel’s loud clicker alerts anglers to strikes, even in noisy boat conditions.
The Shimano Tekota 500 handles both mono and braided line well. Its line capacity is suitable for most walleye trolling situations. The reel’s 6.3:1 gear ratio allows for quick line retrieval when needed.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable HAGANE Body | Heavier than some competitors |
| Smooth Cross Carbon Drag | May be overkill for smaller walleye |
| Precise line counter | Higher price point |
| Corrosion-resistant design |
The Shimano Tekota 500 is ideal for serious walleye anglers who frequently troll in various conditions. Its features cater well to the specific needs of walleye trolling, making it a popular choice among dedicated walleye fishermen.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3
The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 is a reliable trolling reel for walleye fishing. This round baitcasting reel offers a blend of durability and performance. The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 comes in various sizes to suit different walleye trolling needs.
Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 reels feature a robust design with Swedish-cut brass gears. This construction ensures longevity, even when battling large walleye. The reel’s Carbon Matrix drag system provides smooth performance, which is crucial for fighting those hard-pulling walleyes.
For walleye trolling, the Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3’s 6-pin centrifugal brake system stands out. It offers consistent brake pressure throughout the cast, enhancing control when trolling for walleye. The synchronized level wind system improves line lay, reducing tangles during long trolling sessions.
The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 handles both mono and braided line well, common choices for walleye trolling. Its versatility makes it suitable for various walleye trolling techniques. The reel performs well in different conditions, from shallow inland lakes to deeper waters.
| Pros | Cons |
| Durable brass gears | Heavier than some modern reels |
| Smooth drag system | Learning curve for beginners |
| Versatile for different trolling techniques | Limited color options |
| Made in Sweden |
The Abu Garcia Ambassadeur C3 is a solid choice for walleye anglers who value reliability and traditional design in their trolling reels. Its features cater well to the specific demands of walleye trolling.