Walleye fishing requires a smooth reel. Using jigs needs all components to work together for maximum sensitivity. The best walleye fishing spinning reels need to be lightweight also. It must match up with the rod for balance. Plus having a braided line ready spool is beneficial. The features in a good reel for walleye will increase the cost.
An angler needs to accept that walleye are finicky at times. They will bite lightly or mouth the bait. All the parts of the set-up must work to the angler’s advantage. A reel of lower quality will catch walleye, but make you miss more of them also.
An angler must look at fishing tackle as an investment. While cheaper reels and rods do work, but they lack in performance and durability. If you are a serious fisherman make the investment. The better gear pays off in the long term.
The reels need replacing less often. Plus, you will find better performance leading to more fish in your boat or on the shore.
Walleye Spinning Reels
A spinning reel is a go-to piece of equipment for a walleye angler. They are used for jigging and live bait. The reel needs a smooth retrieve and drag. The reel must have quality bearings and enough for a smooth operation.
The drag cannot hang or be touchy to adjust. You should be able to fine-tune the drag easily. There are few reels under $100 that have superior drags. The reason the drag is important. Walleye fishing uses thin wire hooks. They will pull out easily if a drag hangs or is not set correctly.
A poor operating drag leads to lost fish lost during the fight. Do not skimp on a reel unless you can accept losing fish because of the drag.
Abu Garcia Revo SX
The Abu Garcia SX is a mid-level reel. The reel has many features advantageous to walleye fishing. A braid ready spool eliminates the need for backing. Using braided line increases sensitivity and it is recommended for walleye fishing.
The reel comes with 8+1 bearings. The quality and quantity of bearing influence how smooth a reel operates. The better reels have six or more bearings. These reels come with a carbon matrix drag. A carbon matrix drag is superior to felt drags. They are smoother and more durable.
- 8 stainless steel HPCR™ bearings + 1 roller bearing
- AMGearing™ system
- Computer optimized gear design
- Carbon Matrix™ hybrid drag system
- IM-C6™ body design
- Lightweight graphite rotor
- Rocket line management™ system
- Rocket spool lip design™
- K- Clutch™ anti reverse
- Flat EVA knob
- Machined aluminum braid ready spool
The SX is designed with lightweight materials. This allows an angler to avoid fatigue and a better feel. The weight of the reel does matter with walleye reels. A heavier reel will lead to wrist fatigue when jigging.
Abu Garcia Revo X
The Revo X is the base model of the Revo series. It comes with two fewer bearings than the SX. It is an entry-level reel or for anglers fishing less. The reel has many features of the SX at a lower cost.
- 6 stainless steel HPCR™ bearings + 1 roller bearing
- Carbon Matrix™ hybrid drag system
- IM-C6 body design
- Lightweight graphite rotor
- Rocket Line Management System™
- Rocket spool lip design™
- Large PVC knobs
- Machined aluminum braid ready spool
- Stainless steel main shaft and components
- Everlast™ bail system
- Slow Oscillation
Daiwa Tatula LT
An exceptional reel for walleye fishing. It is very lightweight. The reel weighs 6.2 ounces making it ideal to prevent fatigue. This is accomplished using the air rotor and lightweight materials. The Tatula has better bearing than many other reels. This aids in reducing weight and adding to the durability.
- ZAION LT Housing
- Machined Aluminum Alloy DIGIGEAR
- AIR ROTOR
- 7 Bearing System (1 CRBB+5BB+1BB)
- Available in sizes from 1000 to 4000
- Gear Ratio – 6.2:1
This reel comes with the strength to handle bass for anglers seeking an all-around type of reel. All models come with a large line capacity. Plus the drags are above average in power. This is one of the best spinning reels for walleye fishing.
Daiwa Fuego LT
The Fuego is the best of the budget-priced spinning reels suitable for walleye fishing. It does weigh a little more than the Tatula. The reel comes with a large line capacity and over 20 lbs. of drag. This is another reel good for all-around use.
- Sleek design, yet strong and durable
- Lightweight, sturdy carbon-infused housing
- Air Rotor with Air Bail
- DigiGear computer-driven gear design
- Magsealed technology protects the main shaft
- Buttery smooth 7-bearing (6+1) system
- Extremely powerful drag system
- Ergonomic machined aluminum handle
- Adapts to either right- or left-hand retrieve
The reel uses many of the features on the Tatula. However, the bearings are of a little lower quality. This is normal for reels in the lower-price range. The reel is a good value and solid performer for anglers looking to save money.
Pflueger Supreme XT
The Supreme XT is ideal for all-around fishing. It will be a great choice for walleye fishing. Pflueger uses more bearings making the reels smooth. The weight is seven ounces making it lightweight. This is due to the magnesium body and rotor. The magnesium is rigid and strong.
- 10 Bearing System
- On/Off instant anti-reverse bearing
- Ultra lightweight magnesium body, rotor, and sideplate
- Carbon-inlay drag design with multi-disc system
- Machined, ported, and double-anodized, braid-ready aluminum spool
- Solid aluminum bail wire
- Approved for use in saltwater
- Sure-click bail
- Anti-twist titanium line roller
The spool is ported to further reduce weight. It also is braid ready. A titanium line guide reduces twist. The carbon inlay drag is smooth, no hanging. The drag is lower than other maker’s reels. Yet, it provides more than enough power to control a lunker fish.
Pflueger Supreme
The Supreme is the base model. This reel comes with many of the features found on the XT. It comes with two fewer bearings. The 8 bearing system is above average and creates a smooth performance. The reel also comes with an ultra-lightweight magnesium body, rotor, and side-plate.
- 8 stainless steel ball bearings
- On/Off instant anti-reverse bearing
- Ultra lightweight magnesium body, rotor, and sideplate
- Carbon-inlay drag design with multi-disc system
- Machined, ported, and double-anodized, braid-ready aluminum spool
- Solid aluminum bail wire
- Approved for use in saltwater
- Sure-click bail
- Anti-twist titanium line roller
The aluminum spool is ported, double-anodized, and braid-ready. The bail is solid aluminum with a titanium line guide. In other words, this reel gives up a little compared to the XT model.
Pflueger President XT
The President XT is an excellent entry-level reel. It comes with 10 bearings except for the 2000 size, it has 7 bearings. The stainless bearings are corrosion resistant. The reel uses many aluminum parts to reduce weight. Carbon is used in other parts to further reduce the weight also.
- Light and smooth
- Extreme comfort and balance
- Aluminum main shaft is 30% lighter than stainless steel
- Aluminum pinion gear weighs 60% less than brass
- Strong carbon handle is 21% lighter than aluminum
- Corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings
- Instant anti-reverse
- Smooth, reliable sealed drag system
- Braid-ready spool
The spool is braid ready allowing direct tie without backing. The drag is sealed preventing issues with water. This reel is one of the best values for walleye fishing.
Shimano Stradic CI4+ FB
An upgraded version of one of the highest performing spinning reels. The reel contains the latest technology serious anglers seek in their equipment. The reel is light. Reducing fatigue on long day fishing. The Core protect water resistance adds durability. Reels become damaged due to water getting inside. This system reduces the chance of water damage.
- Magnumlite Rotor is 25% lighter than previous styles
- Superior balance with reduced inertia
- Delivers a light, almost-effortless feel when winding
- G-Free Body design: maximum comfort, minimum fatigue
- Advanced CoreProtect water resistance
- Super-light, strong CI4+ carbon body
- Cold-forged aluminum spool
- Ultra-hard Hagane® cold forged drive gear
- X-Ship pinion gear support system
- 7-bearing system
- 6 S A-RB shielded stainless steel ball bearings
- Super Stopper II anti-reverse roller bearing
- Advanced AR-C spool design plus Power Roller
- 1-Piece Bail for unimpeded line flow
The one-piece bail allows the line to position to the line guide easily. It is one smooth piece instead of multiple parts. There is nowhere for the line to get caught. The carbon body and aluminum spool deliver strength in a light weight reel. The reel has an effortless feel when retrieving. This reel is the ultimate for walleye anglers.
Shimano Sedona FI
Budget-minded anglers looking for the best spinning reels for walleye fishing will like the Sedona. The reel comes with good performance at an affordable price to any angler. The drag is upgraded with a higher power. The reel comes with higher gear ratios to keep slack out while jigging.
- Significantly upgraded performance, affordable price
- Lighter, stronger, faster, and more durable than ever
- Lighter weight G-Free body construction
- Super-lightweight Magnumlite rotor
- Cold-forged Hagane gears for ultimate durability
- Higher gear ratios (except 1000 size)
- Increased drag power (except 1000 size)
- Smooth, trouble-free 3+1 ball bearing system
The reel has the carbon body and lightweight rotor on all models. Cold forged gears for durability. The reel has four bearings making it adequate in smooth operation. It is a budget model with performance.
Summary
Walleye fishing needs reels that operate smoothly. An angler must be able to feel the lighter bites or added weight from walleyes. Sensitivity is the key and it takes the right reel with a good rod. The balance and performance of all the components make a great walleye set-up. An angler cannot ignore any part of the equipment used in walleye fishing.
John McIntyre