There are many types of reels available on the market for walleye fishing, but which one is the best?
In this article, we will be discussing different types of reels and how they work best for walleye fishing. We will also give you our top picks for the best reels for walleye fishing.
When choosing the best reels for walleye fishing, you want something that will handle the heavy weight of these fish and provide good line stability.
Additionally, ensure the reel has a wide range of spool speeds to find the right setting for your bait or lure.
A Quick Glance at the Best Walleye Reels:
There are a few key things to keep in mind when it comes to walleye fishing. The type of reel you use is definitely one of them.
There are many different types of fishing reels on the market today. Some are better for walleye than others.
In this article, we will discuss the best spinning reels for walleye and the best baitcasting reels for walleye.
Spinning reels are a great choice for walleye because they are very versatile and easy to use. They can be used for both live bait and artificial lures.
There are many different spinning reel models on the market, so you can find one that fits your budget and your needs.
Baitcasting reels are also a good choice for walleye. They have a higher gear ratio than spinning reels, which makes them ideal for casting/ large lures. They can also be used with both live bait and artificial lures.
Top Picks
- This reel is available in size 5500 and weighs 1.08 pounds.
- This reel has an Instant-Drag system.
- Reel has a G-Free Body.
- Reel is designed with an X-Ship system.
- This high-quality reel is made of graphite.
- It has a stainless steel handle that makes it easy to use.
- It has a smooth drag system .
- It has impressive 8+1 ball bearings.
- It has a fast 6.2:1 gear ratio.
- The CS8 can handle up to 36 pounds of drag.
- Perfect for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
- A one-year warranty from Cadence Fishing backs the CS8.
Best Walleye Spinning Reels
Walleye are among North America’s most popular sportfish, and a skilled angler can catch them with almost any fishing gear.
However, a spinning reel is often the best choice if you’re looking to target walleye specifically. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best walleye spinning reels on the market today.
First, let’s discuss what makes a great reel for walleye fishing. In general, you want a durable reel with a high-quality drag system that can handle plenty of lines.
Walleye can be very aggressive fish and often make long runs when hooked. So you’ll need a reel that can handle plenty of stress without faltering.
1. Cadence CS8 Spinning Reel
The Cadence CS8 Spinning Reel is a great reel for ultralight fast-speed fishing. The magnesium frame makes it light and super smooth, while the ten low torque bearings provide plenty of power. It also has a max drag of 36 LBs, making it perfect for larger fish.
The Cadence CS8 spinning reel is a high-quality reel that offers great value to anglers. The reel is made with a lightweight CMC (carbon-magnesium-carbon) main body using magnesium, which is 34% lighter and 1.5 times stronger than aluminum. This makes the reel easy to handle and provides greater sensitivity for feeling the slightest bites.
Features
The Cadence CS8 spinning reel is one of the lightest and most powerful reels on the market, weighing in at only 6.2 ounces.
It has a magnesium frame for added durability and a ten-bearing system that makes it super smooth.
The CS8 can handle up to 36 pounds of drag, making it perfect for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.
It also has a fast 6.2:1 gear ratio, allowing you to reel in your catch quickly.
A one-year warranty from Cadence Fishing backs the CS8.
2. Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel
In the market for an affordable and durable spinning reel for walleye fishing? Look no further than the Pflueger President. This reel is perfect for both novice and experienced anglers, with its combination of quality construction and smooth performance.
The President’s drag system ensures consistent drag pressure while fighting fish, while the ten ball bearings keep it running smoothly. Plus, the sleek black finish makes it easy to match with any rod.
So if you’re looking for a reel that can handle big fish without breaking the bank, the Pflueger President is a great option.
Features
10 Corrosion-resistant stainless steel ball bearings.
Graphite body and rotor for a lightweight graphite reel construction.
Allows braided line to be directly tied to the spool.
5.2:1 gear ratio for a fast retrieve.
Smooth drag system for fighting fish.
3. Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Reel
Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf reel is perfect for anglers looking for a premium casting reel for walleye. This reel has been designed with a large spool diameter that ensures smooth and consistent casts, even when fishing with heavy lures.
It also features Shimano’s X-Ship technology, which provides ultra-smooth drag performance and eliminates any play in the gears. The Ultegra XTD Surf reel is available in 5.3:1 gear ratios.
Features
This reel is available in size 5500 and weighs 1.08 pounds.
This reel has an Instant-Drag system which allows you to quickly adjust the drag knob to free the spool in just half a turn.
The Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Reel has a G-Free Body which moves the center of gravity closer to the angler’s hand position, reducing fatigue and enhancing casting comfort.
The Shimano Ultegra XTD Surf Reel is designed with an X-Ship system to improve dynamic line flow from the reel to the first guide.
The Propulsion Line Management System parallel body is also designed to help improve line flow, making for a smooth, accurate casting experience.
Best Walleye Baitcasting Reels
In order to catch the most fish possible, you need the right equipment. That’s why it’s important to use the best walleye baitcasting reel for your next fishing trip. Here we’ll discuss the features of the best baitcasting reels on the market and help you choose the one that’s right for you.
1.KastKing Kapstan Elite
If you’re looking for a baitcasting reel that can handle big fish, then the KastKing Kapstan Elite Size 300 Baitcasting Fishing Reel is perfect for you. This reel has a large capacity and a 35 lbs. drag, so you can easily reel in your catch.
KastKing Kapstan Elite Size 300 baitcasting fishing reel is a great low-profile baitcaster with a large capacity.
It has impressive 8+1 ball bearings and a smooth 5.4:1 gear ratio. This reel is perfect for larger fish, and its low profile makes it easy to use.
The Kapstan Elite Size 300 is also very affordable, making it a great option for anyone looking for an affordable, high-quality baitcasting reel for walleye.
Features
The KastKing Kapstan Elite is perfect for fishermen who demand the best in their equipment.
This high-quality reel is made of graphite, making it incredibly light and durable.
It has a stainless steel handle that makes it easy to use, even with wet hands.
The bearing is also made of stainless steel, making it resistant to corrosion.
The Kapstan Elite comes in left and right-hand sizes so that you can find the perfect fit for you.
Finally, it has a smooth drag system that gives you consistent performance every time.
2. SHIMANO Speed Master 2
Walleye fishing is a popular sport in many parts of the country, but different types of reels can be used to catch this fish.
The best reel for walleye fishing will depend on your personal preferences and the type of walleye you are targeting.
If you are targeting big walleye or if you want to catch more than one at a time, then a reel with a heavy weight capacity may be a better option.
Shimano Speedmaster 2 Speed Lever Fishing Reel is a top-quality reel that offers anglers smooth performance and great value.
This reel features a Hagane gear system for exceptional durability, and its X-Ship gearing provides incredible cranking power. The SpeedMaster 2 Speed Lever Reel also comes with a 5.7:1 / 3.1:1 gear ratio that ensures quick retrieves.
Features
This reel is designed with a large spool diameter for less line twist and a smooth drag system that provides up to 30 pounds of drag power.
The Shimano SpeedMaster 2 has a line retrieval of 42 inches per crank, making it easy to reel in your catch.
The SpeedMaster 2 is available in two different sizes, so you can choose the one that’s best suited to your needs.
3. Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Trolling Reel
Okuma has been in the reel business for a long time, and they know what they’re doing. The Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Trolling Reel is no exception.
This reel is built to handle anything you can throw at it, from big salmon to hard-fighting tuna. Its large spool diameter gives you plenty of line capacity, and its multi-disc drag system ensures smooth consistent performance.
The Cold Water Line Counter Trolling Reel also features an easy-to-use line counter that makes it easy to keep track of your trolling progress.
If you’re looking for a durable, high-performance trolling reel, the Okuma Cold Water Line Counter Trolling Reel is definitely worth a look.
Features
The Okuma Cold Water Linecounter Trolling Reel is made of a composite material that makes it durable and lightweight.
It is designed for right-handed people and comes in silver color.
This reel has stainless steel bearings that make it smooth and easy to use.
The multi-disc Carbonite drag system ensures smooth, consistent drag on even the biggest fish. This reel is used by professionals all over the world and is known for its lightweight corrosion-resistant frame and side plates
What We Consider When Selecting the Best Reels for Walleye Fishing
Some factors to consider include: how many bearings the reel has, how smooth the reel operates, whether it is resistant to corrosion, and how much drag it provides. There are many different brands and models of reels on the market, so take your time and select the best one.
Size
When you consider purchasing a new walleye reel, there are several factors to take into account. The most important decision is determining the size of a reel that you need. This decision will be based on the size of your fishing rod and the type of fishing line you are using.
Once you have determined the size of the reel, you need to decide on the features that are important to you.
When it comes to fishing for walleye, reel size is an important consideration. In general, a reel that is too small will not be able to handle the large fish, while a reel that is too large may make it difficult to control the fish and land them properly.
For spinning reels, a size of 6-8 should work well, while baitcasting reels should use a size of 10-12.
Gear Ratio
When looking for the best walleye reel, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. The first is the gear ratio. This is how many times the spool rotates per crank of the handle.
For a spinning reel, you want something with at least a 5:1 or 6:1 gear ratio. This will allow you to retrieve your line quickly and effectively. For baitcasting reels, a 7:1 or 8:1 gear ratio is ideal.
The ratio of the number of turns of the spool created by each crank is called the reel’s gear ratio. For example, a gear ratio of 6.0 1 means that each turn of the crank produces a rotation of the spool six times. This means that if you have a hose in many areas, then you need to cast for many turns in order to cover an extensive range of water, or if you are fighting a large walleye and it gets in your boat, the gear ratio needs to be high so that it will be easier to cast for as many turns as necessary.
Bearings
When it comes to choosing the best bearings for your walleye reel, there are a few things you need to take into consideration.
The first factor is the type of reel – spinning or baitcasting.
The next thing to think about is the size of the reel. Finally, what kind of fishing do you plan on doing with your reel?
If you’re looking for the best bearings for a spinning reel, you’ll want something that’s durable and can handle a lot of wear and tear. Stainless steel bearings are a popular choice.
If you’re looking for bearings for a baitcasting reel, on the other hand, you’ll want something that can handle heavier loads. Some good choices include ball bearings and hybrid ceramic bearings.
Line Capacity
There are a few things to consider when it comes to line capacity for a spinning reel or baitcasting reel. The first is the size of the fish you are targeting. Walleye can be big fish, so you need a reel that can handle a lot of lines.
The second consideration is the type of line you are using. Braided line is stronger and thinner than monofilament line, so you will need less of it to fill your reel.
Third, you need to consider the type of reel you are using. A spinning reel has a smaller spool than a baitcasting reel, so it can’t hold as much line. If you are using a spinning reel, you will need to choose a smaller-diameter braided line.
Rod Compatibility
When looking for a fishing rod to use with a walleye reel, there are a few things you need to consider.
The first is the weight of the rod. A good starting point is 8-10 ounces for a spinning reel and 10-12 ounces for a baitcasting reel.
The next thing to consider is the length of the rod. For a spinning reel, you will want something around 6 1/2 – 7 feet long. You will want something around 7 1/2 – 8 feet long for baitcasting reels.
The final consideration is the action of the rod. You will want a medium or medium-light action rod for a spinning reel. For baitcasting reels, you will want a medium-action rod.
Weight And Body
When it comes to weight, most anglers prefer a reel that is as light as possible. This allows them to fish all day without getting tired. However, some anglers feel that a heavier reel helps them control the fish better.
The reel body is also important. Most anglers prefer a reel with a large spool because it holds more lines. This allows them to make longer casts and catch more fish. However, some anglers prefer a smaller spool because it is easier to control.
Anti-Reverse Handles
There are many reasons to use anti-reverse handles on your reel. One of the most obvious is when you are fighting a fish. With the handle in the regular position, the fish can take the line out faster than you can reel it back in. This can quickly lead to a snapped line or a lost fish.
When you have an anti-reverse handle, it keeps the tension on the line so that the fish cannot take any more line out than you are able to reel in. This is especially important when fishing for larger fish such as walleye.
Conclusion
In conclusion, whether you are a beginner or experienced angler, there is a reel perfect for walleye fishing. Consider the factors discussed in this article when making your purchase, and you are sure to be happy with your choice. Get out there and start reeling in those big ones!
