Best Walleye Rods and What to Look for in 5 Budget Picks

Written by Mst Adory

February 6, 2023

Choosing a Walleye Rod

Taps and taps on the line are a sure sign that you are on a fish. For walleye, tap strength has nothing to do with fish size. Therefore, you need a rod tip that is sensitive enough to feel a slight pull. Once you’ve hooked the rod, you’ll need a backbone on the rod. Otherwise, the old “glass eyes” can break.

Personally, drift fishing like the above example is the walleye’s favorite fishing method, but the same rod can be used for both casting and jigging. If casting is your preferred method,  buy a slightly longer rod. Casting longer distances will result in less live food loss. If you like trolling, consider buying another rod with a stiff tip.

The difference between Alaska pollack’s short and long rods is about 1 foot (6.6 inches to 7.6 inches). In general, comparing similar rods of different lengths shows that shorter rods are easier to control but less tolerant. Longer rods require practice to master control but are more forgiving. This is especially true when casting long distances or dealing with fish running suddenly and explosively.

As anglers gain experience fishing for walleye, they learn that it relies entirely on feel. Even in bad weather – wind, waves, or rain – you need to see the tip of the rod and feel the bite. Walleye rods need to be very sensitive, but also strong enough to handle fish of all sizes foraging.

But a good walleye rod doesn’t have to be expensive. With that in mind, here are five high-quality, affordable rods that you’ll want to find and bring to the lake in search of that elusive walleye.

Berkley Lightning is available in a  variety of lengths, tip weights, and one-piece or two-piece constructions, offering many options for fishing and gear storage.

The carbon composite remains stiff against impact but tapers towards the soft and sensitive tip for a slight bite. A silky smooth stainless steel line guide with aluminum oxide inserts and placed near the shaft for added strength. Full-length rubberized cork-wrapped handles allow you to find the perfect balance for a more comfortable grip without trapping heat or cold.

This rod is available in spinning or casting versions for almost any budget. A spinning rod offers more fine-tuning opportunities than using a bait caster, but you lose some power. Every angler has their preferences when it comes to fishing rods, but this Berkley is the perfect rod for building a walleye rig.

Important details of Berkeley Lightning:

  • Affordable 24-ton multimodule graphite composite design for increased sensitivity and durability
  • Corrosion-resistant stainless steel guide/aluminum oxide ensures line stability and long casting
  • Double locking reel seats provide peace of mind in the heat of battle
  • Rubberized grips ensure a solid grip and all-day comfort

See Berkley Lightning spinning rod on Amazon

See Berkley Lightning baitcasting rod on Amazon

Ugly Stik Elite

Ugly Stik Elite

Ugly Stik Elite

 

Shakespeare`s Ugly Stik is a proven walleye bar with many options available. The graphite/fiberglass combo design delivers a powerful shot, and its unique transparent tip design responds quickly to any keystroke. Rugged stainless steel stream guides stay true to form and resist corrosion and chipping.

A fully extended mainspring handle provides exceptional grip and comfort in all weather conditions. The Ugly Stik Elite is known for its durability whether spinning or spinning. These rods are extremely sturdy and can handle almost any freshwater fish you are trying to fish.

For many anglers, versatility is the most important feature of a fishing rod.  Ugly Stik will suit Walleye, Bass, Carp, Pike, and even Crappie. It won’t be the most responsive or lightest rod, but it is a great choice for anyone who wants a rod to tackle all their fishing experiences.  Ugly sticks are great for drifting. It gives you enough strength to get through the structure on the bottom of the lake and still feel every bite. Don’t let the price fool you. That’s a great stick!

Detailed Key information about Ugly Stik Elite Key:

  • Graphite fiberglass blank construction with 35% more graphite gives you a bite and pull-in force
  • The clear tip structure further improves the durability and sensitivity of the rod.
  • High-quality cork grip for long-distance travel grip and comfort on the water
  • One-piece stainless steel ugly tough guide for smooth line flow without worrying about a bit popping out

See Ugly Stik Elite spinning rod on Amazon

See Ugly Stick Elite Bait Cast Rods on Amazon

KastKing Perigee II

KastKing Perigee II

KastKing Perigee II

When it comes to versatility, nothing beats the KastKing Perigee II rod. It’s probably the best all-around walleye rod on the list. Rods are available in spinning and baitcast configurations, as well as one-piece and two-piece configurations.

A 2-piece rod is a great deal. For the price of one rod, you can get two separate tips with multiple choices of rod gauge and action. For those who prefer an easier approach,      One Piece may be a better approach.

Being able to change the tip according to the type of fishing is of great significance to the angler. Half of the day can be spent looking for a more sensitive walleye, and the other half can be spent catching perches at the headwaters. This is a  versatile rod for money!

Keep in mind the various tips when you’re on the go and during the day!

The striking, bare, and beautiful Toray Carbon Blank sets it apart from other rods in terms of performance and visual aesthetics. Note on Toray Carbon: They offer the highest tensile strength/elongation properties to fracture on the market today. Other notable features of the rod include Fuji’s “Concept O” guide, high-density EVA handle, and unique Saf-T-Keeper hook holder.

Finally, the two-piece dual-tip model comes with a lifetime warranty at the tip end. This is a very welcome feature for walleye Anglers.

KastKing Perigee II Main Details:

  • The KastFlex Toray 24-ton carbon matrix blank makes this rod lightweight, sensitive, and durable.
  • Fuji O-ring line guides resist corrosion and help reduce the total weight of the rod
  • Computer-controlled multi-angle spooling with KastKing PTS joints and two-piece rods gives you a solid feel for one-piece rods
  • A high-quality graphite reel seat saves  weight without sacrificing strength
  • The Saf-T-Keeper hook holder adds even more value to an already excellent setup

See KastKing Perigee II rods on Amazon

KastKing Brutus

KastKing Brutus

KastKing Brutus

Another great value rod for KastKing. It comes with an eye-catching and practical rod tip bonus. Some anglers prefer to look at the tip of the rod to see if it bites. All casting and spinning rods in the Brutus series are fitted with colorful Chartreuse rod tips for added visibility.  For strength, these rods are made of three layers of glass and carbon fiber.

KastKing calls this a “blue tough” rod blank. This is a graphite/glass blank configuration that is somewhat reminiscent of an ugly stick in that it provides both versatility and durability for tackling hitting fish like Walleye. The combination of stainless steel guides and zirconia rings fights corrosion and wear, allowing the use of all types of lines. Full-length EVA grips allow you to choose the perfect hand position for rod balance, control and comfort.  This Kast King Brutus is perfect for  new anglers. There are several

aspects of the rod that make life easier for beginners. But this does not mean that an experienced angler should do without it! This is a great walleye rod that handles all different sizes of fish and is sensitive enough to pick up  even the smallest bite. If you’re casting or jigging, this is a great rod for you.It feels great  and responds well to all the actions you give it. Feeding fish with  realistic jigs can be difficult, but  KastKing gives you the peace of mind that your bait will look great when fishing.

KastKing Brutus Main details:

  • The “strike tip” design makes it easy to find bites even in poor visibility.
  • Stainless steel and zirconia line guides improve durability and line flow
  • Multiple spin/cast choices  in one-piece or two-piece models, and power, action, and length configurations
  • A full-length high-strength EVA handle improves both comfort and leverage when fighting and landing large fish

See KastKing Brutus rods on Amazon

Fiblink 4-Piece Travel Rod

Fiblink 4-Piece Travel Rod

Fiblink 4-Piece Travel Rod

There are times when space is essential, and the 4-piece five-link is a great rod for traveling walleye anglers. The carbon fiber design is durable and responsive, and the combination of stainless steel and ceramic guides provides smooth, friction-free fishing.

Cork grips are ideal for all weather conditions, whether hot or cold, and provide a comfortable and stable grip. The rod is easy to assemble and comes with a carrying bag with a protective slot.

Fiblink 4-Piece Travel Rods are perfect for anglers who always want to get a rod. I don’t know when to give fishable water. This rod is easy to store and you have the freedom to spend a few hours in the lake every day. It’s also the perfect rod to take with you when traveling.

This rod has all the qualities you need for a great walleye rod. Don’t hesitate to buy a rig with its portable features. It is very sensitive and can handle any walleye you can hook on. The rods come in three rotation sizes: 6`6″, 7`0″, and 7`6″. All three models have medium power and fast action spikes.

 Details of the Five Link Travel Rod Key:

 Delicate, durable, and lightweight carbon fiber construction on a budget

  • 7 + 1 stainless steel frame/guide and ceramic line insert
  • Attractive and comfortable cork handle and practical hook holder
  • Portable and durable design with carrying case-the, the best rod for normal use and travel

See Fiblink spinning travel rod on Amazon

See Fiblink baitcasting travel rod on Amazon

Conclusion

Walleye fishing is a type of freshwater fishing like no other. For bass and pike, aggression is the name of the game. You are trying to get a reaction hit from a fish and need as much power as possible. Therefore,  use a medium-weight rod. When fishing for walleye, you need patience and a very sensitive rod. As a result, medium or fast action rods will be your best walleye rod. You can fight harder, but it’s never worth missing a bite due to a lack of sensitivity. We hope you enjoyed our guide and the five financial recommendations presented here. See you soon!

Read more: Crankbait Rod Buying Guide: Top 5 Choices and In-Depth Reviews

The 7 Best Bass Fishing Rods: Reviews and Buying Guide

If you're looking for the best bass fishing rods, you've come to the right place. In this article, we will review seven of the best rods on the market and provide you with all the information you need to make an informed purchase. Whether you're a beginner or a...

The best baitcasting rods under $100

Here we have listed what we consider to be the best baitcasting rods under €100. We'll look at several different options, from travel rods to two-piece rods to telescopic rods. Maybe you're new to baitcasting and watched TV shows and cool reels and decided to give...

Best Walleye Rods and What to Look for in 5 Budget Picks

Choosing a Walleye Rod Taps and taps on the line are a sure sign that you are on a fish. For walleye, tap strength has nothing to do with fish size. Therefore, you need a rod tip that is sensitive enough to feel a slight pull. Once you've hooked the rod, you'll need a...

Baitcasting Rod Reviews & Buying Guide – 2022

Baitcasting Rod Reviews & Buying Guide – 2022

If you're looking for big bass, pike, or muskellunge, you'll need the best baitcasting rod with a rich backbone, great guides to protect your lines, and the ability to cast heavy baits to the strongest lines available. The same is true when hunting catfish, giant...

The Best Crappie Rods are Reviewed

The Best Crappie Rods are Reviewed

Are You Ready for Crappie Fishing? Look no further if you're wondering what makes excellent crappie rods. In the sections below, you'll discover more information about how we choose our own rods and reviews of some great options. We'll be reviewing general crappie...

The best rod for casting crankbaits for walleyes

The best rod for casting crankbaits for walleyes

The walleye is known for his flesh rather than his fighting ability. But we still respect it as a sports fish. A good-eyed jigging rod needs to be strong enough to handle big fish with the hooks firmly set, but sensitive enough to find subtle takes. We are four Alaska...

BEST FLY ROD UNDER 200 ($) – TOP 7 FOR 2022

Fly rods are offered in all price ranges. Hundreds of dollars are easy to spend. But you don't have to. This is a guide to the best fly rods under 200. Most anglers are on a gear budget. If you have a large fly rod, it's okay to spend $ 500 or $ 1,000 or more on the...

BEST SPINNING REEL FOR BASS | Buying Guide

BEST SPINNING REEL FOR BASS | Buying Guide

Introduction If you are planning to go on fishing, but are still vague about which type of spinning reel for bass fishing you should buy. And if you are thinking of having your spinning reel but you are confused about what size spinning reel for bass. Then you don’t...

Related Articles

The best baitcasting rods under $100

Here we have listed what we consider to be the best baitcasting rods under €100. We'll look at several different options, from travel rods to two-piece rods to telescopic rods. Maybe you're new to baitcasting and watched TV shows and cool reels and decided to give...

Best Walleye Rods and What to Look for in 5 Budget Picks

Choosing a Walleye Rod Taps and taps on the line are a sure sign that you are on a fish. For walleye, tap strength has nothing to do with fish size. Therefore, you need a rod tip that is sensitive enough to feel a slight pull. Once you've hooked the rod, you'll need a...

Crankbait Rod Buying Guide: Top 5 Choices and In-Depth Reviews

Crankbait Rod Buying Guide: Top 5 Choices and In-Depth Reviews

Ever wanted to open a bottle of wine? There's a video online showing how to open this bottle by pushing the cork back with a blunt edge such as a butter knife.Yes, it gets the job done, but it's tedious and time-consuming and leaves the cork in the wine. The best The...