Best Reel For Walleye Fishing

Did you know that the walleye is the official state fish of Minnesota? It’s no wonder since this freshwater fish is prized for its delicious taste. Walleye fishing is a popular sport for fishermen in the United States.  People often enjoy fishing for walleye because they are challenging to catch and offer a good fight when hooked.

Best Reels For Walleye Fishing Review

Are you looking for the best reel for walleye fishing? If so, you’ve come to the right place. In this blog post, we will be discussing some of the top-rated reels for walleye fishing. We’ll also provide a buyer’s guide to help you choose the right reel for your needs. So, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman, stay tuned for some helpful tips and advice.

1# Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Spinning Reel

Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Signature Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.7:1, 6.0:1
Ball Bearings: 10+1
Max Drag: 8.8 Lbs., 15.4 Lbs., 17.6 Lbs.
Reel Weight: 8.4 oz., 9.3 oz., 13.9 oz.

Introducing the Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Platinum Signature Spinning Reel. Our top-of-the-line spinning reel, it’s designed to outperform more expensive reels with its strong, durable construction and precise, sensitive gears. The 1-piece aluminium frame resists torque and keeps gears in perfect alignment while the lightweight rotor distributes stress evenly. The hollow stainless steel bail wire and digitally designed Micro-Pitched Gearing System provide smooth, trouble-free operation while the stainless steel main shaft and hard zinc drive gear ensure lasting durability. The brass pinion gear and water-resistant 6-disc felt/aluminium drag system provide smooth, consistent drag while the machined aluminium handle with Soft Touch knob provides a comfortable grip.

Pros
  • 1-piece aluminium frame resists torque and keeps gears in perfect alignment

  • The lightweight rotor distributes stress evenly

  • Hollow stainless steel bail wire and digitally designed Micro-Pitched Gearing System provide smooth, trouble-free operation

  • Stainless steel main shaft and hard zinc drive gear ensure lasting durability

  • Brass pinion gear and water-resistant 6-disc felt/aluminium drag system provide smooth, consistent drag

  • Machined aluminium handle with Soft Touch knob provides a comfortable grip

Cons
  • Some users complain that it doesn’t have a great feel

  • It’s not the cheapest reel on the market

2# Pflueger President Spinning Reel

Pflueger President Spin Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
Ball Bearings: 6+1, 9+1
Max Drag: 6 Lbs., 9 Lbs., 10 Lbs., 12 Lbs.
Reel Weight: 6.2 oz., 7.5 oz., 8.8 oz., 10.7 oz., 11.5 oz.

The Pflueger President Spinning Reel is an excellent choice for anglers of all skill levels. Its lightweight graphite body and corrosion-resistant stainless steel main shaft and components make it durable and easy to handle. The 9 stainless steel ball bearings (Model PRESSP20 has 6) provide smooth operation, while the instant anti-reverse bearing helps prevent line tangles. The machined, ported, double-anodized aluminium spool is braid-ready and provides smooth, consistent casting. The slow oscillation gearing ensures that your bait or lure stays in the strike zone longer, and the smooth multi-disc drag system provides sensitive drag adjustment and ensures fish are brought in safely and efficiently. The solid aluminium bail wire adds strength and durability, while the soft touch knob provides comfortable handling. The reel can be converted to left- or right-hand retrieve and the on/off anti-reverse helps prevent line tangles.

Pros
  • Lightweight graphite body

  • Corrosion-resistant stainless steel main shaft and components

  • 9 stainless steel ball bearings (Model PRESSP20 has 6)

  • Instant anti-reverse bearing

  • Machined, ported, double-anodized aluminium spool

  • Braid-ready

  • The smooth multi-disc drag system

  • Solid aluminium bail wire

  • Soft touch knob

Cons
  • On/off anti-reverse can cause line tangles

  • Slow oscillation gearing can make spooling slower

3# Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel

Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 5.1:1, 5.6:1, 6.0:1, 6.2:1, 6.4:1
Ball Bearings: 7+1, 6+1
Max Drag: 24 Lbs., 6 Lbs., 7 Lbs., 20 Lbs.
Reel Weight: 7.6 oz., 7.8 oz., 4.9 oz., 5.5 oz., 6.3 oz.

The Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel is an extremely versatile reel that is built for a variety of fishing styles. It features a CI4+ carbon G-Free Body design that is lightweight and durable, as well as the X-Protect water-resistance technology that keeps your reel working in all conditions. The Long Stroke spool provides plenty of line capacity, while the One-Piece Bail and Propulsion line management system ensures smooth and precise performance. The Aero Wrap ensures even line lay during casting, and the Cold-forged Hagane gearing with X-Ship bearing-supported pinion gear is incredibly smooth and efficient. The MicroModule Gear II system reduces noise and vibration, while the Silent Drive technology ensures silent retrieval. This reel also features a 6+1 (500 size) or 7+1 bearing system for smooth operation, as well as the Cross Carbon Drag that provides consistent drag power.

Pros
  • Extremely versatile

  • Lightweight and durable

  • Water-resistant

  • Smooth performance

  • Even line lay during casting

  • Quiet retrieval

  • Consistent drag power

Cons
  • Some users report quality control issues

  • It may be too lightweight for some anglers

4# Shimano Stradic FL Spinning Reel

Shimano Stradic Spinning Reel

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Specification

Retrieve: Left/Right
Gear Ratio: 6.0:1, 6.2:1, 6.4:1
Ball Bearings: 6+1
Max Drag: 7 Lbs., 20 Lbs., 24 Lbs.
Reel Weight: 6.5 oz., 7.9 oz., 9.2 oz., 9.3 oz.

The Shimano Stradic FL Spinning Reel is engineered for exceptional performance and durability. Featuring a Flex-free Hagane body, X-Protect waterproofing system, and Long Stroke Spool, the Stradic FL provides smooth, reliable operation. The SilentDrive noise and vibration reduction system ensures smooth, quiet operation, while the 100% stronger Hagane cold forged drive gear delivers outstanding strength and durability. The Advanced MicroModule Gear II system provides precision operation and reduced wear, while the X-Ship gear support system ensures smooth reliable performance. The 6+1 bearing system provides smooth, reliable operation, while the S A-RB shielded stainless steel ball bearings provide superior corrosion resistance. The Super Stopper Anti Reverse roller bearing provides instant hook setting power with no back play, and the Aluminum cold forged spool provides strength and durability. The Propulsion Line Management System ensures trouble-free casting and retrieval, while the Dyna-Balance system reduces vibration for a smoother feel. The Power Roller II reduces line twists for increased performance, and the Aero Wrap II provides consistent wraps even under heavy loads. The Cross Carbon drag system (3000-5000 models) delivers smooth, consistent drag performance, while the Power handle (5000 model) provides added power and comfort.

Pros
  • Flex-free Hagane body

  • X-Protect waterproofing system

  • Long Stroke Spool

  • SilentDrive noise and vibration reduction system

  • 100% stronger Hagane cold forged drive gear

  • Advanced MicroModule Gear II system

  • X-Ship gear support system

Cons
  • Gear can strip if not properly maintained

  • It is not as good at handling big fish

5# Daiwa Lexa LC BC 6 LEXA-LC300PWR-P

Daiwa Lexa LC LEXA-LC300PWR-P

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Specification

Technique: Casting
Type: Line counter baitcasting
Reel Handle Position: Left-Hand
Gear Ratio: 5.5
Bearing Count: 2CRBB+4BB+1RB
Max Drag: 22 lbs.
Anti Reverse: Infinite dual anti-reverse

Looking for a versatile and reliable reel for your next fishing trip? Check out the Daiwa Lexa LC BC Reel. This seven-bearing reel system includes 2 CRBBs and a roller bearing, making it sturdy and durable. The line counter measures in feet, so you can keep track of your progress. Plus, the Ultimate Tournament carbon drag UTD is 22#, making it perfect for big catches. The aluminium frame and side plate on the gear side are also a nice touch. The right-hand power handle and 5.5:1 gear ratio make this reel easy to use. It can hold 190yds/14# mono, so you won’t have to worry about running out of line.

Pros
  • Seven-bearing reel system with 2 CRBBs and a roller bearing

  • Ultimate Tournament carbon drag UTD is 22#

  • Aluminium frame and side plate on the gear side

  • Right-hand power handle

  • 5.5:1 gear ratio

Cons
  • The line counter measures in feet

  • It cannot hold more than 190yds/14# mono

6# KastKing Speed Demon Elite Fishing Spinning Reel

KastKing Speed Demon Elite Fishing Spinning Reel

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Specification

Handedness: Ambidextrous
Gear Ratio: 7.4:1
Ball Bearings: 10+1
Reel Size: 2000, 3000

The KastKing Speed Demon Elite Fishing Spinning Reel is a top-of-the-line choice for serious anglers. The aluminium frame is incredibly sturdy and durable, while the 10 + 1 double-shielded stainless-steel ball bearings promote smooth performance. The 7.4:1 gear ratio delivers fast retrieve and line pick up, while the 17.6-pound carbon fibre drag ensures powerful efficiency. With a CNC machined alloy body and body cover to help reduce frame twists, this reel is built to last. And with a 7075 aluminium main gear, carbon fibre rotor, hardened main gear, brass pinion gear and stainless-steel the main shaft, it has the strength and power to tackle even the biggest fish.

Pros
  • Smooth performance with 10 + 1 double-shielded stainless steel ball bearings

  • Fast retrieve and line pick up with a 7.4:1 gear ratio

  • Powerful efficiency with 17.6-pound carbon fibre drag

  • CNC machined alloy body and body cover to help reduce frame twists

  • 7075 aluminium main gear, carbon fibre rotor, hardened main gear, brass pinion gear and stainless-steel main shaft

Cons
  • Some users have complained that it is difficult to fine-tune the drag system

  • The reel is quite heavy, which may be a problem for some anglers

7# 13 Fishing Kalon C Spinning Reel

13 Fishing Kalon C Spinning Reel

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Specification

Handedness: Ambidextrous
Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
Ball Bearings: 7
Reel Size: 30, 40

Introducing the 13 Fishing Kalon Blackout Spinning Reel. This reel is designed for anglers who demand the best performance on the water. Featuring an aluminium cut drive gear, composite construction, and 7 ball bearings, this reel is built for durability and smooth action. The external magnetic brake ensures precise control, while the glide oscillation system ensures long, accurate casts. The sealed rotor protects against saltwater corrosion, and the instant stop, the anti-reverse design provides rock-solid hook setting power. Get the most out of your fishing experience with the 13 Fishing Kalon Blackout Spinning Reel.

Pros
  • Durable construction

  • Smooth action

  • Precise control

  • Corrosion resistant

  • Solid hook setting power

Cons
  • The reel is a bit heavy

  • The brake might not be adjustable enough for some users

FAQ

What size reel is best for walleye fishing?
When looking for the best reel for walleye fishing, it is important to consider the size of the reel. A larger reel can handle bigger fish and has more power, while a smaller reel is better for finesse fishing. Ultimately, it is up to the angler to decide what size reel they need.
Is a Baitcaster good for walleye fishing?
A baitcaster is a good choice for walleye fishing, as it offers more power and precision than other types of reels. It can be difficult to use at first, but with practice, it can be a great tool for landing big fish.
What is a good gear ratio for walleye fishing?
A good gear ratio for walleye fishing is one that provides a fast retrieve with line pick up. This allows the angler to quickly bring in their bait and make sure it is in the right spot.

Conclusion

If you’re looking to reel in some walleyes, then check out our list of the best reels for walleye fishing. We’ve got buyer’s guides and product reviews to help you make the best decision for your next fishing trip. With the right reel, you’ll be landing those big fish in no time!

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