Spinning reels have been in existence for years, and anglers love them for their ease of use and reliability in different fishing applications. When fishing for walleye, a spinning reel will increase your chances of success in this application.
However, for walleye fishing, you need to be careful about your choice for spinning reels. These species are not considered big game fish so, a standard drag power and strength will ensure your success in walleye fishing. This article will help you decide on the best walleye spinning reel that will not disappoint.
Best 7 Walleye Spinning Reel for the money [Reviewed]
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1. Penn Battle II & III Spinning Fishing Reel
Designed for hard-hitting land species, you can be sure that you will be boasting a walleye after every fishing trip. The saltwater spinning reel has been made to ensure maximum performance with the full metal body, side plates, and rotor, plus a heavy-duty aluminum bail wire. Additionally, you experience the smoothest reeling with the 5+1 ball bearings.
This spinning reel also has a powerful and smooth HT 100 carbon fiber drag system giving you enough power to deal with walleye. Moreover, you get to enjoy tireless and long hours of fishing due to the comfortable handle. Not forgetting its super line spool that requires no backing and its braid ready. It has line capacity rings marked at 1/3, 2/3, and full capacity.
2. KastKing Summer and Centron Spinning Reel
Enjoy walleye fishing with this spinning reel despite your level of experience. Featuring a narrow graphite frame, you can be assured of the reel’s lightness plus a brilliant, attractive finish. Additionally, you get to enjoy a superior drag system that offers an incredible stopping power of up to 17.5lbs. The hardened metal main shaft, mesh drive gear, and precision machined pinion gears endures the fish fighting power and enhance the reel’s durability.
Better yet, you get to experience the smoothest reeling experience with the nine ball bearings and an anti-reverse bearing. Furthermore, the 4.5:1 and 5.2:1 gear ratios will be perfect for walleye retrievals.
3. Piscifun Flame Spinning Reel
Enjoy the best performance with the Piscifun Flame ultra-light spinning reels built for applications like Walleye fishing. With this reel, you can be assured of the smoothest feeling due to the nine ball bearings and an anti-reverse ball bearing. Additionally, you can be assured you will not miss your catch as the 5.2:1 gear ratio will ensure the retrieval of your walleye.
The aluminum and graphite construction plus the anti-corrosion zinc drive gear ensures you experience superior quality and maximum durability. In addition to this, the reel allows you to spool your line evenly, and the click crisp sound helps ensure your success.
4. Daiwa BG2500 Saltwater Spinning Reel
Experience the best in Walleye fishing with the Daiwa 2500 series spinning reel. Built with the angler’s needs in mind, you can be assured of success every time you set out to fish. The black anodized machined aluminum body and side covers maintain the reel’s superior performance and durability. Additionally, you get to experience comfortable and long hours of reeling with the solid screw-in handle.
Moreover, you can be assured of the smoothest feeling with the 6ball bearings and an infinite anti-reverse system for sizes 4000 and below. The gear ratio of 5.6:1 makes walleye fishing easier and ensures that you will not miss a single catch.
5. Pflueger President Spinning Fishing Reel
Get the Pflueger President spinning reel for walleye fishing. Featuring a graphite body and rotor, you can be assured of its lightness and strength. Additionally, it features a braid-ready spool so you can tie your braid directly to the spool. Moreover, you get to experience a powerful and smooth drag due to the sealed drag washers so that you can deal with walleye anytime.
Enjoy the smoothest reeling experience due to the seven ball bearings and an instant anti-reverse bearing. Also, forget about line twists due to the slow oscillation gearing system that improves line lay.
6. Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel
Walleye fishing is made easier by the Okuma Ceymar spinning reel built to ensure superior and impeccable performance. The corrosion-resistant graphite body ensures the reels are lightweight, and the ergo grip handle gives you ultimate comfort and leverage so that you can enjoy long hours of fishing.
The eight-bearing drive system offers superior performance, and the machined aluminum spool allows you to use your monofilament and braided line. Furthermore, enjoy smoothness at its best with the 7+1 ball bearings and a gear ratio ranging from 4.5:1 to 5.0:1, giving you the best qualities for walleye fishing.
7. Shimano Sienna Spinning Fishing Reel
Built with the qualities and performance of high-end spinning reels, you can now gather up enough confidence for walleye fishing. The gear ratio of 5.0:1 makes walleye fishing easier and ensures you do not miss a single catch.
The 3+1 ball bearings ensure you experience smooth casts and let you fish for walleye without experiencing tangles. Also, enjoy longer casting distances and reduced wind knots with the propulsion spool lip design. Additionally, the super stopper II technology provides an instant anti-reverse with reduced back play.
Best Walleye Spinning Combo
Walleye fishing is becoming more and more prevalent. Therefore, their gears are slowly gaining popularity. Choosing the right rod and reel for this application can be challenging. Spinning combos excel in walleye fishing as they are lighter, easy to use, and more affordable. Beginners will have an easy time as spinning gears are easy to use compared to other gears. However, you need to ensure you get the right product to ensure its quality and durability. PLUSINNO Fishing Rod and Reel Combos rates are among the best combos due to their sturdy construction and Durability. With this spinning rod and reel, you will be confident to deal with different species in saltwater and freshwaters.
Spinning Reel Size for Walleye
When getting a spinning reel for walleye, you need to consider its size. Size 30 and 35 spinning reels have the strength needed for walleye fishing. The size 30 spinning reel is perfect for anglers who prefer lighter reels. The size 35 reels are stronger and hold 85 more yards of a six-pound line, but they are a little heavy. The choice between the two sizes lies with the angler.
Baitcast or Spinning Reel for Walleye
The decision of whether to get a baitcaster or spinning reel for walleye lies with the angler. Baitcasters are more accurate, they have better line management, a stronger gear ratio, and a better drag.
On the other hand, spinning reels work excellently if you deal with lighter lines, and they are more accurate. Additionally, they are easier to handle, even for beginners. I prefer using a baitcasting reel since I’m more confident dealing with the heaviest species.
Walleye Spinning Reel Setup
The setup of your walleye gear will determine how successful you are when fishing. Spinning reels will help you throw spinners, live baits, and even jigs.
A walleye spinning reel is the ideal beginner’s equipment in ice fishing for walleye. Spinning reels are easier to use, less expensive and reliable. To set up your spinning reel follow these steps.
- First make sure you have your spinning rod, reel and line. Thread your line down the rod from the first guide to the tip.
- Then tie your line to your reel. The bail on the spool must be open before you tie.
- Next, tie the knot by first wrapping the line around the reel and make an overhead knot.
- After making the first knot, make the second one and tighten it to the first knot smoothly.
- Then tug it tightly so it’s flush with your reel. After this you can go ahead to spool. If you have company it’s better to seek assistance when spooling.
What to look for while buying a walleye spinning reel
Gear Ratio
When choosing a spinning reel for walleye, you need to consider the gear ratio. When fishing for walleye, you do not need the highest gear ratio as they do not need very fast retrieves. Spinning reels with gear ratios ranging from 4.5:1 to 5.2:1 will be perfect for this application.
Ball Bearings
Ball bearings ensure smooth casts. When fishing for walleye, get a spinning reel with high gear ratios to ensure smooth casts and avoid tangling. Also, you need to ensure that your spinning reel comes with an anti-reverse bearing. Spinning reels with a bearing count from 5 to 8 will be perfect when walleye fishing.
Drag
The drag of your spinning reels determines how well you can handle different fish species. You also need to get a powerful drag when walleye fishing since you can encounter grown walleye that require maximum strength. The drag will let you deal with the fish fighting and their vigorous activities.
Comfort
An angler’s comfort is crucial in ensuring their fishing success. The handle of your spinning reel needs to ensure that you are comfortable even after long hours of fishing. Get a handle that fits perfectly in your hands and one that does not slip even under pressure. Also, make sure you have enough leverage to deal with the fighting fish.
Weight
When choosing fishing gear for walleye fishing, you need to check on their weight. A spinning reel should not be too heavy. A light spinning reel is easier to handle and will alleviate fatigue at the end of your fishing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Gear Ratio Is Best On A Spinning Reel For Walleye Fishing?
When walleye fishing, you do not need a spinning reel with a very high gear ratio as the application rates as a light fishing application. A gear ratio of 4.5:1 to 5.2:1 will excel in walleye fishing. However, if you’re looking for a higher gear ratio, you can go for the standard gear ratio of 6.0:1 since it works for different fishing applications.
How Much Drag Is Best On A Spinning Reel For Walleye?
Walleye do not demand the use of a hefty line. Therefore, even the drag doesn’t need to have to be very strong. Maximum drag settings will probably not be required; the drag function is more important. Basically, if you set the drag to about 1/3 the tensile strength of your line. For walleye, you can go with a 12lb braid test line; judging from the 1/3 tensile line strength, four pounds of drag will be enough. However, this will vary depending on the size of the walleye.
Can You Use A Spinning Reel For Vertical Walleye Jigging?
Vertical jigging is a fishing technique that does not need much casting. Even with a spinning reel, you can be sure that you will have a catch or two. Spinning reels will help eliminate line lay and will excel if you are using light baits. Although most people are accustomed to convectional reels and prefer them more, spinning reels will also excel in this application.
Final Thoughts
If you are looking for a fulfilling way to enjoy a day, you better try walleye fishing. This technique is not very demanding, but it’s pretty enjoyable. Whether you are a beginner or a veteran, you can be sure that walleye fishing will provide an excellent sport to enjoy your afternoons. The best part about it is that you can go walleye fishing any time of the year. The season will not limit you as you will get a reasonable catch both in the winter and summer.
