10 Best Walleye Fishing Rods 2025 in the United States

The KastKing Royale Legend II Spinning Fishing Combo is a versatile choice for walleye fishing, offering a 7-foot medium power rod tailored for various freshwater fishing needs. Its standout feature is the extra backup tip section, ensuring you can continue fishing even if one tip gets damaged, which is particularly handy. The rod is made from IM6 graphite and KastFlex technology, making it ultra-light and highly sensitive, so you can easily feel even the slightest bites from walleye. This sensitivity is crucial for targeting this species known for their subtle bites.

The stainless-steel guides and titanium oxide ceramic rings ensure smooth casting with reduced friction, while the EVA handle and custom reel seats provide comfort during extended fishing sessions. The included spinning reel is robust, featuring 5+1 stainless steel ball bearings, durable gears, a carbon fiber drag system, and a zero-rust graphite frame, making it reliable and long-lasting.

While the build and features make it a great choice for both beginners and experienced anglers, some users may find the medium power not ideal for very large walleye, and the combo's weight of 1.43 kilograms may be slightly heavier compared to other options. Its strengths in sensitivity, comfort, and durability make it a solid option for walleye fishing.

The Shakespeare Ugly Stik 7’ Elite Spinning Rod is designed for anglers looking for a reliable and sturdy option for walleye fishing. With a length of 7 feet, this medium power rod offers a fast action that is great for quick hook sets, making it suitable for catching walleye. Its line rating of 6-14 lbs and lure rating of 1/4-5/8 oz give it versatility for different fishing conditions and bait types.

One of the standout features is its construction. With 35% more graphite than previous models, this rod feels lightweight yet maintains impressive durability. This combination can help reduce fatigue during long fishing trips. The Ugly Stik Clear Tip design enhances sensitivity, allowing you to feel even the slightest nibbles, which is crucial when targeting walleye.

The rod is equipped with eight durable guides that resist corrosion and prevent insert pop-outs, ensuring longevity even in harsh conditions. Additionally, the premium cork handle is lightweight and slip-resistant, providing a comfortable grip which is beneficial when battling fish. While this rod shines in many aspects, some users may find that the two-piece design, while good for portability, can sometimes affect sensitivity compared to one-piece rods. Furthermore, the medium power might not cater to every angler's preference, especially if you are used to heavier rods. Still, for most casual to intermediate anglers, this rod strikes a good balance between performance and ease of use.

The Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Fishing Rod is a sturdy choice for walleye fishing, offering a balanced blend of durability and performance. At 7 feet in length, it provides good reach and control, making it easier to cast over longer distances. The rod's medium heavy power means it's versatile enough for various fishing conditions, but might be on the heavier side for some walleye anglers who prefer lighter gear for more sensitivity.

The rod's action isn't specified, but the Ugly Stik Clear Tip design suggests good sensitivity and strength, which is beneficial for detecting light bites typical of walleye fishing. Constructed from a combination of graphite and fiberglass, the rod is both tough and lightweight, although some purists might prefer the feel of pure graphite rods for their faster action and higher sensitivity. The full grip shrink tube EVA handle is designed for comfort and slip resistance, ensuring a secure grip even in wet conditions. However, some users might find EVA handles less comfortable than cork over long fishing sessions.

The six one-piece stainless steel guides are durable and corrosion-resistant, making the rod reliable during rough handling. The GX2 is backed by a solid 7-year warranty, indicating the manufacturer's confidence in its longevity. Those seeking ultra-light, highly sensitive rods may need to explore other options.