what kind of rod to use for walleyes

[walleye newbie]

i'm going up to rainy river next week, and i'm wondering what is better a 6'6'' real flexible rod or a stiffer rod. i'm new to rainy river fishing

[REW]

At this time of year, a nice jig rod works very well for Rainy river walleye.
My suggestion would be to use a 6'6" medium light rod for nearly application.
If you would like, you can also use this as a crank bait rod, or you could even use it as a lindy rigging rod.

Some folks like to use a medium action rod with a fast tip, and that is fine if you are using jigs of 3/8th or greater, but for lighter jigs and fishing styles, it is really better to go with a bit lighter action rod.

Take care
REW

[AllenW]

I hope your not going with just one rod, stuff happens and it'd be a long trip with no pole. :)

Personally for one rod, I like a med action fast tip, it'll work for both jigging, lindy rigs, bobber fishing and casting crankbaits.
REW makes a good point that the med light action might be a bit better for light jigging, bring one of each...:)

Al

[Chad]

I like a jigging rod to flex in the top 20% only. If it is too whippy you loose control. I use a Fenwick Techna AV 6'6" LF. It is a little stiffer than a lot of lower models in the light weight.


ChadM

[bigbuck]

Bring at least 2 rods and reels. Things do tend to happen in transit and on the boat/dock.
A Medium Action or Medium Heavy-Action rod for cranks, spinners, bottom bouncing and the like in 6'6" should be fine as well as a Medium Light Action rod for jigging in 6' or 6'6".
You'll have what you need to deal with wallys and the occasional pike and with the heavier rod you can target pike and bass as well.
Spend as much as you can afford on your rods and reels and you will have them for a long long time. I still have an old Shimano AERO 3000 that I bought 16 years ago thats in good condition and my 30 year old Shakespeare spinning reel that was my first (and still gets used for pike).

[Capn Hooker]

I vote for the medium action rod with a fast tip. I also add braided line and I can feel the difference between the weeds, rocks and walleye bite. This combo has increased my walleye success quite a bit.

[fishinator]

As a frequent rainy river fisherman, I normally use a med 6'6', however the current is very strong this fall. I've been using my med heavy with 3/4 ounce jig, anchored up. More rain on the way this week. Lots of debris in the main current, you'll need to find a spot with lesser current. my jig of choice is a round head jig with half gold, half chartreuse, with emerald shiners, and fishing on the down river side of a bend in 12 to 13' of water. Good luck... fish

[testerwall]

test

[bradley894]

i like a shorter stick.. 5 or 6 foot a bit stiffer .. you will be fishing heavy jiggs this fall... fireline is recommended as you will be fishing deeper water in most cases 15-30 feet... keep the water resistance to a minumum... buy something if IM8 quality... and not to soft . you want feel.... bring some stinger hooks... and spend your money on an anchor that will hold.... when you find one you think will hold go the next step bigger... you dont wanna jig your rod the rainy when the water is moving and the water temp hits 54 its a blast ,, i think for this time of year baudette is the best place to be in the country... like i said to outfish your buddy .. just drop your jig down to the bottom and try to hold that heavy jig an inch off of the bottom .. dont move your rod tip... just feel the fish take it and set... you will most likely hook into a sturgion or 8 so be ready.. plenty of 9lb fish comming up river also.. you will have a blast... i wouldnt run around and cover much water just find a good spot heck by the bridge in baudette is fine.. good luck ! dress warm .. you wont be moving much in the boat... also if you want to troll up river slow with a crank down the middle of the channel you will be surprised on how ell you do.. get a smaller crank to the bottom a good baitcaster and some weight a rod with a bit of backbone for trolling over the side should be in your boat... but remember you dont need to bring a-lot of gear... baby blue jigs always worked for me ... big ones..

[bradley894]

oh ya a couple things... these fish are strong , they migrate all year i think.. big water to the north... they will pick up a heavy jig and keep moving up river .. just crank as fast as you can when you cant feel the bottom your line will be back at a 45 and that fish will be under your boat 20 yards upriver from where he picked up your jig.. they can swim.... it also the only place i know if that if you put a dozen leaches in your livewell with your walleyes that the eyes will eat your leaches when there in the well...unreal... stay on your side of the river and have fun... oh dont wory you wont need leaches and the bait shop up there has everything you will need... have fun.!