Walleye rods, 7ft? 6'6? 6'?

[Little Joe]

Im looking into purchasing a new walleye rod, i dont think i put enough time into the last purchases so im gonna make this one good. Im trying to get some advice on the best rod length, brand, and action for jigging, trolling and drifting for walleye. Id really be interested to reading some responses. Thanx and good fishin.

[REW]

In the past few years, there has been a tendency for rods to be longer. One of the main reasonss, is that with the better and "lighter" materials; rods can be longer and still be balanced and sensitive.

Another factor, is the wider boats of today. A 5'9" jigging rod of a few years ago, just isn't long enough to comfortably fish with, in some of todays wider boats.

If you get the right action, a 6', 6'6" por 7' will all catch you lots of fish.

Many folks find a 6'6" rod to be the best overall rod, if you are going to have only one rod. The best bet is to have one of each. Use the longer rod in calmer conditions, and the shorter rod, when you want to minimize line pickup from the wind.

If you are doing drifting, and lindy rigging, a rod that has a nice parabolic action in a moderate action seems to work best. This will allow you to see the bite on the tip - and perhaps feel it as well - and allow you to feed line before setting the hook.

However, if you are doing a lot of vertical jigging, this rod will be a bit soft in the mid section. Then you are better off with a rod with a fast tip - the fast tip, gives you better hook setting power, than a rod with a moderate action.

If you are using mostly 1/8-1/4 oz jigs and weights, you should be going with a medium light rod.

If you are going with a 1/4 - 1/2 oz jigs and weights, you want to be going with a medium action rod.

A nice compromise is to have a 6'6" medium light fast tip as well as a 7' medium moderate action.

It is really up to you - when it comes to brands.
There are many excellent rods on the market. Many of the rods are suprisingly inexpensive, that are also very sensitive. Don't necessarily believe all the hype about having to pay lots of money for a sensitive rod. If you check out several different mail order catalogs, different sport shops etc. you will find many very good value rods. Use a textured chair, or slightly nubby carpet, and gently brush the tip of the rod tip across the rod surface, while gently holding the rod handle. As you try a few different rods, you will quickly find the rods that have great feel, balance and sensitivity. Close your eyes when you are doing this, and ignore the price tag and brand -- the results might very well suprise you a lot.

Take care

REW

[Little Joe]

Ok man thanx alot, i really appreciate u taking the time to write back with very informative help, thanx again and see ya on the water!

Little Joe

[Robertp]

Far be it for me to take exception to what REW says. As you can see, his comments are always thorough and he's helped alot of us more than he probably knows. I tried a 7' rod this year for the first time for the reasons REW said. I haven't been overjoyed with it. It's well balanced, I just can't get comfortable with the length. I'm going to try a 6.6 rod this year, but if I only had one it would be 6' medium or medium lite action, depending on the particular rod. I jig alot and cast 1/8 oz as well and prefer a faster tip. To me this is the best all purpose rod and one should be part of every arsenal. It's like a "navy blue suit" ---basic. As for mfgrs, that could start a never ending discussion. Everyone's got their favorite and I've used alot of them. Lately I've been buying more St. Croix Premiers. Reasonably priced, nice action and seem to be well made. Happy hunting.

[REW]

If you are doing lots of casting, as opposed to dragging or trolling -- it is tough to beat a 6 ft rod. It seems that the 6 ft rod is the very best balanced rod out their for the lightest weight.
In the right rod - very sensitive as well.

However, having said that -- for a single all purpose rod -- it still seems that a 6'6" medium - light with a relatively fast tip is the rod of choice.

In light wind and dragging - I still go with the 7 ft moderate action.

Thanks for the update.

REW