Walleye fishing is a beloved pastime in the Green Bay area, where the fish are abundant in local waters. To reel in a big catch, anglers need the right gear, and selecting the best spinning reel is crucial for a successful fishing trip.
A top-notch walleye spinning reel should have a high gear ratio, smooth drag system, adequate line capacity, and a lightweight design. With so many options on the market, it can be difficult to determine the best spinning reel for Green Bay’s unique fishing conditions.
In this blog post, we’ll explore the top 5 walleye spinning reels available, along with their features, pros, and cons, and provide a local opinion to help you make the right decision for your next walleye fishing excursion in Green Bay.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a Walleye Spinning Reel
When selecting a spinning reel for walleye fishing, there are several essential factors to consider. These include:
- Gear Ratio: The gear ratio determines the number of times the spool rotates with each turn of the handle. A higher gear ratio means that the spool rotates faster, which is ideal for fast-moving fish like walleye.
- Ball Bearings: The number of ball bearings in a reel affects its smoothness and durability. Look for a spinning reel with at least 4-5 ball bearings for a smooth casting experience.
- Drag System: A smooth drag system is crucial for landing a big walleye. Look for a spinning reel with a carbon fiber drag system, which provides a reliable and smooth drag.
- Line Capacity: The line capacity of a spinning reel determines the length and strength of the fishing line it can hold. Ensure that the reel can hold enough line to handle the size of walleye you are targeting.
- Weight: A lightweight spinning reel is easier to handle and reduces fatigue during long fishing trips. Look for a reel made of lightweight materials like carbon fiber or aluminum.
- Anti-Reverse System: An anti-reverse system prevents the handle from turning backward, ensuring a solid hookset when a walleye strikes.
By considering these factors when choosing a spinning reel for walleye fishing, you can ensure that you have the best equipment for landing a big catch.
Top 5 Walleye Spinning Reels
Now that you know what to look for when selecting a spinning reel for walleye fishing, let’s take a closer look at the top 5 walleye spinning reels available on the market:
1) Shimano Stradic CI4+ Walleye Spinning Reel
The Shimano Stradic CI4+ is a high-performance spinning reel that is designed for anglers who demand the best in terms of performance and durability. It is constructed from carbon fiber, which makes it lightweight and easy to handle, while also providing strength and durability. The body is sealed to protect against water and dirt, ensuring that the reel operates smoothly and reliably.
The Shimano Stradic CI4+ features six ball bearings, which provide a smooth and seamless casting experience. The gear ratio of 6.0:1 is ideal for catching fast-moving fish like walleye, and the smooth drag system ensures that you can easily reel in a big catch. The anti-reverse system ensures a solid hookset when a walleye strikes, and the line capacity is suitable for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.
One of the standout features of the Shimano Stradic CI4+ is its X-Ship technology, which provides extra smoothness and durability to the reel. The technology works by supporting the pinion gear on both ends, which eliminates friction between the pinion gear and the spool shaft. This results in increased cranking power and improved casting distance.
2) Abu Garcia Revo SX Walleye Spinning Reel
The Abu Garcia Revo SX is a versatile spinning reel that is ideal for walleye fishing as well as other freshwater and saltwater fishing applications. It features a durable and lightweight design, thanks to its C6 carbon body and rotor, making it easy to handle and carry for long periods. The reel also features a machined aluminum braid-ready spool, which provides excellent line management and casting performance.
One of the standout features of the Abu Garcia Revo SX is its Carbon Matrix drag system, which provides a smooth and consistent drag that can handle the most powerful walleye. The drag system is also sealed to protect against dirt and debris, ensuring that it operates reliably even in tough conditions. The eight stainless steel ball bearings and the advanced Rocket Line Management System ensure a seamless casting experience, reducing line twists and tangles.
The Abu Garcia Revo SX also features a MagTrax brake system, which provides consistent brake pressure throughout the cast. This helps to increase casting distance and accuracy, making it easier to target walleye in different water conditions. The reel also has an ergonomic handle design, which provides a comfortable grip even when reeling in a big catch.
We recently wrote a detailed review about about this reel here.
3) Penn Battle III Walleye Spinning Reel
The Penn Battle III is a durable and reliable spinning reel that is ideal for walleye fishing as well as other freshwater and saltwater applications. The reel features a full metal body and side plate, which provides excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. The reel’s rotor is made from a high-strength graphite material, which makes it lightweight and easy to handle.
The Penn Battle III features a powerful and smooth drag system, which provides consistent and reliable performance when fighting walleye or other big fish. The reel’s HT-100 drag system utilizes a carbon fiber drag washer, which provides excellent stopping power and can handle the most powerful walleye. The reel also features five stainless steel ball bearings, which provide smooth and seamless casting experience.
One of the standout features of the Penn Battle III is its gear system, which features a high-speed gear ratio of 6.2:1. This makes it easier to reel in fast-moving walleye or other big fish quickly, reducing the chances of losing the catch. The reel also features an anti-reverse system, which ensures a solid hookset when a walleye strikes.
4) Okuma ITX Walleye Spinning Reel
The Okuma ITX is a powerful spinning reel that is designed for catching big fish like walleye, as well as other saltwater species. The reel features a machined aluminum frame and side plates, which provide excellent durability and resistance to corrosion. The reel’s rotor is also made from high-strength aluminum, which makes it lightweight and easy to handle.
The Okuma ITX features a precision dual force drag system, which provides a smooth and consistent drag even when fighting big walleye or other powerful fish. The reel’s carbonite drag system utilizes a carbon fiber drag washer, which provides excellent stopping power and can handle the most powerful fish. The reel also features six stainless steel ball bearings, which provide a smooth and seamless casting experience.
One of the standout features of the Okuma ITX is its high-speed gear ratio of 6.2:1. This makes it easier to reel in fast-moving walleye or other big fish quickly, reducing the chances of losing the catch. The reel also features an anti-reverse system, which ensures a solid hookset when a walleye strikes.
5) Pflueger President XT Walleye Spinning Reel
The Pflueger President XT is a lightweight and affordable spinning reel that offers excellent value for money. The reel features a graphite body and rotor, which makes it lightweight and easy to handle. The reel’s spool is made from machined aluminum, which provides excellent line management and casting performance.
The Pflueger President XT features a smooth and reliable drag system, which is important when fighting big walleye or other fish. The reel’s drag system utilizes a carbon fiber drag washer, which provides excellent stopping power and can handle the most powerful fish. The reel also features nine stainless steel ball bearings, which provide a smooth and seamless casting experience.
One of the standout features of the Pflueger President XT is its high-speed gear ratio of 6.2:1. This makes it easier to reel in fast-moving walleye or other fish quickly, reducing the chances of losing the catch. The reel also features an anti-reverse system, which ensures a solid hookset when a walleye strikes.
Each of these spinning reels has unique features and specifications that make them suitable for walleye fishing. By comparing their pros and cons, you can find the spinning reel that best fits your needs and budget.
Professional anglers with years of experience, say the best walleye spinning reel is the Shimano Stradic CI4+. This spinning reel offers a lightweight and durable design, which is crucial for long fishing trips. It features a gear ratio of 6.0:1, which is perfect for catching fast-moving walleye, and a smooth drag system that provides consistent and reliable performance. Additionally, the six ball bearings provide a smooth and seamless casting experience, making it easier to reel in a big catch.
That being said, the Abu Garcia Revo SX is also an excellent choice for walleye fishing, thanks to its carbon matrix drag system, which provides a smooth and consistent drag. The eight ball bearings ensure smooth and accurate casting, while the durable design ensures it can handle tough conditions.
Ultimately, the best walleye spinning reel for you will depend on your personal preferences, budget, and fishing style. By doing so, you can find the perfect spinning reel for your next walleye fishing trip.
Guided Walleye Fishing With Captain Lonney
For 25 years Green Bay Trophy Fishing has guided and provided helpful information to anglers in and around Door County. We are some of the most experienced fishing guides in Green Bay and pride ourselves on being experts on everything related to fishing in the area.
If you are interested in booking a walleye fishing charter, you can view our rates or contact us here.