Best Spinning Reel for Walleye | Amazing Top 5 for 2024 + Buyers Guide

Need a new walleye reel for walleye fishing?

Look no further! We’ve gone through an extensive list of the 5 best walleye spinning reels for 2024, paired with our easy-to-follow buyer's guide. Get ready to cast your line with precision and speed this summer - we've got you covered.

Our collection features the crème de la crème of trusted fishing reel brands like Daiwa, Shimano, Abu Garcia, and Pflueger. These brands have stood the test of time, and now they're ready to accompany you on your next unforgettable fishing adventure.

With each model comes unique features including lightweight designs and corrosion resistant materials that make these reels ideal when out on the water reeling in those hard to catch big walleye fish! Our buyers guide will help you select the perfect reel for walleye based on technique and budget so you can land like never before. Plus all models come from trusted brands that have been part of anglers’ lives for years.

Read our article now to find out which of these amazing walleye reels is right for you! Don’t wait another second – get out there and start to catch walleye today with confidence!


Daiwa Procyon MQ LT Spinning Reel

Model: PCNMQLT3000D-XH

  • Size: 3000 
  • Gear Ratio: 6.2:1 
  • Reel Weight: 7.6 oz.
  • Beautiful rod option for this reel: Douglas LRS
Check Price on Amazon

When it comes to the best walleye fishing reel, I love the Daiwa Procyon MQ LT Spinning Reel! It has a dependable 7-bearing system (6CRBB and 1RB) that ensures the reel experiences less inertia when you spin the handle, making it effortless and smooth.

The AIR ROTOR® provides rigidity and power at high drag pressure while still being lightweight! What also impresses me is high quality material the MONOCOQUE (MQ) ZAION V® frame of this reel, which minimizes flex to support gears and ball bearings for increased torque and extended gear longevity.

To top it all off, it only weighs 7.6 oz. for the 3000 size, which is the perfect size for walleye - amazing! With over 50 years in business, Daiwa has certainly earned its trustworthiness throughout this time. It's no wonder why the Daiwa Procyon MQ LT Spinning Reel is great for walleye fishing - I just can't stay away from it!

Features

  • MONOCOQUE (MQ) ZAION V frame for strength and rigidity
  • 7-bearing system with 6 CRBB and 1 RB for smoothness
  • AIR ROTOR delivers rigidity at high drag pressures with little flex
  • Tubular AIR BAIL reduces weight further while maintaining rigidity
  • Tough DIGIGEAR technology with digitally cut gearing
  • Advanced Tournament Drag instantly adds drag resistance when you set the hook
  • Long Cast ABS spool lets the line exit the reel at a much tighter cone-shaped angle

Shimano Miravel Spinning Reel

Model: MIRC3000HG

  • Size: 3000 
  • Gear Ratio: 6.2:1
  • Reel Weight: 7.2 oz.
Check Price on Bass Pro Shop

Fishing with the Shimano Miravel Spinning Reel is a great fishing experience indeed! The Shimano Miravel Spinning Reel is an amazing piece of equipment that offers lightweight power, superior control, and reliability!

Not only does it come with the superior technology of carbon-infused CI4+ body, Hagane gearing with X-Ship technology, G Free Body design, and Propulsion Line Management System but also features a 5+1 bearing system and Cross Carbon Drag.

This reel from Shimano will be sure to impress any angler with its year's worth of development and its reputation for quality dating back to 1971, when Shimano debut the DUX spinning reel. It's perfect for walleye or many other species too--the Shimano Miravel Spinning Reel is one great reel!

Features

  • Perfect for multi-species fishing
  • Light and strong carbon-infused body
  • Smooth, powerful Hagane gearing
  • X-Ship technology for smoothness and power
  • G Free Body design reduces fatigue
  • CoreProtect seals keep water out
  • 5+1 roller bearing the system ensures smoothness

Abu Garcia Revo3 Rocket Spinning Reel

Model: ROKETSP30

  • Size: 30
  • Gear Ratio: 7.6:1 
  • Reel Weight: 7.6 oz.
Check Price on Bass Pro Shop

The Abu Garcia Revo3 Rocket Spinning Reel is a great-looking concoction of style and power - with its aluminum handle and brilliant red color, you can't help but be drawn to it! The reel has been specially designed to boost the speed anglers need in order to capture their intended prey; walleye included!

It has been completely redesigned to deliver superior speed and power, with a 7.6:1 gear ratio hauling in up to 47” of line per crank and a powerful Carbon Matrix™ drag system.

The ultra-lightweight A-SYM asymmetrical aluminum body fitted with a graphite V-Rotor provides maximum balance, while an Air-Fin inspired spool design works with Abu Garcia's proven Rocket Line Management™ system and Rocket Spool Lip Design™ to handle almost any type of fishing line.

Its construction boasts 10+1 stainless steel shielded ball bearings, allowing you to cast further, retrieve faster and gain the leverage you need. It also features a lightweight Comfort Carbon Drag System, giving smooth drag performance even during extended fights.

This durable fishing reel not only brings performance and reliability, but a flashy look as well!

Features

  • Lightweight and strong A-SYM aluminum body
  • AMG 2 machined gears for smoothness and durability
  • 10 bearing system for a smooth, consistent performance
  • Carbon Matrix drag system for withstanding the punishment of big fish

Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel

Model: SUPSP30X

  • Size: 30
  • Gear Ratio: 5.2:1
  • Reel Weight: 6.9 oz.
Check Price on Amazon

The Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel is the perfect choice for serious anglers who demand superior strength and performance. With a combination of super-lightweight materials and time-proven craftsmanship, this 10-bearing system reel offers reliable power with seamless transitions while casting or reeling in.

This spin reel has all the features you could want in a walleye reel, such as a durable construction designed for corrosion resistance and unmatched strength. The Pflueger Supreme Spinning Reel is truly top-tier when it comes to fishing equipment.

Features

  • Super-light and tough for easy, everyday use
  • Specifically designed for freshwater fishing
  • Magnesium frame is strong yet lightweight
  • Carbon rotor adds even more weight savings
  • Braid-ready machined aluminum spool prevents line slipping
  • "Slow Oscillation" retrieve helps you land fish with precision and power
  • Premium 10 bearing system ensures smooth operation every time

Bass Pro Shops Prodigy Spinning Reel

Model PRD3000

  • Size: 3000
  • Gear Ratio: 5.3:1
  • Reel Weight: 7.9 oz.
Check Price on Bass Pro Shop

The Bass Pro Shops Prodigy Spinning Reel is manufactured by Daiwa, one of the premier companies in the fishing industry. It is known for its superb performance and is a must-have item for any angler looking to get out on the lake.

Get ready to experience the ultimate walleye reel - the Prodigy Spinning Reel! This game-changing device is not only a steal at its affordable price, but it also makes bass fishing a breeze. Its unbeatable smoothness and power will blow your mind, and don't even get us started on its sleek, attention-grabbing design! Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out on your fishing journey, the Prodigy Spinning Reel is a must-have.

Features

  • Super lightweight – perfect for long days on the water
  • Machined, double-anodized ported aluminum spool ensures smooth operation and awesome durability
  • 7+1 system with Powerlock instant anti-reverse provides unmatched strength and reliability
  • Smooth multi-disc drag lets you haul in your catch with ease
  • Stainless steel handle with soft touch EVA knob provides a comfortable grip

Wrapping it up

To conclude, it can be tough to figure out which walleye fishing reel is the best reel one for you. You must take into account your own preferences, technique and style before deciding.

Utilizing this list of the top 5 walleye fishing reels in 2023 featuring only the best and most reputable brands best walleye fishing reels on the market will undoubtedly help you in this endeavor. Each model provides best walleye reels with maximum performance, durability and exceptional value for the price paid.

So don’t delay! This is an opportunity to get your hands on some of the most reliably & best walleye spinning reels available to experience world-class angling. Finally, we hope these 5 options for best walleye reel & spinning reels for walleye will have increased your excitement surrounding much anticipated next fishing trip!

Buyers Guide

When it comes to walleye fishing, having the right gear can make all the difference between a successful day on the water and going home empty-handed. That's why I'm excited to share with you a buyer's guide of tips and what to look for in a walleye fishing reel.

One of the most important things to consider is the gear ratio, as you want a high gear ratio to quickly reel in your catch. Additionally, look for a reel with a smooth drag system and a comfortable handle grip for long days on the water. With these tips in mind, you'll be sure to have the best walleye fishing reel for your next adventure.

What to Look for in a Walleye Fishing Reel

When shopping for a best walleye spinning reel, for walleye fishing, reel sizes from 30 to 35 or 3000 to 3500 is the ideal reel size. Another important factor to look for in a best walleye spinning reel for walleye using, is gear ratios.

Look for a gear ratio around 5.0:1 to 6.0:1 for techniques such as snap jigging and trolling common to walleye fishing. Smooth drag system, size and weight of the reel will be important factors too when fighting a trophy size walleye.

What type of reel is best for walleye fishing

When it comes to using reels for walleye fishing, the best type of reel is definitely a spinning reel! Spinning reels are the most popular option for walleye anglers because it offers excellent versatility and accuracy. It is also very easy to use, making it a great choice of best reels used for walleye for beginners as well as experienced fishermen.

This type of reel has an open-faced design that allows you to cast with ease and control your line from greater distances than other types of reels. Another great benefit of spinning reels is that its spool rotates when casting so you can launch your bait much further than with a baitcaster or spincast. Additionally, these reels feature lightweight designs which makes them ideal for long days on the water since they won't tire out your arm like heavier reels would.

When shopping around for a the best spinning reel for walleye, make sure you check if it has light drag settings and excellent gear ratios so you can be accurately casting while still allowing plenty of tension on the line after hooking into fish! The size reel should always match up to whatever rod you are using - usually bigger rods need bigger reels - but small ultralight options are perfect for finesse tactics when targeting smallmouth bass or lake trout too!

Of course, there's no one single “best” type of fishing reel for walleye – different techniques call for different rigging setups which require various equipment combinations; however if versatile performance in catching walleye is what you're looking after then choosing a good quality fishing reel will definitely put you ahead in the game!

What size reel is best for walleye

When it comes to choosing the best walleye reel, you can’t go wrong with the best spinning reels for walleye anywhere around! Spinning reels make up much of the tackle used in walleye angling and offer unparalleled line capacity and control.

For most walleye fishing, a reel size of 3000 to 3500 or reel size 30 to 35 offers an ideal combination of power and line capacity. Not only is this size range incredibly versatile for different techniques, but it's powerful enough to handle those larger specimens that run so deep in many popular spots.

With a medium-sized walleye spinning reel, you have more than enough power to fight against larger fish without risking too much wear or tear on your hands or equipment. You can also experiment with different crank speeds (a fast retrieve will usually be better suited for quick strikes) or features like infinite anti-reverse and centrifugal brakes (which help prevent backlashes when using heavier lines).

Whether you're trolling cranks in shallow weed beds or jigging off deeper structure, high quality medium sized walleye spinning reels are sure to provide plenty of action while helping ensure the safety of your gear!

What gear ratio for walleye fishing

If you’re a walleye angler, you already know that having the right fishing reel gear ratio is essential for success. When it comes to choosing the best gear ratio for walleye fishing, there are a few important factors to keep in mind.

First and foremost, the type of line retrieval rate you need is an important factor when considering different ratios. If you’re using heavy baits like crankbaits or spoons with Walleye fishing, then a high-speed reel with a fast retrieve rate will be your best option as it allows you to handle heavier lures with less effort and will help decrease line twist. On the other hand, if you’re using lighter jigs and soft plastics then something with a slower line retrieval rate should be adequate.

Most walleye fishermen consider using reels in medium speed ranges such as 5:1 - 6:1 when targeting walleyes. This range generally provides enough torque to pull larger lures without sacrificing too much retrieving power on smaller presentations like soft plastics or jigs while still giving enough speed for quick hook sets when necessary.

Ultimately, deciding what gear ratio works best comes down to personal preference and technique but ultimately any reel between 5:1 – 6:1 should provide good results when pursuing Walleyes! Fishing reel gear ratio explained more here.

How much drag do you need for walleye

If you’re fishing for walleye, you’ll need to make sure that your drag is set properly! It’s important to remember that the amount of drag needed depends on the type and strength of line that you are using.

For example, if you are using 12 pound test line, then your maximum drag should be set to between 1/4 and 1/3 of a pound per pound of line. This means that 12 lb. test line has 3-4 pounds of drag, it will create enough tension so that when the fish takes off after being hooked it won't break your line immediately.

This is an important aspect when fishing for walleyes as they can have powerful runs and without proper tension on the reel can take off with all your hard-earned gear! Setting up your line counter a good drags system will ensure strong hook sets and help prevent breakages from too much slack in the gear system too.

What pound test line should I use for walleye

If you’re looking for the right line test for your walleye spinning reel to use when fishing for walleye, you have some decisions to make. Generally speaking, walleye anglers prefer using 8-12 pound monofilament or fluorocarbon line with a 4-6 pound test leader.

Monofilament lines are ideal for walleye in most cases and offer great shock strength and abrasion resistance; this is important as walleyes tend to put up quite a fight when hooked! Monofilament also has superior stretch that gives anglers additional control as they battle their catch.

When it comes to choosing between monofilament and fluorocarbon varieties of the same test, many anglers opt for the latter due its increased stealthiness in the water – it reduces light refraction which makes any bait appear more natural in its underwater environment.

As far as leaders go, 4-6 pound test is recommended. Heavier tests require stronger knots which can easily scare away shy fish and lighter tests won’t stand up against larger and bigger fish that may be lurking around your waypoint.

If you’re an avid angler who likes to bring home a few large catches every now and then, spooling your reel with 10-12 pound test main line with an 8 lb. leader should give you just enough strength while still being able to remain virtually invisible under water!

Overall no matter what kind of line or what size leader weight you choose, each one offers different advantages tailored specifically towards walleyes – so experiment around until you find out which setup works best for your situation!

What are some of the best lures for walleye?

Walleye is one of my most sought-after freshwater fish, and many anglers count on these fish for their deliciously mild flavor and flaky texture. The best lures to catch walleye are often determined by several factors such as water clarity, season, weather, fishing depth and presentation. Here are some of the top lures to use when targeting walleye:

  1. Jigging Spoons – Vertical jigging spoons like thill’s pro series or the Northland Buck-Shot Rattle Spoon can be effective in deeper waters when fished off bottom structure like sand flats, drop-offs or humps. Walleyes will feed throughout all water depths so you may also have luck at shallow depths too!
  2. Twitch Baits – These smaller baits are designed to mimic small prey that walleyes would typically eat such as frogs or minnows. Fishing them near weed beds or rocks with a twitching motion can be productive when targeting schooling fish during spring and fall months in shallow waters. Popular brands include Rapala X-Rap or Zoom Fluke Minnow jerkbaits.
  3. Crankbaits - Crankbaits work great in both shallow and deep water depending on what type you choose; deep diving crankbait for deeper waters around 10 feet + and medium (or sometimes shallower) running crankbait for shallower areas between 4 to 8 feet of water respectively.. Examples include Bomber Long A's which reach up to 12 feet underwater and Lucky Craft Pointers which travel up to 5 feet down take note that Keepers Fish Attractor works best during winter months so don't forget about it when planning your next fishing expedition!
  4. Live Bait - Live bait is another hugely popular technique used among walleye anglers around Canada / US borders, because it generally produces consistent results while providing an enjoyable challenge that other tactics don't always bring forth; nightcrawlers & leeches tend to be reliable options but crawfish (if available) should not be overlooked either since they closely resemble crayfish which happens to be a main staple food source for young / adult walleyes alike!

How to Care and Clean your fishing Reel After Use

Taking care of your fishing reel after each use is important for maintaining efficient performance. After each fishing outing, it's recommended that you thoroughly clean your fishing reel with warm water and a non-abrasive cloth.

When cleaning with hot water, be sure not to heat any metal parts such as the handle or knob. Additionally, it's important to lubricate your fishing reel periodically and ensure the maintenance of moving parts by using products from a maintenance kit like grease or oil.

Taking these small steps will help prolong the life of your fishing reel so you can spend more time doing what you love -- fishing!

Happy Walleye Fishing!


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