What is the best ice fishing rod for walleye? That is a popular question we get from our readers.
In this post, we are going to look at what makes a good walleye ice rod the best walleye ice rod.
Next, we are going to look at a few of our favorite models. I hope you enjoy.
What is the best ice fishing rod for walleye?
Here is a preview of the ice rods we are going to consider in this post, please continue reading for an in-depth look at each individual rod:
- St. Croix – Avid Ice Series Jigging Rod
- Fiblink Graphite Rod
- 13 Fishing Widow Maker Ice Rod 32″ Medium
- Fenwick Aetos 30-Inch Ice Rod
Before we take a closer look at some rods, let’s first answer two other question people have when searching for the best walleye ice rod
What is the best length?
When fishing in open water during the regular fishing season, the length of the rod is important.
For example, it can help to give you more power, it can assist with setting the hook and it can help you to launch your lure across the water. However, things are different when ice fishing.
It really comes down to one factor, whether you will be ice fishing inside a shelter or outside.
Obviously, if you plan on fishing outside, you are not limited to the length of your rod, but it is important to keep in mind that bigger ice rods usually have larger guides, this can assist you when battling a walleye.
For that reason, I would recommend a rod between the range of 34 – 38 inches when fishing outdoors.
On the other hand, if you are planning on fishing inside an ice shelter the length of your rod is crucial.
Choosing a shorter rod will help you to avoid hitting the shelter, the heater or your fishing buddy when ice fishing in a confided location.
For this reason, I would recommend looking for a rod between the range of 26 to 32 inches.
Please keep in mind these are by no means rules, but a recommendation to help you make the best decision.
What is the best power action when searching for the best walleye ice rod?
Walleye love lures that can be jigged up and down off the bottom. So when choosing a rod you need to consider the rod action as well. You don’t want to choose a rod that is too stiff that is going to take away from the action fo your lure.
You may also enjoy reading: The Best Ice Fishing Lures For Walleye
On the other hand, fishing with an over sensitive rod you will find it difficult to see when the fish takes the bait because the tip will be bouncing up and down.
My recommendation would be between a medium action to medium heavy action.
A medium ice rod is going to work well with most lure> weights.
I suggest a medium-heavy for those that like to fish lures that are heavier than a half-ounce.
Now that we have talked a little bit about the length and action that the rod should be, let’s take a look at some models.
Best Walleye Ice Rod
St. Croix – Avid Ice Series Jigging Rod
- Length: 27 inches
- Power: Medium Power
The first rod that we are going to look at is the St. Croix – Avid Ice Series Jigging Rod.
This is a 27-inch ice fishing rod that was specifically designed for jigging.
It has a good length whether you choose to do some fishing inside the shelter or outside the shelter.
As we mentioned earlier when selecting a rod you want one that has power, but a sensitive enough tip that will allow you to give the jig some action.
That is exactly what this rod has to offer. It doesn’t have a cork handle like you might see on other rods, but it has a carbon handle.
This handle makes it extremely sensitive.
So if you are tired of missing strikes you just might want to switch over to something with a carbon handle.
Fiblink Graphite
- Length: 30 inches
- Power: Medium
- Weight: 2.3 ounces
The next walleye ice rod that on our list is the Fiblink Graphite Rod.
This is a 30-inch medium power graphite rod.
What we like most about this rod is that it is a graphite rod.
This works great when ice fishing for walleye because it is ultra-sensitive.
When walleye are feeding they expand their gills and such in the bait, if they feel anything strange they will spit it out.
All of this can happen very quickly.
Thus a good ice fishing rod for walleye is one that will allow you to feel them sucking in the bait and be able to set the hook before they know what’s coming.
Another great feature to a graphite rod is that they are extremely lightweight.
This particular rod weighs in at 2.3 ounces.
13 Fishing Widow Maker
- Length: 32 inches
- Power: Medium
If you are looking for a premium walleye ice rod then you need to check out the 13 Fishing Widow Maker Ice Rod 32″ Medium.
This is a 32-inch medium ice rod made from a 32-ton Toray graphite blank.
What does a 32 ton Toray graphite mean?
It means it is super sensitive, super lightweight.
This is exactly what we are looking for when fishing for walleye. It is also equipped with double diamond line guides.
These line guides are a premium for an ice fishing rod. Believe me, you won’t find them on any other ice fishing rods.
Lastly, the reel seat. Some ice fishermen like to tape their ice reel to the rod. This rod comes with a comfortable, easy to use reel seat.
Simply put your reel in, tighten the reel seat and you are ready to fish.
If you are looking for a rod that has all the bells and whistles for walleye fishing you won’t be disappointed with the 13 Fishing Widow Maker.
Fenwick Aetos
- Length: 28 inches
- Power Rating: Medium
Let’s continue our search for the best walleye ice rod, by taking a closer look at the next on our list, the Fenwick Aetos Ice Rod.
This rod is a 28 inch, medium, high modulus graphite spinning rod designed for fishing for larger fish such as walleye.
It has a fast action tip meaning that it will load up fast to help you muscle the fish out of the water.
What we like about the rod is that it also is made of graphite making it ultra-sensitive and ultra-lightweight.
We also really like the cork handle.
The screw-on handle makes it easy to attach your favorite ice fishing spinning reel and it also is very comfortable in the hand.
The stainless steel guides are a nice touch making it durable to last many ice fishing seasons to come.
Additional Reading: A Look At The Best Ice Fishing Reels
Final Thoughts…
So, what is the best ice fishing rod for walleye.
Well, as we have discussed a good rod is one that is a good length so that you can fish comfortably without bumping into everything and everyone around you.
You also want to choose a fishing pole that has a sensitive tip, but enough backbone to help you land a walleye.
We also have discussed 4 of our favorite models on the market.
We have to have answered that question for you, but what do you think is the best ice fishing rod for walleye?
Please share your thoughts in the section below.
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