Best Jigging Rod for Walleye 2025 (Buying Guide Included)

Walleye fishing is not less than any thrilling adventure. Walleye may not be the fighting fish, but they surely can overpower you. Most walleye angler doesn’t understand when walleye fish strikes the hook. 

The reason is that walleye has the softest bites, which makes it difficult to catch them. This is why walleye fishing requires a little expertise and, obviously, the right gear. You should pick the rod, hooks, reel, etc. wisely.

Especially, you must need the best jigging rod for walleye fishing. Without the right jigging rod, hooking walleye can be finicky. Jigging rod uses a staple technique to land more walleye.

Its lightweight design, sensitive blank, and handle material helps to sense the trickiest walleye. Briefly, the jigging rod can help you get started. Are you planning for walleye fishing very soon? If so, we urge you to look at our best jigging rods below.

List of Best Jigging Rod for Walleye:

Best Jigging Rod Reviews:

Jigging rod is an absolute essential for walleye fishing. And, the wrong tool can cost you missing easy catches. That’s why we've tested a range of options to find the jigging rods with the most sensitive action.

After spending hours on analyzing, we've compiled the following best jigging rod for walleye fishing. Take a look.

1. St.Croix Custom Ice Rods

Our first addition in the list is the St. Croix custom ice rods. St. Croix is famous for its unique fishing equipment, and custom ice rod is one of them. The rod is designed for both regular and seasonal walleye anglers.

The St. Croix is made for those anglers looking for excellent results while jigging walleye. It's an open water rod that goes with a different action. It sets an excellent standard in sensitivity and feels for walleye fishing.

Moreover, its solid graphite construction makes the rod quite responsive to the least walleye movement. It is lightweight yet robust enough to handle the weight of the fish.

This ice rod includes four unique blank platforms in a tubular configuration. These premium-grade blank platforms ensure maximum performance on the ice. It also features REC recoil guides along with black pearl finish.

The guides are again multi-coated with Flex Coat slow-cure finish as an extra layer of protection. Above all, its split-grip handle allows for better grip. It minimizes accidental slipping while fishing.

2. St. Croix Avid Jigging Series Ice Fishing Rod

The St. Croix Avid jigging ice fishing rod is built especially for jigging walleye. It is also well-known for jigging ice rigs, spoons, Rapalas, etc. The jigging rod comes with a light profile and ensures incredible results.

Firstly, the fishing rod is made with a precision-taper solid carbon blank. It makes the rod lightweight but quite sturdy to handle any pressure. Besides, the rod includes super-sensitive carbon handles.

The handle helps to transfer the sensitivity to the angler. It also provides ultimate control over the situation. Besides, the rod features Kigan stripper guides equipped with robust and slim aluminum-oxide rings.

These low-profile guides help to maintain jigging techniques with any bait. Overall, the rod ensures superior performance to catch the largest walleye.

3. Tailored Tackle Ice Fishing Rod Reel Combo

Hook the fleshiest walleye with the Tailored Tackle ice fishing rod. Experts design offers the versatility needed for fishing. The jigging rod is great for improving fishing skills and landing more walleye.

This versatile rod is best for catching walleye, Perch, trout, Crappie, and many more. It's a multispecies combo consisting of one ice fishing rod and reel. The rod features a carbon-fiber blank.

The blank material is study yet quite responsive to the walleye bites. Moreover, the rod includes a cork handle that offers an ergonomic grip. The handle is lightweight, and it allows you to sense the movement quickly.

Most of all, its extra-fast action ensures a quick catch of the walleye. The length of the rod allows fishing in the hole-hop or inside the shelter. Indeed, it could be an excellent addition to your fishing gear.

4. Sougayilang Speed Bass Fishing Rods

Sougayilang is quite a popular name among regular anglers. The Sougayilang speed bass fishing rod is one of their most-selling addition. It comes with all necessary gears for fishing, spinning, and casting.

The fishing rod blank is equipped with carbon fiber. Besides, it is quite sensitive, and also l perform any jigging technique. The body includes excellent cushioning and heat insulation. Also, it is absolutely resistant to shock, moisture, and corrosion.

Its golf-material handle offers a solid grip. The rod comes with aluminum guide rails that work smoothly and doesn't scratch the fishing line. Its corrosion-resistant reel also offers smooth casting.

Furthermore, its CNC aluminum spool reduces the line twisting and breakage. It has a waterproof and dustproof bearing for smooth performance. The rod combines low-filler and high-glass carbon fiber to reduce weight and increase sensitivity.

Lastly, the rod is lightweight and portable enough. This rod set is excellent to use in freshwater. Needless to say, it could be a perfect gift to your loved one.

5. Fenwick HMG Ice Fishing Spinning Rod

Fenwick manufactures some of the best jigging rods in the market. The Fenwick HMG ice fishing rod is no exception. Expert anglers appreciate the model as it impresses them while walleye fishing.

The fishing rod comes with tapered build-quality with moderate actions. It is one of those first few models that feature high modulus graphite blank. It is best for improving jigging techniques so the newbies can consider it first.

Moreover, the rod includes a custom-designed handle. The premium AAA-grade cork handle offers a superior grip. Also, it won't drop even if your hands are wet. The rod features black stainless steel guides along with aluminum-oxide inserts.

These guides are lightweight and almost bulletproof. It denotes the durability of the rod. Moreover, the rod features an ultra-fast tip. It helps to sense even the slightest movement of the walleye.

On top of that, it has a twist-lock reel seat for optimum comfort of jigging. It is definitely the best choice for jigging walleye in cold water.

6. Shakespeare Glacier Ice Fishing Spinning Rod

The Shakespeare Glacier Ice fishing rod grab 6^th position with some cool features. The rod is specially built for icy conditions. Most ice anglers appreciate its long-stem design.

This long-stem design allows using the rod conveniently, even with the gloves. It comes as a combo of a fishing rod and reel. Besides, the rod features an angled rotor that is intended for a smoother line flow.

Its 15-degree titled orientation also assists in maximum line flow. The rod also includes cold gear lube to fish at the extreme conditions. Moreover, the reel features an aluminum spool that resists corrosion.

The reel also includes a ball-bearing drive for smooth operation. The rod body is made of durable solid fiberglass. Its EVA handle with graphite sliding rings ensures a superior grip.

Most of all, its clear tip provides extra-strength for catching large walleye. We must say, it’s a quite sensitive rod with fast action and medium power.

7. St. Croix CI32MM Custom Ice

The next one, St. Croix CI32MM, is a true ice rod! It is made for fishing walleye in the ice water. This custom ice rod is a technique-specific model from St. Croix’s all-new Croix Ice Series.

The model is well-known for its extreme performance blanks and materials. Besides, it includes five unique blank platforms. This blank platform comes in solid and tubular configurations.

Moreover, each blank is equipped with Tubular Carbon Fused to Glass (TCFG) component. The rod has set a notable performance in sensitivity and feel. This is what a walleye fisherman needs while jigging walleye.

Then, it has a premium-grade, split-grip cork handle. It ensures you get the maximum traction while holding it with wet hands. However, its medium power with moderate action is just perfect for fishing in calm water.

We must say, it is undoubtedly a huge high-end ice fishing rod. The length is perfect. Also, it has lots of solid backbone and power for fishing in deep water. It's a must-try!

8. Shakespeare Ugly Stik Ice Fishing Rod

Don’t go with the name, because the name does not justify the rod. The Ugly Stik from a famous brand, Shakespeare, comes with the latest features. All that sets it apart from the crowd and make it a suitable option for jigging.

The rod is mainly made of fiberglass, and they've added an adequate amount of graphite with it. This combination creates a good balance between strength and effectiveness.

Then, it features new one-piece stainless steel Ugly Tuff guides. These guides have titanium lining that makes it durable and looks good. Unlike others, the guides come in one piece; still, they are impossible to break.

Moreover, the Ugly Stik rod includes a clear tip that offers added sensitivity. It also ensures extra-strength. Another thing that is commendable in this fishing rod is its lightweight, EVA grips handle.

The handle includes larger fore-grip than other fishing rods. It comes handy when the angler has to use both hands. Above all, its improved cosmetics offers a modern look to the rod.

9. Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Fishing Rod and Spinning Reel Combo

Similar design from Shakespeare, but this one comes as a rod and reel combo. The Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 combo is a long-term investment. Indeed, this fishing combo will serve you for more than seven years.

The Ugly Stik lasts for years but comes with a low price. Isn’t it great? Of course. Besides, the rod is designed for walleye anglers of all skill levels. The manufacturer is always there to support you if anything goes wrong with this rod.

However, the rod comes with superior fiberglass and blank graphiteconstruction. It offers strength and durability. Then, it has a clear tip design. The rod tip is quite responsive and sensitive than most other fishing rod tips.

Moving on, the reel also offers remarkable performance. It features three ball bearings with a one-way clutch instant anti-reverse bearing. These bearings provide smooth operation.

Last of all, its lightweight, EVA-grips handle ensures comfort during long fishing sessions. The length is just perfect. Also, light action and medium power make it ideal for catching walleye. 

10. Sougayilang Graphite Carbon Fiber Fishing Rod

Lastly, here comes one of the high-grade fishing rods from the well-known brand, Sougayilang. The Sougayilang graphite fishing rod is highly portable. You can carry it anywhere to fish both in the freshwater and saltwater.

The fishing rod comes with a compact and low-profile design. It is made of high-density 24-ton carbon fiber along with E-glass composite. This assembly makes it a lightweight and quite flexible.

Then, the rod features 3-point welded stainless steel guides. These guides have ceramic inserts to use it with braided or mono fishing line. Also, the guide doesn’t rust in the saltwater.

Its exquisite reel seat is equipped with corrosion-resistant CNC machined aluminum. Along with the rod, the reel seat also serves for years. The fishing rod is strong enough to withstand the fish weight of 10-15lbs.

Most of all, the rod offers superior sensitivity and power need for walleye fishing. Its smaller size allows them to fit anywhere, including backpack, car trunk, boat hatch, etc. The rod is a great deal for active anglers.

What is a Jigging Rod?

Jigging rod is a type of fishing rod that allows the angler to lift and lower the bait chromatically. These rods are more sensitive than other types of rods. Walleye fishing is all about sensitivity, and it requires to be used in a stationary position.

More or less, you’ll be in a boat while walleye fishing. Here a jigging rod makes it easier to utilize any tricky techniques to seize walleye. You can have the ultimate control on the jigging rod and your boat.

The goal of a jigging rod is likely to acquire the most sensitive setup. Jigging rods are usually shorter in length so you can feel the strikes and respond faster. They are also lighter that helps you to explore the vibration.

The best jigging rod for walleye have the following characteristics;

• Very sensitive blank (graphite or carbon fiber-made)
• Comfortable and dense handle material
• Lightweight design
• Medium-light to medium power
• The length between 5'9" and 6 1/2’
• Extra-fast jigging action

Jigging Rod vs. Spinning Rod vs. Trolling Rod

There are three different styles for walleye fishing, including jigging, spinning, and trolling. Each style has a unique configuration and setup. There is a lot of difference in their length, sensitivity, and action power.

Trolling Rod

Trolling requires a bit heavy setup. The trolling rod should withstand constant shock from fish and pulsing of the line from the waves. This method puts extra pressure on the rod while using a planner board or lead core line.

Trolling rods are longer, along with a medium to medium-heavy power and moderate action. As these rods are long, so they can be difficult to sense the strikes of walleye.

Spinning Rod

The spinning rod is a type between a much lighter jigging rod and a more massive trolling rod. These rods tend to have a light or medium power and medium to fast action. Versatility is one of the main advantages of these rods.

The spinning rod can accommodate all kinds of baits, reels, and line weights. But, the spinning rod provides the action that is not enough for catching walleye.

Jigging Rod

As we’ve already mentioned a lot about the jigging rod, let’s summarize its different aspects. Both jigging and walleye fishing is all about sensitivity. Its short length, medium power, and fast action are the key to a useful jigging experience.

Among all, jigging is the most effective method for fishing walleye. Jigging technique can make any angler the best jig angler with the best jigging rod.

Best Jigging Rod for Walleye Buying Guide

Walleye fishing requires technique and skill along with the best jigging rod. It could be challenging to find the best jigging rod for walleye due to the range of options. If you ended up with a wrong one, it'd make you suffer in the long run.

While looking for a jigging rod, you should keep a few things in mind—notably, the beginners who don’t know anything about jigging. Here we’ve listed all the factors that will help you make an educated decision.

Rod Length

When it comes to jigging, rod length plays an important role. The wrong rod length can ruin all your effort. Conversely, the correct rod can ensure a practical fishing experience. Jigging requires a rod that is not too long or too short.

Most expert walleye angler suggests choosing rod with six-and-a-half-foot length. This length is proven to provide even weight distribution and better control. You can also pick seven-foot rods. But most importantly, know your ability and choose the length accordingly.

Sensitivity

Sensitivity is the key to walleye fishing, in fact, for all kinds of fishing. You cannot just use any random, typical rod for jigging walleye fish. It requires a jigging rod with high sensitivity and quick action. Jigging rod with extra-fast tip allows me to feel even the most delicate bites.

Power

Even though sensitivity is a concern, you shouldn't compromise with the power for sensitivity. You certainly need a rod that can help you seize the largest walleye in the lake. However, the power depends on the size and weight of the fish you’ll be holding.

That being said, walleye fishing doesn’t require rod with high power. It requires medium-light force as those rods will deliver quick action. Also, you can have the necessary spine for catching walleye. Pick a rod that provides sufficient power with better control.

Rod Weight

Rod weight is one of the factors that you should keep in mind. It basically refers to the line weight. The higher the line weight, the more power it can provide. Jigging rod comes in a variety of weight choices.

The ideal weight of the rod is anything between 3 and 10 lbs. Within this range, you'll get the required power for walleye fishing. Those rods will also provide better flexibility and the right action.

Note that, weight and power of the rod determine how productive your walleye fishing will be. How much power you need will decide the weight of the rod. So, think from every angle before choosing one.

Rod Action

Rod's actions can be of three types, low, medium, and fast. Jigging walleye requires a rod with a fast response. Possibly, you are wondering why quick action is needed? As we mentioned, walleye has the softest bites which you need to detect and respond faster.

Along with high sensitivity, faster action helps you to catch the walleye within seconds. When the rod senses the bites, you can understand that it is time to hit.

Line Guides of the Rod

Having a rod with a superior is required for a satisfactory fishing experience. The line guide refers to the line where the fishing line moves. It allows the line and pole to withstand the pressure of a vast walleye fish.

The jigging rod with more guide works better. A rod with a poor-quality guide can make the line twisted. It does nothing but wastes your time in sorting that off. That's why it is important to have a first-class line guide. It makes sure that you get a smoothing casting experience, and the guide will also last longer.

Rod Speed

The best jigging rod for walleye should react faster to catch the fish. Here the speed plays an important role. The power, action and all doesn't help if the rod has low power. Make sure to buy a jigging rod with light to medium force. Those units will likely provide the fast speed while catching the walleye.

Building Material

Usually, fishing rods are made of fiberglass and graphite. Though graphite material does work, fiberglass is not an ideal option for walleye jigging rod. Why? Fiberglass rods cannot sense the walleye’s soft bites.

Graphite-made rod does this job well. Along with graphite material, a carbon fiber blank rod is another popular option for the jigging rod. They both are sensitive enough to sense the bites and transfer the signal.

Handle Grip

A comfortable handle grip is essential while dealing with the walleye. It helps to tackle the fish well. The market has a range of options with cork and rubber handles. They both work well in different conditions.

Both rubber and cork handles are anti-slip. You can have better traction even though your hands are wet. Naturally, rubber handle provides a better grip than cork handles.

Price

Last but not least, the price determines the quality you'll get. The price varies depending on the manufacturers. You should have an excellent budget to own a top-notch jigging rod. It is worth to pay for a rod that gives you a satisfying result.

You can have a good jigging rod within 150 dollars. Some well-known company's rod can ask you a few bucks extra than this. But, it also provides the guarantee.

How to Setup a Jigging Rig?

Jigging can be used at all weather conditions and water depth. You can perform jigging with soft plastics, jigging spoons, and live baits. Besides, walleye is a more welcoming fish.

The simplest approach is to tie on the spoon or jig head to the mainline. Most anglers add a swivel and nylon monofilament before attaching the jigging spoon. Also, when you’re using a jig head, thread on plastic or live bait into the hook.

Tip: If you are fishing in shallower water, use lighter spoons. Otherwise, use heavier spoons while fishing in the deeper and heavy water. Your goal has to get your lure down with adequate weight.

How to Jigging for Walleye?

There is no specific way to jigging for walleye. But, the preferable way is to do it vertically. It means directly beneath your boat. Open the bail on the spinning reel and let the spoon drop and wait until it reaches the bottom.

When your jig or spoon hits bottom, shut the bail and make sure the line is tight. Soon after, be ready to set the hook as the walleye can strike at any moment.

Now, slowly raise your jigging rod tip between one and three feet. Drop it back again. This movement is necessary to draw the attention of the walleye. Repeat this action with gaps in between.

Once you feel the bite of a walleye, set the hook with a quick raise of the rod tip. Finally, enjoy your treat if you could connect the hook. Otherwise, change the location or try another lure.

Where to Catch Walleyes?

Walleyes are basically cold-water fish. They are available in the water that is warmer than where trout lives. But, not as warm as where panfish and bass lives. Walleyes are available in the lakes and large rivers with cold and calm water.

During the day,

Walleye stays mostly in the deep water. The depth of water might be 15 to 30 feet. They either remain near to the bottom, or they may move up in the water to feed baitfish. It’s all depends on the season and weather conditions.

At dusk and dawn,

Early in the morning or in the evening, walleye stays in the shallow water. They move to shallow water to feed baitfish. At this time, they also come close to rocky points and weed lines to hunt.

During overcast days and choppy water,

Walleyes take advantage of dark days and choppy water. On those days, light cannot penetrate the water. Walleye find it a perfect condition to prey. If you can go fishing in these conditions, you'll undoubtedly get the maximum amount of walleyes.

How to Land More Walleye with Your Jigging Rod?

Hey folks, now let’s tell you some secret of landing more walleye with the best jigging rod. We hope the following tips can help you minimize your frustrations.

Using Planer Board

Using planner boards are not a new concept. It is one of the effective ways to provoke bites from walleyes. The Planner board works excellent when you miss those strikes. Moreover, you can attach a crawler harness under the board. Some angler suggests adding flag strike indicator to understand the change of the planner's action.

Dress up Lure with Live Bait

One of the best ways to land more fish is to present your lure appealingly. You can add some real and live bait to the trick or spinnerbaits. Live bait not only make your lure look, but it also makes the lure taste excellent and natural.

Most walleye angler uses minnows, leeches, and nightcrawlers as live baits. These treats attract the walleye to grab the lure. That being said, leeches and night-crawlers are effective during summer, and minnows are effective at the other time.

Use Proper Jigging Technique for the Temperature

Walleye is a cold-blooded animal. Its biology changes with the temperature. During summer, they can swim faster and hunt even much quicker. They can effortlessly chase the quickly moving fishes.

However, they become inactive in cold water. They take time to pursue the fish that is moving slowly. So, you should slow your presentation when the temperature is low. Similarly, change your technique and speed up your jigging movement during summer.

Fish during Low Light Conditions

Walleye can be active anytime in the day or night. But, they are most active in the low light due to pursuing their prey. Though most angler fish in the daytime, yet you should wait till the nightfall. It increases the chances of landing more fish.

Besides, you can fish on overcast days, especially when it is about to storm. Walleye becomes more active during these days. Windy days are also considered as productive.

Set the Hook after the Walleye Inhale the Lure Completely

Most angler doesn’t succeed in catching walleye. The reason is that they don’t give the fish enough time to inhale the lure entirely. The best way to pause for a while after you feel the initial strike.

Then set the hook and put it up. However, you cannot wait for too long. Otherwise, the fish will consider there is something wrong, and they'll spit the food back out.

FAQs

1. What is a good walleye jigging rod?

A good walleye jigging rod has excellent sensitivity, extra-fast action, and medium-light to medium power. It should sense and react faster to the walleye bites. Moreover, a good walleye jigging rod has to be lightweight to provide better control.

2. What colors are best for walleye?

It depends on the time and water condition. If you are fishing at night, dark colors are the best option. They can see the darker colors most in the low-light conditions. Also, glowing baits can work for night fishing. If the water is dirty, you should choose bright-colored baits.

3. What is the best fishing line for trolling for walleye?

There are plenty of options available in the market. You can go with the Power Pro braided, SpiderWire Stealth Superline, Piscifun Braided, KastKing SuperPower Braided, etc. The Berkley Trilene also casts well on light gear, and it makes a great trolling line.

4. Does the walleye jigging rod work well in salty water?

Indeed, it does. Jigging rod works well in both saltwater and freshwater.

5. What is the average weight the jigging rod can handle?

Each jigging rod has a different weight holding capacity. The market has a variety of jigging rods from different brands. More or less, the most jigging rod has almost 10lbs weight handling capacity.

6. How long should a walleye rod be?

If you are trolling walleye, the average length should be between 7’10” and 10’. Otherwise, for jigging walleye, 6’-7’ rod length is good enough.

Conclusion

On the whole, these are our best jigging rod for walleye. We've chosen them from thousands of options. Fishing for walleye doesn’t seem like a struggle anymore. Walleye will be trapped at any cost even after the softest bites.

Each of them could be an excellent addition to your fishing equipment. These will make sure you spend a productive and stimulating time in the water. At last, you can have control over hookset and land some largest walleye!

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