Best Spinning Reel For Walleye

When picking the best walleye fishing reel, you need something that’s going to be reliable, high-performing, and lightweight. On top of all that, it needs to be affordable! We found the top 3 walleye reels that’ll give you the best bang for your buck.

The Best Spinning Reel For Walleye – Top 3

Top Overall

Pfluger President XT Best Spinning Reel For Walleye

Pfluger President XT

6:2:1 Gear Ratio / 10 BB

Budget Range: $$

  • Reliability 95% 95%
  • Speed + Smoothness 95% 95%
  • Lightweight 90% 90%
  • Drag 95% 95%
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Best For Braid

Lews Mach 1 Spinning Reel For Walleye

Lew’s Mach 1

6:2:1 Gear Ratio / 10 BB

Budget Range: $$

  • Reliability 90% 90%
  • Speed + Smoothness 95% 95%
  • Lightweight 85% 85%
  • Drag 95% 95%
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Best For Finesse

Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel For Walleye

Okuma Ceymar Graphite

5:0:1 Gear Ratio / 8 BB

Budget Range: $$

  • Reliability 90% 90%
  • Speed + Smoothness 85% 85%
  • Lightweight 95% 95%
  • Drag 90% 90%
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Breaking Down The Best Spinning Reel For Walleye

Pfluger President XT Spinning Reel:

Key Features:

  • 6:2:1 Gear Ratio
  • 10 Ball Bearings

The Pflueger President XT is the top choice for walleye fishing based on our hands-on testing. Its remarkable durability and smooth performance left us impressed. The reel’s smooth drag and seamless reeling, even with 1oz weights in deep water, make it stand out. The upgraded components in the XT series, like the aluminum main shaft and pinion gear, enhance strength and responsiveness. With a recover rate of 35″ per crank, a 6.2:1 gear ratio, and a sealed oil felt front drag, this reel provides a personal and efficient fishing experience even if you are using a bottom bouncer rig. The carbon fiber handle and soft touch rubber cork knobs add to the overall comfort for both Right and Left-handed anglers.

Lew’s Mach 1 Spinning Reel:

Key Features:

  • 6:2:1 Gear Ratio
  • 10 Ball Bearings

The Lew’s Mach 1 is an excellent choice for shorter fishing days, providing a durable and performance-driven reel similar to the Pflueger President XT. Despite its slightly heavier build, the Mach 1 impresses with smooth reeling and a robust drag system, making it ideal for efficient and reliable performance during brief fishing sessions. The reel’s casting capabilities shine with minimal resistance, accommodating a range of bait weights, and it excels in handling tough fishing styles, such as jigging with 1oz weights in deep waters. Overall, the Lew’s Mach 1 is a dependable companion for anglers seeking a versatile and efficient reel for shorter fishing excursions.

Okuma Ceymar Graphite:

Key Features:

  • 5:0:1 Gear Ratio
  • 8 Ball Bearings

Tailored for lightweight and finesse fishing, like a drop shot rig, the Okuma Ceymar Graphite emerges as an optimal choice for those focused on precision over power. Our firsthand experience with this reel underscores its emphasis on being feather-light, making it perfect for shorter and finesse-driven fishing sessions. While it may not be the go-to for heavy fishing styles, the Ceymar Graphite excels in smooth reeling and precision casting, offering minimal resistance for finesse baits. Its emphasis on being lightweight is evident in features like the graphite construction, providing a comfortable and nimble feel in hand. For anglers seeking finesse and agility, the Okuma Ceymar Graphite is a standout option designed for a nuanced and enjoyable fishing experience.

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