If You Could Only Pick One...How To Choose A Good All-Around Walleye Rod

Scroll DOWN for product links! Does the perfect do-it-all walleye rod really exist? The answer is, of course, no. There are too many techniques that work well for walleyes to cover them all with one rod, however, there IS one rod that does a pretty good job of covering as many as possible and that's what I'm breaking down in this video.
Links:
Combo Option 1. (Under $200)
St. Croix Bass-X Series 6’10” MLXF:
amzn.to/3xbAYr1 125.00
Pflueger President 2500 Reel: amzn.to/3IQLJBD 69.00
Combo Option 2. (Under $300)
St Croix Victory Series 6’10” MLXF: app.rockporch.... 190.00
Diawa Exceler 2500 Reel: amzn.to/3VyswfK 99.00
Combo Option 3. (Under $600)
St. Croix Legend Elite 6’10” MLXF: app.rockporch....
450.00
Diawa Procyon 2500 Reel: amzn.to/3vwYo9F 145.00

[@codybertram6122]

So many people say you want medium action for walleye but I personally like medium lite better. I can even go down to panfish with it honestly. I had a 7’ eyecon ML live bait rigging spinning rod and the tip broke off about three inches and I glued the eyelet back on and it’s the perfect river bank jig rod. The tip is just right now.

[@calebwistad]

Nice!

[@AbBowhunter]

I definitely agree with your rod length suggestion. My main go to is a fenwick elite tech walleye 6’9” ML XF. I’ve got a few at croix rods in shorter and longer lengths also, love them too.

[@calebwistad]

Right on!

[@quyle9483]

For some time i was attempting to target walleye with my medium heavy bass setups and found many factors to not work in favor to catch walleye. Reel speed to fast, line diameter too large, rod too stiff and powerful. Expiremented with the other end of the spectrum with my cruddy walmart ultralight setup and started hooking up and landing a few then spent time just observing each bite and catch whats needed. I went to the store, bought a medium light 66 shimano stimula and shimano sienna 2500hg spooled up with kastking 8lb tripolymer and hooking up almost every cast since. The answer is not giant aggressive gear but learned sensitivity and precision whole setup strong enough for a possibly trophy eye. These things take time but videos like these are what helps everyone towards success. Thank you for taking the time to explain this thoroughly to help.

[@calebwistad]

Awesome! I’m glad you found the video helpful and it sounds like you are on your way to finding a good system!

[@joshlampe3458]

My favorite is my 6'10" legend x in ML XF, but since I most kayak and bank fish I use a lot of mediums, medium heavies, and heavies. For vertical jigging just like you said, you cannot beat a ML extra fast. Great video!

[@calebwistad]

Thank you! 🙏

[@RussW.]

Great video! I came from Oregon a few years ago, so still learning to fish fresh water. I agree on longer rods, i think you get much better control of your fish and for me from a kayak, longer rods make it much easier to net bigger fish. A rod/reel breakdown video would be awesome to see! Tight lines!

[@calebwistad]

Sounds good. I’ll see what I can do!

[@RussW.]

@@calebwistad either way, I'll be watching the next video. Thx for putting out the great content. 🍻

[@mikedurand8286]

Another excellent video. I appreciate the details and useful information you provide. I plan to expand my gear selections with the links you recommend in your videos. Please include topics covering trout and panfish. Keep up the good work.

[@calebwistad]

Awesome! Thanks! I will definitely try to do some more videos like this one.

[@wayne-oo]

If I had $500 to spend on a rod I’d buy 2 - $250 rods !!

[@calebwistad]

I might even buy 4 - $125 rods!

[@joshbartoszuk9563]

This was great. Thank you from a new angler. This is very helpful. Yes for a panfish video.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks and I’ll see what I can do!

[@wyldstallyn2016]

good one! Im definitely interested in seeing more ideal setup videos for different species.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks! I’ll see what I can do!

[@zveryok1]

I would also highly recommend G.Loomis NRX+ NRR 6'10 XF rod. Ultra sensitive, light and with a ton of power. You can catch whatever will bite on it. Bass, walleye, pike. You name it, it'll catch it.

[@calebwistad]

Yes, that’s got pretty much the same action, power and length as the one I describe in this video.

[@stevenherriges4296]

Great insight. Super useful as I build my walleye gear.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks! Glad you found it helpful!

[@brianaranzanso5641]

Rotating my walleye rods during the day and id agree if you havent tried the 68 to 76 ML xtrafast action for finesse jigging your missing out. Previous to this i had med fast rods only for jigging and that flex is not only great to feel light bites but absorbs any headshakes while keeping the fish pinned.

[@calebwistad]

Yes. You do sacrifice some of the fish holding characteristics by going with the extra fast but as long as you don’t horse the fish in it’s typically not a big deal.

[@fredd1666]

Great video! Would like to see Panfish and trout ones as well.

[@calebwistad]

Thanks! I’ll see what I can do.

[@marksheakley602]

Great video Caleb...keep them coming! I go on annual walleye fly-in fishing trips in northern Canada and usually take rods that come apart for the bush plane ride, but I am having trouble finding your setup in the 2-piece variety. Would you happen to have any suggestions?

[@calebwistad]

Thanks! I would go with the St Croix Avid series 2 piece rods. They have a 6’ 8” medium x-fast that would probably be a great rod for what you are doing, especially with bigger walleyes and possibly a pike or two. If you wanted to go lighter they also have a 6’ 6” Medium Light Fast that’s good as well. I’ll leave a link here. amzn.to/4euYDUE

[@crazyaboutfishing75]

Love all of your videos! Thank you for the info... One question, what would you recommend for a good slip-bobber budget rod? Thank you.

[@calebwistad]

Well, I guess that depends on what you consider “budget”. I love St Croix rods and that’s really all I fish with. St Croix does make a very affordable rod series called the triumph and the 7’6” MLF is a great slip bobber rod that retails for around 130.00. Here is a link: amzn.to/3XJwfrj

[@JoshPiland]

Dang it Caleb, you caught me with your thumbnail! 🎣 …fisherman on. #CatchAndRelease

[@calebwistad]

Haha, thumbnail game on point! 😆

[@stoyasmussen5831]

Nice video and what's your trout rod for the Driftless area ? Thanks

[@calebwistad]

I really like the Avid 6’6” MLXF. I like a shorter rod for tight quarters on those smaller streams.

[@sha6mm]

I think it depends on where you fish ! Canada and USA lakes ML Extra Fast and smaller rivers, Missouri and Mississippi River a Medium Fast is awesome. Rod length casting 7ft and Vertical Jigging 5’6’’to 6’6’’ max is better. Line Braid is awesome for sensitively. While I was on the FC for leaders I am switching over to Mono why, SaltStrong KZbin has proven it is much more abrasion resistance and the visibility difference in minimal if at all. Rod Brands I like St Croix Legend Bass as I have 2 and 1 Avid, I have 2 Shamino Expride B and a Tactical Jigging Special. Reels Shamino and Diawa are my Favorites. Just FYI My Best Friend uses rods under $ 100 and he beats Me as he fishes more and talent beats technology.

[@calebwistad]

I’ve been using mono more than I used to for leaders as well. And yes, talent beats technology any day, but put a great rod in the hands of a great angler and there is definitely a difference!

[@beakbuster72]

How would the victory series 6'10 mlxf be for pitching jig heads with live bait?

[@calebwistad]

Should be absolutely great for that!

[@redsresearch]

what if your fishing walleye in a lake that also has pike in it?

[@calebwistad]

I may step up to a 7’ medium rod and beef up my leader to 20lb if there are a ton of pike.

[@redsresearch]

@calebwistad that's not enough

[@zveryok1]

Bought two 7 foot medium light walleye legend tournament rods for 300 bucks combined. Shipped and delivered. Deal of the century 😊

[@calebwistad]

That’s a steal!

[@zveryok1]

​@@calebwistadOh yes. These are incredible.

[@bradwhitney4017]

I noticed that you used a spinning reel setup in your video. Do you use baitcaster setups for walleyes? Seems like everyone is using a baitcaster nowadays. Do you have a preference between the two? Thanks

[@calebwistad]

The only baitcaster I typically use for walleyes is my St Croix Mojo jerkbait rod. Most finesse situations are better suited to spinning tackle.

[@joeedman8356]

Where can I find the St Croix Victory Series 6’10” MLXF with the full cork handle? I don't like the feel of the split handle on the spinning rod..thanks for the video.

[@calebwistad]

I believe the Victory series are all split handles for that length and action. The Legend Elites have a full cork handle for the 6’10” MLXF though.

[@CraveCustomRods]

Great video

[@calebwistad]

Thanks!

[@bigpapi9392]

I’m looking for a rod and reel setup for walleye that I could cast and troll with in shallower depths like anywhere from 6-15’. Thank you!

[@calebwistad]

Any of the rods linked in the description should work well for that!

[@Moondog9322]

Going on my first Detroit River trip this spring. I'm set for rod/reel set up, but I have a question about tackle. Do you suggest a small swivel between the braid and fluro? Or is it ok to use a snap swivel at the jig? Do you tie directly to the jig? Much appreciated. Liked and subbed.

[@calebwistad]

I only suggest a small swivel for line to line connections if you don’t have confidence in a good line to line knot. Learn to tie the Alberto, FG or Double Uni knot and tie a 6’ -8’ length of leader on if possible. I typically tie direct to the jig.

[@Moondog9322]

@@calebwistad Understood. How do you avoid line twists, especially in the DR current?

[@TrailJockeys]

Would you stick with ML XF on Ned and Wacky Rig for walleye?

[@calebwistad]

Ned yes. Not sure what you mean by wacky rig for walleye. If you mean a senko or larger worm rigged wacky like for bass then I would go up to a medium. You need a little more backbone for setting the hook with all that plastic.

[@TrailJockeys]

Yes I meant wacky rig stick worm like senko or googans lunker log. Thanks a bunch

[@a234633]

So what is more important a good rod or a good reel ?I was thinking do the st.croix rod and get a kast king Brutus reel any

[@calebwistad]

A good rod is more important than a good reel. Even if you have a so-so drag you can always back-reel on a big fish.

[@a234633]

@@calebwistad thanks for the reply.

[@dewmanc.s.i.8700]

Thank you

[@calebwistad]

You bet!

[@reylafontaine4507]

Shimano COMPRE for me ! Médium 6.5’

[@calebwistad]

I’ve heard those are great rods!

[@loganoutdoors9730]

One day I’ll upgrade my uglystiks, I just need to stop buying ice fishing stuff first

[@calebwistad]

Lol

[@muddyriverdogz]

Its not that complicated. Just a good stong 7 footer will catch every walleye that gets the bait in its mouth.

[@calebwistad]

So a 7’ extra heavy casting rod should catch every walleye that bites then, right?

[@muddyriverdogz]

@@calebwistad Works for me

[@randymiller5008]

Talk about some junky ass reels 😂 WTF Man 👎🎣✌️

[@calebwistad]

I’m just trying to keep things in the price range most people can afford. I’d rather spend my money on a good rod and put a lower or medium end reel on it if I have the choice. These reels will get the job done for walleyes. Are they the best out there? No. Did I pretend they were? Also no. Do they work for me? Absolutely. Nobody is putting Stellas on walleye rods man.