We revised three reels, and you may be interested in characteristics that we considered while determining the pros and cons. Moreover, you may like to compare our choice with other reels to be sure we found the best reels for walleye fishing. Here is the list of the essential characteristics you should consider while choosing a reel.
Drag Force
The drag is the critical element of the reel as it prevents the line from breaking if a fish pulls hard. If you have read all the reels’ descriptions above, you might notice they have different drag forces. Thus, if you prefer fishing in a calm river or lake where there are only small fishes, such as walleyes, a low drag force is enough for you. However, if you try to catch a huge fish, choose a reel with a high drag force.
Gear Ratio
The gear ratio defines the number of times the spool turns when spinning the handle. Most of the best walleye fishing reels have a 6.4:1 gear ratio. The bigger the ratio, the faster the reel is. The ratio you need will depend on the type of water. Thus, if you need to react to the situation fast, choose significant gear ratios. If you don’t hurry, a small ratio is suitable for you.
Bearing Count
The number of bearings in a reel determines how smooth and stable the reel is. The more bearing balls the reel has, the smoother it is. The most common number of bearings is five. However, experts advise having as many bearings as you can afford.
Weight
Weight is also a characteristic you should consider choosing a reel. It’s clear that the more features the reel has, the heavier it is. The average weight is 6 ounces. However, it’s up to you what weight to choose. Be sure that the reel is not too heavy. You should feel comfortable if you are fishing for a long time.
FAQ
What Is a Decent Reasonable Penn Reel for Walleye?
Penn reels are famous among fishers due to their durability and convenience. The most reasonable Penn reel is Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel. It can be used not only for Walleye’s fishing but for big fishes in saltwater. The durable stainless material prevents the reel from corrosion. There is no necessity to add a backing for the spool. It’s one of the smoothest reels of this producer.
How Do I Take Care of My Spinning Reel?
If you want your spinning reel to serve for years, be sure you properly care about it. Clean your reel every time when you use it. After you remove it from the water, spray it with freshwater but avoid high-pressure spraying. It’s crucial to separate the spool from the reel before you start a proper cleaning. Put some oil on the parts where the spool interacts with the reel, the handle rotates, and the handle is embedded into the reel. Clean and grease the roller. Spray the whole reel with any cleaning liquid for marine products.
Conclusion
It’s simple to choose the best walleye fishing reels for you. Because walleyes live in freshwater, they are not big, so, you can choose a reel with a medium drag force. However, this fish may require a fast reaction, so think about the gear ratio. Bearing the count and weight of the reel will determine how comfortable your fishing will be. Your personal preferences will define the right reel in the end.
