Walleye Jigging Rods

Which rods are best for vertical jigging? There are many opinions on this topic, but I think most people would agree that if you will be spending any time vertical jigging for walleye, you will need a rod that will be an extension of your arm, one that will not be forgiving to delicate walleye bites.

In other words, you need a short, stiff rod, ideally a one piece medium-heavy rod, shorter than 6 feet. Also, and this is a personal preference, a spinning rod is better suited to jigging than a casting rod.

In Canada these rods are difficult to find. I heard from fellow anglers that in the US they are quite popular, but to be honest, looking at maufacturer catalogs as well as some of the popular tackle shops, it really appears as though it's not that popular at all in the US either. In fact I haven't found a single medium heavy rod under 6 feet long.

So which ones are the best bets? Here are a few 6 foot long rods that fit the profile. Be sure to fit them with a lightweight spinning reel, and with some fireline or some other braided wire.

BERKLEY SERIES ONE SOS601MH
A 6 foot long, medium-heavy, one piece rod designed for 1/4oz to 5/8 oz jigs and 6 pound test line (max 14). Features titanium guides and a Fuji reel seat.

SHIMANO CRUCIAL CRS-60MH
Another 6 footer medium heavy rod, with fast action tip, designed for 3/16oz jigs (max 5/8oz). This one piece rod features a Fuji seat and is made to work best with 8 pound test line (max 15).

ST-CROIX PS60MHF
Yet another 6 foot, one-piece, medium-heavy fast action spinning rod, this one is rated for bigger jigs, 3/8oz to 3/4oz, and for line 8 to 14 pound test. Use this one in rivers with current, or on windy days.

FENWICK GT60MH
1 piece rod, 6 feet long, good for 1/4oz to 1oz jigs, and 10-17 pound line. This specific model has 8 guides.

FENWICK HMXS60MH
Same as above, with 5 guides

FENWICK EGTS60MH
Same as above (5 guides) but this one can start with lighter 8 pound line.

QUANTUM AFFINITY AFS60MH
A fast action tip for 10-20 pound line, and 1/8-3/4oz jigs.

Falcon LowRider XG LFS-5-16
Another 6 foot medium heavy spinning rod, for 8-15 pound test line, and jigs as small as 3/16oz and as big as 1/2 ounce.

That about wraps it up, next time I talk about rods I will discuss the shortest jigging rods available, from 5'3" to 5'9" stiff spinning rods with some serious backbone.