Gear 2018: Great New Walleye Rods and Reels

 Game & Fish Editors look at new walleye rods and reels for 2018. Is it time for an upgrade?

RODS 

Bass Pro Shops Walleye Angler Trolling Rods

Four new trolling rods feature proven lengths and actions developed by walleye aces Gary Parsons and Keith Kavajecz, all with graphite-fiberglass hybrid Shok Flex Technology, graphite reel seats, lightweight stainless guides and non-slip, shrink-wrapped EVA grips. Basspro.com $80

ON NEWSSTANDS NOW

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JT Blackout

JT Outdoors' new 6-foot, 9-inch Blackout medium-power, extra-fast action spinning rod delivers exceptional energy transfer, hook-setting power and casting distance within a light yet rugged package. Features a Toray carbon-fiber blank and Hero high-grade eyelets with silicon-nitride inserts. jtodp.com $350

Savage Gear Browser

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Lightweight and sensitive, Browser rods feature carbon blanks with fortified tip sections that boost lifting strength and power up to 400 percent. Fourteen models cover everything from finesse to large swimbait and crankbait presentations, all with SeaGuide CCS guides, custom reel seats, foam fore grips and cork butt sections. savagegear-usa $80 - $130

REELS

13 Fishing Creed GT

The Creed GT is armed with a fistful of walleye-catching features, including 11 stainless ball bearings, Japanese Hamai cut gearing, light and strong Air Foil Carbon construction, Super Ported aluminum spool, corrosion resistant drivetrain, six-disc carbon drag and CNC Flatline line management system. Four models available. 13fishing.com $90

Okuma Epixor XT-20

Okuma's new Epixor XT-20 spinning reel is lightweight, yet tough enough to waylay big walleyes. Features include Torsion Control Armor frame, eight stainless ball bearings, multi-disc, oiled felt drag washers, machined aluminum spool with LCS lip for fewer wind knots, plus a slow oscillation system for even line lay. okumafishingusa.com $70

Quantum Vapor PT Spinning

Fueled by the success of its Vapor baitcaster, Quantum debuts the new Vapor PT spinning reel. Available in four sizes, all with Performance Tuned nickel titanium bail wire, aluminum uni-body construction called Reel Engine Design, CSC ceramic-carbon drag, DuraLock clutch and nine bearings. quantumfishing.com $139

 

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