Spring Bobber on a Walleye Rod?

[blackdog1101]

I got a gift card for Xmas to Cabelas, and am thinking of getting a nice walleye rod for the ice. The St. Croix "Legend" rods come with their spring bobber system. Is it worth the extra money to have the spring bobber on a walleye rod?

[Northlander]

Myself I never use a spring bobberfor walleyes. It will however help you detect bites on those days where the fish are just "Mouthing" your offerings. Is it a absolute must have? NO.

[Chef]

Unless you're fishing with really lite Walleye jigs, the Spring Bobber would probably only work with a live Minnow. A spoon or Jig will be too heavy for the spring bobber and rend it useless for bite detection.

I'd get a fast action tip Walleye rod instead and use 6lb. test for your jigging line for lite bite days.

[KyleM.]

would work great as a dead sticking rod,

[rcatcherman]

We were losing bait alot one day so my buddy put on a spring bobber on his jigging rod because we couldn't detect those really lite bites. Within a hour after we did it we had caught 8 walleyes, 2 that were 26 and 27 inches in length. So now I keep one with me at all times. So in other words with our jigging rods they were great that day.

[blackdog1101]

Thanks guys. I think I'll pass on the expensive St Croix rod and get a less expensive rod, and also a detachable springbobber for those light bite days. Thanks for your help!

[riverrat56]

Try a Jason Mitchell Meat Stick instead. Very sensitive tip to detect light bites but also has lots of backbone and will handle larger jigs.

[TurnUpTheFishing]

I bought a legend on sale for less than half what they retail for if it breaks Ill pay $50 for a new one. Ive got the medium action rod and a medium and heavy spring. You can use some pretty heavy spoons/lures with these. I know I have caught many more walleyes with this rod than I would have without it. I also love it when fishing crappies in deeper water with heavier spoons.

[motley man]

I carry 3 rods with no reels in the bag to change to if needed. Along with a couple rigged up. I can fish any species with whats in the bag. These are not expensive ones, but buying the cheaper ones have found some that are just as good or better for the money. Buy them on sale in different weights, actions, lengths. Bigger the eyes and the less ice build-up is a factor out on the ice. Keep your eye on the bargain boxes and garage sales. They make great gifts for the newcomers to the ice.

[blackdog1101]

I ended up purchasing a Cabelas XML combo. I typically don't like combos, but the reel on this seems to be good quality, a "Fish Eagle" with 5 ball bearings. I (mostly) cleaned out the grease they put in there and re-lubed it with Quantum "Hot Sauce." I think it should be a good set up.

Question: what line weight do you prefer for walleyes? I'm thinking 6 lbs test? Thanks!

[waterbound]

We typically run 6 pound mono on our walleye rods, but I've heard people put 4 pound on lakes with clearer water and have pretty good success without having the line break off too often.

[Chode2235]

I use a lot of 4 lb as I think you get a bit better bounce with a jigging spoon. But yes, be careful not to horse them up, and use your drag.