Michael,

What's important is you understand why there are different kinds of rods (poles) and reels. The basic idea in rods (the rod part is called a "blank") is they are more or less flexible or "stiff" and also where that flexibility changes in the rod. Different types of fishing and fish species require different rod flexibility for maximum success. What's more important when someone recommends a rod is why that rod over others? What characteristics does it have the make it better for Lake Erie walleye? That's the question. Are you casting (drift fishing) or trolling? Do you use the rod for other fishing or just Lake Erie walleye? You can read up on the types of rods and what types of fishing they are best for online (one example below). Then you can make sense of what others tell you and why they use what they use. The type of guides (the "rings" attached to the blank the line goes through) and their spacing is also a factor. The rod info is printed right on the rod, usually just above the handle.

So the question is: what rod type is best for drift fishing and for trolling, and why? Let's see what folks on this thread say.

A Guide to Selecting the Right Rod