In my opinion, the reel is more important than the rod. With few exceptions (wire, dipsies, etc) most of the lake MI pros will say spend the money on the reels. I have found this true to walleye as well. I actually splice in 300 feet of 10# line over my 30# or 80# braided MI rods for my spring trip to Port Clinton. I limit most every day so it must work.