You don’t need a boatload of tackle to fish well in Canada — you need the right one or two setups for the fish you actually chase. Here’s what works, from a do-everything beginner combo to species-specific rigs.
You don’t need a boatload of tackle to fish well in Canada — you need the right one or two setups for the fish you actually chase. Here’s what works, from a do-everything beginner combo to species-specific rigs.
A 6′6″–7′ medium-power, fast-action spinning rod with a 2500–3000 size reel, spooled with 8–10 lb braid and a fluorocarbon leader, handles walleye, bass, trout, perch, and small pike. If you buy one combo, buy that.
| Target | Rod & Reel | Line | Core lures/bait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Walleye | 6′6″–7′ medium-light/medium spinning | 6–10 lb braid + fluoro leader | Jigs (1/8–3/8 oz) with minnows or plastics, crankbaits, bottom bouncers |
| Bass | 6′10″–7′ medium spinning or casting | 10–15 lb braid | Ned rigs, tubes, drop shot, topwater, spinnerbaits |
| Trout (lakes/streams) | 6′–7′ light/ultralight spinning | 4–6 lb mono | Small spinners, spoons, worms, PowerBait |
| Pike & muskie | 7′–8′ medium-heavy/heavy casting | 30–80 lb braid + wire leader | Big spoons, bucktails, swimbaits, jerkbaits |
| Salmon | 9′–10′6″ medium-heavy rod or downrigger trolling setup | 20–30 lb | Roe under a float, spoons, flasher + hootchy |
| Fly fishing | 9′ 5-weight (trout) / 8-weight (steelhead, pike) | Weight-forward floating line | See the fly fishing guide |
| Ice fishing | 24–32″ medium-light ice rod | 4–8 lb ice line | Jigging spoons, tungsten jigs, minnows — plus auger & shelter; see the ice guide |
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