Rods

Of course, the fishing tackle, rods & reels that one takes is entirely dependant on the fish species being targeted and the techniques used to catch them. However, since Northern Ontario angling is largely focused on walleyes, northern pike, brook & lake trout, and smallmouth bass, three rods will get the job done most everywhere (flyfishing notwithstanding).

Two spinning rods – a 6’6″ to 7′ L to M-L and a slightly heavier M to M-H rod of the same length.

A good 6’6″ to 7′ M to M-H action baitcasting rod for trolling, jigging deeper water or casting larger lures.

Experience suggests that high-performance reels are more important than expensive fishing rods, and smooth drag systems are essential when many fish and large fish are being caught.

Tackle Guys toting way too much tackle is commonplace at fishing camps. Almost certainly, a half-dozen or so lures will catch the overwhelming majority of the fish, fewer if using live bait. With apologies to fly fishermen and trout anglers, the most effective (= most popular) lures for north-country gamefish are given below.

Walleye jigs & twistertails worm harnesses live-bait twitch / jerkbaits bucktail jigs spinner rigs

Northern Pike spoons / spinners spinnerbaits / bucktails buzzbaits jerkbaits rattlebaits swim jigs

Smallmouth Bass jigs & twistertails tube jigs in-line spinners drop-shot rigs topwater plugs twitch / jerkbaits