Fishing gear by species
Pick a species
- Rainbow Trout
- Brown Trout
- Brook Trout
- Walleye
- Stocked Trout (species not listed)
- Cutthroat Trout
- Muskellunge and Tiger Muskie
- Yellow Perch
- Channel Catfish
- Largemouth Bass
- Bluegill and Sunfish
- Northern Pike
- Crappie
- Lake Trout
- Landlocked Atlantic Salmon
- Tiger Trout
- Kokanee
- Chinook Salmon
- Coho Salmon
- Steelhead
- Saugeye and Sauger
- Splake
- Lake Sturgeon
- Smallmouth Bass
- Golden Trout
- Hybrid Striped Bass
- Arctic Grayling
Starter setup
A 5.5 to 7 foot light to medium-light spinning or spincast rod and matching reel, spooled with 6 lb monofilament. Spincast is easiest for beginners, and a 4 to 5 foot rod suits small kids. Carry size 6 to 10 hooks, a few split shot (pinched on 4 to 8 inches above the hook), small bobbers, a couple of small spinners and jigs, and worms. Learn the improved clinch knot and the palomar knot.
Light line casts farther and draws more strikes. Heavier line and stiffer rods are for bigger fish, heavy cover or sharp teeth, not for everyday fishing.
When to size up
| Fish | Gear |
|---|---|
| Walleye, bass, saugeye, hybrid striped bass | medium rod, 8 to 12 lb line, 6 to 7.5 feet |
| Channel catfish | medium-heavy rod, 10 to 20 lb line |
| Northern pike | medium-heavy rod, 15 lb or heavier braid, steel or heavy fluorocarbon (40 lb+) leader |
| Muskellunge | heavy 7 to 9 foot rod, 50 to 80 lb braid, heavy leader |
| Trolling for lake trout and salmon | 8.5 to 10.5 foot trolling rods, 15 lb mono or 30 lb braid, level-wind reels |
| Steelhead | 8 to 10 foot or longer rods, 6 to 10 lb line |
| Lake sturgeon | heavy rod, 50 to 100 lb braid |
Gear types only. Check your state's fishing regulations before you go.