Fishing with the right freshwater tackle could mean the difference between catching the big one or telling tales of the one that got away. When it comes to choosing the right rod, reel, lure, line or bait for your freshwater fishing excursion, there are as many choices as there are fish in the sea. It can be down right confusing. So which tackle will keep ‘em biting your line? Here are some tips that will help you keep reeling in the big ones.

The right rod and reel is essential for any angler.

Ponds and small lakes teem with a variety of freshwater fish, such as perch, crappie, blue gill small trout and bass. These are easiest to catch on a light or ultra light rod and reel. A spinning reel or closed face spinning reel is recommended. These reels allow the farthest reach when casting, without the hassle of backlash. A 6' to 7' light or ultra light rod will give your casts plenty of distance and a very sensitive tip to feel the little buggers trying to steal your bait.

For the right line, a lite mono filament line, up to 4lbs, is plenty to handle the biggest fish you will catch. I like to add a 4' 6lb fluorocarbon leader before the hook or other terminal tackle. But which bait is best to keep em’ biting? The most popular fresh water bait is earth worms. I like to put them on an 1/8oz jig head, leaving most of the worm dangling naturally below the hook. Although there are hundreds of artificial lures you can purchase for fresh water fishing, it’s best to ask for some local advice before spending too much money on them.

Trout fishing is a specialty of it's own and we don't have enough room here to go into it so here's a link to a great book were you can get fly fishing info.

Fly Fishing Guide Book

The type of freshwater fishing you choose determines which tackle is best to use.

Fishing for larger lake fish like walleye, salmon, steelhead trout and lake trout requires a different arsenal of weapons. These can all be caught on the same rod and reel. Choosing the right reel to catch these fish depends on which type of fishing you choose to do.

Still or anchored fishing

If you are anchored or drifting, a conventional size 30 reel is great on a 7' medium weight rod. If you are using live bait, I suggest using a 1/4oz to 3/4oz jig head, depending on the depth of water and underwater current strength. Monofilament line of 8lb to 10lb will be sufficient for still fishing.

Trolling

When trolling, I recommend using a line counting reel, a conventional reel equipped with a line counter, as the distance the line is let out determines the depth your lure will run.

I suggest using 16lb to 20lb mono or 10lb to12lb stainless steel, both with a 6' leader of 20lb fluorocarbon. A 50lb barrel swivel at both ends of your leader will help prevent line twisting while either drifting or still fishing. Ball bearing swivels are best for trolling lures. Although I have caught a lot of walleye by trolling worms on a worm harness, my favorite lure for catching them is the Bomber Long A. This lure swims like a wounded fish, and the depth the lure will run can be easily controlled by the amount of line that’s let out. For salmon, King Spoons, steelhead and lake trout, anything fast and shiny will do the trick.

Check back here soon for more tips, tricks and helpful information. ‘Til next time, keep on catchin’ ‘em!

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