Ontario Fishing GEAR Guide
What Gear Should I Bring on My Canadian Fishing Trip?
Whether you're a first-time angler or a tournament fisherman, you'll have the most success if you fish with the gear you're most comfortable with. ​There's no shame in a Zebco 33—or even a Mickey Mouse rod and reel—if that's what keeps your lure in the water.
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Depth, speed, and presentation matter far more than having the latest equipment.
If You're Keeping It Simple
If you're only bringing one setup, this is our closest thing to a universal recommendation.
​ROD
7' medium fast action
LINE
10-12 lb test
LURES
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Mepps #5 Dressed Aglia
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Rapala X-Rap #10
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Rapala Original Floating #11
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Johnson Silver Minnow (¾ oz)
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Small swimbaits
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Small grubs
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Assorted spoons
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Wire leaders
For many guests, this is all you'll need for a successful week on Big Sandy Lake.
PINE CLIFF PRO TIP
Don't stress too much about packing the "perfect" tackle box. Most anglers will reach for the same few productive lures throughout the week. If you need something, we stock lures, leaders, jigs, and color combinations recommended on this page in our tackle shop.
Recommended Pike Setup
Northern pike are one of the most popular species on Big Sandy Lake and can be caught on a wide variety of presentations.
ROD
Medium to medium-heavy fast action
LINE
12–17 lb test
REEL
Many anglers prefer baitcasting gear for pike, while others prefer spinning gear. Either works well. Fish whatever you're most comfortable with.
WIRE LEADERS
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6"–12" length
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20–30 lb test​
Shorter, lighter leaders generally provide better lure action.
LURES
​Jerkbaits
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Rapala X-Rap #10
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Rapala Original Floating #11
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Rapala Original Floating #18
​Inline Spinners
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Mepps #5 Dressed Aglia
Spoons
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Johnson Silver Minnow (¾ oz silver or gold)
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¾-1 oz spoons
Crankbaits
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square bill
Soft plastics
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flukes (3-5")
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swimbaits (3-5")
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grubs (2-5")
Colors: silver, white, black, gold, pink, chartreuse, firetiger, blue, purple, red
PINE CLIFF PRO TIP
If fishing gets tough, simplify.
A jighead paired with a small grub, fluke, or swimbait often catches both pike and bass when larger baits stop producing.
Recommended Smallmouth Setup
Big Sandy is known for exceptional smallmouth fishing, and many anglers are surprised by how effective lighter tackle can be.
ROD
6'6"–7' Medium-light fast action spinning rod
LINE
8 lb test
LURES
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​Ned rigs
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Drop shots
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Tube jigs
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Small swimbaits
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Grubs
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Crawfish imitations​
Natural colors: brown, watermelon, pumpkin, white, silver, black
PINE CLIFF PRO TIP
Many anglers bring tackle that's too big for Big Sandy smallmouth (especially if they're used to largemouth fishing). Downsizing often leads to more bites and a more enjoyable fishing experience.
Recommended Lake Trout Setup
One of the biggest surprises for many guests is how effective bass gear can be for lake trout. With proper drag settings and patience, the same rod used for bass can handle large lake trout.
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ROD
6'6"–7' Medium-light fast action spinning rod
LINE
8-10 lb test
LURES
Jigging spoons
Small, heavy spoons fished vertically near bottoms - 1/3 oz is plenty big
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Our favorite: Frostbite Tungsten Dinner Bell
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Cleo spoons (1/3 oz)
Soft Plastics
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Our favorite: Frostbite Dragon Slayer
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3-5" swimbaits or grubs
Rapala Jigging Raps
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W5
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W7
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For Trolling​
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trolling spoons
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deep-diving crankbaits
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Colors: silver, blue, white, chartreuse, purple, red
PINE CLIFF PRO TIP
Lake trout are commonly caught while vertically jigging near bottom.
Don't be afraid to use the same rod you use for bass fishing.
Many of the same presentations used for lake trout will catch whitefish (small jigging spoons, jigs, vertical presentations).​ They have smaller, softer mouths than lake trout, so smaller hooks and lighter hooksets generally work best.
Perch are often found in schools, so when you catch one, there's a good chance more are nearby. Use little crappie jigs in shallow weedbeds.
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Other Helpful Gear
RECOMMENDED
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​Long needle-nose pliers
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Line nippers or fingernail clippers
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Polarized sunglasses
OPTIONAL
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Jaw spreaders
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Fish grippers
What We Provide
To save space in your vehicle, there are a few items you can leave at home.
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All boats include:
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Landing net
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Fish measuring ruler
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Sonar/GPS electronics
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Trolling motors with Spot-Lock