Fishing is Like Golf

Golf requires a number of clubs to get around the course—and fishing requires a number of rods and reels to get around the lake.

When it comes to fishing there are rods and reels for different applications. Golf has a number of clubs to get around the course, fishing has a number of rods and reels to get around the lake. I’m going to give you some rods and reels that will help you put more fish in your boat if you use them in the right setting.

1. OPEN-WATER FISHING

fishing-1

When comes to open-water fishing, you don’t need a big heavy flipping stick with a heavy braided line on it. You could use a 13Fishing spinning rod like an Omen (med/light action) and a spinning reel like a 13Fishing Kalon reel. You will want to spool it with a light line so you can cast further. You don’t have to worry about the fish getting into any structure, so you can get away with that type of rod.

2. FISHING WEED EDGES

fishing-2

When fishing weed lines or edges you can use both a spinning rod and reel or a baitcaster. When I’m fishing Walleye on weedlines, I like to use a 7’ft (med/fast action) spinning rod with a 13Fishing Kalon reel. I spool it up with a 30lb Suffix braid and I will use this setup for ripping bucktail jigs or a jig and a grub along the weed edge

3. FISHING HEAVY COVER

fishing-3

When fishing heavy covers like thick weeds or matted weeds, pads or vegetation that is hard to get a bait into, let alone pull big fish out of, then I will use a heavy/fast action 13Fishing Omen rod with a 13Fishing Inception baitcasting reel. You will need this setup to get the fish out of the thick cover, so you’ll need a wench-style reel like a baitcaster. You can put a heavier line on this type of reel like a 65lb Suffix Braid. With this setup, you will land more fish than you would with a spinning rod.

Different rods for different applications

fishing-4

Trolling for salmon, trolling for musky, casting for musky, and casting for bass in a little less cover. There are so many different rods and reels that you might need in your arsenal, it would take me all day to go over them. I have covered just a few here but you get the idea.

When it comes to golfing, you are not going to go around the course with a putter and in fishing, it is pretty well the same—you are not going to get around the lake with just one rod and reel. So the next time you are heading out fishing, think about what kind of fishing you are going to do that day and bring the right tools for the job and you will put more fishing on the boat.

About Ron James

Ron has been fishing for over 35 years. He started fishing when he was just a youngster with his father Bill James (God rest his soul). He moved onto tournament fishing as his passion grew. With numerous wins and top finishes, the next step had to be taken. He met Leo, and the unstoppable force of Fish TV "is the best thing that has happened.

Recommended Articles

Road Trip Challenge

5 fishing holes, one weekend.

Catching Bucket List Walleyes at Dogtooth Lake Resort

The Ontario Experience visits Dogtooth Lake in Sunset Country

Speckle Splake Spectacular

Ice Fishing for big Northern Ontario speckled & splake trout.

Smallmouth Bass Destinations

From rivers to lakes, smallmouth bass are found throughout Ontario.

Ice Fishing With Fido

Ice fishing is the perfect opportunity to teach your dog the ins and outs of fishing, only simplified. 

Sunset Country Outfitters

Some of the best multi-species action in Ontario’s Sunset Country

"Bronze Tanks" and Toothy Predators on the Fly

Armed with 7-weights and 9-weights, braving September winds to uncover a fishery where world-class smallmouth and aggressive pike.

Swim Shiner Swim

What Bait to Use in Cold Water Fishing Conditions

St. Francis Titans

Fishing the Original Muskie Capital of the World

Witch Bay Camp

Secluded Lake of the Woods Fishing for Walleye and Muskie

Fishing Esnagi Lake

Train-in Fishing at Lodge Eighty Eight

Steelhead Fever

Fishing in Northwestern Ontario

Lost Lake Bass Blast

Experience Lost Lake Wilderness Lodge and fish on a remote lake filled with Smallmouth Bass.

Eagle Lake Lunge

When Musky fishing in Northwest Ontario on Eagle Lake, you're one cast from being a hero.

The Blind Leading The Blind

Fly Fishing made Simple, but Not on Purpose

How to Get Into Fishing

You haven't gone fishing in years, how in the world would you get started?

Size Matters

Discover why bigger baits land bigger fish in Northern Ontario.

Do-It-Yourself Fly-In Fishing

Fly into one of nine outpost camps on nine lakes with Lauzon Aviation

Top Three Ontario Musky Waters

Where to catch the fish of 10,000 casts.

5 Tips for your Fly-in DIY Adventure

Imagine fishing on a secluded pristine remote lake.