What is best reel for bass/pike fishing in Canada?
March 15, 2010 by
Filed under canada fishing vacation
I’m going to canada to go fishing for the first time this summer. I’m exctited but I’ve never really gone fishing for anything over 6lbs. What are some reels that I should look at and what are some of the mechanical characteristics that I should be looking for in the reel to handle a fish that is 7 to 15lbs.
You really need 2 different types of outfits for Canada fishing.
For larger Pike/Musky fishing you should take a round style baitcaster such as these:
1. Abu Garcia C3 5500 – http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_74090____SearchResults
2. Shimano Calcutta CT 400 B – http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_63169_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1
Use a medium-heavy or heavy action 7′ rod for the above.
You would need to spool your reel with 10-12LB Braided line (such as Power Pro shown here- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_44282____SearchResults ). Make sure to always use a leader of Mono or Fluorocarbon when casting with such heavy Braid. 25-30LB leader size should be plenty.
You would also want to bring a lighter action spinning outfit with a 7′ medium action rod for Bass, smaller Pike & Walleye.
Can you use a lighter action rod for large Pike/Musky? Yes.
However, when larger Pike/Musky are fought for a long time they tend to die due to a build-up of toxins in their blood when over-exerted. No one wants to kill a trophy Musky due to fatigue…………….
Hope this helps ya? Good luck on your trip.
PS- If you can’t afford 2 outfits think about purchasing a low-profile baitcaster. That would be a good compromise between a (too light) spinning outfit and a (too heavy) large Pike/Musky outfit.
Here are some good reels. (Please read all reviews):
1. Shimano Citica E- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_102800_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1
2. Abu Garcia Revo S- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_84683_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1
3. BPS Rick Clunn- http://www.basspro.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/Product_10151_-1_10001_104020_100001001_100000000_100001000_100-1-1
Some of the larger spooled low-profile baitcasters will work, but round baitcasters are easier to come by than a low-profile reel with a large spool. Abu Garcia’s Ambassadeur C3 5500 for $85 would be great for pike, bass, and such. Pair it up with a 7′ medium/heavy Shakespeare Ugly Stik and you have one heck of a rod and reel.
For line I’d go with 15lb Berkley Big Game. Big Game has some memory issues, but, it’s the most abrasion resistant, shock resistant, and plain out STRONG mono I’ve ever used. For $9 you can get about a thousand yards of it depending on what pound test you purchase. 15lb would be a happy medium for the species you listed.
These products are listed in my sources below.
l would go with a curado 200 and medium weight rod with 10lb line.
stick with bass, pike and walleyes. if you should happen to hit a musky, consider it a bonus test of your angling skills.