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Gear & Reviews
In-depth gear reviews, expert recommendations, and honest feedback to help you fish smarter and choose with confidence.
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The Ultimate Ontario Tackle Box Checklist
A printable PDF covering every essential — lures, terminal tackle, tools, and safety gear — for Ontario lakes and rivers.
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Ratings Summary
Narrow gear by category and target species, then sort by newest or highest rated.
Average rating
4.3 / 5
across 22 products
Category
Target species
| Product | Category | Rating | Reviews | Reviewed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shimano Stradic FM Spinning Reel Bass · Walleye · Northern Pike | Spinning Reels | 4.8 | 1 | Oct 15, 2025 |
| Shimano Expride B Spinning Rod Bass · Walleye | Spinning Rods | 4.7 | 1 | Oct 5, 2025 |
| Daiwa Tatula MQ LT Spinning Reel Bass · Walleye | Spinning Reels | 4.7 | 1 | Sep 30, 2025 |
| St. Croix Eyecon Spinning Rod Walleye | Spinning Rods | 4.6 | 1 | Sep 20, 2025 |
| St. Croix Bass X Spinning Rod Bass · Walleye · Northern Pike | Spinning Rods | 4.6 | 1 | Sep 12, 2025 |
| Redington Escape Zip Waders Trout · Steelhead | Chest Waders | 4.6 | 1 | Sep 8, 2025 |
| Daiwa BG MQ Spinning Reel Northern Pike · Lake Trout · Salmon | Spinning Reels | 4.6 | 1 | Sep 5, 2025 |
| Shimano Sedona FJ Spinning Reel Bass · Walleye | Spinning Reels | 4.6 | 1 | Jul 28, 2025 |
| Patagonia Men's Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front Waders Steelhead · Salmon · Trout | Chest Waders | 4.5 | 1 | Oct 1, 2025 |
| Shimano Compre Walleye Spinning Rod (6'8" Medium) Walleye | Spinning Rods | 4.3 | 1 | Jun 26, 2026 |
| Lucky Strike Rubber Telescopic Fishing Net Bass · Walleye · Panfish | Fishing Nets | 4.3 | 1 | Apr 20, 2026 |
| Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders Steelhead · Trout · Salmon | Chest Waders | 4.3 | 1 | Sep 18, 2025 |
| Orvis Men's Clearwater Stockingfoot Waders Trout · Steelhead | Chest Waders | 4.3 | 1 | Aug 25, 2025 |
| Pflueger President XT Spinning Reel Bass · Walleye · Trout | Spinning Reels | 4.3 | 1 | Aug 10, 2025 |
| Simms Men's Tributary Stockingfoot Waders Trout | Chest Waders | 4.2 | 1 | Jul 30, 2025 |
| Berkley PowerBait Ripple Shad (4" & 5") Walleye · Northern Pike · Bass | Lures & Soft Plastics | 4.0 | 1 | Jun 26, 2026 |
| Fenwick Eagle XF Spinning Rod (Medium, 7-ft) Bass · Walleye | Spinning Rods | 3.4 | 1 | Aug 22, 2025 |
| Frabill Trophy Haul Fishing Net Musky · Northern Pike | Fishing Nets | 2.7 | 1 | Oct 20, 2025 |
| EGO Kryptek S1 Genesis Floating Fishing Net Bass · Walleye · Northern Pike | Fishing Nets | — | 0 | May 12, 2026 |
| EGO S2 Slider Fishing Net Walleye · Northern Pike · Salmon · Lake Trout | Fishing Nets | — | 0 | May 12, 2026 |
| Amundson Clear Rubber Landing Net Bass · Walleye · Trout | Fishing Nets | — | 0 | Aug 5, 2025 |
| Shimano Sojourn Spinning Rod Bass · Walleye · Panfish | Spinning Rods | — | 0 | Jul 15, 2025 |
Spinning Rods
Best Spinning Rods for Ontario Lake Fishing
For most Ontario lake anglers, the ideal rod is a 7'0"–7'2" spinning rod with medium power and fast action. That setup is versatile enough for smallmouth bass, walleye, trout, and even moderate pike — making it the best one-rod solution for cottage lakes and larger waters like Lake Simcoe, Lake Nipissing, and Lake of the Woods. Focus on power, action, sensitivity, and durability.
What to Look for in a Fishing Rod
1. Rod Length
6'6"–7'2" is the sweet spot. Longer rods cast farther and improve line control; shorter rods offer more precision in tight areas.
2. Power
Medium handles bass, walleye, trout, and moderate pike. Medium-Heavy is better for larger lures or bigger pike.
3. Action
Fast action — tip bends while the lower section stays firm. Provides excellent sensitivity and solid hooksets.
4. Material
Graphite is lighter and more sensitive. Fiberglass is tougher but heavier. Most quality rods use graphite or graphite composites.
5. Handle Material
Cork is comfortable and sensitive. EVA foam is durable and weather-resistant.
6. Guide Quality
Look for stainless steel guides with durable inserts to reduce line wear.
Recommended Rod Setup by Species
Final pick: If you want one rod that can handle nearly every common Ontario lake species, choose the St. Croix Bass X in 7' Medium Fast. On a tighter budget, the Fenwick Eagle XF is an excellent alternative.
Spinning Reels
Best Spinning Reels for Ontario Lake Fishing
For Ontario lake fishing, the best all-around spinning reel is a 2500 or 3000 size with a smooth drag, corrosion-resistant bearings, and a lightweight body. This size pairs perfectly with a 7' medium-fast rod and handles smallmouth bass, walleye, trout, and most northern pike. Focus on drag smoothness, durability, weight, and gear quality.
What to Look for in a Fishing Reel
1. Reel Size
2500: best all-around for bass, walleye, trout, and most pike. 3000: more line capacity and drag power. 4000: heavy pike and lake trout.
2. Drag System
A smooth drag protects light line and helps land larger fish without break-offs.
3. Weight
Lighter reels reduce fatigue and improve rod balance.
4. Gear Quality
High-quality gears feel smoother and stay tighter over time.
5. Line Management
Good spool design reduces wind knots and improves casting distance.
Recommended Reel Sizes by Species
Final pick: The Shimano Stradic FM in 2500 is the best all-around reel for Ontario lakes. For outstanding value, the Pflueger President XT remains one of the best buys in freshwater fishing.
Chest Waders
Best Chest Waders for Ontario Rivers & Lakes
If you fish Ontario rivers and lakes for steelhead, trout, salmon, or early-season walleye, a quality pair of breathable chest waders is one of the best investments you can make. Look for waterproof durability, breathability, fit, and warranty support. For most anglers, breathable stockingfoot waders paired with dedicated wading boots provide the best comfort, traction, and long-term performance.
What to Look for in Fishing Waders
1. Breathable vs. Neoprene
Breathable waders are best for most Ontario anglers — they work in spring, fall, and cool summer conditions. Neoprene is warmer but heavier and less comfortable for walking.
2. Stockingfoot vs. Bootfoot
Stockingfoot waders require separate wading boots and provide better fit and traction. Bootfoot waders are simpler but heavier and less supportive.
3. Layer Construction
More layers in the lower legs and seat generally mean better abrasion resistance.
4. Fit
Waders should allow room for thermal layers without feeling restrictive.
5. Warranty & Repairs
Waders eventually leak. Brands with strong repair and warranty programs are worth paying for.
Recommended Waders by Fishing Style
Final pick: For most Ontario anglers, the Simms Freestone offers the best balance of durability, comfort, and price. The Orvis Clearwater is a fantastic value alternative; the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-Front is worth the investment for hard-fishing days.
Fishing Nets
Best Fishing Nets for Ontario Anglers
For Ontario fishing, the best net really depends on what species you target most — bass and walleye, trout and steelhead, or musky and pike all need different setups. The biggest thing: get a rubber-coated net. They're safer for fish, don't tangle hooks as badly, and hold up better in cold Ontario conditions. Ontario anglers consistently recommend larger and deeper nets for musky and pike because undersized nets fail fast on trophy fish.
Ontario-Specific Recommendations
Bass & Walleye
Amundson Clear Rubber Landing Net or Lucky Strike Rubber Telescopic Fishing Net — both are light, fish-safe, and easy to handle from boat or shore.
Trout & Steelhead Rivers
Fishpond Nomad Native Net 2.0 — Ontario steelhead anglers strongly prefer lighter long-handle rubber nets for river fishing.
Musky & Big Pike
Frabill Trophy Haul Fishing Net or Stowmaster Tournament Series Heavy Net (TS116YH) — oversized hoops and deep baskets are essential.
What to Avoid
- Cheap nylon mesh nets
- Tiny bass nets used for pike or musky
- Heavy aluminum nets with shallow baskets
- Knotted mesh — terrible for hooks and fish
Rubber nets are widely preferred because they reduce hook tangles and are safer for catch-and-release.
Disclosure: Hooked Ontario participates in affiliate programs. We may earn a small commission on purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Our editorial picks are independent.
Lures & Soft Plastics
Best Lures & Soft Plastics for Ontario Walleye & Pike
Soft plastic swimbaits and scented baits have quietly become the most consistent producers on Ontario lakes — from Lake Simcoe walleye to Bay of Quinte trophies and Kawartha pike. The picks below are baits we've personally fished on Ontario water this season.
