Cover, soft plastics, and moving lures
Start with a medium spinning rod for versatile bass fishing; match hooks to the actual bait rather than buying one size for every lure.
See the bass setupFishing gear by species
A lure that feels right on a bass rod can overwhelm a bluegill, while a tiny panfish jig may be hard to cast on a heavier setup. Pick your target fish, then use the gear ranges to choose compatible tackle.
Small streams or stocked lakes
Choose a light spinning setup for many small lure and bait presentations. Streams and open lakes call for different rod lengths.
See the trout setupLight gear, small hooks
An ultralight or light outfit helps cast tiny offerings and makes panfish more enjoyable to catch.
See the panfish setupMore freshwater species
Smallmouth bass
Rock, current breaks, crayfish and fish prey call for a different search plan from weedy largemouth water.
Smallmouth gear and habitsCatfish
Start with channel catfish, then learn why blue and flathead cats need different choices.
Catfish gear and habitsCommon carp
Bottom food, wary bites, and long runs shape bait and reel choices.
Common carp gear and habitsExplore more freshwater fish
Crappie
Find crappie in lakes and reservoirs, understand their feeding and spawning habits, and choose a light rod, reel, line, hook, jig or minnow.
Read the crappie guideYellow perch
Learn yellow perch habitat, diet and spring spawning, then choose a light rod, line, hook, small jig or legal bait for open-water fishing.
Read the yellow perch guideWalleye
Choose walleye rod, reel, line, jig, hook and bait by habitat and season; learn why low light, current and bottom structure matter.
Read the walleye guideNorthern pike
Learn northern pike ambush habitat, early spring spawning, and the rod, reel, line, leader, lures and handling tools that fit this toothy fish.
Read the northern pike guideFreshwater striped bass
Learn about landlocked freshwater striped bass, where schools feed, how spawning and stocking differ, and what rod, reel, line, hook and lure to use.
Read the freshwater striped bass guideWhite bass
Find white bass during the spring river run or in a reservoir and choose a light spinning rod, reel, line, hook, jig or spoon.
Read the white bass guideMore species-specific guides
Blue catfish
Blue Catfish Fishing: Habitat, Diet, Spawning and Gear. Habitat, feeding, spawning and practical tackle.
Read the blue catfish guideFlathead catfish
Flathead Catfish Fishing: Habitat, Live Bait and Gear. Habitat, feeding, spawning and practical tackle.
Read the flathead catfish guideMuskellunge
Muskellunge Fishing: Habitat, Prey, Spawning and Gear. Habitat, feeding, spawning and practical tackle.
Read the muskellunge guideLake sturgeon
Lake Sturgeon Fishing: Habitat, Diet, Spawning and Gear. Habitat, feeding, spawning and practical tackle.
Read the lake sturgeon guideBrook trout
Brook Trout Fishing: Cold Streams, Food, Spawning and Gear. Habitat, feeding, spawning and practical tackle.
Read the brook trout guideRedear sunfish
Redear Sunfish Fishing: Shellcracker Habits and Gear. Habitat, feeding, spawning and practical tackle.
Read the redear sunfish guideWarmouth
Warmouth Fishing: Cover, Diet, Spawning and Gear. Habitat, feeding, spawning and practical tackle.
Read the warmouth guideAt a glance
| Target | Rod starting point | Line starting point | Hook example for bait |
|---|---|---|---|
| Largemouth bass | 6'6″–7' medium spinning | 8–12 lb mono | Size 1 to 2/0, depending on bait |
| Smallmouth bass | 6'6″–7' medium spinning | 8–12 lb mono | Size 1–2/0 depending on bait |
| Channel catfish | 7'–8' medium-heavy | 15–20 lb mono | 4/0–6/0 for a published bottom-rig example |
| Common carp | 7'–9' medium/medium-heavy | 10–15 lb mono | Medium single hook matched to bait |
| Typical stocked trout | 5'6″–7' light spinning | 4–6 lb mono | Size 8–10 for small bait |
| Bluegill and similar sunfish | 5'–7' ultralight/light spinning | 4–6 lb mono | Size 6–8 for worm/cricket |
These are approachable starting points, not limits on what will catch a fish. Hook sizes vary by pattern and maker; line and lure ratings printed on a rod take priority. Large trout, heavy vegetation, trophy blue or flathead catfish, fly fishing, and deeper crappie fishing need different choices.
Compare lures and live bait · Read the general starter guide