Faron Buckler – Fishing Tackle Tips

30 Years of Fishing Tips, One at a Time

Faron Buckler, owner of Excellent Adventures, has created a fantastic series of information on how to catch each of the five species found in our waters – Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth Bass, Lake Trout and Perch! Faron explains why fishing changes throughout the spring, summer and fall of the year, and what habitat changes the fish prefer. He details exactly what techniques and tackle one should be using to catch more fish when you come to Canada on a fishing vacation!

Share Your Fishing Trip Pictures on Facebook and Instagram!

We encourage our guests to take fishing trip pictures and videos, and share them on Facebook and Instagram!

One of the First Questions Asked by Our Guests Is:

  • What about fishing tackle?
Smithwick Rogue Baits

Of Course, This Is Followed by a List of Other Questions Such As:

  • What kind of rod & reels are best to use?
  • What lures are best?
  • What size lures?
  • What colors are best?
  • What size monofilament line should I use?

And the list goes on…

We will address many of these questions and offer other related tackle information in our blog posts to ensure you will have a successful fishing vacation in Canada. However these are simply suggestions and the rest is up to you. Below we provide good information on the most popular lures and what type of fishing they are commonly used for.

Fishing Tackle for Walleye and Northern Pike

The Lead Head Jig

The lead head jig is by far the most effective lure for all around fishing at our remote fly-in outposts. This lure is a very inexpensive bait and is very effective for catching Walleye, Northern Pike, Lake Trout and Smallmouth Bass.

We provide the lead head jig in both the flip tail version or with a maribou skirt both are available in a large variety of colors and combinations.
Lead Head Jig

The most popular size is 1/4 oz but when the fish are suspended or slow we find the 1/8 oz variety to work very well, both sizes are available. The lead head jig is usually tipped with a minnow but can be fished with or without.

The bait is best known as a very good bait for Walleye fishing and is fished best by back trolling or by casting and jigging back to the boat. But don’t be misled, this bait is very effective for Northern Pike as they seem unable to resist this tempting appetizer. A hand full of these baits and you off to a action packed day of fishing.

The Blakemore Roadrunner

Blakemore Roadrunner

The Blakemore roadrunner has been around for a long time. Like the lead head jig it is a inexpensive bait and is a favorite for all around fishing.

You will find it a hard bait to beat when it comes to catching fish. A dynamite lure when it comes to fishing for walleye, and you can rely on the fact that Northern Pike simply cannot resist it.

Tip the “roadrunner” with a minnow or fish it like it is, either way will produce fish. However tipped with a minnow produces the best results. This bait cannot be fished wrong as long as it is fished slow.

We generally slowly back troll with the bait but casting and slowly back to the boat produces excellent results too. We have found that between the standard lead head and the roadrunner you cannot go wrong. On days when the standard jig does not work, the roadrunner seems to take over. That little blade simply does magic tricks when it comes to triggering the fish to strike.

We stock the roadrunner in large numbers, in all the favorite colors and 1/4 and 1/8 oz sizes 1/4 oz being the popular size. When it comes to fishing it is my favorite bait, you will never catch me without a selection of them. What is really nice is the fact that you can fill a 35 MM film case with these lures and a few swivels, stuff them in your pocket and you are ready for a fun filled day of fishing action.

Whether you are fishing Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth or Lake Trout, you can count on this little lure for plenty of action. Especially handy when doing portage trips and you want to go light. It is also one of Jimmy Houston’s favorite baits. We need say no more about the Blakemore Roadrunner.

Fishing With Crank Baits

Rapala Husky Jerk

Rapala Husky Jerk

There are countless of crank baits available in the world of fishing. We advise bringing along what you have. Many of the ones in your tackle box may produce excellent results. But we have found that the most popular on our lake system are the Rapala Husky Jerk, the Rat-L-Trap and the Smithwick Rogue.

Smithwick Rogue

Smithwick Rogue

Of course, who knows what the best color is going to be while you are fishing? Once again, we will be able to tell you which baits are hot and what colors seem to produce the best results. Crank baits seem to produce the best results for large Northern Pike.

Rat-L-Trap

Rat-L-Trap

The Rapala Husky Jerk and the Smithwick Suspending Rogue are extensively used for large Northern Pike and have been known to be a good bait for Walleyes. The Rat-L-Trap is a very good all around bait and is very well known for its value in catching Lake Trout. Of course, there are countless other baits we use for Lake Trout, too.

Daredevil Spoons

The Eppinger Daredevil Spoons

Eppinger Daredevil Spoons have been a traditional fishing bait in Canada for years. We stock these spoons in many varieties, colors and sizes. They are a favorite pick when it comes to casting or trolling for Northern Pike.

For Lake Trout fishing, the gold, silver or 5 of diamonds are trolled for Lake Trout when they are in the deep water. They work well on downriggers and produce excellent results. Included in this line of lures is another Canadian favorite known as the Ruby Eye which is available in a variety of colors. However there are many other spoons available. When it comes to fishing in Canada, spoons produce excellent results, especially for Northern Pike and Lake Trout. Give them a try!

Walleye Bait Rigs

Walleye Bait Rigs

These simple little baits consist of monofilament line, a lead weight, a few beads, a small spinner blade, and a hook. Tipped with a minnow and fished slowly this rig produces excellent results when Walleye fishing. I have found them particularly useful when the fishing is slow and all other baits are not producing good results. The Walleye Bait Rig is a bait everyone should have in their tackle box when fishing for Walleye.

Spinner Baits

Our tackle store is well stocked with a very good variety of spinner baits. Many colors to choose from. The most popular colors seems to be yellow, chartreuse and white with silver or gold blades. Another inexpensive bait which produces excellent results.

If you are looking for Northern Pike action, tie on a spinner bait and start hitting the edge of the weed beds. In fact we call them “Northern Getters.” Now, you won’t always end up with the lunkers but you will end up with lot’s of action.

I can remember one day as evidence of the power of this little lure. Jimmy Houston was filming one of his movies and on that particular day he was going to produce a show on Northern Pike fishing, he caught almost 100 Northern Pike of all sizes. He was fishing almost exclusively with a spinner bait and was casting to the edge or just inside any weed bed he could find. Simply could not keep them off his line. What a problem to have!

Too many fishermen forget what they come fishing for, basically all fishermen are looking for the action and thrill of getting that strike and the fight to follow. If action is what you are after, use a spinner bait . Generally, you cannot go wrong.

Fishing Rods

Rods and Reels

We advise fishermen to bring along the rods and reels they feel comfortable with using. Casting & spinning are the most popular. Medium to light action rods are advised. They allow the best action and good hook setting ability. Ultra light is used but hook sets are more difficult. They offer tons of action once the fish is hooked.

Reels

Regardless of the manufacturer or type of reel, always ensure that the reel has a good drag system that allows smooth release of the line throughout the range of the reel’s drag setting and allows for easy setting of the drag. If the reel has jerky or erratic release points or is difficult to set, consider the purchase of a new reel. The drag is the most important part. Our guests land big fish with light equipment but it always comes down to proper drag setting while fighting the fish.

Line and Line Test

6# to 10# test seem to be the most popular, 8# is a good choice. For casting with larger lures some guests have a second rod equipped with 14# to 17# line. Once again, the drag setting is important, set the reel for the line test, the line must release before it reaches its breaking point. When BIG fish are hooked, set the drag back to allow for the strong immediate force these fish place on your line when they run and dive.

Suggested Tackle For Specific Species

Walleye

  • Light to medium action rod with a 6# test line.
  • Little Joe spinner, with a 1/4 oz inline sinker in gold, chartreuse, orange, green, wbite or red.
  •  1/4 oz lead head jigs with 2″ twister tails in yellow, smoke, brown, white, chartreuse and black.
  • We highly recommend live bait, minnows, crawlers or leeches.
  • Deep diving stick baits such as Rapalas, Hot to Trots, Hot tiger Black & Silver, Black & Gold Shiners.

Northern Pike

  • Medium to heavy action rod with a 1012# test line.
  • Rat-L-Traps, shad, blue, silver and chartreuse.
  • 7″ floating Rapalas blue, silver, black/silver & chartreuse.
  • Spoons, 45″ long in red/white, gold, silver, or strip Orange daredevils, blue foxes or doctor spoons.
  • Little cleos 3/4oz. In the above colors, gold/silver work the best.
  • Bucktail Mepps #4 & #5, dressed or undressed.
  • Large bass spinner baits.

Lake Trout

  • Heavy action rod with a 14# test line.
  • 1/2 to 3/4 oz Heddon Sonars, gold, white or silver.
  • 1/2 oz jigs with 4″ white gist tails.
  • Sutton spoons Flutter spoons. All in gold or silver.
  • 3-way swivels and snap swivels to handle 2 to 8 oz weight for late summer fishing
  • Dipsey divers
  • Downriggers for summer fishing.

Smallmouth Bass

  • Medium action rod with a 68# test line.
  • Bass spinner baits 1/8 to 1/4oz
  • Jig and twister tail 2″4″ long.
  • Rapalas
  • Rat-L-Traps
  • Beetle spinners
  • Roadrunners
  • Mepps
  • Devil horses
  • NOTE: It is highly recommended that you use live bait like leeches, crawlers and you also can use minnows.

Walleye Behavior During Spawning

As the end of February nears each year, the crew of Excellent Adventures and Cat Island Lodge are already preparing for spring and planning for fishing at our remote fly-in lakes around the Ear Falls and Red Lake areas of Northwestern Ontario.

Wonder What Walleye Are Doing?

As the ice goes off the lakes and rivers, and the water warms, walleye begin to move out of deep water winter habitats.

Spawning is the main objective, and the fish migrate toward their traditional spawning grounds. Movement can be over a short distance in small lakes.

Walleye spawn when the water temperature ranges from 42 degrees to 52 degrees F. Fishing is invariably poor during this period. The best Walleye behavior during spawning, when it comes to catching Walleye, is some male fish that move around the actual spawning sites.

After spawning is completed, Walleye move out of these areas.

fishing the river mouth - walleye shore lunch

Some of the males remain at the spawning site, probably anticipating later spawning females. Fishing in the post-spawn is difficult because of this dispersal and the fact that they have gone through something that traumatizes them.

This resting period lasts anywhere from one to three weeks and feeding is slow, especially for the females.

Catch Walleye Any Time

You CAN catch walleye at almost any time when seasons are open!

  • Learn more about our fantastic Walleye fishing
  • Find the best fishing tackle for Walleye

Give us a call for expert help in matching your fishing style to the time of year and water conditions that are unique for this area of Ontario’s Sunset Country.

How to Consistently Catch Walleye!

Fishing methods to catch walleye are more varied in summer than in any other time of year.

Troll the Lake to Locate the Walleye

Back trolling with a slip-sinker rig or using a small jig with spinner is the best means of locating fish. Begin your fishing day by using bait-fish, but always carry a few night crawlers or leeches just in case. Use colored beads or a spinner blade in one of the bright fluorescent colors on a hook.

How To Avoid Getting Snags

Sometimes when the fish are using heavy cover such as weed, stumps or even boulders, it may be necessary to use a slip-bobber rig when you are getting lots of snags.

Find Deep Pools When River Fishing Walleye

Walleye fishing in the interior rivers of Northwestern Ontario in summer is consistently best in the deep pools.

Working a slip-sinker rig or a leadhead tipped with a night crawler or plastic lure during low light periods will usually end with fish on the stringer. Minnows and leeches also work well for walleye.

fishing the river mouth - walleye shore lunch

Spring Walleye Fishing Techniques

What Is the Best Tackle to Catch Walleye?

For best results with any variety of walleye tackle, use a light weight mono-filament line, 2 to 6 pound test line and using a slow retrieve, and natural baits are great for catching walleye in the spring.

A sensitive rods made of graphite are great in feeling these light strikes.

Spring Walleye Fishing

Spring Walleye Fishing

In large rivers, back-trolling is most effective. Some days walleye seem to prefer a plain, standard hook and minnow or using a red or chartreuse beads forward of the hook (Little Joes spinners).

When the fish are active and suspended off the bottom, a floating jig or soft, plastic floater is more effective.

Regardless what bait is used, a good technique is alternately lifting the rod tip, hesitating, then lowering the bait and always letting it touch the bottom.

When spring fishing for walleye, always set the hook as quickly as possible after they strike, and do not allow any slack in the line. Leadhead and minnow combination work well for walleye when they are cast and retrieved slowly with a pumping action raising and lowering the rod tip. Where the water is deep, in the pools near falls or along river inlet bays, back trolling or casting with a spinner and minnow bait or a slip-sinker rig are also productive.

Walleye are usually concentrated near structures and over shallow shoals such as rock reefs or points.

Spring Walleye Fishing Techniques

How to Back Troll for Walleye

The most effective fishing method is slowly back trolling using a slip-sinker and minnow combination. This rig will allow a walleye to take the bait and move off without feeling the extra weight of the sinker. Slip-sinker rigs should be used like this. Put enough line so the sinker touches the bottom. With a very slow back and forth movement lift the sinker from the bottom, then let it settle back down to the bottom.

Walleye Fishing with a Spinning Reel

If you are using a spinning reel have the bail in an open position and hold the line with your fingertip. You will feel a slight movement in the line when the walleye bites. When this happens allow the line to feed off the reel until it stops. Count to 4 or 5 (depending on how aggressively they are striking) and close the bail. Then when the line tightens go ahead and set the hook.

Best Time to Cast for Walleye from Shore

At times during the spring period, walleye move into very shallow depths, especially near darkness. The best way to catch these fish is by long-line trolling a crank-bait or minnow plug type lure 100 to 150 feet or more behind the boat or just casting from shore into the shallows using a crank bait works well in the evenings.

How to Fish for Walleye

Some good fishing techniques for walleye include back trolling with a slip-sinker rig baited with a minnow or casting a leadhead tipped with a minnow. Read more on back-trolling and other ways to consistently catch walleye.

A location worth trying is a flowing inlet from an adjacent lake or marsh. The minor currents attract bait-fish and walleye move in to feed on them. Leadheads tipped with minnows or minnow plug type lures work real good.

Nice Walleye at Cat Island Lodge

Long-lining in early morning or late evening, close to a rocky shoreline or shallow reef with rocky structure with a floating diver rig can produce good walleye also.

How To Fish For Walleye in Deep Waters

A large chub baited slip-sinker rig or a leadhead jig preferably dark in color and tipped with a minnow — or a deep running plug are best for catching walleye in these deeper waters.

Rigging of a “stinger” hook will often mean the difference in fishing success if they are biting light. Sometimes walleye have a habit of striking short, and the minnow or lure will show cut marks on there body. Attach a small No. 10 or 12 treble hook to a single shank hook with a 3 or 4 inches of 10 Lb test monofilament line.

Presentation should be slower in fall, and make sure the bait or lure is moved just off the bottom. Here are a few tips for spring walleye fishing. Fishing in the rivers is best fishing in the deepest pools of the rivers. Walleye like to congregate in the deep holes as the water cools.

And remember slower is better.