This page was last updated on: December 23, 2022
GeoFisher's BWCA and Quetico Web Site
Equipment List: Fishing
Fishing Rods: For anyone planning a serious fishing trip into the BWCA or Quetico, a decent fishing rod is a necessity. I don't advocate using top of the line G Loomis rods and Shimano Stella reels when in these areas. The risk is too great for using really high quality stuff. Rods that I prefer "up there" are Berkley IM7 rods. These can be purchased from nearly anywhere, including Cabela's, Bass Pro Shops, Wal-Mart, KMart, and some Target Stores.
Fishing Rods: I also like to use the cheaper Berkley Lightning Rod. This fishing rod is really versatile, and can handle many different tasks. I like to use a 6ft medium light rod for jigging for walleye.
Fishing Reels: When fishing the BWCA and Quetico, I've found that I like Shimano 2000 series reels. My personal favorite is the Stradic. This reel handles smallies, walleye, and northern with ease. I have used two Stradic fishing reels for the last 3 years, and have no complaints. As with all equipment, proper care and maintenance is required to keep these reels in top fishing condition.
Fishing Reels: I also like the Shimano Symetre 2000. This reel is what I consider an entry level fishing reel for any serious fisherman. The reel is pretty smooth, and can handle any fish the BWCA or Quetico can throw at it. I have also used a Symetre for the past 4 seasons "up there".
Tackle Box: I have used many different tackle combinations, from hard tackle boxes to soft tackle boxes, to simply throwing a bunch of stuff together in a drybag. The best solution that I have found, it to use a softpack tackle box. Bass Pro Shops and Cabela's carry many different lines of soft tackle systems.
Fishing Vest: My fishing system includes a fishing vest. The soft tackle box that I take is primarily used for replenishing fishing stock that has been depleted out of my fishing vest. In most cases, the soft tackle box is not used when fishing. The only exceptions are when fishing on the way in/out, or when we are traveling and plan on fishing on the way. In most cases, especially on daytrip fishing excursions, the fishing vest, and 2 fishing poles are the only equipment that are taken.
Landing Net: Although not considered a requirement, I feel that a landing net should be taken on all trips to the BWCA and Quetico......if possible. You never know when you will tangle with a lunker smallmouth, or a huge northern, or that mad dog walleye. I'd hate to lost a fish of a lifetime because I wanted to shave a few pounds from my pack. After all..........the trip is a fishing trip. Shave some weight somewhere else.
Stringer: Now that you've caught that non-lunker, perfect eating' size fish, be it smallmouth, northern, or walleye.........you need a good, quality, and quiet stringer. I use a nylon coated steel stringer. This stringer is strong, and keeps the noise down to a minimum. After all........you are here to catch fish. If you make so much noise dragging a fish around......that metal stringer clanking on everything, you're not going to catch as many fish. If on the other hand, you are completely CPR........leave the stringer at home.
Multi Tool: This is also one of those non-essential items that I personally like to have on my person. I like this version for many reasons, but primarily, it can cut a 5/0 Owner hook clean. This is important. If you have ever had a hook embedded deep in your hand, you know what I mean. Also, I like this item, because it just feels right, and has many different and very functional tools.
