Best fishing gear of 2024

Best Fishing Gear of 2024: Top Picks for Every Angler

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner looking to cast your first line, having the right gear can make all the difference. In 2024, the fishing industry continues to evolve with cutting-edge technology, lightweight materials, and gear designed for ultimate comfort and performance. We’ve compiled a list of the best fishing gear of 2024 to help you gear up for your next adventure on the water, with specific lakes in Northwest Montana where these pieces of gear will shine.

1. Best Overall Fishing Rod: St. Croix Avid Series

The St. Croix Avid Series offers the perfect balance of strength, sensitivity, and versatility, making it our top choice for all-around performance. Whether you’re targeting freshwater or saltwater species, this rod is built to last, with high-quality graphite construction and premium components.

• Why We Love It: Exceptionally sensitive, lightweight, and responsive.
• Perfect for: Anglers who need a versatile rod for various fishing styles.
• Recommended Lakes:
  • Flathead Lake – Ideal for trolling and casting for lake trout, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch.
  • Whitefish Lake – Great for targeting rainbow trout and kokanee salmon.

2. Best Fishing Reel: Shimano Stradic FL Spinning Reel

When it comes to spinning reels, the Shimano Stradic FL is a top contender in 2024. Known for its smooth drag system, durability, and corrosion resistance, this reel is perfect for both freshwater and saltwater fishing.

• Why We Love It: Powerful drag system, lightweight yet strong, and built to withstand harsh conditions.
• Perfect for: Anglers who want top-tier performance for all types of fishing.
• Recommended Lakes:
  • Lake McDonald – Excellent for catching a variety of fish, including rainbow and brown trout.
  • Echo Lake – A great spot for bass fishing with the Shimano Stradic for smooth, consistent performance.

3. Best Fly Rod: Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod

The Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod delivers exceptional performance at an affordable price. Its lightweight, balanced design and fast action make it a great choice for both beginners and intermediate anglers looking to up their fly fishing game.

• Why We Love It: Affordable, durable, and perfect for freshwater fly fishing.
• Perfect for: Fly fishing enthusiasts looking for value without compromising on quality.
• Recommended Lakes:
  • Swan Lake – Known for its scenic beauty and diverse fish species, ideal for fly fishing for cutthroat trout.
  • Kootenai River – Great for casting flies for rainbow and brown trout.

4. Best Fishing Line: PowerPro Spectra Fiber Braided Line

For ultimate strength and sensitivity, the PowerPro Spectra Fiber Braided Line is our pick for 2024. Its thin diameter and ultra-strong fibers make it ideal for catching everything from bass to big-game species. The line is resistant to abrasion and provides better sensitivity than traditional monofilament lines.

• Why We Love It: Exceptional strength-to-diameter ratio, highly durable, and zero stretch.
• Perfect for: Anglers who demand strength and precision.
• Recommended Lakes:
  • Bitterroot Lake – Ideal for large species like pike and walleye, where durable, strong lines are a must.
  • Flathead Lake – Perfect for handling the powerful lake trout, where sensitivity and strength are essential.

5. Best Fishing Tackle Box: Plano Edge 3700

The Plano Edge 3700 tackle box is a game-changer when it comes to organization. Featuring a waterproof design and a sturdy, easy-to-carry case, it keeps your tackle, lures, and hooks neatly organized and ready for action.

• Why We Love It: Efficient organization, waterproof, and durable.
• Perfect for: Anglers who value organization and easy access to their gear.
• Recommended Lakes:
  • Mission Mountain Lake – A quiet lake that requires a well-organized tackle box to store various bait and lures.
  • Seeley Lake – Ideal for having an organized system when targeting a variety of species.

6. Best Fishing Vest: Gonex Fly Fishing Vest

The Gonex Fly Fishing Vest offers comfort, breathability, and ample storage for all your essential fishing tools. Made with lightweight, quick-drying fabric, it’s ideal for long days out on the water.

• Why We Love It: Lightweight, plenty of pockets for gear, and quick-drying fabric.
• Perfect for: Anglers who need a functional vest that’s comfortable for all-day wear.
• Recommended Lakes:
  • Lake Alva – Ideal for long summer fishing trips with plenty of gear at hand.
  • Flathead Lake – A great choice for anglers who want to stay cool and organized throughout the day.

7. Best Fishing Boots: Simms Freestone Wading Boots

For anglers who need durable and waterproof boots for wet, rocky environments, the Simms Freestone Wading Boots are the top choice in 2024. With excellent traction, ankle support, and water resistance, these boots are built for serious fishing trips.

• Why We Love It: Sturdy, waterproof, and provides superior grip and comfort.
• Perfect for: Anglers who want high-performance boots for any fishing environment.
• Recommended Lakes:
  • Kootenai River – For anglers exploring rocky rivers or the shoreline of lakes, these boots offer the traction needed.
  • Fish Creek Pond – Ideal for slippery, wet conditions where stability is key.

8. Best Fish Finder: Garmin Striker 4 Fish Finder

The Garmin Striker 4 is one of the best fish finders of 2024. Compact and easy to use, this device offers high-definition scanning and accurate depth readings, helping you find fish more efficiently and spend less time guessing where they are.

• Why We Love It: User-friendly, accurate, and portable with a bright, clear display.
• Perfect for: Anglers who want an affordable yet highly effective fish finder.
• Recommended Lakes:
  • Flathead Lake – Large and deep, perfect for using a fish finder to locate lake trout and bass.
  • Lake Mary Ronan – Perfect for finding fish in this smaller, but deep, lake.

9. Best Fishing Cooler: YETI Tundra 45

The YETI Tundra 45 cooler is built to keep your catch fresh and your drinks cold all day. Known for its durability and outstanding ice retention, it’s perfect for any fishing trip, no matter the conditions.

• Why We Love It: Keeps ice for days, durable, and easy to transport.
• Perfect for: Anglers who need a cooler that stands up to tough conditions and long days on the water.
• Recommended Lakes:
  • Whitefish Lake – A large cooler is ideal for storing your catch after a successful fishing day.
  • Lake McDonald – Ideal for packing lunch and storing fish during a long day on the water.

10. Best Fishing Sunglasses: Costa Del Mar Fantail Sunglasses

Protect your eyes from the sun and the water’s glare with the Costa Del Mar Fantail Sunglasses. Known for their high-quality polarized lenses, these sunglasses offer superior clarity and UV protection, making them perfect for long days of fishing.

• Why We Love It: Polarized lenses reduce glare, and the lightweight frame is perfect for all-day wear.
• Perfect for: Anglers who want maximum protection and comfort during their fishing trips.
• Recommended Lakes:
  • Swan Lake – A stunning lake with clear water, making polarized lenses essential to cut glare and spot fish.
  • Lake Koocanusa – Known for its bright sunlight and reflection off the water, these sunglasses will ensure better visibility.

Whether you’re casting from the shore, fly fishing in a mountain stream, or out on a boat, the right gear makes all the difference. These top fishing picks for 2024, paired with some of the best lakes in Northwest Montana, offer durability, performance, and ease of use to help you make the most of your time on the water. Gear up with confidence and get ready for your next fishing adventure!