Head-to-head
Smallmouth Bass vs Atlantic Salmon
How the tackle for smallmouth bass and atlantic salmon compares, and whether one setup can reasonably cover both.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons (free licences) — credits on each species page.
Last reviewed 26 September 2026 · Editorial policy
Side by side
Tackle comparison
| Smallmouth Bass | Atlantic Salmon | |
|---|---|---|
| Water | Freshwater | Both |
| Regions | US, CA | UK, EU, CA, US |
| Typical weight | 1–4 lb | 5–20 lb |
| Main line | 6–12 lb | 15–25 lb |
| Rod | Medium-Light to Medium, fast action, 6.5–7 ft | Double-handed 13–15 ft fly rod, or heavy spinning rod, 11–15 ft |
| Reel | 2500 spinning | Large-arbor fly reel with strong drag, 8–10wt |
| Hooks | 1–2/0 finesse hooks; size 1–4 trebles | Size 4–12 salmon tubes and doubles |
| Best conditions | Clear water, 55–75°F (13–24°C), moving water or wind-blown rock banks. | A falling river after rain, with water temperature above about 42°F (6°C). |
Verdict
Can one setup do both?
Line ranges don't overlap
Smallmouth Bass typically needs 6–12 lb line and atlantic salmon 15–25 lb. The gap is big enough that separate outfits are the sensible choice.
Shared methods
Techniques that work for both
Fly Fishing
Casting a weighted line that carries a nearly weightless artificial fly to the fish.
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