How We Tested: What to Look for in a Good Minnow Trap Proven metal designs Folks who’ve never actually used a minnow trap will recommend fabric mesh designs. And at a glance, those tightly-woven sides look attractive. They’re ultra-light and often fold down to almost nothing. What’s not to like? Everything, actually! These mesh designs […]
Analysis and Results Power output Goldenmate produces deep-cycle batteries that are perfect for running trolling motors and other electronics on your boat. But as deep-cycle specific designs, they will not start your outboard. For that, you need a starting or dual-use battery. Deep-cycle batteries are designed to provide steady, long-lasting power, discharge deeply without damage, […]
While fishing when the bite just isn’t happening can be disheartening, trying to cast while covered in a swarm of mosquitos, blackflies, or no-see-ums is downright maddening. I’ve experienced the misery of mosquitos too many times myself, and I know how a bad bug season can drive you right off the water. Windy days can […]
If you grew up fishing mono like I did, you probably used nail clippers or your teeth to cut line and trim tag ends. And aside from a few chipped teeth and rusty clippers, you got the job done just fine. But the high-strength braided fishing lines common in bass fishing and in the salt […]
Fishing should be fun, but things can turn deadly serious in an instant. Every year, anglers have accidents that leave them in the water, and without a personal floatation device (PFD) or life jacket, tragedy can be just moments away. PFDs aren’t just a legal requirement; they’re true life savers. Never go out on the […]
While many people think life jackets are only for children or weak swimmers, the truth is that everyone should wear one. Obviously children should wear life jackets because even if they are good swimmers, it's easy for them to get fatigued or swept under by currents or fast moving waters. It's also against the law […]
Whether we’re in a boat or fishing the bank, as anglers, we all understand the importance of quality equipment. It’s part of the reason many of us are compulsive buyers. That equipment isn’t just limited to what we need to catch fish, but the tools required to make our lives easier. From cutting out line […]
As a veteran of many fishing camps, I’ve seen countless electric fillet knives in use. Real masters of the electric knife can reduce a red or speck to fillets, skin, and bones in just seconds - provided that the electric knife in question is sharp, powerful, and handy. Arguably superior to a fixed-blade fillet knife, […]
Jon boats of all sizes can be equipped with trolling motors, though there’s a big difference between a transom-mounted electric motor pushing an 16-foot jon boat and a bow-mounted trolling motor fighting a gentle current to hold a fisherman in place while he casts. Both of these options have a place on the water, solving […]
While bass boats dominate big lakes and center consoles rule the salt, the simple jon boat is perhaps the most efficient, effective choice for anglers and hunters who need to navigate shallow water. Built tough and sized right, jon boats are easy to tow, simple to store, and not nearly as expensive as larger fiberglass […]
Analysis and Results Garmin has largely ceded the mid-range to exceptional options like the Lowrance Elite FS and the Humminbird Helix series, and their own STRIKER series just can’t keep up with these once flagship models. But Garmin’s top-of-the-line ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv is equipped to give the incredible Lowrance’s HDS Live and Humminbird’s Solix a […]
From essentials like tackle to a set of clean, dry clothes, tons of anglers rely on a backpack for easy-to-carry storage. And whether you fish the bank, paddle a ‘yak, or jet across the lake in a bass boat, a good backpack is a great addition to your storage options. We’re not new to the […]
There’s never been a better time to be on the hunt for fishing electronics than now. The big names - Garmin, Humminbird, and Lowrance - are offering more powerful tech, better screens, more user-friendly controls, and better prices than ever before. And while screens and control heads are growing every year, there are still awesome […]
Costa Del Mar’s Fantail Pro are probably the best fishing sunglasses currently available. They're expensive - yes - but for anglers who see sunglasses that provide superior glare protection and water penetration as fishing tools rather than fashion statements, the Fantail Pro is very, very hard to beat. That’s a strong statement, so let’s back […]
Maybe you’re an avid ice angler, and you need a small, light power source for your flasher. Or perhaps you’re a kayak or inflatable boat fisherman, and you need a battery that can run your fish finder all day without upsetting your trim or wasting precious space. What both of these kinds of anglers have […]
Fish finders need power to run, and most anglers pair these powerful electronics with other juice-hungry options like trolling motors and live wells. When all’s said and done, that means you need a long-running, deep-discharging, fast-recharging battery to keep everything running as it should. On larger boats running big trolling motors, two or three 12V, […]
When it comes to fishing electronics, Lowrance is currently the name to beat. From their Elite series to the amazing HDS Live, they’re edging away from Humminbird, and leaving Garmin in the dust. So when Lowrance announced the arrival of a freshwater trolling motor with full networking capability, you can bet we were excited to […]
Everyone on the water knows the name Minn Kota, and there’s no more trusted manufacturer of trolling motors in the world, period. But with feature-rich options like Garmin’s Force and Lowrance’s Ghost demonstrating the cutting-edge of trolling motor tech, it’s fair to ask if options like the Terrova are still competitive. That’s not an easy […]
Anglers looking for a powerful, networked trolling motor are spoiled for choices like never before. Companies like Minn Kota/Humminbird and Lowrance now offer high-tech models with features like spot-lock and auto-navigation, as well as powerful communication with both fish finders and outboards. But let’s not forget about Garmin. Once the dominant name in automotive GPS, […]
Saltwater trolling motors take on two very different roles. First, there are trolling motors designed for transom mounting that replace a small gasoline-powered outboard. These are used as primary propulsion for small boats and kayaks, allowing anglers to get to and from their hot spots. Then there are the bow-mounted trolling motors for maneuvering large […]
For a long time, bank anglers were out of luck for fishing electronics. Even kayak and canoe fishermen could attach a transom- or hull-mounted fish finder and tilt the odds in their favor. But improvements in transducer tech and Bluetooth connectivity have enabled a new generation of tiny, castable fish finders that pair with smart […]
Anglers who want access to the water without the expense and hassle of a traditional boat will be excited to learn about Sea Eagle’s Stealth Stalker 10. This small inflatable is ideal for rivers, lakes, and ponds, easily outperforming Pond Prowlers and other comparable hard-hulled alternatives. Sea Eagle knows what anglers need, and they’ve designed […]
As boat prices rise, gas prices soar, and homes with big garages get more and more expensive, options for anglers who want to access the water are becoming increasingly restricted. Many of us can’t afford to spend $20,000 on a new bass boat, and fewer still have a place to store one where it won’t […]
Knot tying tools become essential for seasoned anglers. As we get older, most of us lose the ability to focus on things up close, a fact you’ll probably notice first when reading a menu or - for anglers - when trying to thread the eye of a hook, lure, or jig. Arthritis, injuries, age and […]
Loading a reel with line is an important step that’s easy to do wrong, and unless you’ve got a buddy - and a pencil - to create tension as you wind line on your arbor, you're going to do a bad job with that initial attempt. The solution is a line spooler, a tool that […]
Saltwater anglers know that delicious fillets are the ultimate reward offered by species like mackerel, redfish, speckled trout, and tuna, and a high-quality knife is the tool to free these slabs of meat from the ribs of fish. To do that well, a fillet knife needs a long, flexible, sharp blade and a handle that […]
The best part of fishing is the anticipation of what's waiting for you on the other end of your line. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, there's always something new to learn about this exciting hobby. And while the thrill of reeling in a big one sure is exciting, we know fishermen also love […]
Plenty of anglers need a portable fishing boat that can slip into the bed of a truck with just one or two people doing the heavy lifting is ideal. Kayaks definitely fit the bill, but for some fishermen, that just isn’t what they’re looking for. Instead, most of them want a more or less traditional […]
Whether you fish at night for catfish, casting big circle hooks armed with chicken liver into a quiet lake, or bait tiny hooks with maggots for trout, a good rod holder that holds fast to the bank is essential. Waiting is the name of the game, and most anglers prefer to do that without the […]
Proper maintenance is essential for your fishing reels. Ask any experienced angler, and they’ll tell you that if you want your reels to last - and perform like they did the day you bought them - the right grease and oil are critical. And while there are still fishermen out there who swear by Vaseline […]
Float tubes, sometimes called belly boats, are specialized fishing platforms that remind me a lot of an inflatable La-Z-Boy. Ideal for quiet ponds and lakes far from the beaten path, float tubes enable anglers to work the water - not just the shore - no matter how remote their chosen fishing destination. Lightweight and portable, […]
Talk to professional bass anglers, and they’ll tell you that tournaments are won (or lost) through time management. That’s one reason that tournament winners are willing to invest in bigger motors, more powerful electronics, and faster boats. Anything that saves time gives you those seconds and minutes back to catch fish. And whether that time […]
If there’s something all anglers learn to hate about nylon monofilament and fluorocarbon, it’s memory. These materials are cursed by physics to “remember” the shapes into which they’ve been formed, and after a while on your reel or on a replacement spool of line, they’ll stick doggedly to those tight rings and bends. The good […]
While folding chairs are a dime a dozen, fishing chairs that incorporate (or include) a rod holder are rarer than honest politicians. After an exhaustive search, we could only find two. But if you’re looking for a portable fishing chair that can double as a rod holder while you watch a bobber, we’ve got you […]
Pretty much every angler I know has more than a few rods. And while leaning them against a wall works for a while, the first time an expensive rod is damaged like that, most folks bite the bullet and buy a quality rack. Reliable storage options abound, but there are lemons out there, too. If […]
Anglers across America know that trolling is a fantastic technique to catch fish. Whether you prefer summertime crappie, walleye on the Great Lakes, or offshore salmon, it’s essential to realize that the right rod holder is just as important as proper tackle. But there are at least as many rod holder options out there as […]
Selecting a marine battery is typically an expensive proposition, and it’s critical to get the details right. That’s why we’ve spent so much time discussing this topic. One thing you’ll notice is that there are lots of technical specifications to keep in mind: battery types, Amp hours, cold cranking amps, reserve capacity, weights … the […]
Marine batteries are a significant investment, and whether we’re talking about a starting battery to crank up your outboard, a dual-use battery that can start your engine and run your electronics, or a dedicated trolling motor battery, you need to know that you can rely on them, 100% of the time. Proper maintenance is critical, […]
The first few times you hit the water as an archer, you can expect frustration. That’s just the way it is, and unless you’re an unusually seasoned hunter, your first 20, 30, or even 40 shots are going to miss. And that’s if you even see a shootable fish! But there are ways to shorten […]
A good point is more than a nice extra on your arrow. It’s essential. And whether you’re trying to stick big, nasty gar or shoot a fat cat, you need plenty of penetration and barbs that hold. That can be a tall order, and we’d like to help you make the best choice. Below, you’ll […]
The only thing connecting your arrow to your bow is a length of line, and when you hit a monster carp or a big blue cat, you’ll want that slender cable to act like it was made of steel. Suffice it to say that what counts as strong fishing line isn’t even beginning to register […]
As any archer can tell you, a good arrow is an essential part of your bowfishing system. And while a standard bow can get you on the water with few to no modifications, bowfishing arrows are a breed all their own. That can leave even experienced archers at a loss about what to look for, […]
No fishing bow is complete without a reel, and from simple drums to high-end retrievers, reel choice is critical to a successful hunt. Three options are common - retrievers, spincasters, and drums - and each has strengths and weaknesses. If you’re not sure where to start, we’re here to help. Below, you’ll find reviews of […]
Bowfishing offers a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled rush, turning fishing into something more akin to hunting. And as any aficionado of this rapidly growing sport will tell you, if you haven’t tried it, you really should! It’s easy to get started and tons of fun once you do - but you’ll need to invest in a good […]
Survival is something to take seriously. Whether you get lost on a long hike, get turned around in the woods while hunting, or find yourself without power or a grocery store after a hurricane, being prepared matters. Fishing is among the most energy-efficient ways to feed yourself in the wild, and a good survival fishing […]
If you find yourself struggling to bring all your gear from your vehicle to the water, you probably need a fishing cart. Designed around the needs of anglers, a good fishing cart can bear the burden of a full cooler, a few chairs, and all your tackle and bait. Ideal for anglers who fish from […]
A fish gripper is the ideal tool for handling medium to large fish, and for many anglers, it’s an essential piece of gear. In contrast to fish like largemouth bass, which are safe to lip by hand, species like muskie and pike, as well as saltwater favorites like bluefish and barracuda, sport a mouth full […]
I’ll bet there’s not an angler reading this who hasn’t used a big spoon or a butter knife to scale a fish. We’ve all been there, and it’s pretty much universally accepted that a good scaler is faster and does a better job. They offer better abrasive surfaces, handles designed for the task, and simply […]
I’ve caught coolers full of fish under a simple red and white fishing bobber, tossing my worms and hooks into the shallow water of a bluegill spawning bed. And legions of crappie have succumbed to the allure of the minnows thrashing beneath my slip floats. If you’re reading this, my guess is that you’ve had […]
If you’re in the market for a VHF radio, we’ve got you covered. Here, you’ll find a complete buying guide, as well as reviews of some of the top handheld and fixed mount VHF radios. Best Handheld VHF Radios Uniden MHS335BT - Best Budget Handheld VHF Radio ICOM IC-M93D Standard Horizon HX890 - Best Handheld VHF […]
Fish finder tech has come a long way, and beyond the hull-mounted transducers and consoles common on bass boats and the like, companies like Deeper now offer tiny, portable fish finders that you can cast from the shore or mount via transom to your kayak. Costing ten times less than traditional systems, you might be […]
I was fishing just north of Grande Isle, Louisiana, working a salt flat on the moving tide for reds. I had a live minnow swimming like mad under my Cajun Thunder popping cork, and it was only seconds before a monster bent my rod like I had hooked another boat. That pattern held up all […]
While bass boats may dominate your local lake on the weekends, legions of anglers are discovering the advantages of fishing from a canoe. Not only can you access water far too shallow for larger boats, hitting spots that hold unpressured fish, but you can also save tens of thousands of dollars by skipping the huge […]
If you’re in the market for a fishing cooler, you’re probably asking if the premium price tags on high-end coolers are worth it. The answer is probably yes. With durability that promises decades of all-season performance, premium fishing coolers are a breathtaking initial expense that makes long term financial sense. Spend a little more now, […]
Whether you chase slabs with minnows, toss shad to big cats, or throw shrimp to reds, you know that hot weather and live bait don’t mix. And to keep your expensive or hard-won bait at its best, you need a the best bait bucket that can provide hours--perhaps even days--of cool, aerated water. Unfortunately, bait […]
To get the most from your trolling motor, you need reliable, powerful batteries. Unfortunately, battery tech is confusing, and unless you really do your homework, you’ll shortchange your motor and yourself. Let’s clear up some confusion right away: while dual-use batteries can power a trolling motor, you won’t get the performance from them that you […]
Hooking and fighting are only the first steps in catching a fish - landing them is the difference between a memorable morning and the one that got away. Fishing nets are pretty much essential tools for avid anglers. They allow you to scoop a fish from the water much easier than you can with your […]
Sometimes, removing a hook can be simple, and it’s easy to pluck it right out. But when you’ve really buried a single hook, need to pull a treble hook free, or have a hook set too deep to reach with your fingers, the right tool is essential. And anytime you’re dealing with big, bad fish […]
From bright sun to errant hooks, fishing is harder on your eyes than the price of a new boat. If you’ve taken to the water without sunglasses, you know exactly what we mean. And as any optometrist can tell you, it’s unwise in the extreme to neglect quality eye protection, and plenty of ER doctors […]
Need to find a present for the man who means everything - and who has everything? That’s a tough order, but we’ve got you covered with a list of fishing gifts for dad that are sure to put a smile on your father's face. Fishing Gifts For Dad Under $10 When a hungry fish hits […]
*Bookmark this page and visit periodically. We update this page daily with new deals! Black Friday is the perfect time for anglers to snag the best deals on fishing tackle and gear. As the holiday season approaches, we're casting our nets to bring you the most impressive discounts on rods, reels, tackle boxes, and more. […]
Overall length: 7.25” Closed length: 4.25” Blade length: 3” Blade thickness: .12” Handle material: micarta Blade material: S30V Blade grind: hollow, with Buck’s Edge 2X geometry Locking mechanism: lockback Weight: 2.6 ounces The Basics series is essentially a modernization of the time-honored 110 and 112. Originally designed to offer something akin to the performance of […]
Have an angler in your life for whom you need a gift? Unsure what to get them? If you're looking for ideas for fishing Christmas gifts, birthday gifts, or just something creative for any occasion, we’d be delighted to help! Below, you’ll find a list of the best fishing gifts that run from inexpensive to […]
I’ve never gone fishing and not needed a knife. From line to rope, cutting bait to cleaning fish, a knife is essential gear for an angler, and indeed, any outdoorsmen. And whether you fish, hunt, camp, or hike, a good blade is a trusted companion and a thoroughly useful tool. In this article, I’ll review […]
Rods, reels, line, and lures may be sexy, but the humble battery charger keeps you fishing, day after day. Designed to provide the power you need to stay in the game, they’re an essential tool that every angler quickly learns to respect and appreciate. Most bass boats come with a charger and the option of […]
Ever been on the water and had your trolling motor die? Worse still, ever been miles from the boat ramp, tried to start your outboard, and got nothing? That’s a heart-sinking feeling you only need to experience once to learn to take batteries seriously! Marine batteries can be tricky business, and if you don’t know […]
Without a scale to weigh your fish, you’re just guessing. And if there’s one thing I’ve learned about angling over the years, it’s that “educated guesses” tend to grow with each telling. Yes, I’ve known a few people who could assess a bass to within a few ounces just by eye, but they’ve been rarer […]
If you want to get out onto the water, but don’t have a truck or trailer, you might consider an inflatable fishing boat. They’re also great for anglers on a tight budget, or for people who fish on lakes that limit engine horsepower. Far from pool toys, the most capable designs are used by special […]
Whether you're new to or experienced with trolling motors, it pays to do your homework before you pull the trigger on a model that won’t suit your needs or fit your boat. We’d like to help by offering a comprehensive guide to buying the best trolling motor, a few helpful pointers when selecting one, and […]
Whether you prefer the excitement of summer lake trout, the thrill of deep-running walleye, or the adrenaline rush of monster kokanee, there’s no better way to troll than a downrigger. Originally designed for commercial fishing, downriggers are now a popular technique for sport fishermen on large, deep lakes in the northern U.S and southern Canada […]
Some anglers lean toward minimalism, looking for a purity of experience that draws them into a deeper connection to nature. Think about fans of tenkara, for instance. But others are gear hounds, looking for tech that can help them catch more fish, more easily, and in greater comfort. Among them, you’ll find anglers looking for […]
If you’re an angler, there undoubtedly has been a time on the water when you’ve regretted not bringing a light to illuminate your environment. Be it in the dusk or the dark of night, or early in the morning before sunrise, a headlamp is an essential piece of gear that should always be brought along. […]
A good fillet knife is an essential tool for cleaning fish. Sharp, flexible, and secure in your hand, these long, thin knives make quick work of producing fillets for your table, and no serious angler doesn’t have at least one ready to go. But do you know what separates the best from the rest? If […]
Every time I’ve forgotten my fishing pliers, I’ve regretted it immediately. Pliers are an essential angling tool, and the range of tasks for which they’re perfect is almost endless. Need to clip hard-to-cut line? Check. Need to remove a deeply embedded hook or mash a few split shot? Check and check. Need to clip a […]
However awesome your flasher or fishfinder, there’s nothing like actually seeing the fish you’re after. And from species identification to indications of behavior, live video is an impressive tool to enhance your angling prowess. Indeed, plenty of hard-water anglers already know that “eyes-on” fishing will improve your success. But finding what you need isn't exactly […]
My grandfather’s tackle box was always a mess. He’d manage to find what he was looking for, though, often beneath a tangle of old line, a few steel leaders, and pliers so caked with rust that even a thorough soaking in WD-40 wouldn’t get them moving again. Much of it had to do with the […]
