In a world increasingly threatened by environmental degradation, the beloved pastime of fishing is more than just casting a line; it is a call to stewardship, a challenge, a duty that every angler must embrace. Imagine a future where your grandchildren can experience the same thrill you felt as a child, the first time you […]
I have to admit it: I haven't been giving tubes the love they deserve. In my tackle arsenal, tubes have definitely taken a back seat to creature baits like the Rage Tail Craw, Yum’s Wooly Bug, and the Zoom Brush Hog. And if you’re anything like me, and I’ll bet you are, it’s been a […]
Buzzbaits may be old school, but they still have a lot to teach bass fishermen about how to cover water quickly and fish shallow cover! Once an almost forgotten option, buzzbaits are getting more attention as anglers look for something that isn’t like what everyone else is throwing. And the more that people fish them, […]
Anytime the light is disrupted, say on an overcast, windy day - spinnerbaits can be magical. And because you have so many choices of color, blade shape, and even trailer, they’re amazingly versatile, wherever and whenever you fish. But to get the most from your spinnerbaits, whether you want to buzz them just under the […]
The first thing many of us think about when we hear the word shad is bait. Whether you fish for bass, catfish, any fish, really, shad are a favorite, so it’s understandable that our minds immediately go there. While it’s true that shad are an excellent bait and a major food source for most fish, […]
Goliath Grouper. With a name like that, it’s not surprising that they’re a wildly popular sport fish. After all, who doesn’t like the idea of chasing giant, prehistoric-looking fish? But as with most sport fish, the question arises can you eat goliath grouper? The answer could be a simple yes, but this is a very […]
Ladyfish, also known as Elops saurus, is a species of fish found in coastal waters and estuaries along the Atlantic, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean regions. It is a member of the herring family and is known for its elongated body and silver color. But, can you eat ladyfish? The answer is yes, you can […]
Bonefish, also known as Albula vulpes, is a species of fish found in shallow saltwater habitats such as seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs. They are popular game fish and are known for their speed and agility. But, can you eat bonefish? The answer is yes, you can eat bonefish. In fact, bonefish is considered […]
Paddlefish, also known as spoonbill or spoonbill catfish, is a species of freshwater fish that is found primarily in the Mississippi River basin and the Gulf Coast of the United States. While it is not as well-known as other freshwater fish, it is considered to be a delicious and nutritious food source. In this article, […]
Marlin is a large predatory fish that is highly prized for its firm, flavorful meat. However, due to its size and reputation as a game fish, many people may question whether it is safe and healthy to eat marlin. In this article, we will explore the nutritional value, culinary uses, safety concerns, and sustainable fishing […]
Barracuda is a predatory fish that is often considered inedible due to its potential to cause ciguatera fish poisoning. However, with proper preparation and handling, barracuda can be a delicious and nutritious addition to your diet. In this article, we will explore the nutritional value, culinary uses, safety concerns, and sustainable fishing practices of eating […]
Fish eyes are a lesser-known edible part of a fish, and many people may not be aware that they can be consumed. But, is it safe and healthy to eat fish eyes? In this article, we will explore the nutritional value, culinary uses, safety concerns, and sustainable fishing practices of eating fish eyes. Related: Can […]
Fish scales are the small, hard, and often shiny plates that cover the skin of fish. They are generally considered to be inedible and are typically removed before cooking and eating the fish. However, some cultures and cuisines have found ways to incorporate fish scales into their dishes, leading to the question: can you eat […]
Saltwater catfish, also known as gafftopsail catfish, are a popular game fish found in the Gulf of Mexico and along the Atlantic coast. They are known for their hard-fighting nature and delicious taste. But is it safe to eat saltwater catfish? Keep reading to find out! Related: Can you eat Shark? Eating Saltwater Catfish Safety […]
We get a lot of questions here at USAngler, and one of the most common concerns is "How Long Does Fishing Line Last?". Can you leave the line on your spool from last season and start fishing? Probably, but not certainly. Can you grab the line from last season, spool it on, and expect it […]
If there’s one thing I heard as a kid from my dad and grandpa, it was, “don’t make noise while you’re fishing, son!” I’ll bet you hear the same thing - or have said it yourself! But it turns out that the fear of spooking fish by talking or making noise is mostly a myth, […]
For reasons that are not entirely understood, the lunar cycle affects fishing. And plenty of anglers avoid a full moon, believing that the fish simply aren’t biting when the moon is round and bright. I don’t believe that’s true, and you shouldn’t either. A full moon, among other things, creates more subsurface light than is […]
Let’s discuss the elephant in the room right off the bat: if you want to make money sport fishing, it’s going to be tough. Pursuing a career as a fisherman on the Bass Pro Tour is very much like chasing down your dream of playing football in the NFL or basketball for the NBA. Lots […]
Small shad are fantastic live bait for a variety of species, and as long as you keep them well-oxygenated, they’re hardy and lively. Most anglers use a cast net to gather shad for bait, but we often get asked about alternatives. Can you catch shad without a cast net? The basic answer is no - […]
Avid fishermen are always looking for new places to fish, especially lakes and ponds with little to no pressure. And if you live near a golf course, you’ve no doubt felt the temptation to see if there were nice fish hiding in those undisturbed waters. I get you! You can really feel that temptation when […]
While you can throw on any old t-shirt and hit the water, that’s not a smart choice. As seasoned anglers can tell you, sun protection is critical to avoid long-term problems, and skin cancer is nothing to play around with. Moreover, you need real comfort like venting and micro-light fabrics to take hours in the […]
Most species of fish are capable of biting, but there’s quite a bit of difference in what that might mean for you. The giant and docile whale shark, which feeds on microscopic plankton, has a mouth into which you could slide your hand. You might even feel rough surfaces there, but a “bite” - no […]
For anglers in search of a versatile, easy-to-assemble rig for bottom fishing, the three-way rig is an essential. Often used in catfishing with live bait and when hunting walleye to get a lure where it can find wallies when they've retreated from the heat, it’s an excellent choice for almost any situation where depth is […]
Whether you fish for bass in a quiet pond, fight catfish on a muddy river, or work the surf hoping for a bull red, the right rig can make all the difference. More than just a way to attach terminal tackle, fishing rigs are designed for different purposes and techniques. And the best of them […]
I must admit to a life-long love affair with the rooster tail, and when I’m fishing a new lake, pond, or river, you can bet that the first thing I’ll tie on is one of these bad boys. New anglers may be confused by the appeal of the humble rooster tail, and among lures, it […]
Most of the advice out there about how to find a good fishing spot isn’t very helpful, and if you’re new to fishing, you probably don’t have a boat and powerful fishing electronics. Instead, you’re probably fishing from the bank or paddling a canoe or kayak. If you feel that this puts you at a […]
Fishing with a bobber or float of some kind is a common technique for panfish species like bluegill, perch, and crappie. And the excitement of watching your bobber get dunked and fighting a big bluegill into your hand is something no fisherman ever forgets. For new anglers, the right techniques to set up a fishing […]
At first glance, goldfish look like an attractive live bait option. Easy to come by in pet stores and giant retailers, goldfish are readily available pretty much wherever you live and fish. And there’s no questioning their hardiness, which is why they’re popular for small aquariums and as first pets for kids. But most states […]
You’ll occasionally run into advice online that suggests that there’s a style of fishing called “cast and retrieve.” The advice runs something like this: Cast your lure out and reel it back in. How deep your lure runs depends on the speed of your retrieve, the design of your lure, and how high you hold […]
The idea of “bottom fishing” covers a wide array of techniques in both fresh- and saltwater. The basic concept, of course, is to weight a rig and work the bottom, whether that be on a bass pond with a Texas Rig, on a shallow flat with a Fireball Rig, or in the Great Lakes with […]
As anglers across America will tell you, trolling is one of the most effective ways to catch fish. And from the Great lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, the Florida Keys to Alaska, fishermen are proving that true year after year. Some fishermen think trolling is too simple to count as “real” fishing. They’re wrong. […]
Drift fishing is a time-honored technique that provides a realistic presentation while allowing you to reach fish you can’t possibly cast to. Popular for species as diverse as bluegill and steelhead, it’s an exceptional method to catch fish in rivers and streams as well as being applied on lakes and inshore from a boat drifting […]
Fishing with live bait from a boat, bank, or pier is a time-honored tradition and an effective way to catch fish. Especially for new anglers, it’s probably their first experience on the water and their initial chance to get hooked on the sport. We love the idea of more people taking up fishing, and we’d […]
We occasionally field some pretty weird questions here at USAngler, and we’ve got one for you today. Can you use hotdogs as bait? That may sound crazy, but the qualified answer is yes. Catfish and pike are known to take hotdogs, and plenty of experienced catfishermen swear by hotdogs that have been marinated in secret […]
For new anglers, how exactly to attach a sinker to a line may seem somewhat mysterious. And since sinkers are essential components of rigs as far-ranging as the Fish Finder Rig for surf casting to the famous Texas Rig for bass fishing, knowing how to attach a sinker is pretty much essential knowledge. The thing […]
The logic behind chumming is simple and convincing: by offering fish something that smells and tastes good, they are simultaneously attracted to where you’re fishing and primed to strike. And there’s simply no question that chumming works. In some cases, chumming is as simple as throwing a handful of corn into the water, but in […]
Plenty of anglers use corn as bait, most commonly for carp but also for species as diverse as crappie, bluegill, and kokanee (non-migrating salmon). Not only is corn cheap and readily available, but it’s also easy to rig on a hook and cost-effective. And plenty of fish will take it if you let it settle […]
If you fish long enough, you’ll inevitably foul-hook a fish. You’ll be ripping a crankbait, spoon, or in-line spinner through the water, and you’ll accidentally make contact with a fish somewhere on its body. That sharp hook will drive home, and you’ll end up with a fish that’s hooked in the head, body, or tail […]
A great many styles of fishing sinker exist, each with a purpose or technique for which it was designed. And while choosing a sinker isn’t terribly complicated, knowing the ins and out of sinkers makes a big difference in how effective your rig will be. For instance, too much weight will deaden your bait or […]
If you list the many things that new anglers need to master, you’ll find live bait near the top. Often the most productive means to get fish biting, the right live bait, rigged properly, is fundamental to successful fishing. And as complicated as the subject might seem at first, we’ll help you break it down, […]
Topwater lures are effective from spring through to fall, triggering strikes from sluggish as well as aggressive fish. They’re also exciting to fish because when they get hit, they get hit hard! New anglers need to learn all they can about topwater lure options and techniques, and it’s worth taking a deep dive into the […]
As a new angler, it’s important to get a sense of your lure options. One of the most effective, versatile lures ever made is the jig, and if you ask fishermen anywhere in America, you’ll find plenty of jigs in their tackle boxes. Why? They’re easy to rig, easy to fish, and incredibly effective. Let’s […]
To new anglers, spoons may not look like much. Little more than asymmetrical metal blades with a hook, it’s hard to see much promise in them. But experienced anglers know that spoons can be deadly for everything from redfish to pike, and only a fool turns his nose up at a gold or silver spoon. […]
When the weather’s warm and the bass are keyed in on prey items like frogs, large insects, and minnows, the time’s right to throw a popper. Easily one of the most effective bass lures in summer, poppers are effective all day, from morning to night. New fishermen shouldn’t underestimate the power of the popper, and […]
Spinnerbaits are a popular choice for bass. Combining vibration, color, and flash, they offer a combo that’s very hard to beat. For new anglers, spinnerbaits may be something of a mystery, and it’s certainly true that you don't fish them quite like you’d expect. If you’re just beginning your fishing adventure, learning the basics of […]
Folks new to fishing may not be familiar with the swimbait, but I promise you, you want to be! Designed to look and move like a fish, swimbaits are easy to cast and fish, and they’ve proven incredibly productive in every season. Let’s take a close look at the swimbait and get you in the […]
Believe it or not, the way you handle and release fish is one of the most important things you can do for the future of the sport. Improper fish handling kills nearly as many fish as gut hooking, and while it’s relatively simple to do, plenty of anglers don’t know how to do it right. […]
The excitement of the fight is a big part of what keeps anglers coming back to the water, and knowing how to reel in the fish you’ve hooked is an important part of learning the sport. What you may not realize, though, is that your technique needs to be adjusted to the size and strength […]
As an angler new to the sport, you may not know much about setting the hook on a fish, and truth be told, it takes a bit of practice to get it right. There’s more than one way to do it, depending on the hook you’re using and the specifics of the lure or bait. […]
In the hot, withering days of summer, clear blue skies invite lots of people to the water, including anglers. But veteran fishermen know that bright sun and cloudless skies can kill the bite, making a fishing trip little more than an exercise in frustration. But when the weather turns cool and clouds move in, they’ll […]
On rivers and streams in salmon country, Halloween brings horrors that rival The Walking Dead. Terrifying “zombie fish” swim these cold, shallow waters, offering a spooky sight that hard-core fishermen know all too well. And while this sounds like fake news, it’s anything but. If you want to know about these real-life zombie fish, keep […]
As bowfishing has grown in popularity, the once-despised carp has gained a following among anglers. And while it’s still unlikely to be fished by rod and reel, targeting carp species with a bow and arrow is increasingly common. It’s easy to see why: launching arrows into the water and fighting massive carp back to the […]
Experienced bass anglers know that giving the fish something they don’t see every weekend improves the odds of a strike. And while everyone else throws every variety of crankbait, jerkbait, Senko, and spinner, they reach for something else. What’s that magic alternative, you ask? The fluke! Shaped like a fish and sporting a wriggling, vibrating […]
Eye protection is always critical on the water, and it’s something we’ve discussed before. From preventing eye strain, to shielding your eyes from UV, to guarding against errant hooks, a good pair of sunglasses is essential. But choosing the right pair isn’t as easy as selecting a style you like and heading to your cart […]
Every angler knows that fish is at its best when it’s as fresh as possible, and nothing beats the flavor you get when you dispatch, clean, and cook your catch immediately. But that’s not always possible or practical, and storing fish in a livewell, cooler, or refrigerator is common. As a result, lots of folks […]
Battery selection for your trolling motor is critical, and the wrong choice can spell bad outcomes that range from underperformance to total failure. Fortunately, once you understand the basics, it’s easy to figure out what you need. We’ve had a lot to say about trolling motor batteries before, and if you want to know all […]
Picking the right size trolling motor for your boat can be a bit confusing, but getting this right is critical. First, you need to calculate how much thrust you need from your motor; second, you need to measure to ensure you select the right shaft length; and third, you need to match the power output […]
Battery tech can be confusing, and with a wide range of battery types and options on the market, it can get downright complicated to know which is the right battery for you. One question we get asked a lot is, “Can I use a car battery to power my trolling motor?” The short answer is […]
Plenty of freshwater anglers find themselves headed to the salt for a day or two a year. And inevitably, they ask whether a freshwater trolling motor can be used in saltwater. The simple answer is yes. But there are reasons you might not want to. Even the best freshwater trolling motors aren’t designed to withstand […]
Are you new to fishing and eager to make your first catch? Or maybe you’re an experienced fisherman with years of angling knowledge. Either way, you will need an essential item: a great fishing knife, as it is a necessary tool for fishing. An excellent fishing knife is a tool you can rely on whenever […]
Ask any angler who makes a living on the water, and they’ll tell you that weather matters. Tournament champions, professional guides, and charter captains study the skies and the weather reports, keep track of air and water temperature, and watch barometric pressure and moon phases like a hawk hunting a country road. Their livelihood depends […]
Drones are taking over and becoming more commonplace these days and a fishing drone can change your experience entirely. Fishing with a drone is becoming very fashionable and it is great and fun as the traditional way of fishing, so there is no reason to deprive yourself of the pleasure it brings! But you must […]
After repeated use fishing line takes a beating and needs to be replaced. If you continue to fish the same line you will lose your catch. In this article, we'll discuss how to replace fishing line. Related: Best Fishing Line How to Replace a fishing line The process of replacing a fishing line may occur […]
Can fish see fishing line? Do they turn out to be line shy? A fast look at the various lines available shows that there are a lot of fishers who have the thought. So a nice inquiry to make is if fish have the ability to see line, is it much better to utilize a […]
So, you have found yourself in a survival situation and your only source of food close by is a stream. You have tried to plan as much as possible but you don’t have your bug out bag with you. But do have some paracord, a few safety pins, compass and a pocket pruning saw! If […]
The humble grub, a soft plastic bait with a short fat body and a wriggling tail, is an essential in almost every angler’s tacklebox - and for good reason. The curly-tailed grub and its many variations are deadly on everything from crappie to largemouth bass, flounder to perch, and salmon to walleye. And though tiny, […]
Can you get a fishing license at Walmart? Yes. Prior to online services, Walmart was the place to go for fishing licenses. It’s still a great option, especially given its selection of must-haves like sunscreen, coolers, lures, and line. If you want to better understand the process and make it as smooth as possible, keep […]
Fishing exposes anglers to the worst Mother Nature has to offer. And as in most outdoor activities, the right clothing is essential to protect yourself from the elements. From sun to rain, heat to bitter cold, clothing selection is critical. But if you’re not sure where to start, we’ve got you covered. We’ll discuss what […]
Choosing your fishing line color can be complicated, and it’s important to understand that the “best” color depends on your situation and needs. For instance, if you’re fishing for crappie and really need to keep track of multiple rods and detect every light strike, a bright yellow, high-visibility line might be the best choice. But […]
The fishing lure industry banked an incredible $1.3 billion in 2019 - and yes, that’s billion with a “B.” Moreover, the combined annual growth rate for this figure stands at roughly 4.1%, and that’s during an economy plagued by COVID and reduced consumer spending. By catering to the desires of anglers and employing research and […]
If you’re a regular angler, or just a home cook who likes to prepare fish, you’ll know exactly why people ask this question. Handling even the freshest fish can leave your hands smelling off, and the more contact you have with fish slime, flesh, and blood, the stronger that odor will get. In the kitchen, […]
Fishing with nightcrawlers is a time-honored tradition, and there’s no questioning the effectiveness of a fat, wriggling worm on your hook. If you’re an avid angler and you like DIY projects, you can skip the bait store and easily produce a never-ending supply of nightcrawlers at home. If that sounds like a tempting proposition, we’ve […]
Tying crankbaits isn’t exactly rocket science, but it’s something people ask a lot about nonetheless. Which knot is the best for crankbaits? Should you use snaps or just tie directly to the split ring? These choices matter, both in terms of how quickly you can get your lure back in the water as well as […]
Crankbaits, like jerkbaits and chatterbaits, are among the most misunderstood lure options despite also being among the most popular. In some sense, they’re a counter-intuitive lure: loaded with sharp treble hooks, they’re meant to be run into sticks, stumps, logs, rocks, and other cover that threatens to snag them faster than a new shirt in […]
What’s the difference between a jerkbait and a crankbait? If you ask the internet, you’ll get answers about lip shapes, body styles, depths to which they run, and maybe even the number of hooks they wear. What you won’t find is the real answer: they’re totally different lures that just happen to look a lot […]
The need to connect two lines is common in angling, typically when joining mainline to leader or tippet. And whether you chase tuna offshore, hunt bass on a southern pond, or trick trout with a dry fly, knowing how to connect two lines is essential. But as any experienced angler can tell you, that point […]
Can you eat snook? Yes! As anglers from Florida to Texas can tell you, snook are as good to eat as they are exciting to catch. Related: Can You Eat Bonefish? Can You Eat Shark? What are Snook? Known to science as Centropomus undecimalis, the common snook is a warm, shallow water fish abundant along […]
In clear water, there’s probably no lure as effective as a jerkbait. That’s a strong claim, and we need to back it up. Because jerkbaits mimic the movement of injured baitfish, when fished right, they trigger a primal reaction in bass. And as pros like Kevin VanDam will tell you, they’ll come farther to hit […]
Fishing with live bait is a time-honored tradition, and most anglers get their start - and never stop loving - throwing a worm under a bobber of some kind. Easy to rig and terribly effective, live worms are among the most common bait choices pretty much anywhere you fish in America. But if you're new […]
While plenty of anglers practice catch and release, especially with sport fish like bass, there are good reasons to engage in some selected culling. And when we start talking about panfish, specks, trout, walleye, salmon, and other delicacies we fight with our rods and reels, keeping a few for dinner is the rule, not the […]
Live minnows are an ultra-effective bait for everything from crappie to catfish and walleye to pike, as many savvy anglers can attest. As you’d expect, most predatory species include a variety of minnows in their diets, and their senses are primed to detect the subtle motions and sounds and attractive scent of small, live fish. […]
Most anglers know that a “fast” gear ratio means that you can expect a reel to pick up lots of line per turn of the handle, and speed is certainly one of the aspects of reels that receives attention in advertising. But beyond that, there are mostly unanswered questions: Are stainless gears better than brass? […]
Pretty much every angler I know has a few old reels lying around, and short of turning them into questionable home decor, all of us wonder what can be done with them. Here’s a short list of ideas that can help you decide what to do with your old fishing reels. Related: Top Fishing Reels […]
Bearings are a critical component in any fishing reel, and a product with lots of them typically touts that as a virtue. Of course, “lots” is relative, and maybe seven counts as a “lot” for me, while 15 is the high end for you. But numbers don’t always mean quality, and there’s a lot of […]
If you start a discussion about using clips or snaps with crankbaits, you’re liable to hear some strong opinions. And for every angler who swears by them, there’s another fisherman who won’t use them. I can see both sides, having occupied both positions over my fishing career, and I’ll give time to the arguments, both […]
Here, you'll learn everything you need to know about all the types of fishing hooks: sizes, parts, points, gauges, and styles. Related: Best Fishing Hooks Also Read: Types of Fishing Rods Types of Fishing Reels Types Of Fishing Lures Types of Fishing Line Types of Fishing Bobbers Types of Fishing Bait Types of Fishing Sinkers […]
When you hook live bait, you’re trying to accomplish three things. First, you want to keep your bait on the hook. Second, you (generally) want to keep your bait alive as long as you can. And third, you want to place your hook where it has the highest probability of a strong hookset. That doesn’t […]
Can you eat piranha? In short, Yes! You might not find them on the menu at your favorite restaurant, and they probably can’t be caught near where you live, but if you’re ever in a position to eat one - tuck in! What are Piranha? Piranha are a varied lot, and science doesn’t know that […]
Building a relationship with your children, grandchildren, nieces, or nephews can be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. And developing this bond while sharing your love of fishing--well, that’s just icing on the cake! But to kindle a life-long love of fishing in the next generation involves more than just inviting them […]
If you’re new to fishing or just a die-hard single species angler, you may not be familiar with every bobber option out there. And from tiny wobblers for panfish to massive popping corks, you can pretty much guarantee that there’s just the right option for your needs. Keep reading for a complete rundown of the […]
I’ve done an awful lot of fishing from the bank, and most anglers I know have, too. And while it can sometimes feel like you're missing out--that if you only had a boat, you could fish that perfect spot that’s unreachable from shore--the truth is that fishing from the bank doesn’t need to be a […]
Muskie vs Pike: these not-so-gentle giants fire the imagination of anglers. Known for their sharp teeth, voracious appetites, and incredible power, these apex predators are enough to give you a second thought before you take a swim in a northern lake! Close kin that share the genus Esox, E. lucius and E. masquinongy have a […]
Pretty much everywhere you find crappie, you’ll find an equally healthy population of bluegill. But while both of these species are as fun to catch as they are delicious to eat, anglers new to the panfish game may be confused about which is which. If you’re not sure how to tell the difference between crappie […]
If you’re brand-spanking new to angling, you may have no idea where to get started. You’ve got your hands on your first rod and reel, a spool of fishing line, and a handful of lures, hooks, and slip floats. But beyond that, you’re at a loss. Or maybe you haven’t pulled the trigger on a […]
Night fishing can be an exceptional opportunity for anglers in search of species like crappie, largemouth bass, walleye, and muskie. But most fishermen make their last casts shortly after sundown and then turn their boats back to the launch. That’s a big mistake! Big bass come in close at night. While not every species is active […]
Fishing lures come in an incredible range of shapes, sizes, designs, and materials. For anglers new to the sport, the ins and outs of lure choice can be confusing to the point of mystery. We get that! With so many options available, it’s really hard to know what each one is, does, and works for. […]
Chances are, you’ve seen these decorative fish at some point in your life, and from restaurant gardens to private ponds, the beautiful koi enjoys worldwide appreciation. That notwithstanding, koi are just pretty carp, and having been released into the wild, they’re now sometimes caught by anglers. That inevitably raises the question, “Can you eat koi […]
Sometimes here at USAngler, we get a really off-the-wall question. This is definitely one of them. People are curious about fish reproduction, and they may have seen a fish bleeding from its cloaca and assumed it was a menstruating female. But that’s not how fish reproduction works. The quick answer is that fish do not […]
If you’re a new angler, the differences between spinning and casting rods may not be apparent at first glance. That’s OK--they’re pretty much just variations on a theme, with the principal difference being the reels they’re designed to wear. If you want to understand these differences better or find out more about common rod styles, […]
Line choice is critical, and the wrong decision can have catastrophic consequences. And while there are many issues to consider when choosing the right line for your situation, experienced fishermen know that abrasion resistance is near the top. From barnacle-encrusted pilings to sharp rocks, submerged debris to jagged stumps, there are more than a few […]
Casting is an art mastered through practice, and whether you’re new to the sport or an old hand, a few minutes spent every day in the back yard is going to make you a better angler in no time. The basics of casting are pretty simple: it’s all about timing the release of your lure […]
Spinning reels are essential tackle for every angler. From their wind-busting ability to cast to their simplicity to use, it’s easy to see why. And whether you chase bluegill on your local lake, catfish in a slow-moving river, or specks and reds in the surf, you’ll find that a spinning reel will quickly become a […]
If you’re new to fishing, you may feel overwhelmed by all the new terminology and the variety of gear. And you may be at a loss for any idea about how and where to find fish beyond your local grocery store! Sounds like you need some fishing tips. That’s to be expected as a beginner, […]
If there’s a more effective deep-water trolling method than a downrigger, we’d like to know what it is! Downriggers are simple systems designed to allow precision trolling, and though the idea is easy to grasp, the complexities can be frustrating if you aren’t in the know. If you’re new to downriggers, or just having trouble […]
Pretty much everyone knows that the weather affects fishing. Warm and cold fronts heat and cool the water, suppressing or encouraging feeding behavior depending on the season in which they arrive. For instance, a warm front in spring, accompanied by a lot of sun, can make the water warmer than usual, turning fish on while […]
Whether you fish fresh or salt, a drop shot rig is a great way to suspend a bait near the bottom, keeping it out of muck and weeds and putting it where it counts: right in front of the fish. Originally a saltwater technique, anglers on the west coast quickly adopted it as a finesse […]
Many new anglers are intimidated by the learning curve associated with baitcasting tackle. And while it’s true that they require a bit more technique and know-how, don’t let that keep you from trying one! Ideal for everything from bass to tuna, baitcasting tackle is something every angler should learn to use. And while setting up […]
As most anglers know, marine batteries are a substantial investment. They’re powerful, long-lasting, and durable. But as in most things in life, you get what you pay for--and you pay a lot for batteries that can start your outboard, run your livewell and electronics, and keep your trolling motor humming-away all day long. To get […]
Any angler worth his or her salt knows the ins and outs of the tackle they use. But most of us fish one or two types of fishing reel, maybe three if you work the hard water or cast flies. But do you know them all? Can you tell the difference between a centerpin and […]
Fishing rods are as diverse as the needs of anglers. Whatever you’re after--no matter the technique--there’s a rod for you! From tackle to help you fight a monster to delicate rods designed to fish small mountain streams, the right options for you are just a few clicks away. But do you know what types of […]
If you haven’t been throwing a chatterbait, you don’t know what you’re missing! A worthy addition to any angler’s tackle bag, chatterbaits are just the right medicine when you need an aggressive presentation that maximizes vibration and erratic action. But as Ron Davis, who helped design the very first chatterbait, warns, "A very small percentage […]
Braided main line is the go-to option for serious bass fishing, but as we’ve discussed before, superline offers some distinct disadvantages when used alone. These weaknesses necessitate the use of leaders, as many experienced largemouth anglers can attest. And whether you run braid, fluorocarbon, or nylon monofilament, when you’re after sharp-toothed fish like pike, mackerel, […]
Spinners are among the most popular style of lure for a reason. From bass to crappie, pike to walleye, a bladed crankbait that creates flash, vibration, and excitement can turn a bad day into a prized memory with just one cast. We’re often asked about spinner baits, and we’d like to answer some of questions […]
Do you like to wade for flounder? Or spend a Saturday morning on your kayak pulling bluegill from the local lake? Or do you hunt smallmouth from a canoe, getting into the shallow stretches that motorized boats just can’t reach? If you’re anything like me, there are plenty of times a cooler or live-well just […]
Does your local lake have a lunker? Well, people who love fishing will probably tell you. A lunker, in an interesting sense can be that legendary monster fish in your lake that old fishermen will tell you about. These are what fishing enthusiasts call the trophy of their fishing life. Catching one will mean skill […]
King salmons also known as Chinook salmon are by far the largest salmon species in North America. These fish are an absolute blast to catch. They are one of the largest species you can catch here in the north, and are sure to give you one heck of a fight. It is not uncommon to […]
Sometimes anglers love to search out a treasure spot in the middle of the bush. We sometimes find ourselves dragging boats, canoes or even balloon setups just to have a chance to harvest some great fish. Fishing charters and fly-in fishing charters live off of this type of fishing; lake fishing. Many of us who […]
Silver Redhorse (suckerfish) Background Information Ever wonder what kind of fish ends up on your line when you're targeting walleye? Well, that mystery fish may be the infamous Silver Redhorse or most commonly known as a suckerfish. Like walleye these fish tend to be located in deep fast moving water. Fast moving water help these […]
If it isn't the ocean or the lake you are trying to master, then it has to be the river. River fishing is one of the best environments to fish in. River fishing is home to many species which include walleye, salmon, trout and the occasional patrolling pike. River fishing is mostly where you find prized game fish such as walleye riding […]
Pier fishing can be a very rewardable and productive way of fishing from shore. I have participated in several pier fishing outings and have caught some of my biggest fish off a pier. There are often pier fishing techniques and courtesies that every angler must follow. Below we will first dive into the pier fishing […]
It's no secret that fishing is a popular pastime enjoyed by people all over the world. What may be less well-known, however, is that there are many different ways to go about it - and each method requires its specific equipment. Among the most important pieces of gear for any fisherman is the fishing rod. […]
No matter what time of year it is, a fishing trip can be a great way to spend some time outdoors enjoying nature. It is also a great bonding experience for friends and family or a peaceful solo activity. Regardless of your reasons for wanting to go fishing, there are some key steps that you'll […]
We know you're eager to see our huge list of fishing quotes. Take a look below. Fishing Quotes 1. “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after,” Henry David Thoreau. 2. “If people concentrated on the really important things in life, there’d be a shortage […]
