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 muskie, walleye, largemouth bass, and crappie. 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 […]
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 […]
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 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 a […]
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 […]
