Fresh from the water
26 guides
Fishing Hooks Explained: Sizes, Types, and When to Use Each
Learn fishing hook sizes, the # vs. /0 scale, hook anatomy, and which types suit panfish, bass, catfish, and more. Includes a size-by-species table.
August 20, 2026
Where to Fish: How to Find a Good Spot Near You
Learn how to find fishable water near you using state agency maps, fishing apps, satellite view, and local bait shops — no boat required.
August 18, 2026
Fishing Regulations, Limits, and Seasons: A Plain-English Guide
Learn what creel limits, size limits, seasons, and gear rules actually mean — plus how to find and read the exact regulations for your water.
August 15, 2026
How Weather and Barometric Pressure Affect Fishing
Learn how falling pressure fires up fish before a storm, why bluebird days slow the bite, and how to adjust tactics to rain, wind, and cloud cover.
August 13, 2026
Crappie Fishing for Beginners
Learn how to catch crappie with simple gear: light line, small jigs, slip bobbers, and seasonal patterns from spring spawn to winter brush piles.
August 11, 2026
How to Tie a Texas Rig (and When to Use It)
Learn how to tie a Texas rig step by step — bullet weight, hook, and Texposed plastic — plus when to peg the weight and where this setup shines for bass.
August 8, 2026
How to Spool a Spinning Reel Without Line Twist
Learn how to spool a spinning reel correctly—label up, arbor knot, proper tension, and the flip test—so you never deal with line twist again.
August 6, 2026
How to Cast a Fishing Rod: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners
Learn how to cast a fishing rod with a spinning reel using clear, step-by-step technique for beginners — overhead cast, sidearm pitch, and common fixes.
August 4, 2026
Catch and Release: How to Do It So Fish Survive
Learn the catch and release tips that actually keep fish alive — from hook choice and fighting time to wet hands, reviving technique, and deep-hook handling.
August 1, 2026
The Best Time of Day to Fish
Dawn and dusk are the proven sweet spots, but season, species, and water temp shift the window. Here's how to read the clock and catch more fish.
July 30, 2026
How to Catch Trout in Lakes and Streams
Learn how to catch trout with proven tactics for streams and lakes—covering bait, lures, reading water, and gear for beginners.
July 28, 2026
5 Fishing Knots Every Beginner Should Know
Learn the five essential fishing knots every beginner needs: improved clinch, Palomar, uni, loop, and line-to-line knots with step-by-step tying instructions.
July 25, 2026
Fishing Line Explained: Mono vs. Braid vs. Fluorocarbon
Learn the real differences between monofilament, braided, and fluorocarbon fishing line so you can spool the right line for freshwater beginners.
July 23, 2026
Fishing for Beginners: The 7 Things to Buy First
New to fishing? This guide covers the 7 essential pieces of gear every beginner needs — rod, reel, line, hooks, sinkers, bobbers, lures, and tools.
July 21, 2026
How to Keep Fish Fresh After You Catch Them
Keep your catch table-ready with ice slurry ratios, bleeding tips, and storage basics — from the water to your cooler in the right order.
July 18, 2026
Fishing Structure and Cover: What They Are and Why They Matter
Learn the difference between fishing structure and cover, why fish use each, and how to find and fish both to catch more bass and freshwater species.
July 16, 2026
Smallmouth Bass: Where to Find Them and What They Bite
Learn how to catch smallmouth bass — where they hold in rivers and lakes, the best baits by season, and how they differ from largemouth.
July 14, 2026
The Palomar Knot: The Strongest Easy Fishing Knot
Learn how to tie the Palomar knot step by step. It's the strongest easy fishing knot for hooks, swivels, and braided line — and takes under a minute to tie.
July 11, 2026
Spinning Reel vs. Baitcaster: Which Should You Buy First?
Spinning reels are easier to learn and handle more situations. Baitcasters reward patience with casting distance and power. Here's how to choose.
July 9, 2026
Do You Need a Fishing License? How to Get One
Most anglers need a fishing license before they wet a line. Here's who's exempt, where to buy one, and what types exist — plus why the fee matters.
July 7, 2026
How to Clean and Fillet a Fish: A Step-by-Step Guide
Learn how to fillet a fish cleanly and safely, from the first cut behind the gill to removing pin bones. Covers panfish, bass, catfish, and trout.
July 4, 2026
How to Read Water: Finding Where Fish Hold
Learn how to read a lake or river for fishing — structure, cover, current seams, drop-offs, and more — so you know exactly where to cast first.
July 2, 2026
How to Catch Largemouth Bass: A Beginner's Guide
Learn how to catch largemouth bass with beginner-friendly tips on where they hold, what they eat, the best baits, simple rigs, and when to fish.
June 30, 2026
How to Tie an Improved Clinch Knot
Learn the improved clinch knot step by step — the go-to freshwater knot for tying a hook, swivel, or lure to mono or fluorocarbon line.
June 27, 2026
How to Choose a Fishing Rod: Length, Power, and Action Explained
Learn how rod length, power, and action work together so you can pick the right fishing rod for your target species, lures, and water.
June 25, 2026
How to Start Fishing: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Learn how to start fishing with the right gear, rigs, and techniques. A practical beginner's guide covering licenses, tackle, knots, and finding fish.
June 23, 2026