No other common freshwater sportfish surprises an angler more than a bass. No other requires the arsenal of tackle an angler needs to catch bass. No other adapts to its environment and reproduces as readily as a bass. Perhaps this large member of the spiny ray family owes its high popularity to these factors. Though…

Face it: Some freshwater gamefish simply aren’t as heralded as others. Such is the case with the common carp. But, as all anglers well know, our pescatorial curiosity ultimately leads us to wonder about those species we haven’t yet caught. Don’t underestimate the worthiness of the carp when hooked. The angling virtues of a carp,…

As far as records can show, trout fishing extends back nearly a millennium to the streams, ponds and lakes of Europe. Their fight, flavor, beauty and willingness to jump earn trout a high ranking among anglers in general. Though quite a prize to catch, they proliferate North America, Europe and even the mountains of South…

Fishing lures come pretty darn close to being an angler’s best friend. Why? Because they equate to efficiency. Unlike bait, you can better target a lure on your cast. See a fishy pocket between a bunch of lily pads? With a well balanced rod, reel and line, you can cast your lure right into that…

It is the ultimate beginner’s question: When is the best time of day to fish in freshwater? Answer: When they’re biting. All kidding aside, some of the things you’ve heard about the best time to fish are true—sometimes. Is the best time always morning? A darn good bet regardless of where you fish in freshwater,…

If you are just embarking upon the freshwater fishing scene, you must first understand that you can’t bring a fish to your hook without an alluring bait, whether it be natural or imitation. Your fishing success depends on your presentation of the bait. Though fish will sometimes ignore a sloppy presentation, when their feeding frenzy…

Pond fishing offers advantages not so common to lakes and rivers. For one, ponds provide the easiest introduction to fishing, especially when it comes to kids. They hardly ever require a boat, saving you from added bulk and accessories. Alternatively, they don’t require miles of walking up and down the bank or shore, something a…

Let’s first address the most commonly crucial aspects of fishing any type of water—be it lake, pond, river or anything in between. Think of three words: temperature, structure and visibility. All three affect how you should fish any water, including lakes. These three environmental and physical conditions simply vary in terms of sources, depths and…

Rivers bring to mind nature at its fullest: the soothing sound of water meandering and flowing; birds dipping to take water or insects; fish surfacing for the latter. For an angler, especially beginners, a river brings a lot more to the mind, mostly due to its current. In virtually all cases, a river’s current dictates…

If you are new to freshwater fishing, your head may be spinning faster than monofilament off a reel when figuring out what to bring and what not to bring on your upcoming trip. To keep from staying up the entire night before you step out your door, the following ABCs should help, no matter what…

Fishing is not only a fun way to introduce someone to the outdoors, but it is a vital source of money for keeping all of our states full of wildlife, open spaces and recreational opportunities in the outdoors. For these reasons, each state offers free fishing weekends for those unable to immediately pay for the…

Don’t let fishing knots twist and turn your mind—learn them easily with the Videos below! Just because you fish does not mean you can tie knots like a sailor. Some of us still have trouble with our neckties. Right? You might ask yourself: What are the strongest fishing knots? What are the best fishing knots…

What’s the Straightest Line to Fishing Heaven? The One You Choose for Your Reel! Are you asking yourself: What is the best fishing line? or Which fishing line type should I choose? Then this guide will help you to make the right choice. Most anglers live in a mono world—using monofilament to catch fish since…

Do You Speak Fishing? Learn the Lingo if You are Just Starting Out! Once you buy your first fishing rod and reel, you will soon wonder if you entered a foreign country, at least in terms of language. Fishing, whether the spincasting or fly-fishing variety, hosts a lingo all its own in some instances. At…

Are you a fish or a man? Beginners must be both to find their prey! “There’s a fine line between fishing and just standing on the shore like an idiot.” It’s uncertain how much stand-up comedian Steven Wright fishes, but his quote reminds all of us who gravitate to the sport that we best learn…

Well, as of now, our 5-year-old has managed to break two “unbreakable” Kindle Fire tablets over a span of four months. If not enough, our 17-year-old jettisoned a laptop and one iPhone into the netherworld because they froze. Do I sense just a hint of generational impatience when instant gratification flies south? I asked myself:…