How To Catch Trout From Shore – Tips and Tricks
There’s something about trout fishing that turns the recreational angler into a genuine hunter. In a variety of environments, the sought-after trout makes for a
Okuma Avenger Reel Review – Is It Any Good?
The Okuma Avenger spinning reel series takes the entry-level spinning reel experience to new levels of endurance and versatility. While I don’t usually weigh in
How To Cast A Spinning Reel – Tips & Step By Step Guide
My grandfather always boasted he could catch more fish with a handline than I could with my fancy rods and spin reels. I’d retort, “You
What is The Cheapest Spot Lock Trolling Motor?
There is nothing better than a Spot-Lock trolling motor that is decently priced. Given that spot lock trolling motors have been with us for a
What Is a Spot-Lock Trolling Motor? (And What Are The Benefits)
Most people are aware of what an electric trolling motor is. These silent battery-powered motors allow you to maneuver your boat or yak into the
Minn Kota Spot-Lock Issues – Fix Problems when Its Not Working
It is well known that Minn Kota Spot-Lock Motors enjoy a large following. It’s deserved, too. They’re great units. However, as with anything designed to
Okuma Cedros Saltwater Spinning Reels Review
The Okuma Cedros is a heavy-duty saltwater spinning reel series providing surf and offshore fishing at an affordable price point. The six size series covers
6 Best Pflueger Fishing Reel Reviews
Most keen American anglers will know of Pflueger fishing gear. Many of you will have Pflueger in your arsenal. Highly affordable, reliable fishing reels will
Penn Battalion Surf Spinning Rod Review
I’m a big fan of the battalion surf rod series. And while I don’t think the new Battalion II is for everyone, a large contingent
What Size Hook For Bass – Hook Sizing & Right Types To Use
In the case of largemouth bass, the fish’s name hints at what hook size to use. Yes, they have big mouths. But does this mean
What Size Hook for Trout? Which Is The Best For Any Situation?
Relative to other freshwater fish, trout have small soft mouths. You may also need to adapt your bait presentation depending on where you’re hunting. Add
Penn Slammer IV Review – A Powerful Saltwater Beast
Penn Slammer IV has a long list of superlatives: saltwater beast, ultimate workhorse, pushing the limits, built to last, etc. I’ll share my take on
Best Abu Garcia Baitcaster – What One Should You Buy?
Despite the corporate practices of the past, the European fishing giant Abu Garcia is still a force in quality fishing reels. Their round baitcasters made
Best Abu Garcia Fishing Reels Review
Abu Garcia has gradually refined its product line, with freshwater fishing applications becoming the dominant focus. Abue Garcia offers many fishing reel options, covering all
Where Are Abu Garcia Reels Made? (Everything You Need To Know)
The majority of Abu Garcia reels are made in China and Korea. But some reels are still made in the original factory in Svängsta, Sweden.
Are Abu Garcia Rods Good?
Recently I’ve managed to use a variety of Abu Garcia rods at different price points for several fishing applications. The results surprised me a lot.
Shimano vs Abu Garcia – Which Brand Is Better Quality?
I’m asked to compare brands frequently. But I think it’s the first time I’ve been asked to compare Shimano reels with ABU Garcia reels. Which
World’s Biggest Bass Pro Shop – The Giant Pyramid Store
For me, and many others, Bass Pro is a fantastic shop chain bursting at the seams with all my favorite things. It stocks everything for
Best Anchor Lock Trolling Motors Reviewed For 2023
If you look around the rivers, lakes, and estuaries, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a boat without an electric trolling motor. Dedicated anglers are dishing
Rigging For Trout Fishing – What Are The Best Setups?
We all have our best trout fishing rig setup. The Carolina rig is my favorite for most circumstances, and I like running live bait with
Trout Trolling Rig Setups – Top 3 Choices
Trolling for trout has one massive advantage over other trout fishing methods. You can easily cover mile after mile of likely strike zones in a
Trout Fishing Rigs for Rivers and Streams (3 Good Setups)
Many of us frequently chase trout in our abundant rivers and streams. There are many rigs and techniques that are common, unique, or variations on
Abu Garcia Revo SX Review For 2023
The Abu Garcia Revo SX is now in its fourth generation. Released in 2017, it remains current and has a loyal following. It has undergone
Quantum Cabo PTSE Review – Is It Worth The Money?
The Quantum Cabo PTSE spinning reel is a mid-price, heavy-duty saltwater model designed for tackling a larger class of fish. It may sit on the
Abu Garcia Max Pro Low Profile Baitcasting Reel Review For 2023
The Abu Garcia’s Max Pro is one of those reels that makes us wonder why we pay more for our baitcaster reels. Sitting squarely at
How to Set Drag on Spinning Reel – With and Without Scales
The standard setting for drag on a spinning reel is around 20 to 30 percent of the breaking strain of the fishing line. That’s according
Quantum Smoke S3 Inshore Spinning Reel Review
This article will review the Quantum Smoke PT inshore spinning reel to help you decide if it should be on your spinning reel list. Given
Quantum Smoke S3 PT Baitcasting Review
The Quantum Smoke S3 PT Baitcasting reel is Quantum’s flagship reel for casting fans. This continues Quantum’s strategy of making performance reels as competitive as
Spinning Rod VS Casting Rod – When Should You Use Each of Them?
In its simplest terms, spinning rods are designed specifically for spinning reels, while casting rods are designed for conventional and baitcasting reels. In many circumstances,
9 Best Trout Fishing Destinations in the U.S. – Top Places To Visit
The best trout fishing in the USA is some of the best trout fishing you’ll find in the world. Trout fishing is one thing, but
Trout Fishing at Night – What You Need To Know
Now and then, people will ask me what they should do differently to catch trout at night. “Take a torch, and be careful you don’t
Find “Trout Fishing Near Me” – A Full Interactive Map
Finding great fishing locations that produce lots of fish has always been a critical part of the hunt. We all know our favorite locations intimately.
Shimano Stradic FK Spinning Reel Review
You don’t have to be a Shimano die-hard fan to recognize the pedigree of the Stradic line of spinning reels. From the outset, they gave
Zebco 808 vs 888 – Which One Should You Choose?
If you take a deep dive into the features of the Zebco 808 and 888, you’ll notice there are some differences. While not huge, they’re
How to Get a Walmart Fishing License Online
Contacting government departments and dealing with their websites can be painful for many people. When we call a government department, we often have to mentally
Shimano Tranx 300 400 Review
The Shimano Tranx is a no-nonsense hard cranking low profile, built for a larger class of inshore fish. While not as refined and low-profile as
Can You Buy a Fishing License Online?
Yes, you can buy a fishing license online, and this is the easiest way to ensure you’re covered for the location you’re angling. For old-school
Can You Fish Without a License in the USA?
I’m often asked if you can fish without a license in the US. Plenty of non-anglers keen to wet a line once in a blue
How Old Do You Have To Be To Get A Fishing License? 50 State Requirements
All states require adult anglers to have an appropriate fishing license. Fortunately, there are exemptions for teens and children, but license age exemptions vary from
Best Ultralight Spinning Rods in 2023
Fishing as light has always been a thing for serious sports anglers. Whether chasing small brook trout or jigging monster GTs, many sports anglers enjoy
Uses For Old Fishing Reels – What To Do With Them?
With over 40-plus years of fishing, you tend to collect a lot of fishing reels. I don’t remember throwing any of them away, and I’ve
Shimano Baitrunner D Review
If you regularly use natural set baits, a Baitrunner spinning reel delivers a more effective way to hook fish. A Baitrunner reel uses two drag
Shimano Trevala S Jigging Rod Review
Forgive me for stating the obvious, but jigging is hard work. Even slow jigging butterflies in the shallows puts a strain on your arms and
Zebco Bullet Vs Omega Pro – Which Is The Better Option?
I’m still a little perplexed as to why spincast reels still exist. Maybe it’s nostalgia, and no doubt there’s a group of anglers who still
How Much Does It Cost to Mount a Fish? With Price Chart
Keen anglers that we are, we’re all hopeful of landing a trophy fish under astonishing circumstances. Traditionally, we’ve mounted such fish for the future. Once
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod Review
The Shakespeare Ugly Stik is a brand name most anglers will know pretty well. It’s a spinning rod that’s been with us for decades and
Shimano Thunnus Ci4 Review
The Shimano Thunnus is a heavy inshore, and light to medium offshore spinning reel. This is an ideal spinning reel for those who love to
Shimano Nasci FC Spinning Reel Review – What You Need To Know
In terms of spinning reels, the Shimano Nasci belongs to a hotly contested market segment. At an extremely affordable price point, these reels offer some
Best Conventional Reels in 2023 Reviewed
For those looking to target a larger class of fish, no fishing arsenal is complete without a selection of conventional reels. In some respects, conventional
Shimano Sedona FI Spinning Reel Review
I have always had an interest in entry-level Shimano reels. I have a couple of Shimano Sienna spin reels and a Shimano IX spinning reel
Shimano Vanford Spinning Reel Review 2023
As most Shimano spin fans know by now, the Shimano Vanford is the replacement for the Stradic Ci4. In spite of the name change, it
Shimano Tranx 500 Review
This baitcaster review will be of interest to anyone feeling flush with cash and looking for a special baitcaster. The Shimano Tranx series is a
Shimano Stradic FL Spinning Reel Review
You’ll find one thing in common when reading Shimano Stradic FL Fishing Reel reviews. You won’t find much in the way of negative criticism. An
Shimano Stella SW Review
The famous Shimano Stella SW is the pinnacle of spinning reels. It’s loaded with all of Shimano’s flagship technologies and billed as the best there
Shimano Sahara FI Spinning Reel Review
I’ve always been keenly interested in Shimano’s entry-level spinning reels. While it might not always be the case, I’ve found them a brilliant option for
Shimano Stradic Ci4+ Review 2023
Let’s answer the obvious question first. Yes. Despite the Stradic Ci4 being superseded by the Shimano Vanford, the Ci4 is still available. However, if you’ve
Shimano Saragosa SW Review 2023
I don’t have a huge reel arsenal, and I’m pretty careful about how much I spend on fishing gear. In which case, I won’t just
Shimano Curado DC Reel Review 2023
There’s little argument about the pedigree of the Shimano Curado and its popularity among the more discerning casting reel fans. The Curado, while not the
14 Common Spinning Reel Problems (And How To Fix Them)
Doing your own spinning reel repairs and maintenance can save you time and money. There are many things we can learn to do ourselves, from
Are 13 Fishing Rods Any Good? A 13 Fishing Rod Review For 2023
Even though 13 Fishing has very good marketing campaigns and stylish branding, the company appears to have genuine substance beneath all the gloss. 13 Fishing
The Most Expensive Fishing Reels in The World – 5 High End Models
Every reel manufacturer has its flagship series. They are designed to be the ultimate in fishing and compete with the best on the market. Most
Best 13 Fishing Reel Reviewed – Top Choices For 2023
There’s no doubt 13 Fishing is on the rise. The company has now been with us for 10 years, and its profile illustrates a strong
13 Fishing CONCEPT Z SLD Review
The 13 Fishing concept Z Slide presents a solution for the never-ending troubles caused by overrun or backlash. The unique thumb-controlled magnetic brake offers a
13 Fishing Concept A3 Casting Reel Review For 2023
Looking for a low-profile casting reel to target trophy fish? The 13 fishing Concept A3 has all the strength and grunt you need to drag
13 Fishing Concept A2 Baitcasting Reel Review
The 13 Fishing Concept A2 baitcaster is a nice reel. However, when I find myself using the word “nice,” it generally means I’m a little
Best Ice Fishing Shelters Reviewed For 2023
As you come to the end of the winter, it’s a great time to start thinking about next season. As the melt begins, you can
13 Fishing Concept C2 Casting Reel Review
The reputation of 13 Fishing is to get you out fishing in a reliable manner without breaking your bank. And despite the fact that most
Shimano Curado K Baitcaster Reel Review
The popular Shimano Curado has been with us for over 30 years. Since its debut in 1991, this reel has made its way into the
Respooling a Fishing Reel – How Often Should You Change Fishing Line?
Without fishing line, you ain’t fishing. A lot of us take our fishing line for granted, hitting the water session after session, without even considering
How to Fish a Crankbait? A Full Guide
It often feels to me that the last couple of decades has been all about soft plastics and cranks. From having a few go-to plugs
Daiwa Lexa 300 and 400 Review
The Daiwa Lexa series is a low profile baitcaster duo designed for saltwater anglers targeting a larger class of fish. With its superb construction and
How Much Line to Put on a Spinning Reel – Explained For Beginners
Today I’d like to discuss a crucial aspect of fishing, which is how much line to put on your fishing reel. Many experienced anglers might
Best Surf Fishing Reels in 2023 – Full Guide
Surf fishing provides anglers with a huge diversity of fish targets where sizes range from panfish to sharks as big as anything you’ll find in
Are Baitcasting Reels Hard To Use?
The issue of baitcasters being hard to use is still reasonably prevalent. I often tell people that with proper instruction, practice, and a solid grasp
Should You Use Snaps For Fishing Crankbaits?
Some swear by snaps and use them for nearly every application. Others are a little more selective, choosing only particular rigs or lures. Some anglers
Best Crankbait Fishing Reels For 2023 – Top 5 Choices
We just love fishing crankbaits. You can use them very effectively for a plethora of inshore applications and to target countless species of fish. You
Best Quantum Fishing Reel Reviews in 2023 – Good Quality Choices
Anglers looking for good quality reels often ask me, should I consider Quantum reels? Yes, is the short answer. Quantum reels fit firmly in the
Okuma Ceymar Spinning Reel Review – C40 and Other Models
The Okuma Ceymar is one of the company’s best-selling reels. While aimed at an entry-level market, the quality and performance exceed its accessible price point.
Top 5 Best Crappie Reels In 2023 Reviewed
Choosing the best crappie reel isn’t difficult and doesn’t have to be expensive. Even the biggest crappie isn’t going to test the capability of the
Pflueger Supreme vs President – Which Reel Should You Buy?
The Pflueger Supreme XT and President XT are very popular Pflueger models. Pflueger only has one more spinning reel sitting higher on the pecking order
Pflueger President Vs Trion – Key Differences, Reviewed
The Pflueger President and the Trion are both very handy reels for budget-conscious fishermen. Even the more serious angler looking for value in an inshore
Pflueger President 20 vs 25 – What Are The Main Differences? Reviewed
The question of small increments between reel sizes is an interesting one and well worth exploring. Why should you select a 20 over a 25
Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reel Review For 2023
There’s a lot to like about the Pflueger Patriarch Spinning Reel, and this is about as high-end as Pflueger gets. I’ve no doubt it will
Pflueger Supreme XT Spinning Reel Review For 2023
Customer feedback suggests the PfluegerSupreme XT is well-liked and popular with Pflueger fans. The Supreme certainly looks the part. For many, a quick turn of
Pflueger Purist Spinning Reel Review For 2023
Pflueger is one of the brands hailing from the Pure Fishing Inc. stables. There’s a production line economy to Pflueger reels, which makes some anglers skeptical.
Best Zebco Reel – Top 5 Spincast/Closed Face Fishing Reels
It still surprises me that the spincast or closed face reel is still a thing. The bottom line is that spin does it better. Spincast,
Pflueger President XT vs President – What Are The Main Differences? Reviewed
Both the Pflueger President and President XT belong to the entry-level spinning reel segment, which is highly competitive. If you check online, you’ll find plenty
Best Fluorocarbon Fishing Lines in 2023
Fluorocarbon performance and versatility have progressed significantly since its early days of large diameter, leader-only line. It took some time as leader only until design,
Baitrunner Spinning Reels – Top 3 Best Fishing Models Reviewed in 2023
Although slow to catch on, the Baitrunner spinning reel now enjoys a lot of popularity, especially among carp anglers. As a spinning reel configuration, it’s
Spinning Reels Made in the USA – The Best American Made Brands in 2023
This article is going to discuss some of the top spinning reels made in the USA. There are still plenty of patriots who look to
What are Spinning Reels Used For? Benefits & Cons
The great strength of spinning reels is their versatility. You can use a spinning reel to catch brook trout, bluewater species such as marlin, and
Bass Fishing Tips & Techniques – How To Catch Big Ones
It would take some pretty wild arguments to disprove the assumption that bass is the most popular fishing species in the US. American anglers love
Can You Use Braided Line On A Spinning Reel? Is It A Good Choice?
Not only are braided lines suitable for spinning reels, for some applications it’s absolutely brilliant. And that’s coming from a staunch mono fan, who still
Smallest Ultralight Baitcasting Reels: 6 Models Reviewed in 2023
It’s often said that you should leave the ultra-light and finesse style fishing to the spinning reels. Fishing light on baitcaster gear can be pretty
How to Clean a Spinning Reel – Maintenance Guide & Tips
You should clean your fishing gear. If you do, it will last longer. Often, a simple, superficial clean can radically increase the working life of
Choosing The Best Fishing Line for Baitcaster Reels in 2023
In many respects, we tend to overthink fishing line selection. With modern braid and mono fishing lines, the truth is that it can be hard
Baitcaster Reel Sizes – How To Choose The Right One
It’s easy once you know. This little adage definitely applies to identifying baitcaster sizes – sort of. Even with a good grip on baitcaster sizes,
Best Round Baitcaster Reels Reviewed In 2023
Choosing a round baitcaster over a low profile baitcaster will often come down to personal preference. A lot of anglers prefer that little bit of
Baitcaster Birds Nest – How To Cast A Baitcasting Reel Without Backlash
A sure-fire way to ruin a great day’s fishing is to spend half of it dealing with impossible tangles on the spool of your baitcaster.
Gear Ratio on Baitcast Reels – What Does It Mean?
Let’s start with a fundamental definition of baitcaster gear ratios, so we’re all on the same page. Without going into detail, gear ratio indicates the
