Post Category: Tips

Trolling 360 Flashers for Ocean Salmon

Trolling 360 Flashers for Ocean Salmon

Pursuing salmon in the ocean off the Columbia River mouth has become an annual experience for me and friends where we chase salmon in advance of their migration into and up the Northwest’s largest river system. Fishing in the ocean out off the Columbia River mouth, and other west coast ports too, can produce easy limits of fat coho and chinook salmon during the summer months with July and August considered peak times. September can be a good month too, for late returning fish.

DIY flats fishing: Puerto Rico

DIY flats fishing: Puerto Rico

Through the expertise of local guides like Capt. Flecha, as well as our own research and DIY efforts, we not only found the fish we hoped to, but also reconnected with the reasons we do any of this at all: to connect with the fly fishing community, the natural world, and ourselves.

Fly Fishing In Patagonia, Chile

Fly Fishing In Patagonia, Chile

Dry fly fishing is the draw for anglers to come to fish in Patagonia. At certain times of the year, there are beetles that grow up to 3 inches long, called Cantaria beetles. At other times, trout spring out of the water to eat dragonflies.

Still Fishing PowerBait for Trout

Still Fishing PowerBait for Trout

If you’re fishing adventure is to be from shore or an anchored boat, one method that works is to plunk (also known as still-fishing or dead-sticking) PowerBait. More popular than worms, PowerBait is a prepared bait formula that comes in jars and has the consistency of cookie dough.

How to Fish for Bass in Cold Water

How to Fish for Bass in Cold Water

For those that live in the northern half of the Unites States and well up into Canada, bass fishing in cold water is a necessity if one wants to extend the season as long as possible. For those that are beyond obsessed with bass fishing like me, it’s not just a necessity, it’s a way of life.

Rogue River Offers Spring Chinook Action

Rogue River Offers Spring Chinook Action

Late March, April and May are the months anglers chase Spring Chinook in the Pacific Northwest. To Northwest anglers, Spring Chinook are worthy of more than a little attention as they are the best eating salmon the region has to offer.

Twitching for Coho Salmon

Twitching for Coho Salmon

Twitching has captured the imagination of many anglers seeking coho salmon as they make their upstream journey toward the hatchery or natural habitat that produced them. Sure, traditional spinner, float, plug, and drift fishing methods work for coho but twitching, at least for those schooled in the proper use, can outperform other approaches much of the time.

Pre-spawn Bass Fishing

Pre-spawn Bass Fishing

During the pre-spawn period, bass will move from deeper water towards shallower areas with hard bottoms and nearby vegetation. They are actively feeding to build up reserves for the upcoming spawn. Pre-spawn bass fishing is all about identifying these areas where bass...

Best Swimbait Rod

Best Swimbait Rod

Douglas Ambassador, Oliver Ngy, is one of the most iconic names in swimbait fishing. He has made a name for himself chasing big bass on big baits. We asked him what the most important characteristics of the best swimbait rods are, here’s what he said:

Fly Fishing for Redfish

Fly Fishing for Redfish

Fly fishing for redfish, also known as red drum, has become extremely popular in recent years. Redfish are a saltwater species that are commonly found along the coasts of the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. They are predatory and known for their powerful runs...

Centerpin Fishing: Setup and Tips

Centerpin Fishing: Setup and Tips

Centerpin fishing is a specialized method of fishing that originated in the Pacific Northwest and is now popular in many other regions around the world. It involves using a long, thin rod and a large, free-spinning reel to drift bait or lures in rivers or streams. The...

Cold-water Bass Fishing

Cold-water Bass Fishing

Cold-water bass fishing delivers some of the most exciting action of the year. Some of the largest fish of the season are caught during the cold months. This is when bass are schooling up and the big ones are in full-blown feeding mode. Fish the schools right and you’ll be guaranteed to catch some toads.

Trout Spey: Tips and Rod Setup

Trout Spey: Tips and Rod Setup

Trout spey is a fun and exciting way to fish for trout and has become increasingly popular in recent years. Trout spey is also classified as swinging flies for trout. Anglers who love swinging for steelhead found a way to scratch the itch while steelhead are...

Salmon Mooching Rig

Salmon Mooching Rig

Salmon mooching is a favored technique for many anglers when targeting Pacific salmon in the summer months. Mooching is a very effective tactic because of how closely it imitates a wounded bait fish. Using a mooching rig, the angler slowly lifts and lower the...

Fly Fishing for Bass

Fly Fishing for Bass

Fly fishing for bass is rapidly growing in popularity, especially during the summer months when river temps rise – shutting down trout fishing. Bass have a lot going for them. They are aggressive, they eat flies violently giving the angler an amazing visual...

Best Crankbait Rod

Best Crankbait Rod

Crankbaits could arguably be one of the most historic baits when it comes to fishing. They have been fished for generations and are a staple in most anglers’ tackle box. But what rod should you use to cast them? Not every rod is able to throw crankbaits properly. Here...

4 Weight Fly Rod: Uses and Benefits

4 Weight Fly Rod: Uses and Benefits

Overall, 4 wt fly rods are more finesse rods — better suited for smaller fish, delicate presentations, and pleasant conditions (light wind). Many anglers prefer 4 wt rods when dry fly fishing for their ability to delicately land the fly in front of a rising fish —...

Spring Trout: Fishing Tips

Spring Trout: Fishing Tips

The days are getting longer, the water is getting warmer, and the fish are starting to feed – heavily! Spring produces some of the best trout fishing of the year and is often the time the largest fish are caught. Get on the water and find success with these tips and...

Best Spinnerbait Rod

Best Spinnerbait Rod

Spinnerbaits come in all shapes, sizes, and weights. It is important to have a versatile rod that can handle throwing a variety of spinnerbaits – as anglers may change sizes, weights, etc. throughout a day on the water. Here are a few factors that make up the best...

Fly Fishing for Bonefish: Tips and Rod Setup

Fly Fishing for Bonefish: Tips and Rod Setup

Witnessing bonefish tailing in a still cove as the sun starts rising is a sight that will get any angler’s heart racing. The hunt of spot and stalk fishing—along with the incredible visuals and fights—are what draw anglers to fish the flats for bonefish. The sight of...

Early Spring Bass Fishing

Early Spring Bass Fishing

Finally! The last bit of ice sits on the corner of your favorite lake and it’s the first 65-degree day of the year. Early spring bass fishing can be challenging but can also be a great time of the year to be on the water. Lethargic winter bass begin to migrate to the...

How to Fish a Buzzbait

How to Fish a Buzzbait

Fishing a buzzbait seems pretty straight forward – it’s just casting and reeling in, right? Well, there are actually different ways to fish it that can give you a better chance at catching fish. Here are some buzzbait tips from a bass fishing pro –...

Walleye Rig

Walleye Rig

Walleye rigs differ depending on the time of year and where the fish are beginning to congregate. Blade baits, jerk baits, swimbaits, and crankbaits are always good choices no matter what time of year. Some anglers also choose...

7 Weight Fly Rod: Uses and Benefits

7 Weight Fly Rod: Uses and Benefits

7 weight fly rods are the perfect utility rod for a variety of applications. From throwing streamers with heavy sink tips to casting to tailing bonefish in a headwind, a 7wt fly rod can do it. They are capable of handling larger fish and larger flies without breaking...

Fall Bass Fishing

Fall Bass Fishing

Fall bass fishing is here! Along with it comes brisk boat rides and changing colors accenting the water’s edge. As the temperatures drops, bass begin to scatter and bait fish begin to school up. This can be one of the most challenging yet rewarding times of the year...

Fall Fly Fishing

Fall Fly Fishing

Fall fly fishing is here! The temperatures are starting to drop, and the fish are getting some much needed relief with the cooler conditions. Summer can put a lot of stress on trout with the increase in angling pressure as well as the low, warm water. Fall is a...

Best Fishing Line for Bass

Best Fishing Line for Bass

When deciding on line types and sizes, you first have to understand your options, the characteristics of each and differences between them. Typically, when bass fishing you will be throwing one of three types of line. ...

How to Tell What Trout Are Feeding On

How to Tell What Trout Are Feeding On

Ever wonder how to tell what fish are feeding on when they’re rising? Here are a few quick tips that will help you determine what they are eating. When you spot a trout rising, it is important to first determine whether the fish are eating bugs on the surface, or just...

Perch Fishing Rig

Perch Fishing Rig

Perch are one of the most common freshwater species to target – for good reason. Perch are fun to fish for, they require skill to catch, and they're rewarding – whether you like to eat them or just enjoy catching them. Regardless of if you’re fishing for sport or the...

Fly Fishing For Summer Steelhead

Fly Fishing For Summer Steelhead

When anglers hear the words “summer steelhead” – thoughts of hard fighting fish on American rivers with rich histories fill their minds. Rivers such as the Deschutes, North Umpqua, and Klamath are just a few well-known rivers in the west that get runs of summer...

How to Fish a Carolina Rig

How to Fish a Carolina Rig

A Carolina Rig is a plastic bait rig most commonly used to target bass – knowing when and where to fish it is important to success. It is a perfect technique to use when fish are feeling lethargic and are sitting...

The Difference Between Spinning and Casting Rods

The Difference Between Spinning and Casting Rods

Most anglers have heard of spinning and casting rods, but might not know what the difference is between the two. Understanding the difference between a spinning and casting rod is important for knowing which rod to use for specific techniques...

Euro Nymphing Tips for Trout

Euro Nymphing Tips for Trout

Euro nymphing or tight line nymphing, has become widely popular with trout anglers from all corners of the country and across the globe. Find a trout stream and you’ll likely find a fisherman utilizing the Euro nymphing technique. Its effectiveness is well documented...

Striper Fishing Tips – How to Fish for Stripers

Striper Fishing Tips – How to Fish for Stripers

Finding success along the striper coast is dependent on figuring out the little things. Every once in a while–maybe once a season–something ‘clicks’ that helps you understand how to catch stripers more consistently. Eventually, these “lightbulb” moments begin to mix,...

How to Choose a Fly Rod

How to Choose a Fly Rod

I’ve spent most of the past decade reviewing fly fishing, hunting, and outdoors gear. Throughout that time, I reckon I’ve fished north of 100 different fly rods. To this day, I still find myself spending too much time choosing which rod to bring to the water on any...

How to Fish Hoppers

How to Fish Hoppers

By Spencer Durrant It’s been a weird year here in the Rocky Mountains. Most of us – Montana and Wyoming excluded – had a worryingly light winter. Wild temperature swings threw off the hatch schedule, too. Most bugs were a month late. Then the entire Western United...

Euro Nymphing for Beginners: Rigging the Rod

Euro Nymphing for Beginners: Rigging the Rod

European nymphing is the new Tenkara. Everyone’s doing it, and just like any new fishing fad, you have the guys who swear it’s the only way to fish. That’s not quite true, but as someone who grew up fishing dries in a Rocky Mountain spring creek, I’ll vouch...

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