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...
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, 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 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 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 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 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 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...
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...
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 —...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 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 live bait like minnows or nightcrawlers....
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 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 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...
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. ...
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 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...
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...
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...
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 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...
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,...
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...
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...
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...
