As summer heat fades and crisp autumn mornings roll in, anglers face one of the most dynamic times of year to catch fish. Cooling water, shifting daylight, and migrating baitfish combine to make fall fishing both exciting and unpredictable. But one question always lingers: should you fish on the surface, or go subsurface? In autumn,…
Montana is a fishing paradise, offering some of the best freshwater angling opportunities in the United States. With its crystal-clear rivers, alpine lakes, and abundant fish populations, it’s no wonder that anglers from across the country and around the world flock to Montana every year. But before you pack your gear and head out to…
Fishing is more than just a pastime—it’s an opportunity to bond with your kids, teach them valuable life skills, and create memories that will last a lifetime. Taking kids fishing can be a rewarding experience, but it also requires some planning and patience to ensure they stay engaged, have fun, and hopefully catch some fish…
When the summer sun cranks up the heat, smart anglers know that preparation is key. Long days on the water during the hottest months can be brutal if you’re not geared up properly—not just for your comfort, but for your success. From protecting yourself against intense UV rays to keeping your tackle ready for finicky…
When the temperatures fall and frost creeps across the water’s edge, most casual anglers pack up their gear and call it a season. But for those who stick it out through the chill, late-fall and winter fishing can offer some of the most rewarding days on the water. The fish are still there—just slower, deeper,…
California sculpin fishing combines rocky bottom, baited rigs, metal jigs, wet sportfishing decks, squid residue, and one additional concern that deserves special attention: sharp venomous spines. Often called sculpin by Southern California anglers, the California scorpionfish is a familiar bottom-fishing species associated with rocky coastal structure. Anglers may encounter sculpin around: A typical sculpin fishing…
Early spring rivers and streams present a unique challenge for anglers. Melting snow and spring rains increase flow, creating fast, cold currents that influence fish behavior. Many anglers focus on structure or popular fishing holes, but the real secret to catching more fish lies in reading the currents. Understanding how water moves, where it slows,…
There’s a point in late summer when fishing stops feeling predictable. One day, everything clicks.The next day, the same setup produces nothing.Fish are still there—but results swing wildly. When fishing conditions start shifting daily, consistency doesn’t come from finding the perfect pattern—it comes from adapting faster than the changes. This is where experienced anglers separate…
In mid-winter, most anglers assume that ice simply shuts fishing down. But for those who fish open water during January, ice doesn’t eliminate opportunity—it reshapes it. One of the most overlooked winter features is the ice edge, where frozen and open water meet. This narrow transition zone quietly controls how fish move, feed, and position…
Introduction: The Boots That Wouldn’t Quit I’m a fishing guide. For six months out of the year, my office is a 23-foot center console, and my uniform is a pair of deck boots. Over the past decade, I’ve worn through more boots than I care to count. I’ve had 150pairsdelaminateinasingleseason,150pairsdelaminateinasingleseason,30 pairs crack at the toe crease…
