Fishing Tactics

Sure, I fish all that same classic river structure, and I pull a lot of trout out of those spots, but I find that compared to unassuming runs, they are hit-or miss affairs. You catch the fish or two that have duked out a patch of the prime real-estate, or you don’t. And, as is often the case on pressured streams, the angler who fished the same spot a half-hour earlier probably already did so.

 Alabama tailrace guide Jerry Crook has been putting his clients on huge stripers, hybrids, smallmouths, largemouths and catfish for years, but for as much as an expert as he is on these species, he probably knows at least as much about keeping baitfish in top shape.

With light tackle, the right techniques, and a little bit of knowledge, skinny water smallmouths can have you salivating like a Doberman over a Chihuahua.

More than 200 walleye and sauger anglers have already registered for one of competitive fishing’s longest-running rites of spring—the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit’s season opener on the Illinois River.

After a dream season on the Cabela’s Masters Walleye Circuit in 2011, the trail’s reigning Team of the Year is gearing up for more great tournament action in the months ahead.

Colorado guide Bernie Keefe had been posting pictures of hefty lakers he’d pulled through ice with Lindy Watsit Jigs, and I knew from my own experience that trout always have a tough time snubbing a Fuzz-E-Grub. Therefore, I tossed several of each into my boxes as I packed for a Black Hills ice excursion.

South Dakotans trolled Northland spinners and Gulp! Leeches to defeat more than 60 other teams

Despite a nasty cold front, Steve Pennaz and Berkley’s Hunter Cole caught and landed six Lake Trout averaging 15 pounds in a couple hours

Watching Doug Teel fish his Teeny Torpedo bordered on painful. At first, at least.
 

How you get a 10-pound-plus largemouth out of a hydrilla bed? Check out author/fishing guide Jeffrey Knapp's article on timeless topwaters!