A crappie with a jig, showcasing bait for ice fishing crappie

Best Bait for Ice Fishing Crappie (And When to Use It)

You know the feeling. You've been hole-hopping, tweaking your jig cadence, switching out plastics, maybe even whispering to the fish gods — and then, bam, it happens. Your flasher lights up like downtown at Christmas, and you're surrounded by blinking crappie blips, high, low, mid-column. It's a feeding frenzy, and for the next period, you're ... Read more
Image showing the differences between Northern Pike and Muskie

Northern Pike vs. Muskie – How to Tell the Difference Without Second-Guessing

Before we get into spotting differences, it helps to know what kind of fish you’re dealing with. Northern Pike (Esox lucius) are found throughout most of the northern U.S. and across Canada. They’re common in weedy bays, shallow lakes, and slow-moving rivers. You’ll catch them in Minnesota, Michigan, Wisconsin, the Dakotas, and just about every ... Read more
A person holding a fish on a hook, showing a successful catch, illustrating when fish bite

Do Fish Bite Better in the Morning or Evening? The Science Behind It

Fish are most active and likely to bite during two distinct windows each day: early morning (around sunrise) and late evening (just before and after sunset). These time periods consistently produce higher catch rates across freshwater and saltwater species due to specific environmental factors—namely, light levels, water temperature, oxygen saturation, and predator-prey behavior. Scientific studies, ... Read more
Man standing near a lake at sunset, enjoying the view with arms crossed

Best Fishing Rods for Different Types of Fishing

Choosing the right fishing rod makes a noticeable difference in performance and overall enjoyment. Rods vary based on fishing style, species targeted, and the environment. Rod length, material, action, power, and reel compatibility all factor into selecting the correct tool. Each fishing scenario demands a rod with specific traits, and matching these to your needs ... Read more
Lloyd Bull holding the biggest trout ever caught

Where Was the Biggest Trout in the World Caught?

Many fishing enthusiasts love searching for massive trout, dreaming about landing a specimen that will be remembered for years to come. Records are set and then broken, fueling a passion that transcends generations. Where was the largest ever landed? There are several answers, depending on the method of capture and the type of trout involved. ... Read more