Featured

Mastering the 80/20 Rule in Fishing: Key Lessons for Success

In fishing, as in many aspects of life, the majority of success often comes from a small portion of effort. This idea, known as the 80/20 Rule or Pareto Principle, suggests that 80% of outcomes stem from 20% of the …

April 26, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Kelly

5 Amazing Fishing Spots in New Jersey You’ve Got to Try This Season

New Jersey might be one of the smaller states, but when it comes to fishing opportunities, it delivers big. From serene mountain lakes to brackish backwaters and bustling coastal inlets, the Garden State offers a surprising variety of fishing destinations. …

April 5, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Kelly

Paddlefish: An Intriguing Freshwater Species

Paddlefish (Polyodon spatula) are one of the most unique freshwater species in North America, known for their smooth skin, cartilage-based skeleton, and fascinating paddle-like rostrum. These large fish, sometimes called spoonbills or shovelnose catfish, have lived in the region for …

March 27, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Kevin

Saltwater Fly: The Apex of Angling Adventure

Saltwater fly fishing presents an exhilarating challenge, akin to the X-Games of the sport. The pursuit of larger, more powerful fish creates an intense and highly desirable angling experience. From tarpon’s aerial displays to giant trevally’s blistering runs, the saltwater …

March 24, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Sarah

Heisman’s Hidden Passion: The Lure of Bass Fishing

March 24, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Kevin

Travis Hunter, the University of Colorado’s standout athlete and 2024 Heisman Trophy recipient, possesses a talent that extends beyond the football field. While dominating as both a wide receiver and cornerback, Hunter’s true passion lies in the pursuit of largemouth …

5 Must-Visit Fishing Spots in Florida for Your Next Adventure

March 20, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Sarah

Florida is a paradise for anglers, offering a diverse range of fishing opportunities across its waters. From saltwater giants to freshwater favorites, the Sunshine State has it all. Whether targeting tarpon, bass, or redfish, these five amazing fishing spots in …

Teaching Kids to Fish in a Freshwater Pond: A Simple Guide

March 16, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Garrett

Introducing kids to fishing in a freshwater pond is a great way to create lasting memories while helping them develop a love for the outdoors. Small ponds provide an easy and accessible way to catch species like bass, catfish, and …

Baitshop Life

How to Hook a Lifetime Fly Fisher: 5 Fun Tips for Teaching Kids

Fly fishing with kids isn’t just about catching fish—it’s about creating memories that last a lifetime. Teaching kids fly fishing isn’t about forcing technique; it’s about making it fun, simple, and full of adventure. Here are five tips to help …

April 26, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Rob

Mastering the 80/20 Rule in Fishing: Key Lessons for Success

In fishing, as in many aspects of life, the majority of success often comes from a small portion of effort. This idea, known as the 80/20 Rule or Pareto Principle, suggests that 80% of outcomes stem from 20% of the …

April 26, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Kelly

5 Great Fishing Spots in Delaware Every Angler Should Visit This Season

Delaware may be one of the smallest states in the U.S., but it boasts some of the best fishing opportunities on the East Coast. From freshwater lakes to salty bays, the First State offers a variety of hot spots that …

April 26, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Garrett

5 Amazing Fishing Spots in South Carolina Anglers Can’t Miss This Spring

Spring in South Carolina signals prime fishing season. As temperatures rise and fish become more active, anglers across the Palmetto State are preparing their gear to take advantage of some of the region’s most rewarding waters. From freshwater lakes to …

April 25, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Rob

Rethinking Catch-and-Release: Why Harvesting Small Bass Might Be the Key to Bigger Fish

April 25, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Rob

Catch-and-release fishing, especially for Largemouth bass, has long been considered the gold standard of conservation. For many anglers, it’s a tradition rooted in family fishing trips, often with the guiding principle of “let it grow.” This approach has helped form …

Rhode Island Reels: 5 Must-Fish Spots This Spring

April 22, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Sarah

Rhode Island may be the smallest state, but it’s a giant when it comes to spring fishing. As temperatures warm and waters come alive with activity, anglers from all over the Northeast are setting their sights on the Ocean State. …

Tiny Hooks, Big Thrills: Why Micro Fishing Is the Next Big Thing in Angling

April 16, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Brandy

What’s the thrill in catching a fish the size of your pinky finger? Turns out—everything. Micro fishing, the art of targeting tiny species with ultra-light gear, is making serious waves in the angling community. While the average fisherman may chase …

Gear

Spinning vs. Baitcasting for Jerkbaits: What’s the Best Choice for Anglers?

The choice between spinning and baitcasting gear often sparks debate among anglers, especially when it comes to fishing jerkbaits. With countless rod, reel, and line combinations available, the decision can feel overwhelming—especially for newcomers. Yet, this diversity reflects the personal …

April 21, 2025 | 🪝 Gear | Baitshop Brandy

Snagged Again? Here’s How to Free a Panther Martin Lure Without Losing It

Panther Martin lures are a staple in many tackle boxes, known for their flashy blades and fish-catching abilities. However, they’re also notorious for getting snagged—on rocks, logs, weeds, or submerged branches. Before cutting the line and sacrificing a favorite lure, …

April 7, 2025 | 🪝 Gear | Baitshop Kevin

Smart Angling: How to Shop for Used Fishing Gear Without Breaking the Bank

Fishing is a gear-lover’s paradise. Between rods, reels, lines, and terminal tackle, the sport naturally leads to a growing collection of equipment. But while upgrading gear can be exciting, it also gets expensive fast—especially when buying everything brand new. For …

April 7, 2025 | 🪝 Gear | Baitshop Sarah

From Shoreline Trash to Tacklebox Treasures: The Curious Tale of the “Tampoon”

Long before viral videos showcased tampons as DIY fishing lures, a New Jersey environmental group took the concept seriously. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Clean Ocean Action (COA) created and sold handmade lures dubbed “Tampoons” — crafted from …

April 5, 2025 | 🪝 Gear | Baitshop Garrett

Essential Gear for Your Tropical Saltwater Fly-Fishing Adventure

April 1, 2025 | 🪝 Gear | Baitshop Kevin

You’ve secured your dream saltwater destination, booked your lodge, and arranged your guide. You’ve even managed to clear your schedule and purchase those plane tickets. Now, as you contemplate the merits of an aisle versus a window seat, a crucial …

Unlocking the Power of Lipless Crankbaits: Tips for Better Bass Fishing

March 24, 2025 | 🪝 Gear | Baitshop Kelly

Glenn May of BassResource shares valuable insights on using lipless crankbaits, also known as vibrating lures, rattling baits, or classics like the Rat-L-Trap. With years of experience, he breaks down the key strategies, gear recommendations, and modifications that can increase …

Step Up Your Fly Fishing Game with the Right Socks

March 23, 2025 | 🪝 Gear | Baitshop Brandy

Comfortable feet can make all the difference during a fly fishing trip. While much attention is given to rods, reels, and waders, one often-overlooked factor is socks. Hours spent standing in cold water, trekking through rough terrain, and navigating rocky …

Eats

Cast a Line for Flavor: Easy Fish Florentine

Fresh from the water to the table, nothing beats turning your catch into a meal that feels restaurant-worthy but is easy enough for a weeknight. Enter Fish Florentine—a flaky, tender fish dish with creamy spinach that’s so good it might …

April 26, 2025 | 🪝 Eats | Baitshop Sarah

Smoked Fish Rangoon: A Crispy Twist on a Classic Favorite

Looking for a new way to enjoy your smoked catch? This Smoked Fish Rangoon recipe takes the familiar Chinese-American appetizer and gives it a bold, flavorful upgrade. Instead of the usual imitation crab, this version stars smoky, flaky trout—offering a …

April 21, 2025 | 🪝 Eats | Baitshop Garrett

Crispy Ranchero Walleye Recipe: A Quick and Flavorful Dinner

If you’re looking for a delicious, easy-to-make meal that doesn’t take up too much time in the kitchen, this Ranchero Walleye recipe is the perfect choice. In just 30 minutes, you can create a flavorful and satisfying dinner that’s sure …

March 26, 2025 | 🪝 Eats | Baitshop Kevin

Crawfish Prep: Hindgut Removal Techniques

Before enjoying crawfish, many prefer to remove the digestive tract, often referred to as the “poop line.” This dark, gritty cord, scientifically known as the hindgut, while not inherently harmful, can detract from the eating experience due to its texture. …

March 24, 2025 | 🪝 Eats | Baitshop Brandy

Catfish Cake Sliders: A Sustainable Seafood Delight

March 24, 2025 | 🪝 Eats | Baitshop Brandy

Blue catfish, often overlooked and labeled a “trash fish,” possess a delicate, flaky flavor that lends itself to a variety of culinary applications. These abundant fish, introduced to the Chesapeake Bay, offer a sustainable seafood solution while addressing ecological concerns. …

Crispy Perfection: How to Make the Ultimate Fried Fish

February 28, 2025 | 🪝 Eats | Baitshop Kelly

There’s nothing quite like biting into perfectly fried fish—crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside. This recipe ensures a crunch that lasts, making it ideal for serving fresh or even as a takeout-style dish. The Secret to …

Butterflied Stuffed Trout with Tomato Vinaigrette

February 12, 2025 | 🪝 Eats | Baitshop Garrett

A Flavorful Whole Fish Recipe Perfect for Spring and Summer Prep Time: 1 ½ hoursServings: 2 Why Cook Trout Whole? Cooking trout whole enhances its flavor and presentation while making use of every delicious bite that is often lost to …

Fishing News

Close Call on Montana Creek: Grizzly Charges Anglers, Creek Closed

A section of Red Rock Creek in southern Montana has been temporarily closed to public access after a startling encounter between two anglers and a charging grizzly bear. The incident occurred on the Red Rock Lakes National Wildlife Refuge, prompting …

April 27, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Kevin

Pacific Sanctuary Under Siege: Trump’s Fishing Order Sparks Expert Alarm

Conservation groups are raising serious concerns following Donald Trump’s recent decision to roll back fishing regulations within the Pacific Islands Heritage Marine National Monument, a federally protected zone spanning nearly 500,000 square miles in the central Pacific Ocean. This move …

April 27, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Kevin

Georgia Angler Ties State Record with Massive Spotted Sunfish

Atkinson County fisherman Wesley Daniels landed a giant spotted sunfish while catfishing on the Suwannee River, tying Georgia’s state record. The hefty panfish weighed 12 ounces and measured 8 ½ inches, matching the record previously set by Jamie Boyette in …

April 26, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Sarah

Virginia Angler Lands Record-Size Hybrid at Cherokee Lake, Then Sets It Free

Jeff Hubbard of Bluefield, Virginia, reeled in the catch of a lifetime this spring at Tennessee’s Cherokee Lake — but the real story isn’t just about the fish he caught. It’s about the choice he made afterward. Fishing on March …

April 26, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Brandy

Master of the Light Line: Art Weston Lands 153-Pound Alligator Gar on 2-Pound Test

April 25, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Kelly

In the world of record-chasing anglers, Art Weston continues to set the bar higher with each catch. The 54-year-old from Kentucky recently boated and released a mammoth 153-pound, 7-foot 3-inch alligator gar on a mere 2-pound-test line from Lake Livingston …

Rising Waters, Fading Fish: How Climate Change Is Disrupting America’s $100 Billion Fishing Industry

April 22, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Sarah

Americans spend nearly $100 billion annually on fishing, a beloved pastime that also drives local economies and supports thousands of jobs across the country. But the impacts of climate change are increasingly threatening this cornerstone of American outdoor recreation. Recent …

Captain Fined Nearly $17,000 for Dumping Toxic Squid Waste Off California Coast

April 21, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Garrett

A Southern California fishing boat captain has been ordered to pay more than $16,000 after illegally dumping hazardous waste into the Pacific Ocean, according to a statement from the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office. William Porter McHenry, owner of McHenry …

Fishing Techniques and Strategies

Hackney’s Hot Takes: 5 Bass Fishing Gold Nuggets from a Classic Legend

Imagine spending a full competition day on the water with Bassmaster icon Greg Hackney. That’s exactly where this writer found himself during the Bassmaster Classic, soaking up not just the sun, but invaluable insights into bass behavior, fishing instincts, and …

Master the Art of Swinging Wet Flies for Trout

Swinging a wet fly remains one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to catch trout. Though fly fishing has seen countless innovations, this classic technique continues to shine for anglers of all experience levels. Why Swinging a Wet Fly …

April 26, 2025 | 🪝 Casting Techniques | Baitshop Kelly

Bass on the Move: Top Summer Fishing Tips from a Boat

Summer is prime time for bass fishing, but when temperatures rise, bass behavior changes dramatically. Anglers who adapt their boat fishing techniques will find no shortage of bites even during the hottest days. Here’s how to maximize bass catches from …

Spring Strike: How to Master Yellow Perch Fishing After Ice-Out

As winter loosens its grip across the northern states, spring fishing season begins to thaw into action. While many fish species remain sluggish in the cold waters, one fish stands out for its early-season activity: the yellow perch. Known for …


Unveiling America’s Next Largemouth Leviathans

The pursuit of colossal largemouth bass fueled a career in fishing. Growing up near Southern California’s legendary fisheries, tales of record-breaking catches shaped an approach focused on the biggest fish in any lake. The 1990s and 2000s saw California reign …

How to Choose the Perfect Fly Fishing Setup for Spring Creeks

Spring creek fly fishing is a favorite among anglers who love clear water, cautious fish, and technical presentations. These creeks, often fed by underground springs, maintain steady flows and temperatures, making them ideal for springtime fly fishing. But because of …

Why Targeting Spawning Bass Can Hurt Fisheries — Better Alternatives for Anglers

Fishing the spawn can be undeniably exciting. Watching bass react to bait and landing fish one after another makes it a popular choice for many anglers. However, this practice can have long-term impacts on fisheries, and it may eventually lose …