Author Archives: Baitshop Brandy

Record-Breaking Rainbow Trout Stuns Anglers at Dworshak Reservoir

January 31, 2026 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Brandy

While many Idaho anglers were focused on winter ice conditions in mid-January, one fisherman at Dworshak Reservoir had a very different reason to pull out a tape measure. On January 13, Todd Phillips of Fruitland landed a rainbow trout so …

Understanding River Backwater Habitat in Winter Waters

As winter settles in, rivers undergo dramatic changes that directly affect fish behavior. Falling water temperatures, reduced daylight, and ice cover force many species to abandon their summer ranges and seek out areas that offer stability and survival. Research conducted …

Getting Started on the Ice: A Beginner’s Guide to Ice Fishing in New Hampshire

Each winter, New Hampshire’s largest lakes transform into bustling frozen communities. Ice shanties dot the landscape, anglers drill holes through thick ice, and the quiet anticipation of a bite fills the cold air. These temporary villages are not built for …

Spider Rigging for Crappie to Cover More Water and Catch More Fish

Spider rigging has long been a productive crappie technique, especially across Southern waters where slow trolling with multiple rods is a familiar sight. While modern electronics have enhanced the approach, the fundamentals remain unchanged: spread baits wide, control speed, and …

Upstate New York Ice Fishing Season Shaping Up to Be One for the Ages

January 26, 2026 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Brandy

As most Central New Yorkers brace for plunging temperatures, ice anglers are welcoming the cold with open arms. A powerful blast of Arctic air is settling into the region, and for those who love fishing through the ice, it could …

Smart Winter Storage Tips for Fishing Rafts

December 30, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing Boats | Baitshop Brandy

When fishing season winds down and temperatures start to drop, attention often shifts to ice fishing or winter projects. Meanwhile, fishing rafts are sometimes rolled up and forgotten until spring. Proper winter storage, however, plays a major role in how …

10 Ice Fishing Essentials Anglers Often Leave Behind

December 30, 2025 | 🪝 Gear | Baitshop Brandy

Ice fishing has a way of making anglers feel prepared. The auger is sharp, the rods are rigged, and the bait is ready. Yet many ice fishing trips still get cut short or become uncomfortable—not because the fish stop biting, …

Tip-Ups That Trigger: A Winter Guide to Raising More Pike Flags

December 27, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Brandy

Ice fishing for pike has a funny way of humbling even seasoned anglers. One moment the ice feels quiet and lifeless, the next a flag snaps up and a heavy fish slides onto the hard water. Tip-ups may look simple, …

Cold-Weather Fly Fishing: Smart Ways to Stay Warm and Safe All Winter

December 27, 2025 | 🪝 Gear | Baitshop Brandy

Winter arrived early in eastern Idaho and across Yellowstone Country, with temperatures plunging well below zero and reminding anglers just how serious cold weather can be. Conditions like these aren’t unusual in the northern Rockies, and anyone planning to fish …

Mastering Cold-Weather Bank Fishing: 4 Tactics to Boost Your Catch

November 30, 2025 | 🪝 Bait Presentation Strategies | Baitshop Brandy

As the temperatures drop, bank fishing can become a challenging and frustrating experience. However, with the right tactics and strategies, you can increase your chances of catching big bass and other species even in the coldest months. 1. Seek Calm …