Author Archives: Baitshop Brandy

The Timeless Art of Fishing with Antique Tackle

September 9, 2025 | 🪝 Gear | Baitshop Brandy

For Bill Sonnett, bass fishing is more than just a hobby – it’s a way to connect with the past. Sonnett, an avid collector of antique fishing gear, fishes with tackle that’s almost a century old. His approach may seem …

The Incredible Journey of a Record-Breaking Blue Catfish

September 8, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Brandy

In a remarkable turn of events, a blue catfish has made history by breaking West Virginia’s state records not once, not twice, but three times. This extraordinary fish has been caught multiple times by different anglers, each time setting a …

Kayak Angler Lands State Record Bowfin in Minnesota

August 27, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Brandy

Ben Erb, a lifelong fisherman and fisheries biologist from Minnesota, has set a new state record for catch-and-release bowfin fishing. Erb caught a 31-inch bowfin in the Mississippi River while kayaking on a whim with his afternoon free. Initially, he …

Hooked on Massachusetts: Fishing Tips and Reports

Mahi Mania Off the South Shore Hurricane Erin may be keeping some anglers on shore, but the South Shore in Massachusetts  is buzzing with excitement over mahi-mahi catches. Captain Jason Colby’s proven waypoints and 70-degree water temps are the key …

Worm Fishing in a Lake with Bobbers: Tips and Techniques

Worm fishing in a lake with bobbers is a popular and effective way to catch fish, especially panfish and trout. Here are some tips and techniques to help you succeed: Choosing the Right Gear Rod and Reel: A light or …

Setting Up Nymphs Off Dry Flies for a Double Setup on a Fly Rod

July 30, 2025 | 🪝 Gear | Baitshop Brandy

A dry-dropper setup is an effective way to catch fish, especially when you’re not sure what they’re feeding on. This technique involves suspending a nymph or other subsurface fly beneath a dry fly, allowing you to present two different patterns …

Michigan Angler Catches Record-Breaking 64-Pound Flathead Catfish in Monroe County

July 22, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Brandy

A Michigan angler’s recent bowfishing excursion in Monroe County resulted in a new state record for flathead catfish. Codie Carlson, from Newport, Michigan, caught a massive flathead catfish weighing 64.46 pounds and measuring 45 inches in Plum Creek on June …

Record-Breaking Brook Trout Caught in Adirondacks

July 22, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Brandy

Adirondack Angler’s Behemoth Brook Trout Sets New State Record In the heart of the Adirondack backcountry, Ben Ferguson of Lowville reeled in a monster brook trout that has shattered the New York state record. Caught on July 5 in the …

Hot Weather, Cool Tricks: Dry Fly Fishing Tactics for Summer Success

Dry fly fishing in the summer presents a unique challenge and opportunity. As water levels drop and insect hatches explode, trout become increasingly selective. But with the right strategy, dry fly fishing can be at its most rewarding during the …

5 Must-Fish Spots Along the Mighty Mississippi

July 1, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Brandy

The Mississippi River stretches over 2,300 miles, offering anglers countless fishing opportunities. From northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico, the river’s diverse ecosystems are home to catfish, walleye, smallmouth bass, crappie, and more. Summer is a prime season to …