Author Archives: Baitshop Kelly

Missouri Teen Sets New State Record with Massive Redear Sunfish

May 9, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Kelly

Seventeen-year-old Riley Isaacs of Bradleyville, Missouri, secured a place in the record books by arrowing a redear sunfish that officially became the first Missouri state-record fish of 2025. The panfish, caught while bowfishing Lake Taneycomo on April 18, weighed in …

Beyond the Horizon: The Top Benefits of Offshore Fishing Adventures

For anglers looking to take their passion to the next level, offshore fishing delivers an unforgettable experience. Far from the shores and beyond the usual fishing spots, offshore fishing opens up a world of excitement, challenge, and natural beauty. From …

Mastering Deep Water Walleye: 3 Proven Tactics That Work

Targeting walleyes in water shallower than thirty feet allows nearly all traditional walleye techniques to be used effectively. However, when fish move deeper—as they often do in the summer—many standard approaches become far less practical. On large lakes or reservoirs …

Mastering the Stall: How Suspending Lures Trigger Early-Season Bass

May 6, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Kelly

As winter fades and bass anglers begin gearing up for spring, one often overlooked technique stands out: the stall. When water temperatures climb out of the 40s and 50s, the ability to suspend a lure—holding it motionless in the strike …

Mastering Small Boat Fishing: Proven Tips for Success on the Water

May 6, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing Boats | Baitshop Kelly

Small boat fishing, including kayak and dinghy setups, continues to gain popularity in coastal regions like New Zealand, thanks to its accessibility and surprising effectiveness. Whether targeting snapper, kingfish, or other inshore species, small crafts offer advantages that larger boats …

Untangling Trouble: The Fly Fisher’s Guide to Avoiding Common Pitfalls

April 29, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing Rods | Baitshop Kelly

Fly fishing, an elegant dance between angler, rod, line, and the elusive quarry, can be an incredibly rewarding pursuit. However, like any skill, it comes with its own set of common mistakes that can lead to frustration, lost opportunities, and …

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 …

Chasing Kings: Your Comprehensive Guide to Chinook Salmon Fishing in Idaho

For anglers across Idaho, the annual return of the majestic Chinook salmon is more than just a fishing season; it’s an eagerly anticipated event, a time when vacations are strategically planned and angling dreams are pursued with fervent passion. Revered …

Balancing Contact: Mastering Tight Line and Euro Nymphing

April 26, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing Bait and Lure | Baitshop Kelly

Dead drifts are the goal in nymphing — yet staying connected is just as critical. A nymph must drift naturally with the current while maintaining enough contact for control and strike detection. This creates a paradox: offering freedom while managing …

Master the Art of Swinging Wet Flies for Trout

April 26, 2025 | 🪝 Casting Techniques | Baitshop Kelly

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 …