Author Archives: Baitshop Sarah

Winter Bonefishing: Mastering the Flats When the Cold Sets In

Bonefishing in the flats may be more commonly associated with warm tropical weather, but winter brings its own unique opportunities for anglers willing to brave cooler conditions. For those who love the thrill of sight-fishing in shallow waters, winter bonefishing …

Beyond the Usual Catch: Surprising Species to Target While Ice Fishing

Walleyes, crappies, and pike dominate the spotlight, but lesser-known species like burbot, sturgeon, and whitefish provide some of the most exciting winter fishing experiences. BURBOT: The Bottom-Dwelling Brawler Known by many names—eelpout, lawyer, and lingcod—burbot are often dismissed by anglers …

Forward-Facing Sonar Raises Concerns Among Minnesota Ice Anglers

January 8, 2025 | 🪝 Gear | Baitshop Sarah

As advanced fish-finding technology continues to evolve, Minnesota wildlife officials are facing growing concerns about its impact on fair play in ice fishing. The latest innovation drawing scrutiny is forward-facing sonar, a tool that gives anglers an unprecedented edge by …

Crispy Perfection: Easy Recipe for Fried Calamari That’s Sure to Impress

January 7, 2025 | 🪝 Eats | Baitshop Sarah

For seafood lovers, few dishes hit the mark quite like fried calamari. Whether served as an appetizer or the main course, this crowd-pleasing dish is surprisingly simple to make at home. With the right ingredients and a few tips, you …

Record $164,000 Earned in 2024 Northern Pikeminnow Fishing Challenge

January 7, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing News | Baitshop Sarah

Earning $164,000 from fishing sounds unbelievable, but that’s exactly what happened during the 2024 Northern Pikeminnow Sport Reward Program. With generous payouts and rising participation, the program saw record-breaking earnings and an early closure due to its immense popularity. How …

Tips for Finding Great Ice Fishing Spots on Unfamiliar Lakes

January 7, 2025 | 🪝 Fishing Bait and Lure | Baitshop Sarah

Locating productive ice fishing spots on a new lake can be a rewarding yet challenging endeavor. Whether targeting panfish, pickerel, or bass, using a few key techniques can significantly improve success. When venturing onto unfamiliar waters, preparation, observation, and adaptability …

Common Mistakes That Can Ruin Freshly Caught Fish – And How to Avoid Them

January 3, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Sarah

Fishing is a rewarding sport that requires patience and skill. After investing time and effort into landing that prized catch, mishandling the fish can ruin the entire experience. To make the most of a successful outing, avoid these common mistakes …

Winter Fly Fishing: Embracing the Challenge and the Reward

January 3, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Sarah

Braving a winter morning at 4:30 a.m. with temperatures dipping to 22 degrees may seem extreme to many anglers. Despite the biting cold, a forecast promising no wind offered a rare opportunity for a winter fly fishing adventure. While most …

Top 5 Amazing Fishing Spots in Washington State for Every Angler

January 2, 2025 | 🪝 Baitshop Life | Baitshop Sarah

Washington State is a fishing paradise offering an abundance of lakes, rivers, and coastal waters teeming with fish. Whether you’re a seasoned angler seeking trophy-sized catches or a beginner looking for a scenic spot to cast your line, Washington has …

Mastering Crayfish: Catching, Rigging, and Fishing Techniques

December 31, 2024 | 🪝 Fishing Bait and Lure | Baitshop Sarah

Crayfish are often overlooked as live bait despite being one of the most effective options available. Anglers frequently gravitate toward more common baits like nightcrawlers, minnows, or mealworms. Yet crayfish stand out as a versatile and nutrient-rich bait that can …