How to Get a Fishing License: Who Needs One, Where to Buy It and Which Stamps You Need
Every state sells its own fishing license, usually online in a few minutes. Here's how age, residency, stamps and free fishing days work before you buy.
Category: Fishing Basics
Licenses and regulations, knots, catch and release, fish handling, boating and kayak basics, and how to start fishing as a beginner.
How to Clean and Fillet a Bass: Tools, Step-by-Step Cuts, Skinning and Storage
Two clean fillets, no rib bones and no skin, in a few minutes per fish. Here's the tool list, the cuts in order and how to store the meat safely.
Fishing Boat Basics for Beginners: Boat Types, Safety Gear, Registration and Launching
A small aluminum boat is the easiest way onto the water. Here's what to buy, what safety gear the law requires, and how to launch without drama.
Bluegill and Sunfish Fishing: Easy Fish for Beginners and Kids
Bluegill live almost everywhere, bite readily and fight hard for their size. A bobber, a small hook and a piece of worm is all you need to start.
Catch and Release Best Practices: How to Give Every Fish Its Best Chance
A released fish isn't automatically a surviving fish. Short fights, wet hands, quick hook removal and a gentle release make the real difference.
How to Set the Hook: Single Hooks, Trebles, Circle Hooks and Why Fish Come Off
A good hookset depends on the hook. Soft plastics need a firm snap, crankbaits a steady sweep, and circle hooks no hookset at all.
Taking Kids Fishing: Easy Spots, Simple Gear, Safety and Keeping It Fun
The secret to a good first trip is lots of bites, not big fish. Here's where to go, what to bring and how to keep kids safe and having fun.
Catfish Fishing for Beginners: Channel, Blue and Flathead Catfish, Baits, Rigs and Night Fishing
Catfish are one of the easiest big fish to catch from shore. Learn the three main species, what each one eats and the two rigs that cover most situations.
Fishing in Arizona: Desert Lakes, Main Species, Seasons, Heat and License Basics
Arizona has far more fishing than most people expect, from Phoenix-area bass reservoirs to cold trout lakes on the Rim. Here's where to start and how to stay legal and safe.
Walleye Fishing Tips: Low Light, Wind, Jigs, Live Bait Rigs and Trolling by Season
Walleye feed best when light is low and the water is choppy or stained. Here's how to find them through the year and the four presentations that catch most of them.