Fishing Guides

Choose a species, learn a starting presentation, and build a tackle list for the water you plan to fish.

• Walleye fishing basics: build a rig for the bank, jigging, or trolling

  Choose a walleye presentation around your access, depth, and current. Start with one simple rig and change it deliberately.

• Crappie fishing basics: light jigs, cover, and controlled depth

  A small jig and a deliberate depth adjustment are a better starting point than a box full of random lure changes.

• Bass fishing basics: build and fish a simple Texas rig

  Match the hook to the plastic, use enough weight for control, and learn one retrieve before expanding your tackle box.

• Trout fishing basics: small lures, light line, and a controlled drift

  Choose an approach for a lake or stream, then match your tackle to the current and the rules for that specific water.

• Salmon fishing basics: separate your river, shore, and trolling setups

  There is no single salmon rig for every fishery. Start with the location and legal method, then choose compatible terminal tackle.

• Bluegill and panfish fishing basics: a simple float rig

  A small hook, a balanced float, and a reachable piece of cover make a manageable starting setup.

• Catfish fishing basics: build a sliding-sinker rig

  Choose your hook around the bait, your weight around the current, and your line around the fish and cover.

• Northern pike fishing basics: spoons, leaders, and weed edges

  Build a secure connection to a moving lure and prepare for a toothy fish before the first cast.