Blog

Big Smallmouth Bass Boundary Waters

Topwater Dreams in the Boundary Waters

  There’s something magical about hearing the spool of a baitcaster unwind as my favorite Super Spook rockets out  across a-glassy bay in the evening mid-July, deep in the heart of the Boundary Waters. The water lies still, disturbed only by a pair of Loons and...
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Two Different Spinning Reel Sizes for Panfish and Pike

Spinning Reel Sizes Explained: Easy Guide

If you’ve ever stood in the fishing aisle staring at a wall of reels labeled 1000, 2500, 4000, 5000—or worse, numbers like 30, 40, 50—you’re not alone. Choosing the right spinning reel size can make the difference between a balanced, enjoyable day on the water and one...
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Shimano Sedona

Shimano Sedona vs. Pflueger President Spinning Reel

The product recommendations on our site are independently chosen by our editors. When you click through our links, we may earn a commission. Thanks for helping us do what we love. Learn More I just got back from my annual Boundary Waters fishing trip where I put two...
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Beautiful Smallmouth Bass outside of the Boundary Waters.

Secret Smallmouth Bass Lake Near Ely, MN

(Only Accessible by Kayak or Canoe) Every year, I make it a mission to find a hidden gem near Ely, Minnesota—one of those wild lakes where the bass are aggressive, the crowds are gone, and the only sounds are the splash of your paddle and the...
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Boundary Waters Camping Site

Boundary Waters Packing List for Fishing & Camping Trips

The product recommendations on our site are independently chosen by our editors. When you click through our links, we may earn a commission. Thanks for helping us do what we love. Learn More Every year I take a pilgrimage into the Boundary Waters to experience the...
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Pflueger Presidential 20 Review: A Budget Panfish Reel That Feels Premium

The product recommendations on our site are independently chosen by our editors. When you click through our links, we may earn a commission. Thanks for helping us do what we love. Learn MoreIf you're looking for a spinning reel that’s light, smooth, and doesn’t break...
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Big Old Slab Caught in an Indiana Pond

The Best Crappie Bait Slabs Can’t Resist

The product recommendations on our site are independently chosen by our editors. When you click through our links, we may earn a commission. Thanks for helping us do what we love. Learn More  If it swims, wriggles, or flashes in the water, a crappie’s probably...
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fishing with shrimp

Best Bait for Surf Fishing: Live, Frozen, or Fake Shrimp?

Shrimp: it’s not just for tacos. It’s also one of the most effective—and underrated—baits for saltwater fishing. Whether you're surf fishing the Atlantic, casting in the Gulf, or wading a flat in Florida, every fish eats shrimp. When it comes to the best shrimp option...
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Kayaking Sunset Beach, NC: A Hidden Intercoastal Adventure

Sunset Beach, NC Kayak Adventure

I love paddling. Most of my kayak adventures are in northern Minnesota, exploring the Boundary Waters. But in early April, a thick layer of ice makes it pretty difficult to paddle the lakes of northern Minnesota. So, to get my fix – I headed south to the intercoastal...
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Best Time of Day to Surf Fish

I have found that timing is everything when surf fishing. The trouble is that I typically fish when my family goes to the beach. My schedule is determined by my kid's ability to prepare for a day at the ocean, not when the best bite occurs. As I roll my cart onto the...
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