The Shopwada Journal

Freshwater Fishing

Sizing help, team-order tips and gear ideas for golf, bowling, billiards, pickleball and archery — from the Shopwada team.

Angler casting from the grassy bank of a misty farm pond at sunrise in a green Bass Master fishing shirt

How to Catch Bass in a Pond: Tackle, Timing and 7 Lures

Stealthy approach, light tackle, a depth-by-time plan, seven pond lures and cover.

3 min read
Angler fishing from a sit-on-top kayak on a calm lake at sunrise wearing a PFD over a green Bass Master fishing shirt

Kayak Fishing Tips for Beginners: Safety, Gear and Fishing

Safety rules, choosing a kayak, gear, launching and how to fish from a kayak.

3 min read
Scene cover for how-to-catch-catfish-in-a-pond

How to Catch Catfish in a Pond: Rigs, Bait and Timing

Simple rigs, the best pond baits, where to cast and how to hook more catfish.

3 min read
Scene cover for how-to-catch-crappie

How to Catch Crappie: Spots, Baits and Simple Techniques

Where crappie hold, a six-step approach, the best baits and beginner gear.

3 min read
Angler in a rainbow trout fishing cap fly fishing a stream

How to Catch Rainbow Trout: Gear, Spots and Methods

Gear, spots, timing and three easy methods for rainbow trout.

3 min read
Angler in a chinook salmon fishing shirt fly fishing in a river

How to Catch Chinook Salmon in Rivers: 3 Proven Methods

Back trolling, back bouncing and float fishing for king salmon.

3 min read
Angler in a reed camo fishing shirt landing a catfish at a riverbank

Best Bait for Catfish: Channel, Flathead and Blue Cats

A bait chart for channel, flathead and blue catfish, with tips for each.

2 min read
Bowfisher in an olive fishing shirt aiming at carp from a shallow-water boat

How to Bowfish for Carp: Gear, Aiming and Best Time

Gear, the 10-4 aiming rule and the best season for carp bowfishing.

2 min read
Angler in a bluegill fishing shirt catching bluegill at a sunny pond

How to Catch Bluegill: Tackle, Bait and Easy Techniques

Tackle, baits and three proven techniques for catching more bluegill.

3 min read
Angler in a green gray fishing shirt landing an alligator gar from a riverbank

How to Catch Alligator Gar: Rig, Bait and Hook Sets

Rig, bait, hook-setting and release tips for alligator gar on rod and reel.

3 min read
Angler in a white and green fishing shirt casting for crappie at dawn

Best Time to Fish for Crappie: Season, Month and Time of Day

Spawn timing, seasonal depths, time of day and baits for catching more crappie.

3 min read
Angler in a black and green fishing shirt holding a muskie at a northern lake

Muskie vs Pike: How to Tell Them Apart

Markings, tail, jaw pores, size and range: how to tell a muskie from a pike.

3 min read