For everything from lazy summer fishing in a pond, to ice fishing competitions over a frozen winter lake, Trails.com’s Freshwater Fishing section has articles and videos for everyone interested in the sport. We can teach you the best knots for braided line, how to make your own bait, and even how to cut a hole through ice with an auger. Learn how to catch everything from striped bass to river eels with Trails.com. Regardless of where you fish, we want to ensure that you come home with your basket full at the end of the day.
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Fatheads prefer mid-water and lower-depth streams, lakes and ponds. They are identified by a rounded snout, short rounded fins and a darkening along the mid-line of the back. Fatheads can thrive in high temperatures and low oxygen levels, but sch...
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The sturgeon is North America's largest fresh-water fish. This prehistoric looking fish can grow to 20 feet in length, weigh up to 1,500 pounds and live for over 100 years. Sturgeon have a long tooth-filled mouth and ridged dorsal. They inhabit t...
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Fishing sinkers are simple, both in their use and their components. Although they may be a simple concept, they can produce amazing results when it comes to casting out your line or keeping your hook at the proper depth. Most sinkers have only tw...
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Ledger weights, as the name implies, are weights used when fishing by ledgering. Ledgering involves using a weight near the hook. The weight serves to help you cast your line out farther and to keep your hook at the bottom of the waterway. All le...
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Herring makes a great bait for a number of fish, especially salmon. You don't just grab a frozen herring, stick a hook in it and hope for the best. Several preparatory techniques, outlined at the Salmon University website, help make the herring b...
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You may one day find yourself in a pinch without your usual store-bought fishing weights or with a weight that is too light or heavy for the job at hand. You can use a number of everyday items as fishing weights. The main concern is to make sure ...
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Alaska offers seclusion, mountain scenery and dense forests. Fishing is among the most popular activities in the state. Planning a fishing trip in Alaska means looking for adequate lodging that can accommodate your needs. Many of the fishing camp...
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Fishing plugs are a staple in the tackle box of many anglers. Typically made of wood or plastic, plugs will usually feature at least two sets of treble hooks with one at the rear and one along the belly. Plugs are designed to imitate baitfish and...
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Located in central Missouri, Lake of the Ozarks has more than 1,000 miles of shoreline and fishing for paddlefish, walleye, white bass, largemouth bass, spotted bass, crappie, catfish, bluegill and hybrid striped bass. The lake is open to fishing...
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Creek chub are one of the biggest species of minnows. According to the Duluthstreams.org, they can grow up to a foot long and weigh 12 oz. Because of their size, creek chub can sometimes catch impressively large fish. Creek chub are a favorite me...
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Fishing is world class in northern Canada. But planning a fishing trip there involves finding the right accommodations and amenities. Many areas in Canada are very remote and can only be reached by plane or boat. If you are traveling from the Uni...
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Channel catfish are found in many lakes, rivers and streams throughout North American and can be caught fairly easily. Once you have located a channel catfish hot spot where you know the fish are feeding use one of the methods listed below to sta...
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An overlooked game fish, carp can usually be found near the bottom of ponds, lakes and slow-moving rivers or streams. Carp grow to large sizes in even small ponds and don't tire easily. For this reason, you should have your landing net ready when...
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The type of bait you choose to fish with can make the difference between going home with a bucket full of fish and going home empty-handed. While a variety of types of fishing bait can be used to catch fish, you'll want to find out which species ...
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Fishing vests are manufactured similarly to adult vests. However, detailing and embroidery may differ. For example, common designs include the dragonfly and the catfish. Kids fishing vests are also available in colors such as pink and desert camo...
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Alaska is one of the most natural and untouched states in the United States. Some of the main attractions in Alaska are the pristine beauty with mountains, lakes and dense forestry. One of the most popular activities is fishing. People travel fr...
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Rock fishing requires a light outfit and a simple set up. At a depth of less than 200 feet, you jig your line off the bottom of the water as your boat drifts over a rocky area. The light outfit and tackle used to rock fish make it easy for many y...
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Commercial and non-commercial anglers can set a gill net to catch a large target of fish. Because of the size of the netting, small fish will likely pass through a gill net without injury, whereas large fish will become trapped and later rounded ...
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The stunning, crystal clear waters of Washington's Alpine Lakes Wilderness host 100,000 anglers each season. Approached via the rugged terrain of hiking trails or by car, the cold waters suit many species of trout and char. The Alpine Lakes regio...
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Baudette, Minnesota, is a small community located on the Rainy River and near Lake of the Woods. Baudette is near the Canadian border. Anglers can go for a myriad of species in the river and lake, including trout, perch, bass and walleye. Be awar...
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The white sturgeon is the largest freshwater fish in North America and could very well be the foundation of many lake monster stories and legends. Sturgeon can reach sizes of 1,500 pounds and 20 feet long and live for more than 100 years. White s...
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Ice fishing in South Dakota promises many healthy and plentiful fishing holes, as well as several lakes to fish in. Walleye, northern pike and yellow perch remain among the most popular catches in this region. During the day, yellow perch is the ...
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Zebco produces several different models of fishing reels suitable for use in both fresh and salt water conditions. However, spin-cast reels are what Zebco is perhaps most well known for. For many years, Zebco has produced spin-cast reels that hav...
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Monofilament fishing lines and braided fishing lines differ in many aspects, especially in terms of strength. Both types of lines have their assets as well as their drawbacks.
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It's important to rig your kayak for fishing based on the size and location of the fish you want to catch. Prioritize the location of your equipment on the kayak and maximize your space by only rigging what is absolutely necessary for the type of...
