Joe Shead

Joined: Dec 13, 2024

Joe Shead is an accomplished outdoor writer, hunter, fishing guide and multi-species angler from Minnesota who will fish for anything, even if it won’t bite. Check out more of his work at goshedhunting.com and superiorexperiencecharters.com.

Fish sometimes get sluggish and are slow to bite in winter. Pay attention to their reaction and mix up your jigging to trigger fish to bite.

Freshwater

Learn how to tell when ice is safe, what gear to carry, and what to do if you fall through. Essential ice fishing safety tips for early and late ice.

First-ice walleyes are aggressive and willing to bite.

Freshwater

Learn where to find first-ice walleyes and how to catch them using the best jigging tactics, tip-up setups, and stealth strategies for early-season success.

Shallow lakes and protected bays often give ice anglers the first chance to get on the ice. But especially at early ice, be extra careful.

Freshwater

Find the best early ice fishing hotspots and learn where first ice forms safely. Explore ponds, river backwaters, coves, and shallow lakes for early-ice action.

Using a boat to scout for fish before lakes freeze can pay huge dividends once it's time to ice fish.

Freshwater

Ice fishing season is just around the corner! Know where to find the best fishing once the lakes freeze by marking the best spots now.

A strong knot is the only link between you and the fish of a lifetime. Every angler should know these three knots.

Freshwater

Learn how to tie the Improved Clinch, Palomar, and Arbor knots, the three fishing knots every angler needs for stronger connections and fewer lost fish.

Freshwater

Think you know walleye? Take this fun 10-question quiz to test your fishing knowledge and see if you’re a true walleye expert.

Foot-long suckers rigged with quick-strike rigs are potent medicine for fall muskies.

Freshwater

Learn the live bait rig that consistently beats artificial lures for fall muskies. Expert rigging, setup, and hookset tips for catching trophy fish this season.

Freshwater

Learn how to grease and maintain your boat trailer bearings with this step-by-step guide. Enjoy your time on the lake instead of wasting your time on the shoulder of the highway.

As king salmon feel the impulse to spawn in fall, they move closer to shore, putting them within reach of small-boat anglers and shore fishermen.

Freshwater

Discover the best fall king salmon fishing tactics on the Great Lakes. Learn how to catch trophy kings from small boats, shore, and rivers during the fall run.

Beautiful fall colors, uncrowded lakes and hungry fish ... what's not to love about fall fishing?

Freshwater

Discover why fall is one of the best seasons for fishing. Learn how fewer anglers, trophy bass walleye lake trout and muskie feeding patterns, and crisp autumn days make fall fishing unforgettable.

Ouch! Getting hooked isn't a fun experience, but with a little planning, you can remove a hook from your body without a doctor visit.

Freshwater

Learn how to safely remove a fishhook from your skin using two proven techniques: the jerk method and the push-through method. Fishing safety tips every angler should know.

The author holds an early spring lake trout caught while trolling a crankbait just a few feet below the surface of Lake Superior.

Freshwater

Learn the top 3 lake trout fishing techniques — vertical jigging, trolling, and casting — and discover the best lures for each method to land trophy-sized fish.

Joe Shead

Joined: Dec 13, 2024

How to Turn Finicky Winter Fish Into Biters

New Mille Lacs Walleye Regulations Set for This Winter

Red Lake Ice Fishing Guide: World-Class Walleyes Plus Overlooked Pike, Crappies & Perch

Catch More Bluegill Through the Ice: Why Big Bluegills Charge Your Jig…Then Swim Away

Freshwater

Ice Fishing Safety Tips: How to Know When Ice Is Safe and What to Do If Things Go Wrong

Freshwater

First Ice Walleye Fishing Tips and Techniques: Now’s the Time to Catch Aggressive Early-Winter Fish

Freshwater

Early Ice Fishing Hotspots: Where to Find Safe, Fish-Filled First Ice

Freshwater

Scout Open Water Now for Early Ice Fishing Hotspots

Freshwater

How to Tie the 3 Fishing Knots Every Angler Needs

Freshwater

Think You’re a Walleye Expert? This 10-Question Walleye Quiz Leaves No Doubt

Freshwater

One Rig That Outfishes Every Lure: The Secret to Fall Muskie Success

Freshwater

How to Grease Boat Trailer Bearings: A Step-by-Step Guide for Smooth Towing

Fall King Salmon Fishing: Trophy Time for Small Boat, Shore, and Wading Anglers

6 Reasons Fall is the Perfect Fishing Season

How to Remove a Fishhook From Your Skin: Simple, Safe, and Effective Methods

3 Proven Lake Trout Fishing Techniques and the Best Lures for Each