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 diseases. This northern pike is heavily infected with neascus, which is commonly called black spot disease.

Freshwater

When the perch and walleye bite shut down on a brutal winter day, white bass showed up in force and turned a near-bust ice fishing trip around.

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

Finicky winter fish often follow and sniff without biting. Learn how jigging cadence, lure size, and deadsticking can trigger strikes.

This winter, anglers on Minnesota's Mille Lacs lake are allowed three walleyes in possession with a minimum size limit of 17 inches, and only one fish allowed over 20 inches.

Freshwater

New winter regulations are in place for Mille Lacs walleyes, with updated rules also affecting perch and northern pike for the 2025–26 ice season.

Freshwater

Fish Minnesota’s Red Lake for fast walleye action plus overlooked trophy pike, big crappies, and quality perch. Learn tips, regs, access, and where to stay this winter.

Nothing puts a bend in an ultralight rod quite like a beefy bluegill. Follow these tips to put more slab bluegills on the ice.

Freshwater

Learn why big bluegills rush your jig but refuse to bite—and get proven ice-fishing tips on baits, line, jigging cadence, and subtle bite detection.

It doesn't matter how long you've waited or how eager you are to get on the ice, safety always comes first.

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.

Joe Shead

Joined: Dec 13, 2024

What’s Growing on My Fish—and Is It Safe to Eat?

Why I Fish Lake Superior for Lake Trout All Winter—Despite the Risks

Minnesota Ice Anglers Stunned by Rare Golden Crappie

When Walleyes Won’t Bite, Trout Will

Freshwater

The Perch and Walleye Bite Shut Down—Then This Underrated Fish Saved the Day

Freshwater

How to Turn Finicky Winter Fish Into Biters

Freshwater

New Mille Lacs Walleye Regulations Set for This Winter

Freshwater

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

Freshwater

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

Scout Open Water Now for Early Ice Fishing Hotspots

How to Tie the 3 Fishing Knots Every Angler Needs

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

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