Freshwater

Fishing by the Moon: Science, Myth, and the Most Stylish Moon Phase Watch Available

Do moon phases really affect fishing success? Explore the history of Solunar theory and see how the Citizen Tsuki-yomi A-T watch lets you track moon phases in style—on and off the water.

Gear Reviews

Fishing by the Moon: Science, Myth, and the Most Stylish Moon Phase Watch Available

Do moon phases really affect fishing success? Explore the history of Solunar theory and see how the Citizen Tsuki-yomi A-T watch lets you track moon phases in style—on and off the water.

Recent Articles

From a new topwater mouse for bass, to a simple lesson on fishing multiple planer boards without tangling, and one spotted bass sets two new world records, these stories captured our Sports Illustrated fishing reader’s attention on Fishing on SI this past week.

Bass Fishing

Black Carp Bounty Program: Fishermen in 27 States Can Fight Invasives and Earn $1000 per Month

Anglers can now earn $100 per invasive black carp caught—up to $1,000 per month. Learn how to qualify, report your catch, and protect native fisheries.

On Toledo Bend in Texas, Art Weston set two IGFA world records with a 2-pound, 8-ounce spotted bass caught on 1-pound test line—his 92nd record and counting.

Freshwater

Art Weston’s Spotted Bass Sets Two IGFA World Records on Ultra-Light Line

On Toledo Bend in Texas, Art Weston set two IGFA world records with a 2-pound, 8-ounce spotted bass caught on 1-pound test line—his 92nd record and counting.

Bass Fishing

How to Fish with Planer Boards: Trolling Tips to Catch More Fish

Learn how to use planer boards to troll multiple lines, cover more water, and catch more fish. Setup tips, gear advice, and expert tactics for success.

The author hefts his personal best lake trout, caught while downrigger fishing on Lake Superior.

Freshwater

How to Fish With a Downrigger: Deep Water Trolling Tips for Trout, Salmon and Walleye

Master the art of downrigger fishing with this step-by-step guide. Learn how to set up your gear, stack multiple lines, and target salmon, trout, or walleye at precise depths.

You don't see many cats in fishing boats, but I love having my favorite fishing companion along.

Freshwater

Fishing With a Cat: How “Harbor” Became My Favorite Fishing Companion

Meet Harbor—my curious cat who loves fishing, minnows, ice fishing adventures and exploring every compartment in my boat. Tips for bringing your cat aboard too.

Finish every cast by drawing a figure 8 with your lure to boat more muskies.

Freshwater

How to Figure 8: Trigger More Muskies to Strike

Learn the figure 8 retrieve technique to catch more muskies. Trigger boatside strikes, rig properly, and land big fish with this proven muskie fishing tactic.

Use the lightest sinker that gives you good feel for the bottom and you'll catch more walleyes.

Freshwater

Best Sinkers for Walleye Fishing: How to Choose the Right Rig for Any Condition

Learn how to choose the right sinker for walleye fishing based on depth, cover, and presentation. Compare Lindy Rigs, bottom bouncers, bullet weights, and more to improve your catch rate.

Hold fish securely, but not too tightly, especially if you plan to release them. Avoid touching their eyes or gills and make sure you support their weight.

Freshwater

How to Hold a Fish Without Hurting It or Yourself: Safe Grips for Every Species

Discover how to land and properly hold a fish without harming it or yourself. Learn beginner-friendly tips for gripping bass, trout, catfish, and more, whether you're keeping or releasing.

Struggling to pick the right lure? Learn 8 key factors—from species and water temperature to cover and depth—to boost your catch rate and confidence on the water.

Freshwater

How to Choose the Right Fishing Lure: 8 Expert Tips for Fishing Success

Struggling to pick the best lure? Learn 8 key factors, from species and water temperature to cover and depth. Boost your catch rate and confidence on the water.

From trolling spinners for weed walleye, to building your own tapered trout leaders, to frog fishing for summer bass, these stories captured our Sports Illustrated fishing reader’s attention on Fishing on SI this past week.

Freshwater

DIY Install: Humminbird XPLORE 9 on Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Pro (No Drilling!)

Learn how to install the Humminbird XPLORE 9 on an Old Town Sportsman 120 PDL Pro kayak without drilling. Step-by-step DIY guide + full video.

From trolling spinners for weed walleye, to swinging streamers for big browns, to frog fishing for summer bass, these stories captured our Sports Illustrated fishing reader’s attention on Fishing on SI this past week.

Freshwater

Top 10 Best Places to Fish Without a Boat: Bank, Pier & Ice Fishing Tips

No boat is no problem if you know the best shore, pier, ice, and kayak fishing options. Learn where and how to fish from land with our complete no-boat guide.

Sometimes unhooking fish is easy. Other times you may need a pliers or other special tools or techniques to remove the hook.

Freshwater

How to Unhook Fish Safely: Tips for Catch and Release Success

Do you struggle to remove hooks safely—for you and the fish? Learn how to unhook fish properly using pliers, barbless hooks, and other tips to reduce harm and help fish survive after release.

Learn how to fish a spinner crawler harness over weed beds for walleyes—creating the best rig, bullet sinker tips, and shallow water trolling techniques.

Freshwater

How to Fish a Spinner Harness Over Weeds for Big Walleyes

Learn how to fish a spinner harness over weed beds for walleyes. Discover lightweight rigs, bullet sinker tips, and shallow water trolling techniques.

These are surveillance camera photos of the suspects who allegedly threw three teenagers' fishing tackle in the water without provocation.

Freshwater

Wisconsin Anglers Rally After Youths’ Fishing Gear Stolen in Menasha

Menasha youths had over $1,000 in fishing gear senselessly destroyed. The Wisconsin fishing community responded with overwhelming support and donations.

The onWater app allows you to track catches, map lakes, check forecasts, measure fish with AI, and more.

Gear Reviews

onWater Fishing App Review: Smart Tech to Plan Your Trips, Track Your Results and Catch More Fish

The onWater Fishing app is the most advanced tool for anglers—track catches, map lakes, check forecasts, measure fish with AI, and more.

Brown trout will jump on a well-presented streamer.

Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing Tips | Why Streamers Are Perfect for Brown Trout

Big flies make for big eats. Brown trout and streamers are a match made in heaven.

From nightcrawler harness how to for walleye, to slip bobber tips, to 5 ways to become a better angler, these stories captured our Sports Illustrated fishing reader’s attention on Fishing on SI this past week.

Freshwater

Lake Sturgeon Fishing: How to Catch the Biggest Freshwater Fish in the Midwest

Want to catch a freshwater fish over 100 pounds? Learn where, when, and how to catch lake sturgeon in Wisconsin, Minnesota & Michigan.

Pay attention to details, ask a lot of questions, digest all the information you can get and you'll become a better angler.

Freshwater

How to Become a Better Angler: 5 Expert Tips That Work for Any Fish on Any Water

Want to catch more fish? These top 5 simple, but effective, expert fishing tips will help you learn, adapt, and improve your angling skills no matter your experience level.

Freshwater

The Cutthroat Family | Get to Know the 9 Subspecies of Cutthroat Trout

The iconic Western trout is also the most genetically diverse.