Fishing

Freshwater

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.

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.

Kurt Mazurek
|
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.
Bass Fishing

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.

Kurt Mazurek
|

Recent Articles

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 3 Fishing Stories of the Week: Spinners for Weed Walleye, Brown Trout on Streamers, and Slop Frog Bassin’

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.

Kurt Mazurek
|
There are lots of places to have a successful day of fishing from the shore without a boat.
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.

Joe Shead
|
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.

Joe Shead
|
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.

Joe Shead
|
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.

Joe Shead
|
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.

Kurt Mazurek
|
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.

Jasper Taback
|
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

Top 3 Fishing Stories of the Week: Nightcrawler Harness How To, Slip Bobber Tips, and Becoming a Better Angler

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.

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

Joe Shead
|
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.

Joe Shead
|
A Colorado River Cutthroat.
Freshwater

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

The iconic Western trout is also the most genetically diverse.

Jasper Taback
|
From a sale on tech fly fishing shirts at Costco, to a lesson on fishing foam lines, to a beginner’s guide to fly fishing with streamers, these stories captured our Sports Illustrated fishing reader’s attention on Fishing on SI this past week.
Fly Fishing

Top 3 Fishing Stories of the Week: Tech Shirts at Costco, Fly Fishing Foam Lines, and Beginner Streamer Tips

From a sale on tech fly fishing shirts at Costco, to a lesson on fishing foam lines, to a beginner’s guide to fly fishing with streamers, these stories captured our Sports Illustrated fishing reader’s attention on Fishing on SI this past week.

Kurt Mazurek
|
A slip bobber rig consists of a slip bobber knot that stops your bait at the correct depth. You'll also want a bead to prevent the knot from getting stuck in the bobber, the bobber itself, a split shot for weight and a hook.
Freshwater

How to Rig and Fish a Slip Bobber for More Bites

Learn how to rig and fish a slip bobber for precise bait depth and more bites. Step-by-step guide for beginners using live bait for panfish, walleye & more.

Joe Shead
|
Nightcrawler harnesses are walleye killers! Here's how to tie a nightcrawler harness.
Freshwater

How to Tie a Nightcrawler Harness for Walleye Fishing: Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to tie a crawler harness for walleye fishing using basic components like fluorocarbon line, octopus hooks, beads, and spinners. Follow this step-by-step guide to build a deadly effective walleye rig.

Joe Shead
|
Protecting native trout habitat isn't always pretty.
Freshwater

What is Rotenone? | How Native Trout Waters Are Purged of Invasive Fish

An important conservation tool that's shaping the future of trout fishing.

Jasper Taback
|
Brook trout thrive in cold, clear water.
Fly Fishing

Brook Trout | The Ultimate Bioindicators of Stream Health

They're more than just a good-looking fish. Brook trout have a lot to tell us about the state of our trout streams

Jasper Taback
|
Face to face with a brook trout in August – likely on its way to spawn.
Fly Fishing

Why Trout Move | Understanding Freshwater Migrations

They don't run to the ocean, but they still move. Understanding freshwater trout migrations will up your fly fishing game.

Jasper Taback
|
Pre-spawn brook trout are a gift – but, when they're spawning, leave 'em be.
Fly Fishing

Fly Fishing for Trout | How to Fish Responsibly During Spawning Seasons

If you choose to fish, fish thoughtfully.

Jasper Taback
|
A how to for beginners to catch their first bass; a review of the Benchmark Adira folding knife; and the wild story of a boy catching a giant pike.
Freshwater

Top 3 Fishing Stories of the Week: Your First Bass, EDC Knife, Big Northern Pike Story

From how to for beginners to catch their first bass, to a review of the Benchmark Adira folding knife, to the wild story of a boy catching a giant pike, these stories captured our Sports Illustrated fishing reader’s attention on Fishing on SI

Kurt Mazurek
|
Launching your bass boat solo in under 90 seconds can be done almost every time if you follow this expert step-by-step guide. Stay safe, avoid ramp chaos and get fishing faster.
Freshwater

Launch a Bass Boat Solo in Under 90 Seconds: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

Learn how to launch your bass boat solo in under 90 seconds with this expert step-by-step guide. Stay safe, void ramp chaos and get fishing faster.

Kurt Mazurek
|
The author at 14-years-old, hooked a giant Northern Pike—twice—while on a family vacation in Hayward, Wisconsin. The catch changed everything.
Freshwater

Boy Catches Big Northern Pike—Twice: Unbelievable Fishing Story Leads to Dream Fishing Career

The author at 14-years-old, hooked a giant Northern Pike—twice—while on a family vacation in Hayward, Wisconsin. The catch changed everything.

Kurt Mazurek
|
Fun to catch? Yes. Native? No
Fly Fishing

What to Do With Non-Native Trout Species?

We've created a problem – one that will take some work to solve. The future of trout fishing depends on it.

Jasper Taback
|
Taking a newbie fishing? Keep it fun, simple and entertaining and your guest may be hooked for life!
Freshwater

How to Teach New Anglers to Fish: A Fun, Beginner-Friendly Guide

Introducing a new angler to fishing isn’t just about teaching them how to cast or bait a hook, it’s about connecting with nature, learning patience, and building a life-long passion.

Joe Shead
|
A small tackle box with basic fishing tackle is great for impromptu fishing trips or backcountry camping.
Freshwater

What to Keep in an Emergency Tackle Box: Fishing Gear for Your Car, Camp, or Survival

Know exactly what to pack in an emergency fishing tackle box for your car, camping trips, or survival situations. Expert gear tips and experienced advice.

Joe Shead
|