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Fishing tips

39 free skill tips with unique step photos — plus long-form guides with FAQ and trusted sources. Every tip links to a full photographed course.

Fishing tips

🎣 Fishing · Step 3/7

Spool with the label facing, bail open the right way

Spool with the label facing, bail open the right way — step 3 of 7 in Shore Fishing with a Spinning Rod. Line comes off the filler spool the same direction the rotor winds — if it twists into springs, flip the filler spool.

From course: Shore Fishing with a Spinning Rod

🎣 Fishing · Step 4/7

A simple bottom or float-free worm rig

A simple bottom or float-free worm rig — step 4 of 7 in Shore Fishing with a Spinning Rod. Improved clinch or Palomar to a size 6 hook. One or two split shot 30–40 cm up the line. Worm hooked once through so it still moves.

From course: Shore Fishing with a Spinning Rod

🎣 Fishing · Step 5/7

Finger, open bail, point, let go

Finger, open bail, point, let go — step 5 of 7 in Shore Fishing with a Spinning Rod. Hook the line with your index finger, flip the bail open, look behind you (people, dogs, glass).

From course: Shore Fishing with a Spinning Rod

🎣 Fishing · Step 6/7

Fish the water you can reach well

Fish the water you can reach well — step 6 of 7 in Shore Fishing with a Spinning Rod. First hour: 10–15 metres, along the edge, next to a weed line or drop if you can see it. Count 1–2–3 on a spinner retrieve, slow.

From course: Shore Fishing with a Spinning Rod

🎣 Fishing · Step 7/7

Wet hands, hook out, decision in 10 seconds

Wet hands, hook out, decision in 10 seconds — step 7 of 7 in Shore Fishing with a Spinning Rod. If it is short or out of season: pliers, hook back out, fish in the water facing current if there is any, hold until it kicks.

From course: Shore Fishing with a Spinning Rod

🎣 Fishing · Step 1/5

Lick it, pull the standing line and the tag

Lick it, pull the standing line and the tag — step 1 of 5 in Three Fishing Knots That Hold. Water lubricates. Seat the wraps so they stack, not a bird pile. Then clip the tag to 2–3 mm. A 5 cm tag is a weed magnet.

From course: Three Fishing Knots That Hold

🎣 Fishing · Step 2/5

Double six inches, through the eye

Double six inches, through the eye — step 2 of 5 in Three Fishing Knots That Hold. Pass the doubled line through the hook eye. Tie a loose overhand with the double so the hook hangs in the loop.

From course: Three Fishing Knots That Hold

🎣 Fishing · Step 3/5

When Palomar is the wrong tool

When Palomar is the wrong tool — step 3 of 5 in Three Fishing Knots That Hold. Huge lure eyes and a short doubled section will jam. Tiny flies: a smaller knot.

From course: Three Fishing Knots That Hold

🎣 Fishing · Step 4/5

Through the eye, wrap, back through the small loop, then the big loop

Through the eye, wrap, back through the small loop, then the big loop — step 4 of 5 in Three Fishing Knots That Hold. Tag through the lure eye. Wrap the tag around the standing line 5–6 times toward you.

From course: Three Fishing Knots That Hold

🎣 Fishing · Step 5/5

Overlap 10 cm, double overhand twice

Overlap 10 cm, double overhand twice — step 5 of 5 in Three Fishing Knots That Hold. Lay leader and main line parallel. Treat them as one rope, tie an overhand, then pass through again (surgeon). Wet. Pull all four ends.

From course: Three Fishing Knots That Hold

🎣 Fishing · Step 1/5

Nose to tail the way the sign says

Nose to tail the way the sign says — step 1 of 5 in Catch, Keep, and Cook a Panfish. Pinched tail or not — read the card. If you are guessing, it goes back. Count: if you already have the limit, the next one is a release…

From course: Catch, Keep, and Cook a Panfish

🎣 Fishing · Step 2/5

Brain spike or a sharp blow, bleed if you know how, onto ice

Brain spike or a sharp blow, bleed if you know how, onto ice — step 2 of 5 in Catch, Keep, and Cook a Panfish. A quick spike or a firm knock on the head. Not a flop in the sun. Into a cooler with ice, not a stringer in 22°C water for two hours.

From course: Catch, Keep, and Cook a Panfish

🎣 Fishing · Step 3/5

Behind the gill, along the spine, over the ribs

Behind the gill, along the spine, over the ribs — step 3 of 5 in Catch, Keep, and Cook a Panfish. Lay the fish. Cut behind the gill plate to the backbone, turn the knife along the spine toward the tail. Flip. Repeat.

From course: Catch, Keep, and Cook a Panfish

🎣 Fishing · Step 4/5

Pan-dress if fillets feel like surgery

Pan-dress if fillets feel like surgery — step 4 of 5 in Catch, Keep, and Cook a Panfish. Gut, rinse the cavity, scales off with a spoon toward the head, head off if you like. Pan-size bluegill cook whole just fine.

From course: Catch, Keep, and Cook a Panfish

🎣 Fishing · Step 5/5

Salt, dust of cornmeal, 2–3 minutes a side

Salt, dust of cornmeal, 2–3 minutes a side — step 5 of 5 in Catch, Keep, and Cook a Panfish. Dry the meat. Salt. Optional pepper and paprika. Thin cornmeal or flour. Oil in a skillet until it shimmers. Don't crowd.

From course: Catch, Keep, and Cook a Panfish