Anglers are always looking for the one gadget or gizmo that will give them an edge over their quarry. Some of us literally have storage units full of rods, reels, baits and accessories that were bought with the idea “this is the ONE thing I need to catch more fish!”

We all know how that goes. It’s also a big reason anglers in Indiana spend almost $800 million dollars every year. Unfortunately for my bank account, it appears that Your Faithful Correspondent accounts for a significant portion of that yearly total.

My father was a big fisher, mostly catfish. I remember every time we would get near a body of water, he would pull one out and clean it to eat. It was an unpleasant process, because he never took the time to avoid the spines on the dorsal and pectoral fin. And the whole experience was sullied by his swollen, bleeding hands. Mr. Crappie Slab-Slanger Gloves (in addition to being very fun to say) are made for fishermen like my own father, or any angler who would prefer to avoid the mess and potential injury while fish cleaning.

Introducing the next generation of the Shimano Expride, offering freshwater anglers the upper hand in any fishing situation.

Every spring and summer questions are raised by serious bluegill fishermen. How many should a single person keep? Is it better to keep the males or females? The answer depends on who you ask.

Most anglers and fishery biologists are in agreement that there’s nothing wrong or unethical about plucking a stringer full of gills off spawning beds during springtime. They are easy to spot, can congregate in large numbers and easy to catch.

Dress your best for your summer out on the water. Kryptek’s 2022 summer collection comes standard with signature hot weather technology, quick drying, moisture wicking, 20-40+ UPF treated and constructed premium fabrics. 

In my barn, there’s a motorboat, a raft, a canoe and three kayaks. To say I enjoy spending time on the water would be an understatement. Yet, there are times when a lawn chair or blanket spread on the shore of a lake or river is all one needs to thoroughly enjoy a little fishing.

Some of us prefer to fish alone, but many others like to fish with a buddy for many reasons. It could be for companionship, sharing the experience or perhaps safety. Whatever the reason there are qualities that anglers look for in a fishing partner.

Fishing with a friend or even someone we barely know can be one of the best things about hitting the water, or sometimes the worst. Each year I have the opportunity to cast lines with people from all walks of life and sometime the person sharing the boat with me can make or break the trip. Some get invited back, well, others not so much.

If I could only catch one more fish in my life, I’d want it to be a smallmouth bass. Pound for pound, smallmouth fight harder than any other fish I’ve ever tangled with, and they live in some of the prettiest waters to explore

 These eight anglers smashed state, world and personal best records this spring—with the the photo evidence to boot. Check out these impressively large catches they reeled in!  

Since last week’s column, I've fished for redear sunfish five times. Readers are wanting to know what local lake I’m fishing while others have guessed it. Lots of folks are fishing this lake and the easy pickings are all but gone. Since my last column, I have learned a lot more, however, my new knowledge has evoked more questions.