Beginner Page

Paddlin’ with Madalyn: Stay Safe, Be Seen by Madalyn Roberts Before taking a kayak out on the water, be sure to familiarize yourself with the light requirements for your setup. From sunset to sunrise—and during other times of restricted visibility such as rain or heavy fog—kayaks that are paddled by hand or pedal-powered require some [...]

Matching your jig to the size and shape of the main crappie forage can greatly increase your number of hookups.   Crappie Basics: Match the Hatch for More Crappie By Keith Sutton   One of the simplest ways to improve your crappie fishing is to give the fish what they’re already looking for. That means […]

Long-pole jigging works great for catching crappie in brush and timber. Crappie Basics: Four Simple Tips for Better Long-Pole Jigging With Tim Huffman, MonsterCrappie.com   Fishing a jig with a long pole is one of the most effective ways to catch crappie around brush, timber and other cover. But a few simple refinements can make […]

Future Fisherman Foundation Gets New Home With Fishing’s Future Courtesy of The Fishing Wire   In September, Fishing’s Future, a national leader in family‑centered angling education, announced the acquisition of the Future Fisherman Foundation (F3), an organization whose programs have supported national angler recruitment, educator training and youth fishing initiatives for four decades. This historic […]

Oklahoma crappie pro Todd Huckabee used a detailed game plan to help him find Lake Ouachita’s clear-water slabs the first time he fished this huge impoundment.   Arkansas’ Lake Ouachita: Where Smart Crappie Fishing Pays Off Story and photos by Keith Sutton   Some crappie lakes give up their secrets easily. Lake Ouachita isn’t one [...]

When the crappie bite gets tough, changing the direction of your presentation can sometimes make all the difference.   Tips for Slow Days By Bernard Williams Photos by Keith Sutton   Every crappie fisherman has experienced one of those days. You know exactly what I’m talking about—the days when nothing you try seems to work. [...]

Kyle Schoenherr says September crappie success starts with understanding the lake you’re fishing. Crappie Basics: September Fishing Tips From Kyle Schoenherr Kyle Schoenherr of Oakdale, Illinois is one of America’s top crappie anglers. With tournament partner Rodney Neuhaus, he’s won three National Crappie Championships. He’s also has had more than 25 “Top 3” finishes to […]

Northland Tackle Deep Vee Spin Jig Northland’s underspin jig, the Deep Vee Spin, is a catcher. Cast it or troll it and you’ll catch fish. This jig shines in crystal clear waters where its flashy willow blade makes all the difference in getting fish’s attention and getting bit. The jig has a keeled body shape [...]

Paddlin’ with Madalyn: Finding the Right Setup Story and photos by Madalyn Roberts One of my favorite aspects about kayak fishing is that it is for everyone of all skill levels. One can invest as little or as much money as budget allows to take part in the activity. Below is a photo of my [...]

Fishing remains one of America’s favorite outdoor pastimes, but a new report reveals some surprising trends that could shape the future of the sport.   Special Report Provides Fishing Insights Source: American Sportfishing Association/FTR Industry News   The American Sportfishing Association (ASA) recently announced the results of the 2026 Special Report on Fishing. In total, […]

Capt. Richard Simms and his grandson, Charlie, were both obviously pleased with this 2.5-pound crappie pulled from Chickamauga Lake on the Tennessee River last spring while long-line trolling. (Photo: Priscilla Simms-Roberson)   Destination: East Tennessee’s Hidden Treasures By Capt. Richard Simms   For generations, anglers have been drawn to the Tennessee River for its beauty, […]

Falling barometric pressure and cloudy skies ahead of a cold front often trigger aggressive feeding activity from crappie. Photo by Keith Sutton   Mastering Fall Fronts: Crappie Strategies When the Weather Swings By Keith Sutton Early fall is a season of transition on crappie waters. Summer’s heat begins loosening its grip, cool nights arrive more […]