Bushwhack Blog

Fishing tips, gear guides, and stories from the water

RSS Feed
Weber River Brown Trout: Where to Find Trophy Browns Below Rockport
Fly FishingRocky MountainsRegional GuideTrout FishingStreamer FishingRiver Fishing

Weber River Brown Trout: Where to Find Trophy Browns Below Rockport

The tailwater below Rockport Reservoir grows some of the heaviest Weber River brown trout in northern Utah. Here's where to walk in, what flows to fish, and the seams big browns actually hold in between Wanship and Coalville.

May 29, 2026 10 min read
Read
Best Kids Fishing Rod and Reel Combo for 2026: Dock Demon vs Ugly Stik GX2 vs PLUSINNO
Fishing GearSafetyPanfishBeginner GuidesBluegillSummer Fishing

Best Kids Fishing Rod and Reel Combo for 2026: Dock Demon vs Ugly Stik GX2 vs PLUSINNO

The right first combo prevents tears. The wrong one ends the trip in ten minutes with a hook in a t-shirt and a kid who never wants to go back. Here's how the best kids fishing rod and reel combo options for 2026 (Dock Demon, Ugly Stik GX2, PLUSINNO) actually stack up.

May 28, 2026 13 min read
Read
Pike Fishing for Beginners: The Freshwater Predator Most Anglers Overlook
Fishing GearFishing TechniquesFreshwater FishingBeginner TipsBeginner Guides

Pike Fishing for Beginners: The Freshwater Predator Most Anglers Overlook

Northern pike are one of the most aggressive, hard-pulling freshwater fish you can target — and most beginner anglers walk right past them. Learn where to find pike, what gear you actually need, the best lures for beginners, and how to handle these toothy predators safely.

May 28, 2026 9 min read
Read
Best Braided Fishing Line for Bass and Inshore 2026: Power Pro vs Sufix 832 vs Daiwa J-Braid
Fishing GearBass FishingInshore FishingSaltwater FishingRiggingLargemouth Bass

Best Braided Fishing Line for Bass and Inshore 2026: Power Pro vs Sufix 832 vs Daiwa J-Braid

The best braided fishing line for bass and inshore in 2026 isn't one brand. Power Pro is the workhorse. Sufix 832 is the abrasion king. Daiwa's new J-Braid Expedition X8E casts smoother than either. Here's which to put on which reel.

May 27, 2026 12 min read
Read
Best Baitcasting Rod Under $200 for Bass 2026: Fury vs Mojo vs Ike
Fishing GearLure FishingBass FishingFishing TechniquesLargemouth BassSummer Fishing

Best Baitcasting Rod Under $200 for Bass 2026: Fury vs Mojo vs Ike

The best baitcasting rod under $200 for bass in 2026 isn't a single answer. The Dobyns Fury, St. Croix Mojo Bass, and Abu Garcia Ike Signature all live in the sweet spot above the sub-$100 mush and below the $300 tax. Here's which one belongs on your deck.

May 26, 2026 12 min read
Read
How to Take Your Kids Fishing This Summer: A Parent's Practical Guide
Fishing TipsFreshwater FishingBeginner TipsPanfishBeginner GuidesBluegill

How to Take Your Kids Fishing This Summer: A Parent's Practical Guide

Taking your kids fishing this summer doesn't have to be complicated or expensive. With the right location, simple gear, and realistic expectations, you can give your child a first fishing trip they'll actually want to repeat. Here's a parent-to-parent breakdown of everything you need to know — species to target, gear to buy, how long to stay, and how to keep it fun when the bites slow down.

May 26, 2026 10 min read
Read
2026 Fishing Regulation Changes Every Angler Should Know
Fishing TipsBass FishingFreshwater FishingTrout FishingConservation

2026 Fishing Regulation Changes Every Angler Should Know

Fishing regulations across the country shifted meaningfully for 2026 — from year-round catch-and-release bass seasons and new hook rules in Minnesota to barbless hook mandates on Wyoming's famous North Platte trout stretches. This guide breaks down why rules change, what categories of changes are sweeping the country this season, and exactly how to find your state's current rules before you hit the water.

May 25, 2026 10 min read
Read
Inshore Saltwater Fishing for Beginners: How to Target Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder
Fishing GearFishing TechniquesBeginner TipsSaltwater FishingBeginner GuidesShore Fishing

Inshore Saltwater Fishing for Beginners: How to Target Redfish, Speckled Trout, and Flounder

New to inshore saltwater fishing? This deep-dive beginner's guide covers everything you need to start targeting redfish, speckled trout, and flounder — gear setup, best rigs, reading tides, and where to find fish.

May 22, 2026 11 min read
Read
Best Fishing Pliers Under $50 for 2026 (Aluminum vs Stainless, Saltwater-Ready)
Fishing GearBass FishingBeginner TipsInshore FishingSaltwater Fishing

Best Fishing Pliers Under $50 for 2026 (Aluminum vs Stainless, Saltwater-Ready)

Four of the best fishing pliers under $50 for 2026, ranked head-to-head. Aluminum vs stainless, tungsten carbide cutters, and which pair actually survives saltwater without seizing up by midsummer.

May 21, 2026 8 min read
Read