
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.

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.

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.

Kayak fishing for beginners doesn't have to drain your bank account. Here's how to pick the right kayak, the gear you actually need, and the mistakes that'll cost you on day one.

Channel catfish are the most beginner-friendly fish in freshwater — and summer is the best time to catch them from the bank. Here's everything you need: rigs, baits, timing, and spots that actually produce.

Terrestrial fly fishing is the most approachable dry fly season there is — no hatch timing required. Learn how to fish hoppers, ants, and beetles from July through September and why summer bank fishing produces some of the most aggressive trout strikes of the year.

When water temps climb into the 80s, bass don't disappear — they go deep. Here's how to find them on offshore structure, read the thermocline, and pick the right rigs for summer bass fishing in June and July.

The best rubber mesh fly fishing net for trout keeps fish healthy and makes hook removal fast. Rubber mesh removes far less protective slime than nylon, cutting post-release mortality. We tested and compared 2 nets from $160 to $180 across frame material, weight, hoop size, and mesh type to help you pick the right one for your water.

The best summer bass lures for 2026 boil down to four picks across topwater, prop baits, and vibrating jigs. Here's what's new, what still dominates, and when to throw each one from June through September.