Field Notes Archives - Page 28 of 47

July 17, 2026

Square-bills are killer in prespawn

January 20, 2018 Andy Crawford

Bassmaster Elite Series pro Cliff Crochet talks about throwing square-billed crankbaits for bass in January. […]

How to prevent, remove wind loops from spinning reels

January 19, 2018 Andy Crawford

I have a lifelong hatred of spinning reels, mainly generated by the loops that often form in the spooled line and create real messes. […]

Short-spooling can save you some money by using less line — and also save you some aggravation with fewer backlashes.

Save money, prevent backlashes by spooling less line on baitcasters

January 18, 2018 Andy Crawford

Angler Adam Cook uses fluorocarbon on almost every reel he owns. The fact that it virtually disappears under water is a huge factor. […]

Keeping things simple and slowing down your presentation are key tips for cold-water bass fishing.

Top 3 winter bass baits

January 17, 2018 Andy Crawford

Wintertime bass fishing can be tough, and that can cause anglers to look for all kinds of gimmicks and off-the-wall tactics to get bites. […]

Study tide charts for December trout success, veteran guide says

December 27, 2017 Andy Crawford

We’ve all been there: We pull up to our favorite fishing hole to find the trout absolutely mauling anything hitting the water — and then the tide stops moving and you can’t buy a bite. […]

December is an unbeatable month to catch bull reds in the marshes and around barrier islands along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

December treat: Sight-fishing for Gulf Coast reds

December 21, 2017 Mississippi Sportsman

Fishing guides and charter captains along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast won’t cast a disparaging eye toward any species that is biting. […]

B.A.S.S. Nation Championship winner Caleb Sumrall said catching post-front bass isn’t easy, but those who slow down and fish meticulously can fill their stringers.

How to catch post-front bass

December 19, 2017 Andy Crawford

It never fails this time of year: You have a weekend tournament or plan to spend your weekend on the water and a cold front blows through. […]

The Ned rig might not look like much, but bass often smash it when other lures don’t produce a bite.

You need a Ned rig

December 18, 2017 Joel Masson

If someone were to give you only one box of lures you could use for the rest of your life, the last thing you might want thrown in would be the relatively boring-looking Ned rig. […]

DIY duck blind dog stand

November 30, 2017 Darren Digby

A little time spent with a saw and basic lumber supplies can get you a duck blind dog stand for a fraction of the cost. […]

The lovin’ spoonful

November 20, 2017 Patrick Bonin

Fall is prime time for redfish, and the venerable old spoon is still an effective, fun lure to throw in interior marshes for solid action. […]

Rat-L-Traps are not inherently snag-free, but bass pro Cliff Crochet said you can make one simple alteration to throw the lures around hard structure and catch more fish.

Remove back hook from Rat-L-Trap to catch more fish

November 16, 2017 Andy Crawford

Rat-L-Traps are absolute fish-catchers. There’s just something about the lipless crankbaits that bass and redfish love — or hate, whatever. They will just crunch them. […]

Anglers make three mistakes when fishing with ChatterBaits, but FLW Tour pro Brian Latimer provides tips to ensure you get the most out of the vibrating jigs.

ChatterBaits are lures fish love to smash. Whether you’re targeting bass on your local reservoir or snatching redfish from coastal marshes, these vibrating jigs force reaction bites that are vicious. […]