# How To Go Fishing

> Fishing guides that answer first: species cards, rig and knot diagrams, bait and lure lists, line and gear specs, and when to fish by month and region. Sourced from state wildlife agencies and NOAA Fisheries.

## Sections

- [Freshwater](https://howtogofishing.xyz/freshwater/): Species guides for lakes, rivers and ponds: bass, crappie, catfish, carp and more, with size, water temperature, best months and baits.
- [Saltwater](https://howtogofishing.xyz/saltwater/): Inshore and coastal species guides: speckled trout, redfish, flounder and others, with sourced size, season and tackle facts.
- [Techniques](https://howtogofishing.xyz/techniques/): How to fish a place or a season: ice, bobber, bottom, bank, pier, kayak and surf, step by step.
- [Rigs & Knots](https://howtogofishing.xyz/rigs-knots/): Rig diagrams and knot steps: Carolina, Texas, drop shot, catfish and sabiki rigs, plus the knots that hold them.
- [Bait & Lures](https://howtogofishing.xyz/bait-lures/): What to throw for each species: live bait, cut bait, jigs, crankbaits and soft plastics, listed by water and season.
- [Gear](https://howtogofishing.xyz/gear/): Rods, reels, line and hooks explained by spec: power, action, pound test and hook sizes, plus how to set up and spool.
- [When & Where](https://howtogofishing.xyz/when-where/): The best time to fish by month, temperature and region, and how to read the water.
- [Fish ID & Care](https://howtogofishing.xyz/fish-id/): Tell look-alike fish apart, and clean, fillet and handle your catch.

## More

- [About Wade Callahan and How To Go Fishing](https://howtogofishing.xyz/about/): Who writes How To Go Fishing: an editorial pen name, a small independent publisher, and a promise to state only what our sources state.
- [Contact](https://howtogofishing.xyz/contact/): How to reach the How To Go Fishing editorial team about corrections, partnerships or general questions.
- [Corrections](https://howtogofishing.xyz/corrections/): How to report an error on How To Go Fishing, and how we handle and record corrections.
- [Editorial policy](https://howtogofishing.xyz/editorial-policy/): How How To Go Fishing decides what to publish, what it will not cover, how pages are reviewed and where commercial interests stop.
- [Privacy policy](https://howtogofishing.xyz/privacy/): What data How To Go Fishing collects, why, and how to contact us about your information.

## Rigs & Knots

- [Alabama Rig: What It Is and Whether It Is Legal](https://howtogofishing.xyz/rigs-knots/alabama-rig/): What an Alabama rig is, Missouri's three-hook rule for it, Texas's hook cap, and why legality differs by state, so you check your agency before you fish one.
- [Bobber Fishing: Fixed vs Slip Bobber Rigs and Depth](https://howtogofishing.xyz/rigs-knots/bobber-fishing/): How to rig a fixed bobber and a slip bobber, set the depth, size the float and read bites, with the agency tips that make each rig work.
- [Carolina Rig: How to Rig It and When to Use It](https://howtogofishing.xyz/rigs-knots/carolina-rig/): How a Carolina rig is built, from sliding sinker and bead to swivel and leader, with the leader lengths and sinker weights agencies give and when it fishes best.
- [Catfish Rigs: Slip Sinker, Carolina, Bobber and Cut Bait](https://howtogofishing.xyz/rigs-knots/catfish-rigs/): The catfish rigs agencies describe, from a slip sinker rig to a bobber rig and a winter cut bait setup, with sinker weights, leader lengths, hook sizes and line.
- [Drop Shot Rig: How to Tie It and Fish It](https://howtogofishing.xyz/rigs-knots/drop-shot-rig/): How to tie a drop shot rig with a palomar knot, the hook and weight sizes agencies give, how long to leave the tag, and how to shake the bait without dragging it.
- [Fish Finder Rig: How to Tie a Slip Sinker Bottom Rig](https://howtogofishing.xyz/rigs-knots/fish-finder-rig/): What a fish finder rig is, how to tie it with an egg sinker, swivel and leader, and the sinker weight, leader length and hook sizes from agency examples.
- [Fishing Knots: Palomar, Improved Clinch, Uni and More](https://howtogofishing.xyz/rigs-knots/fishing-knots/): The fishing knots worth learning: palomar, improved clinch, uni, double uni and loop knots, with step lists, turn counts and what each is best for.
- [Texas Rig: How to Rig a Soft Plastic Weedless](https://howtogofishing.xyz/rigs-knots/texas-rig/): How to rig a soft plastic Texas-style with a worm hook and bullet weight, the weight sizes by depth, hook sizes, and how to fish it slowly around cover.

## Bait & Lures

- [Best Bait for Bass Fishing: Live Bait First, Then Lures](https://howtogofishing.xyz/bait-lures/best-bass-bait/): Live baits state agencies name for bass: golden shiners, nightcrawlers, crayfish, minnows and frogs, plus the artificial baits to try and how to fish each.
- [Best Bait for Crappie: Minnows, Grass Shrimp and Rigs](https://howtogofishing.xyz/bait-lures/bait-for-crappie/): Crappie baits state agencies name: small minnows, grass shrimp, worms and jig-and-minnow combos, with hook sizes, float depths and the seasons they suit.
- [Best Catfish Bait: What to Use for Channel and Blue Catfish](https://howtogofishing.xyz/bait-lures/catfish-bait/): Catfish baits state agencies name: liver, nightcrawlers, cut bait, stink and dough baits, shrimp and live fish, with season, water and hook cues.
- [Best Fishing Lures for Bass: 6 Types and When to Throw Them](https://howtogofishing.xyz/bait-lures/best-bass-lures/): The bass lures state wildlife agencies name: soft plastics, jigs, spinnerbaits, crankbaits, topwater and jerkbaits, with season, clarity and depth cues.
- [Best Lures for Northern Pike: Spoons, Spinners and Plugs](https://howtogofishing.xyz/bait-lures/pike-lures/): Northern pike lures state agencies name: spoons, spinners, large crankbaits, jigs, streamers and live bait, with leaders, weed-line depths and seasons.
- [Best Lures for Trout: Spinners, Spoons, Jigs and Flies](https://howtogofishing.xyz/bait-lures/best-trout-lures/): The trout lures state agencies name, from inline spinners and spoons to jigs and flies, with sizes, line weights, water temperatures and best times to fish.
- [Best Lures for Walleye: Jigs, Crankbaits and Blade Baits](https://howtogofishing.xyz/bait-lures/walleye-lures/): Walleye lures state agencies name: minnow-tipped jigs, crankbaits, blade baits, stickbaits and bottom bouncers, with sizes, colors, season and line weights.
- [Crappie Jigs: Weights, Colors and Bodies That Work](https://howtogofishing.xyz/bait-lures/crappie-jigs/): Crappie jig weights, colors and body styles from state agencies: tubes, curly tails, hair jigs and bobber jigs, plus season, depth and line cues.

## When & Where

- [Best Time to Fish for Bass: Season, Temperature, Time of Day](https://howtogofishing.xyz/when-where/best-time-to-fish-for-bass/): When to fish for bass by state, month, water temperature and time of day, with pre-spawn, summer and fall patterns from agency data in Texas, Oklahoma, Florida and more.

## Freshwater

- [Black vs White Crappie: Size, Best Months and Baits](https://howtogofishing.xyz/freshwater/crappie/): How to tell black crappie from white crappie, where they live, when they spawn by state, and the minnows and jigs that catch them, from state agency sources.
- [Blue Catfish: Size, World Record, ID and Best Baits](https://howtogofishing.xyz/freshwater/blue-catfish/): Blue catfish identification, how it differs from a channel catfish, record weights, where big blues hold, when they bite and the cut baits and heavy tackle that work.
- [Carp Fishing: Best Baits, Hooks, Tackle and When to Go](https://howtogofishing.xyz/freshwater/carp/): Carp fishing basics from state agencies: how to identify common carp, the corn, dough ball and worm baits that work, hook sizes, line, drag and the best times to go.
- [Channel Catfish: Identification, Size, Baits and Best Months](https://howtogofishing.xyz/freshwater/channel-catfish/): Identify a channel catfish, learn its size, where it lives and when it bites, and the baits, hooks and line that state agencies recommend, plus the IGFA record.
- [Smallmouth Bass: Size, Record, Habitat and How to Catch Them](https://howtogofishing.xyz/freshwater/smallmouth-bass/): Smallmouth bass identification, typical size, the 11 lb 15 oz IGFA record, where they live, spawn timing by state and the lures and live bait agencies recommend.
- [Smallmouth vs Largemouth Bass: How to Tell the Difference](https://howtogofishing.xyz/freshwater/largemouth-vs-smallmouth/): Smallmouth bass vs largemouth bass: jaw, fin, stripe, habitat, spawn and size compared side by side, with IGFA records and where each one lives, from state agencies.
- [White Bass: Spring Run Timing, Lures, Size and ID](https://howtogofishing.xyz/freshwater/white-bass/): White bass identification, size, the spring spawning run by state, and the lures, jigs and live bait that catch them, with light-tackle setups from state agencies.

## Gear

- [Fishing Hook Size Chart: Sizes by Species Explained](https://howtogofishing.xyz/gear/fishing-hook-sizes/): Fishing hook sizes explained: why a bigger number can mean a smaller hook, plus the hook sizes state agencies recommend for panfish, bass, walleye and catfish.
- [Fishing Line Pound Test Chart: What Test for Each Fish](https://howtogofishing.xyz/gear/fishing-line-pound-test/): Fishing line pound test explained, with a chart of the line weights state agencies recommend for panfish, crappie, bass, walleye, trout and catfish.
- [Fishing Reel Types: Spincast, Spinning, Baitcasting](https://howtogofishing.xyz/gear/fishing-reel-types/): Fishing reel types explained: spincast, spinning, baitcasting, conventional, fly and cane pole, with how each works, how hard it is and what it suits.
- [How to Cast a Baitcaster: Step by Step for Beginners](https://howtogofishing.xyz/gear/how-to-cast-a-baitcaster/): How to cast a baitcaster in five steps: set the spool tension knob, stand and aim, swing the rod, release your thumb at eye level and stop backlash.
- [How to Set Up a Fishing Rod and Reel, Step by Step](https://howtogofishing.xyz/gear/how-to-set-up-a-fishing-rod/): How to set up a fishing rod: match rod to reel, thread the line, tie an arbor knot, fill the spool, add a hook, sinker or bobber and set the drag.
- [How to Spool a Spinning Reel: Step by Step](https://howtogofishing.xyz/gear/how-to-spool-a-spinning-reel/): How to spool a spinning reel with monofilament: open the bail, tie an arbor knot, wind the line on without twist and stop 1/16 to 1/8 inch from the spool rim.
- [Monofilament Fishing Line vs Fluorocarbon vs Braid](https://howtogofishing.xyz/gear/mono-vs-fluoro-vs-braid/): Monofilament fishing line vs fluorocarbon vs braid: stretch, visibility, cost, knots and best uses, compared from state wildlife agency guides.
- [Spinning vs Baitcasting Reels: Which Should You Use?](https://howtogofishing.xyz/gear/spinning-vs-baitcasting/): Spinning vs baitcasting reels compared side by side: how each mounts, casts and tangles, the lure weights they handle and which to learn first.

## Saltwater

- [Flounder Fishing: Southern vs Summer, Baits and Timing](https://howtogofishing.xyz/saltwater/flounder/): Flounder fishing basics: tell southern from summer flounder, where they hold, when they move inshore and the live bait, jigs and bottom rigs agencies recommend.
- [Redfish (Red Drum): Size, Record, Baits and Where to Fish](https://howtogofishing.xyz/saltwater/redfish/): Redfish, also called red drum: how to identify them, size by age, the 94 lb 2 oz IGFA record, spawn timing by state and the shrimp, spoons and rigs that catch them.
- [Speckled Trout: Size, Spawn Season, Baits and Where to Fish](https://howtogofishing.xyz/saltwater/speckled-trout/): Speckled trout (spotted seatrout) identification, size, habitat, spawn months by state and the live shrimp, popping cork and jig setups state agencies recommend.

## Fish ID & Care

- [How to Clean a Catfish: Skin, Gut and Fillet](https://howtogofishing.xyz/fish-id/how-to-clean-a-catfish/): How to clean a catfish: handle the spines safely, skin it with pliers, remove the head and guts or fillet it, and cut away the dark lateral line meat.
- [How to Clean a Fish: Scale, Gut and Pan-Dress](https://howtogofishing.xyz/fish-id/how-to-clean-a-fish/): How to clean a fish step by step: keep it on ice, scale it, cut off the head and fins, remove the guts, rinse and store it. Pan dressing and field dressing.
- [How to Fillet a Fish: Step by Step, Skin On or Off](https://howtogofishing.xyz/fish-id/how-to-fillet-a-fish/): How to fillet a fish with a sharp knife: cut behind the gills to the backbone, slice toward the tail, remove the ribs and skin, trim and rinse each fillet.
- [Muskie vs Pike: How to Tell Them Apart (Plus Tiger Muskie)](https://howtogofishing.xyz/fish-id/muskie-vs-pike/): Muskie vs northern pike: compare markings, jaw pores, cheek scales, tail shape, size and spawn timing, plus how to spot a tiger muskie, with state agency ranges.

## Techniques

- [Ice Fishing for Beginners: Gear, Holes, Jigging and Bait](https://howtogofishing.xyz/techniques/ice-fishing-for-beginners/): How to start ice fishing: the gear you need, hole size, jigging rods and line, bait, the best times of day, and the ice thickness to check first.
- [Ice Fishing for Crappie: Depth, Jigs, Line and Bait](https://howtogofishing.xyz/techniques/ice-fishing-for-crappie/): Where crappie suspend under the ice, which depth to try first, the jig weights, hook sizes and line that agencies recommend, and how to handle soft mouths.
- [Ice Fishing for Perch: Depth, Jigs, Bait and Moving](https://howtogofishing.xyz/techniques/ice-fishing-for-perch/): Where yellow perch sit under the ice, the depths agencies report, the jigs, hooks and bait that work, and how to find a school and keep it biting.
- [Ice Thickness for Ice Fishing: Safe Inches, by Load](https://howtogofishing.xyz/techniques/ice-thickness-safety/): How thick ice must be to walk on, fish from or drive on, with figures from state and federal agencies, plus where ice is weak and what to carry.
- [Tip-Ups for Ice Fishing: How They Work and How to Rig One](https://howtogofishing.xyz/techniques/tip-ups/): What an ice fishing tip-up is, how to rig and set one, the minnow, depth and leader choices for pike, walleye and perch, and why line limits vary by state.