The Fishing Manual

A complete, practical guide

Master every kind of fishing.

Freshwater to bluewater, fly to ice — techniques, gear, knots, rigs and species guides written to actually put more fish in the net.

Start here Browse species
  • 10Categories
  • 94Guides
  • AllSkill levels
Illustrated scene of a beginner angler in a stream casting a fly rod with a looping line, surrounded by riffles, rocks, and rising trout Featured
Fly

Fly Fishing for Beginners: Your First Steps

New to fly fishing? Learn the gear, casting basics, starter flies, reading water, and first-trip tips to confidently catch your first fish on the fly.

Read the guide
The manual

Explore by category

Ten chapters covering the whole sport — pick where you fish.

Getting Started New to fishing? Everything you need for your first trip — licenses, basic gear, ethics, and landing your first fish. 10 guides Freshwater Fishing Lakes, rivers, ponds and streams — the methods and know-how for bass, trout, panfish, catfish and more. 7 guides Saltwater Fishing Inshore flats to offshore bluewater — surf, pier, bay and deep-sea tactics for saltwater species. 5 guides Fly Fishing The art of the fly — casting mechanics, reading water, fly selection, and gear for trout and beyond. 4 guides Ice Fishing Hardwater fishing done right — ice safety, augers, shelters, electronics, and locating fish under the ice. 4 guides Techniques & Methods Trolling, jigging, bottom fishing, surf casting, drop-shotting, kayak and more — how to fish, method by method. 13 guides Species Guides Target-by-target playbooks — habits, habitat, baits and seasons for the fish anglers chase most. 15 guides Gear & Tackle Rods, reels, line, hooks, lures, bait and electronics — choose the right tackle and understand why it works. 14 guides Knots & Rigs The essential knots and rigs every angler should know — with clear, step-by-step diagrams. 7 guides Conditions & Cooking Read weather, seasons, water temperature, tides and moon — then clean and cook your catch. 15 guides
Fresh from the water

Latest guides

New to fishing?

Start with the fundamentals — licenses, first gear, and your first catch.

Beginner's path