A free, complete manual for every kind of fishing.
The Fishing Manual is an independent reference covering freshwater, saltwater, fly and ice fishing — 94 in-depth guides, published in 9 languages, free to read and free of paywalls.
Why this site exists
Most fishing information online is scattered across forum threads, video comments, and manufacturer marketing. It is often contradictory, rarely organized, and almost never written for someone who is genuinely starting from zero. We set out to build the thing we wanted: one structured manual that starts at "which rod do I buy" and goes all the way to reading tides for offshore species — with every guide written to be usable on your next trip, not just interesting to read.
How this manual is made
Our guides are researched and written editorially, then checked against authoritative primary sources — state and national fish & wildlife agencies, fisheries research, published species data, and manufacturer specifications. Where a claim involves numbers (record weights, water temperature ranges, line breaking strengths, season timing) we trace it back to a source rather than repeating what other sites say.
We do not publish fabricated author biographies or invented credentials. When a guide reflects a genuine judgement call rather than an established fact — a recommended retrieve speed, a preferred knot, a gear opinion — we say so in the text instead of dressing it up as consensus.
Read the full editorial policy for how we handle sourcing, updates, corrections, and commercial relationships.
What you'll find here
The manual is organized into ten chapters covering freshwater, saltwater, fly, and ice fishing, plus deep dives on techniques, gear, knots and rigs, species, and reading conditions. Each guide is self-contained, so you can drop into any page without having read the ones before it.
Accuracy, regulations & safety
Fishing regulations, licensing, and open seasons vary enormously by location and change often — sometimes mid-season. Nothing on this site is a substitute for the current rules where you are fishing. Always confirm with your local fish & wildlife authority before heading out.
Fishing carries real risk: cold water, boat traffic, tides, ice, weather, and sharp hooks. Our guides describe common practice; they cannot account for your specific conditions. Use your own judgement, and never fish alone in conditions you are not confident in.
Imagery & credits
Every photograph on this site is used under a license that permits commercial use, and attribution is displayed wherever the license requires it. Instructional diagrams are original work created for this manual. We do not use images we cannot license cleanly.
How we're funded
The manual is free and always will be. It is supported by display advertising and, on a small number of clearly-marked buying guides, affiliate links. Those relationships never determine what we recommend — see our affiliate disclosure for the details.
Corrections & contact
If you find something wrong — an outdated regulation, a bad number, a broken link, or advice that just doesn't match reality on your water — we want to know. Write to [email protected] and we will check it and correct the page.