# The Fishing Manual > A complete, practical fishing manual — freshwater, saltwater, fly, ice and more. Techniques, gear, knots, rigs, and species guides for anglers of every level. A free, ad-supported fishing manual covering freshwater, saltwater, fly and ice fishing. All guides are original, editorially produced, and published in nine languages. Content is free to read with no paywall or signup. Editorial standards and sourcing: https://thefishingmanual.com/editorial-policy About: https://thefishingmanual.com/about ## Tools - [Best Fishing Times Calculator](https://thefishingmanual.com/tools/best-fishing-times): Solunar major and minor feeding periods, moon phase, sunrise, sunset, moonrise and moonset for any date and coordinates worldwide. Runs client-side. ## Getting Started - [Basic Fishing Gear for Beginners](https://thefishingmanual.com/getting-started/basic-fishing-gear-for-beginners): A practical beginner's guide to basic fishing gear: the right rod, reel, line, hooks, bait, and tools to catch fish on your very first trip out. - [Catch and Release: Best Practices That Keep Fish Alive](https://thefishingmanual.com/getting-started/catch-and-release-best-practices): Learn proven catch and release techniques to keep fish alive and healthy. A beginner's guide to handling, hooks, reviving, and releasing fish the right way. - [Fishing Ethics and Conservation for Responsible Anglers](https://thefishingmanual.com/getting-started/fishing-ethics-and-conservation): Learn fishing ethics and conservation basics every responsible angler should know, from proper catch and release to stopping invasive species and respecting the water. - [Fishing Licenses Explained: What You Need and Why](https://thefishingmanual.com/getting-started/fishing-license-guide): A beginner's guide to fishing licenses: who needs one, freshwater vs saltwater, resident vs non-resident, special stamps, where to buy, and how to stay legal. - [How to Cast a Spinning Rod: Overhead, Sidearm and Pitch](https://thefishingmanual.com/getting-started/how-to-cast-a-spinning-rod): Learn how to cast a spinning rod accurately. Grip, finger position, the overhead cast step by step, sidearm and pitch for tight cover, plus fixes for wind knots. - [How to Keep Live Bait Alive: Worms, Minnows and Shrimp](https://thefishingmanual.com/getting-started/how-to-keep-live-bait-alive): Keep live bait alive longer with the right temperature, aeration and water. Storage for nightcrawlers, minnows, shiners and shrimp, plus transport tips that work. - [How to Set Up a Fishing Rod, Step by Step](https://thefishingmanual.com/getting-started/how-to-set-up-a-fishing-rod): A clear, beginner-friendly guide to setting up a fishing rod and reel, from assembling the blank to spooling line and tying on a hook the right way. - [How to Start Fishing: A Complete Beginner's Guide](https://thefishingmanual.com/getting-started/how-to-start-fishing): New to fishing? Learn exactly what gear to buy, how to rig a bobber, tie a knot, cast, set the hook, and land your first fish in this complete beginner's guide. - [How to Unhook a Fish Safely (Including Deep Hooks)](https://thefishingmanual.com/getting-started/how-to-unhook-a-fish-safely): How to unhook a fish safely without hurting it or yourself. Correct grips by species, pliers and forceps technique, treble hooks, and when to cut the line. - [How to Use a Landing Net to Land More Fish](https://thefishingmanual.com/getting-started/how-to-use-a-landing-net): Learn how to use a landing net the right way to land more fish, prevent lost catches, and protect fish you plan to release. A beginner-friendly guide. ## Freshwater Fishing - [Bass Fishing Basics: Catch More Largemouth](https://thefishingmanual.com/freshwater/bass-fishing-basics): Learn bass fishing basics for beginners: where largemouth hide, the best starter lures, how to retrieve and set the hook, and tips to catch more bass on your next trip. - [Catfishing Guide: Tactics for Channels, Blues and Flatheads](https://thefishingmanual.com/freshwater/catfishing-guide): Master catfishing with species-specific tactics for channels, blues, and flatheads. Learn the best baits, rigs, location reads, and timing to land more catfish. - [Farm Pond Fishing: How to Fish Small Waters](https://thefishingmanual.com/freshwater/farm-pond-fishing): Farm pond fishing rewards anglers who read water. Find the dam, weed edges and structure without electronics, pick the right lures, and get permission the right way. - [Panfish Fishing: Bluegill, Crappie and Perch](https://thefishingmanual.com/freshwater/panfish-fishing-guide): Catch bluegill, crappie and perch with this beginner panfish guide covering gear, bait, where to find them, seasons, and how to set the hook on your next trip. - [River Fishing Techniques: Reading Current and Holding Water](https://thefishingmanual.com/freshwater/river-fishing-techniques): Learn to read river current, find seams, eddies and holding water, and present without drag so you catch more trout and smallmouth on moving water. - [Spring Fishing Patterns: Following Fish From Winter to Spawn](https://thefishingmanual.com/freshwater/spring-fishing-patterns): Spring fishing patterns explained: how fish move from deep winter holes to staging points to spawning flats, and the water temperatures that trigger each stage. - [Trout Fishing in Rivers and Streams](https://thefishingmanual.com/freshwater/trout-fishing-rivers-and-streams): Catch more trout in moving water. Learn to read rivers, fish drag-free drifts, pick the right flies and lures, and wade safely with this practical intermediate guide. ## Saltwater Fishing - [Inshore Saltwater Fishing for Beginners](https://thefishingmanual.com/saltwater/inshore-saltwater-fishing): Learn inshore saltwater fishing for redfish, trout, and snook: how to read tides and structure, choose salt-proof gear, pick lures, and fish responsibly. - [Offshore Deep-Sea Fishing: Trolling the Bluewater](https://thefishingmanual.com/saltwater/offshore-deep-sea-fishing): Master offshore deep-sea trolling for marlin, tuna, and mahi. Learn to read bluewater structure, rig a balanced spread, set drag, and work the strike. - [Pier and Jetty Fishing: An Easy Saltwater Start](https://thefishingmanual.com/saltwater/pier-and-jetty-fishing): A beginner's guide to pier and jetty fishing: simple gear, two easy rigs, bait choices, reading tides and water, plus safety tips for an easy saltwater start. - [Saltwater Fishing for Beginners](https://thefishingmanual.com/saltwater/saltwater-fishing-for-beginners): A practical saltwater fishing guide for beginners covering shore spots, simple gear, bait, easy rigs, reading the water, and the safety and license basics you need. - [Surf Fishing Guide: How to Catch Fish from the Beach](https://thefishingmanual.com/saltwater/surf-fishing-guide): Learn how to catch fish from the beach with this surf fishing guide covering reading structure, gear, rigs, bait, tides, and tactics for better results. ## Fly Fishing - [Choosing Flies and Matching the Hatch](https://thefishingmanual.com/fly-fishing/choosing-flies-and-matching-the-hatch): Learn to match the hatch with confidence. A practical guide to reading the water, choosing the right fly size and stage, and adjusting when trout refuse. - [Fly Casting Techniques: The Basic Overhead Cast](https://thefishingmanual.com/fly-fishing/fly-casting-techniques): Master the basic overhead fly cast with a step-by-step guide to the backcast, forward stop, casting arc, and timing drills to fix open loops and tangles. - [Fly Fishing for Beginners: Your First Steps](https://thefishingmanual.com/fly-fishing/fly-fishing-for-beginners): 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. - [Reading Water for Fly Fishing](https://thefishingmanual.com/fly-fishing/reading-water-for-fly-fishing): Learn to read water for fly fishing: spot feeding lies, seams, and holding water so you fish where trout actually are and catch more on your next trip. ## Ice Fishing - [Ice Fishing for Beginners](https://thefishingmanual.com/ice-fishing/ice-fishing-for-beginners): A practical beginner's guide to ice fishing covering ice safety, essential gear, where to find fish, jigging technique, and catching panfish on your first trip. - [Ice Fishing Gear Guide](https://thefishingmanual.com/ice-fishing/ice-fishing-gear-guide): A beginner's ice fishing gear guide covering safety picks, augers, rods, lures, bait, and warm clothing so you can fish frozen lakes safely and comfortably. - [Ice Fishing Safety: Reading Ice and Staying Alive](https://thefishingmanual.com/ice-fishing/ice-fishing-safety): Learn to read ice thickness, color, and weak spots, gear up right, and know exactly what to do if you fall through. A beginner's guide to staying alive ice fishing. - [Locating Fish Under the Ice](https://thefishingmanual.com/ice-fishing/locating-fish-under-the-ice): Learn how to find fish under the ice fast: read your lake map, drill smart hole patterns, use sonar and your lateral line, and dial in winter depth. ## Techniques & Methods - [Bank Fishing: How to Catch Fish from Shore](https://thefishingmanual.com/techniques/bank-fishing-from-shore): Learn bank fishing the right way: how to read shorelines, pick the best spots, rig simple setups, and consistently catch fish from shore without a boat. - [Bottom Fishing: Rigs and Tactics](https://thefishingmanual.com/techniques/bottom-fishing-guide): Learn bottom fishing the right way: the three essential rigs, how to pick the right weight, bait tips, and hookset tactics every beginner angler needs to start catching. - [Fishing Docks and Structure: Where Fish Actually Hold](https://thefishingmanual.com/techniques/fishing-docks-and-structure): Why docks hold fish, and how to fish them. Skipping presentations, picking the right docks, boat positioning, and lure choices for structure and cover. - [How Deep to Fish for Crappie in Every Season](https://thefishingmanual.com/techniques/how-deep-to-fish-for-crappie): What depth to fish for crappie through the year: winter, pre-spawn, spawn, summer thermocline and fall patterns, plus depth control with jigs, floats and sonar. - [How to Cast a Baitcaster Without Backlash](https://thefishingmanual.com/techniques/how-to-cast-a-baitcaster): Learn how to cast a baitcaster without backlash. Set the brakes and spool tension, master the thumb, and fix the dreaded bird's nest for good. - [Jigging Techniques That Trigger Strikes](https://thefishingmanual.com/techniques/jigging-techniques): Learn jigging techniques that trigger strikes: master the fall, match your cadence to fish mood, choose the right jig head, and set the hook with confidence. - [Kayak Fishing: Getting Started on the Water](https://thefishingmanual.com/techniques/kayak-fishing-guide): Learn how to start kayak fishing the right way: choosing a hull, rigging it simply, mastering balance, safety gear, launching, and fishing smarter from the seat. - [Night Fishing: Tactics, Gear and Safety](https://thefishingmanual.com/techniques/night-fishing-guide): A practical night fishing guide covering when fish bite after dark, the right gear, lighting, lures, casting tactics, and the safety habits that keep you out of trouble. - [Spearfishing: An Introduction for New Divers](https://thefishingmanual.com/techniques/spearfishing-introduction): A practical introduction to spearfishing for serious new divers, covering safety, gear, breath-hold technique, stalking fish, and how to build skill the right way. - [Spinnerbait Fishing: A Complete How-To](https://thefishingmanual.com/techniques/spinnerbait-fishing): Learn spinnerbait fishing the right way: how to choose blades, match retrieves to conditions, and trigger bass strikes in cover, wind, and stained water. - [The Drop-Shot Rig: Finesse That Catches Everything](https://thefishingmanual.com/techniques/drop-shot-rig-technique): Learn to tie and fish the drop-shot rig, a finesse technique that catches bass, walleye, panfish, and more. Tackle, knots, baits, and proven tactics inside. - [Topwater Fishing: How to Trigger Explosive Strikes](https://thefishingmanual.com/techniques/topwater-fishing): Learn how to fish topwater lures for bass and more. Master walking, popping, and buzzing techniques, gear, timing, and the patience to land violent surface strikes. - [Trolling Guide: Cover Water and Find Active Fish](https://thefishingmanual.com/techniques/trolling-fishing-guide): Learn how to troll effectively to cover water and find active fish. Dial in speed, depth, and spread with practical tips for walleye, trout, and bass. ## Species Guides - [Bluegill Fishing: The Perfect Beginner Species](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/bluegill-fishing): Learn bluegill fishing from the ground up: how to identify them, where they hold each season, and the simple baits and tactics that put panfish in the bucket. - [Channel Catfish: America's Most-Caught Catfish](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/channel-catfish): Learn to catch channel catfish with this beginner guide covering identification, habitat, diet, seasonal patterns, best baits, rigs, and a realistic size and record note. - [Common Carp: The Most Underrated Fish in Fresh Water](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/common-carp): A complete common carp fishing guide: how to identify carp, where they live, the best baits like corn and boilies, hair rigs, method feeders, and tackle. - [Crappie Fishing: How to Catch Slabs Year-Round](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/crappie-fishing): Learn how to catch crappie all year with this complete species guide covering identification, habitat, seasonal patterns, the best baits, lures, and proven techniques. - [Flounder Fishing: How to Catch Flatfish](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/flounder-fishing): Learn how to catch flounder with proven baits, lures, and techniques. A beginner-friendly guide to identifying, locating, and landing inshore flatfish. - [Largemouth Bass: Habits, Habitat and How to Catch Them](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/largemouth-bass): Learn to identify, find, and catch largemouth bass. A beginner's guide to bass habitat, diet, seasonal behavior, best lures, and proven techniques. - [Muskellunge: Chasing the Fish of 10,000 Casts](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/muskellunge): A practical muskellunge profile covering ID, range, diet, seasonal behavior, the best baits and lures, proven techniques, and a realistic size and record note. - [Northern Pike: The Freshwater Wolf](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/northern-pike): Master the northern pike with this complete species guide: identification, habitat, diet, seasonal behavior, the best lures, leader tackle tips, and realistic trophy sizes. - [Rainbow Trout: The Angler's Favorite](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/rainbow-trout): Learn to catch rainbow trout with this beginner guide covering identification, habitat, diet, seasonal behavior, the best baits and lures, and proven techniques. - [Redfish (Red Drum): Inshore Saltwater's Favorite Target](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/redfish-red-drum): Learn to find, identify, and catch redfish (red drum) with proven inshore tactics, the best baits and lures, seasonal patterns, and realistic size expectations. - [Smallmouth Bass: How to Catch the Hardest-Fighting Bass](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/smallmouth-bass): A complete smallmouth bass guide covering identification, range, diet, seasonal patterns, and the best lures and techniques to catch more bronzebacks. - [Striped Bass: Surf and Bay Powerhouse](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/striped-bass): A practical striped bass guide covering identification, range, forage, seasonal patterns, the best baits and lures, proven techniques, and realistic sizes. - [Walleye: Low-Light Predator of the North](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/walleye): Master the walleye with this complete species profile: ID tips, range, forage, seasonal patterns, the best baits and lures, proven techniques, and a realistic size note. - [White Bass: Fast Action on the Spring Run](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/white-bass): How to catch white bass: identification versus stripers and wipers, timing the spring river run, finding surface jumps, best lures, and eating quality. - [Yellow Perch: How to Catch This Tasty Panfish](https://thefishingmanual.com/species/yellow-perch): Learn to identify, locate, and catch yellow perch with proven baits, lures, and seasonal tactics. A beginner-friendly guide to one of fishing's best-eating panfish. ## Gear & Tackle - [Best Beginner Rod and Reel Combos](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/best-beginner-rod-and-reel-combos): Honest picks for the best beginner rod and reel combos, from the Ugly Stik GX2 to the Zebco 33. Find a reliable, easy-to-use setup that fits your budget. - [Best Braided Fishing Line](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/best-braided-fishing-line): We tested and compared the best braided fishing lines for casting distance, knot strength, and abrasion resistance to help you spool up with confidence. - [Best Fish Finders for Beginners](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/best-fish-finders-for-beginners): A beginner-friendly guide to the best fish finders, comparing five proven models on ease of use, sonar quality, GPS, and portability. - [Best Spinning Reels Under $100](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/best-spinning-reels-under-100): Honest picks for the best spinning reels under 100 dollars, from smooth freshwater workhorses to saltwater-tough sealed reels for every angler. - [Best Tackle Boxes and Bags](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/best-tackle-boxes-and-bags): We tested the best tackle boxes and bags for organizing lures, terminal tackle, and gear. Honest picks for boat, bank, and kayak anglers of every budget. - [Fishing Hook Sizes Explained: A Practical Chart](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/fishing-hook-size-chart): Confused by hook sizes? Learn what size hook for bass, trout, panfish and catfish, why the numbering reverses at 1/0, and which hook type to use when. - [Fishing Line Twist: Why It Happens and How to Fix It](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/fixing-fishing-line-twist): Fishing line keeps twisting? Learn what causes line twist on spinning reels, how to remove it from your spool, and the swivels and habits that prevent it. - [Fishing Line Types Explained: Mono, Braid and Fluoro](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/fishing-line-types-explained): Mono, braid, or fluoro? A beginner-friendly guide to the three main fishing line types, their strengths and weaknesses, and how to pick the right one. - [How to Choose a Fishing Reel: Spinning vs Baitcasting](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/choosing-a-fishing-reel): Spinning vs baitcasting reels explained for beginners. Learn how each works, which fits your fishing, how to avoid backlash, and what to buy first. - [How to Choose a Fishing Rod](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/choosing-a-fishing-rod): Learn how to choose a fishing rod with this beginner guide to rod length, power, action, and material, plus a simple starter setup to catch fish fast. - [How to Set Your Drag (And Why Most Anglers Get It Wrong)](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/how-to-set-your-drag): How tight should your fishing drag be? Learn the 25-33% rule, how to measure drag with a scale, star vs lever drag, and how to adjust during a fight. - [Lures vs Live Bait: When to Use Each](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/lures-vs-live-bait): Lures or live bait? Learn exactly when to use each, the real tradeoffs, and a simple decision framework so beginners catch more fish on every trip. - [Rod and Reel Maintenance: Make Your Gear Last Years](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/rod-and-reel-maintenance): How to clean a fishing reel and store fishing rods properly. Rinsing, lubrication points, line replacement intervals, guide checks, and off-season prep. - [Why Your Baitcaster Backlashes (And How to Stop It)](https://thefishingmanual.com/gear/why-your-baitcaster-backlashes): Your baitcaster keeps backlashing? Learn the real causes - spool tension, brakes, thumb control, wind, and lure weight - plus how to pick out a bird's nest. ## Knots & Rigs - [Essential Fishing Knots Every Angler Should Know](https://thefishingmanual.com/knots-rigs/essential-fishing-knots): Master the essential fishing knots every beginner needs, from the Palomar and improved clinch to loop and line-joining knots, with simple step-by-step tying tips. - [How to Tie a Carolina Rig](https://thefishingmanual.com/knots-rigs/carolina-rig-setup): Learn how to tie a Carolina rig step by step, including leader length, weights, baits, and dragging technique to catch more bottom-feeding bass on your next trip. - [How to Tie a Texas Rig](https://thefishingmanual.com/knots-rigs/texas-rig-setup): Learn how to tie a Texas rig step by step. A clear, practical guide to bullet weights, worm hooks, weedless setup, weight selection, and how to fish it for bass. - [Loop Knots: Give Your Lure Freedom to Move](https://thefishingmanual.com/knots-rigs/loop-knot-guide): How to tie a loop knot for better lure action: the non-slip loop knot step by step, the perfection loop, when to use a loop versus a snug knot, and line types. - [The Improved Clinch Knot, Step by Step](https://thefishingmanual.com/knots-rigs/improved-clinch-knot): Learn to tie the improved clinch knot step by step. A beginner-friendly guide to wraps, the improved tuck, cinching, testing, and avoiding common mistakes. - [The Palomar Knot: Strongest Easy Knot](https://thefishingmanual.com/knots-rigs/palomar-knot): Learn the Palomar knot, the strong and easy fishing knot every beginner should master. Step by step instructions, common mistakes, and a drop shot variation. - [Why Fishing Knots Fail (And How to Tie Ones That Don't)](https://thefishingmanual.com/knots-rigs/why-fishing-knots-fail): The real reasons fishing knots fail: friction burn, too few wraps, wrong knot for braid or fluoro, line damage, UV-aged line, and how to seat and test a knot. ## Conditions & Cooking - [Barometric Pressure and Fishing: What Really Matters](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/barometric-pressure-and-fishing): Learn how barometric pressure affects fish behavior, why falling pressure triggers feeding, and how to time your trips around the weather for better results. - [Fishing a Cold Front: Why the Bite Dies and What to Do](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/fishing-a-cold-front): A cold front kills the bite for a reason. Learn what happens to fish post-frontal, how to catch them under bluebird skies, and when to fish the pre-front window. - [Fishing After Heavy Rain: Muddy Water and Rising Levels](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/fishing-after-heavy-rain): Fishing after heavy rain? Learn how runoff, muddy water and rising levels relocate fish, and how to adapt your baits, colors and spots to keep catching. - [Fishing in the Rain: Does It Actually Work?](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/fishing-in-the-rain): Rain can turn an average day into a great one. Learn why fish feed in the rain, when to go, where to cast, and how to stay safe and dry. - [How to Clean and Fillet a Fish](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/how-to-clean-and-fillet-fish): Learn how to clean and fillet a fish step by step. A beginner-friendly guide covering gear, gutting, filleting, skinning, and safe storage for fresh fillets. - [How to Cook Your Catch: Simple Methods That Work](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/how-to-cook-your-catch): Learn how to cook fish you caught with four beginner methods: pan-frying, baking, grilling, and poaching, plus cleaning, storage, and seasoning tips. - [How to Find Fish on a Lake](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/how-to-find-fish-on-a-lake): A practical guide to locating fish on any lake. Read structure, water temperature, baitfish, and electronics to put your bait where the fish actually are. - [How to Read a Lake Map: Contours, Structure and Spots](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/how-to-read-a-lake-map): Learn to read a lake map like an angler: contour lines, points, humps, saddles and channels, plus how to build a milk run of spots before you ever launch. - [How Weather Affects Fishing](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/weather-and-fishing): Learn how barometric pressure, wind, temperature, light, and rain drive the fish bite, plus a practical game plan to adjust your tactics on every trip. - [Moon Phases and Fishing: Do They Affect the Bite?](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/moon-phase-and-fishing): Do moon phases really change fishing success? A clear, practical guide to lunar effects on the bite, what matters more, and how to plan your next trip. - [The Best Times to Fish: Time of Day and Season](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/best-times-to-fish): Learn the best times to fish by time of day and season. A beginner guide to dawn, dusk, and seasonal patterns so you show up when fish are actually feeding. - [Understanding Tides for Saltwater Fishing](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/understanding-tides-for-fishing): Learn how tides drive the saltwater bite. Understand incoming, outgoing, spring, and neap tides, and how to time your trip to fish moving water where fish feed. - [Water Temperature and Fishing: A Practical Guide](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/water-temperature-and-fishing): Learn how water temperature controls fish behavior, location, and feeding. A practical guide to reading temps by season and matching your presentation. - [Why Fish Aren't Biting (and How to Turn It Around)](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/why-fish-arent-biting): Fish not biting? Learn the real reasons - weather, water temp, timing, and presentation - plus practical fixes to turn a slow day into a productive one. - [Wind and Fishing: Which Bank to Fish and Why](https://thefishingmanual.com/conditions/wind-direction-and-fishing): Does wind direction matter for fishing? Learn what's true about the old rhyme, why windblown banks hold fish, and how to fish mud lines, chop and boat control. ## Notes - Fishing regulations vary by jurisdiction and change often; guides direct readers to their local fish & wildlife authority for current rules. - Translations are available at /{lang}/ for: de, es, fr, it, ja, nl, pt, zh.