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Jerkbait vs. Crankbait: Which Fishing Lure is Better?

Every spring when I head up to Lake Champlain for the first few fishing trip, I’m faced with a dilemma. I look at my tackle box and have to decide on a Jerkbait vs. Crankbait combo. No matter which I choose, I’m usually vexed wondering if the other would have been the better lure for the trip. Both are amazing lures for catching fish, especially early in the year, and are some of the best fishing lures for beginners, period. I always have a rod tied with each right on the deck to start each trip. Let’s discuss why you should too.

What Is a Jerkbait?

A jerkbait is a long and slender lure that resembles a minnow and has 2-3 treble hooks. Depending on the model, it might sink, float, or suspend, but all are intended to be retrieved horizontally through the water column. While you could simply reel a jerkbait in, or troll one behind your boat, they really shine when you start jerking and snapping them through the water as their name suggests. This erratic action makes jerkbaits look like dying, fleeing, or otherwise distressed baitfish. Bass, northern pike, chain pickerel, walleye, and even large crappie can’t resist, and almost hop into your boat!

How to Fish a Jerkbait

There are several ways to fish a jerkbait. You can reel it in, and it’ll basically act as a shallow crankbait with a tight wobble. Likewise, you can troll them behind a boat, and they’ll stay straight and true enticing fish. The preferred method, and how they got their namesake, is to snap or jerk them through the water. This creates slack in the line which should be slowly reeled in before snapping again.

The main trick to working a jerkbait is figuring out the cadence of your snaps. In warmer water, a faster cadence often produces fish. Indeed, it can provide outstanding action as fish compete with each other to attack the lure. In colder water, however, you’ll often do better by slowing down your retrieve. At ice out, I’ve had days where I will literally pause a jerkbait for 10-20 seconds before I give it oh so small of a little twitch to try and entice a bite. Sometimes that’s what it takes to get sluggish fish to commit.

Note that regardless of the time of year, you’ll need to give it at least one good snap as soon as it hits the water to get it down to depth, especially if it is a suspending or floating model. Jerkbaits have a bill on them much like a crankbait that allows them to dive, and the quickest way to get them underwater is with a pretty heavy snap at first.

Types of Jerkbaits: Floating vs. Suspending vs. Sinking

While there are dozens if not hundreds of jerkbaits out there on the market, most boil down to one of three types:

  • Floating jerkbaits
  • Suspending jerkbaits
  • Sinking jerkbaits

As you could probably guess, they get their name from the way they act in the water. A floating jerkbait floats. A sinking model sinks. Suspending jerkbaits are neutrally buoyant, so after you jerk them down to the appropriate level, they’ll suspend or float in the water column at rest.

This allows you to tailor the action to what you need to achieve. A sinking jerkbait could patiently be used to slowly fall down to bass holding at great depths. A floating model could be worked around cover with the reasonable expectation of being retrieved when necessary. A suspending one could be placed directly in the fish’s face until it couldn’t stand it any more and bit.

Best Floating Jerkbaits

Floating jerkbaits are quite useful anytime bass are schooling on the surface. If you would have success with a topwater, you will have success with a floating jerkbait fished just below the surface. You could even use the lure as a topwater bait if you really wanted to, but you’ll probably be better off mimicking a fish the bass have trapped at the surface.

When it comes to what is the best floating jerkbait, I favor the Rapala Original Floater. It’s very hard to argue with a lure that has been in production so long. Manufacturers aren’t going to back a loser for that long, so you know this lure sells. Fishermen too won’t back a loser for more than an hour, so you know this lure catches fish!

I’ve found that floating jerkbaits aren’t the best lure for just after ice out or when the bass are really sluggish. It’s hard to keep these lures in the strike zone for a long enough pause as they start rising immediately. I’d keep them in the tackle box until the water warms a bit.

Best Suspending Jerkbaits

My favorite jerkbaits both suspend. I like suspending jerkbaits because they’ll just sit there in the water, allowing current to move them enticingly in-between my snaps and twitches. While I do need to impart a pretty good initial snap to get them to depth, once there, they stay right where I want them for the entire retrieve.

The main suspending jerkbait in my tackle box is a Rapala X-Rap. I prefer a size 10 X-Rap for bass and pike, but I do have a couple smaller ones that I tie on if I’m trying to catch larger sunfish or crappie. X-Raps cast a mile, catch every fish possible and–importantly–hold up very well. They use sturdy hooks and the worst that’s going to happen is some of the tail feathers get ripped out. You can purchase replacement feathered treble hooks, but you really won’t need to replace them that often as this is a sturdy bait. This is truly a 100-fish lure.

Best Sinking Jerkbaits

When it comes to sinking jerkbaits, I also favor Rapala. This time it’s the Rapala Shadow Rap. Let me tell you, when this lure came on the market in 2015, it set my fishing trips on fire. I couldn’t keep bass from biting it. Point in fact, the very first trip I took with one I hooked two small bass at the same time, sent my wife the picture, and said, “Yeah, we’re buying more of these.”

Rapala Shadow Raps have this subtle sinking action where they turn slightly on the pause. I’ve found this makes them absolute dynamite lures especially early in the year. My only issue with them is that there hooks are so thin that they tend to get smashed up extremely easily. They are often bent and compressed to the point where trying to restore their shape with pliers only breaks them. It’s a good problem to have, as it means a large fish bit, but you aren’t going to get near as many strikes out of one of these as an X-Rap.

While I haven’t used it, when researching this article, I stumbled across the Rapala Countdown Lure and am intrigued. Apparently, this lure sinks at a predetermined rate (I’m not sure if this is size dependent, but the one I was reading about sunk at 1′ per second). This would allow you to precisely target fish at the depth they’re holding and could be an amazing way to target some deeper midwater humps come summer.

Deep Diving Jerkbaits

Several types of jerkbaits come with larger lips that will allow them to dive deeper per jerk. This can be useful if you know a particular sunken hump is a certain depth and you want to consistently run jerkbaits by it. The natural lakes I fish don’t have too many of these so I don’t have much experience using them, but some guys swear by deep jerkbaits.

The larger bill of the deep diving jerkbait (bottom) will let it go deeper than the shallow water jerkbait (top).
These are both Shadow Raps but the bottom lure is a deep diving model.

Best Jerkbait Colors

I only bother with two colors for jerkbaits and as I said, I have one tied on the entire year, catching fish. I use clown and yellow perch. Clown is a great color any time the water is murky as it provides enough flash to call fish in from far, but isn’t so gaudy that the more wary turn their noses up. Yellow perch is a good natural color that mimics typical prey in northern lakes. If you don’t have yellow perch in your clearer lakes, I’d suggest matching the hatch as best you can. Every other lure in the world works great in white and I have no doubt jerkbaits would too, but I’m really trying a more minimalist approach to fishing, so these two colors work for me.

Best Time to Use Jerkbaits

There’s this misconception out there that the only time you should use jerkbaits is during the spring. In fact, jerkbaits will work all year long. They perfectly mimic a dying and distressed baitfish that needs to be culled from the school. Fish don’t suddenly start ignoring these signals once the water heats up.

The reason why spring typically gets the nod as the best time of year to use jerkbaits is because there’s less weed cover, and most fish are shallow. Jerkbaits are difficult to use in the summer because many of the places that hold fish either have weeds or are much deeper than jerkbaits typically reach. Jerkbaits are very difficult to fish in weedy areas because of the way they are worked. Each snap of the rod more or less ensures fouling your hooks on some gunk. Likewise, while there are some “deep diving” jerkbaits, these typically top out around 10-12 feet. This isn’t much use when the fish are significantly deeper. In such cases, you’d be better off going with a crankbait vs. a jerkbait, as the crankbait can reach them.

A further reason why people tend to say early spring is the best time to use jerkbaits is because they are one of the few effective lures that time of year. Spinnerbaits don’t produce as many bites until the water warms to around 60 degrees. Jerkbaits can be used right from ice out and will produce hits. This is because jerkbaits (and especially suspending jerkbaits) can be worked extremely slow. Fish have slow metabolisms early in the year and are unlikely to chase anything down a long distance. You need to get your lure right in their face and have it sit there sometimes. Jerkbaits are outstanding for this.

Best Line for Jerkbaits

I personally fish jerkbaits on 20lb test Power Pro braided fishing line. I like the way that the lure snaps through the water when I’m jerking it through as this line doesn’t stretch. Since it has a thin diameter, it also helps get jerkbaits down a little deeper. I do set the drag on my reel a little looser to account for all of this and to prevent too many fish from pulling off.

Many anglers prefer using fluorocarbon. For example, Kevin VanDam, one of the best jerkbait fishermen to ever throw the plug, prefers flourocarbon line while fishing with jerkbaits. He uses everything from 8 – 20lb test, with lighter line being used when he wants to get the bait down deeper, and heavier to help keep it running higher.

Jerkbaits for Bass?

Largemouth and smallmouth bass love jerkbaits. They’re one of the best lures for catching these fish assuming you can work them without fouling on weeds. During the pre-spawn period, jerkbaits are some of the best lures, bar none to catch bass. I’ve found that smallmouth seem to prefer a jerkbait vs. a crankbait during pre-spawn. I judge this based on the fact that I catch far more smallies on jerkbaits than I do when I break out some crankbaits.

Best Size Jerkbait for Bass?

I’ve found that largemouth and smallmouth bass prefer a jerkbait that is about 4″ long. This represents a good-sized meal to both species and also matches the hatch well. It could represent a very large minnow, or a small enough perch to eat.

Jerkbaits for Summer Bass

Jerkbaits are productive lures year round for largemouth bass. While some anglers think you can’t throw them in the summer, this is incorrect. They’re very productive lures any time of the year given how well they mimic distressed prey. The only trick is that in the summer, many bass stage in either very deep water, or very deep cover. A jerkbait isn’t always the best lure for either situation. Crankbaits are often better for reaching deeper bass while something weedless, such as a frog, would do better if largemouth bass are in deep vegetation.

Jerkbait Leaders

When fishing for northern pike with jerkbaits, using a leader can save a lot of money. Jerkbaits aren’t exactly the cheapest lure out there, and with northern pike and muskie jerkbaits being some of the most expensive, you’re going to want to use a jerkbait leader. I would highly recommend having a leader that is at least as long as the lure if not longer. If you go with a leader that is shorter than the lure, there’s a good chance it will catch the hooks and foul the action, which will be frustrating.

Best Jerkbait Rod?

While this is a personal decision, most anglers recommend a shorter rod (6′ to 6’6″) when fishing jerkbaits. A shorter rod makes it easier to get a strong jerk/snap out of your lures with hitting the bank or gunwale on your boat.

I personally favor a spinning rod when fishing jerkbaits because the reel hangs underneath the rod. I find this helps the rod balance better. Also, most of the time I’m throwing jerkbaits, it’s early in the spring when the winds are absolutely chaotic. Using a spinning rod allows me to make long casts with a jerkbait right into the wind without worrying about backlashes. Finally, it’s much easier to use lighter line with a narrower diameter with a spinning rod than a baitcaster. For all these reasons, spinning rods are my tackle of choice when fishing jerkbaits.

I throw so many jerkbaits that I have a very nice rod dedicated to them: a 6’6″ medium power, fast action St. Croix Legend Extreme. The St. Croix Legend Elite is pricey, but it weighs so little that I can fish this intensive technique all day without issue. I literally have one of these lures tied to it the entire year and use nothing else. If you’re not willing to spend that kind of money, I used a St. Croix Avid series for years (again, 6’6″ medium power / fast action). I know some guys prefer rods with a moderate action like a crankbait rod, but this makes the jerks/snaps too sluggish for my taste.

Bear in mind that St. Croix rods very rarely go on sale at the big box stores (I’d venture to say never, but you never say that), so this is a rod you can absolutely buy on Amazon with all their convenience and no regrets that some other shop might have a better price. Check out the links above to be throwing jerkbaits two days from now!

What Is a Crankbait?

A crankbait is a short and stocky plug that usually has two treble hooks. It can have a large bill for diving deep into the water, or be “lipless” and designed to run in a straight line. The bill of a crankbait pulls it to its target running depth and the faster you reel it in at first, the faster it’ll get to that depth. Very popular with bass anglers, crankbaits are also known to catch northern pike, chain pickerel, crappie, and walleye.

How to Fish a Crankbait

Crankbaits are good fishing lures for beginners because all you need to do to use a crankbait is toss it out and work it back in. Literally, just cast the crankbait out, then reel it back to your boat or shore. Doing this alone will catch fish (assuming it doesn’t foul on some weeds or other refuse).

That’s not the only way how to work a crankbait, of course. A much better way how to to use a crankbait would be to do your best to bang it into just about everything you can on the way home. This seems very counter-intuitive (and is a great way to lose a lot of lures when fishing from shore), but each time you smack that crankbait into a rock or branch, it deflects off wildly, driving fish nuts.

Even if you’re fishing open water, you’d be well-served by creating some “deflections” of your own. While you won’t have anything to run the crankbait into, make sure you work in some pops or twitches with your rod trip as you work it back.

How To Reel a Crankbait

Crankbaits need to be reeled in rapidly at first to reach their diving depth. A faster retrieve will get them down to the correct depth quickly, from where you can slow things down and keep them in the strike zone longer. This is why you’ll find that many fishermen prefer to use a baitcasting reel with the handle on whichever side they can reel the fastest.

Do You Use a Swivel with Crankbaits?

I don’t like using snap swivels with crankbaits, but I am a big fan of using snaps. You can use a snap on your crankbaits without worrying about scaring fish, or other issues. Indeed, the snap makes fishing with crankbaits easy as you can swap them out to try different colors and running depths. Snaps also are useful with crankbaits in that they give the more wobbly ones an even wider wobble, which can be more enticing for fish.

Lipless vs. Squarebill vs. Deep Diving Crankbaits

Crankbaits tend to fall into three main categories:

  • Lipless crankbaits, that have no bill to pull them under and can be retrieved horizontally.
  • Squarebill crankbaits designed to deflect off of cover in shallow water.
  • Deep diving crankbaits with giant bills designed to reach maximum depth where summer bass live.

All have their pros and cons and belong in your tackle box.

Best Lipless Crankbaits

Two of the more common lipless crankbaits are also the best: the Rat-L-Trap and the Red Eye Shad. Both have been around for years though the former makes the latter look like a baby. Rat-L-Traps in particular have really impressed me recently. There once was a time when you could pick up an entire bag of used Rat-L-Traps on eBay for pennies, they were so common. Now, the new ones come with some quality components such as Mustad hooks that stand up to fish after fish after fish.

The Red Eye Shad is another one of Kevin VanDam’s sponsored lures. As with all of his stuff, it works as he’s putting his name on it. You’ll also routinely find him fishing this stuff in tournaments. Now, KVD is a legendary angler and he could probably get an unpainted block of wood bit, but it’s a vote of confidence all the same.

Rat-L-Traps are the quintessential lipless crankbaits.
I had such a fun weekend fishing these Rat-L-Traps that I renamed the cherry craw color “Vader.” I’m still waiting for Bill Lewis to follow suit.
How to Use a Crankbait in Weeds

Weeds make fishing with crankbaits difficult, because their treble hooks like to catch on each and every plant. I would suggest using a lipless crankbait when fishing in the weeds, as it doesn’t have a lip that will pull it down towards the vegetation. Instead, you can more or less control how deep it will or won’t dive by the angle of your rod tip. One of the best things you can do with a lipless crankbait is run it so it the treble hooks just tick the top of some submerged weeds as you burn it back to the boat. This causes the crankbait to pause for a moment and then snap forward with a lunge. It has the same effect as fishing in rocks with a squarebill, deflecting off every obstruction you find.

Best Squarebill Crankbaits

I’m personally a fan of the Strike King KVD 1.5 squarebill (click the photo for more of a description). There are more expensive ones out there, for sure, but these have been consistent producers for me over the years. Once upon a time you couldn’t get the rattling ones anywhere but Bass Pro Shops, but now they’re available on Amazon. While I suppose there’s a time for a silent crankbait, that time is not on the dingy waters I fish, so I almost always prefer a rattle.

Best Deep Diving Crankbaits

The best deep diving crankbait for your situation is going to depend entirely on how deep you need it to go. I’m going to assume you want a deep diving crankbait 15′ or more. That would put you in the realm of the Strike King Pro Model 5XD. I like this because it only weights 5/8 oz. yet will reach those depths. Many deep diving crankbaits are considerably larger which makes them difficult to fish on all but the stoutest tackle. This is a good compromise lure.

How to Use Deep Diving Crankbaits

As with all crankbaits, the name of the game when fishing with deep diving ones is to try and get them to deflect off cover. To do this, you need to use a crankbait that dives just a bit deeper than the cover is. While this will cause some hang ups, it will also produce a number of strikes.

Some anglers use a crankbait technique called long lining to get more depth out of their lures. Let’s say you knew there was an underwater hump at a particular point. You’d want to cast well beyond it but not engage (lock) your spool. You’d then take your trolling motor and move the boat away from your lure, without engaging the spool. Once you got a bit of a distance away, you’d reel in as fast as you can. This would allow the lure to go much deeper than you could achieve on a normal cast.

squarebill crankbait vs. deep diving crankbait. The longer bill of a deep diving crankbait will let it dive deeper.
While their bodies are relatively the same size, the bottom crankbait will dive much deeper than the squarebill.

When To Use Crankbaits

Crankbaits are one of those lures that start working very well in the pre-spawn. Even though they are a bit of a “fast” lure, they aren’t burned as quickly as a spinnerbait and so you can trigger some hits from otherwise sluggish fish. Also the deflections off cover are simply too much for fish to handle. These deflections do a few things. One, they stop the crankbait for a moment, often right in front of a fish’s face. Two, this often elicits a jarring reaction strike.

Best Time to Use Crankbaits

Most people use crankbaits during the day. If they get hung up, it’s much easier to retrieve them if you can see what you’re doing. If you’re going to use crankbaits at night, I’d go with much darker colors, like black, and I’d make sure that the crankbait had some sort of rattle to help fish home in on it.

Best Line for Crankbaits

Fluorocarbon is widely considered to be the best fishing line for crankbaits. Fluorocarbon has several advantages when fishing crankbaits. First, it sinks, which is what you want with these lures. Secondly, it has less stretch than monofilament, which will allow a good hook set even if a fish bites 15′ below the surface. Finally, the abrasion resistance of the type is useful with crankbaits given that they spend so much time banging into and next to rocks.

How to Use a Crankbait for Bass

Using a crankbait for bass is no different than working a crankbait for any other fish. You cast it out, reel it in, and try to bang into any cover you can along the way. Go ahead and dig that lure into the dirt a bit – the bass will love the commotion and come nail it.

If you get into an area that holds bass, they’re going to bite a crankbait, period. The only question is whether or not you can cast and retrieve it without being hung up.

Best Size Crankbait for Bass

Using the KVD squarebills as a guide, they come in sizes ranging from 1.0 (3/8 oz.) to 8.0 (1.5 oz.). I get that people think “bigger lure, bigger fish” and I suppose sometimes that may be so, but I’ll tell you what – I’ve never had an issue catching huge largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, or northern pike on a 1.5-sized crankbait (7/16 oz. to 3/8 oz.). This is a good compromised size that most fish view as a good meal. You’ll catch quantity and quality with it.

Crankbait Leaders

It’s uncommon to see people using a leader with a crankbait unless they’re specifically fishing for northern pike or muskie. With that said, crankbaits are one lure that does well enough attached to a snap, so many purpose-built leaders will work. I’d personally recommend going with fluorocarbon leaders so that you don’t scare any line-shy bass more than you have to.

Best Crankbait Rod?

Crankbaits are one technique where a fiberglass rod is really going to shine. This is for a few reasons. First, a fiberglass rod will allow you to really load up on your cast and fling that crankbait a good distance. This is important because the further your cast, the deeper the crankbait can reach on its retrieve. Fiberglass rods also work well with crankbaits because they are “mushier” and more forgiving of a strike than graphite rods. You’re less likely to rip the thin treble hooks out of a fish’s mouth if you use a fiberglass rod.

My personal favorite crankbait rod is the St. Croix Legend Glass. I picked one of these up last year and have had an absolute blast ripping Rat-L-Traps across the rocky Vermont shores of Lake Champlain. It loads up beautifully with a 1/2 oz Rat-L-Trap and had no issues fighting numerous 4lb smallies and largemouth.

Largemouth bass caught by Rat-L-Trap fished from St. Croix Legend Glass spinning rod.
One can’t argue with these results.

Must-Have Tools When Fishing Jerkbaits or Crankbaits

There are a few tools that are going to make your life considerably easier when fishing with jerkbaits or crankbaits. These fishing tools will save you time, money, and aggravation. If you don’t already own them, I’d really consider picking them up before your next time on the water.

Lure Retriever

You’ll have noticed that I’ve spent considerable time in this article telling you to slam your crankbaits into any obstruction you can find. Well, on occasion they get stuck doing that. The technique works so well for catching fish that you can’t ignore it, but it can also get incredibly expensive in a hurry. With many crankbaits costing anywhere from $5 to $15 if not more, it can add up in a hurry. That’s why you should purchase a lure retriever today. I keep one on my boat at all times, and it only takes 4-5 retrieved lures to pay for itself.

The one I linked to extends to a length of 18′. While this may seem excessive consider that it’s not always depth that you need to worry about. You may well find that you’re running your crankbait across rocky shorelines that you aren’t crazy about bringing your boat up to. Being able to have a little extra length to reach lures horizontally also helps.

Split Ring Pliers

A good set of split ring pliers really makes your life a lot easier. Some jerkbaits and crankbaits have very thin hooks that don’t hold up well to fish. Split ring pliers are indispensable for swapping out hooks in a hurry. This set even comes with spare split rings, which is good as sometimes they break or deform when you’re trying to take them off or put them on.

Conclusion: When To Use a Jerkbait vs. a Crankbait

Jerkbaits and crankbaits are two of my favorite fishing lures. While I wouldn’t recommend either when fishing with kids, they can’t be beat when the adults are in the boat. I know many anglers think jerkbaits are only for the pre-spawn, but I’ve had success with them year round. They mimic a dying or distressed baitfish so well that there’s no logical reason why a bass wouldn’t eat them all year. The only issue is that they can be hard to fish in weeds, and in many places, bass use weeds as their primary cover come summer. Even so, if you can find little pockets and have accurate casts, jerkbaits could be very good to you.

Crankbaits are also great year round. They even come more into their own over the summer, when some larger bass go much deeper than most jerkbaits can reach. It’s challenging to think of a better lure that can reach the depths of many submerged humps and cover water as effectively and quickly as a crankbait.

I’d recommend that you keep both in your tackle box at all times. I know I have rods rigged with each throughout the year, and they tend to get a lot of action each fishing trip.

I hope this article was helpful. Thanks for reading!

John Paxton

The Definitive List of Lake Champlain Fishing Resources

Those of you who have followed my blog know that I love fishing on Lake Champlain. Everyone should fish it at least once in their life. All the same, as America’s sixth largest lake, it may be a bit daunting the first time you visit. Below, you’ll find a collection of resources available to help you go fishing on Lake Champlain.

If I’m missing a resource or you’d like your website added to this list, please send me an email and I’d be glad to add it.

Since this will be a long article, here are some links to jump to what you want:

Fishing Forums

Some of the best places to find information about fishing Lake Champlain are fishing forums. In them, you’ll often find fishing reports for specific areas and times of year as well as recommendations on tactics and lures. I’ve found the below to either be active today, or at least archived with very good information from the past. If you know of a forum that is either active or has a useful history, please let me know.

  • Lake Champlain United Forums – Quite an established forum with 1000’s of topics to use as a resource for fishing Lake Champlain. There is a lot of information about most species the lake has, with a particularly active salmon/lake trout community. There’s also a nice “share a ride” forum that helps you find new friends to fish with.
  • Fishing Lake Champlain Forums – Another long-established forum with 1000’s of topics on fishing Lake Champlain. There are plenty of fishing reports and more specific information to be found, however the forum activity seems to have died down lately. No matter – there’s still a ton of archived posts to learn from and likely many people checking in from time to time if you happen to have a question.
  • VTBass Forums – There’s still a few guys who are active. The main draw of this forum is most of the folks concentrate on the southern end of the lake. Many launch from Larrabee’s (across from Ticonderoga) or further south at Benson’s Landing. I’ve found this to be a great resource for fishing that end of the lake.
  • Bass Resource’s Northeast Bass Fishing Sub-forum – This isn’t a forum devoted to Lake Champlain but as one of the larger bass fishing communities out there, you can find several posts about it if you dig around. This is also a good bet for finding some lakes near Champlain in case the south wind has made life unbearable!

Websites and Blogs

There are several anglers who either maintain or once maintained a website or blog devoted to fishing on Lake Champlain. Again, even the stuff that hasn’t been updated in awhile is a useful historical record. Ever keep a fishing journal? I’ll bet you were glad for anything you wrote, even if it was years past. Here are the websites and blogs that I’m familiar with, but as always, if I’m missing something, let me know.

Note that these are websites devoted to the lake – not websites that happen to have an article about the lake. You can find those in Periodicals further below.

  • Captain Mick Maynard’s website www.lakechamplainangler.com has a number of interesting articles on it in addition to information about booking trips with his charter service. For example, he has written articles about northern pike and smallmouth bass, as well as a some hints for when to visit the lake.
  • Captain Howard Hammonds’ www.champlainbass.com isn’t updated as much as it used to be, but it still has a number of great fishing reports and articles from years past that you can refer to as a resource for your next visit to Lake Champlain.
  • New York Department of Environmental Conservation has significant resources about fishing Lake Champlain including shore access information, boat launches, and accessible angler sites. They also have an opportunity to participate in different studies such as a diary program for smelt, lake trout, and salmon anglers.
  • Likewise, the Vermont Fish and Wildlife Department maintains a website with some information about the northern end of the lake.
  • My website also has a section devoted to Lake Champlain fishing reports that you can access here.

Facebook Groups

As of writing, there are a number of Facebook groups available where you can quickly get information and see fishing reports. It may well be that these are now the new “fishing forums” of the future. There are many groups dedicated to this lake, but here are some of the more active/larger ones. If you’re trying to grow a group and want it included, please send me an email.

YouTube Channels and Vlogs

There are several anglers out there who are posting video resources of fishing Lake Champlain to YouTube. One nice thing about this is that often they’re hard-pressed to hide where they’re fishing! Many guys will go out of their way not to show background shots on photos that give away their honey holes. This is hard to do on video, so you might get extra clues!

While this media is ever expanding, here’s a few particularly useful videos that I’ve found. You just need to go into their channel to see what else they have. Don’t forget to like and subscribe to their channel. That will encourage them to keep posting more stuff that can help you!

Books

Remember those things called books? I sure do. I still love reading (and writing) them! Books are the ultimate resource, so I’ve spent much time trying to find the different books that talk about fishing Lake Champlain. Unfortunately, there aren’t many to begin with, and some are out of print. At least you’ll know what you need to look for on e-Bay.

  • Lake Champlain Bass Fishing Guide by Don McKee – This book is out of print and extremely hard to find, so you might want to set up an e-Bay alert for it and “Buy it Now” as soon as it’s available. This graced my dad’s coffee table for years and I grew up reading through it. It claims to be “Book I” though I’ve yet to find any others. It covers the southern end of the lake, from Westport to Whitehall.
  • Bass Fishing 101: Lake Champlain by Dale D. Brown – There are still a select few websites offering this book today. I’d grab yours while you can (I just bought two more). This book covers the entirety of Lake Champlain from South Bay up to Canada and offers a paragraph or two worth of tips of pretty much every bay, cove, and creek along the way.
  • Good Fishing in the Adirondacks: From Lake Champlain to the Streams of Tug Hill by Dennis Aprill. Written by an outdoor columnist for the Plattsburgh Press Republican, this book covers a number of different fishing spots on Champlain as well as lesser-known fishing holes around it.
Lake Champlain Bass Fishing Guide by Don McKee is no longer in print, but a fascinating resource for fishing Lake Champlain, if you can find it.
IF you can find this book, BUY it. Not only does it have fishing tips for the southern end of the lake, but it offers a fascinating look at what local businesses existed years ago. A true time capsule.
  • While not specifically written about Lake Champlain per say, most of the stories in my book, Fishing with Kids: A Parent’s Guide, take place on the lake, so there are a few hints for fishing it.

Maps and Fishing Spot Guides

There are a few companies that offer fishing maps for Lake Champlain. Here are the ones I’m aware of, as well as links to help you buy them. I’d recommend picking these up. They’re much more convenient for scouring over than a phone. Some are even waterproof so you can bring them on the boat.

Lake Champlain Fishing Charter Captains

Fishing charter captains are a living, breathing (sometimes talking) resource about fishing Lake Champlain. Here are the various folks offering fishing trips out on the Lake. If you are a charter captain on the lake and don’t see your name here, please email me and I’ll be sure to add you as well as a link to your website. I’m not leaving anyone out on purpose!

  • Captain Mick Maynard of www.lakechamplainangler.com (and, if you’re sick of hard water in winter, also of Florida’s Largemouthcentral.com). Captain Mick and I have been fishing together for over a decade now across several states. He’s a great charter captain and one I can’t speak highly enough of. We met when my wife and I were on our honeymoon and he took us out for a charter. We caught every from largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and even lake trout in eight hours! You can normally find him fishing out of Plattsburgh, NY though he’ll come south a bit for lake trout now and then.
Smallmouth caught on Lake Champlain with Capt. Mick Maynard.
My wife with a nice honeymoon smallmouth Captain Mick Maynard put us on.
  • Sure Strike Charters, LLC. Though I’ve never had the pleasure of fishing with Captains Brian or Paul Dunkling, their website is filled with testimonials from happy anglers who have. They seem to offer two types of boats, a larger one designed for trolling and a smaller boat for bass and pike trips. They’re based out of Shelbourne, VT, which is a nice town to visit and has plenty to do after the charter.
  • Captain Mike Tarasavage of iFishLakeChamplain.com is another captain I’ve yet to meet, but I’m familiar with his charters from years of following various Facebook feeds. I’ve only heard good things. Per his website, he will take you fishing for any species, but specializes in lake trout. He’s based out of Plattsburgh, NY.
  • Fish N Rigg Charters, operated by Captain Bill Gregorek might be a good option for someone with smaller kids/spouses who aren’t too crazy about “the elements.” He fishes off of a 31′ Silverton Flybridge equipped with its own head and plenty of room to get out of the weather. This is going to limit you to fishing for lake trout, salmon, and rainbow trout, but if that’s what you’re looking for, give the captain a call to book a trip based out of Charlotte, Vermont.
  • Captain Randy’s Relax-N-Reel Fishing Charters out of West Chazy, NY offers cold and warm water species fishing charters on Champlain as well as seasonal (read: winter) trips in south Florida. He has a few boats to choose from depending on what you’re fishing for and your creature comfort needs.
  • Captain Matt Trombley of 3rd Alarm Charters is a very popular choice. He’s quite active on various Facebook groups and has a strong following. Having honed his craft over thirty years of fishing Lake Champlain, Captain Trombley offers trolling, drift boat trips, casting trips, and ice fishing adventures. This service is based out of Vergennes, VT.
  • Cloud Nine Charters and its captain, Obe White, offers a unique twist to fishing charters on Lake Champlain. While you can get the standard lake trout and salmon excursion that several other guides offer, he also will take you up into Otter Creek and anchor to catch yellow perch, white perch, and walleye. I haven’t fished with him, but this is an intriguing option that seems like it might be great for kids.

Past Tournament Results

There’s often information you can glean from past tournament results. Either the results themselves have a bit of information tucked away, or at least they give you names to google to see if you can find a news hit with some information on how they won.

There’s so many tournaments on Lake Champlain that it would be an entire series of posts just to try and find them all. I am not Google – they can do that. There is, however, one incredibly great resource: Anglerschannel.com and their link to Lake Champlain. This is basically your one-stop shop for all major tournament information on the lake with numerous articles discussing how various pros did on their fishing tournament on Lake Champlain. Check it out!

Tackle Shops

Sometimes the best place to get information is a tackle shop. Here’s a few links to get you started finding them. Most of the shop owners are happy to act as a resource for fishing Lake Champlain IF you approach them with a question like, “What should I buy that’s working?” They want you to buy more!

I need to put in a little plug for Norm’s Bait and Tackle. Located just west of the Crown Point bridge in Crown Point, NY, Norm’s has everything you need for a good fishing trip. The staff is super helpful and friendly and they’re more than willing to let your kid peek over the fish tanks to see all their live bait. I’ve been going there for years and have never been disappointed with the selection or service. You can also buy fresh food there including fresh-caught yellow perch.

If you aren’t near Norm’s, take a look at the other bait shops around. Don’t be fooled – Plattsburgh has plenty of places you can get tackle too, but it’s mostly big box stores.

Other/Miscellaneous

Here are some other resources about fishing Lake Champlain that just didn’t quite fit anywhere else.

  • www.lakechamplaincommittee.org – Limited fishing discussion (though they have a few pages) but they have a great deal of interesting articles about the lake’s ecology. They also published an interesting book, Lake Champlain: a Natural History.
  • Major League Fishing’s 2019 Challenge Select took place on Lake Champlain. You can stream episodes from Amazon. If you’ve never watched a Major League Fishing event, it’s an interesting format. Given that it relies on total weight vs. top five fish, you get to see what the pros do when they’re fishing for quantity.
  • I’ve found that SUNY Plattsburgh’s study on Post Tournament Release Movements of Black Bass in Lake Champlain to be an absolutely fascinating document. Reading it will help you understand the lake’s ecology a bit more.

My Personal Lake Champlain Fishing Reports

I regularly fish Lake Champlain myself and post fishing reports when I can. Here are some of my favorites:

I hope you found this article useful. If you have a website featured please consider linking to this to help others find it. If you would like your website added, please send me an email and I’ll be happy to oblige. Also, consider joining FishingFather’s Facebook page so you can keep up-to-date on all new content.

Have a great day for fishing,

John Paxton

A Boatload of 31 Reasons to Take Your Kids Fishing

Every kid wants their parents to take them fishing, but I’m sad to report that I’ve met far too many parents who don’t. Yes, plenty of youths go their entire lives without having someone take them out for a fishing adventure. If you’re reading this, it’s time to break that miserable reality. You shouldn’t need much convincing; fishing’s awesome, end of story. You should absolutely take your child out fishing with you, every chance you get. Here are are a boatload of 31 reasons why you should take your kids out fishing with you this weekend.

1. Fishing Makes Shots at the Doctor’s Less Horrifying

I have legitimately used my son’s fishing experiences to help him through getting his shots at the doctors. Before I thought of doing this, shot day was the worst. There would tears, begging, screaming and fits.

How did fishing change all of this? Bluegill dorsal spines.

My child insists on holding his own fish and bringing them over to the livewell. With smaller fish, this means that he is routinely poked and jabbed by their dorsal spines and fins, which can feel pretty similar to the prick of a shot. He just never notices because he’s having fun and wants to handle fish “just like Daddy.”

It took me a few rounds at the doctor’s before I figured this out, but once I started talking to him about bluegill and how he gets spined and got him to acknowledge that it’s no big deal, I explained that getting a shot is just like a bluegill pricking him really quick – no big deal.

This got him smiling and it was clear the wheels were turning in his head as he said, “Ok,” and let the doctor treat him. We walked out of there with no tears and headed straight for the toy store to celebrate what an awesome job he did.

2. The Boat Is A Great Place to Potty Train Them

One of the greatest benefits of fishing with a two year old was we were able to potty train our son on the boat. We have a vinyl floor that gets far worse on it throughout the course of the fishing season, so if there was a little “spray” it was easy to correct. It was also great for our son because we didn’t have to pull him away from anything to go potty – just have a quick seat and, “why sure, kid, hold onto your rod while you’re at it.”

I’m sure we got a few weird looks fishing with our kid in his underwear, but it worked, he was trained quickly, without any fuss, and in a place that was very easy to clean.

Vinyl boat floors and portable potties are important items to take along when potty training your kids on a fishing trip.
Note the potty and all-vinyl floor–a great combination.

3. Fishing = Kids + Water. Enough Said.

Parents need no explanation for this. I just thought I’d remind everyone of the obvious. Just remember to bring a change of clothes with you or that car seat is getting soaked.

4. They’ll Spend Less Time on Screens

The more time your kids are on the water, the less time they’re in front of a screen. Get your kids hooked early on fishing so that you’ll always have this in your back pocket to get them outside.

It’s so hard to find things that will get kids engaged enough to leave the screen these days, but fishing is such a big production that it’s one of the few things that can compete. There’s all the fishing gear to assemble and talk about, all the different species that they might catch, all the fun of hanging out on a boat, or trudging through the woods to find a good fishing spot along a riverbank. It’s a winner.

Even if you do find that you need to hand your toddler your cell phone for a few moments while you retie, they’re quick to hand it back with no fuss in exchange for their rod back. That’s about the only thing on earth (aside, perhaps from a chocolate mousse mouse) that has that effect on my son.

5. When They Are on Screens, It’ll Be “Educational”

Look, if fishing with your children ignites a passion, you’re going to find your kids in front of television screens now and then, but instead of Saturday morning cartoons, you may find them watching fishing programs! I know a screen is a screen but take solace in the fact that at least they’re watching something educational.

If you haven’t seen it yet, you should search for Glen Lau’s “Bigmouth.” I purchased it years ago but am having a hard time finding a place where you can buy new copies of the DVD. There are some YouTube videos out there with a large portion of the show uploaded that you’ll find in your search. I’m leery to link them as I wonder if they’re legal, but you can find them quickly on YouTube yourself.

This film is great because they show underwater footage of largemouth bass behavior, including their spawn. While there are some fishing scenes, it is much more of a nature documentary than a fishing show. You may find it illuminating.

6. Fishing Helps Kids Learn to Listen

I swear I’m not kidding – my son actually listens when he has a fish on the line. I know that’s counter-intuitive as you’d think that pairing a small child with a live fish thrashing at the end of a hook, but it’s true. He carefully listens to my coaching, stops reeling when he hears the drag “ziiiiiip!,” and holds his rod up high when I tell him to.

He does this because he’s in the zone and really wants to land that fish. He’s open to guidance and suggestions and coaching and willing to hear what I have to say. This has worked out really well for him as he’s landed some fish that I don’t think I would have at his age.

This extends beyond fishing because sometimes I refer back to a large fish he caught and tell him that it’s so important to listen, because I’m trying to tell him something important that will help him. By doing this, I’m breaking down a situation he doesn’t understand (for example, why he can’t break away from me in a parking lot) into one that he does (whey he needs to let a fish run when it’s pulling drag).

There’s a method to the madness of all the fables and fairy tales that we read to our kids, and it’s usually so that we can refer back to a lesson that a character learned at one point. It’s all the better if the lesson is one that your child learned themselves while fighting a catfish.

Frankly, if getting your kids to finally listen isn’t a great reason to take them fishing, I don’t know what is.

7. It Teaches Kids Strategy

There’s nothing wrong with developing strategic thought from an early age, and fishing will provide plenty of lessons in strategy.

Pretty much every time you head to the lake, you want to have some sort of plan in mind as to where you’ll start casting, what lures you’ll start using, and what type of habitat you think the fish will hang around. If you’ve read my article filled with tips about how to scout your future fishing spots from the comfort of your home, then chances are you’ve spent some considerable time thinking about your trip long before you started it.

Involve your children with this planning process! Bring them over to the map the night before and let them know where you’re thinking about fishing and why. Explain to them what you’re looking for – is it a different depth? A certain type of cover or weedline? The important thing is to let them see that you are approaching fishing thoughtfully and strategically so they will start to emulate you.

After you’ve gone out with them a few times, let them take control. Ask them to plan the fishing trip (give them a few tips) and then execute on that plan and see how it went. Having a debrief of each trip will let you revisit what your plan originally was and also what changes, if any, you had to make during the day. It will also assist you in coming up with a better plan for the future.

8. Fishing Teaches Kids to Deal with Change

Being able to deal with change is one of the most critical skills that you can teach your children. Change will be constant throughout their lives and will create chaos unless they know how to take a deep breath and muddle through.

Taking kids fishing is a great place to teach them how to reason with change because it’s everywhere in the sport. The seasons are the most glaring example, but offer a good way to talk to children about the seasonal patterns of fish, where you can expect to find them during the year, and how active they might be.

Change can be much more rapid in fishing. The tides are a good example as the rock or jetty that you caught so many fish on earlier might soon be consumed by the sea, forcing you to try something different.

Even just the process of losing a trusted fishing lure to a snag brings about change. It’s not a fun feeling to be forced to move from one technique that was catching fish in droves to something else that’s unproven for the day, but sometimes that’s exactly what you need to do.

Here, my son is embracing change like a champ.

9. Fishing Teaches Problem Solving Skills

Problems arise frequently while fishing and having your kids observe you while you solve a few (and then having them solve a few on their own) teaches kids to work through a tough situation and come up with a solution.

A good place to show your kids how to do this would be with Senko-styled worms. While they’re one of the best fishing lures for beginners, if you’ve ever used them, you know that just rigging them right on a hook is an expensive proposition as they tend to tear off the hook easily and are lost. You may have heard of sliding o-rings up the worm and then attaching your hook to that instead, as it tends to keep the worm attached much better.

This, unfortunately, presents a whole new problem: sliding the o-ring up the worm’s body will often damage the worm. Some enterprising folks came up with a tool that you can buy that does work very well, but if you don’t have it (or don’t want to buy it), you can also use your needle nose pliers as seen in the photo below.

Simply place the o-ring on the pliers while they’re shut and then open them enough to allow you to slide the worm through. Then, slide the o-ring off of the pliers and onto the worm wherever you want.

This solves a problem, and by walking your kids through your thought process it will start triggering them to think of new and creative ways to solve problems of their own.

This effective solution saves you money both from less broken worms, and also removing the need to purchase a specific tool.

10. Fishing Teaches Kids to Stay Organized

There are many disorganized people, including myself, who can only find order in their tackle box. As cluttered as my desk may be, my tackle bag has everything organized exactly as I like it so that I can find it quickly.

My son took an interest in my tackle boxes from an early age. We used to go down to the basement after I’d get home from work and just look at all the crankbaits and see how I organized them.

Now when we’re done fishing together, I ask my kids to help me “police up the boat.” We store all our rods away neatly where they go and make sure the net is in good condition and exactly where we need it. I have no interest in teaching them organization the hard way by losing their fish because the net is inaccessible!

When my children are older and it’s time for their own tackle box, they’ll do what all kids do when tasked with this for the first time — mess around and play with their plastic worms and lizards. However, once they get that out of their system, I trust that they’ll start organizing their lures by type and color and making sure everything has a proper place. It’s all part of the fun of fishing!

11. Fishing Helps Kids Provide for the Family

While it’s not necessary to always keep what you catch, and you’d probably want to practice selective harvest when you do, fishing is, nonetheless, a great way to put food on the table, and one of the few ways that a young child can contribute to the production and livelihood of the family.

If your family relies on nature for meat, letting your children take part in gathering will make them feel relevant, important, and esteemed. Most kids want to pull their weight. They will literally step into your shoes and emulate you. Fishing is a great way for them to do that.

12. Your Kids Will Develop a Greater Respect for Nature

I mentioned selective harvest above and linked to an In-Fisherman article about the need for it. You ought to read it if you get a chance. The theory is that both catch & take as well as catch & release kind of miss the mark.

If one were to eat every fish they caught, they would soon find themselves with no fish left to catch. Yet at the same time, throwing back every fish can lead to overpopulation and stunted growth, especially in smaller ponds.

The idea behind selective harvest is that you want to release the truly large and magnificent fish as they are the ones genetically predisposed to have babies that will also grow to massive proportion. Instead, you should focus on keeping and eating smaller fish (where legal) who are more abundant (and usually taste better too).

Practicing this and teaching it to your kids will tend to get them thinking about the natural order of things and how they can negatively influence nature if they aren’t careful.

You’d also do well to take a little bag out for garbage whenever you’re taking your kids fishing. First of all, kids create a massive amount of garbage all on their own, seemingly out of thin air. But secondly, when your child observes you going through the effort to lean over and pick some trash up, they are more likely to to appreciate why we shouldn’t litter, and become better stewards for the planet.

Likewise, police up your old fishing line. Don’t let it stay stuck in the tree, or just toss it on the ground. Explain to your children how birds and other animals can become trapped or ensnared by the line, and encourage your children to always pick up after themselves.

If you explain why you’re taking the time to clean up after others, it will be a good start for your budding conservationists.

Fishing teaches your kids to appreciate nature. Take them out today!
There’s nothing more likely to breed appreciation for the natural world than going out in it.

13. Fishing Teaches Kids About the Circle of Life

Even if you did intend to release each fish you caught, despite our best efforts, there is death in fishing. Hooks are sharp, and smaller fish are sometimes taken by larger ones as they struggle by the boat. Occasionally, a fish that seems perfectly fine just won’t swim off again, and that’s not even to mention what happens to the worms.

Death is part of life and though it’s a complicated topic and one I’d generally steer clear of with little kids, they’re going to be curious about it. At the very least, if they ask, you can explain how death works for animals, and how one life nourishes and sustains another.

You probably don’t want to linger on this topic longer than necessary, but it is something you’re going to need to explain to your children someday, and a quiet evening among the lily pads is as good a place for such a somber moment as any.

14. Your Kids Will Learn Self Reliance

Oftentimes when things go wrong out on the water, you have to fix them yourself. Perhaps you have an issue with a battery connection, or maybe all your tackle gets tangled up. Perhaps you’ve even bungled through some comedic fishing mistakes. No one is going to fix these issues for you, but your kids will certainly watch with a keen eye while you attempt a remedy.

I remember I was once out fishing some miles from home, having a grand old time and absolutely slaying some pickerel when I looked back and noticed my boat was sinking! I didn’t know it at the time, but the livewell intake had broken clean off the boat and was flooding the bilge.

This was an interesting dilemma, to say the least. I pointed my trolling motor in the direction of home and started frantically bailing (this old boat didn’t have a bilge pump, naturally). Anyway, I managed to bail it enough to where I thought I could use the outboard. I got home and retrieved the boat and saw the problem.

This was, of course, right at the start of my vacation and I thought it was all over. My boat had a giant hole in it, after all! Luckily, my friend introduced me to the amazing curative powers of J-B Weld, and after finding an appropriate plug we were able to get everything nice and dry and keep on fishing.

Telling your kids little stories like that (or living them out right next to each other) can make a big difference in how self reliant they grow to be.

15. Your Kids Will Become More Resilient

Not all fish that are hooked on any given day will be landed, and having your child go through this minor disappointment repeatedly will begin to teach them resilience and how to move on from setbacks without throwing a temper tantrum. This will only work, however, if the adult they’re fishing with is a good role model and also just let’s it go with a smile.

If a fish breaks your fishing line, it’s very tempting to let your frustration get the best of you and start complaining or groaning. Avoid this temptation and instead just focus on how much fun it was to fight the fish. “Gosh that sure was a big one! Let’s see if we can catch him again!” Often, fish school and another large one is just a few casts away!

16. Fishing Rewards Hard Work

Sometimes you have to really work for a bite. While this isn’t a great situation to be in with toddlers (you really want to make things as easy as possible for them), older kids can start to develop a good work ethic by fishing.

An angler often carefully prepares their gear well into the night and then rises before the sun to drive to the lake, launch the boat, and head out fishing. Hundreds if not thousands of casts may be made throughout the day, and dozens if not more knots will be retied. They may or may not catch fish during this process, but if they do, they’ll need to be skillfully played and landed. When the day is up, the boat needs to be retrieved, drained, and dried. Then everything needs to be packed up for the night. It can often be a 14-hour “work day.”

Just in case it isn’t obvious, you should NOT take your kids out for that long, but if they love fishing, they might start talking about becoming a professional angler. That’s a wonderful opportunity to talk about how hard the pros work and how much they sacrifice. For the most part, professional fishermen are good role models for your kids. Take advantage of that and use it to get your kids to start cleaning their room!

17. Fishing Teaches Delayed Gratification

This kind of goes hand in hand with how fishing rewards hard work, but it is a sport where there is delayed gratification involved. You do certain tasks in the hopes of being rewarded in the (hopefully not too distant) future. This is an important task for children to learn or else they turn into college grads wondering why they can’t immediately land a six-figure job.

Now, with small kids, you want to do your best to make sure that delay lasts as short as possible (I find 5 seconds is about right when fishing with babies and infants). If you want some tips on how to scout effectively to try and quickly put them on prime fishing grounds, check out preparing for a fishing trip with kids.

18. Fishing Teaches Kids to Win and Lose Gracefully

Fishing is a sport and one that kids can take part in from a fairly young age. There are many youth tournaments organized by various bass clubs, national programs, and also just different towns. There’s only one winner, of course, and that’s not always going to be your child.

Getting kids involved in sports early is important to help them learn to win and lose graciously, and fishing does tend to soften the blow a bit because whereas in most sports, there is one winner and one loser, in fishing, there could be one winner and hundreds of people who will have to try again next time.

If you’re one of those parents who has trouble stomaching that your kids are going to lose from time to time, fishing might help you too as being part of the 99 “also-rans” isn’t nearly as bad as outright defeat (there are also frequently prizes of some sort for many places beyond first).

19. There’s No Better Time for Quiet Conversations

When I’m with my son in the boat, it’s just the two of us and nature. We’re able to fill the time with quiet conversations about life, his thoughts and feelings, and my expectations and hopes for him.

I really enjoy our time together, especially when we both put down the rods for a little bit and just let the boat do the work by trolling. We like to eat peanut butter & jelly sandwiches and eat hummus and crackers while talking about this and that and waiting for a fish to strike.

If you don’t know how to set up a trolling run, check out this post on trolling for chain pickerel. This is a great technique for when you want to just concentrate on your company rather than casting, but still not give up fishing.

20. You’re Taking Your Kids on an Adventure!

Don’t think of a fishing trip with your kids only being about the fish; you’re taking your children on a fishing adventure! If the forecast is calm enough, make a journey out of it. Take them to see a really cool rock formation or to visit some “mysterious island.”

Make a big deal out of the landmarks you expect to see, and ask them to keep a lookout. Then, when they loom into view, make a huge deal out of it so they’re excited they finally got to see it.

Likewise, have a “checklist” of different birds or animals you hope to see over the summer. Will this trip be the one you finally see a muskrat? How about a loon? Or maybe even a deer swimming in the water? Take every opportunity to simply be excited to spend all this time with your children.

A fun thing to do while fishing with your kids is to take photos of landmarks from whole new perspectives.
A bridge looming in the distance is a great landmark to take your kids to investigate closer.

21. You’ll Travel to Places You Might Have Overlooked

Fishing gives you an excuse to go the extra mile. It’s often an excuse to break away for a day on vacation and do something that most tourists don’t. In the process, you’ll get to see the natural beauty of this great Republic.

Here’s a great example of how to make your trip to Florida all the more memorable:

When you take the kids to Disney World, consider calling up Captain Mickey Maynard and taking a fishing charter over in the Harris Chain of lakes. It’s only a few miles away and is a unique experience that most of the tourists who head down that way never get to experience. Moving past the willow trees in the canals at dawn as alligators glide by you and Bowfin explode on your spinnerbait is one of those things every kid should get to experience.

22. You’ll Get Great Photo Ops

I had to make a New Year’s resolution to be more present in family photo albums during the winter months, because as soon as the water froze over I tended to disappear for months in the calendars my wife makes each year to celebrate all our adventures.

I am, however, all over those calendars for the summer months though I usually am standing next to my son who is showing off the latest fish he caught. Fishing with my children is about the only way to get me in front of a camera!

Someday, he’ll have thousands of photos to show his own children and to inspire him to take them out fishing and pass down this passion to another generation.

You’ll also get some great landscape photos that remind you that you really lived.

Views like this are a great reason to take your kids fishing. This beats a television screen any day of the week.

23. Fishing Lets Kids Get a Little Dirty

I can’t keep my son away from the fishing worms while we’re on the lake. He loves looking at the critters and taking them out when we need a new one. He also enjoys leaving it RIGHT between the walk-in windshield, where everyone needs to walk, and I’m not getting more agile as I age.

The boat gets dirty, the kid plays in the dirt, the kid is happy. I bought a boat with a complete vinyl floor, so I shrug it off.

If we’re fishing a pond from the bank, I just make sure he’s wearing some shoes and clothes that can get dirty and let him have a ball. We time bath day around fishing adventures so I don’t have to constantly tell him to stop having fun.

24. Your Kids Can Play With Bugs

Alright, so worms aren’t exactly bugs, but perhaps you’re using some crickets, or there are just a lot of dragonflies and water striders buzzing about. The bottom line is fishing gets kids up close and personal with bugs more often than not, and what kid doesn’t love that?

Bugs are a great distraction when the fishing slows too. You can’t always count on fish biting, but if you’re fishing from a bank and have access to a rocky shore, help your child turn a few rocks over and see what’s underneath. This will keep them occupied while you collect yourself and figure out how to put them on more fish.

25. Fishing Teaches Kids Cause & Effect

Sometimes when things go wrong out there on the water, it’s an opportunity to step in front of it and take the blame for your little one. If a fish snaps off the hook, you might tell them that you’re sorry but you think you tied the knot a little loose. Explain to them how forgetting to do the little things can have a big impact later, and use fishing to teach them this lesson in a safe, but memorable way.

You also might use the opportunity to explain the concept while doing a little topwater fishing near your children. If they’re patient enough, have them observe the little “bloops” of your lure and wait until a fish comes and grabs it. Explain how the little “bloops” caused the fish to think the lure was prey, and attack (effect).

26. Fishing Gives Kids Confidence

We were very fortunate in that my mother-in-law was able to watch our son for several years while he was little, but when his sister was born, it was time for him to go to daycare. Since this was a new experience for him he struggled with it a little bit at first.

Being able to take out my cellphone and let him show his friends and teachers pictures of all the fish he caught over the weekend gave him a lot of confidence and helped his transition tremendously. His teachers picked up on this quickly and started engaging him about fishing and soon he was telling them all about his adventures over the weekend.

It’s very important for kids to believe in themselves and it doesn’t hurt if they have a skill that is fairly rare. Fishing isn’t always the easiest activity, so being able to cast, hook, and reel in fish gives kids a real boost. It’s also something that helps them start conversations with their peers, which helps them make friends if they’re shy.

27. Fishing Keeps Kids Out of Trouble

I firmly believe that the more involved kids are in sports, the less likely they are to get involved in drugs and alcohol. Fishing might just be the greatest sport of all for that because they’ll spend all their spare change on lures instead of having any left over for other vices!

If your kids are at all interested in pursuing a career in fishing, it’s very important that they keep a clean rap sheet. So much of the fishing industry is really a marketing game, and sponsors don’t want to doll out money to folks with criminal records. Remind your children of this early and often.

28. They Could Get a College Scholarship

Fishing is a legitimate college sport these days, with several large tournament sponsors, including B.A.S.S. and FLW, offering college tournaments and various schools offering scholarships to anglers to compete in them.

Bassmaster published and article in October, 2018 discussing this trend as well as the rise of Bethel University as a college fishing powerhouse. It talks about how the school awarded $216,000 to 36 students in 2018 in fishing scholarships, as well as how about 10 other universities now consider fishing a major college sport.

While fishing is clearly in its infancy as a college sport, who knows just how expansive it will be by the time your kids are applying for college? You never know. The little hobby that was your way of spending some time with your little fishing buddy might one day be the ticket to his higher education.

29. Your Kids Could Make a Career Out of Fishing

In the same vein as collegiate pursuits, you never know if introducing your children to fishing will one day lead them towards a fulfilling career. This doesn’t need to mean that they’re tournament anglers, either. They could be fishing guides, tackle shop owners, boat mechanics, journalists, salesmen, skilled craftsmen or even a marine biologist.

There’s a huge range of careers that supports the recreational and commercial fishing industry and many of them are fields that are almost impossible to automate, so the jobs are likely to be around in the future.

To give you an idea of the size, the Fisheries Economics of the United States, 2016 report by NOAA found that fishing generated $212 billion in sales and supported 1.7 million jobs (source). There is certainly opportunity for aspiring young anglers.

30. Most Kids Think Fishing is Fun!

I saved one of the more obvious reasons for last: fishing is fun! Your kids what to go, and they want to go with YOU. They are sitting there at their lunch table talking with their friends about how you are going to take them out this weekend. They will wake up at the crack of dawn and run into your room asking you if it’s time to go. It’s like Christmas in July, and every other month!

It’s a great way to spend quality time with your kids and one that they’ll enjoy. You do want to do your best to make fishing fun for kids (which usually means making sure they catch something), but that really doesn’t matter to them. All that they want is to spend time with their dad or mom or grandpa or grandma or uncle or aunt or mentor or older brother or, well, you name it.

If there’s a little kid out there that looks up to you, grab a rod, dig up some worms, and take them fishing!

31. Fishing Ignites a Passion

I suppose the final reason I’d implore you to take your kids fishing is that we all need a passion. We all need something that gets us up each morning and powers us through each week. A reason to keep going on and pushing further so we can get some time to ourselves to really live. Fishing fits the bill quite nicely.

Whereas there are so many passions that can turn to vice, when done sensibly and with respect for the environment, fishing can be flawless:

  • They’ll scream less at the doctor’s, or whenever they get a minor cut;
  • Your kids will be potty trained in no time;
  • Fishing is a great reason for kids to spend less time on screens;
  • When they are on screens, they’ll at least be watching something useful;
  • They’ll learn to listen, to plan, and to change as they work their way through life’s many problems;
  • They’ll learn organizational skills, and how to provide for their families;
  • Taking your kids fishing gives them a reason to develop a greater appreciation for nature, and better understand life and death;
  • They’ll learn to rely on themselves, and grow more resilient because of it;
  • They’ll learn to work hard for delayed gratification;
  • When a fish spits the hook, it will teach your kids to lose gracefully;
  • They’ll go on grand adventures to places they might overlook, and walk away with amazing photos and memories;
  • Your children will get to play in the dirt with bugs;
  • They’ll learn cause and effect, which will give them the confidence they need to stay out of trouble, and in school;
  • Someday, their studies might lead them to a rewarding career that they find fun and are passionate about.

Closing Thoughts

As you can see, there really are a boatload of reasons to take your kids fishing. In fact, I’ve barely scrapped the surface. If this sounds like a fun activity for you and your children, but you aren’t sure where to start, consider purchasing my book, Fishing with Kids: A Parent’s Guide. In it, you’ll find many more great reasons to go fishing with your kids, but more importantly, advice on how to do it!

I also took the time to write an Illustrated Guide to Taking Kids Fishing, which is a blog post you can read for free if that is more up your speed. Check it out!

Thanks for reading,

John Paxton

There are many great reasons to take your kids fishing. Smiles like this are one of them!

The Ultimate Guide to Fishing Boat Weight

I bought my aluminum fishing boat in the fall, and I remember spending the entire winter worrying if my SUV could tow it. It was my first vessel, so I didn’t even think to consider the boat and trailer weight or my SUV’s towing capacity. I searched far and wide on the internet trying to set my mind at ease. Ultimately, I decided that the safest bet would be to buy a new SUV. This worked out well for me, because my Lund Impact 1875 Sport has provided 8 years of awesome fishing, but you might want to do your homework ahead of time, or find yourself at the car dealership soon!

This article is going to walk you through the average weight of boats and trailers commonly sought for fishing. First, I’ll walk you through why the sticker weight isn’t the only thing you need to worry about when you consider a vehicle’s towing capacity, and will give you some good advice to keep you safe on the roads. Then, I’ll discuss everything from 16 foot aluminum boat and trailer weights all the way up to normal pontoon boat weights as well as bass boats. Finally, I’ll recommend some good SUVs and trucks for towing a boat.

Whether you’re going to purchase a new boat or if you intend to buy a used boat for your family, this guide will give you a good idea of whether or not you need to upgrade your tow vehicle.

Can My Vehicle Safely Tow My Boat?

Before we go any further, it’s critical that you understand a few things about your vehicle’s tow rating. Most people assume that “towing capacity” is all that they need to consider, but this simply isn’t true. I can list all the numbers and figures I want but unless you understand the difference between GVWR, GVCR, and tongue weight, you’re going to have issues. It’s equally important that you understand that the average weight of a particular boat and trailer probably won’t be close to real world conditions.

What Does GVWR Mean?

Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the total amount of weight that your vehicle can handle. It includes the weight of the vehicle itself, as well as any passengers, cargo, and fuel. Importantly, it also includes the tongue weight of the trailer you are towing. The tongue weight is the amount of force that the trailer and its cargo is exerting on the ball of your trailer hitch. You want to keep your boat trailer tongue weight to roughly 10-15 percent of your total trailer weight. Having much more tongue weight than that will cause you many issues while trailering, launching, and retrieving your boat. If you have too little tongue weight on your boat trailer, it might pop off your tow hitch!

What Does GVCR Mean?

GVCR stands for “Gross Vehicle Combined Rating” and includes both the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of the towing vehicle and whatever is being towed behind it! Thus, when you’re researching the average weight of a boat and trailer, make sure that it won’t put you over your vehicle’s GVCR.

Should I Max Out My Truck’s Towing Capacity?

No. You should try to keep your total towing weight below 70-80% of your vehicle’s towing capacity. However, always bear in mind that the towing capacity is not the same as the GVCR. If you have multiple passengers or intend to load your boat or tow vehicle to the top with gear, you could jeopardize safe travel at much less than the 70-80% rule.

Average Weight of Boats and Trailers

Now that we’ve discussed these important weight rating concepts for your tow vehicle, let’s get into the nitty gritty of average boat weight by popular model types so that you can figure out which boat your SUV can safely tow. I do want to put forth the methodology I’m going to use first.

As I mentioned at the beginning, the average weight of your boat and trailer probably doesn’t reflect real life conditions. This is because it doesn’t take into account the weight of gasoline (which weighs about 6.3lbs), nor does it take into consideration any gear in your boat. That means your trolling motor, anchors, batteries, safety equipment, and fishing tackle need to be accounted for. Let’s look at how quick that adds up:

  • A marine deep cycle battery weighs 50lbs, and your boat likely needs between 1-3 of them to power your trolling motor.
  • A cranking battery weighs about 37lbs, and your boat probably needs 1-2.
  • A trolling motor weighs on average 42lb, with the more popular models (Terrova, Ulterra, and Ultrex) weighing far heavier on this scale (35lb, 70lb, and 77lb). I’m going to go ahead and call this 70lb for most serious fishermen.
  • You’ll have at least 200lbs of fishing and safety gear on your boat.

Note this says nothing about extras like shallow water anchors, jackplates, extra seats, kicker motors, or the like.

aluminum fishing boat sitting on a trailer. The average weight is low enough for most SUVs to tow.
Adding a kicker would only increase the weight beyond what’s accounted for in any of these charts.

Boat Weight Calculator Methodology

For the purposes of this article, I will make the following assumptions:

  • I will add 322lb for any boat 16′ or less (1 deep cycle battery, 1 cranking battery, 200lb of gear and safety equipment, and a 35lb trolling motor).
  • Boats 17-19′ will have 407lb added (2 deep cycle batteries, 1 cranking battery, 200lb of gear and safety equipment, and 70lb trolling motor).
  • Boats 20′ and larger will get 501lb added (3 deep cycle batteries, 2 cranking batteries, 200lb of gear and safety equipment, and 77lb trolling motor).

In addition, I will multiply 6.3 x the boat’s fuel capacity to get their fuel weight. Note that this can be substantial with some boats.

Deep-V Aluminum Fishing Boat and Trailer Weights Chart

A popular type of boat for families is a Deep V or “fish and ski” boat. They range from 16 foot aluminum boat and trailers up to 22 foot monsters. Here are 10 of the more popular models from Lund and what they weigh. I figure by going with one manufacturer, you get apples to apples. Note that many other aluminum boat manufacturers are going to have similar models.

Bear in mind that these boats (or at least the larger models) are almost routinely equipped with kicker motors, downriggers, and sometimes shallow water anchors too. While great for fishing, all of this adds up. Further, the 200lbs worth of gear may be on the lighter side for some of the bigger boats like the Lund Pro V 2175 that has enough storage to carry a small tackle shop with it.

BoatListed Towing Weight
of Boat, Motor and Trailer		Fuel Capacity
(gallons)		Realistic Weight
(Fuel plus Calculation)
Lund Angler1472 lbs6.51835 lbs
Lund Impact 17752337 lbs302939 lbs
Lund Impact 18752559 lbs363,193 lbs
Lund Tyee 18752929 lbs403,588 lbs
Lund Pro V 18753021 lbs433699 lbs
Lund Pro V 19753546 lbs514368 lbs
Lund Tyee 20753658 lbs504474 lbs
Lund Pro V 20753808 lbs624700 lbs
Lund Pro V 21754273 lbs655184 lbs
Lund Baron4272 lbs705214 lbs
As you can see, the weight of gasoline dramatically changes the overall towing weight of the boats. Note that for most of the larger models, a kicker motor is usually desired, which can easily add another 100-150lbs.

Not for nothing, but you might want to check out my article on the Lund Impact vs. Pro-V before you rush out to buy a larger tow vehicle. You might find that the lightweight Impact is the perfect family boat. It certainly makes for a perfect picture.

aluminum deep v boat moored to dock.
Understand the average weight of your boat and trailer before you buy it, or you might need to buy another vehicle too.

Deep-V Glass Fishing Boat and Trailer Weights Chart

There are several manufacturers of fiberglass deep v boats. These are going to weigh much more, on average, than the aluminum boats. Here are several models. This time I’ve used Lund and Nitro. Why these two brands? Because they are the manufacturers willing to share the towing weight (Nitro calls this “package weight” and this includes the weight of fuel, batteries, gear, etc.).

While your particular boat may not be on the list below, notice the extreme change in weight between a Lund 189 Pro V GL (4530 lbs realistic weight) compared to the aluminum Pro V 1875 above (3699 lbs realistic weight). At around 831 lbs difference, upgrading to a glass model is going to push you outside safe towing capacities of most family SUVs. Thus a pretty good rule of thumb is if you want a fiberglass walleye boat, you’re going to need to tow it with a dedicated truck when you factor in the weight of the boat and the trailer as well as gas and extras.

I was considering adding Ranger in as they do at least list the GVWR of their trailers, but when it comes to these giant deep V glass fishing boats, the information isn’t that useful. For example, the Ranger 622FS is listed as having a trailer GVWR of 6800lbs. Although considering this gentleman figured out that a 619FS weighs 4600lbs all in, this might not be that far of.

BoatListed Towing Weight
of Boat, Motor and Trailer		Fuel Capacity
(gallons)		Realistic Weight
(Fuel plus Calculation)
Lund 189 Tyee GL3815 lbs414480 lbs
Lund 189 Pro V GL3865 lbs414530 lbs
Lund 208 Tyee GL4265 lbs555113 lbs
Lund 202 Pro V GL4315 lbs655226 lbs
Nitro ZV18 4500 lbs 454500lbs
Lund 219 Pro V GL4683 lbs655594 lbs
Nitro ZV205500 lbs555500lbs
As you can see, the weight of gasoline dramatically changes the overall towing weight of the boats. Note that for most of the larger models, a kicker motor is usually desired, which can easily add another 100-150lbs.

Aluminum Bass Boat and Trailer Weights Chart

I grew up fishing on a 16 foot aluminum bass boat. They’re great shallow water fishing boats and can be very economical for families. Unfortunately, not many manufacturers bother to list their towing weight or even package weight. This left me with two options: I could talk about the towing weight of the few aluminum bass boats and trailers that Lund offers (Tracker has package weight which is supposedly “all in”) or allowing for Ranger’s use of the GVWR of the trailer. I decided to go with the latter, so any Ranger boats below are going to reflect that.

However, this means that the listed Ranger weight is the exact “realistic weight” in the chart, because you can’t exceed the GVWR. Thus, no change was made for fuel. This gives you “some” idea of what you’re dealing with, at least in terms of if your tow vehicle can handle it. I suppose that’s what brought you to this article, so I can deal with that.

BoatListed Towing Weight
of Boat, Motor and Trailer		Fuel Capacity
(gallons)		Realistic Weight
(Fuel plus Calculation)
Tracker Classic XL1705 lbs61705 lbs
Lund 1775 Renegade2105 lbs222566 lbs
Tracker Pro Team 175 TXW2233 lbs21.52233 lbs
Lund 1875 Renegade2311 lbs222769 lbs
Tracker Pro Team 195 TXW2541lbs 302541lbs
Lund Pro V Bass 18752644 lbs393297 lbs
Ranger RT178C2720 lbs (trailer GVWR)222720 lbs (trailer GVWR)
Ranger RT188C2950 lbs (trailer GVWR)222950 lbs (trailer GVWR)
Lund Pro V Bass 20753309 lbs494119 lbs
Ranger RT198P3725 lbs (trailer GVWR)313725 lbs (trailer GVWR)
Even though the data on Ranger is a bit nebulous, it’s clear that a mid-sized SUV could tow most of these boats without issue. Only the true tournament series aluminum bass boats like the Lund Pro V Bass 2075 and Ranger RT198P would give you cause for concern.

Fiberglass Bass Boat and Trailer Weights Chart

Fiberglass bass boats are like the sports cars of the fishing world. Many anglers dream of owning one someday, and if that includes you, you’d better dream about what type of SUV or truck is going to tow your boat too.

Note again that Nitro provides “package weight” for their boats which includes fuel, batteries, etc. Your boat weight may vary somewhat depending on how much gear you’re carrying, but this is a good starting point.

I had to get creative with the boats by Ranger as they don’t give their towing weight on their website. However, per some research, the average weight of a Ranger trailer appears to be around 1200 lbs. Adding in the weight of a 200 hp Mecury (500lb) and 250 hp Mercury (600lb) gave me an approximate calculation (remember, I’m still using between 407 and 501 for extra weight for the batteries, trolling motors, and cargo).

BoatListed Towing Weight
of Boat, Motor and Trailer		Fuel Capacity
(gallons)		Realistic Weight
(Fuel plus Calculation)
Nitro Z172650 lbs242650 lbs
Nitro Z183200 lbs403200 lbs
Nitro Z193500 lbs503500 lbs
Nitro Z204050 lbs50 4050 lbs
Ranger Z518LNot available (boat alone = 1650 lbs)394002 lbs estimate
Ranger Z519LNot available (boat alone = 1850 lbs)514572 lbs estimate
Ranger Z520LNot available (boat alone = 1950 lbs)514672 lbs estimate
I’d argue that any bass boat weighing 2 tons or more is really going to want a truck to pull it, or at least an SUV with a good amount of towing capacity.

Towable Inshore and Saltwater Boat and Trailer Weights Chart

Some saltwater boats are hardly what I would call towable, but all of the below come with one as part of their package. While there are plenty of boats out there to choose from, I’ve stuck with Mako for this table because they’re one of the few manufacturers to list a package weight. This includes the weight of boat, motors, trailer, fuel, and batteries.

These boats range from the affordable Mako 184CC to the the mighty Make 414CC that costs more than most houses. All the same, without knowing where you’re from, I decided I’d better list them and their boat and trailer weights (or “package weight” as Mako calls it).

BoatPackage WeightFuel Capacity
(gallons)
Mako 184CC3055 lbs53.5
Mako 204CC3,435 lbs87
Mako 214CC4,535 lbs91
Mako 236CC7,200 lbs136
Mako 284CC9,800 lbs228
Mako 334CC11,995 lbs306
Mako 414CC23,000 lbs566
The larger of these are going to require extremely powerful trucks to move any great distance and you’ll probably better off getting a mooring slip.

Pontoon Boat and Trailer Weights Chart

Trying to determine the average weight of a pontoon boat is especially difficult when you consider that so much of that will depend on the layout you choose. Several luxury pontoon boat manufacturers like Bennington offer a wide variety of floorplans. These could significantly change the weight, depending on what you choose.

Luckily, Sun Tracker offers the same “package weight” that Nitro, Tracker, and Mako boats all provide. This at least gives a pretty good idea of the average weight of pontoon boats out there. As a general rule, I’d assume that any luxury brand is only going to increase in weight over some of the more affordable options.

I have added the “length” column for these boats so you can get an idea of what a comparable pontoon boat may weigh for other manufacturers.

BoatLengthPackage Weight
Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 16XL18’5″2426 lbs
Sun Tracker Bass Buggy 18 DLX20′2983 lbs
Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 20 DLX21’11”3602 lbs
Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 22 DLX24’2″3873
Sun Tracker Fishin’ Barge 24 DLX26’2″4253 lbs
While it’s only one brand, you at least get a pretty good look at how additional length impacts the average weight of a pontoon boat.

What Kind of Tow Vehicle Do You Need?

The type of tow vehicle you’ll need will depend entirely on what sort of boat you land on. If you’re an offshore fisherman, you are going to need to get a serious work truck like a Ford F-250 or even F-350 to get your behemoth vessel to and from the ramp. On the other hand, many smaller aluminum fishing boats and trailers weigh so little that a regular SUV can handle them.

Personally, I would try and find a way to stay in an SUV rather than a truck. While trucks are cool and all, an SUV tends to be a superior family vehicle. It’s also nice because long fishing rods fit in an SUV with the rear sets folded down, but would hang over the side of all but the largest truck beds and could be damaged.

This really isn’t a car website, but luckily www.motor1.com is, and they have a good article listing the Best SUVs for Towing in 2021. I was extremely surprised to find that they identified 19 different SUVs that can tow over 7,000 lbs (some going as high as 9,300 lbs as in the case of the 2021 Ford Expedition). While most of these received abhorrent fuel capacity, a few (like the Chevy Tahoe) got a decent 24 mpg.

Best Midsize SUV for Towing Boats

The SUVs in motor1.com’s list are mostly overkill for the majority of boats in this article. Instead, I’d recommend a Nissan Pathfinder. It can tow 6,000 lbs yet still gets up to 27mpg on the highway. This is the vehicle I use to tow my Lund Impact and I couldn’t be happier with it. At 6,000 lbs of towing capacity, it could conceivably tow a smaller Pro-V as well.

Do you Need 4X4 for Towing a Boat?

This depends on the type of ramps that you visit. If they’re gently sloped and well-maintained, and your tow vehicle is powerful enough, there would be no need for a 4×4. However, if you’re planning on pulling boats from steep or shoddy ramps, 4×4 is going to make a huge difference. Bear in mind that water levels fluctuate throughout the year. That ramp that’s in great condition in April may be 10′ ahead of you in August as you launch on mud. A 4X4 is definitely going to help in those situations!

Conclusions

There are plenty of great boats out there that you can tow with most midsize SUVs. As most of my readers know, I love my Lund Impact and given its realistic towing weight for the boat and trailer is about 3,200 lbs, that’s well below 80% of the towing capacity of my Nissan Pathfinder. Any fishing boat and trailer that weighs less than about 4,800lbs would be fine for towing with my SUV, which opens up many options.

The bottom line is, while trucks are nice, you don’t “need” a truck to tow many of the boats out there unless you start getting into the true heavy weights. This should be reassuring for several of families who want to get into boating, but don’t want to mortgage the house to buy a truck to go with their new watercraft.

I hope this was helpful. Do you have any other suggestions to make the article better, or more tips for towing boats safely? What about a favorite tow vehicle? If so, please leave a comment below!

John Paxton

All About Fishing Leaders: How to Make and Use Them

If you fish near northern pike, sharp rocks, or very clear water, you probably haven’t asked what is the purpose of a leader in fishing. However, you might want to know how to make a fishing leader, or how to tie a fishing leader onto your main line. If so, keep reading, as this article will discuss the reasons you’d want a fishing leader as well as how to make them and tie them onto your main line.

Why Use a Leader When Fishing?

There are several great reasons to use a leader when fishing. The most common are the desire to make your line less visible, the need for greater abrasion resistance, as some protection against sharp teeth, to use less fishing line overall, and to act as a shock absorber which allows you to throw heavier baits and fight heavier fish.

Invisibility

Braided fishing line sticks out like a sore thumb to a fish. Fluorocarbon line is nearly invisible. If you’re fishing in ultra clear water, it stands to reason that you might do better with a fluorocarbon leader than you would with straight braid, at least around line-shy species. You need a leader for bass fishing if the bass are highly pressured, as they will spook easily. Why give them one more reason?

Abrasion Resistance

One of the main reasons why you should use a leader when fishing (and especially fluorocarbon ones) is that it’ll add extra abrasion resistance to your line. Monofilament can scuff up easily. Braid, while super strong on a straight pull, can be sliced and cut by sharp rocks. A leader made from fluorocarbon again provides the answer. This will give you some peace of mind while you pull your bait past barnacles and rip rap.

Protection from Teeth

Perhaps the main purpose of a leader in fishing is to protect your line from sharp-smiled menaces like northern pike and chain pickerel. Their teeth can easily slice through fishing line and ruin your day. In this case, fluorocarbon might not be enough. You may want to use a wire fishing leader made from steel or titanium instead.

chain pickerel northern pike hybrid with sharp teeth
Toothy critters like this chain pickerel-northern pike hybrid have very sharp teeth. A leader can come in handy when fishing near them!

It Can Save You Money on Fishing Line

Fishing leaders can save you money if you play your cards right. I tie directly to my lures rather than using a snap swivel, and this means that I can go through a bit of line each year. Consider this – every time my line gets a little frayed, or even if I just want to change lures, I’m cutting off and losing at least a foot or so of line, maybe more. On the other hand, if I used a long enough leader to start (call it 2′ or so), then I could get through a couple of reties with that before I had to snip the main line. Over time, it’ll add up.

Shock Absorption

Some people rig up their fishing gear with “shock leaders.” These are a bit different than the traditional fishing leader in that they are considerably longer, and have a different purpose. Often used in surf fishing where hefty baits are flung great distances, a shock leader is about 30′ of considerably heavier fishing line tied to your main line. Its purpose is to absorb the shock that your weighted lures and bait will produce while being cast, so the forces produced while casting don’t snap the lighter main line instantly.

Note that the same concept of shock absorption that applies to casting will also apply to catching significantly heavier fish. Many people claim to have caught fish on low-test line. What some don’t tell you is that they were using a much heavier leader.

Why Should You Use a Shock Leader?

Any time that you need to make long-range casts, you’re going to need a heavy enough bait to load the road and achieve this. Using a shock leader allows you to get away with using much heavier line for the leader than your spool can normally handle, which in turn allows for heavier weight.

While you often hear about shock leaders for surf casting, they’d also come in handy if you were trying to fling heavily weighted bait for into a river for catfish or other large freshwater quarry.

What Type of Line Makes the Best Shock Leaders?

Because the purpose of a shock leader is to absorb the force of casting, you’re going to want a line that stretches well. This makes monofilament the best choice for the job, as it stretches much more than fluorocarbon or braid.

How Heavy of Line Should I Use for My Shock Leader?

This is going to depend on how much weight you need to cast. About 10lb of line strength per ounce of fishing rig seems to be a good balance. Just remember that this doesn’t just account for your sinker – you also need to think of the weight of the bait, hook, and any bells and whistles attached to it. When you consider how much current the ocean or a river can push, you might have quite a hefty sinker indeed which would require a considerably-sized shock leader.

How Long Should My Shock Leader Be?

You need enough length so that it can actually absorb whatever shock you’re going to put it through. If you tie it too short, it won’t be able to stretch enough to do this, and you’ll just be wasting time and gear. For this reason, you’re going to need to tie on a good amount – something like 30 feet or so. This is certainly a leader that is going to wrap around your spool several times – not one that’ll dangle past your last line guide on a cast. This could necessitate a fishing rod with larger eyes. Then again, if you’re using this technique to go for giant fish, that’s probably a given.

How to Use a Shock Leader Carp Fishing

Carp are a really good example of a time when you’d use a shock leader in freshwater fishing. These fish have an annoying habit of hanging out just out of reach of most casts unless you use a heavily weighted bait. All the same concepts of using a shock leader for surf fishing also apply to carp, and this can be a great way to get your bait past where most of your competition has offered carp a snack. In small ponds that don’t see a lot of boats, this could, in theory, get your bait past the fish’s perceived “danger zone” and into an area where they aren’t as hook shy.

How to Make a Fishing Leader

A fishing leader can be as simple as a length of sturdy fluorocarbon or pliable wire tied to the main line with a double uni knot. However, some people prefer to add a swivel between their leader and the main line to minimize line twist. In that case, you can mass-produce leaders ahead of time simply by tying them to swivels. Just make sure you use a large enough swivel that it’ll be able to spin, yet small enough that it can pass through your line guides if you need it to while casting. It can be very difficult to cast with too much line dangling from your rod tip!

Some people like to use a snap swivel on the other end of their leader (where it will attach to the lure or hook). Many store-bought leaders come this way. If you want to do this, simply tie the other end of your leader onto a snap swivel.

How to Tie a Fishing Leader

The question of how to put a leader on fishing line depends on how that leader was constructed. If you bought a pack of leaders from the store, they likely have a barrel swivel attached to one end of them. Attaching them to your fishing line is as easy as tying your favorite knot.

It gets more complicated when you start asking how to tie a leader on fishing line when that leader doesn’t have a swivel attached to it. You basically have two options:

  1. Tie a swivel on yourself.
  2. Join the leader and the line together with a knot that doesn’t require a swivel.

Each has their advantages. In my opinion, a swivel is just one more thing that can fail. On the other hand, it minimizes line twist and is easier to use, especially if you want to mass produce leaders ahead of time. This is advantageous in that you don’t need to mess around with them on a windy day on a rocking boat.

How to Tie A Wire Leader

One of the easier ways to tie a wire leader is to use the haywire twist. This is quick and easy to tie and strong. To tie it, you’ll push about 6″ or so of wire through the eye of your fishing hook. Then, you’ll form a loop with the wire. You want to hold the eye of the hook as well as this loop while simultaneously twisting both the tag end and main line so that they corkscrew around each other and catch. If you don’t do this, and you only twist one end of the line around the other, it will simply spiral and will slip when a fish bites. Once you’ve done 5-6 corkscrews, you then can twist the tag line around the main another 4-5 times. Make this very tight.

The video below is how I learned to do this and it does a great job of showing you exactly how to do the technique. The photo you see before you play the video illustrates very well the difference between the corkscrews and the twist. As you can see, the corkscrews lock the wire together, giving it strength. It’s also easy to see how simply twisting the wire wouldn’t work with any decent sized fish.

How to Attach Wire Leader to Fishing Line

How to Tie a Leader on Braided Fishing Line

I prefer to use a double uni knot when tying braided fishing line to a fluorocarbon leader. It’s a strong knot that is easy to tie, even in the wind, and holds up well. I use it for everything from joining leaders and fishing line together to fixing broken shoelaces on the fly. To tie it, follow these steps:

  1. Take your two lines and lay them next to each other, parallel. Make an overhead loop with each around the other (Figure 1).
  2. Spiral the tag line of each around the two lines on the inside of the loop 6-7 times (Figure 2).
  3. Pull each tag line taut to form a uni knot (Figure 3).
  4. Pull both main lines together to snug the two uni knots up against each other (Figure 4).

Here’s a figure from my book, Fishing with Kids: A Parent’s Guide, which illustrates the double uni knot.

The Double Uni Knot is a great for tying leaders to main fishing line.
The Double Uni Knot is great for tying leaders to main fishing line.

Do You Need a Leader for Bass Fishing?

Because largemouth and smallmouth bass lack sharp teeth, using a leader isn’t strictly necessary when bass fishing. Even so, you might need a leader for bass fishing when you’re in very clear water, near very abrasive structure, or when fishing in areas inhabited by toothy predators like northern pike or chain pickerel.

Fluorocarbon line makes a great leader for bass fishing. It is nearly invisible under the water, which makes it great while fishing in very clear lakes. It has great abrasive resistance, which makes it a good leader material if you’re fishing near rock piles. Finally, while it isn’t metal, it will stand up to sharp teeth from bycatches like northern pike and pickerel better than a braided or monofilament main line.

Should You Use a Leader with a Spinnerbait?

As a rule, I don’t worry about leaders when I’m fishing spinnerbaits. This is because the bent wire frame offers your line decent protection from teeth. Further, spinnerbaits are typically worked so fast that they produce reaction strikes. Fish don’t have time to notice your line and realize something is wrong. I’d argue you can get away without a leader for spinnerbaits.

Should You Use a Leader with Topwater Lures?

Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend it, but if you do, it had better be monofilament. You don’t want to use fluorocarbon fishing line or leaders while using topwater lures because fluorocarbon sinks. While it probably won’t be enough to submerge your entire lure, it could sink enough to pull their nose down and kill their action. If you find you’re losing too many topwater lures to pike or pickerel, you might want to upsize your lure to something like a Devil’s Horse that has a better chance of surviving the odd Esox strike.

Should You Use a Leader with a Jerkbait?

In general, a leader shouldn’t negatively affect a jerkbait’s action. Indeed, jerkbaits make outstanding lures for northern pike, and are often fished with wire leaders. This is fine, but make sure that your leader is longer than the jerkbait itself so that it won’t get hung up on the hooks. Since several northern pike jerkbaits can be as much as 8-12″ long, you’re going to want a leader at least this length if not longer.

Can I Use Regular Fishing Line as a Leader?

Yes, you certainly can. While you can buy a spool of purpose-built “leader material” fluorocarbon, there’s nothing wrong with simply using some regular fishing line as a leader. Indeed, you’d be hard-pressed to notice any difference, at least while freshwater fishing. Using regular fishing line like fluorocarbon as your leader is convenient and will save you money. You’ll note that the purpose-built stuff is more expensive yard for yard. Further, you’ll get all the same benefits: abrasion resistance, reduced visibility, and a bit better protection against teeth.

Conclusions

If you’ll be fishing in very clear waters, or those with pike or pickerel, you’re going to want to learn how to make a fishing leader. As mentioned, there are several great reasons why you should use a leader while fishing, and most of them boil down to a simple fact: it’ll help you hook (and land) more fish. Fluorocarbon’s near-invisibility will help you hook line shy fish. The abrasion resistance and ability to withstand teeth of leaders of various material will help to prevent your fishing line from snapping. Finally, leaders can absorb some of the shock of hefty casts, allowing you to reach fishing grounds beyond the reach of most anglers from the bank. In short, you would do well to keep some leader material in your tackle box, and use it when it makes sense.

Thanks,

John Paxton

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Fishing for Chain Pickerel – An Ultimate Guide to “Boo Boo Fish”

Am I the only guy who likes fishing for chain pickerel, or is everyone else just having so much fun catching them that they have no time to write about the species? Granted, there are some articles and blog posts out there, but not much. Even dedicated multispecies publications like In-Fisherman and Field & Stream barely cover the fish. I flipped through 24 magazines of the former and couldn’t find a mention. When I did an internet search for “fishing for chain pickerel field and stream” I got a whopping two hits (though one was a cool video). It’s so bad that I thought, OK, I know how I’ll find some information. I’ll search for “The Rodney Dangerfield of fish,” but even that cliché just got me a bunch of links to Drum and Carp, with nary a word said about ol’ chainsides!

This wasn’t always so. In the first half of the 20th century, there were several researchers who studied chain pickerel and produced a volume of work for the fish. Yet for some reason, chain pickerel seem to have been forgotten.

Just what gives exactly? Why is it that chain pickerel which are the perfect fish for beginners and kids to catch so ignored these days? Why is it that this species which is so eager to SLAM a spinnerbait on a grass flat, or FLY through the air after a topwater is considered so mundane? It’s a disservice to the species that I just can’t stomach any longer. So here you have it. The Ultimate Guide to Chain Pickerel, a species my children affectionately know as “The Boo Boo Fish.”

Index

Chain Pickerel – Coyote of the Lakes

If northern pike are the “water wolf,” then chain pickerel are the coyote. Chain pickerel (Esox Niger) are third in line in the species behind the larger muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) and northern pike (Esox Lucius). They are very similar in shape, resembling a freshwater barracuda, but grow much smaller and inhabit a smaller range. Their appetite is often described as “voracious,” and they are frequently observed following lures straight to the boat, sometimes hitting them several times en route.

Sometimes called “the southern pike,” chain pickerel are the largest esocid available in many southern waters. Their range is lakes, ponds, and rivers across the entire eastern U.S. seaboard and much of the Gulf of Mexico. They’ll live just about anywhere that the water is nice and calm, even tolerating waters that are somewhat brackish. This makes them a popular fish in the Mid-Atlantic, with many renowned pickerel experts and bloggers coming from those parts.

Not to break the pattern, but I’m a New Englander. My infatuation with this species began as a young boy fishing the southern end of Lake Champlain, where they are numerous. Some of the first fish I caught “all by myself” were chain pickerel, which meant these were among the first fish to send that exciting jolt of energy through my arms when they bit my spinnerbait. It’s the sort of thing you don’t forget easily, so every time I’ve taken a new person fishing, I’ve tried to target ol’ chainsides.

What is the Difference Between Chain Pickerel and Northern Pike?

Chain pickerel (and especially large ones) are sometimes mistaken for northern pike. The species are quite distinct, however. Look at the photos below. On the left is the olive green chain pickerel. Note it has broad, “chain like” markings along its side. In contrast, the northern pike on the right is much paler, and has smaller, “dot shaped” spots.

Chain pickerel (left) have a much broader, chain-like pattern than the tiny spots of northern pike (right).

Chain Pickerel-Northern Pike Hybrids

It is known that Chain pickerel and northern pike hybridize. While rare, they are common enough that it’s not quite a “buy a lotto ticket tonight” kind of moment. A 1967 study found that hybridization between northern pike and chain pickerel produced some surviving fry, but there was no evidence that the survivors were fertile (source).

The photo below shows the beautiful coloration and pattern that a chain pickerel – northern pike hybrid produces. Note that there are the spots of the northerns however there are also some nice vertical bands that you don’t get with pike.

All of the hybrids I’ve seen caught have come from clear water, typically with access to deeper water nearby. It’s unknown to me if this is because these fish take more after their northern parents?

A large chain pickerel-northern pike hybrid caught on Lake Champlain.
Note the beautiful coloration of this hybrid caught by my wife.

How to Catch Chain Pickerel

A prime reason I consider chain pickerel to be a great species to target while fishing with kids is the ease with which they’re caught. Pickerel have such an insatiable appetite that it’s weird to me when I can’t get bit in a lake where I know they exist. It’s a legitimate cause for concern, either for my own abilities that day, or for the health of the lake!

All the same, you do need to have an idea where to cast if you want to catch chain pickerel. It won’t do much good casting in an empty part of the lake. Further, some lures are easier to use than others, and seem to draw better strikes.

Where to Find Chain Pickerel?

The chain pickerel’s range extends across much of eastern seaboard of the United States as well as freshwater lakes and streams near the Gulf of Mexico. The best place to find chain pickerel are fairly shallow (10′ or less), weedy flats that have clear water. If that water is near the mouth of a creek or other prime baitfish location, all the better. While they are willing to chase down prey a short while, they are ambush predators and need cover to stalk their food. Thus, you’ll need to find cover if you want to find pickerel. I’ve caught most of mine in grass flats or lily pads, with some caught on laydowns and other debris.

Joe Bruce, an avid chain pickerel fisherman who wrote the book Fishing for Chain Pickerel, spends much of the book talking about how pickerel like “a roof over their heads.” I can’t say I disagree, as most pickerel I’ve caught have been near heavy cover. I usually pick them up by burning a spinnerbait through some alleys in the weeds.

It’s hard to find chain pickerel in murky areas, though the transition between muddy and clear water can be dynamite. Larger pickerel prefer deeper water, but remember that this means closer to that 10′ range. These are not true “cool water fish” like northern pike, so you’re unlikely to find many at great depths.

Where to Find Trophy Pickerel

While any sized chain pickerel is going to be a blast for kids, if you’re reading this, you’re probably itching to tie into a true trophy. While I’ve caught a few of these over the years, there’s no one in the northeast better to ask about this than Ed Guth, Jr. Known as “the pickerel whisperer,” Ed has been featured in several magazines as well as many YouTube clips about the fish. I asked him for some help and he was happy to oblige. He also has a way cooler name for chain pickerel than the “boo boo fish” that my kids and I came up with. He calls them “Green Tarpon” because of the way they go nuts when you “hook one in the nose on medium size tackle and lean on them!”

Here’s a few words of wisdom of how he targets trophy chain pickerel:

Places I go for trophy pickerel aka GATOR class size, which is 20+ inches, one that is 24 ” and 4lbs. is a very good fish, that is a size system I came up with myself, places with a good bass population is one, it helps to keep the number of smaller fish down, but a lot of lakes can have trophy pickerel because they are really a targeted species for many anglers, if the lake has good depth and a good population of shad it could in turn have a good amount of healthy pickerel in it, on the other hand, I have also found that lakes with no shad at all are also good pickerel spots, where the bass are not as competitive with the pickerel and in turn are more abundant because the food bass of tougher fish like yellow perch.

One big thing I have found over the years is that I believe that big pickerel can be territorial, I have caught a big ones in the same spot more then once, and I have had friends catch one I have already caught, in the same spot months later or even longer, we have compared chain patterns to verify that yes it was the same fish, so if you have gotten a big one in that area once you my come across it again later.

Ed Guth, Jr.
trophy chain pickerel caught by Ed Guth, Jr.
Ed Guth, Jr. knows what he’s talking about when it comes to monster chain pickerel! Photo credit of Ed Guth, Jr.

Chain Pickerel Holding Locations

I’ve spent much time chasing these fish on Lake Champlain. One thing I’ve noticed is that certain bays or coves tend to be “pickerel bays” while others tend to hold northerns. While I occasionally will catch both in the same area, it isn’t that common. I’ve found that northerns are much more prevalent near deep drop offs while chain pickerel are very comfortable going in the back of bays.

Careful map study has revealed that the bays that hold more chain pickerel have one thing in common: they tend to be expansive. What I mean by that is the flat will extend a great distance. If given the choice between a narrow flat and a wide one, pickerel will take the former. In my experience, northerns sometimes act much different and are perfectly comfortable stacking on a shorter flat.

A Few Cases Studies

Take a look at the chart below. This is a famous fishing spot near Fort Ticonderoga that I’ve fished countless times. While you must never say never, you’re much more likely to catch a chain pickerel in the red area than the blue. I can’t ever recall catching a pickerel in catfish bay, and I attribute this to their desire to have a larger flat to work with.

Chart provided by NOAA Office of Coast Survey, nauticalcharts.noaa.gov

Further north, in Bulwagga Bay, I’ve observed the same phenomena. Note how both areas have roughly the same depth yet the flat is much wider and expansive where the pickerel tend to stack. Again, you could find both types of fish in both areas but I’m just talking typical catch rates here. When you find a large flat with room for these fish to spread out, you seem to get into more of them. Another commonality is both maps feature 18th century fortresses, though I don’t suppose that’ll be a factor in most places.

Chart provided by NOAA Office of Coast Survey, nauticalcharts.noaa.gov

Likewise, there is silver lake in Connecticut. While I’m not sure if I can reproduce the imagine on this website, you can find it here. I catch way more chain pickerel in the southern end than I ever do in the north. They just seem to like having room to roam.

Is There a Seasonal Pattern to Chain Pickerel Location?

Chain pickerel will stay in the same shallow bays all summer long, though the bigger ones will be closer to the drop off. This is in direct contrast to northern pike that typically seek deeper, cooler water during the hot summer months. A 1942 study by Edward Rainey confirmed as much. He observed chain pickerel in a New York pond with a maximum depth of about 11 feet. He reported that pickerel could be found throughout it, both very shallow and in deeper portions during night and day. There wasn’t any true rhyme or reason to it. The only constant was that the youngest, smallest fish spent most of their time in the shallows (source). Granted, it’s a small pond, but you’d expect the larger fish to stay deeper if this what they truly wanted.

This confirms my own observations. Chain pickerel have been one of the more prevalent species I’ve targeted on Lake Champlain. There’s a particular bay that doesn’t reach a depth much more than 4′ in most places. Despite this, large fish are taken there throughout the year. Indeed, the hotter months of July and August often provide great action, as long as you have a clear path through the water to fish.

The Best Time of Year to Catch Chain Pickerel

Chain pickerel can be caught year round, but like their older cousins, it can be easier to catch them when the water is cooler. It’s not that pickerel go inactive or disappear during the hotter months, but much of their habitat becomes very difficult to fish with lures that a pickerel won’t bite off. Those that can be worked in these areas tend to have their action ruined by heavy leaders.

Spring

In New York/New England, spring is really divided into two parts. First, you have the early spring of March and April, when these fish are spawning and the water remains cold. Then, around May, things heat up for the bass spawn and pickerel become more active.

In the early part of spring I prefer to use jerkbaits to catch pickerel, mainly because they tend to bite off lipless cranks, and it’s hard to get a fish to strike a spinnerbait before the water warms a bit. It’s a shame however as it is a pain to catch these fish with treble hooks given their propensity for thrashing about in the net.

Once the water hits around 60 degrees or so, the spinnerbait comes out and stays out for the rest of the year. I like to burn them across the edge of weedlines and over submerged vegetation – basically the same spots that you’d look for bass or northern pike. I find a fast retrieve works much better – it seems to trigger their predatory instincts. Also, it seems like I get less bite offs with a fast retrieve. I attribute this to the fish not quite getting the whole lure in their mouth. That’s good for avoiding bite offs, but a stinger hook comes in handy to actually land them.

A healthy chain pickerel caught in early spring on Lake Champlain.
You can tell this fish was caught early in the year given Dad’s clothing and the grey color of Lake Champlain.
Chain Pickerel and Sunfish Cooperation

An interesting even appears to happen in the spring. I found an absolutely fascinating journal entry by Hurst H. Shoemaker where he described observing pickerel and sunfish working together to keep golden shiners at bay from the sunfish’s nest. Over the course of several occasions, he observed the pickerel basically guarding the sunfish nest and taking advantage of the egg-robbing golden shiners as a distracted food source. It seems the sunfish mostly tolerated this behavior, and there were advantages for both species. The pickerel obviously got a snack, and the nest was better guarded (source).

While I can’t claim to have ever observed this myself, I’ve never really looked for it either. Who spends any amount of time staring at sunfish beds? It is worth noting that the pickerel Shoemaker observed in this study were smaller (the largest fish he references was 12″). I suppose much larger than that and the sunfish might have been less accepting.

All the same, it is an interesting study and perhaps a good way to catch a chain pickerel in the spring would be to toss a shiner-shaped drop shot near a pumpkinseed bed?

Summer

I’ve never had an issue catching monster chain pickerel in the same weedy flats that they inhabited in the spring, though I can confirm that they seem to be holding a bit deeper out than they are in the spring. Some authors claim that summer is the time when large chains head to the deep drop offs near the weedline (source). While I’m sure that’s their experience, I’d just add that I don’t think it’s as hard and fast of a rule as it sometimes seems with pike.

I know I’ve managed plenty of pickerel in the summer months while fishing for bass deep in weeds. The only challenge is that much of the spring areas are completely overgrown with weeds by this time, so by default I suppose I’m fishing a bit deeper. Nonetheless, frogs thrown deep into the gunk have produced the tell tale pickerel “dolphin lunge,” so there are certainly fish available in cover.

There’s one particular bay in Lake Champlain that I’ve been fishing as a kid that routinely holds huge chain pickerel in summer. The bay itself is only 1-4′ deep in most areas, but it is near a large creek that has a good hole near its mouth that runs maybe 6′ – 10′ deep. I had a day once where I “beached” my boat into the reeds facing this channel and just caught chain after chain for hours. However, this same bay also has one clear channel in in with a whole bunch of “exits” or “cuts” of maybe 6″ – 18″ that connect into the creek. I routinely catch pickerel around this channel and these cuts despite the water being so shallow.

This experience places me firmly place me in the “you can catch pickerel very shallow all summer long” camp.

Fall

As with most species, fall is a great time to fish for chain pickerel. The issue simply becomes finding them, because many of their summertime haunts are completely drawn down by late August. I’ve found the fish concentrated in deeper pockets near the mouths of creeks, as well as the deeper weed lines that still have vegetation.

Many of my favorite pickerel spots are too choked up with weeds or dried out by the fall, so I asked Ed Guth, Jr. his thoughts:

In the fall I go to lakes that have a good shad population as the main forage base, where open flats that are near deep water or wind blown coves that could stack up the warmer surface water, if you can find bass I bet there are a few pickerel in there too.

Ed Guth, Jr.

Spinnerbaits continue to work well (they’re a great fall lure) until the water gets too cold for them to be effective (about October to November in the Northeast). Then, I like to go back to jerkbaits mimicking baitfish. I’ve heard it’s better to upsize lures later in the year, since the entire year class is grown, so that’s what I try and do.

Winter

I’ll admit I’m not much of an ice fisherman. I’d much rather head own south and continue to fish open water. With that said, I know northern pike are routinely taken through the ice so I always wondered if pickerel were too. I did some research and found a few articles that were useful.

Rudow’s FishTalk had a good article about fishing for chain pickerel in the winter. In it, the author mentions that a marabou jig tipped with a minnow makes an enticing bait while fished under a — shudder — bobber. If you have some time, check out the link and read up on this tactic. They pulled some nice fish in for the article.

Ice Fishing for Chain Pickerel

It is worth noting that this is a Maryland “winter” and all the photos are on open, albeit frigid, waters. If you’re further north, you’re going to have to consider ice fishing. The action can be spectacular as this study in Maine concluded:

Winter catch rates of pickerel are routinely amongst the highest recorded for any Maine sportfish.
A statewide ice fishing census conducted by Maine wardens in the late 1950’s revealed that the average
catch per hour of all coldwater species combined (salmon, togue, and brook trout) was only 0.08 versus
0.42 for pickerel. Thus, fishing for pickerel was about five times faster than that offered by the coldwater
sportfish.

Chain Pickerel Assessment, Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
Divisions of Fisheries and Planning,
Prepared by: Ronald K. Brokaw, Regional Fishery Biologist, Region C
September 2001

The study went on to find that the higher catch rates usually came from eutrophic or mesotrophic (read: older, more nutrient-filled, and shallower) lakes than oligotrophic ones. Or, to put it more plainly, “ya gotta find a lake with weeds.”

When fishing through the ice, the consensus does seem to support using live bait and specifically minnows or shiners, usually tipping a small jig head of some sort. Bring your leaders!

Ice Out Pickerel

I asked Ed Guth, Jr. for his take on this time of year. Here is what he had to say:

I start after pickerel right after the ice opens up if we have a hard winter, when a lot of the lakes are very clear, I go to the deepest water or main lake points.

Ed Guth, Jr.

What is the Best Time of Day to Fish for Pickerel?

Despite spending hundreds of evenings in one of the best pickerel-producing bays on all of Lake Champlain over the years, I’ve found that the bites really die down as the sun starts to set. From what I’ve read online, I might just be giving up a little too soon, as many report that pickerel bite just fine at night, but I do think dusk is a poor time to target them, at least with fast moving baits.

In contrast, chain pickerel seem to bite very well in the morning and continue to do so for much of the day. This makes them a consistent fish to target, meaning a good one to fish for with kids! The morning bite is usually going to be better than noon, but I’ve had plenty of lunchtime trolling runs where we’ve loaded the boat. You just need to cover more water.

As with most fish, you’ll find its easier to catch chain pickerel on a cloudy day. The low light conditions enable them to come out and roam a bit more than they would under a hot full sun. If you have to go out with the sun blazing, try to use lures that you can work through heavy vegetation and other cover, as that’s probably where you’ll find most fish hiding.

The author proudly holding a chain pickerel as a youth. The fish was caught on Lake Champlain.
Kids aren’t always the best at waking up early. Luckily, the pickerel don’t care as they’ll bite all day.

What is the Best Bait for Chain Pickerel?

To best understand what bait and lures are going to work well for chain pickerel, we should first understand what chain pickerel eat. In 1939, George W. Hunter III and John S. Rankin, Jr. studied what foods these fish eat. They took over 30 fish from Lake Pocotopaug in East Hampton, Connecticut, and examined their stomach contents. They examined two broad groups of pickerel. Those under 6″ and those over 6″ and found that they had very different diets. The larger fish primarily fed on other fish (62.4% of their diet) with 21.8% of that coming from the family Cyprinidae, or minnows. The next highest percentage was Percidae, which is the family that includes yellow perch (source).

Another study that researched chain pickerel feeding habits in a brackish river found that much of its diet comprised of white perch, especially those that were quite young, which would indicate they too were about the size of minnows (source). The bottom line is, something small and fishy is a tasty treat for Esox Niger.

Thus, the best live bait to use for chain pickerel will be minnows or shiners in the 4-5″ range as they make up the majority of their diet. I’ve also had great luck using an inline spinner topped with a nightcrawler as well. Just remember to use a leader when fishing with live bait so you aren’t broken off.

Productive Fishing Lures for Chain Pickerel

As we saw above, the majority of a pickerel’s diet (at least up north) is composed of minnows and perch. It stands to reason that you ought to use lures that try and mimic these foods to maximize your chances. Here are several that I’ve found work very well.

Spinnerbaits

I’ve caught more chain pickerel on spinnerbaits than any other lure. Specifically, chartreuse or white ones while reeled in quickly near grass flats. Much like pike, pickerel seem to prefer these baits moving fast through the top of the water column over submerged vegetation. Burning these in works wonders for calling up the pickerel and they tend to slam them anywhere along the retrieve, including right next to the boat.

I prefer to use spinnerbaits with a willow leave blade when fishing for pickerel or pike as the flash seems to draw them in better. I haven’t had as much luck when fishing more turbulent Colorado blades, even though I often fish for the species in the siltier sections of Lake Champlain south of the Crown Point Bridge.

As can be seen in the photo, this chain pickerel attacked a spinnerbait on Lake Champlain.
Spinnerbaits routinely catch large chain pickerel like this fine specimen.

Swimbaits

Swimbaits are another good search lure for pickerel. Basically anything that you can cast out and work back quickly is going to produce, and these fit that bill. The only caution with these is that you could run into an issue with breakoffs if you don’t use a leader. Swimbaits (especially soft plastic ones) don’t have much to protect the line, so you really should consider a leader if toothy predators are your main target.

One nice plus about soft-bodied swimbaits is you can often Texas Rig the hook right into them, which makes them essentially weedless. This allows them to get into some areas that spinnerbaits will pick up too many weeds and might help you catch some fish that are hiding deeper in the gunk.

Jerkbaits

Like northerns, chain pickerel have a hard time resisting a jerkbait. The only downside to these lures is that they often are an early-year lure, not so much because pickerel stop biting them (no fish stop biting a jerkbait, a jerkbait is awesome), but because the weed flats that make up so much of a pickerel’s habitat make working anything with treble hooks challenging quite early in the year.

To the extent that you can find clean water to throw them, jerkbaits will produce pickerel consistently. I do prefer a more rapid tempo than I use for bass as I like to trigger their predatory instincts. I find that fast moving retrieves and cadences do a better job of triggering these fish than something slow.

Topwater Action

I strongly suspect that many of the “bass” frog fishermen are missing are actually chain pickerel. They will repeatedly strike at these topwater plastics, and it is very hard, though not impossible, to hook them. The next time you catch a pickerel, take a careful look at its mouth. All those teeth might as well be pieces of chain mail keeping a frog hook from sticking.

If you want to go after pickerel with topwater lures, I would recommend a stick bait with treble hooks like a Devil’s Horse. First, it looks much like a dying minnow or perch. Secondly, I’ve found that the trebles do a much better job of hooking the fish and getting them in the boat for you than the frogs do. Also, a Devil’s Horse is going to stand up to the onslaught much better than a plastic frog. Usually, if a pickerel attacks the latter, all you’re getting for your trouble is a leaky, torn up lure.

One thing I’ve found interesting is that you can usually tell if a pickerel made the topwater attack vs. a bass, even if you didn’t get a good look at it. Pickerel almost jump out of the water like a dolphin swimming fast. It’s a very horizontal attack. In my experience, bass typically smash lures from the bottom and create a large boil in one spot. So, if you’re missing many strikes while fishing a frog, this might help you determine if they’re bass or pickerel.

Slower Lures (Jigs and Worms)

Chain pickerel will hit slower lures like jigs and worms but the issue becomes these lures have very little protection from sharp teeth. While the wire of a spinnerbait can help protect against at least some bite offs, a jig has no such guard and is susceptible to being lost if a pickerel takes the lure. All the same, given how well spinnerbaits typically work for chains, I suspect most that you’ll take while working a jig will be a bycatch while searching for bass.

Chain pickerel make great fish for kids to target as they put up a wonderful fight and are substantial quarry.
This chain pickerel bit a marabou jig when I was a young boy, but I got very lucky that it didn’t bite the line clear off!

Ed Guth Jr.’s Take on the Best Lures for Trophy Pickerel

Believe it or not, but many of my biggest pickerels aka GATORS , have came on only two types of lures, one being a jig and the other a jerkbait, little jigs 1/16 oz plan ballhead jigs tipped with a 2” curlytail grub, MisterTwisters are the ones I use or, a 2” boottail swimbait ,like a Zoom, in black back/pearl, tipped on the same style jig, for the jerkbaits, I like a suspending one , but I modify mine into slow sinks , Rapala huskyjerks in a 4” size, in gold, but if the water is a little dirty I have used brighter colors.

With the jigs I have used line from 6 to 10 test, but with the jerkbaits, 10 or 12 lb test, and I make my own 6” wire leaders for the jerkbaits, I don’t get cut off to often, but it happens .

Ed Guth, Jr.
Chain pickerel with deeply swallowed bait.
This pickerel wasn’t kidding when it bit this bait! Photo courtesy of Ed Guth, Jr.

Techniques for Catching Chain Pickerel

Any technique you use to catch bass will apply well to pickerel. There’s a reason that bass tournament anglers get so fed up with these fish and it’s because they readily go after all the bass presentations! I suppose if money was on the line and my heart started skipping, it would be deflating to see a 6lb chain pickerel at the end of my spinnerbait! Even so, at least you can catch chains with the same techniques you already know!

Power Fishing

My favorite technique to catch chain pickerel is simply to power fish spinnerbaits across a grass flat. I’ll make multiple casts as far as I can and burn the bait back in. This quickly gives me an idea if there are fish in the area as I’ll at least see a “follow” even if the fish aren’t that hungry.

This is also a fun way to fish with kids and other beginners. Casting gives people something to do. You can make a game of seeing who can cast more accurately to the different pockets in the weeds while you’re waiting for a fish to bite. The added benefit is the winner usually has a pretty good chance of catching a fish, as this is where they hang out.

Shallow Water Trolling

In recent years (read: while my son was little, and couldn’t cast well) I started experimenting in shallow water. Trolling can be a great way to spend lunch with your children on the water. There’s nothing better than to let the boat do all the work while you kick up your feet and have a snack. I’ll tell you, while learning this technique, I found that chain pickerel were one of the main fish we’d catch.

Easy presentation for fishing with kids + great fish for kids to catch = awesome time on the water. You should try it.

Chain pickerel are easy enough fish to troll for as they stay in shallow water with weeds growing a bit beneath the surface most of the summer. Anywhere that you can cast a spinnerbait without getting fouled, you can drag one behind your boat. You also don’t need any fancy equipment like downriggers, or even rod holders. You can simply hold the rod and wait for a strike, which will come routinely. If you want to learn more, check out my article about trolling for chain pickerel.

Live Bait

I don’t fish much live bait for chain pickerel. If I have shiners on, I’m usually going for bowfin. All the same, it’s hard to argue with the ice fishermen who bring so many chains in each year on 4-5″ shiners. There’s no reason that the same techniques so many ice anglers use wouldn’t also work in the warmer months. The only trick will be placing the bait near a chain pickerel in the first place, as you aren’t covering much water with live bait.

Fly Fishing for Chain Pickerel

I’ll admit I’ve never fly fished for chain pickerel, but as you’ll see a bit later in this article, a gentleman named Joe Bruce has written a book, Fishing for Chain Pickerel, with a huge section all about this. If you’re interested in fly fishing for chain pickerel, I highly recommend picking up his book. It is available at Amazon and does a far better job of explaining the concept than I ever could. I’d estimate that a good third of the book is dedicated to the topic. Not only does this book talk about what types of flies to throw, but it also shows you exactly how to tie them. It’s definitely a good read and a worthy addition to your library.

However, if you’re looking for some basic tips, here are a few concepts his book pushes:

  • Pickerel are not line shy, so go ahead and use a 40lb bite tippet to keep them from cutting you off.
  • Consider using an articulated fly as it presents a larger target and pickerel seem to prefer the action.
  • Streamer style flies work very well for the species (buy the book for step by step instructions on how to tie them).

What Type of Tackle Should Be Used for Chain Pickerel?

Any bass tackle that you have lying around will be just fine for catching chain pickerel. Match the types of lures to the types of rods you’d use them on for largemouth and you’ll do well. Remember, most pickerel that you’ll catch will be 1-3 lbs with a few pushing 5-6 lb on average. Bass tackle is perfectly adequate.

Some folks even like fishing for chain pickerel on ultralight rods. While I’m sure that this makes for one heck of a fight, I’ve found pickerel to be fairly vulnerable fish that don’t have the best survivability rates if they’re stressed. I’d recommend leaving the ultralight equipment at home and landing the pickerel quickly.

Two tools that I do think you should have on hand if you’re fishing for chain pickerel are fishing mouth spreaders and long needle nose pliers. The mouth spreaders alone are worth their weight in gold when a pickerel takes a hook deep. These allow you to work on the fish quickly and without risk of injury to your hand. The only issue is that pickerel tend to thrash around like crazy, so work quickly and maybe have a second set on hand!

The Book About Chain Pickerel

I am only aware of one book that is completely dedicated to this species, Fishing for Chain Pickerel by Joe Bruce. It is a self-published work by a Maryland fisherman who has filled it chalk full of every secret. While 112 pages might seem short, by self-published standards it is decent in an age where many people self-published folks sell “books” shorter than some of my kids’ bedtime stories.

The book is all inclusive and discusses where to find pickerel, what lures to use, and what techniques will bring them to the boat. As Mr. Bruce is the owner of Joe Bruce’s Custom Flies, he does devote a significant portion of the book to fly fishing for chain pickerel. It is the resource on this subject.

You never know how long these self-published books will be around. You can buy it by clicking on its picture below. As this is currently the only book devoted to this species, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy. I will tell you, when you go to the link you’re going to see a price that seems a bit high for a 112 page book, but the reason for this is it was printed in full color. I’d agree that was the right choice by the author since he spends so much time in the book showing you the best flies to fish, and that needs to be in color.

Other Resources

As stated above (and as of writing), Joe Bruce’s Fishing for Chain Pickerel is the only book I know of devoted to the species, but it gets worse. There aren’t even that many books that mention them in passing. Even The Complete Freshwater Fisherman, which is a ten-pound (and very good) book has exactly one page–one–where pickerel are even mentioned. Why are they mentioned? Simply to remind readers that they’re smaller than pike.

Even my book, Fishing with Kids: A Parent’s Guide only devotes 4.5 pages to the species, though that might as well be a novella compared to most of what’s out there, aside from Mr. Bruce’s excellent offering.

Your main bet for other resources about chain pickerel is Field & Stream author Joe Cermele. Joe is one of the few authors left who spends considerable time fishing for (and writing about) chain pickerel. He also has a video series called Hook Shots where he posted this video all about fishing for the species with “the pickerel whisperer,” New Jersey angler Ed Guth, Jr. who contributed to this article. There’s some great information here so definitely check it out.

This is one of the more informative videos out there about chain pickerel. The star of the show, Joe Cermele, is a writer for Field & Stream who has published several articles on the species.

Chain Pickerel FAQ

I noticed that there’s a number of frequently asked questions out there about chain pickerel. It’s hard to have an “ultimate guide” to the fish without answering them!

How Big Can Chain Pickerel Get?

While chain pickerel are much smaller than northern pike or muskie, they still grow big enough to be memorable. While you’ll get your share of juvenile fish less than 12″ or so, it’s very common to catch them in the 1-3lb range. A fish over 4lb is memorable. Worth noting, the Vermont Master Angler program considers any chain pickerel 24″ or longer to be a trophy (source).

Quite a large chain pickerel caught in a small pond in Connecticut.
This was a good-sized pickerel caught by my father on a small pond. Many of these smaller ponds don’t get the same fishing pressure so you can land a true trophy.

According to the IGFA, the world record (all tackle, by weight) chain pickerel was 9lb 6 oz and caught by Baxley McQuaig, Jr. in Homerville, GA in 1961. The all tackle record by length was a 65 cm fish caught by Burnie Haney in 2019 on Lake Ontario, NY.

Frankly, one of the more interesting aspects of the chain pickerel is how consistent its size can be throughout its range. Unlike largemouth bass (which tend to grow larger in warmer climes), here we have two record setting fish at considerably different latitudes. Indeed, the prior record holder, a 9lb, 5 oz fish, was caught by Mrs. James E. Martin in Massachusetts. Thus, no matter where you live, there’s the potential that the next chain pickerel you hook could be a world record.

How Long Do Chain Pickerel Live?

According to several studies cited by the University of Michigan Museum of Zoology, the average life span of chain pickerel in the wild is 3-4 years with at least some being observed to have lived for 9 years (source). A study by A.H. Underhill observed fish seven years old and suggested that “the bulk of the spawning population was made up of four and five-year-old fish,” though pickerel as young as two-years-old also spawned (source).

How Do You Handle Chain Pickerel?

Given their sharp teeth, chain pickerel need to be handled with the same care as northern pike. You should never grab them by the mouth and should instead either grab them by the back of the head (for smaller fish) or by the gill plate (larger fish). Note: gill plate NOT the gills.

As mentioned, I’ve found pickerel to be quite delicate fish. Or, perhaps they’re sturdy fish that don’t know their own strength. They beat the living daylights of themselves by wildly thrashing boat side and in the net. If you leave them in the net on the bottom of the boat, they will brutalize themselves against any hard object including the floor. This makes chains a very good fish to subdue and release while netted in the water. Unfortunately, mortality rates do seem to be higher for caught pickerel than other species (most fish I find floating on any given fishing trip are chain pickerel, sad to say).

Can You Eat Chain Pickerel?

If you catch a chain pickerel that gets too beat up to safely release, you might as well eat it (where legal). They are quite a tasty meal, even if they smell awful while raw. Unfortunately, like pike, chain pickerel have “y-bones” which are a pain to deal with, and might make you want to think twice about serving them to kids. There is a technique to get rid of y-bones that you can find in this excellent post from Cornell University. Use it and enjoy!

You can find some good recipes online but bear in mind that sometimes when people say “pickerel” they really mean “walleye” as the former is the latter’s nickname in some parts.

Do Pickerel Bite Humans?

I recently researched an article about whether or not northern pike attack humans. While doing so, I came across plenty of stories of muskies attacking swimmers, but not a single one about chain pickerel taking a chomp out of a human. As a result, I’m completely comfortable saying chain pickerel don’t attack humans.

On the other hand, chain pickerel are quite capable of biting humans. They have sharp teeth and plenty of them and will certainly claim down if you give them the chance. You do run the risk of being bit while unhooking them, so needle nose pliers and perhaps a set of fishing forceps can be quite handy to prevent injury.

In my experience, chain pickerel tend to fight a lot more in the boat than northern pike do. I don’t know if their smaller size makes them more spritely or what, but chains tend to flop every which way when landed. In my opinion, this makes them more dangerous to handle which is why they’re called “the boo boo fish” in my household. In fairness, however, I’ve yet to be bitten by a chain pickerel. Most of my injuries came from being cut by braided line I was holding onto when the fish decided to violently thrash.

Do Pickerel Eat Bass?

You sometimes hear people complain about chain pickerel, worrying that they will eat too many bass and spoil the fishery. A 1978 study by Frank M. Panek for the Florida Scientist suggests quite the opposite. In it, chain pickerel were introduced into a small pond loaded with bass and blue gill. While the pickerel heavily targeted the bluegill and smaller bass and brought their numbers in check, this had the effect of increasing the the total number and size of largemouth bass (source).

So yes, chain pickerel do eat smaller bass, however they also eat the bluegill that are so damaging to bass beds. In doing so, this predator keeps the more voracious panfish in check and allows America’s favorite gamefish a better chance to survive and grow.

Conclusions

I write a lot about fishing with kids on this blog. While I often advocate the need to get a fish–any fish–in the livewell as fast as possible, once that is achieved, my next target is the chain pickerel. While they aren’t true monsters compared to northern pike, they grow large enough and fight hard enough to delight any novice angler or child the first, second, and thousandth time they fight one.

This is a fish of substantial enough proportion that the beginning angler knows they have something memorable on the other line. Their rod will bend with authority, line will be stripped, perhaps a giant breach and splash will occur. When kids or rookies first lift it from the net and see its menacing teeth and piercing eyes, their breath will stop just for a second. I’ve seen this happen repeatedly with different kids I’ve taken fishing, and there’s nothing better.

Even if you’re no novice, a large chain pickerel is nothing to sneeze at. Once they get over about 20″ they put up a good fight and you’ll wonder if you’ve hooked a northern. It’s also one of those fish that are unique trophies not everyone concentrates on, but which you also don’t have to go to some out of the way stream in the middle of nowhere to catch. All good stuff!

I’ve tried to make this guide live up to the “ultimate” boast in its title, but if you’re aware of some resources I’m missing or other things I should consider, please send me an email so I can update the post in the future!

Thanks,

John Paxton

chain pickerel are great fish for beginners.
My wife with a chain pickerel she caught on one of our first fishing dates.

Other References and Citations

Interested in reading the primary sources I used to research this article? In addition to the links to my sources sprinkled in the article, the following all made for very interesting reading and research. I’m looking forward to putting what I learned to the test in the next few weeks as I try and put some more chain pickerel in the fishing boat!

Buss, Keen, and Miller, Jake. “Interspecific Hybridization of Esocids. Hatching Success, Pattern Development, and Fertility of Some F1 Hybrids.” Technical Papers of the Bureau of Sport Fisheries and Wildlife, April 1967. https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=XRIfgxeVrTEC&hl=en&pg=GBS.PP1. Accessed April 3, 2021.

Hunter, George W., and John S. Rankin. “The Food of Pickerel.” Copeia, vol. 1939, no. 4, 1939, pp. 194–199. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/1436878. Accessed 3 Apr. 2021.

Meyers, C. D., and R. J. Muncy. “Summer Food and Growth of Chain Pickerel, Esox Niger, in Brackish Waters of the Severn River, Maryland.” Chesapeake Science, vol. 3, no. 2, 1962, pp. 125–128. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/1351225. Accessed 3 Apr. 2021.

Panek, Frank M. “EFFECTS OF PREDATOR STOCKING ON A LARGEMOUTH BASS-BLUEGILL POND FISHERY.” Florida Scientist, vol. 41, no. 4, 1978, pp. 252–255. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/24319577. Accessed 3 Apr. 2021.

Raney, Edward C. “The Summer Food and Habits of the Chain Pickerel (Esox Niger) of a Small New York Pond.” The Journal of Wildlife Management, vol. 6, no. 1, 1942, pp. 58–66. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/3795522. Accessed 3 Apr. 2021.

Shoemaker, Hurst H. “Pickerel and Pumpkinseed Coaction over the Sunfish Nest.” Copeia, vol. 1947, no. 3, 1947, pp. 195–196. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/1438853. Accessed 3 Apr. 2021.

Underhill, A. H. “Studies on the Development, Growth and Maturity of the Chain Pickerel, Esox Niger Lesueur.” The Journal of Wildlife Management, vol. 13, no. 4, 1949, pp. 377–391. JSTOR, www.jstor.org/stable/3795630. Accessed 3 Apr. 2021.

Sportsman’s Cove Lodge: Family-Friendly Alaska Fishing Trip

I grew up hearing Dad talk about his adventures on Alaska fishing trips. He’d talk of flying in on a seaplane just below the clouds, and lush, majestic island mountains soaring from the sea. He’d rave of dark waters filled with fish, and how he’d catch his limit while orca breached nearby, and bald eagles filled the air.

I remember staring in wonder at the photos he’d bring back, and leaning in closer asking him to tell me another story about this enchanted land and the man who made these Alaska fishing adventures magical: Larry McQuarrie, better known as “Captain Mac.” Obliging, he’d fill my head with tales of giant Alaskan salmon and halibut caught on fishing trips of the past.

Years passed and the circumstances of life changed. Dad didn’t travel up to Alaska for twenty years. He spent his time and money instead on planning roller hockey travel tournaments for his sons’ teams, and running his business. I started to forget about Alaska fishing excursions and all the stories he used to tell me as a kid. Then, one day, my phone rang and he asked me if I and my wife would like to go with him to Sportsman’s Cove Lodge on Prince of Wales Island, Alaska, to meet that old friend of his, Captain Mac.

That summer, we would go on the absolute best vacation of my life. Not only does Sportsman’s Cove Lodge run one of the best Alaska fishing charters out there, they run one of the best resorts in Alaska too. Never before or since have I been treated to a customer experience so flawlessly executed, by a staff as hard-working, knowledgeable, and dedicated. Within fifteen seconds of arrival, I knew I was going to be treated like a king.

Why You Should Choose Sportsman’s Cove for Your Alaskan Fishing Adventure

There are a number of different Alaska fishing lodges who offer a fishing charter service. My father has been to several, and all have their advantages. Some are positioned in the most remote, pristine waters. Others are so bare-boned that it really feels like a true Alaska fishing adventure just to get there and survive for a week. Sportsman’s Cove Lodge’s big advantage — and this is key — is that it is the most exceptionally family-friendly Alaskan fishing lodge of the bunch.

I can think of few places on earth that would be better to bring the wife and kids along for your fishing charter. There are several important amenities available at Sportsman’s Cove that are going to go over well with your family.

Top-Notch Customer Service

First, staff has impeccable manners and customer service. Even the phrase, “No problem” is forbidden, as Captain Mac wants nothing of this double dose of negativity. The whole crew has obviously put a ton of time into thinking of every detail.

Great Amenities for the Middle of Nowhere

I’d almost be inclined to go so far as to say Sportsman’s Cove lodge is a true Alaska luxury fishing lodge. This is saying a lot for an organization that’s in the middle of nowhere. They go to great pains to hire the finest chefs who serve up exquisite meals, they have comfortable accommodations with breathtaking views, and they even have a hot tub.

Now, let’s not mince words about it: this is an Alaskan fishing lodge, not a spa. You’re there to fish primarily. It’s run by anglers, for anglers, and no one is going to break out their cummerbund. I’m not sure what exactly all the “Grey Poupon folk” out there would think of my labeling it an Alaskan luxury fishing lodge. All I know is for the normal folk of the world, this is the place that you can take a guest who isn’t a fanatical angler, and he/she will still have a good time and feel comfortable. Dad has gone to several other Alaskan fishing lodges over the years and while they too sound like a blast, it’s pretty clear from his stories that Sportsman’s Cove is the one to bring your family to.

Sunrise at Sportsman's Cove - a true Alaskan luxury fishing lodge.
This is one of the greatest sunrises I ever witnessed. You can see it each morning at Sportsman’s Cove Lodge.

The Best Alaskan Fishing Charter Boats, Bar None

Secondly, the charter boats are custom-made with an enclosed, heated cabin. This is important if it starts to rain (as it does from time to time), or if someone just needs to take a break and warm up. Additionally, the boats are cleaned nightly and are spotless in time for the next charter.

Alaska fishing charter boat
These custom built fishing boats are the best in Alaska. Photo curtesy of Sportsman’s Cove Lodge.

Alaskan Fishing Charters are Cruises That Aren’t Boring

Finally, there’s great scenery. I hear of so many people spending just as much money to go on a cruise to Alaska as they would to go to this world class Alaskan fishing resort. Look, nothing against the place, but Ketchikan is one of the stops on most of these cruises. The people are friendly and all, but you’re not there to look at the town – you’re there to look at the natural beauty. That can be done just as well or better from an Alaskan fishing charter as a cruise ship!

A view from an Alaska salmon fishing charter is just as good as from a cruise ship.
This scenery is just as beautiful from one of

Arrival in Ketchikan to Start Your Alaska Fishing Excursion

You’ll arrive at Ketchikan International Airport by whatever airline brought you. It’s about the smallest international airport you’ll ever see. You’ll then need to transfer to a seaplane to reach the lodge. Depending on timing, you may have an opportunity to explore the town a bit.

Ketchikan is filled with natural beauty, but is definitely a frontier town. Unfortunately, we went during the tail end of the recession and found that many of the shops were shuttered. Those that were open were run by friendly and helpful staff and had no shortage of Alaskan souvenirs. If you’re after collectibles you might want to stock up now as there may not be time when you return from the lodge (also, it’s much easier to browse without carrying a box of frozen fish with you).

All in all, Ketchikan is a quaint little town that leaves a good impression of Alaska as the great frontier. It’s worth timing your flights so that you have a few hours to explore before you take your float plane to the lodge. Just remember that if you have young kids in tow, depending on how the economy is going, there may not be an enormous amount of stuff to do.

Layover In Seattle

If you’re traveling very far, I would recommend that you plan to spend a night in Seattle. There is nothing worse than starting your vacation tired, and getting to Alaska from most places can be an ordeal. Go ahead and spend an extra PTO day to ensure that you’re well rested when it is time to reel in all those giant Alaska salmon and halibut – you’ll thank me later!

Float Plane to the Lodge

One of the more interesting things about this whole experience is how you need to load up on a tiny little float plane to reach the lodge. As soon as you step into this you will know that you’re on a true Alaskan fishing adventure.

I’m not crazy about heights or flying, so you might think a rickety prop plane would be terrifying. Strangely, I found it less stressful than jumbo jets. It’s a much more personal experience where you’re right there with the pilot (one of you will even sit next to him) and you’re able to look around and enjoy the scenery. The planes don’t go very high up in the air, either, and you have the peace of mind of knowing that it’s basically a flying boat, and you’re mostly flying over water. You also get to keep repeating to yourself, “I need to do this to get to my Alaska fishing trip!” over and over again as much as necessary to keep your spirits up!

Having to take a float plan to reach Sportsman's Cove makes it a true Alaska fishing adventure!

The trip itself doesn’t take very long – maybe 20 minutes or so. You’ll wish it was longer, as you’re treated to a birds-eye view of Alaska’s true beauty. If you’re lucky you might see a whale while you’re up there. At the very least you’re going to catch a glimpse of some great scenery as there are dozens of islands littering the sea.

Landing on the water is an interesting experience in and of itself. It’s much smoother than you might think and not as scary as it sounds. Once you slow down a bit, your plane converts to a de facto boat, which, given you’re on a fishing blog, you should be able to handle.

Arrival at Your Alaskan Fishing Resort

Do you remember how I told you that within fifteen seconds of arrival, I knew I’d be treated like a king? Let me explain why.

The float plane pulls up to the dock where the entire staff is waiting, waving, and smiling. OK, that’s pretty cool and not something you see at every hotel, but the really impressive part was the instant I stepped off the plane, they greeted me by name. “Hi John! Welcome to Sportsman’s Cove!”

I have no idea how they did it. Three or four floatplanes landed at once, and there were six of us on it. I can only assume that they had some sort of arrangement with the airline and figured it out by the flight number, but however they did, it was an awesome touch and set the stage for a great week.

Having stewards ready to take our luggage right at the dock meant that all we had to worry about was marveling at the lodge, dreaming of our and getting ready to kick off our Alaskan fishing adventure.

Your first view of Sportsman's Cove - the best Alaskan fishing lodge.
This is the equivalent of a traffic jam in Alaska, but the expert staff at Sportsman’s Cove Lodge will have you docked and unloaded in no time.

The Friendliest, Best-Trained, Most Diligent Staff that Ever Existed

Sportsman’s Cove Lodge has exceptional standards for their staff. As mentioned earlier, they take customer service so seriously that even the phrase, “no problem” is forbidden. Their staff bends over backwards to make your fishing trip to Alaska the best vacation of your life.

Let’s face it. Hospitality can be a grueling business. We’ve all been to that hotel that has the snarky concierge or maid. Not so in Sportsman’s Cove – they have more smiles per capita than Disney World.

This is all the more amazing when you consider what stress the staff must be under to keep things running smoothly. They work long hours, far from their family and friends for the entire summer. They’re held to very high standards that are impeccably met day by day. They work in a high-stress environment where everything is accomplished in a flurry. They do this day in, day out. While I’d hope most guests are polite, I’m sure some aren’t. While I’d imagine most guests are fairly self-sufficient, I’m sure they have their divas. That the staff is able to seamlessly deliver such a high standard of care is a testament to their work ethic, upbringing, and training.

If I could offer two more compliments:

  1. It’s been years since I’ve been there, and I still am raving about their customer service;
  2. For the rest of my life, if I ever see a resume that has “Sportsman’s Cove Lodge” on it, that’ll be the candidate to beat.

They are that good.

Orientation

Shortly after everyone arrives and gets settled into their rooms, there is an orientation at your first dinner. This includes going around the room and doing introductions, which might be a little annoying for those of you trying to forget what Zoom calls are like, but does at least attempt to get everyone friendly and socializing.

You’ll be seated at your table with your captain and will make plans for the next day as you break the ice and get to know each other. They’re all friendly and extremely knowledgeable charter captains with years of experience between them. If you have someone in your group who isn’t the strongest angler, let the captain know and they’ll be happy to give a quick warm up/demonstration down at the dock of how to fish the different techniques you’ll be using.

You’ll also be handed a piece of paper that asks what niceties you’d like for your trip the next day. Have a favorite soda or beer? If it’s at the lodge, it’ll be on the boat waiting for you the next day. Any special requests, like a left-handed reel? Let them know and they’ll do their best to accommodate you (just remember, it’s not like they can send someone to Cabela’s that night, so if you have anything truly out there, make sure you organize that with them well in advance of your trip).

After a hearty dinner and orientation, it’s time to hit the sack as the fleet leaves early the next morning!

Fisherman’s Breakfast

They don’t send you off for your Alaska fishing trip with an empty stomach. There is a full fisherman’s breakfast each morning that will fill you up. Coffee, eggs and bacon are standard fare while there’s also plenty of fruit. Once you finish, there’s a table full of cold cuts for you to make your own lunch for the day.

Your charter captain will again be there with you for breakfast, and you’ll put together the details for the day’s Alaskan fishing adventure. You might take a vote to decide if you’re going for bottom fishing for halibut and lingcod or if you’d prefer to fish for salmon. The weather will have some say in all of this, of course.

Once breakfast is over, it’s down to the docks where you’ll gear up and load up and get ready for your adventure. The boats will be in tip-top shape, clean as the day they were bought, and it’ll seem like you were the first person to ever board them.

Alaska Guided Fishing Trips

Let’s face it, great as the customer service and amenities are, the main reason you’re at Sportsman’s Cove is for a memorable Alaska fishing excursion. You’ll be in luck as the lodge boasts some of Alaska’s best fishing guides, and they all work together. While the fleet of several ships goes out together, they will break apart slightly in search of fish. If one ship hits pay dirt they’ll often radio the other charter boats in to make sure every crew has an enjoyable experience.

Your fishing guides will take you in search of two main Alaskan fish species: salmon and halibut. That’s not to say there aren’t plenty of cod, lingcod, and rock bass too, but at least the times I went out, we focused on these two major species. Of these, I preferred fishing for salmon as I found mooching to be much more fun than jigging the bottom, but Dad prefers the latter as it’s a bit easier on him (at least until the fish bite).

Some of the Best Salmon Fishing a Trip to Alaska Can Provide

Sportsman’s Cove Lodge is about an hour away from some of the best salmon fishing in Alaska. When the Coho are running, your fishing charter can have a salmon in the boat every few minutes. Your experienced Alaska fishing guides will have you catch salmon in two ways: mooching and trolling.

Most people are probably familiar with the concept of trolling for salmon. Basically, you take a lure or bait, or some other kind of salmon trolling rig, and drag it behind a moving boat until a fish hits. It’s a great way to pass the time while you relax in the heated cabin and have a coffee or beer. It’s not all that different than trolling for pickerel in shallow water, just the hits are bigger and the bait runs deeper.

Mooching fishing, on the other hand, might be a bit new to some. You basically take a mooching rod, which is long and strong, and reminds me a bit of a muskie rod, and you drop your mooching rig (usually some sort of cut plug herring or the like) down to a bit past where salmon are showing up on the flasher. Then you reel it up into and then past them a bit. Once you’re past, you can drop it into them again – just be prepared for a hit as many come on the drop!

Alaska king salmon caught at Sportsman's Cove lodge
Photo courtesy of Sportsman’s Cove Lodge.

Mooching Rig

So what is a mooching rig exactly? Well, it’s basically a cut plug herring attached to two hooks that dangle 4-6′ away from a large lead sinker via a swivel. The idea is to have the herring spin in a tight circle when retrieved so that all its scales can flash and call the fish in. The faster the retrieve, the tighter the circle. If the cut plug herring isn’t spinning, something’s gone wrong and you need to address it. Luckily for you, at Sportsman’s Cove Lodge, the captain and deckhand are Johnny on the spot and notice there’s an issue long before you do.

cut plug herring mooching rigs were the key to success on our Alaska fishing trip.
This is a mooching rig. You take a cut plug herring and hook it twice so it spins on the retrieve.

What Type of Alaska Salmon Will You Catch on Your Charter?

We caught four species of salmon while fishing in Alaska:

  • Coho were the most common, and put up a pretty good fight. You’ll find that most of your fish box is filled with this species.
  • Pink salmon are delicious, but they have such soft mouths that it can be difficult to land them.
  • Chum salmon are also called dog salmon – according to the crew, this is a good one to smoke as they aren’t as tasty as the rest.
  • King salmon live up to their name. This salmon is one of the hardest fighting, most acrobatic and spectacular fish you can catch in Alaska. When you have one of these on the line, you’ll know it as they’ll make long jumps and runs and generally put on a show.

Intense Alaska Halibut Fishing Trip

We went to Sportsmans’ Cove when salmon were biting and concentrated on those, so we didn’t spend as much time fishing for halibut. As a result, I never saw any of the true monsters that the lodge has on their website, but I know they’re out there! All the same, we caught limits of eating size halibut. While I suppose there’s something to be said for catch and release fishing, you probably didn’t travel all the way to this remote corner of the globe without wanting to fill your cooler.

Regardless, a 40lb halibut puts up one heck of a fight. It would be the fish of a lifetime for your kids and not exactly boring for you, either. While it’s not the true monster that you may have heard of, it’s nothing to sneeze at, and you never know – much larger ones could be lurking. You just might have to be prepared to throw them back if they’re outside the slot limit!

Fishing for halibut is more of a “deep sea” Alaska fishing excursion. We would find halibut in much deeper water than the salmon, in general and fishing for them was different. You drop a bait all the way to the bottom and start pounding on it like you’re knocking on a door. Eventually, a fish swims by and you have quite the fight on your hands. It was like reeling in a ticked off magic carpet, so make sure you load up on that Fisherman’s breakfast and have your energy.

Alaska Halibut Fishing at Sportsman's Cove.
This was the big fish of the day one rainy afternoon. Visit Sportsman’s Cove website for several more photos of larger halibut than this!

A Feast for Ages

Sportsman’s Cove’s deckhands and shore help take care of all the fish cleaning for you. All you’ll need to do is let them know if you want any of your salmon smoked for a slight charge. The rest will be cut up and placed in boxes. You you can either check them with you through the airport, or ship them to your house. Considering we normally would drive two hours to Boston to catch a flight, we usually paid for the shipping, but to each their own.

We’ve been cooking these fish for years, compliments of Dad’s many trips to Alaska. There are no finer tasting halibut and salmon than line-caught, wild Alaskan fish filets. You would certainly do yourself a disservice if you went all the way there and didn’t at least bring back one box.

Frequently Asked Questions About Alaskan Fishing Adventures

Below are some common questions people may have about their next fishing trip to Alaska. If you have a question that isn’t answered, feel free to email me or post a comment and I’ll make sure that I get back to you.

What Should You Bring to Your Alaska Fishing Trip?

While I can’t speak for other outfits, if you go to Sportsman’s Cove, you don’t need to bring a whole lot. Basically, you just need to bring yourself and the clothes you would normally wear. Sportsman’s cove provides all the raingear you would need as well as boots (you should consider bringing some shoe inserts).

You will want a camera, and any creature comforts from home. Bear in mind that most of these fishing resorts are in remote parts of Alaska, and it’s not exactly like there’s a drug store down the street. While they may have some basic toiletries available, this isn’t guaranteed and the selection won’t be great to begin with. if you absolutely can’t live without something, bring it yourself.

One final suggestion: bring one of those sleeper blindfolds. Depending on what month you go, the sun might never set.

What Should You Wear for an Alaskan Fishing Adventure?

This might strike some as obvious, but Alaska is pretty darned cold even in June or August (the two times we went). I’m looking back through all our pictures and I’ve yet to see one where we aren’t bundled up. Here’s one of my wife in a hoodie with some crazy fur hat. Perhaps it gets warm for a week or so in July, but you should plan on wearing spring clothes. The sort of stuff you’d wear during your spring or fall cleanup out in the yard is usually pretty good.

If you visit Sportsman’s Cove, they have all the raingear you need. That isn’t guaranteed at the other Alaskan fishing lodges you might try. You’ll want to scour their website and ensure you aren’t unpleasantly surprised.

With all that being said, remember that you need to take a float plane to reach most of the Alaskan fishing resorts. These planes have limited payload capacity, so don’t go bringing oodles of luggage with you.

Should You Tip Your Alaska Fishing Guide or Deckhand?

Yes. A 15 to 20% gratuity would be very nice of you. Frankly, I’ve yet to meet any person on this earth who busted their butt more than our deckhand Cody did all those years ago. That man was up before all of us and worked through our dinner. He was easily pulling 14 hour days if not more to make our trip memorable, all while smiling. He earned every penny of this tip!

How Much Does a Fishing Trip to Alaska Cost?

You’ll want to reach out to Sportsman’s Cove or other Alaskan fishing charters directly for information on pricing. They have different packages available depending on the number of days you want to fish and what lodging you’d like to book. What I can tell you is from looking at your average cruise pamphlets, the price is comparable. Again, if you’re going to Alaska, it’s to see the wildlife more than the cities. It makes little sense to book a cruise for that to stare at Orca from 50 feet in the air. They swim right next to the charter boats, along with seals, whales, and other critters.

Taking Kids Fishing at Sportsman’s Cove

Given this website caters to helping families take their kids fishing, I’d be remis if I didn’t provide some information about how to take your children on an Alaskan fishing adventure. I reached out to Sportsman’s Cove’s general manager, Patty Seaman, or “Miss Patty” as she is affectionately known at the lodge. She was kind enough to answer several questions about fishing with children in Alaska.

What is the minimum age you recommend for visiting children?

We have found that 11 years old seems to be the age that most kids have some kind of attention span to allow them to be on boats where they don’t impact other guests.

What would be the ideal ratio for parents to children (could 2 parents bring up to 4 kids to fill out the 6 spots on a boat, or would you recommend a 1:1 ratio?)

We have two gentlemen that each bring their 3 boys and they began when the first ones were as young as 10. I think it is all in how the kids  are raised and if they are respectful of the parent and their surroundings.

Is there a particular time of year that you think younger kids would do better with? 

Perhaps this could be due to weather, types of fish, etc. I think the earlier trips would be better. Granted, there may be fewer fish but then the deckhand would have more time to spend individually with the young person. When it is crazy busy the kids may not get the same attention.

Is there anything parents should do to prep their kids for the trip?  I know your staff does a great job of making sure everyone knows how to mooch right off the dock the night before, but what would be helpful for people to arrive knowing?

To be respectful of the other guests, not to run on the dock. If they are younger and unaccompanied the kids need to understand that they will be asked to wear a life jacket on the dock, not just on the boat. To understand that the captain and the deckhand are to be listened to, and follow their instructions, while on the boat. That we don’t have the best internet.

Is there a particular cabin at the lodge that you think would be best for parents to rent?  

No, the Cottage might be the best place but it is always booked over a year in advance. As long as the parent is able to navigate the stairs, any place is good. That being said, the kids should not be allowed to climb on the railings in the Eagles Nest for fear of falling.

Anything else that you think would be important for parents to know?

Just that the parent will be the very best judge if their kids are actually interested and well behaved enough to spend the money on them for the trip. It’s a big $$ investment for a very young person to be here and be allowed to waste their time on an electronic device instead of enjoying the outdoors.

Conclusions

Sportsman’s Cove Lodge is always going to have a special place in my heart. We went there twice before my children were born, and chances are I’ll be there again, this time with them. While there are plenty of good Alaskan fishing lodges out there, Sportsman’s Cove is the Alaskan fishing lodge to go to with your family. It’s accessible for everyone from kids to grandparents and fun for all. The staff is singularly committed to leaving you with only the best impression. The natural beauty is unparalleled, and the fishing guide service is among the best Alaska has to offer.

In short, if you book your first Alaska fishing trip at Sportsman’s Cove lodge, I’m sure it won’t be your last.

Thanks for reading. If there’s anything else you’d like to know about my experiences at this fabulous Alaskan fishing resort and lodge, please feel free to reach out.

Have a great day for fishing,

John Paxton

Do Kids Need a Fishing License?

I get a lot of questions from parents trying to take their kids fishing. One of the first things they ask is, Do kids need a fishing license to fish? Some also ask if a parent needs a fishing license to help their child fish. Finally, more than a few are curious about how much does a fishing license cost. Well, there’s not much good having a website devoted to helping families take their kids fishing if I don’t have a post answering these critical questions!

Most states require that a child have a fishing license by the age of 16, but a few states require younger children to have them. Rest assured, no states require your four-year-old to have a fishing license, but I did see as young as 10. While not every state specifically addresses if a parent can help their kids fish without a license, many do have specific verbiage on this. The bottom line is that you are generally fine to bait a hook for your child and take off the fish. You might even be OK with casting. Once you start reeling, however, you are fishing and will need a license of your own. As to how much a fishing license costs? It’s all over the board ranging from $8.50 per resident in Delaware all the way up to $52.66 in California.

Because it all differs depending on where you live, I’ve gone ahead and researched the laws for all 50 states. I’ve looked at three specific things. First, I determine at what age a child needs a fishing license. Then, I discuss if a parent can help their child fish without a license of their own. Finally, I document how much a fishing license costs in each state in 2021. Make sure you keep reading after the chart as I’ll also discuss some common questions like how much is a fishing license at Wal-Mart, and if you need a fishing license for catch and release fishing.

At What Age Does a Child Need a Fishing License in All 50 States

Use the chart below to determine if children need a fishing license in your state, and how much a fishing license costs. I’m also going to list if each state allows you to buy a lifetime fishing license because that is important information you need to know NOW so you can set your kids up for a great life of fishing.

Originally I intended to talk about whether or not states have specific laws that discuss if a parent can help their child fish without a license. I found so few that had actual language for this that a boilerplate, “No – the parent needs a fishing license if they’re ‘fishing'” is the best answer.

DISCLAIMER: Be aware that I am not an attorney nor does this constitute legal advice. This is simply my interpretation of the laws in the latest state laws that I could find. When in doubt, reach out to a fish and game warden in your state.

StateAge Child Needs
a Fishing License		How Much Does
a Fishing License Cost?
(all prices reflect yearly cost)		Lifetime License Offered?
AlabamaChildren under 16 years of age don’t need a fishing license in Alabama.

No Alabama resident needs a fishing license if fishing from the bank with hook and line in the county where the live.		FRESHWATER:
Residents $14.05
Non-Residents pay between $54.20 and $66.29 depending on home state.
Non-Resident College Students pay $14.05
SALTWATER:
Residents: $24.35 ($6.40 if only fishing from a pier)
Non-Residents: From $52.20 to $91.10 depending on home state.		Residents only.
AlaskaResident children under 18 do not need a fishing license in Alaska unless they’re guiding.

Non-Resident children under 16 do not need a fishing license in Alaska.		Resident: $20.00
Non-Resident: $100.00		No.
ArizonaKids under the age of 10 don’t require a fishing license in Arizona.Resident: $37.00
Non-Resident: $55.00		Residents only.
ArkansasKids 16 years of age or older need a fishing license in Arkansas.Resident: $10.50
Non-Resident: $50.00		Residents only.
CaliforniaCalifornia requires children 16 years or older to have a fishing license.

There is an exception for fishing from a public fishing pier in the ocean, where no license is required.		Resident: $52.66
Non-Resident: $142.50		Residents only.
ColoradoColorado requires any angler 18 or older to have a fishing license. Resident: $36.08
Non-Resident: $100.57		Impoverished seniors and a few select others only.
ConnecticutConnecticut requires all children aged sixteen or older to possess a fishing license.ADULT
Resident: $32.00
Non-Resident: $63.00
CHILD (16-17 years old)
Resident: $16.00
Non-Resident: $63.00

Prices reflect all waters. Connecticut also offers inland fishing for a few bucks less.		Resident seniors 65+ only.
DelawareAll anglers 16 or older are required to have a fishing license in Delaware.Resident: $8.50
Non-Resident: $20.00
Note that there’s also a $2.50 “agent fee.” Interestingly, Delaware also offers a “boat fishing license” that covers anyone fishing from that boat. The fees are:

Resident Boat Fishing License: $40.00*
Non-Resident Boat Fishing License: $40.00*
*Note: it is $50.00 if the boat is over 20 feet long.		No.
FloridaYouths 16 or younger do not need a fishing license in Florida.FRESHWATER:
Resident: $17.00
Non-Resident: $47.00

SALTWATER:
Resident: $17.00
Non-Resident: $47.00		No.
GeorgiaChildren 16 years or younger do not need a fishing license in Georgia.Resident: $15.00
Non-Resident: $50.00		Yes – available to residents and non-residents.
HawaiiAll anglers in Hawaii must have al license. Minors are charged $4.00Resident: $6.00 ($4.00 for minors)
Non-Resident: $26.00		No.
IdahoResident children under 14 do not require a fishing license in Idaho. Non-resident children under 14 must be accompanied by someone who has a fishing license, or they can buy their own.ADULT:
Resident: $30.50
Non-Resident: $108.00

JUNIOR (14 – 17 years)
Resident: $16.00
Non-Resident: $23.75		Residents only.
IllinoisChildren under the age of 16 do not need a license to fish in Illinois.Resident: $15.00
Non-Resident: $31.50		Residents only.
IndianaAny angler 17 years or younger does not need a fishing license in Indiana.Resident: $17
Non-Resident: $35		Resident seniors only.
IowaChildren younger than 16 do not need a fishing license in Iowa, but may need to purchase a trout fee.Resident: $22.00
Non-Resident: $48.00		Resident seniors only.
KansasChildren 15 or younger do not need a fishing license in Kansas (there is a paddlefish permit they would need).Resident: $27.50
Non-Resident: $52.50		Residents only.
KentuckyKentucky requires anglers 16 and older to have a fishing license.Resident: $23.00
Non-Resident: $55.00		No.
LouisianaYouths 15 and under don’t require a fishing license in Louisiana.Resident: $9.50
Non-Resident: $60.00		No.
MaineChildren 15 or younger do not need a fishing license in Maine.Resident: $25
Non-Resident: $64		Yes, but non-residents have an age cutoff.
MarylandChildren under the age of 16 do not need a fishing license in Maryland.NON-TIDAL/FRESHWATER
Resident: $20.50
Non-Resident: $30.50+ depending on state

CHESAPEAKE BAY / COASTAL
Resident: $15.00
Non-Resident: $22.50		No.
MassachusettsChildren 15 or older need a fishing license in Massachusetts. Licenses are free for Massachusetts resident children aged 15-17, but still must be acquired.ADULT
Resident: $27.50
Non-Resident: $37.50

YOUTH (15-17):
Resident: $0
Non-Resident: $11.50

Add $10 for saltwater to price of each.		No.
MichiganKids 17 and older need a fishing license in Michigan.Resident: $26.00
Non-Resident: $76.00		No.
MinnesotaAll residents 15 or younger don’t need a fishing license in Minnesota. Non-residents 15 or younger don’t need a license, but must be accompanied by a parent/guardian who does.ADULT
Resident: $25.00
Non-Resident: $51.00

YOUTH (16-17):
Resident: $5.00
Non-Resident: $5.00		Yes.
MississippiMinors under the age of 16 do not require a fishing license in Mississippi.FRESHWATER:
Resident: $10.00 (plus $2.29 in fees)
Non-Resident: $60 (plus $4.29 in fees)

SALTWATER:
Resident: $10.00 (plus $2.29 in fees)
Non-Resident: $30.00 (plus $4.29 in fees)		Seniors only.
MissouriChildren 15 or younger don’t need a fishing license in Missouri. Resident: $12.00
Non-Resident: $49.00		Residents only.
MontanaYouths aged 0 – 11 do not need a fishing license.ADULT
Resident: $21.00
Non-Resident: $86.00

YOUTH (10-17):
Resident: $10.50
Non-Resident: $86.00

Note: Montana also requires you to purchase a “conservation license” in addition to the fishing license.

Resident: $8.00
Non-Resident: $10.00
Resident Youths (10-17): $4.00
Resident Seniors: $4.00		Blind residents only.
NebraskaNebraska requires a fishing license for anyone aged 16 or over.Resident: $38.00
Non-Resident: $84.00		Yes.
NevadaAny kid older than 12 years old needs a fishing license in Nevada.Resident: $40.00
Non-Resident: $80.00		No.
New HampshireChildren less than 16 years of age don’t need a fishing license in New Hampshire.Resident: $45.00
Non-Resident: $63.00		Residents only.
New JerseyKids 16 and older need a fishing license in New Jersey.Resident: $22.50
Non-Resident: $34.00		No.
New MexicoChildren 12 years or older need a fishing license in New Mexico.ADULT:
Resident: $25.00
Non-Resident: $56.00

JUNIOR (12-17):
Resident: $5.00
Non-Resident: $15.00		No.
New YorkChildren younger than 16 can fish without a license in New York.Resident: $25.00
Non-Resident: $50.00		Residents only.
North CarolinaKids younger than 16 don’t need a fishing license in North Carolina.INLAND:
Resident: $25.00
Non-Resident: $45.00

COASTAL:
Resident: $16.00
Non-Resident: $32.00		Residents only (inland). Non-Residents can buy coastal lifetime licenses.
North DakotaChildren aged 16 or older need a fishing license in North Dakota.Resident: $18.00
Non-Resident: $48.00		No.
OhioKids less than 16 years of age don’t need a fishing license in Ohio.Resident: $25.00
Non-Resident: $50.96		Residents only.
OklahomaChildren 15 or younger do not need a fishing license in Oklahoma.ADULT:
Resident: $25.00
Non-Resident: $55.00

YOUTH (16-17):
Resident: $5.00
Non-Resident: $55.00		Residents only.
OregonChildren 11 and younger fish for free in Oregon.ADULT:
Resident: $44.00
Non-Resident: $110.50

YOUTH (12-17)
Resident: $10.00
Non-Resident: $10.00		No.
PennsylvaniaChildren younger than 16 don’t require a fishing license in Pennsylvania. Resident: $22.97
Non-Resident: $52.97		10-year licenses are available.
Rhode IslandChildren younger than 15 don’t need a fishing license in Rhode Island.FRESHWATER:
Resident: $18.00
Non-Resident: $35.00

SALTWATER:
Resident: $7.00
Non-Resident: $10.00		No.
South CarolinaChildren 15 or younger don’t need a fishing license in South Carolina.FRESHWATER:
Resident: $10.00
Non-Resident: $35.00

SALTWATER:
Resident: $10.00
Non-Resident: $35.00		Resident Seniors only.
South DakotaChildren less than 16 do not need a fishing license in South Dakota.ADULT:
Resident: $28.00
Non-Resident: $67.00

YOUTH (16 – 17):
Resident: $27.00
Non-Resident: $67.00		No.
TennesseeChildren under 13 years of age don’t need a fishing license in Tennessee.ADULT:
Resident: $34.00 ($22.00 more for trout)
Non-Resident: $50.00 (no trout), $99.00 with trout

JUNIOR (13 – 15):
Resident: $10.00
Non-Resident: $11.00		Residents only.
TexasChildren under 17 years of age do not need a fishing license in Texas.FRESHWATER:
Resident: $30.00
Non-Resident: $58.00

SALTWATER:
Resident: $35.00
Non-Resident: $63.00		Residents only.
UtahKids 11 or younger don’t need a fishing license in Utah.ADULT:
Resident: $34.00
Non-Resident: $85.00

CHILDREN (14-17)
Resident: $16.00
Non-Resident: $29.00

CHILDREN (12-13)
Resident: $5.00
Non-Resident: $6.00		No (there used to be one and some are grandfathered in).
VermontChildren 15 or older need a fishing license in Vermont.ADULT:
Resident: $28.00
Non-Resident: $54.00

YOUTH (ages 15-17):
Resident: $8.00
Non-Resident: $15.00		Yes.
VirginiaResident kids under 16 years of age don’t need a fishing license in Virginia.FRESHWATER:
Resident: $23.00
Non-Resident: $17.50

SALTWATER:
Resident: $47.00
Non-Resident: $25.00		Yes.
WashingtonKids 15 or older need a fishing license in Washington. Even kids younger than that need to carry a catch record card if going after certain species (salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, halibut, or Puget Sound Dungeness crab).FRESHWATER
Resident: $29.50
Non-Resident: $84.50

SALTWATER:
Resident: $30.05
Non-Resident: $59.75		No.
West VirginiaChildren under 15 years of age don’t need a fishing license in West Virginia.Resident: $19.00
Non-Resident: $37.00

Juniors (15-17): $16.00 regardless of residency		Residents only.
WisconsinKids 15 and under fish for free in Wisconsin.ADULTS:
Resident: $20.00
Non-Resident: $50.00

JUNIORS:
Resident (16-17): $7.00
Non-Resident: $50.00		No.
WyomingResident children under 14 don’t need a fishing license in Wisconsin. Non-residents don’t either, but must be accompanied by an adult who has one.ADULT:
Resident: $27.00
Non-Resident: $102.00

YOUTH (14-17):
Resident: $3.00
Non-Resident: $15.00		Residents only.

Other Fees

Bear in mind that the prices listed above are, for the most part, the basic fee you’ll need to obtain a sportfishing license in a particular state. However, many states have “add ons” or other fees that you may need to purchase depending on what you want to fish. For example, Alaska has a king salmon stamp that costs residents $10. Other states have similar “extras” that you’ll need to be aware of, so make sure you check local regulations before heading out. For the most part, however, I can tell you that these fees don’t seem to apply if you’re largemouth bass fishing or going for panfish with your kids. They mostly revolve around trout, salmon, and certain saltwater fish.

What States Have a Lifetime Fishing License?

As of 2021, Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Idaho, Illinois, Kansas, Missouri, New Hampshire, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wyoming offer lifetime fishing licenses to their residents of all ages.

Georgia, Maine, Minnesota, Nebraska, Vermont, and Virginia are the only states that allow non-residents to purchase lifetime fishing licenses in 2021.

Can I Take My Child Fishing Without a License?

As seen from the chart above, most states will allow a parent to take their child out fishing even if the parent doesn’t have a license. The trick is, the child must be the one doing the fishing – NOT THE PARENT. While a game warden might use their discretion to let you make a cast for a younger child, you can’t count on it. If you’re seen reeling it in or working the bait or lure in any way, or fighting the fish at all, you aren’t in compliance and could receive a ticket.

Do People 65 Years or Older Need a Fishing License?

Want to take Grandpa along for your fishing trip? He might not need a fishing license depending on where you live. Some states allow elders to fish for free, to acquire lifetime licenses, or to at least get a discount on their license.

DISCLAIMER: Again, remember that I am not an attorney nor does this constitute legal advice. This is simply my interpretation of the laws in the latest state laws that I could find. When in doubt, reach out to a fish and game warden in your state.

StateFishing License Required
For The Elderly?
AlabamaResidents aged 65 and older are exempt from needing a fishing license. The exceptions are for spearfishing or for anyone fishing gulf reef fish. Alabama does offer an “optional” fishing license for residents 65 or older. Essentially, if you want to pay for a license to support conservation efforts, they’ll take your money.
AlaskaAlaskan residents 60 years or older can apply for a senior permanent identification card in lieu of a fishing license.
ArizonaFishing license required.
ArkansasA lifetime fishing license can be acquired by Arkansas residents 65 or older for $10.50. Various stamps such as trout stamps are also available for an additional fee.
CaliforniaEligible low-income seniors may qualify for a reduced fee license in California.
ColoradoColorado offers seniors a fishing license at a slightly lower price. Eligible low-income seniors can qualify for a lifetime fishing license.
ConnecticutSeniors 65+ qualify for a free lifetime fishing license in Connecticut.
DelawareDelaware residents 65+ do not need a fishing license.
FloridaFlorida residents 65+ do not need a fishing license.
GeorgiaSeniors 65+ are eligible for a free lifetime fishing license in Georgia.
HawaiiHawaii charges seniors $1.00 for a freshwater fishing license.
IdahoFishing license required.
IllinoisSeniors can purchase a discounted fishing license for $7.75.
IndianaSeniors are eligible for a discounted fishing license ($3.00) or to pay $17.00 for a “fish for life” license (those born 1943 or earlier).
IowaSeniors can purchase a lifetime fishing license in Iowa for $61.50.
KansasSeniors qualify for a less expensive fishing license in Kansas ($15.00).
KentuckyKentucky seniors can purchase a “senior sportsman” license for $12.00 which is less than the regular fishing license and includes deer permits).
LouisianaSeniors qualify for a less expensive fishing license in Louisiana ($5.00).
MaineSeniors 70+ can buy a lifetime license in Maine for $8.00.
MarylandResident seniors have a reduced cost license of $5.00.
MassachusettsResidents 70+ fish for free in Massachusetts.
MichiganResidents 65+ pay $11.00 for a fishing license in Michigan.
MinnesotaResidents 90 or older fish for free.
MississippiMississippi seniors can purchase a lifetime senior fishing license for $5.00.
MissouriMissouri residents aged 65+fish for free.
MontanaResident seniors can purchase discounted fishing and conservation licenses in Montana.
NebraskaSeniors qualify for a discounted fishing license in Nebraska.
NevadaFishing license required.
New HampshireNew Hampshire offers seniors a discounted license ($7.00)
New JerseyResident seniors qualify for a discounted fishing license in New Jersey ($12.50)
New MexicoNew Mexico residents aged 65-69 get a discounted fishing license. Those aged 70 or above can fish for free.
New YorkNew York offers resident seniors a discounted fishing license ($5.00)
North CarolinaNorth Carolina seniors qualify for some discounted license rates.
North DakotaNorth Dakota seniors 65+ have a discounted fishing license ($5.00).
OhioOhio residents born before 1937 can acquire a free fishing license. Other seniors qualify for a less expensive fishing license ($10.00).
OklahomaOklahoma seniors can purchase a lifetime fishing license for $15.00 once they turn 65.
OregonOregon seniors 70 years or older qualify for a reduced cost fishing license ($29.00)
PennsylvaniaSeniors 65+ in Pennsylvania qualify for a reduced license ($11.97) or can purchase a lifetime license ($51.97).
Rhode IslandRhode Island residents over 65 can obtain a free lifetime fishing license.
South CarolinaResident seniors may apply for a lifetime fishing license.
South DakotaSouth Dakota resident seniors fish for a reduced rate ($12.00)
TennesseeSeniors qualify for certain discounted licenses in Tennessee.
TexasTexas offers seniors discounted fishing license costs.
UtahUtah residents 65+ don’t require a fishing license.
VermontPermanent license available for Vermont residents aged 66 or older.
VirginiaPersons 65+ don’t need a fishing license to fish in saltwater in Virginia.
WashingtonSeniors qualify for discounted fishing licenses in Washington.
West VirginiaResident seniors 65+ don’t need a fishing license in West Virginia.
WisconsinResident seniors 65+ fish for free in Wisconsin.
WyomingResident seniors 65+ who have lived in Wyoming for 30 years can get a free fishing license.

Who Else Doesn’t Need a Fishing License?

Generally speaking, people with significant disabilities or challenges may be exempt from fishing license laws. Some states require you to get a license (mostly so they can keep track of the number of anglers in the state), but the license will be free and occasionally is granted for the person’s entire lifetime.

In at least fifteen states, blind people are either exempt from needing a fishing license, or can acquire one for free. Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia all either allow the blind to fish without a license, or to acquire one for free.

Additionally, many states have laws that allow disabled veterans of certain classes (usually those with a 60% disability due to a service-connected disability) to acquire a free fishing license. There is a little paperwork required from the Veterans’ Administration. You can call the Veterans Benefits Section at 1-800-827-1000 for help applying for these licenses in your home state.

If you want to know about fishing accessibility laws in your state, MoveUnited has an interactive map with disabled fishing license laws for all fifty states that you use to check your local laws.

Do You Need a Fishing License for Catch and Release?

Yes. Regardless of if you will keep your catch, or release it, you need a fishing license. The license is not simply to keep fish, it is literally to put a hook and line in water and then retrieve it. Any type of “angling” is “fishing” regardless of if you’re successful and actually catch something. Thus, you still need a fishing license even if you intend to practice catch and release.

Can I Buy a Fishing License Online?

Most states now offer the ability to purchase fishing licenses online that you can print out at home. A few, like Connecticut, are even OK with your keeping a virtual copy in your phone (though you’re out of luck if you dunk it)! However, be aware that you MUST purchase a fishing license online from your state directly. Don’t buy it from any other place – there’s a good chance it is a scam. Your best bet is to google, “Online fishing license in [my state].” Make sure you’re on your states fish and wildlife website and you’ll be good to go (sometimes this information is found towards the bottom of the page).

How Much is a Fishing License at Wal-Mart?

One of the more convenient places to get a fishing license is Wal-Mart. Chances are, you have one (or four) near your home, and most all of them have a sporting department. The best part is that there is no surcharge for a fishing license at Wal-Mart. You will pay the same price as your state requirements.

Where Else Can I Get a Fishing License?

In addition to Wal-Mart, most tackle shops from mom and pop all the way on up to Bass Pro Shops or Cabelas will sell you a fishing license. You can also usually get one at your town hall or other places where official government business is conducted.

Why Do You Need a License to Fish?

Most states donate every cent you spend on a fishing license to conservation efforts. The money is used to stock fish in waters, to keep the lakes and streams clean, and to fund important research that can lead to better fishing for all. Purchasing a fishing license in a state very much makes you a stakeholder of the state’s local fisheries and is something you should be proud of. Wideopenspaces.com ran a piece a few years ago called, Where Does Your Hunting and Fishing License Money Go if you’d like to read more about the history of how this came to be.

Can I Buy a Short Term Fishing License for a Few Days?

All states that I checked offered the chance to purchase fishing licenses for shorter terms, typically 1 – 7 days. If you are headed to a state for vacation and want to book a fishing charter or just bring along your own rod, you should look into seeing what other options are available for fishing licenses in the state.

Can I Buy a Lifetime Fishing License?

Some states allow you to purchase a lifetime fishing license for a sizeable fee. For example, in Vermont, residents are allowed to purchase a lifetime fishing license for a set price. This is something you should consider doing as soon as your child is born! In Vermont, a lifetime fishing license purchased when a child is less than 1 years old costs $224 for residents, and $432 for non-residents up to 16 years of age. The second that child turns one years old, the price doubles! Thus, if you’re looking for a really good present for some new fishing parents, consider buying their children a lifetime fishing license.

Just to compare things further, once that same child turns 16 years old, their Vermont lifetime fishing license will cost a whopping $868 for residents, and $1674 for non-residents. It only starts to reduce (slightly) once you’re over 25 years old at which point a Vermont lifetime fishing license can be had for $728 for residents or $1404 for non-residents.

Note that these prices are of course subject to change. In Vermont, they go by a system where they multiply the current cost of a license times 8, 16, 31 or 26 to reach their price. Thus, if standard Vermont fishing licenses go up in price in the future (which, let’s face it, is likely), so will the lifetime ones. This is something you want to invest in early if your state also offers lifetime fishing licenses! I am kicking myself in the head for not having done this the second my kids were born as I routinely fish Vermont waters with my kids.

Conclusions

As you can tell, the rules are fairly standard across the board: younger children can usually fish without a fishing license, though some states require them to be accompanied by an adult who has one. Remember that these foregoing is simply my interpretation of the laws of the land, but as I am neither an attorney nor game warden, you should always double check before heading out there.

I hope this article helps you get out there and make some great memories with your kids and their grandparents. Thanks for reading.

John Paxton

Want to learn how to take your kids out fishing? Do you have a friend who might need a hand? Click the pictures below to purchase my helpful books!


Lake Champlain Fishing Report: Wrath of the Rat-L-Trap

If I were a lizard or some other cold-blooded critter, Lake Champlain would be the rock on which I’d bask. There’s something about fishing there that sets me at ease and warms me to the core. I’ve fished plenty of other places from Florida to Alaska, and while they all were fine, fishing in the north country is something special indeed. It doesn’t hurt that we live near one of the best fishing spots in Lake Champlain, either!

Dad and I returned to the lake this weekend after a long absence, thanks to COVID-19. We didn’t manage to fish more than an hour or two in all of 2020, but we returned with a vengeance. While we spent most of our time there opening up the house, we did manage to get out for several hours Saturday and enjoy a May-like day on April 10. The weather was perfect, the fish were biting, and I and found one of the best rat-l-trap colors out there. It’s a little gem they call “cherry craw,” but which I’m forever going to call “the Vader.” All this set us up for one of the more memorable trips in some time. After our long absence, it was almost like the lake was welcoming us back home.

A Special Kind of Day…

I was prepared for a long weekend of vacuuming bugs, trying to get the sulfur smell out of the water pipes, and not much else. Most years, April is the time for the salmon trollers and diehard anglers. When I make my way up there, even much later in the month, it’s usually a frigid day spent clawing for a few scarce bites, so I wasn’t expecting much.

This weekend flipped that script. Friday and Saturday were both in the mid-70’s. The water temps in several areas were pushing 56 to 57 degrees. The water was glass flat and calm. It was as though someone stole a day from May and plunked it on the calendar four weeks early.

Well, that changed things in a hurry. The bugs were vacuumed up in haste, the pipes probably still smell like sulfur, but the boat was gassed up and launched and off we went.

calm day for fishing Lake Champlain
If you get a day this nice and calm on Lake Champlain in early April, you go fishing. End of story.

The Afternoon Bite

Dad and I got out on the water around noon. We figured this would be fine for this time of year — it would give the water a little time to warm up and the fish to get going. It paid off.

When it comes to Lake Champlain south of the Crown Point bridge, there’s always a question of which side to fish. While you can find diverse cover on both banks, the New York side, for the most part, tends to have wide, shallow, weedy bays. Vermont, on the other hand, finds the shoreline much closer to the drop off and significantly rockier. Largemouth bass are found on both sides routinely while most smallmouth are taken on the Vermont side in my experience. If you fish there all the time, you’re going to get pretty well keyed in on where to go, but since this was our first trip of the year, it was anyone’s guess.

After a short discussion, we decided that we’d start in New York and see if any fish were sunning themselves in the shallow bays. I had a Bill Lewis Rat-L-Trap tied on while Dad was throwing a scatter rap. Most times of the year, the New York side would get too weed-chocked to use these, but as of now there weren’t many weeds in yet and we were able to get them through OK if we kept our rod tips higher.

Good Ol’ Chainsides for the First Bite

There was a little breeze coming from the south, so we motored up that way and drifted across what will become a grass flat in a few weeks. It was a little slow going at first until we came across some clearer water towards the north end of the bay. There, a few good-sized chain pickerel were lying in wait. We hooked up with three good fish to get the skunk out of the boat.

Lake Champlain chain pickerel
Not a bad chain pickerel to start off the season!

To Vermont!

Even though we caught a few chains on the New York side, they weren’t exactly lighting us up. We decided to head over to Vermont and start casting to rocky points. Again, we let the wind drift us down considerable shoreline. It’s the same area Dad used to take me fishing when I was a little kid. It feels good to repay the favor 30 years later and gets me a little sentimental at times. It’s interesting how the roles have reversed. Now I’m doing everything from boat control to taking care of tangles so he doesn’t jab himself with the hooks trying to free his own lures.

We stuck with the same lures, and here’s where that Rat-L-Trap really started to shine. Numerous largemouth and smallmouth bass were had, with the biggest smallie going 20″. They were fighting aggressively and it was all I could do to keep them from jumping.

A good Lake Champlain fish (smallmouth bass)
This would qualify as a Master Angler fish but I only have the NY license. Maybe next time!

We got into maybe 12-15 fish on the Vermont side over the course of an hour or two. Most of them were decent size, some 3 – 4lbs, certainly, with a few fat enough that they might have been pushing 5lb (though that also could just be the long, COVID-compelled forced respite talking too)!

We stink at selfie’s.

Fishing with Friends

The action was consistent and no one was complaining, but Dad wanted to get back and do some chores (he hates vines and needs to cut them on sight), so I headed back to the dock. We swapped passengers there, as my friend and his son came out with me to catch up and catch fish.

We started off on the Vermont side and Jay’s son caught this beauty of a largemouth. It gave him a good fight and acrobatic show and you can tell from his smile, he was pleased. After fishing Vermont for a bit we thought we’d head back to New York and see if we could entice a cat or bowfin on a minnow, but they weren’t biting. The kid did land another good bass there though, so he was happy.

Child catching a Lake Champlain fish (largemouth bass)
Smiles like this are the whole reason I made FishingFather.

The Evening Bite

When Jay and his son had to go home for dinner, Dad and I went back out on the glass-calm lake to stretch out every last inch of sunlight. I again tossed out the Rat-L-Trap (that I being very gingerly with, might I add–I retied nearly every fish as I only had one of that color) while Dad started using a Rapala Shadow Rap. These are great jerkbaits for early in the year especially. They seem to catch more fish than X-Raps, but the issue is they’re nowhere near as hardy. They have thin wire hooks that are annihilated by any good sized fish, and Dad had several.

Lake Champlain fish - smallmouth bass.
Dad with a nice smallmouth bass.

The lake was special that day. Again, it was like a day in May tossed into the beginning of April – quite unheard of if you ask me, but I’ll take it. I know the big man in the sky has plenty of other issues to deal with far greater than me, but I swear, the times Dad and I have really needed a good fishing trip, he’s delivered. This trip reminded me quite a bit of one six years ago when Dad lost his mother, my grandmother. Everything seemed to align, the fish were eager to bite, and we managed to land all the big ones. We held out as long as we could before heading back in. Multiple bass of good size were landed before we called it a night.

Lake Champlain in April
Lake Champlain is my happy place, and this photo makes it easy to see why.

Want to have a great trip like this? Read my list of definitive fishing resources for Lake Champlain for advice on fishing the lake.

How’d I Settle on Fishing a Rat-L-Trap?

While I think every fisherman has a few Rat-L-Traps in their tackle box, I’ve never really committed to fishing one for an evening like I did last Saturday. I’m glad I did, though, as I was definitely getting more bites on them than Dad did on the scatter rap during the day (the shadow rap gave a good accounting for itself later on).

You know a guy is working out well for his sponsors when he’s convincing folks who haven’t fished with him for years to go buy all of their products. It has been a few years since I’ve fished with Captain Mick, but I’ve been following him on Facebook with envy seeing all the huge fish he’s bringing his charter clients daily. I know he’s been on the Pro Staff for Bill Lewis lures for a bit now, and I also know he doesn’t just endorse anything. It’s one thing for a professional tournament angler to pitch a product, but quite another for a charter guide who is responsible for putting all their clients, with varying skill sets, on fish. The charter captains aren’t going to push lures that don’t work, or they won’t be charter captains for long.

That’s my theory, anyway, so when Mick keeps posting lures he’s using on Facebook, I trust him that he’s actually using them and that they actually work. Seeing that he had a really good Friday, I picked up a couple of 1/2 oz Rat-L-Traps at Wal-Mart in Ti on the way up. I decided to go with cherry craw just because red lures seem to work well early in the season for me. I only thought to grab two because I figured I’d be throwing a jerkbait before too long.

Lake Champlain fish, a largemouth bass caught on a Rat-L-Trap
A nice sized largemouth bass caught on this Rat-L-Trap

How to Fish a Rat-L-Trap

There’s no wrong way to fish a Rat-L-Trap. You can burn them back to the boat, work them back in on a series of snap jerks and flutter falls, or run them over the top of submerged weeds, “ticking” every one of them on the way back and hoping for a strike. This weekend, however, I went with a slow roll and banged it up against all sorts of rocks and cover trying to elicit a response. I figured it made sense to slow things down given the water temps weren’t even 60 degrees yet, nice though the day was.

Best Rat-L-Trap Colors?

Whatever one works, of course! As mentioned, I was throwing red this time around. In the past, when I’ve bought them I’ve tended to load up with some sort of silver baitfish look, or a yellow perch variation. Red is usually a pretty good color for lures early in the year as well as on overcast days, especially in murky water like so much of Lake Champlain is south of the bridge. If I was fishing in Bulwagga Bay, I likely would have gone with the perch or baitfish.

My new favorite Rat-L-Trap color.
Captain Mick, you are an expensive friend to have.

Other Observations

The lake is LOW. Scary low. So scary low, that I’m concerned when I return with my family in a few more weeks, we might not be able to use our dock. Normally, it works just fine through August, when things start to get a little hairy. This year, however, it seems to be several feet lower than normal. It’s only at 96.55 feet. I’m sure some expert out there could tell me how close to record that is or isn’t. All I know is that this time of year, I’d expect the water to be up to at least two or maybe three of these blocks.

Lake Champlain low water level
The water is way lower than I expected it. I’m usually fishing off the second one in May.

I sure hope the place gets some rain before we head back up there. While the town launch isn’t exactly far, it’s a pain with small kids and I’d certainly prefer to just dock the boat all week. There’s also the matter of wanting my daughter to get a chance to fish off our dock. It’s going to be hard to do that in 6″ of water!

Until Next Time…

It was a much-needed trip and I’m blessed God made the weather and fish so cooperating. It’s always hard to leave all the fish Lake Champlain alone again, though I’m sure they’ll have others to keep them company. I’m looking forward to returning, though I don’t know what this early break will mean for the spawn or season. If I were the fish, I’d be thinking about spawning now while there’s still some water in the lake, as the levels are quite concerning.

A perfect calm evening on Lake Champlain.
What a glorious view.

Well, there’s nothing that can be done about that, I suppose. I’ll just have to sit here and bide my time until I can return to Lake Champlain for another great fishing trip with Dad. Until then, I’ll just have to watch Facebook with envy while all the rest of you slay them!

Thanks for reading,

John Paxton

Are Spinning Rods Good for Bass Fishing?

Even though many of us started bass fishing with spinning rods, they almost have a stigma about them. It’s not too hard to find an angler who holds their nose up to them, or implies that they can’t handle many of the more common situations. Some people seem to think that spinning rods are only good for light lines and lures. This is baloney. A spinning rod is a perfectly good tool for bass fishing. You just might need to be search a little bit if you need a spinning rod for a hyper-specific situation.

Why the Stigma?

As I mentioned above, there’s almost a stigma against using a spinning rod. Some seem to feel it is amateurish to use these instead of the more complex baitcasters. Certainly, having spent the time necessary to learn a baitcaster inside and out is the mark of an enthusiast, but it isn’t strictly necessary by any means. Indeed, if you’re just fishing for fun, or flat out don’t want the bother with a baitcaster, there’s nothing wrong with using a spinning rod.

Spinning rods vs. baitcasters are very much like an automatic transmission vs. a stick shift in a car. Those who prefer the latter like to put on airs now and then, but the people using the automatics are still getting from Point A to Point B just fine (and often with a lot less hassle)!

Frankly, most mature adults gave up picking on people for what stuff they use back in about middle school, so this isn’t something to really worry about. If someone gives you flak for using a spinning rod, just count your blessings that you don’t allow such trivialities to bother you.

What are Casting Rods Best For?

Casting rods do have their place. While I would submit that just about anything they can do, a spinning rod can do marginally worse, there are certain applications that just are more enjoyable to fish with a baitcaster.

Chunking Heavy Lures

Typically speaking, a baitcaster is going to be your better choice for throwing heavy lures. It’s much easier to find a baitcasting rod set up for this, but more importantly, a “standard” size baitcasting reel can handle large lures just fine. This is because baitcasters are made to accept the heavier fishing line that is normally attached to these bigger fishing lures. In contrast, you’d need a very large spinning rod to toss the bigger lures.

Heavy Cover Situations

Because baitcasting reels act as a winch, they are much better for dragging fish out of heavy cover such as lily pads than spinning reels. That’s not to say you can’t also do this with a spinning reel, but the baitcaster is going to have a much easier time with it. All of my fishing combos set up for fishing with plastic frogs or heavy jigs are on baitcasters for this reason.

Precision Casting

While I suppose, with practice, you could get very precise casting any type of fishing rod, baitcasters have a well-earned reputation for being the most precise casting tools out there. This is because it is so easy to pitch and flip with a baitcaster. Here’s a good demonstration of how to do this (take note of how precise the cast is, and how little splash is made):

What are the Advantages of Spinning Rods?

Spinning rods have so many advantages over casting rods that it’s hard to see why people think so lowly of them. For many situations, they’re the better option.

Versatility

In my mind, spinning rods are actually more versatile than baitcasters. The right power & action spinning rod can throw just about any lure a baitcaster can. On the other hand, you’d be extremely hard-pressed to find a baitcaster that could handle throwing the types of light lures spinning rods can throw.

So, you basically have one type of rod that can handle everything vs. another type of rod that can only handle some things. It stands to reason that a versatile rod is going to be good for bass fishing, and spinning rods are clearly that.

Ease of Use

I’d rather have a spinning rod on a windy day than a casting rod. Even after years of practice, casting into the wind with a baitcaster is a pain. While spinning reels do develop wind knots and have their own issues, they’re just more enjoyable to use on windy days.

They’re also significantly easier for beginners. While you’re starting off, you’re far better off concentrating on catching fish instead of picking out backlashes. There’s a reason no one recommends starting children off on baitcasters.

Price

OK, so spinning rods aren’t necessarily any cheaper than their casting cousins, but it is significantly less expensive to get into a good spinning reel than a baitcaster that won’t leave you flustered. Baitcasters aren’t that easy to use in the first place, but this is exacerbated when your reel of choice has substandard braking systems, as most of the “budget” reels do. On the other hand, a Pflueger President is an inexpensive spinning reel that lasts for years. I know because most of my rods have one attached! Go ahead and check the best price on Amazon. Whatever it is, it’s going to be far less than almost all decent baitcasters.

Can You Throw Heavy Lures on a Spinning Rod?

You can absolutely throw heavy lures on the right spinning rod. The trick is finding a brand that can deliver. An easy shortcut is probably just to go with some saltwater rods, as there are plenty of saltwater spinning rods rated for considerably larger lures than the typical freshwater rod.

If you’re a purist, and want a “true” freshwater rod, then one of your better bets for tossing big lures and baits is going to be the St. Croix Premier series. This expansive set of rods includes spinning rods in a Heavy power, fast action set up that is ideal for throwing frogs and other large lures. I once reviewed the St. Croix premier fishing rod in detail.

There’s really no issue with throwing heavy lures on a spinning rod. The problem becomes the reel itself. You’re going to need a very large one to handle the heavier braid necessary when throwing frogs, for example. Again a saltwater reel might be just the ticket.

When Do I Prefer a Spinning Rod?

As I mentioned above, I use both spinning rods and baitcasters for bass fishing. When do I use what? Well, here’s what I prefer and why:

I Prefer Spinning Rods for…

  • Jerkbaits – I believe most people prefer baitcasters for these. I however like how the spinning reel hanging below the rod helps me get the jerks across crisply. It’s just a little bit more “oomph” to help out. To each their own, I suppose, but jerkbaits are such open water lures that you aren’t really losing anything using a spinning rod.
  • Shallow Crankbaits – Most people use baitcasters for crankbaits, but I find that I’m usually throwing shallow-running ones early in the year. Where I fish, this is often the windiest time of the year also. The wind and relatively small size of some of these crankbaits just makes it easier to use a spinning rod.
  • Plastic Worms – This is just a matter of preference, but I prefer the way a spinning reel balances while I’m working a worm. Perhaps it’s just a habit from my youth that I can’t give up, but I definitely prefer to use a spinning rod with my wacky rigged worms.
  • Drop Shot / Light Lures – Finally one that others will agree with, right? Drop shots are light tackle with light line much better suited for a spinning rod.

I Prefer Baitcasters for…

  • Spinnerbaits – I can make more casts with a baitcaster in less time than I can with a spinning rod. It’s simply a question of mechanics of the cast and what steps you must take. When I’m fishing spinnerbaits, I’m trying to cover a lot of water so it’s important to make as many casts as possible.
  • Deep Crankbaits – Once you start using larger crankbaits that displace more water and dive deeper, the cranking action of a baitcaster really comes in handy.
  • Jigs – I tend to make very precise, short casts with jigs and find baitcasters the better option.
  • Frogs – The winch-like action of a baitcasting reel is a must when pulling fish from heavy cover.
  • Buzzbaits – I find it easier to start reeling with a baitcaster. On a spinning rod, manually flipping the bail before reeling in a buzzbait can cause it to sink.
I use both spinning rods and baitcasters for bass fishing. Both work well.
I use a little bit of everything on my fishing trips.

Conclusions: Yes, Spinning Rods are Good for Bass Fishing

To recap, spinning rods are just FINE for bass fishing. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise. One of the main reasons that I started this blog was to try and be a voice of reason. It really bothers me when I hear people trying to convince beginners that they “need” all this fancy tackle. To me, a baitcaster is just that – fancy. Do I own them? Absolutely. Are they better for certain applications? Sure. Do you need to rush out to buy one to be a successful angler? Of course not. If all you have is a spinning rod, use it with a giant smile on your face. You aren’t missing out.

Have a great day for fishing,

John Paxton