Catch guides for the fish you chase.
Honest, evidence-based profiles of freshwater and saltwater fish - habitat, seasons, tackle, baits, and how to actually catch them. No fluff, no hype.
Fresh reads
All articles →How to Fish a Carolina Rig
The Carolina rig is a slow, bottom-dragging setup that covers big offshore flats and points better than almost anything else. How to tie it, how long to make the leader, the right weight for your depth, and the retrieve that separates feeling bites from feeling rocks.
How to Fish a Swimbait
A swimbait catches fish by being boring in the right way - steady, slow, and the size of what the fish is already eating. How to pick between paddle tails, jointed baits and glide baits, the retrieve speeds that matter by season, and why most beginners fish them far too fast.
How to Fish a Jerkbait
The jerkbait is a cold-water specialist that catches fish on the pause, not the jerk. How to cadence it by water temperature, the rod and line setup that matters, why slack-line twitches beat hard yanks, and how to tune a bait so it truly suspends.
Urban Fishing: Getting Started
The best fishing most city anglers ignore is inside the city limits - park ponds, canals, river walls and stormwater lakes. Where to look, what actually lives there, the minimal kit, and the rules that still apply downtown.
Lake Turnover Explained For Anglers
Turnover is the autumn week or two when a stratified lake mixes top to bottom and the bite falls apart. Here is what is physically happening, how to recognise it on the water, and where fish stay catchable while it passes.
Cleaning and Filleting Fish
There is a deep satisfaction in eating a fish you caught yourself. A meal of fresh fillets is the natural finish to a good day on the water, and it connects…
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Largemouth Bass
FRESHWATER FISH
Redfish
SALTWATER FISH
Smallmouth Bass
FRESHWATER FISH
Spotted Seatrout
SALTWATER FISH
Rainbow Trout
FRESHWATER FISH
Snook
SALTWATER FISH
Bluegill
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Tarpon
SALTWATER FISH
Crappie
FRESHWATER FISH
Flounder
SALTWATER FISH
Channel Catfish
FRESHWATER FISH215 more →
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Every profile covers identification, habitat, seasons, tackle, baits, technique, and where the fish suits an angler best.
Freshwater Fish
120 species · full guidesDetailed habitat, seasons, tackle and technique for every freshwater fish.
Saltwater Fish
106 species · full guidesDetailed habitat, seasons, tackle and technique for every saltwater fish.
Frequently asked questions.
The things new anglers ask us most.
I've never fished before. How do I start?
You need less than the shops suggest: a simple rod-and-reel combo, a few hooks and some bait will catch fish. Our first fish walkthrough takes you from setup to your first catch in five steps, and Start Here covers the basics without the jargon.
Are Anglervale's guides free to read?
Yes. Every species profile and how-to on the site is free, with no login or paywall. The site is funded through clearly labelled affiliate links on gear recommendations, which never change the advice.
What's the best bait or lure to use?
It depends on the species and the season more than on any single "best" lure. Each species profile lists what actually works for that fish, our bait and lure guide explains when to use what, and what's biting shows what is active right now.
When is the best time of day to go fishing?
Dawn and dusk are classic for a reason, but weather, water and moon all matter. Our today's conditions tool scores the day from live weather and pressure, and the solunar calendar flags the peak feeding windows.
Do I need a fishing licence?
In most US states, yes, once you are over a certain age, and rules vary by state and water. Always check your own state wildlife agency before you fish. Many states also run free fishing days when no licence is needed.