rsz ben head shot 100x
Ben is a lifelong environmental educator, former ISA-certified arborist and avid angler who writes about the natural world. He lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his beautiful wife and spoiled rotten Rottweiler. You can read more of Ben’s writing at FootstepsInTheForest.com.
boat with rod holders

9 Best Fishing Rod Holders Reviewed (Hands-on Guide)

[toc] Some fish are best pursued with a “shotgun” strategy which requires you to put more than one lure in the water ...
smart fishfinder

7 Best Portable Fish Finders Reviewed & Tested (Hands-on Guide)

This guide is only focusing on castable and portable fish finders ( aside from explaining how fish finders work in general ). ...
Lowrance 7 HDI

7 Best Fish Finders For Kayaks Reviewed (Hands-on Guide)

Just because you make your way around the lake in a little fishing kayak or canoe doesn’t mean you are looking for ...
spinning rod and reel

13 Best Spinning Reels Reviewed & Tested (Hands-on Guide)

While bass anglers and trolling aficionados often prefer baitcasting reels, and most kid-friendly rod and reel combos feature a spincasting reel, spinning ...
man surf fishing

6 Best Surf Fishing Rods Reviewed (Hands-on Guide)

Whether you are fishing for buckets full of croakers or targeting the largest cobia in the cove, fishing is always more relaxing ...
fishing kayak

9 Best Fishing Kayaks: Definitive Guide (In-Depth Reviews)

Fishing from a kayak affords anglers unparalleled access to small waters. Unlike those angling from the bank, kayaking anglers can access the ...
portable radio on log

6 Best Outdoor Radios (Waterproof & Portable Radios Reviewed)

Whether you are heading out on a camping trip, looking to enjoy a day at the beach, or you simply want to ...
bowfishing

11 Practical Tips for Bowfishing Success (Guaranteed to Work!)

Bowfishing is a fun way to spend an afternoon and an incredibly effective way to fill up a cooler with fish. But ...
man caught fish

Beginner’s Guide 101: What Are the Best Times of Day to Go Fishing?

Deciding on the best time to load up your fishing gear and hit the water is a big decision for many anglers. ...
man fishing on shore

Surf Fishing 101: A Beginner’s Guide to Beach Fishing Gear & Casting

Whether you’re jigging for bass at your local pond, trolling for stripers at the local reservoir or battling giant marlin miles from ...
hooked worms

Best Baitworms For Fishing: Selection, Storage and Presentation 

Few baits are as iconic as worms. They grace the hooks of a wide variety of anglers, including cane-pole-wielding kids trying to ...
saltwater reel vs freshwater reel

Saltwater vs Freshwater Reels: What’s the Big Difference? 

Although most anglers ply their craft in broadly similar ways, there are a few significant differences between those who fish in freshwater ...
spinning reel with spool

How to Spool a Spinning Reel Without The Line Twist

It’s always more fun to fish than it is to futz around with your gear, but some types of maintenance are unavoidable. ...
Casting technique

6 Fishing Rod Casting Techniques (Basic to Advanced)

If you want to catch fish, you need to sling your lure out to where the lunkers lurk regardless of the species you are ...
angler holding dolphin fish mahimahi

11 Reasons Fishing Makes You a Healthier, Happier Person

If you are reading this, I probably don’t have to sell you on the wonders of fishing – you are probably already ...
two kids at river

Teaching Children the Importance of Fish and Wildlife Conservation

[toc] Although they develop their own attitudes, perceptions and philosophies over time, most children reflect the views and priorities of their parents. ...
annual kids fishing day

Taking Children on Their First Fishing Trip

Few memories last as long as those surrounding your first fishing trip (family’s first camping trip maybe?). You probably still remember the ...
Fishing Rods and Reels

Buying Rod & Reel Combo Or Choosing Each Separately?

Experienced anglers are usually better served by purchasing their rods and reels separately, while beginning anglers are often better off purchasing one ...
fishing rod with reel

One- Or Two-Piece Or Telescopic Fishing Rod – Which One To Choose?

Despite their seeming simplicity, fishing rods vary in a number of important ways. They exhibit different actions, different levels of power and ...
Down vs Side imaging Fishfinder

Down-Imaging Vs. Side-Imaging Finally Explained!

Many anglers who are interested in adding a fish finder to their arsenal of tools become frustrated and confused with the extensive ...
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