Fishing Gear

Fisherman on kayak in pond
Trying out new fishing gear and a new Hobie fishing kayak in Florida. All in a hard day’s work! Photo: Chase Fly

Fishing gear reviews about rods, reels, baits, gadgets, and tackle that will help you pick quality gear so you don’t waste your money. Our hands-on fishing gear product reviews, buyer’s guides, and tips will help you cut through the marketing bologna so you know exactly what you’re buying and what you can expect. Whether your just getting started or you won the lottery and want to buy the most expensive fishing reel possible, there’s something here for you.

Related: Fishing, Freshwater Fishing, Saltwater Fishing, Fly Fishing, Bowfishing

Fishing Gear Guides and Reviews

Main types of fishing reels on rods laying on floor

What Are the Most Common Types of Fishing Reels?

The difference between reels is often a confusing subject for anglers — especially those who are new to the sport — but ...
Close up of medium spinning reel size in anglers hands on a fishing rod

Fishing Reel Sizes Explained! All Reel Types with Charts

Every bit of fishing gear has an effect on what you can catch and how easy it’s going to be to reel ...
Chase Fly in front of a Cabela's store holding up a Black Friday Sale ad

Only the Best Black Friday Deals at Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s 2023

There are so many outdoor gear deals on Black Friday that it can be hard to decipher which are actually the best ...
Nine of the best wheeled coolers stacked up in a backyard

6 Best Wheeled Coolers of 2023 and 3 to Avoid

Ever tried to lug a fully loaded cooler all by yourself? All too often once you get where you’re going, suddenly everyone ...
fishing rods

Fishing Rod Size Guide: How To Choose Fishing Rod Length

The perfect cast isn’t always just about the person behind the rod. When any angler goes out to try and bring in ...
tubefishing bass

What Makes a Good Tube Fishing Rod (3 Best Tube Rods)

Anyone hoping to catch bass can get the most out of fishing tubes. Tubes typically imitate small baitfish or crawfish, and bass ...
spinning reel in action

What is Drag on a Fishing Reel and How Does It Work?

When a monster grabs your line and starts to pull, you know you’re in for a fight. Over the years, fishing reels ...
Most Expensive Fishing Reels

The Most Expensive Fishing Reels Money Can (and Can’t) Buy

Buying the most expensive fishing reel you can find and heading out with high hopes of catching a monster is easy. The ...
fishing reels and lines

Where to Get a Fishing Reel Spooled and How Much It Costs

Every now and again, you will encounter issues with your fishing reel and will need it spooled with line again. No matter ...
Man with coat and beanie on holding bass fish caught in winter

The Best Colors and Baits for Winter Bass Fishing

The days are colder, the nights longer and the fishing is at its yearly low. Bass anglers around the country are left ...
Fly fishing gear on rock by river

39 Best Fly Fishing Gifts (We Know They Can be Picky)

Buying gifts for the fly fisher in your life is easy. My wife might not agree with me, but let me explain. ...
Fishing gear on table

44 Best Fishing Gifts for a Fisherman Who Has Everything

Getting the right fishing gift for your favorite angler can be tough, especially if you’re not an avid fisherman yourself. Lucky for ...
Fluorocarbon vs Floroclear spools of fishing line

Floroclear vs Fluorocarbon: What’s the Difference?

You want to purchase the best fishing line available when you go fishing. Two popular choices are Floroclear and fluorocarbon. But what ...
father and son fishing

What You Need to Start Fishing with Kids (Basic Gear & Tips)

Fishing is a tradition that has been passed down through generations and can be an incredible bonding experience. But these experiences don’t ...
best coolers for ice retention in yard

Best Cooler for Ice Retention (We Tested 28 to Find Out)

For people who take extended off-grid trips like whitewater rafters, backcountry hunters, and overlanders, how long a cooler holds ice is far ...
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Where is My Fish Finder Looking? (Understand Where to Cast)

Fish finders are very helpful tools, but it can be hard to tell where the fish are. Understanding what the fish finder ...
Eight pairs of best smith fishing sunglasses on a bench

Best Smith Sunglasses for Fishing and Water Sports 2023

If you have honed in on Smith Optics for your next pair of polarized sunglasses for fishing or other fun stuff on ...
Smith Guide's Choice sunglasses on man by Yellowstone Falls

My New Favorites: Smith Guide’s Choice Sunglasses Review

Sunglasses should be comfortable, keep the sun out of your eyes, and survive the perils of being tossed around. Bonus points for ...
Smith Castaway fishing and water sunglasses

Smith Castaway Sunglasses Review

The Smith Castaways are some of the newer fishing shades from the reputable eyewear brand. I’ll tell you why they fell just ...
Woman wearing Smith Joya and holding Rockaway sunglasses

Smith Joya vs Rockaway Sunglasses Review

The Smith Joya and Rockaway are designed for women. They’re cute, quality, and worthy of serious recreation on the water. So what’s ...