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.
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All articles →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…
Fishing Licenses and Regulations Explained
Every angler, from the first-timer to the seasoned veteran, has to deal with one piece of fishing that has nothing to do with lures or technique: licenses and…
How to Fish a Spinnerbait
A spinnerbait catches fish because it can be reeled straight through cover that would foul any other lure. Match the blade to the water clarity, keep the retrieve slow enough to feel the thump, and drive it into wood rather than around it.
Farm Pond Fishing
Anglers spend fortunes chasing fish on massive reservoirs and famous rivers, while some of the best fishing in America sits quietly behind a barn, in a…
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Largemouth Bass
FRESHWATER FISH
Redfish
SALTWATER FISH
Smallmouth Bass
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Spotted Seatrout
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Rainbow Trout
FRESHWATER FISH
Snook
SALTWATER FISH
Bluegill
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Tarpon
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Crappie
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Flounder
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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.