Walleye can be challenging to catch because they constantly change depth and location with light, water temperature, prey movement, and season. The key is to find structure and keep your bait close to the depth where fish are feeding. Jigs tipped with minnows, slip bobbers, crawler harnesses, crankbaits, and live-bait rigs are among the most … Read more
The walleye (Sander vitreus) is a popular North American freshwater game fish prized for its large reflective eyes, sharp teeth, challenging fishing, and mild white meat. Walleyes inhabit lakes, reservoirs, and rivers, especially in cooler northern regions. Their exceptional low-light vision makes them effective predators during cloudy weather, at dawn and dusk, and after dark. … Read more
The easiest way to compare white crappie vs black crappie is to examine their markings and count their dorsal-fin spines. White crappie usually have vertical bars and five or six spines, while black crappie have scattered dark spots and seven or eight spines. Color alone can be misleading, especially during spawning season. Although these closely … Read more
White crappie are popular freshwater fish known for their silvery bodies, dark vertical markings, and appeal to anglers. They inhabit lakes, reservoirs, and slow-moving waters, often gathering around submerged timber and other cover. Although frequently confused with black crappie, they have several reliable identifying features beyond color. Understanding those differences also helps separate them from … Read more
The black crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus) is a popular freshwater sport fish recognized by its silvery body, irregular dark spots, and large mouth. It belongs to the sunfish family and occurs naturally or through stocking across much of North America. Black crappie gather around vegetation, submerged trees, docks, and brush piles, where anglers catch them using … Read more
Crappie are popular North American freshwater fish valued for their mild flavor, schooling behavior, and willingness to strike small jigs and minnows. Two recognized species exist: black crappie and white crappie. Both belong to the sunfish family and inhabit lakes, reservoirs, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. Although the two species look similar, their markings and dorsal … Read more
Bluegill and sunfish are not completely different fish. A bluegill is one species within the freshwater sunfish family, while “sunfish” is a broader name covering bluegill, green sunfish, pumpkinseed, redear, and several related species. Their similar body shapes and changing colors can make identification difficult, especially among young or hybrid fish. However, differences in mouth … Read more
Bluegill fish are among the most familiar freshwater sunfish in North America. Their colorful cheeks, deep bodies, and willingness to bite make them popular with anglers of every experience level. Bluegill inhabit ponds, lakes, reservoirs, streams, and slow-moving rivers, usually remaining near vegetation or submerged cover. They consume insects, crustaceans, plankton, and small fish while … Read more
The common carp fish (Cyprinus carpio) is a large freshwater species found in lakes, rivers, reservoirs, ponds, and fish farms around the world. Originally native to parts of Europe and Asia, common carp have been introduced widely for food, sport fishing, and aquaculture. They are adaptable omnivores that feed on plants, insects, worms, crustaceans, and … Read more
The grass carp fish (Ctenopharyngodon idella) is a large freshwater fish originally native to eastern Asia and widely introduced elsewhere for aquatic vegetation control and aquaculture. Also called the Chinese grass carp, it is primarily herbivorous and can consume large amounts of aquatic plants as it grows. Grass carp are raised on fish farms, stocked … Read more