TIPS, TECHNIQUES, AND TALES FROM THE WATER
BAIT SHACK BLOG
What Size Circle Hook for Catfish? Here's What I Tie On
Quick answer: run a 3/0 to 7/0 circle hook for channel cats, a 5/0 to 8/0 for blues of any decent size, and a 10/0 to 12/0 for flatheads. For a true trophy fish...
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How to Catch More Fish: 6 Things That Actually Made the Difference
So here you are several hours into a fishing trip. In all your planning you had pictured a livewell or a stringer full of fish, but now you're standing there st...
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4 Mindset Hacks to Catch More Fish
I've heard it said that fishing is just "an excuse to drink beer". If that is your view of fishing then you probably landed at the wrong site. Here at Atko we h...
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5 Ways To Get Through The Fishing "Off Season"
Count your blessings if you are located in a southern latitude where the water is still warm and the fish are biting. Many of us are stuck in a frozen tundra an...
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Has Catch and Release Ruined Fishing?
I know that title has already got your mind reeling! You may want to cuss me out already, you may have already shouted in agreement, or quite possibly, you are...
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Can a Twenty Dollar Spinning Reel Be Any Good?
Sometimes a Budget Reel is All That's in the Budget This One Has Blown Away My Expectations Have you ever been pleasantly surprised by a purchase you made? Espe...
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5 Ways to Catch Bigger Fish
If you are like me you are always looking for your next big fish story to lie about. Well, here are a five ways to help you target bigger fish. We'd love to hea...
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Uni to Uni Leader Knot
Someone messaged me the other day wanting to know what Knot to use to connect a mono leader to braid. I realized that while I'm always so ready to deep dive int...
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Winter Striper Fishing on Lake Texoma
It would have been the early Eighties and although I was only about four years old, I remember it like it was yesterday. We were on my uncle's boat on lake Texo...
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Foolproof FG Knot – The Secret to a Perfect FG Knot
When the FG knot came on the scene I wasn't sure what to think about it. I watched someone tie it and thought to myself "what the heck are they doing?". Well on...
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DIY Glowing Night Bobber
There's many times you need to use a float at night, especially when using bait. Whether you are catfishing, saltwater fishing in the bay or from the pier, or r...
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Can I Use Braid for Crankbaits? (hint-stop using monofilament!)
If you've been fishing for sometime you've probably heard "because braid has no stretch, you can't use if for cranking." Well, I think its time we reconsider th...
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Skin On Fish Tacos
I know many are staying home right now and cooking a lot of meals. I thought it would be a great time to share my absolute favorite way to eat fish. I love fish...
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It's Time for Sportsmen to Shine
Yesterday afternoon a friend of mine stopped by to drop off some fresh turkey meat from a big ol' gobbler he killed that morning. I really enjoy myself a good t...
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The Most Essential Thing in Your Tackle Box
What's the one thing every fisherman should have in their tackle box? I'm sure if I asked that question to a dozen fishermen, I'd probably get a dozen answers....
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How to Have Killer Success With Circle Hooks
So I have to be honest. For a long time I struggled with circle hooks, especially when I was catfishing. I'm not sure if my problem was simply impatience or if...
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How to Catch Catfish in the Fall
For an outdoorsman Fall comes with many opportunities. Those of us that like to both fish and hunt can find ourselves with quite an internal debate! Do I head t...
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5 Ways to Avoid a Skunk
So here you are several hours into a fishing trip. In all your planning you had imagined a livewell or stringer full of fish, but now you're struggling to just...
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The Best Valentines Gift I Ever Received
Over twenty years ago, when my wife and I were dating, I received the most memorable Valentines gift of my life. We were exchanging gifts and she handed me a he...
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Adventure Fishing – Why It's The Best
What type of fishing is the best? Ask that question to 20 fishermen and you'll likely get 25 different answers. You will probably even start a heated debate. In...
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5 Steps to More Fishing Time
Do you struggle to find time to go fishing? With a life full of responsibilities it can very tough to go "indulge" in fishing when there is so much to do! Even...
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7 Great Christmas Gifts for Fisherman
Christmas is almost here, and you still need a gift for that fisherman in your life? Well you're in luck because we have a list of seven gift ideas that you can...
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