The Fishing Manual

A complete, practical guide

Master every kind of fishing.

Freshwater to bluewater, fly to ice — techniques, gear, knots, rigs and species guides written to actually put more fish in the net.

Start here Browse species
  • 10Categories
  • 64Guides
  • AllSkill levels
Illustrated scene of a beginner angler in a stream casting a fly rod with a looping line, surrounded by riffles, rocks, and rising trout Featured
Fly

Fly Fishing for Beginners: Your First Steps

New to fly fishing? Learn the gear, casting basics, starter flies, reading water, and first-trip tips to confidently catch your first fish on the fly.

Read the guide
The manual

Explore by category

Ten chapters covering the whole sport — pick where you fish.

Getting Started New to fishing? Everything you need for your first trip — licenses, basic gear, ethics, and landing your first fish. 6 guides Freshwater Fishing Lakes, rivers, ponds and streams — the methods and know-how for bass, trout, panfish, catfish and more. 5 guides Saltwater Fishing Inshore flats to offshore bluewater — surf, pier, bay and deep-sea tactics for saltwater species. 5 guides Fly Fishing The art of the fly — casting mechanics, reading water, fly selection, and gear for trout and beyond. 4 guides Ice Fishing Hardwater fishing done right — ice safety, augers, shelters, electronics, and locating fish under the ice. 4 guides Techniques & Methods Trolling, jigging, bottom fishing, surf casting, drop-shotting, kayak and more — how to fish, method by method. 9 guides Species Guides Target-by-target playbooks — habits, habitat, baits and seasons for the fish anglers chase most. 9 guides Gear & Tackle Rods, reels, line, hooks, lures, bait and electronics — choose the right tackle and understand why it works. 9 guides Knots & Rigs The essential knots and rigs every angler should know — with clear, step-by-step diagrams. 5 guides Conditions & Cooking Read weather, seasons, water temperature, tides and moon — then clean and cook your catch. 8 guides
Fresh from the water

Latest guides

intermediate

How to Find Fish on a Lake

A practical guide to locating fish on any lake. Read structure, water temperature, baitfish, and electronics to put your bait where the fish actually are.

New to fishing?

Start with the fundamentals — licenses, first gear, and your first catch.

Beginner's path