Bushwhack Blog

Fishing tips, gear guides, and stories from the water

RSS Feed
How to Find Bluegill Beds in Spring (And Fish the Pre-Spawn)
Fishing TipsSpring FishingFreshwater FishingPanfishPre-SpawnBluegillSpawning

How to Find Bluegill Beds in Spring (And Fish the Pre-Spawn)

Spring bluegill fishing is about more than finding beds — the real trophy window opens before the spawn even starts. Here's a temperature-driven phase guide to where bluegill stage from ice-out through active bedding, so you can target the biggest fish of the year.

April 18, 2026 8 min read
Read
Spring Smallmouth Bass River Fishing: Ice-Out to Pre-Spawn
Spring FishingBass FishingSmallmouth BassRiver FishingPre-Spawn

Spring Smallmouth Bass River Fishing: Ice-Out to Pre-Spawn

Spring smallmouth bass river fishing breaks down into three temperature-driven phases. Learn where fish hold and which lures work from ice-out in the low 40s all the way through pre-spawn staging at 55–65°F.

April 17, 2026 8 min read
Read
Fluorocarbon vs. Monofilament vs. Braid: Which Line Wins?
Fishing GearBass FishingTrout FishingBeginner Tips

Fluorocarbon vs. Monofilament vs. Braid: Which Line Wins?

Not sure which fishing line to use? This species- and technique-based guide breaks down when fluorocarbon vs monofilament vs braid wins — without brand bias.

April 16, 2026 6 min read
Read
Kayak Fishing Starter Guide: What to Know Before You Launch
Fishing LogFishing GearKayak FishingSafetyFishing Electronics

Kayak Fishing Starter Guide: What to Know Before You Launch

This kayak fishing starter guide covers everything beginners need: hull selection, rigging for stability, electronics mounting including forward-facing sonar, safety gear, and how a fishing log helps you track productive drifts and anchor spots.

April 15, 2026 8 min read
Read
Live-Bait Jigging for Spring Walleye Along Channel Points
Spring FishingFreshwater FishingWalleyeJiggingLive Bait

Live-Bait Jigging for Spring Walleye Along Channel Points

Master spring walleye fishing with live-bait jigging along channel points. Learn how to read current seams, dial in your jigging cadence, time your trip to the full moon, and log productive spots for next season.

April 14, 2026 9 min read
Read
Best Fly Fishing Waders for 2026: From First-Timer to Full-Season Wade Angler
Fishing GearFly FishingBeginner GuidesRiver Fishing

Best Fly Fishing Waders for 2026: From First-Timer to Full-Season Wade Angler

The best fly fishing waders for 2026 cover every budget — from under $100 to premium guide-grade. Here are 5 tested picks with real Amazon links, plus a buying guide to help you choose.

April 13, 2026 6 min read
Read
How to Read Water for Fishing Without Electronics
Fishing TipsFly FishingBass FishingWater ReadingFreshwater FishingTrout Fishing

How to Read Water for Fishing Without Electronics

Learn how to read water for fishing using only visual cues — seams, current breaks, drop-offs, and shallow flats. A practical guide covering rivers and lakes for bass, trout, and walleye.

April 10, 2026 8 min read
Read
Dry Dropper Rig Setup: A Complete Beginner's Guide
Fly FishingTrout FishingNymphingBeginner GuidesRigging

Dry Dropper Rig Setup: A Complete Beginner's Guide

Learn the dry dropper rig setup from scratch — how to build it step by step, the best fly combos, how to cast without tangles, and how to detect subsurface strikes. The most practical beginner guide to fishing a dry fly and nymph together.

April 9, 2026 9 min read
Read
Pre-Spawn Bass Fishing: A Temperature-by-Temperature Field Guide
Fishing LogSpring FishingLure FishingBass FishingFreshwater Fishing

Pre-Spawn Bass Fishing: A Temperature-by-Temperature Field Guide

Pre-spawn bass fishing water temperature is the most important data point on the lake. Learn the four temperature windows, where bass stage, which lures to throw, and how to log your way to predicting the spawn on your home water.

April 8, 2026 5 min read
Read