Outdoor Academy

Selecting the appropriate fishing line is crucial for maximizing your success on the water. Choosing the correct line ensures you can cast accurately, land fish without breaking off, detect even the subtlest of takes, and avoid spooking fish. When heading out onto the water, it is vital to consider your target species, fishing conditions, fish habitat, budget, water depth, and much more to choose the appropriate fishing line. This article is your comprehensive guide to selecting the right line for your needs — covering monofilament, braided, fluorocarbon, fly, and wire lines.

Whether you’re floating your local tailwater for trophy trout or scouring white sand flats for cruising tarpon, you can use this loop knot for giving your big streamers some added action without compromising on knot security. The Improved Homer Rhode Loop Knot is comprised of two smaller knots which tighten against one another as pressure is applied to the line. This makes the knot incredibly strong and reliable when fighting larger gamefish. With some practice, you’ll find yourself speeding through this one in no time. Here’s how we like to tie this knot in 8 simple steps.

If you’ve ever damaged the end of your fly line or had to build a new leader while out on the water, you may already know the versatility of the Perfection Loop. This loop knot is simple, strong, and very quick to complete with just a little practice. Here’s how we like to do it in 5 easy steps.

The Dragon Tail tarpon fly is a simple, effective fly originally devised for targeting tarpon along the Gulf Coast. The Dragon Tail fly has great action in the water, even with a slow retrieve, and can be tied in under 5 minutes. Here’s a tying demo using a Varivas 3/0 saltwater hook.

This ultimate guide is designed for anglers and families visiting Key West for a fishing trip and looking for other activities to engage in. Sitting at the southernmost point of the United States, this island community offers a myriad of unforgettable experiences, in addition to the world class fishing. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a history buff, a foodie, or a party-goer, this list offers a comprehensive taste of the best things to do in Key West.

Capt. Alex Tejeda of Bone Collector Kayak Fishing Charters offers an incredibly unique angling experience unparalleled in the South Florida area. Bone Collector Kayak Fishing mainly targets bonefish, but if the client has a preference, Alex can tailor a trip to their desires. Alex uses specialized kayaks to target everything South Florida has to offer. Tarpon, snook, largemouth bass, spinner shark, lemon shark, barracuda, permit and more are available options. The operation is run off state of the art kayaks designed for efficiency and comfort, he will fish anywhere from Biscayne Bay to the Southern Keys, including the everglades. Keep reading to learn more about a truly unique experience on the water with Bone Collector Kayak Fishing.

Are you planning a saltwater fishing trip along the Gulf of Mexico and in search of the best fishing towns to consider for your home base? Well, you've come to the right place! In this article, we've compiled a list of the top fishing towns along the Gulf Coast that are perfect for saltwater anglers. From thriving fishing communities to abundant marine life, these towns offer exceptional opportunities for a successful and exciting saltwater fishing experience.

From the early days of his youth to a career as a professional athlete, Ben Sweat has always loved the discoveries and growth afforded to him by time on the water. Over the course of his career playing for professional soccer clubs across the country, Ben has found his own unique outlet through fishing. For him, fishing acts as an important counterbalance to the constant travel, rigorous training, and complete focus required throughout his season. Now — as a defender for Major League Soccer’s New England Revolution with more than 10 years of professional soccer under his belt — Ben has begun to truly appreciate the value of his time on the water. We sat down with Ben to learn more about his journey through the not-so-disparate worlds of fishing and professional soccer.

Are you planning a fly fishing trip in South Florida and in need of high-quality fly fishing gear, fly tying supplies, or knowledgeable fishermen who can help you learn the area? Look no further! In this article we’ve compiled a list of the best fly shops in South Florida that can cater to the needs of all anglers, no matter how experienced. From a vast selection of flies to top-notch equipment and expert advice, these fly shops are your ideal destinations for a successful and enjoyable fly fishing experience.

Tipping and gratuity are topics that vary widely across cultures, regions, and industries, but when it comes to tipping outdoor guides, there are a few important nuances to consider. Tipping outdoor guides plays a significant role in recognizing their hard work in providing you with a memorable experience. In this blog post, we will focus on how to tip fishing guides and provide essential etiquette for tipping them.