How To Fish

How to Catch Fish

How to Fish – New Fishermen Looking to Learn Fishing, will find more questions than answers. In our feature on learning fishing, we will share some links and give you a starting point. If you are new to fishing, you should avoid common pitfalls and get expert help.

Learn How to Fish - save money and do not buy tons of unneeded tackle.
Live Bait helps those new to fishing to get more action and learn way more about catching fish.
  • Don’t Buy Lots of Gear
  • Don’t wait to fish only in exotic remote locations (fish close to home)
  • Ask local professional guide
  • Hire a professional to show you how to fish
  • Don’t depend on store employees
  • Over-buying tackle will be a waste of money
  • Fish local ponds and target those fish
  • Practice your skills on local ponds
  • Don’t follow tv fishing – it is a huge mistake

Common Fishing Mistakes

We find that most of our fishing students have made the above mistakes when learning to fish. Buying a lot of gear is a big pitfall. Start simple and learn the basics. Try to get gear that will help you to catch fish as close to home as possible. It is a bad thing to go buy the most expensive rods and reels and to pile up tackle. Instead, simple fishing setups that you can quickly take to local ponds will teach you much more. Start slow! Inexpensive setups might even include a pole with no reel so that you can learn baiting hooks and handling fish. Once you get comfortable. We partner with LiveBaitFishingTackle.com and they offer a great setup for new fishermen and kids that is under $30. You can outfit a couple family members and learn together with this pole fishing setup.

Use Live Bait Before Trying Lures

Lures are more difficult to catch your fish. Fishing local ponds is harder than fishing a resort location or the television locations such as resorts. Fish are smaller and harder to find and often times the predator species are over-fished and much smaller than on tv. This leaves you with an assortment of fish that doesn’t respond to lures. For the new fisher, it is much easier to catch fish using live food. Live bait sold at the local bait and tackle store is your best bet for more fishing action and learning. Lures are expensive and often don’t appeal to local fish. This is reality. We suggest you learn your fishing skills on multi-species rather than trying to target one fish. All new fishermen want action. Live bait will get you 60% more action than lures constituently even at the crumby muddy pond at the end of the street. There is action waiting there for you to practice and learn your skills! More practice will mean more fish caught as you learn to cast, hook and handle fish.

Patronize Small Bait & Tackle Stores

A big box store offers you little. They are confusing, filled with equipment that will not help you and the sales associates have less experience than most small store owners. Call the store nearest you and ask when someone would be on hand to help you with a basic fishing setup to fish local ponds. The live bait at stores is of much higher quality than big box stores and gas stations (in most cases). Having quality live bait will get you more fish on the end of your line. Big box stores do not turn over their bait which often dies or is in poor shape. A small bait & tackle store will rotate and check their live bait. It sells faster and is more fresh. Other places have bait that is a month or several months old. The fish react to old bait – they won’t touch it.

Fish Local Ponds

Learning fishing skills is important to getting better results and more action. Local ponds will offer you a place to practice. Trying to improve your skills is easier if you have more reps, more chances and more casts. While the mud hole down the street might not look like an exotic Canadian water, it offers you your best chance to be a better fisherman. Angling is the art of trying to get fish on the line. Don’t make the mistake many make in the hobby. To become an angler, your practice is the key. Take the time to practice your knots at home and getting tackle (all the gear, line, hooks and setups) ready to fish. Learn a few key knots and how to tie lines. Prepare them at home and get better at this. Get to your local pond or stream and work at practicing. You will get better and this improvement in skills will help you every time you fish. Simply put, fewer mistakes will mean many more fish. A mistake takes your line out of action. Get to your local pond, and make use.

Hire the Local Guide

Check with your local fishing guide. Many guides will be glad to show you what gear they are using and give you specifics. What you might need to fish starting out, may not need to be guide-quality gear. The guide will give you the basics and can provide a list of specific line weights and bait setups that will work better for your local pond. Ask ahead of time when booking your guided fishing trip about expectations. That guide should be very helpful in getting you a minimal amount of gear and starting you with fishing equipment that really works. Just buying tackle will never help you. Expert help will prevent you from wasting money and save you hundreds of dollars.

Join a Local Fishing Club & Learn How to Fish

In your area there are several local fishing clubs. Tell them you are new and see if they help new anglers to get started in fishing. Some clubs might be more competitive and into travel or tournaments. Find out first and then if they tell you they can be helpful, try a meeting out. Have the club point you to one person or a local fishing guide to help you. This will jump start your fishing hobby and be the best way to learn how to fish. Multi-species fishing clubs are the best choice for new anglers like RiversideFishingClub in the Chicago Area.

How to Fish – Great Links:

Hire a Professional Guide

Learn how to fish online

US Fish & Wildlife How to Fish Guide

Illinois Fall Stocked Trout Fishing Guide

The Illinois Fall Stocked Trout Fishing Guide is out. Northern Illinois maps and locations to exact trout fishing spots is available. Johnny put together a linked map where you can even save to your phone (Apple iPhone Devices) and links for driving directions (all devices).

You can find these stocked locations at our new resource which will be update both Fall & Spring for Illinois Stocked Trout Fishing. Also available soon will be hot tips for catching more stocked trout even when the fishing bite is slow! The ultimate trout fishing rig works in all ponds and reservoirs well into the season.

Find great tips and locations near you or within a short drive around Chicago and Northern Illinois.

Stocked Trout Fishing Illinois - Northern Illinois
Stocked Trout Next to Gapen Pencil Floats. Johnny’s Trout Fishing Guide will help you to catch more trout all the time!

Johnny’ s Trout Fishing Guide:
26 Trout Fishing Places – Northern Illinois & Chicago Trout Fishing

I’ve made a guide to Northern Illinois – Chicago Area Trout Fishing. You can see all the links to trout fishing ponds, lakes and reservoirs including a few Illinois trout stream locations on my exclusive trout fishing tips map. Get set for rainbow trout! It’s here.

Fishing Gift & Portable Sonar

Fishing Gift - try Deeper Sonar

Oh no, a fishing gift? It’s that time of year where we are in-between a dock and a hard place. Many are anxious to get ice or are packing their gear up for the cold weather period in the Midwest and Upper sections of the US.

This seems to be shopping season for many as we pack up the gear or dust it off waiting for the hard water season. Those who enjoy ice fishing call it hard water because we can walk on it, pull a sled on it and most importantly find fish on the ice.

If you are shopping for gifts, one fishing gift I find as very useful in all seasons is the portable sonar. The new units by Deeper work so well and are so compact, anyone can add them to their tackle box, backpack or ice fishing gear!

Great Fishing Gift – the Deeper Pro casting sonar (and ice fishing unit) is compact, affordable and 15x less expensive than touted sonar units. Get one for your fishermen!

You can find these on sale this time of year, which is great for ice fishing, Deeper Pro Sonar Unit is one of my favorite fishing gifts. EVERYONE can use this fishing their local pond, fishing on a rental boat or on a fishing vacation from shore! These use your cell phone or a tablet for connection and do a great job of helping us understand what level the fish are on.

Many are posting the advantages of advanced sonar units, but those cost nearly 15 times the cost of these portable units. Most of us fishing are not wealthy enough to drop $2,400 on sonar, but we want the benefits of knowing what the depth the fish are at.

The reason this makes at the best fishing gift is that everyone fishing a Deeper Pro Sonar will have more success. All users will find it easy to use and the information about the water they are fishing to be most helpful. Using this unit, I see on my cell phone the depths the fish are suspended. This information has helped me to get baits right in front of the fish and enabled me to have a ton more success even on very difficult fishing waters and conditions.

For hard water ice fishing, this unit is very cool. It is almost better than some units 4x the price! The transducer doesn’t hang down with a cable! Because the unit is smooth and small, you can fish your line right next to it without tangling. The Deeper Pro simply drops in the hole and once connected to your phone, tells you what depth the fish are at and has an ice fishing flasher unit. This flasher unit is super helpful as it will show you when the fish are coming and show you your tiny lure on the screen.

Deeper Pro has a flasher unit showing your lure on the left and active fish marks on the right (pictured on your phone screen) –

I have fished this side by side and it works great for fishing excursions. The only downside would be all-day fishing where batteries in the cold may be taxed. If you carry a battery pack with you- a quick lunch break plugged in will recharge your Deeper Pro.

In this picture is a side-by-side showing the lake map (where you have been) along with the fish activity (curved shapes) and the lure (zig-zag lines). All of this is saved to help you on your next trip!

Without electronics on ice, you will struggle. Also, ice is not safe for new fishers. You will find hiring a fishing guide in your area will keep you very safe and also will show you ultimate short-cuts to catching fish. Ice fishing can be like a fishing desert. Electronics will save you from some long days.

To hire an ice fishing guide and teacher in Northern Illinois- contact Johnny Wilkins – text 630.235.2162 and secure your bookings early. Ice will soon be safe in Northern Illinois and ready for trips.

Remove Abandoned Fishing Line

Remove Abandoned Fishing Line - Photo by Glenn P. Knoblock

Remove Abandoned Fishing Line and easily, quickly dispose of this hazard to wildlife. All you need is a pocket knife.

Use this guide with instructions on disposing of abandoned fishing line. Take action. It only takes half a minute to take this death trap out of the environment. Super, easy and fast solution for anyone.

Remove Abandoned Line – share this guide with anyone who walks, exercises near water, fishes or hikes. Nature lovers, remote control boat clubs all can pitch in and prevent injuries to wildlife.

Watch this video and about the impacts of abandoned fishing line.

imply use a sharp pocket knife to cut the line at your hand opening. If you want to be very thorough, cut this pile of line one more time into tiny 6” segments. 

This cut line is now harmless and in fact will be used by birds to make their nests without threat to wildlife. You can scatter the line cuttings, minus any rusty hooks or lures underneath the nearest bush or tree. You can also take this line and put it in the trash. Either way, this will probably find its way into nests.

Long sections of line can become tangled on songbirds. They attempt to use the line and are very attracted to piece of stray, line and twigs of this size for nest building. The long lines are a deathtrap to these birds especially, because the birds become stuck and tangled in the lines. I have seen a bird dangling from the tree by fishing line. 

Aquatic birds and reptiles can become tangled also. Removing abandoned fishing line will save your local environment and make our world that much better. If you are a fishermen, keep track of your line, dispose of line immediately in this fashion and be better to the waters you fish! 

If we work together to remove abandoned fishing line from local ponds, lakes and rivers, we can literally save lives.

How to Catch Fish

How to Catch Fish

How to catch fish… you may have questions.

One of the best ways to learn how to catch a fish is by hiring a fishing guide. Catching a fish can be a fun and rewarding activity! You can also learn a lot on our YouTube Fishing Channel Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to catch a fish:

  1. Choose the right fishing spot: Look for a location with good fishing potential, such as rivers, lakes, or ponds. Research the area to see what types of fish are commonly found there.
  2. Get the right fishing equipment: You’ll need a fishing rod, fishing line, hooks, sinkers, and bait. Make sure to choose the appropriate size and strength of the fishing gear based on the type of fish you want to catch.
  3. Learn different fishing techniques: There are various fishing techniques depending on the type of fish and fishing spot. Some common techniques include pole fishing, spin casting, bait casting, trolling, and fly fishing. Research and practice the technique that suits your fishing situation.
  4. Bait your hook: Attach the bait to your hook. Different fish are attracted to different types of bait, so research the preferences of the fish you’re targeting. Common baits include worms, minnows, or artificial lures. Live bait catches the most fish.
  5. Cast your line: Stand at the water’s edge or in a boat and cast your line out into the water. Practice your casting technique to get the distance and accuracy you desire.
  6. Be patient and observant: Fishing requires patience and paying attention to your surroundings. Observation is key in how to catch fish. Watch for signs of fish, such as ripples in the water, birds diving, or fish jumping. Stay quiet and still to avoid scaring away the fish.
  7. Set the hook: When you feel a tug or see your fishing line move, it’s time to set the hook. Quickly jerk your rod upward to embed the hook into the fish’s mouth. Hook set timing is a key in how to catch fish.
  8. Play the fish: Once the fish is hooked, play the fish with the rod -start reeling it in. Keep a steady tension on the line and use the rod to guide the fish towards you. The rod is the best tool in playing the fish. Be careful not to reel too fast or give the fish too much slack. Keeping tension using the rod (not the reel so much) is important in your how to catch fish mission.
  9. Land the fish: Once the fish is close to shore or the boat, carefully lift it out of the water using a net or your hands if it’s safe to do so. Be mindful of any sharp fins or teeth the fish may have.
  10. Release or prepare the fish: If you’re fishing for fun or conservation purposes, gently remove the hook and release the fish back into the water. If you’re fishing for food, prepare the fish for cooking and enjoy a tasty meal!

Remember, the more you practice, the better you’ll become at catching fish. A fishing guide like Johnny will help you have a lot more success with fish. Enjoy the process, stay safe, and have a wonderful time fishing!

Win Great Fishing Prizes Worth $750

WIN BIG FISHING PRIZES – Like, Share, Follow and Win.

Many ways to get entry points – as seen above. Over $750 in prizes available from www.Gapen.com – www.livebaitfishingtackle.com & www.ChicagoFishingSchool.com – see rules for details. Winner must use the Guided Fishing lesson within 50 miles of Chicago. Winner of rod Combo must either pick this prize up or pay the shipping charge (approximately $18 – via PayPal, Venmo or Square – or cash pickup). Winner of the rod combo may elect for 3rd, 4th, 5th place prizes instead of paying for the shipping of the rod. Prizes after the rod & reel combo will be selected once combo winner makes decision and arranges pickup or shipping (their choice).

Ok – the winners have been selected and drawing video is up next – these are the finalists: These are the 7 finalists: 7 winners have been selected for the prize drawing and several from the YouTube channel are WINNERS. Here are the finalists by random draw: Elain Smith, Arami, Bear_ZR, AJ_S, @MashaLiokumovichRykova & Banana squad – I am going to set the prize up on a wheel and video the spins to see who wins the prizes from 7 to 1 for the grand prize. Drawing winner video will be posted here: Chicago Fishing on YouTube – as always, it pays to subscribe, share, like our fishing content to win some big prizes. Stay TUNED.

Fall Illinois Trout Fishing Season – October 16

Fall Illinois Trout Fishing

Fall Illinois Trout Fishing is coming soon. It’s Time for trout! Go Fish. Thus, it’s time to prepare. Ready your trout fishing tackle. And, get bait. Because it is time for Our 2021 Fall Illinois Trout Fishing Season which opens Saturday, October 16th at more than 50 ponds, lakes, and streams throughout the state. Which means trout, trout, trout. Catch Rainbow trout.

For those looking to learn to fish – grab a fishing lesson or guided fishing session. I can teach you how to catch a lot of rainbow trout on these Illinois ponds.

Illinois Fall Trout Fishing
Grab a lesson and learn how to attract, detect trout bites and land more rainbow trout with a guided fishing lesson.

Careful. No trout may be taken from any of the stocked sites from October 1st until the fall trout season opens October 16. Don’t get busted.

Anyone attempting to take trout before the legal harvest season opening will be issued citations. Because, that would be a $125 fine. Per fish, your gear confiscated, so fish safe.

The Illinois catchable trout program is funded by those who use the program through the sale of Inland Trout Stamps and the Illinois Fish Management Fund.

Don’t be that guy. All anglers — including those who intend to release fish caught before October 16. Make sure to have a valid fishing license and an Inland Trout Stamp, unless they are under the age of 16, blind or disabled, or are an Illinois resident on leave from active duty in the Armed Forces. The daily catch limit for each angler is five (5) trout – after October 16.

Catch More Trout w/Trout Pellets or Trout Attractant Mix:

There are two products that have been tested on Illinois stocked trout and proven to attract them and get them feeding. Trout Pellets and Trout Attractant MixBOOM. The pellets work very well and the BOOM mix will also work. We recommend fishing wax worm or spikes on a #14 Owner Mosquito Hook.

Trout Fishing Tackle Tips

Use 3 lb. Flourocarbon leader and a 4 lb. main line unless you are fishing weedy waters. Use 4 lb. in weeds for your leader. For spinning shore gear and float fishing (our preferred trout fishing method) – use a longer rod like the Gapen 10 10′ Shore and Float Fishing Rod with a large spinning reel like the 4K 4000 series reel. For fishing floats GO SMALL! The Gapen Pencil Float is our favorite and the Bobber Anne a close second. These detect smallest of trout bites and will catch you more fish.

Get a Fishing Stamp and Have a License

You will need an Illinois fishing license. Fishing licenses and Inland Trout Stamps are available at DNR Direct license and permit locations, including many bait shops, sporting goods stores and other retail outlets. Check the IDNR website at: https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr/LPR/Pages/LicensePermitVendors.aspx

Grab your trout stamp or fishing license online. Also can be purchased by using a credit card through DNR Direct online via the IDNR website at https://www2.illinois.gov/dnr

Not all of the fall trout sites listed below open at 5:00 a.m. on opening day. Anglers are reminded to check the opening time of their favorite trout fishing location prior to the season. For more information about all site regulations, anglers should contact individual sites that will be stocked with catchable-size trout.

Participants in Fall Illinois Trout Fishing Season are reminded to follow current public health directives, including maintaining social distancing guidelines, bringing with them masks in case social distancing cannot be maintained and hand sanitizer containing at least 60 percent alcohol.

The Forest Preserves of Cook County can stock a bit differently with the Cook County Trout Stocking. Please check the FPCC website for updates closer to October 16, 2021. This is a fluid situation.

If you need great tackle for catching light-biting Fall Illinois Trout – visit LiveBaitFishingTackle.com to pick from their trout fishing floats.

2021 Illinois Fall Trout Locations

(* Denotes Sites Open for Catch-and-Release Fly Fishing Early Season)

North Illinois Trout Fishing Locations

  1. Bureau County: Hennepin Canal Parkway 
  2. Cook County: Wolf Lake, William W. Powers State Recreation Area, Chicago 
  3. Jo Daviess County: Apple River, Apple River State Park *
  4. Kankakee County: Bird Park Quarry in Kankakee 
  5. Kankakee County: Rock Creek at Kankakee River State Park *
  6. Kendall County: Big Lake at Silver Springs State Fish and Wildlife Area 
  7. Lake County: Sand Lake at Illinois Beach State Park 
  8. LaSalle County: Illinois and Michigan Canal at Lock 14 Pool, LaSalle-Peru 
  9. McHenry County: Spring Grove Hatchery Pond
  10. Ogle County: Pine Creek, White Pines Forest State Park *
  11. Rock Island County: Prospect Park, Moline 
  12. Warren County: Citizen’s Lake, Monmouth
  13. Whiteside County: Centennial Park Pond, Rock Falls
  14. Will County: Lake Strini, Romeoville
  15. Will County: Van Horn Woods, Plainfield
  16. Winnebago County: Bauman Lake, Cherry Valley 

Central Illinois Fishing Locations

  1. Adams County: Siloam Springs State Park Lake *
  2. Cass County: Gridley Lake at Jim Edgar Panther Creek SFWA *
  3. Champaign County: Kaufman Lake, Champaign Park District
  4. Christian County: Manners Park Pond, Taylorville Park District
  5. Clark County: Casey Park Pond, Casey Park District 
  6. Coles County: Eastern Illinois University Campus Pond, Charleston
  7. DeWitt County: Weldon Springs State Park Lake 
  8. Douglas County: Villa Grove West Lake
  9. Hancock County: Horton Lake, Nauvoo State Park *
  10. Macon County: Rock Springs Pond, Macon County Conservation District 
  11. Macoupin County: Beaver Dam Lake, Beaver Dam State Park
  12. McDonough County: Argyle Lake, Argyle Lake State Park 
  13. Morgan County: Morgan Lake at Nichols Park, Jacksonville * 
  14. Sangamon County: IDOT Lake, Springfield *
  15. Sangamon County: Southwind Park Pond, Springfield 
  16. Sangamon County: Washington Park Pond, Springfield 
  17. Shelby County: Forest Park Lagoon, Shelbyville 
  18. Tazewell County: Mineral Springs Park Lagoon 
  19. Vermilion County: Clear Lake, Kickapoo State Recreation Area 

South Illinois Trout Fishing Locations

  1. Bond County: Greenville Old City Lake
  2. Crawford County: Crawford County Conservation Area Pond #6 
  3. Jefferson County: Mount Vernon Game Farm Pond 
  4. Johnson County: Ferne Clyffe State Park Lake
  5. Madison County: Belk Park Pond, Wood River, Edwardsville Park District 
  6. Madison County: Highland Old City Lake 
  7. Marion County: Boston Pond, Stephen A. Forbes State Recreation Area
  8. Massac County: Fairgrounds Pond, Fort Massac State Park, Metropolis 
  9. Randolph County: Derby Lake, World Shooting and Recreational Complex, Sparta 
  10. Randolph County: Randolph County Lake 
  11. Saline County: Jones State Lake Pond 
  12. St. Clair County: Frank Holten State Recreation Area Main Lake 
  13. St. Clair County: Jones Park Lake, East St. Louis
  14. St. Clair County: Willow Lake, Peabody River King State Fish and Wildlife Area* (NOTE: Due to water temperature, stocking will be delayed) 
  15. Wabash County: Beall Woods Lake, Beall Woods State Park 
  16. Wayne County: Sam Dale State Fish and Wildlife Area Trout Pond 
  17. Williamson County: Devil’s Kitchen Lake 

Please Make Note: If your favorite spot in Lake, or Cook County is not on this list, please refer to their websites for information. Also note: DuPage County has Cancelled it’s Fall Trout Stocking Program. While their regular fishing is still open – they decided not to stock trout because of larger crowds – who will now crowd together at other sites.

An early opportunity at select trout sites — the Fall Catch-and-Release Fishing Season — will open October 3 at locations marked with an asterisk (*) in the list below.

No trout can be kept during the catch-and-release fishing period, but anglers can keep trout after the opening of the regular season beginning October 16th. Fall Illinois Trout Fishing Season Begins with Early Catch-and-Release Opportunity Opens October 3 at select sites*

Best Fishing Bait Chicago Area

Best Fishing Bait Chicago

We have the Best Fishing Bait Chicago. Our top 5 list of the best bait and tackle shops will help you get fishing. We have sampled bait from around the area and there are a few stand-out fishing bait stores in the Chicagoland area. Their bait is superior than other outlets for picking up bait and are worth the trip to catch more fish. Healthy, moving bait literally catches more fish. We have done experiments which show the best live baits out-catch artificial baits at 3:1 or greater! We believe your can catch four times the fish using better live bait! It proves out. Changing your hook bait from sad and old to brand new catches fish!

Best Fishing Bait Chicago Number 1: Lee’s Bait & Tackle

The top bait store in the Chicago area is a 2-store chain located in Elk Grove Village and Carol Stream. Also, Lee’s Bait & Tackle takes care of its bait better than any bait shop I have seen. I have been behind the scenes and their bait care & minnow tanks are top notch. Because of this, anglers travel to pick up bags of their minnows and flats of their crawlers because they catch more fish.

Lee’s consistently stocks all varieties of bait that are in season. They are one of the only retailers to carry Spikes (top panfish and trout bait) all season long. Henry’s staff feeds their nightcrawlers until the nigh crawlers are fat like snakes and strong!

You will not have a more lively bait than a Lee’s Nightcrawler! Their store smells the best of any bait store – because it doesn’t smell. Both stores are kept so clean because of the care and work that goes into keeping the minnow tanks clean-filtered and the bait fresh!

Bait for Trips Specialist

Call ahead for speciality baits or for packing baits for a long fishing trip – the owners will have your bait order packed and ready for the trip! Their prices are great also. Line spooling is a key service that they provide. Take advantage, save money on new line (which you should replace every other year). Looking for fishing line? Their stores carry bulk line prices will save you money and your reels will be spooled correctly!

Lee’s Bait & Tackle covers the West and Northwest Chicago Suburbs at two locations! Their store has very nice hours for those that fish (the owners work their tails off and are there most every day early and late)! This is one of the home stores for our fishing guiding. If you wish us to take you out, book a guided fishing session online and we can meet you at the shop! We take customers out, to use the fishing tackle and then help you pick out the perfect gear at the shop.

Lee’s Bait & Tackle – Elk Grove Village

Lee’s Bait & Tackle – Carol Stream

Best Fishing Tackle – Number 2: LiveBaitFishingTackle.com

First off, we are totally biased. We have the best fish-catching tackle in the USA. The reason, we stock a ton of the best pond and lake fishing tackle, we had to put Live Bait Fishing Tackle at number 2. Secondly, we don’t carry live bait. We have the ultimate selection of live bait fishing hooks, floats, rods and reels based on catching all species of fish. Our shop carries the Gapen float fishing rod, the best shore and float fishing rod available in the US.

In addition, we carry the most sensitive jigging rods available anywhere. The Gapen 6′ jigging rods are the top bite-detecting rod available to sense the structure, feel light bites and catch more fish.

The tackle is mostly based on competition-level fishing and is all field-tested by a 3-time USA Fishing Team World Championships qualifier! With few exceptions, all of the equipment listed is used in guiding and in competitions, fishing at a high level. This gear is hand-selected and even manufactured by the company to help you catch more fish.

Live Bait Tackle Specialists

The best hooks available are in stock along with the largest selection of floats and bobbers in the USA. Add the best live bait fishing tools and terminal tackle and you can’t go wrong shopping at this online store. Added bonus, locals can have their tackle delivered to their door also or pick them up at events.

Lastly, an added bonus is that all this tackle can be shipped to your door. We pick and pack your order saving you a ton of time shopping and driving. The store offers items not found in any retail store around. Shop 24-7 at LiveBaitFishingTackle.com

Number 3 : Fishing Connection

The owner Greg works very hard at keeping an excellent selection of tackle and baits. This is why Fishing Connection is one of the Best Fishing Bait Chicago options. The only weakness is that he doesn’t carry minnows for various reasons including size of shop and neatness.

Steelhead & Muskie Specialist

He has a great selection of Musky baits and Steelhead Salmon flies as he is an avid fishermen with a lot of Steelhead experience.

For bait he carries a lot of live baits and in season can get you most anything. Call ahead for special orders and he will have them ready. Fishing Connection offers reel services and rod repairs, a huge help to fishermen. I like his bulk wax worms. Spikes, you will need to ask him to order a couple weeks in advance. Visiting their stores, you will find them really clean . Both stores have great inventory. We live Fishing Connection best for the South Side angler.

Firstly, Note their hours. Mondays the store closes. Secondly, plan accordingly and visit Greg for your South Side bait and tackle needs. This is one of the home stores for our fishing guiding. If you wish us to take you out, book a guided fishing session online and we can meet you at the shop! We can even help you pick out fishing tackle at these store.

Fishing Connection – Tinley Park

Number 4: Henry’s Chicago – Best Fishing Bait Chicago

Henry’s is located right down the street from Old Comiskey Park in the heart of Sox Country. Easy access off of the highway, it is 3 blocks from the exit and offers long hours early and late for your live bait needs. They are one of the other retailers that carries the widest selection of live bait including spikes. Henry’s is our number 4 Best Fishing Bait Chicago stores.

Call ahead for bait availability. They usually have what you need in stock. Firstly, as for fishing tackle, they stock some of the basics. Henry’s has some rods and reels but are generally in the lower-end for their fishing tackle. Budget tackle is made available because that is mostly what fishermen grab.

Secondly, you won’t find a lot of specialty gear. Henry’s has enough fishing tackle, hooks, terminal tackle and replacement rods and reels for any emergency or last-minute trip. They do a great volume in the bait department and will have very fresh, well-kept live bait including a large assortment of minnows.

Lake Front Specialists

Lake-front and river fishing are their bread-and-butter so the baits you need to fish the lake are all there. Their hours are amazing, and you can call the store if you need anything special. Henry’s offers Line-winding services. Lastly, the owners are great and do a lot for the community. Because they are awesome, do support them if you are looking for fishing bait in Chicago proper! They are the downtown bait shop.

Henry’s Bait & Tackle – Chicago

Split Shot Tips -Help With Split Shot

Split Shot Tips - Super Doux Split Shot Assortments

Split shot tips to help you fish better. This article and an instruction sheet for a split shot tool could help you with your split shot game. Whether you fly fish or float fish, split shot can help you with your rigs. So, if you want a tip or two – try these two fishing tip sheets out. As a fishing guide using split shot in competitions and setting up rigs for clients, I have learned a lot.

Split Shot Tips Article

Split Shot Tool Instructions

Our best split shot – always purchase pure, quality lead split shot. Non-lead shot is horrible to your mono line. It does not stay in place. The often-used tin weights used in “safe” or “environmental” split shots, damages the line. It is also hard as a rock and horrible to try and get on the line.

Don’t Buy Non-Toxic Split Shot!

These brands may also make the “non-toxic” brand or “environmentally safe” options – beware. They do not work well. And, they should be avoided. Use only the lead – pure products. Stay away from the No Lead Split shots! Did we mention it costs almost twice as much as good split shot?

Pure Lead Split Shot

Pure lead split shot is the only way to fish. Pure lead shot comes in these brands.

  1. Anchor Brand Split Shot
  2. Super Doux Split Shot

Split Shot Tips – Small Floats

These come in selection assortments as well as single-size split shot pots. Note that some of the split shot selections are very small. Anglers will do best with sizes .3 gr – BB split shot (.4 gr) for balancing their float rigs. These two sizes work for smaller floats.

Split Shot for Bigger Float Rigs

AAA Split shot is also a good size to have for medium and large floats. AAA size is .8 gr and for long-casting bigger floats. For nymphing and wet fly fishing, you may want the sizes that are smaller such as .10 gr and even smaller to make fine adjustments.

Good Split Shot Selections

Leave A Message 24-7 Secured By miniOrange