Hot Fishing How-Tos


How To: Use a slip bobber rig when panfishing
To catch a lot of bluegill fish, the best way is with a slip float rig. The weight is all at the bottom of the line. Wade Bourne, host of Wade's World on MyOutdoorTV, shows you how to use a slip bobber rig when panfishing.

How To: Troll for bottom-dwellers with the bottom bouncer rig
When it comes to both simplicity and efficiency, the bottom bouncer rig is one of the best fishing rigs you can use. It's great for crappie fishing, along with catfish, white bass, black bass, and other panfish and bottom-dwelling sportfish. Wade Bourne of MyOutdoorTV shows you how to fish a bottom bouncer rig.

How To: Tie knots for fly fishing
In this video, learn from commercial fisherman brian Lee how to tie knots for fly fishing! Fly fishing requires two simple knots, which are the clinch knot and the loop-to-loop connection. Discover how to tie an improved fisherman's knot for fly fishing with help from a pro!

How To: Bait a Hook with Catfish Punch Bait
There are many different types of prepared catfish baits for catching channel and blue catfish. These baits are often referred to as "stink baits", but while they might smell quite foul to some anglers, the smell really attracts catfish.

How To: Tie a bowline fishing knot
Know your knots! With this free video tutorial, you'll learn how to tie a bowline knot. The great thing about a bowline knot is that no matter how much tension is applied, it will always slip back out when you want it to. The knot is easy to tie provided, of course, you know how to go about making it. For an easy-to-follow, step-by-step overview of how to tie this useful fisherman's knot in a minute's time or less, watch this free video knot tyer's guide.

How To: Fish for bass using the flicker shad bait
Big surprises come in little packages, and that's certainly the case with this flicker shad bait. This flicker shad has been proven to attract bass or any fish that feeds on shad, so if you want to learn more, watch as Wade Bourne of MyOutdoorTV shows you how to fish a flicker shad.

How To: Rig a saltwater fishing pole
Take your fishing line and run it through the guides on the fishing pole. Of course, for you beginners, start at the bottom as the line in on the reel and work up. While doing this, release your bail. After you have finished running the line, pull the bail back over. This keeps the line from running out. Now we are going to do a overhand loop by making a loop which doubles the line. Make an overhand knot, about 8 inches up from the lower loop. You will twist the loop and then run the double l...

How To: Rig a crankbait
In this Outdoor Recreation video tutorial you will learn how to rig a crankbait. It is so named because it floats on the water and does nothing until the crank is turned. The turning of the crank provides the action to the bait and attracts fish to it. To rig it, there is an attachment point on the diving lip of the crankbait; it can be a small hole for the line to be passed through or a split ring to attach the line. Tie the line to the lip with a clinch knot and you are in business. In case...

How To: Make Tight Loops When Fly Casting
When casting a flyrod, in most cases, tight loops will allow the fly to travel farther, more accurately, and with less effort. To cast these tight loops, the tip of the rod must travel in a straight line path, slack must be eliminated, and there must be a constant acceleration to a sudden stop. The most common mistake is using the wrist to move the rod which causes the tip to travel in a half circle or windshield wiper type motion.

How To: Tie a fly to a fly fishing line
The most important aspect of fly fishing is the fly! In this tutorial, learn how to tie a fly to your line for fly fishing. You will learn how to attach a fly to the leader on your line. A fly isn't attached to a fly fishing line because the leader is attached to the fly line, and the fly is attached to the leader. Find out how to moisten fly line to reduce friction and strengthen the knot with help from an experienced fly fisherman in this instructional video on fly fishing equipment.

How To: Set up a deep sea fishing pole
Want to go deep-sea fishing but lack the necessary know-how when it comes to the sport's specialized equipment? Never you fear, brave pescador(a): this free video guide will teach you everything you need to know to set up a deep-sea fishing pole.

How To: Fish for bluegill with a fly rod and popping bugs
Nothing is more fun that fly fishing with popping bug for panfish. With popping bugs, you can get bite after bite from little bass. Wade Bourne, host of Wade's World on MyOutdoorTV, shows you how to fish for bluegill and panfish using a fly rod and popping bugs.

How To: Create realistic wings for fly tying
The Art of Fly Tying shows you how you can create realistic wings for your fly fishing flies from scotch tape.

How To: Add a mono leader to a braid fishing line
This great how-to shows clearly how to tie a length of braided line to a fluorocarbon leader. In the video, the demonstrator uses large rope so that the technique can be clearly seen. This trick has been gaining popularity in the freshwater fishing community lately in part because it helps to reduce twist and snarl, but absorbing some of the pull. Follow this super video yourself and see if the trick works for you. When you're out in your boat and you feel the tug of that big mouth bass, you'...

How To: Tie braided line to leader
A recent trend in freshwater fishing is adding a fluorocarbon leader to your braided fishing line. The benefits of this are mainly allowing for some more absorbtion of pull, resulting in less twist and potential tangling. This how-to will show you how to tie this knot yourself, so when you're in the middle of that beautiful pond, and you feel the bite, you'll be able to successfully land that big one with less stress on you or your gear.

How To: Tie the Rapala knot with a knot tying animation
The Rapala knot is a common fishing knot that is intended to be tied directly to the lure. It was conceived by the Rapala Brothers, who emphasized that if a swivel or leader is essential, choose the lightest tackle possible so that the lure moves naturally.

How To: Catch surface-feeding fish with a popping cork rig
One of the most exciting times you can have fishing is when you can get in the middle of a school of surface-feeding fish like black bass or white bass or stripers. If you can manage to cast off into them, you're guaranteed to get a bite. And one way to improve your chances… the popping cork rig. Wade Bourne of MyOutdoorTV shows you how to fish a popping cork rig.

How To: Rig a slip sinker rig for walleye fishing
The slip sinker is used with the slip sinker rig to troll bait slowly across the bottom, primarily for walleye fishing, but also it will catch catfish and other bottom-dwelling species. If you want to find out how to rig the slip sinker rig, watch and learn from Wade Bourne of MyOutdoorTV.

How To: Make a catfish jug rig
In order to make a catfish jug, you will need the following: an empty jug (or 20 oz. soda pop bottle), a1" PVC pipe, eyelet screws, a 6" piece of rebar, hot glue, swimming noodle, fishing line, a sinker, and a circle hook.

How To: Make homemade catfish dough bait
To prepare homemade catfish bait out of dough, you will need the following ingredients: gloves, a bowl, 2 slices of dried bread, 1/2 cup to 1 cup of peanut butter, honey, garlic, onion powder, liquid smoke, and flour.

How To: Feather cast on a spinning and bait casting gear
Fishing is a relaxing hobby that many people pick up and enjoy during the spring and summer seasons. For some, fishing is nothing more than a can and fishing line. But for others, they take it a bit more serious. This tutorial is for those who are interested in taking it more serious. The video shows you how to feather cast on either a spinning and bait casting gear. Each one works differently, but casting lures takes a delicate touch. So good luck, pay attention, and enjoy!

How To: Pitch correctly with a spinning rod
Pitching a spinning rod is one of the best ways to catch deep fish for those who use spinning rods. This video features a bass fisherman going through some tips on how to pitch correctly in order to catch the most bass. He may be doing it in his front yard, but the lessons herein are no less valuable out on the water.

How To: Perform a float fishing cast properly
Float fishing is one of the most popular types of fishing, and the art of casting the pole properly as a part of it is much debated. This video features a professional fisherman demonstrating the techniques he using for casting properly while float fishing. Master these and you are sure to catch more fish and have much more enjoyable days on the water.

How To: Tie a simple chain knot
Know your knots! With this free video tutorial, you'll learn how to tie a simple chain jeweler's knot. Chain knots are attractive knots and are used in a lot of jewelry projects. The knot is easy to tie provided, of course, you know how to go about making it. For an easy-to-follow, step-by-step overview of how to tie this useful crafter's knot in a minute's time or less, watch this free video knot tyer's guide.

How To: Tie an Albright Special knot to join dissimilar lines
Next time you're out on the dock, try out this fishing knot. The Albright knot is known for it's adaptability to inequality. This is definitely a fishing line knot you should know! Watch this tying animation to learn how to tie it.

How To: Make homemade fish bait
In this video, learn how to make fish bait - the easy way! This bait works well for perch, bluegills and other smaller fish. The ingredients for this type of bait are cheap and you probably already have a lot of them in your pantry or refrigerator.

How To: Rig a fly fishing line for trout
When hunting for trout, you will need to know how to set up your rod. Different types of fish require different set ups. In this tutorial you will learn to master the technique behind rigging a fly fishing line for trout.

How To: Identify types of fly fishing flies
There are two types of fly fishing flies, and they are distinguished as surface and sub-surface flies with the surface ones being called dry flies. This tutorial will teach you how to tell the difference, and what this means. Make sure you know what's what and make sure you catch the biggest fish in the pond.

How To: Reel a fishing rod
In this how-to video, you will learn how to reel a fishing rod. The most common mistake with people using spinning reels is that they are using it upside down and backwards. The correct way is making sure the spinning reel is facing downward and you are reeling forward. With a conventional reel, the reel should be facing up. The crank should be going forward. Never crank the reel backwards. Make sure the non reeling hand above the reel to help give you torque in order to fight a big fish. Wit...

How To: Replace fishing line on a reel for deep sea fishing
Mark the Shark demonstrates how to replace fishing line on a reel for deep sea fishing. First make sure to thread the fishing line into the guide ends and that you don't miss any. Put the rod in the rod holder so that you have two free hands to work with the line. Thread the line twice in the spool and make a knot to hold the line in place. Pull the line tight so it's snug against the reel and snip off the loose ends. Turn the crank and make sure that the line feeds into the spool very evenly...

How To: Tie a thumb knot for fishing
The Thumb Knot is mostly used for attaching hooks, swivels and rings to heavy monofilament. At first it can be a bit tricky but when mastered it is a quick knot to tie. Follow along with this outdoor recreation HowTo video to learn to tie the fishing thumb knot. Tie a thumb knot for fishing.

How To: Tie a sliding snell fishing knot
Check out this fishing tutorial video that demonstrates how to tie a Sliding Snell fishing knot. Just follow the simple steps as outlined in this instructional fishing video and learn how to tie a Sliding Snell fishing knot. Tying knots is a breeze after watching this tutorial. So start reeling in the big fish!

How To: Tie a perfection loop fishing knot
Check out this fishing tutorial video that illustrates how to tie a Perfection Loop fishing knot for tying lures to a fishing line. The Perfection loop is a fishing knot that forms a perfect loop at the fishing line. Just follow the simple steps outlined in this instructional fishing video and reel in the big fish!

How To: Connect monofilament fishing line to a braid
This how-to video provides step-by-step instruction from Curtis Owens of Performance Tackle for attaching monofilament fishing line to a braid. While some fisherman only stick to one kind of fishing line, some might like to mix things up. The only problem is in learning to tie different types of line together. Watch this video fishing tutorial and learn how to connect monofilament and braided line together.

How To: Tie a slim beauty shock leader knot for fishing
The slim beauty shock leader knot connects monofilament line to a heavier leader, that retains most of the original line's breaking strain. This knot was created to be strong, but cast to put together. Watch this video knot-tying tutorial and learn how to tie a slim beauty shock leader knot for fishing.

How To: Tie a double San Diego jam knot for fishing
This how-to video demonstrates a double San Diego jam knot, as shown by Curtis Owens from Performance Tackle. This knot doubles the line to make a strong knot for heavier lines. Watch this video tutorial and learn how to tie a double San Diego Jam knot for fishing.

How To: Tie the Yarn Strike Indicator for fly fishing
Check out this video and learn how to tie a great Yarn Strike Indicator with Alain Barthelemy. This fly has been a staple at Trout Predator Online since the beginning, and was chosen as fly of the month for December 2007. When winter comes around and the dry flies dry up, this is a great way to hold your nymphs up.

How To: Tie a simple crappie jig for fishing
Looking to do some fishing this weekend? Take a look at this instructional video and learn how to tie a simple crappie jig. This is one of the easier patterns to start off with for those with no fly tying experience.

How To: Tie a Cobia fly
Watch this video to learn how to tie a cobia fly for fly fishing.

How To: Tie the "earplug popper" for fly fishing
This popper is made by using a rubber or foam earplug. It is better to use a stinger hook like a mustad 37187. So, watch and see for yourself how effective this can be.