Independent field notes
Fishing tips, tackle talk, and stories about the ones that got away.
Caleb MercerHi I’m Caleb, a recreational angler who would rather spend a quiet morning by the water than just about anywhere else. I write about practical fishing techniques, dependable gear, and the lessons I’ve learned through years of tangled lines, missed strikes, and the occasional fish worth bragging about.
A story-led guide for intermediate anglers on recognizing when fish are present but unimpressed, and changing lure presentation before abandoning a productive-looking Southern reservoir spot.
Read articleA practical first-person lesson on recognizing when a slow bite is caused by fish location, depth, or position—not the lure—and how to make a disciplined move.
Read articlePractical ways to identify why treble hooks foul a hard bait and fix common causes involving hook size, split rings, casting, line control, and retrieve speed.
Read articleA simple, forgiving freshwater fishing setup for kids: a short spincast combo, manageable monofilament line, basic terminal tackle, and easy live or prepared bait.
Read articleA practical checklist for building a compact shore-fishing repair kit that handles broken line, damaged rigs, stuck hooks, and small tackle failures without weighing down your pack.
Read articleA beginner-friendly guide to rigging a weedless Texas-rigged soft plastic, from matching the hook to the bait to setting the point straight, choosing a weight, and checking that the finished rig will slide through cover.
Read articleLearn how to identify productive wind-blown bass shorelines by following the food, choosing high-percentage targets, controlling your approach, and matching lures to the conditions.
Read articleA practical fall bank-fishing checklist for beginner freshwater anglers, covering changing water temperatures, bait movement, clothing, daylight, access, and productive lure choices.
Read articleA practical, beginner-friendly packing system for shore anglers who want a simple first fishing trip without hauling a garage full of gear.
Read articleSimple preparation and handling practices for quick, respectful fish photos before a safe release.
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