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 practical cold-weather packing plan for beginner shore anglers in the Northeast and Great Lakes, with layers, hand care, tackle organization, food, and sensible turnaround decisions.
Read articleA practical post-mortem on the boat-side mistakes that cost anglers pike, with guidance on approach angle, landing preparation, drag settings, and a repeatable endgame routine.
Read articleA practical sequence for solo kayak anglers to control the boat, manage the rod, use a net or fish grip safely, and reduce capsize risks while landing fish.
Read articlePractical ways to manage temperature, oxygen, water changes, and handling so live bait stays usable from launch to sunset.
Read articleA practical comparison of fishing tackle backpacks and shoulder bags for bank anglers who walk between multiple spots, covering comfort, access, storage, weather protection, and a sensible way to choose.
Read articleLearn how wind moves bait, changes water clarity and surface conditions, and creates productive lake-fishing areas—plus when shelter and boat control matter more than fishing the wind.
Read articleUse seams, eddies, and current breaks to position casts and control lure speed in rivers and tidal water.
Read articleExplain how changing light affects fish position and how to follow shade as the day progresses.
Read articleLearn how to read color changes, temperature differences, floating debris, and current seams where a creek enters a reservoir, then use those clues to decide whether the area is worth fishing.
Read articleA beginner-friendly guide to mounting, reading, and using a basic depth finder in a small jon boat to locate depth changes, bottom transitions, and fish-holding water.
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