What a Bright Moon Changes About Night Fishing From Shore
A practical guide to how a bright moon affects shoreline visibility, fish positioning, baitfish behavior, lure choice, and expectations during a night-fishing session.
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Hooked For The Weekend
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.
Recent articles
View archiveHow Do I Tie a Reliable Leader for Toothier Fish?
A practical guide to selecting wire, fluorocarbon, and heavy mono leaders for fish with sharp teeth or abrasive mouths, then tying or crimping connections that hold up under pressure.
Read articleThe Quiet Clue I Missed on a Windy Reservoir
A reflective look at how wind can distract anglers from subtle bait activity, plus a repeatable observation routine for finding more deliberate starting points on freshwater reservoirs.
Read articleThe One Lure I Kept Throwing Too Long
An honest lesson about recognizing unproductive confidence, setting time limits, and changing presentations based on evidence.
Read articleThe Morning I Ignored the Water Level Gauge and Chose the Wrong Access Point
A practical first-person lesson on using river gauges, local access information, and a backup plan before committing to a river launch or bank-fishing spot.
Read articleThe Morning I Ignored the Bait and Fished Empty Water
A practical lesson in reading baitfish and forage activity before committing to a favorite Midwestern lake shoreline.
Read articleThe Morning I Found Fish by Watching Other Anglers Leave
A practical lesson for beginner bank anglers on reading an apparently empty shoreline: notice when anglers leave, where they came from, what conditions changed, and how to test an overlooked spot with a simple presentation.
Read articleThe Fish I Lost Because I Never Practiced Netting From the Bow
A practical lesson for small-boat anglers on boat positioning, clear communication, and controlled netting from the bow during the final moments of a fight.
Read articleThe Fish I Lost Because I Never Checked the Drag After a Tangle
A practical fishing lesson about checking drag, line, and knots after clearing a tangle—before the next good fish exposes a problem.
Read articleThe First Time I Packed Only Three Lures for a Morning
A practical first-person framework for packing three lures that cover depth, cover, and fish activity, helping beginner and intermediate anglers make quicker, more confident decisions on the water.
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