Whether you’re casting from the bank, a kayak, or your favorite rock, these tips will help you find more bites, land more fish, and make the most of your time on the water. From bait choices to reading currents, we've got you covered—Red Sky style.

🧭 1. Scout Before You Cast

• Look for structure (fallen trees, rocks, docks, weed lines).

• Fish often hold near drop-offs, inlets, or shaded areas.

🌤 2. Time It Right

• Fish are most active at sunrise and sunset.

• Overcast days often produce more bites.

• After a rain, try near runoff points or creek mouths.

🎯 3. Match the Bait to the Species

• Bass: plastic worms, spinnerbaits, frogs, jigs

• Trout: spinners, PowerBait, salmon eggs

• Catfish: chicken liver, shrimp, stink baits

• Crappie/Bluegill: small jigs, worms, beetle spins

🌀 4. Learn to Read the Water

• Calm spots = resting areas (great for trout and panfish)

• Fast-moving current breaks = oxygen-rich feeding zones

• Murky water = use loud or scented baits

🪝 5. Don’t Set Too Hard

• Let the fish take it—then tighten and lift.

• Especially true with trout and panfish—no need to yank!

🔄 6. Change It Up

• No bites? Change color, retrieve speed, or depth.

• Try a slow roll, twitch-pause, or steady crank.

🧼 7. Keep Your Hands Clean

• Avoid touching bait with sunscreen, bug spray, or gasoline-covered hands.

• Fish can smell it and might avoid your bait.

🎒 8. Pack a Small Gear Kit

• Essential tackle: hooks, sinkers, bobbers, swivels, jig heads

• Don’t forget: pliers, extra line, first aid, polarized sunglasses

🐟 9. Practice Catch & Release When Needed

• Wet your hands before handling fish.

• Pinch barbs or use barbless hooks for easier release.

• Support the fish under the belly and revive before letting go.

🔄 10. Keep a Log or Legend Journal

• Record: Date, weather, bait used, fish caught, moon phase

• Helps track patterns over time and improve your results
  📓 Red Sky Logbook coming soon...