Whether you're chasing largemouth bass in local ponds or marlin in offshore waters, the right fishing magazine can transform your angling success. Knowledge is power in fishing, and these publications deliver decades of expertise directly to your mailbox or device.
Here are the 64 best fishing magazines covering every type of fishing, from popular fishing magazines that millions trust to specialized niche publications for specific techniques. We've researched extensively to bring you options for every angler, regardless of experience level or fishing preference.
This comprehensive guide organizes magazines by category: freshwater, saltwater, fly fishing, bass, regional, specialty, youth, and international options. You'll discover publications perfect for your fishing style, location, and interests.
Top 10 Most Popular Fishing Magazines
Before diving into our complete list, here are the absolute must-reads that consistently rank as the most popular fishing magazines among anglers worldwide:
| Magazine Name | Type | Issues/Year | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-Fisherman | Freshwater | 8 | Comprehensive freshwater techniques |
| Salt Water Sportsman | Saltwater | 10 | Coastal and offshore fishing |
| Field & Stream | General Outdoor | 12 | All-around outdoor enthusiasts |
| Bassmaster | Bass Fishing | 12 | Tournament bass anglers |
| Sport Fishing | Saltwater | 9 | Sport fishing worldwide |
| Fly Fisherman | Fly Fishing | 6 | Fly fishing techniques |
| Marlin Magazine | Big Game | 8 | Billfish and offshore |
| Florida Sportsman | Regional | 12 | Southeast fishing |
| Outdoor Life | General Outdoor | 12 | Hunting and fishing combo |
| The Drake | Fly Fishing | 4 | Fly fishing lifestyle |
Best Freshwater Fishing Magazines (12 Magazines)
General Freshwater Publications
In-Fisherman stands as the most recognized freshwater fishing magazine in North America. With 8 issues annually, it delivers science-based fishing strategies, detailed species information, and gear reviews. Their tagline "teaching anglers how to catch fish" perfectly captures their educational approach.
Field & Stream, founded in the 1800s, remains America's premier outdoor magazine. While covering hunting extensively, their fishing content rivals dedicated fishing publications. Each monthly issue features expert advice on techniques, destinations, and conservation.
Outdoor Life provides another excellent general outdoor option with strong fishing coverage. Published monthly since 1898, it balances hunting and fishing content while maintaining high editorial standards. Their gear reviews and how-to articles help anglers improve their success rates.
Species-Specific Freshwater Magazines
CrappieNOW serves the massive crappie fishing community with targeted content. This digital magazine focuses exclusively on crappie techniques, seasonal patterns, and tournament coverage. It's essential reading for serious crappie anglers.
Walleye Insider delivers specialized content for walleye enthusiasts across the Midwest and Canada. Their regional reports and pro staff insights make it invaluable for walleye tournament anglers and weekend warriors alike.
Musky Hunter Magazine caters to the dedicated musky fishing community. Published six times yearly, it covers the latest lures, techniques, and trophy musky destinations. The magazine's catch registry celebrates the sport's biggest fish, similar to how aquarium enthusiasts track impressive fish like bettas.
Freshwater Fishing Magazines Subscriptions
When considering freshwater fishing magazines subscriptions, evaluate both print and digital options. Many publications now offer digital access with print subscriptions, providing instant access to back issues. Annual subscriptions typically range from $20-40, offering significant savings over newsstand prices.
FLW Bass Fishing magazine, while recently transitioning to digital-only, provides free access to tournament coverage and techniques. Their mobile app makes reading convenient on boats or at tackle shops.
Kayak Angler bridges freshwater and saltwater with comprehensive kayak fishing coverage. Published eight times yearly, it reviews fishing kayaks, accessories, and destination guides. Their annual buyer's guide issues are particularly valuable for those interested in smaller fish species as well as game fish.
Great Lakes Angler focuses on the unique fisheries of the Great Lakes region. This regional publication covers both trolling and shore fishing techniques specific to these massive waters.
Fishing Facts, though less common on newsstands, maintains a loyal following. Published six times yearly, it features reader-submitted tips and proven techniques from experienced anglers.
Trout Unlimited's TROUT Magazine combines conservation messaging with practical trout fishing advice. Members receive four issues annually, supporting both their fishing knowledge and habitat preservation efforts.
Top Saltwater Fishing Magazines (12 Magazines)
General Saltwater Publications
Salt Water Sportsman leads the saltwater fly fishing magazines category and general saltwater coverage. With 10 issues yearly, it covers inshore and offshore fishing across all major coastlines. Their boat reviews and destination features help anglers plan successful trips.
Sport Fishing Magazine publishes nine times annually, focusing on sport fishing techniques worldwide. Their photography sets industry standards, while technical articles help anglers understand fish behavior and improve catch rates.
Coastal Angler Magazine operates multiple regional editions, providing localized fishing reports and tide charts. Each edition targets specific coastal areas, from Texas to the Carolinas. This hyper-local approach makes them invaluable for resident anglers.
Offshore & Big Game Magazines
Marlin Magazine remains the definitive source for billfish anglers. Eight annual issues cover tournament circuits, destination reviews, and big game techniques. Their boat features showcase the latest battlewagons and center consoles.
Big Game Fishing Journal takes a more technical approach to offshore fishing. Published bi-monthly, it features in-depth articles on tackle, techniques, and fishery science. Many consider it the "bible for the offshore afflicted."
Bluewater Magazine targets the Australian and Pacific big game fishing community. Their coverage of black marlin fishing and game boat reviews provides unique international perspectives on the sport.
Saltwater Fly Fishing Magazines
Tail Fly Fishing Magazine exclusively covers saltwater fly fishing with stunning photography and destination features. Published quarterly, each issue transports readers to exotic flats and blue water fly fishing destinations.
Saltwater Fly Fishing (now digital) archives remain valuable resources for techniques and fly patterns. Though no longer in print, their back issues contain timeless saltwater fly fishing wisdom.
The Angling Report provides monthly fishing travel intelligence for saltwater destinations worldwide. Subscriber reports and lodge reviews help anglers plan successful international fishing trips.
Florida Keys Fishing focuses on America's saltwater fly fishing capital. This regional magazine covers everything from bonefish to tarpon in the Keys' unique ecosystem.
Pacific Coast Sportfishing serves West Coast saltwater anglers from Mexico to Alaska. Their regional focus includes salmon, halibut, and rockfish techniques specific to Pacific waters.
Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine delivers Gulf Coast fishing intelligence monthly. Their detailed bay system reports and offshore forecasts help Texas anglers find fish year-round.
Best Rated Bass Fishing Magazines (10 Magazines)
The best rated bass fishing magazines serve millions of passionate bass anglers across North America. These publications drive innovation in techniques, lures, and tournament strategies.
Bassmaster Magazine reigns as the official publication of B.A.S.S. (Bass Anglers Sportsman Society). Published monthly, it covers Elite Series tournaments, technique articles from pros, and conservation initiatives. Members receive exclusive content and tournament entry privileges.
Bass Angler Magazine offers a refreshing alternative approach to bass fishing coverage. Their focus on helping average anglers catch more bass resonates with weekend fishermen. Published bi-monthly, it avoids the heavy tournament focus of other bass magazines.
FLW Bass Fishing transitioned to digital but maintains strong editorial content. Their free access model makes professional bass fishing techniques available to all anglers. The website archives contain years of valuable bass fishing knowledge.
Bass Times, the newspaper-style publication from B.A.S.S., delivers monthly tournament coverage and conservation news. Federation members receive it as part of their membership benefits. The format allows for timely news and extensive state-level coverage.
Bassin' Magazine targets serious bass anglers with technical content. Published six times yearly, it features detailed seasonal patterns and advanced techniques. Their writers include biologists and professional anglers.
Bass Fishing Magazine (digital) provides technique videos alongside traditional articles. This multimedia approach helps visual learners master new presentations. Their pro staff includes rising tournament stars.
Ultimate Bass focuses on big bass strategies and trophy hunting techniques. Published quarterly, each issue deep-dives into specific patterns or techniques. Their catch documentation helps establish realistic trophy expectations by region.
B.A.S.S. Times West serves Western bass anglers with region-specific content. The unique fisheries and techniques required for Western reservoirs receive dedicated coverage unavailable elsewhere.
Midwest Bass addresses the specific needs of Midwestern bass anglers. From ice-out patterns to summer river fishing, it covers the region's diverse bass fishing opportunities.
Bass Master Elite provides behind-the-scenes tournament coverage and pro angler insights. This premium publication offers exclusive interviews and technique revelations from tour-level pros.
Premier Fly Fishing Publications (10 Magazines)
Traditional Fly Fishing
Fly Fisherman Magazine established the template for modern fishing magazine coverage of fly fishing. Published six times yearly, it balances destination features with practical technique articles. Their gear reviews influence industry trends.
American Fly Fishing takes a more artistic approach to the sport. This collectible magazine features world-class photography and literary writing. Published quarterly, each issue focuses on specific regions or species.
Fly Tyer Magazine serves the fly tying community with step-by-step patterns and material innovations. Six annual issues provide enough patterns to fill any fly box. Their emphasis on creativity inspires tyers worldwide.
Trout Magazine from Trout Unlimited combines conservation with practical fishing advice. Members receive four issues annually while supporting coldwater conservation efforts. Each issue balances activism with fishing content.
Modern Fly Fishing Magazines
Hatch Magazine represents the evolution of fly fishing media. This digital-first publication features long-form journalism and stunning photography. Their environmental coverage addresses contemporary conservation challenges.
The Drake Magazine brings counterculture sensibilities to fly fishing. Published quarterly, it avoids how-to content in favor of fishing lifestyle and adventure stories. Their writing quality attracts non-anglers to the sport.
The Flyfish Journal offers premium print quality with artistic presentation. Published three times yearly, each issue resembles a coffee table book. Their focus on visual storytelling elevates fly fishing media.
Fly Culture targets younger fly anglers with progressive content. This digital magazine covers urban fly fishing, DIY gear modifications, and inclusive community building. Their fresh perspective attracts new participants.
Eastern Fly Fishing serves the historically rich Eastern fly fishing community. Coverage includes both traditional Catskill techniques and modern nymphing innovations. Published six times yearly.
Fly Fusion from Canada provides international fly fishing perspectives. Their coverage of steelhead and Atlantic salmon techniques offers unique value to North American readers.
Regional Fishing Magazines by Location (8 Magazines)
Northeast/Mid-Atlantic
The Fisherman magazine dominates Northeast fishing media with separate editions for New England, Long Island, New Jersey, and Delaware Bay. Weekly during season, it provides the most current fishing reports available. Their surf fishing coverage particularly excels.
On The Water covers fishing and boating from Maine to New Jersey. Published eight times yearly, it balances inshore and offshore coverage. Their striper migration reports are legendary among surf casters.
Southeast
Florida Sportsman stands as the Sunshine State's fishing authority. Monthly issues cover everything from freshwater peacock bass to offshore sailfish. Their annual fishing planner issue is essential for Florida anglers.
Carolina Sportsman serves North and South Carolina with comprehensive coastal and inland coverage. Their inshore fishing reports help anglers navigate the region's extensive estuary systems.
West Coast
Western Outdoor News provides weekly fishing reports from Baja to British Columbia. Their comprehensive coverage includes party boat counts, lake reports, and saltwater conditions. The newspaper format allows timely reporting.
Northwest Sportsman covers fishing across Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia. Published nine times yearly, it excels at salmon and steelhead coverage. Their river reports guide successful trips.
Southwest Fly Fishing focuses on the unique fly fishing opportunities from California to Texas. Desert fishing, tailwaters, and high mountain lakes receive equal coverage. Published six times yearly.
Alaska Magazine includes substantial fishing content alongside general Alaska features. Their fishing special issues provide essential planning information for Alaska fishing trips.
Specialty & Niche Fishing Magazines (8 Magazines)
Kayak Angler Magazine leads the rapidly growing kayak fishing segment. Eight annual issues cover gear, techniques, and safety for paddle-powered fishing. Their annual buyer's guide helps newcomers choose appropriate kayaks and accessories.
Fishing Tackle Retailer serves the fishing industry with business insights and product trends. While targeting retailers, serious anglers gain valuable insights into upcoming gear and industry directions. Published monthly.
Women's Fishing Magazine (digital) addresses the growing female angler demographic. Content includes technique articles, gear designed for women, and community building. Their inclusive approach welcomes new participants.
Fishing for Kids magazine introduces young anglers to the sport. Simple techniques, safety lessons, and fun facts engage children while teaching conservation ethics. Published quarterly with family-friendly content.
Commercial Fisherman covers the business side of fishing. While focused on commercial operations, recreational anglers learn about fish populations and seasonal patterns. Published monthly.
Fly Fishing & Tying Journal combines two related hobbies in one publication. Six annual issues split coverage between on-water techniques and fly tying instructions. Their pattern database helps anglers prepare for any situation.
Match Fishing Magazine imports British match fishing techniques to American audiences. This competitive fishing style gains popularity through their technical coverage. Published eight times yearly.
Urban Angler focuses on fishing opportunities near major cities. Their coverage helps busy anglers find quality fishing close to home. Digital publication allows frequent updates.
Fishing Magazines for Boys and Youth (4 Magazines)
Finding quality fishing magazine for boys can challenge parents seeking age-appropriate content. These publications balance education with entertainment to engage young anglers.
Ranger Rick from the National Wildlife Federation includes regular fishing content. While not exclusively fishing-focused, their approach teaches conservation alongside outdoor skills. Published ten times yearly for ages 7-12.
Boys' Life features monthly fishing content within its broader outdoor coverage. Boy Scouts of America's flagship magazine reaches millions of youth with technique articles and safety information. Their fishing merit badge resources excel.
Junior Shooters occasionally covers fishing alongside shooting sports. While primarily firearm-focused, their fishing articles emphasize safety and ethics. Published quarterly for supervised youth activities.
Kids Fishing Magazine (digital) provides free online content specifically for young anglers. Simple techniques, coloring pages, and fish identification guides engage early elementary ages. Parent resources help families fish together.
Fishing Monthly Magazines & Digital Options
Several fishing monthly magazines maintain traditional publishing schedules, delivering fresh content year-round. These frequent publications provide timely reports and seasonal techniques.
Field & Stream and Outdoor Life lead monthly outdoor magazines with substantial fishing content. Their publishing frequency allows coverage of seasonal transitions and timely gear reviews. Both offer digital subscriptions with archive access.
Digital transformation changed magazine publishing significantly. Many traditional print magazines now offer digital editions with enhanced features. Video content, clickable links, and searchable archives add value beyond print versions.
Hatch Magazine pioneered digital-first fly fishing publishing. Their website updates frequently between quarterly digital issues. This model provides timely content while maintaining long-form journalism quality.
BassFan operates primarily online with daily tournament coverage and technique articles. Their website became the bass fishing community's digital gathering place. Email newsletters deliver content directly to subscribers.
Apps revolutionized magazine reading on mobile devices. Most major publishers offer dedicated apps with offline reading capabilities. These apps often include exclusive content and early access to new issues.
In-Fisherman app provides video tutorials alongside magazine content. Their integrated approach helps visual learners master complex techniques. Push notifications alert subscribers to new content.
Several aggregator apps compile multiple fishing magazines in one platform. These services offer convenience and cost savings for voracious readers. However, publisher-direct subscriptions often include better perks.
How to Choose the Right Fishing Magazine for You?
Consider Your Fishing Style
Match magazine selection to your primary fishing interests. Bass specialists benefit most from dedicated bass publications, while generalists might prefer broader outdoor magazines. Consider whether you primarily fish freshwater species or chase saltwater gamefish.
Tournament anglers need magazines covering competitive circuits and advanced techniques. Recreational anglers might prefer destination features and family-friendly content. Your fishing frequency also influences ideal publication choices.
Geographic Relevance
Regional magazines provide the most relevant local information. National publications offer broader perspectives but less specific local knowledge. Consider subscribing to both regional and national magazines for comprehensive coverage.
Climate differences make some magazines irrelevant to certain regions. Southern anglers gain little from ice fishing content, while Northern readers may skip flats fishing articles. Choose magazines matching your geographic fishing opportunities.
Print vs. Digital Considerations
Print magazines offer tactile reading experiences and don't require charged devices. Many anglers enjoy collecting print issues for future reference. However, storage space becomes challenging with multiple subscriptions.
Digital magazines provide searchability, video content, and environmental benefits. Tablet reading works well at home but proves difficult in bright sunlight. Consider your reading habits when choosing formats.
Cost comparisons often favor digital subscriptions. Publishers frequently bundle print and digital access at minimal additional cost. These combination packages provide maximum flexibility.
Subscription Value Analysis
Calculate per-issue costs when comparing subscriptions to newsstand prices. Most subscriptions offer 50-70% savings over cover prices. Multi-year subscriptions provide even better values but require larger upfront investments.
Consider publication frequency when evaluating costs. Quarterly magazines might seem expensive annually but deliver substantial content per issue. Weekly publications provide timeliness but can overwhelm casual readers.
Free trial offers let you evaluate magazines before committing. Many publishers provide sample digital issues or discounted trial subscriptions. Take advantage of these offers before purchasing full subscriptions.
Common Mistakes When Choosing Fishing Magazines
Subscribing to too many at once overwhelms readers and wastes money. Start with one or two magazines, then add others gradually. This approach prevents redundant content and unused subscriptions.
Not considering regional relevance leads to irrelevant content. A Florida angler gains little from Pacific Northwest steelhead articles. Focus on magazines covering your fishing areas and target species.
Ignoring digital options limits access and increases costs. Many readers reflexively choose print without exploring digital benefits. Modern digital magazines offer superior search capabilities and multimedia content.
Missing free trial offers wastes money on unsuitable publications. Publishers frequently promote trial subscriptions or sample issues. These offers help identify magazines matching your interests before committing financially.
Forgetting to check renewal prices catches readers off-guard. Initial subscription offers often feature deep discounts that disappear upon renewal. Note regular prices before subscribing to avoid surprises.
Pro Tips for Getting the Most from Your Fishing Magazine Subscriptions
Creating a fishing technique library maximizes subscription value long-term. Organize magazines by season, species, or technique for easy reference. Digital subscribers can use search functions to build virtual libraries.
Index valuable articles in spreadsheets or apps for quick retrieval. Note issue dates, page numbers, and brief descriptions. This practice transforms random magazines into searchable fishing resources.
Using seasonal articles effectively requires reading ahead of fishing seasons. Study spring techniques during winter to prepare for upcoming opportunities. This proactive approach improves early season success rates.
Save seasonal pattern articles for annual reference. Fish behavior remains relatively consistent yearly, making previous years' seasonal coverage valuable. Create seasonal folders organizing relevant articles.
Finding deals and discounts reduces subscription costs significantly. Publishers offer best prices during holiday seasons and fishing shows. Stack discounts by combining offers with cashback services.
Group subscriptions through fishing clubs often provide exclusive discounts. Check with local clubs about group buying opportunities. Some publishers offer club subscriptions at substantial savings.
Combining subscriptions strategically prevents content overlap while ensuring comprehensive coverage. Pair regional magazines with national publications for complete perspectives. Add specialty magazines addressing specific interests.
Consider publishers' package deals bundling multiple titles. These packages often cost less than individual subscriptions while providing diverse content. Evaluate bundles ensuring magazines complement rather than duplicate coverage.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Best Overall Fishing Magazine?
In-Fisherman consistently ranks as the best overall freshwater fishing magazine, while Salt Water Sportsman leads saltwater coverage. However, "best" depends entirely on your fishing preferences. Field & Stream provides excellent general outdoor coverage including fishing.
Are Digital Fishing Magazines Worth It?
Digital fishing magazines offer excellent value through searchability, video content, and storage convenience. They cost less than print versions and provide instant access to back issues. The main drawback is screen reading in bright conditions.
How Many Fishing Magazine Subscriptions Should I Have?
Most anglers benefit from 2-3 subscriptions: one regional magazine for local information, one matching their primary fishing style, and perhaps one general outdoor magazine. More than five subscriptions typically creates redundancy and reading backlog.
Which Fishing Magazines Are Best for Beginners?
Field & Stream and Outdoor Life provide approachable content for beginners. In-Fisherman excels at teaching fundamental concepts. Regional magazines help beginners find local fishing opportunities and connect with area anglers.
Do Fishing Magazines Offer International Shipping?
Most major publishers ship internationally, though costs increase significantly. Digital subscriptions eliminate shipping concerns entirely. Some international magazines like Total Sea Fishing (UK) provide different perspectives worth exploring.
Conclusion
These 64 fishing magazines represent the best fishing knowledge available in print and digital formats. From freshwater fishing magazines covering your local bass pond to international big game publications chasing grander dreams, there's a perfect magazine for every angler.
Start your magazine journey with one or two publications matching your primary fishing interests. Regional magazines provide immediately useful local knowledge, while national publications inspire new fishing adventures. As your interests expand, add specialty magazines addressing specific techniques or species.
Remember that the best fishing magazine is the one you'll actually read and apply on the water. Whether you prefer traditional print editions or modern fishing magazine digital formats, these publications will improve your fishing success. Choose wisely, read regularly, and watch your catch rates soar.
