America's coastline stretches over 95,000 miles, offering anglers endless opportunities to cast a line. Among the most accessible and rewarding fishing experiences are the public fishing piers that extend from Maine to California, from the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico. These structures transform shore fishing by carrying anglers hundreds of feet beyond the […]

New Jersey's reputation as a fishing destination has never been stronger heading into . With over 400 publicly accessible lakes, ponds, and reservoirs spread across the Garden State's diverse geography, anglers from New York City to Philadelphia discover world-class freshwater fishing within an hour's drive. The state's commitment to fisheries management, combined with natural advantages […]

Yes, parrotfish is technically edible and consumed in Caribbean, Pacific, and Hawaiian cuisine. However, eating parrotfish carries significant health risks from ciguatera poisoning and raises serious environmental concerns due to their critical role in coral reef protection and sand production. Understanding both the safety hazards and ecological impact is essential before making this seafood choice. […]

Yes, smallmouth bass are absolutely safe to eat, and many anglers rank them among the finest tasting freshwater fish in North America. Despite lingering taboos in some sport fishing circles, these members of the Centrarchidae family deliver firm, white flesh that rivals popular food fish like walleye, crappie, and perch. The hesitation around eating bass […]

Yes, you can absolutely eat crawfish. These freshwater crustaceans are completely safe when properly cooked to an internal temperature of at least 145°F and sourced from reputable suppliers. A single 3-ounce serving delivers 14 grams of high-quality protein with only 70 calories, making crawfish one of the most nutritious shellfish options available in . This […]

Have you ever wondered if that prehistoric-looking fish at the market is worth trying? Can you eat sturgeon? Absolutely! This ancient aquatic giant, which has existed for over 200 million years, delivers some of the most prized meat in the culinary world. With its remarkably mild, sweet flavor and firm, meaty texture, sturgeon has captivated […]

That scrappy little fish with the fiery red eyes staring back from your stringer might just be the most misunderstood panfish in North American waters. Rock bass have occupied a strange middle ground in angling culture for generations—dismissed as "trash fish" by trophy hunters yet celebrated as spirited fighters by those who appreciate their aggressive […]

If you've ever heard someone say "I don't like the taste of freshwater fish," they're probably just eating the wrong species. The truth is, the best tasting freshwater fish can rival any expensive saltwater catch—and for under $5 per pound when you catch them yourself. So what is the best tasting freshwater fish? Based on […]

Colorado's vast network of over 2,500 fishing lakes and 100,000 miles of rivers creates endless opportunities for anglers seeking everything from trophy trout to warm-water species. As we head into the 2026 season, new stocking programs, updated regulations, and improved access are making the Centennial State's fisheries more productive than ever. Whether you're targeting Gold […]

The muddy water closed over my head as I felt along the submerged log, fingers probing for the telltale smooth entrance of a catfish hole. My heart hammered against my ribs. Then—a sudden pressure, like a industrial sander clamping down. The flathead had my thumb and forefinger in its cardiform teeth, hundreds of tiny inward-curved […]