How-To & Skills

The Thermocline Map: Where Summer Bass Actually Live — and the Low-Light Windows That Put Them on Top
The Thermocline Map: Where Summer Bass Actually Live — and the Low-Light Windows That Put Them on Top
Most anglers blame the heat for a dead summer bite. The real story is oxygen. Here's the thermocline-and-dissolved-oxygen map that tells you exactly how deep summer bass hold — and... Read more...
Helle Nipa knife beside a Helle sharpening stone, leather strop and honing compound on a wooden table
A Sharp Knife Is a Safe Knife: How to Sharpen in the Field (Hunting & Fishing)
A dull knife is the one that cuts you. Here's why a sharp blade is safer, plus three field-proven sharpening techniques for hunters and anglers — and the Ragweed Forge... Read more...
Best Cellular Trail Camera for Summer Scouting in 2026 (Why We Hang the Bushnell Cellucore 20 Solar)
Best Cellular Trail Camera for Summer Scouting in 2026 (Why We Hang the Bushnell Cellucore 20 Solar)
Summer is when you build your hit list. Here's how to pick a cellular trail camera for scouting whitetails in 2026 — carrier, solar, and security — plus the one... Read more...
The Beginner's Complete Guide to Fly Fishing Rods, Reels, and Line Weight — And Why Matching Your Gear to Your Fish Changes Everything
The Beginner's Complete Guide to Fly Fishing Rods, Reels, and Line Weight — And Why Matching Your Gear to Your Fish Changes Everything
There is a moment every new fly angler eventually hits — usually somewhere between watching their fly land in a tree for the third time and finally getting a clean,... Read more...
Largemouth bass caught on fly fishing gear — beginner fly fishing success
Best Fly Fishing Flies for Beginners: The Only 6 You Need to Start
New to fly fishing? These 6 fly patterns cover trout, bass, and panfish in nearly every condition and season. Here's what to tie on, when to use it, and how... Read more...
Satellite view of Tropical Storm Arthur making landfall near Matagorda Bay, Texas in June 2026
A Tale of Two Texases: What June's Rain Means for the 2026 Hunting Season
Tropical Storm Arthur just dropped 4–6 inches across southeast and central Texas — and it's quietly setting the table for the 2026 hunting season. Here's what the rain means for... Read more...
Trail camera photo of deer in the woods — summer scouting with game cameras
The Best Trail Cameras for Summer Scouting — and How We Pick Them
Hunter-vetted advice for running trail cameras in June and July: where to hang them, why cellular and solar win in the heat, and the exact cameras we stock — with... Read more...
How to Organize Your Fishing Tackle: A Simple System That Actually Works
How to Organize Your Fishing Tackle: A Simple System That Actually Works
A messy tackle box wastes time on the water and costs you fish — but the right system makes every lure findable in seconds, even in the dark. Here's a... Read more...
The Best Hunting Dog Breeds for Every Type of Hunt
The Best Hunting Dog Breeds for Every Type of Hunt
Not all hunting dogs are created equal. Here's a breakdown of the best breeds for waterfowl, upland birds, and blood tracking — matched to how you actually hunt. Read more...
How to Actually Draw an Elk Tag: The Western Draw System Explained
How to Actually Draw an Elk Tag: The Western Draw System Explained
Confused by elk draw systems? This guide breaks down how western elk draws work — preference points vs. bonus points, which states offer the best odds, and how to start... Read more...
Off-Season Hunting Gear Maintenance: The 10 Items You Must Service Before Summer Storage
Off-Season Hunting Gear Maintenance: The 10 Items You Must Service Before Summer Storage
Don't lose deer because your gear failed. The 10-item off-season maintenance checklist for rifles, optics, boots, packs, knives, calls, bows, blinds, clothing, and storage so everything is ready opening morning. Read more...
The Best Lightweight & SPF Hoodies for Summer Hunting and Fishing (2026 Guide)
The Best Lightweight & SPF Hoodies for Summer Hunting and Fishing (2026 Guide)
The best lightweight UPF hoodies for summer hunting and fishing in 2026 — what blocks UV, dries fast, and keeps you comfortable in Texas heat without overheating in the field... Read more...