The city of Mazatlan provides incredible access to Lake El Salto and Lake Picachos -- and it's remarkably affordable. Would it be a solid choice for retirement? What are the pros and cons?

It’s probably the first or second question we get when we tell people about our fishing trips to the Amazon region: “What about that little fish that crawls up your pee hole and gets stuck?” Spoiler alert: Not true.

I’ve enjoyed catching deep fish from halibut to snapper, but there’s something special about a violent strike from ankle-deep water. We’ve chronicled gear dedicated to “River Rats,” but if you’re looking for another way to represent the skinny water lifestyle, consider one of these hats.

Whether you’re trying to hammer some success at Casa Vieja Lodge, Anglers Inn, Sport Fish Panama Island Lodge or Bear Trail Lodge, it pays to dress the part. I like to get geared up for our adventures by painting my fingernails and toenails to reflect my quarry.

Do you know what a “square grouper” is? It’s not a fish on our bucket list. It’s the slang term for bales of marijuana, typically found off the Florida coast – either unintentionally discarded by smugglers or disposed of to avoid being caught.

My recent interview with Kade Gewanter reminded me of a fish called burbot.” I’ve never caught one, but I spent parts several summers around Walker, Minnesota, home to the famous “Eelpout Festival.” Our friends to the north talked glowingly of this hideous fish, but I always chalked that up to copious amounts of alcohol consumed.

One of my goals for 2025 is to get Hanna her first marlin, and with trips to Panama and Baja on the schedule the odds are pretty damn good. Depending on where it happens, and which species she captures first, we'll celebrate with one of these 13 marlin-themed cervezas.

Elliott Stark is our offshore muse, the person I go to when I need no-bullshit advice or answers on anything in the salt. I’m overwhelmed by jealousy because he’s written the book that I have neither the time nor the resources nor the contacts nor the talent to write.

Panama’s Geisha Coffee is considered among the best in the world — would be reason enough to go to Chiriqui on its own. Add a finca tour to a fishing trip for more fun.

Now that I’m becoming increasingly convinced that there’s no such thing as a “trash fish,” my hackles get up a little bit every time I hear the term. Some still use it derisively, while others wear it as a badge of honor (the anglers who chase them, not the fish themselves, who likely don’t understand English).

We all want clear, quality photos of our trophy catches and memorable trips, but not all of us want to learn to be skilled photographers. Here are some ways to make sure you get the "framer" shots.

We’re excited to head to Canadian provinces we’ve yet to visit. Those include Alberta. In order to feel local we’ll want to throw spoons like the Len Thompson Five of Diamonds. As long as we’re going native, we might as well enjoy a Blindman Brewing Five of Diamonds Pilsner.

My friend Chad Hallett wandered into a tackle store in upstate New York and just about got poked in the eye by the hat pictured above which represents multiple things that make this world great.

We’re coming up on Fat Bear Week, when you can vote for the bears at Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park, trying to select the epitome of pre-hibernation gluttony. The contest has become a worldwide phenomenon in recent years, with iconic winners like Otis and last year’s motherly champ 128 Grazer.

I’ve only fished in Maine for bass with conventional gear. Next time we’ll have to chase some native trout with fly rods and then cap off the day with Gifford’s Fly Fishing Fudge. It’s vanilla ice cream with M&Ms, chocolate chip cookie dough, chocolate chunks and heavy ribbons of fudge.

Roosterfish fight like the devil and they’re visually arresting, which makes them prime candidates for celebrating on stickers and decals. Check out some of our favorite renditions of Pez Gallo.

On our tuna trips to Central America we have used gaffs to subdue yellowfins at boatside and then haul them aboard. Elsewhere, though, both recreational and commercial tuna fishermen use a harpoon with a “dart” at the end. Check out the t-shirt from Outside Set in Massachusetts.

Many people think that beer and fishing are inextricably linked. That’s not the case but I enjoy a few on vacation, when it doesn’t impact my abilities. I particularly like to imbibe if it’s something local and perhaps different than what I have at home. Here are all of the articles we’ve written about fish beers, fishing beers, and fishing-adjacent beers since 2020.

All five senses will help you on the water, but your eyesight is particularly critical for angling success. Here are ways to preserve, protect and train your eyes to give you the clues you need.

I find it cool that there’s a company wholly dedicated to celebrating smallmouth bass – The Achigan Brand. Explore their offerings, everything from an ode to MJ to the old-school Smallmouth Magazine lettering and beyond.