Whether you work harder, work less and choose not to work at all, make sure it puts you in position to FISH MORE. The folks at STLHD embody the obsession that we’re talking about.

Setting rates when you’re writing for fishing magazines, websites or tackle companies is an inexact science. Each negotiation — if there is one — involves different considerations. Here’s the process I use to maximize income and minimize anguish.

“Go Fast, Don’t Die” is a brand that fits our message — take risks, go fast, live life to the fullest because you only get once bite at the apple.

I’ve been riding in bass boats for over 20 years, but despite occasional short spurts behind the wheel, I’ve generally avoided learning to drive one. Pete is a critical teacher. Finally, I decided that it was time to learn, so I asked the much more patient Chad Morgenthaler to be my instructor. Here’s the rundown – it’s not so hard.

Free Fly Apparel makes a unique camo pattern that celebrates their South Carolina Lowcountry heritage. Dig deep to find your favorite barrier island and buy one of the shirts to feel the softness of bamboo.

If you’re looking for some true pro hawging gear, check out the apparel from J Dock Fishing Company in Seward, Alaska. They’ve got ya covered, whether you prefer bass or ‘buts.

If you live at the intersection of Keith Richards and Lefty Kreh, we have a hat for you. If Spicoli is more your speed, there’s a shirt to go with it.

While fishing travel is our primary focus, I’m also a big fan of the art of motorboating. I’ve had seven boats but only one wife – luckily she likes motorboating, too. Unfortunately, it’s frowned upon in public — if you still want to show how much you love it, check out some of the following gear.

Recently I was introduced to a braid-to-leader knot that’s remarkably easy to tie under any conditions. It was popularized by Lefty Kreh, and while he’s not as well known outside of the fly fishing community that doesn’t mean conventional tackle bass anglers and saltwater anglers can’t employ it.

I don’t know where they came up with “Pimp Shrimp” or precisely what it means, but I guarantee you that if you wear this around town you’ll get some funny looks and more than a few inquiries.

Can Sammy Hagar double haul? Is David Lee Roth a deep cranking fiend? We don’t know, but apparently Eddie Van Halen could shred the silver king.

I thought we were the only angling family crazy enough to have an Australian Shepherd (we didn’t learn the first time), but there are several of them out on the bass tours. Here are their thoughts on the breed.

If you want to get a gift for the angler in your life (or for yourself) that they can eat in the boat, there are many options. One is to go to Costco and get the biggest box of beef jerky or candy bars or protein shakes you can fit in your vehicle. Another, more memorable choice, is to get them something more personalized.

There’s no question that the Ned Rig catches fish – and not just numbers of peckerheads but some true giants. It seems to elicit strong reactions, both pro and con. Fortunately, now there’s clothing available to advertise your true feelings about this finesse-oriented fish catcher.

I’ve been to Hawaii twice, but despite spending a lot of time in and around the water, I did not fish at all. Until that happens, I’ll have to looking forward to the next trip. If you are into both fishing and Hawaii, here are some fishing clothing options that might get you in the mood.

Among the many things that make America amazing is the fact that we’re big enough for not just one, but at least TWO Nutria Rodeos. The original was in Mobile, Alabama. More recently, Venice, Louisiana added one of their own, offering up prizes for the largest nutria killed and the most nutria per boat. There is also a nutria toss.

Every time I think I’ve put Ascension Island in the rearview mirror, Google tempts me with factoids, reopenings and souvenirs. Here’s an update to our list of ideas and souvenirs.

Back in the 1990s my brother bought me a t-shirt from Stroud’s Restaurant in Kansas City which read in large letters, “We choke our own chickens!” I thought it was pretty funny until some woman in the airport took offense. That shirt has been lost to the ravages of time, but if you want something similar you can get the one seen above from Skinner Baits.

While there are threats to sharks in some areas due to practices like “finning,” in many sport fisheries they have become an uncontrollable nuisance. They’ve learned that hooked fish are easy prey, and hooked fish tend to be in close proximity to fishing boats. Beware of the Tax Man.

While Giant Needlefish are not a species that we’ve ever targeted, at least partially because they’re a pain in the ass to handle, truth be told they fight hard, jump a lot and grow fairly large.