Cold water doesn’t mean cold fishing. In today’s lineup, angler Matt Nelson heads out in 37-degree water to break down his smallmouth bass strategy for frigid water. We spotlight the Smith Backcast sunglasses and take a closer look at wake baits, the simplest way to trigger explosive topwater strikes from trout to redfish and stripers. And if you’re dreaming bigger, we round it out with a look at why Alaska remains the ultimate wild frontier for chasing halibut and salmon.

In a chilly November day, YouTuber Matt Nelson set out in search of smallmouth bass, sharing his cold water kayak fishing tactics.ing them easy prey for trout, smallmouth bass, catfish, saugeye and other species.

It’s time to WAKE up! That’s right, it’s time to wake up to wake baits, the easiest topwater lures to use. Unlike walk-the-dog lures or poppers, wake baits don’t require any fancy rod and reel action. Just cast out the lure, reel it in and catch fish. Take wake baits, the deadly freshwater lure, to the salt for an easy-to-use topwater tactic for speckled trout, redfish and striped bass.

When you’re going to the grocery store, or you’re out on the town with the family, full-wrap fishing sunglasses with sideplates look like you’re wearing a pair of goggles. That’s what make the new Smith Backcast sunglasses really cool. They are more of a lifestyle frame. In other words, it’s looks like something fit for the street. But that doesn’t mean the Backcast isn’t ready for the salt flats. Even though it is a lifestyle frame, Smith has put in some very fishy features.

Alaska may be the last frontier of paddle fishing, but this land of giant halibut and salmon runs offers an affordable escape to the wild.

Subscribe for just $17 $16 a year! Upgrade to a print subscription and enjoy high-quality print magazines conveniently delivered right to your door.