In Today’s Newsletter: From a jaw-dropping bass-on-bass feeding frenzy to expert popping cork tactics and the best braided lines of 2026, this week’s fishing stories are packed with wild catches, smart tips and serious angling inspiration.
Jaw-Dropping Bass-On-Bass Feeding Frenzy (Video)
A kayak angler comes across a strange scene, but it isn’t as rare as you might think.
Best Braided Fishing Lines For 2026
Braided fishing line has many benefits, primarily its strength, diameter, and lack of stretch. After extensive testing, we crowned these the best.
Best All-Around
Best Finesse
Most Durable
Top Picks:
Best All-Around: Diamond Solid Braid 8X Generation 3
Best Finesse and Castability: CAST Fishing X12
Most Durable: PowerPro Super 8 Slick V2
Best Combo of Durability and Finesse: Daiwa J-Braid X8 Grand
Best Budget Heavy-Duty: KastKing Hammer Braid
Best Budget Overall: Bass Pro Shops Excel Braid
Best BFS line: CAST Fishing BFS X8 Performance Braid
Best Budget Finesse: KastKing 13X Finesse Braid
Maine Fishing Bender
Fish in the rain, sleep in a U-Haul and eat lobster rolls ever day; five days in Vacationland on a budget and living the dream.
Ask An Expert:
Q: “When do you use a popping cork? Can you offer some tips?”
A: Murky, choppy water or low light conditions when the noise and commotion attract fish. — Brandon Barton | Guide, Emerald Waters Kayak Fishing
I use a variation of the popping cork with my fly rod. The rig consists of a foam popper tied on my leader 20 inches above my fly. The tactic is deadly on sea trout, especially in windy conditions. — Darrell Olson | YouTube @DarrellOlson
Tarpon, snook and offshore species will fall for a popping cork. When bait schools hold in the upper water column, the popping cork suspends the bait where predators hunt. — Bart Swab | Guide, Action Kayak Adventures
Check out the article, Pro Popping Cork Tactics for more tips from the experts.
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Get Lost In The Weeds To Find The Best Fishing
Laugh along with Andy Whitcomb as he looks for humor in a fishing lure snagged in the grass.
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