Welcome to Fishing

The Last Hobby You'll Ever Need

THERE’S MORE TO LOVE ABOUT FISHING THAN FISH:

The sweet musk of new life in the forest, the whistle of a wood duck overhead, the startling croak of a frog as it plops from the bank. Going fishing feels like coming home. What keeps us coming back, of course, is catching fish. Nobody knows how to put fish on the line better than Berkley. Since our company’s inception, science has been a part of our DNA. Our tackle is backed by years of research and experimentation performed by Berkley’s own team of scientists.

That means you can guess less and catch more fish.

Young girl holding fishing rod and looking toward the sky
Young girl holding fishing rod and looking toward the sky
Young girl holding fishing rod and looking toward the sky
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With decades of research on fish behavior and feeding habits, our scientists have been able to develop hundreds of bait varieties that will reel in just about anything that swims.

LEARN ABOUT THE MOST POPULAR SPECIES YOU’LL BE CHASING, AND FIND THE BEST BAIT FOR THE JOB HERE:

Bait by Species:

Fill Your Tackle Box:

Species: Panfish

  • AVERAGE WEIGHT: 0.5LBS - 1LB
  • POPULATION: COMMON
  • LOCATION: THROUGHOUT NORTH AMERICA; SOME SPECIES HAVE BEEN INTRODUCED TO EUROPE AND SOUTH AMERICA
  • DIFFICULTY TO CATCH: EASY
  • FISHING TYPE: ARTIFICIAL & LIVE BAIT
  • SEASON: SPRING, SUMMER, FALL

Species: Panfish

No matter your age, catching a gutsy bluegill or crappie never goes out of style. Found in just about every body of water, what these little guys lack in size they make up for in sheer numbers. Here’s the bait you’ll need to pull one in:

Species: Bass

  • AVG. WGT. SMALLMOUTH: 2-4 LBS
  • AVG. WGT. LARGEMOUTH: 3-5 LBS
  • POPULATION: COMMON
  • SMALLMOUTH LOCATION: TEMPERATE ZONES OF NORTH AMERICA
  • LARGEMOUTH LOCATION: CONTINENTAL USA
  • DIFFICULTY TO CATCH: MEDIUM
  • FISHING TYPE: ARTIFICIAL BAIT
  • SEASON: YEAR ROUND

Species: Bass

There’s a reason these opportunistic eaters are America’s favorite game fish. Nothing beats the explosionof a bass bite and the thrill of reeling one in. Here’s the bait you’ll need to pull one in:

Species: Trout

  • AVG. WGT. BROOK TROUT: 1-4 LBS
  • AVG. WGT. RAINBOW TROUT: 2-6 LBS
  • POPULATION: COMMON
  • BROOK TROUT LOCATION: EASTERN CANADA & NORTHEASTERN AMERICA, MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS, STREAMS AND RIVERS
  • RAINBOW TROUT LOCATION: NORTH AMERICA, MOUNTAINOUS REGIONS WITH STREAMS & RIVERS
  • DIFFICULTY TO CATCH: MEDIUM
  • FISHING TYPE: ARTIFICIAL BAITS AND DOUGHS
  • SEASON: SPRING, FALL, WINTER

Species: Trout

From rainbow to brook, cutthroat to brown, trout exist in nearly every corner of the country. Their stunning colors make them a rewarding catch every time. Plus, they make a delicious main course. Here’s the bait you’ll need to pull one in:

Species: Catfish

  • AVERAGE WEIGHT: 7-15 LBS
  • POPULATION: COMMON
  • LOCATION: EASTERN & CENTRAL NORTH AMERICA
  • DIFFICULTY TO CATCH: EASY
  • FISHING TYPE: LIVE/CUT BAIT, ARTIFICIAL DOUGH
  • SEASON: YEAR ROUND

Species: Catfish

Homely at first glance, we think there’s a poetic beauty to these whiskered brutes. Sometimes weighing in over 50lbs, catfish are known to put up a good fight. Here’s the bait you’ll need to pull one in:

Species: Walleye

  • AVERAGE WEIGHT: 6-12 LBS
  • POPULATION: COMMON
  • LOCATION: CANADA & NORTHERN UNITED STATES
  • DIFFICULTY TO CATCH: MEDIUM
  • FISHING TYPE: ARTIFICIAL
  • SEASON: SPRING, FALL

Species: Walleye

Minnesota’s state fish are widespread throughout the Midwest, but you can still find these golden fish in other parts of the country. Pack a little patience in your tackle box—these elusive fish put up a fun chase. Here’s the bait you’ll need to pull one in:

Little girl zipping up tent with fishings rods leaned against it
Little girl looking at fishing bait
A couple carrying kayaks and fishing gear
Father and daughter roasting a marshmallow over a fire
Family walking through grass with fishing gear
Young girl in canoe lifting sunglasses off of her face

Now that your tackle box is full, it is time to find the perfect rod and reel.

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Tips, Tricks & Resources

While you’re here, learn how the pros tackle some of the basics:

These articles are a fast, easy resource to up your game quickly. Dive in:

Hands tying lure

Tying the Knot: The Complete Guide to Tying Better Fishing Knots

A thorough knowledge of knot tying is critical to fishing success—here’s all you need to know to make every knot you tie better and stronger than the last.

Anglers pulling up fish in net

Casting for Walleye

Take your fishing to the next level. Watch how pro-angler Korey Sprengel went from fishing enthusiast to champion, chasing Walleye all along the way.

Anglers pulling up fish in net

Fishing Line Confusion: How to Choose the Right Line

There’s a dizzying array of fishing lines out there. Don’t just understand the differences between monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines. Understand which one fits each of your fishing needs.