What's the best way to catch fish?
That's easy, practice and have fun. There is no right way to catch fish as many different techniques are effective and a specific lure, technique or bait can be hot one day and cold the next. The best way to become good is to practice and always observe even the minor details. Pay attention to what works and what doesn't, absorbing your surroundings. I learn more when I'm NOT catching fish. Note the weather, water conditions and time of year. Everything paints a picture and overtime you'll learn patterns.
Are you professional fishermen?
Absolutely not. We are just a small group of weekend amateur, yet experienced, anglers who use this site to document our findings. Most of us fish from shore at easily accessible public locations due to limited resources.
Do you sell lures or tackle?
No. We do not sell lures or tackle directly, however you may find links on this site that go to external sources where you may purchase many of the items we profile on this site.
If I sign up for your newsletter...will you sell my information?
Absolutely not. Click here to read our web site Privacy Policy.
Do you fish saltwater?
Whenever we get the opportunity!!! But, since we're based in land-locked Michigan and have abundant freshwater lakes all around us — we've decided to keep the focus of this site on freshwater for the time being. Hopefully, as this site grows, we'd like to add content related to saltwater fishing in the future.
Can I link to your site?
Absolutely. We encourage web links and appreciate your support. Click here to learn more about linking to our site.
I read you offer pictures for free use...true?
We do offer pictures from our catalog of over 20 GB of photos taken primarily of wildlife, birds, nature and waterways free for educational or non-profit use only. Click here to learn more.
Are you looking for advertising on your site?
We appreciate any financial support or backing that we can get to keep this site going. If you are interested in learning more about advertising on this site, click here.
Who designed your site?
Better-Fishing.com was built by our in-house web design team, basically on their own time and dime, and we REALLY appreciate that! Our lead designer has his own web site at: www.SB27Design.com. |
| About Shawn Masters |
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| My first catch. Circa 1977 in front of Betty & Nick's Bait and Tackle, a 1-2 pound Bluefish off IBSP. |
Originally from the East Coast, I cut my fishing teeth along the New Jersey shore starting in the late 1970's, primarily within the region between Manasquan and Barnegat Inlets with years spent on Island Beach State Park. Focusing on sand surf fishing, jetty fishing and coastal fishing (up to 10 miles out), I learned the universal techniques of fishing: plugging for Striped Bass, jigging for weakfish, wake-baiting for Bluefish and drop shotting for Flounder.
I created this web site to help bring me closer to the sport as well as highlight the beauty of the sport of fishing and bring awareness to issues such as land and water conservation that may touch a few individuals while also helping the weekend angler enjoy the sport a little more. |
| My Favorites... |
| Crankbait: X-RAP Slashbait |
| Spinnerbait: Strike King Kevin Van Dam Pro Model |
| Reel: Shimano Symetre |
| Reel (Saltwater): Penn |
| Stick: Bass Pro Shops Johnny Morris Signature |
| Fav Places to Fish: |
In-land Lake: Kent Lake
(Milford, MI) |
| Coastal: Island Beach State Park (Seaside Park, NJ) |
Stream/River: Gallatin River
(Bozeman, MT and points south) |
| Largest Largemouth: 7lb. 4oz. |
| Largest Pike: 46" (Wt Unknown) |
| Best Bag(5): 21lb 4oz. |
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