At first, changing spark plugs felt intimidating. But once I bought a spark plug socket and read my manual, I realized it was one of the easiest maintenance jobs I could do. I pull the old plug, check the gap on the new one, and screw it back in snug. The whole process takes less than 10 … Read more

Stale fuel used to ruin my fishing trips — hard starts, sputtering, clogged carbs. Now I never store gas without adding a fuel stabilizer. I’ve tried a few brands, but the ones that have consistently worked for me keep gas fresh for months and prevent that sour smell. I just pour the right amount into the … Read more

When my old 2-stroke started running rough, I figured the carburetor was gummed up. I went down the rabbit hole of carb cleaners — sprays, soaks, additives — and finally settled on a spray carb cleaner safe for outboards. I like the ones with a straw nozzle that let me hit all the small jets and … Read more

Hard tackle boxes just took up too much space in my jon boat. Switching to soft tackle bags with modular trays made everything easier. My favorite is a medium-sized bag with side pockets for tools and space for 4–5 trays inside. I can swap trays depending on the trip — bass, catfish, or crappie. It’s lightweight, fits … Read more

Night fishing has become one of my favorite ways to beat the summer heat, but it only works if you’re prepared. My top accessories are: With these four things, I feel safe, organized, and ready for anything after dark.

Even though I run an outboard and a trolling motor, I always carry paddles for backup. The problem was storage — they used to rattle around the floor. Now I use simple clips mounted to the inside gunnel to hold them flat against the boat wall. They’re out of the way, silent, and always easy to grab … Read more

At first, I thought a throw cushion was just one more piece of gear to carry. Then one windy day, a buddy slipped and nearly went overboard. I tossed the cushion, and it kept him steady until he climbed back in. Now, I always keep a Type IV throwable cushion within arm’s reach. It’s not just about … Read more

Not having a built-in livewell was a challenge at first. Minnows and shad would die too quickly in buckets. My fix? A 5-gallon insulated bait bucket with a battery-powered aerator. I line the bucket with frozen water bottles to keep the water cool, and the aerator keeps oxygen levels high. Now my bait stays lively all … Read more

Jon boat benches aren’t exactly comfortable. After a few long trips, my back was sore, so I started bringing collapsible stadium-style chairs with padded seats. They strap right onto the bench, give me back support, and fold flat when I’m done. On overnight trips, I even take them out and use them on shore around the fire. … Read more

Fishing from a small jon boat means space is always limited. I used to pile tackle boxes under the seat, but every time I needed a lure, I had to dig around. Now I keep everything organized with a soft tackle bag and modular trays. The bag sits between my legs while I fish, and I … Read more