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Bluegill Sunfish | Perch | Panfish Tactics
'Fat' Summer Bluegills & Sunfish
Call them what you want, the Bluegill is a member of the sunfish family. Pumpkinseed, redbreast, stumpknocker, green sunfish or longear sunfish, they are all members of the Lepomis species.... Read more...
Gapen Gapen Bait-Walker
Walleye Windblown Islands
Walleye on Windblown Islands During those windy days of June, all of July, and early August, lake walleye often hold in deepwater sanctuaries.  The only time they come up to... Read more...
Gapen Western Trout Fly Kit
Wading The Waterways
Wading the Waterways Rivers: Far too many anglers make the mistake of wading their favorite river while walking downstream. Such action sees all the silt, noise and debris kicked up... Read more...
Gapen General Trout Fly Kit
Fly Fishing Presentation
Proper Fly Presentation in Running Water Nymph Fly and Dry Fly Presentation At station A you'll find a dry fly fisherman facing upstream and casting his fly upstream above his... Read more...
Gapen Perch Lure Kit
Perch Catching Tips
Perch Catching Tips My good friend Bob Kook of Detroit, Michigan is one of the best perch fishermen I know. He goes at it methodically and with a great deal... Read more...
Gapen Eastern Trout Fly Kit
Brook Trout The Brookie
The 'Brookie' Nowhere else but in our nation's creek systems does the brilliant coloring of the brook trout show off its flair so well. From their marbled, rich olive back... Read more...
Gapen Streamer - Laker/Striper
Lake Trout During August
Where to Find Lake Trout in August The diagram discloses two deepwater holes normally found on inland lakes which hold lake trout. There are two ways to fish these spots.... Read more...
Gapen Walleye Float
Heavy Winds
The Effects of "Heavy Winds" It may be hard to fish in heavy waves, but research shows that it can be very productive. By reviewing this diagram, you will note... Read more...
Gapen Weedcutter 1.5 oz
Weed Cutter for Northern Pike & Muskie Weedless Spinner Bait
It was a long time ago when I caught my first northern pike on an ancient spinner bait. It was one made by the Gapen company called the Weedcutter .... Read more...
Gapen Gapen Bait-Walker
Gapen | Interactive Catalog
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Gapen Nepag - Big (Freshwater) 1.5 oz
Northern Pike, Muskie on Spinner Baits
Weed Cutter for Northern Pike & Muskie Weedless Spinner Bait It was a long time ago when I caught my first northern pike on an ancient spinner bait. It was... Read more...
Ice Breaker Ice Sale
Ice Breaker Ice Sale
Supplies are limited and daily specials every day in our "Daily Deal". Some deals offer free product- everything automatically calculates in your cart. We will run a new deal of... Read more...
Gapen Gapen Ugly Bug Jig
Why Heritage Jigs Still Outfish New Jigs — Gapen Ugly Bug, Muddler & Bait-Walker
Why heritage jigs still outfish new jigs: fish still eat crayfish, hellgrammites, and sculpins that sit, walk, and flare on rock - not holographic shelf paint. Gapen's Ugly Bug (Dan... Read more...
Gapen Wilderness Rod - Spinning
Gapen Wilderness Rod Lifetime Warranty — How 75% Off Current Retail Works
Gapen Wilderness rod lifetime warranty: if your Wilderness rod breaks for any reason , Gapen replaces it at 75% off current retail - you pay about 25% of whatever that... Read more...
Gapen Gapen Ugly Bug Jig
How to Fish an Ugly Bug for River Smallmouth (Gapen Stand-Up Jig Setup)
How to fish an Ugly Bug for river smallmouth: start with a 1/8 oz Gapen Ugly Bug (classic riverside size), cast upstream into a seam, riffle, or rip-rap edge, keep... Read more...
Gapen Gapen Bait-Walker
How to Rig a Bait Walker for Walleye in Current (Weight, Leader, Hook Choice)
To rig a bait walker for walleye in current: main line to the Gapen Bait-Walker front, lighter dropback off the rear swivel (10 lb main → 6–8 lb leader), weight... Read more...
Gapen General Trout Fly Kit with proven fly patterns
Fly Fishing Kits for Beginners: 5 Things to Know Before Your First Cast
Starting fly fishing can feel complicated. Rod weight, leaders, tippet, fly patterns, knots, and casting technique all matter. The right fly fishing kit for beginners makes the process easier by... Read more...
Gapen Muddler Minnow fly and Bluegill specimen illustrated for technical identification.
Top 5 Flies for Bluegill: Why the Muddler Minnow Rules the Pond
The foraging behavior of Lepomis macrochirus (Bluegill) is dictated by opportunistic predatory instincts and metabolic requirements. As a member of the sunfish family, the Bluegill exhibits a diverse diet primarily... Read more...
Professional arrangement of catfish hooks next to a Gapen Wilderness fishing rod handle, emphasizing IM6 carbon construction
Pro-Tips: Choosing the Right Hook Size for Monster Catfish
Effective catfish angling requires the precise calibration of terminal tackle to the physiological characteristics of the target species. Hook dimensions are not arbitrary; they must be selected based on the... Read more...
High-quality professional photo of authentic Gapen yellow-and-black striped balsa pencil floats, neatly displayed to emphasize their slender design and balsa wood construction.
The Ultimate Guide: How to Rig and Use a Slip Bobber for More Fish
The slip bobber assembly is a specialized configuration designed for precise depth control in freshwater angling environments. Unlike fixed buoyancy devices, the slip bobber moves freely along the fishing line,... Read more...
High-sensitivity Gapen yellow-and-black striped balsa pencil floats positioned vertically in dark water.
The "Up-Bite" Explained: How Pencil Bobbers Detect More Crappie in Under 3 Minutes
In the context of freshwater angling: specifically targeting Pomoxis species (Crappie): the "up-bite" is defined as a feeding event characterized by a vertical upward displacement of the bait. Unlike predatory... Read more...
Gapen team member holding rod with IM6 carbon and bite-detector float highlights
How to Choose the Best Walleye Jigging Rod: Why Sensitivity Matters for Your Hookseto
The selection of an optimal walleye jigging rod requires an analysis of material modulus, structural reinforcement, and component weight. The primary objective is the maximization of tactile feedback (sensitivity) to... Read more...
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Fly Fishing Kits for Beginners 101: A Guide to Mastering the Legendary Muddler Minnow
You are here: Home > Fly Fishing Tackle > Educational Resources > Fly Fishing Fundamentals Read more...
Dan Gapen Sr. Memorial Sunday, December 12th
Dan Gapen Sr. Memorial Sunday, December 12th
Daniel Dean Gapen, Sr., 89 years of age, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 20th, 2021. Read more...
Gapen Gapen Bait-Walker
Gapen Zones - Benthic Discovery
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Late Fall Fishing Tackle Savings - Black Friday Fishing Deals
Late Fall Fishing Tackle Savings - Black Friday Fishing Deals
1.5 OZ NEPAG Spinners on Sale Now Big Game Fish crush this lure. Built with beast terminal components and proven fly materials that drive big fish crazy. The 1.5 oz.... Read more...
Enter And Win Gapen Fishing Tackle Prize Drawing Raffle
Enter And Win Gapen Fishing Tackle Prize Drawing Raffle
It's a Gapen Prize Promotion. A little gift from Dan Gapen Sr. and the Gapen Fishing Tackle Company (**Wilderness Rod is worth 2 entries!) Three fans are going to win!... Read more...
Spring Fishing Jig Sale - Cabin Fever
Spring Fishing Jig Sale - Cabin Fever
Gapen Walleye Catching Kit on Sale Now Our Top Deal - Save on our exclusive video and book special that teaches you how to catch walleye in the Spring and... Read more...
Gapen Pencil Float
How to Fish a Gapen Pencil Float for Panfish and Crappie
Pencil bobbers, the short answer: a pencil bobber is a long, slim float that stands straight up and dips under at the lightest bite. For bluegill and crappie, use a... Read more...
Gapen Freshwater Shrimp
How to Fish a Gapen Freshwater Shrimp Jig for Panfish
Shrimp jig, the short answer: for crappie and bluegill, tie on a Gapen Freshwater Shrimp Jig in 1/64 or 1/32 oz on 4 to 6 lb line. Cast or drop... Read more...
Gapen Floating Grasshopper
How to Fish a Gapen Floating Grasshopper Fly for Trout
Grasshopper fly, the short answer: tie on a Gapen Floating Grasshopper in size #8, cast it within a foot of a grassy bank, let it land with a soft plop,... Read more...
Gapen GAPEN GLOW Floats & Bobbers
How to Fish Gapen Glow Floats for Night Panfish
Glow in the dark bobbers, the short answer: use a Gapen Glow Float when you need a tip you can see after sunset. Charge the glow tip with a UV... Read more...
Gapen Flicker
How to Jig a Gapen Flicker Spoon for Perch (Open Water to First Ice)
How to jig a Flicker spoon for perch, the short answer: use a Gapen Flicker in 1/16 oz with a minnow head on one point of the treble hook. Drop... Read more...
Gapen RED BALL JIG
How to Fish a Gapen Red Ball Jig for Perch: Lift, Twitch, Hold Still
How to fish a Red Ball jig, the short answer: drop a Gapen Red Ball Jig to the perch, lift and twitch it a few times to draw them in,... Read more...
Gapen Spin-Bee
How to Fish a Gapen Spin-Bee Jig in Fall (Cast, Troll, and Vertical)
How to fish a Spin-Bee jig, the short answer: tie on a Gapen Spin-Bee in 1/8 oz for general fall fishing, cast it past the fish, and bring it back... Read more...
Gapen Flub Dub (Shallow Diver)
How to Fish a Gapen Flub Dub Crankbait (Twitch, Rise, Troll)
How to fish a Gapen Flub Dub crankbait, the short answer: cast a Flub Dub Shallow Diver to your target, let it settle on the surface, and twitch it every... Read more...
Gapen Papa Jig
How to Fish a TTS Papa Jig for Crappie (Twitch-Pause, Vertical, and Under a Bobber)
How to fish a TTS Papa Jig for crappie, the short answer: start with a TTS Papa Jig size 2.0 (2 in) around docks, weed edges, and brush. Twitch-and-pause, or... Read more...
Gapen Gapen Ugly Bug Jig
How to Jig an Ugly Bug for Fall Walleye (Stand-Up Hop, Vertical, and Drift)
How to jig an Ugly Bug for fall walleye, the short answer: start with a 1/4 oz Gapen Ugly Bug on breaklines, rock, reefs, and points. Hop a few inches,... Read more...
Gapen Bait-Walker Plus
Bait-Walker Crankbait Trolling for Walleye: Fall Breakline Weights, Leaders, and Speed
Bait-Walker crankbait trolling for walleye, the short answer: tie your main line to the front eye of a Gapen Bait-Walker , run a leader that tests lighter than your main... Read more...
Gapen Gapen Bait-Walker
How to Rig a Bait-Walker for Catfish: Drift, Slip, and River Setups
How to rig a Bait-Walker for catfish: tie your main line to the front eye of a Gapen Bait-Walker , tie a leader that tests lighter than your main line... Read more...
Gapen TTS Bass Kit
TTS Bass Kit vs Walleye Kit: What's Inside and Which to Buy (Plus the Papa Jig Pack)
TTS Bass Kit vs Walleye Kit: buy the TTS Walleye Kit ($8.25) if you want a Ned rig you can fish today. It comes with 3 L-Leeches, 3 T-Leeches, two... Read more...
Gapen Wilderness Rod - Spinning
Gapen Wilderness Spinning Rod Length Guide: 5'6" to 10', Which One to Buy
Gapen Wilderness spinning rod length guide: for most Midwest anglers, the 6'0" Medium Light ($85) is the one rod to buy first: 6-12 lb line, Fast action, 1/16 to 1... Read more...
Gapen Panfish Float
How to Fish a Gapen Panfish Float (Slip-N-Lock 9-1/2" & 11" Setup)
How to fish a Gapen Panfish Float: attach a Gapen Panfish Float with Slip-N-Lock (sleeve partway = slip, all the way = fixed), cock it with enough weight for minnows,... Read more...
Gapen GAPEN GLOW Floats & Bobbers
How to Fish a Gapen Glow Float (Slip-N-Lock Night & Low-Light Setup)
How to fish a Gapen Glow Float: charge the glow-in-the-dark tip (UV flashlight preferred; a regular flashlight also works), attach a Gapen Glow Float with Slip-N-Lock (sleeve partway = slip,... Read more...
Gapen Big Game Float
How to Fish a Gapen Big Game Float (Slip-N-Lock 10"/12" for Pike, Cats & Center Pin)
How to fish a Gapen Big Game Float: attach a Gapen Big Game Float with Slip-N-Lock (sleeve partway = slip, all the way = fixed), cock it for large bait,... Read more...
Gapen Bream Float
How to Fish a Gapen Bream Float (Slip-N-Lock Panfish to Walleye Setup)
How to fish a Gapen Bream Float: attach a Gapen Bream Float with Slip-N-Lock (sleeve partway = slip, all the way = fixed), cock it with enough weight for worms,... Read more...
Gapen Walleye Float
How to Fish a Gapen Walleye Float (Slip-N-Lock River & Lake Setup)
How to fish a Gapen Walleye Float: spool medium walleye/bass line, attach a Gapen Walleye Float with Slip-N-Lock (sleeve partway = slip, all the way = fixed), cock the float... Read more...
Gapen Bobber Anne Float
How to Fish a Bobber Anne Float (Gapen Slip-N-Lock Panfish Setup)
How to fish a Bobber Anne float: spool panfish line, attach a Gapen 'Bobber' Anne Float with Slip-N-Lock (sleeve partway = slip, all the way = fixed), keep shot light... Read more...
Gapen Pencil Float
How to Fish a Pencil Float for Bluegill (Gapen Slip-N-Lock Setup)
How to fish a pencil float for bluegill: spool light line, attach a Gapen Pencil Float with Slip-N-Lock (sleeve partway for slip, all the way for fixed), keep the weight... Read more...
Gapen Crappie Float
How to Fish a Slip Bobber for Crappie (Gapen Slip-N-Lock Float Setup)
How to fish a slip bobber for crappie: put a line stop on your main line, then slide on a Gapen Slip-N-Lock Crappie Float set to slip (sleeve only partway... Read more...