Game & Fish Current Issue

GAME & FISH: ON NEWSSTANDS NOW

The April issue of Game & Fish magazine, America’s only national outdoor magazine with a focus on regional hunting and fishing, is available on newsstands now. Here is a preview of what’s inside.

Tackle Test 2020: Baitcasting Rods and Reels

We tested 24 baitcasting rods and reels against the heavy bass of Lake Picachos, Mexico, for part 1 of Game & Fish Tackle Test 2020, in which our editors picked the Editor’s Choice and Great Buy gear. Check out our in-depth look at the best gear. (Part 2, on spinning gear, will be featured in the May issue)

Region-by-Region: What's in the April Issue?

Here’s a look at regional content in the April issue.

East: Hunt Birds Like Bucks — Gobblers can be patterned much like mature whitetails. Here’s how to gather intel and plan an ambush when turkeys turn tight-lipped. Old Baits Catch New Bass —The Johnson Silver Minnow, Snagless Sally and other classics from yesteryear are stilleffective today. It’s time to go old school.

South: Tactical Retreat —Becoming obsessed with one turkey can limit your success. How to know when it’s time to move on. Crank Up Crappies —Crankbaits aren’t just for bass. They have overlooked potential to catch trophy crappies.

Midwest: Fenceline Gobblers — Birds that hang up on the wrong side of a fence are maddening. Set up right, though, and fencelines can funnel birds to you. Fool Trout with Finesse — Follow these tips to catch spooky stream trout with the finesse float rig.

West: Western Turkey Management —In the West, turkey flocks have sometimes become nuisances for landowners. What’s next for this fabled gamebird? Pro Tips on Swimbaits — Follow our advice, and you’ll see why swimbaits are the perfect lure for Western bass throughout the spring.

Spring Turkey Time is Here

April means turkey season in many places across the country, so you’ll find plenty of info on bagging a tom this spring. G&F Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller shares his experience hunting Merriam’s gobblers through the hills along the Wyoming/South Dakota border — but they don’t come easy in country this big. Contributor Larry Case writes about how to tune turkey calls. Follow a veteran call maker’s advice to make sure your friction calls are ready for the spring season. Also, look for state and region turkey info specific to your region.