Cut baits aren’t pretty””and they sure can stink. But if you want to catch the biggest cat, gar, or drum in any water, they get the job done
Author: Joe Cermele
Joe Cermele
Joe Cermele is the Fishing Editor of Field & Stream. He has been in fishing media full time since graduating college in 2005. He’s authored three books, and written more articles, blogs, scripts, and voiceovers than he could count. Highlights **Expertise and Interests:**Fly fishing (but not when conventional fishing will produce more fish), magnet fishing, anything but trolling Other Publications:MeatEater, Outdoor Life, On The Water, The Drake, Salt Water Sportsman, Men’s Journal, Anglers Journal, New Jersey Angler Education Bachelors’s Degree in journalism from Rider University Experience Cermele was born into a fishing family. His grandparents on his dad’s side always had a boat and spent lots of time at local lakes and rivers. His grandparents on his mom’s side owned a bait and tackle shop in Trenton, New Jersey. Growing up, Cermele had two loves—fishing and music. He also loved to write, and when he finally realized his metal band wasn’t going to be the next Metallica, he decided to marry his love of writing and fishing while studying journalism in college. This (somehow) worked out, and 17 years later he’s had the honor of serving as the fishing editor of Field & Stream and Outdoor Life, as well as the senior fishing editor of MeatEater. What has really helped drive Cermele’s career is a genuine interest in all types of fishing. He’ll soak live shiners for bass one day, fly fish for trout the next, and fire poppers at tuna the day after that. He’s traveled the world chasing myriad species, but for him the reward of those trips is less about catching a fish and more about spending time with anglers from all walks of life, learning what they do, and relaying their wisdom to his readers, viewers, and listeners. Cermele lives in Eastern Pennsylvania with his wife and two children, close to his beloved Delaware River and Jersey Shore. Notable Work
Why so serious on the ice? Set some flags and have a beer
If you can avoid being any one of these people on a head boat, you’ll catch a lot more fish
Here’s how to identify both toothy brawlers and why you might want to chase one over the other
Chain pickerel are widely available, quick to hit a lure, and a blast to catch. Here’s your guide for getting in on the action
Learn the difference between these two sweet-and-salty brawlers
Learn the differences between these highly sought-after oceanic brawlers
This battle-scarred saltwater spinning reel has been fighting everything from sharks to tuna for nearly two decades, all without a hiccup or a tuneup
Learn the basics of catching striped bass, bluefish, and redfish in the waves
Skip the seafood restaurant and go make some memories with the fam by soaking chicken on a string for blue-claw crabs
