All Things Fishing

Booking a guided fishing trip can be an exciting adventure, but it can also feel a bit overwhelming, especially if it's your first time, you're unfamiliar with the area, or you're unsure of what questions to ask. To help you make the most of your experience and ensure a smooth, enjoyable outing for everyone, we've [...]

Pros And Cons Of Trolling – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) Welcome to the 20th episode of the Level Up Fishing Podcast! In this milestone episode, we dive deep into the world of trolling – and no, it’s not just about going in circles on the [...]

We recently reached out to our fishing community on social media, asking if you wanted more perch fishing tips, and the response was a resounding yes! Inspired by your enthusiasm, we’ve put together five tried-and-true tips that have helped us catch more perch and land bigger ones too. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just [...]

NBSW Battling The Fear – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) I originally recorded this video back in 2023 for National Boat Safety Week. The moment I stopped the camera, I was overwhelmed by a massive anxiety attack. Speaking about this topic out loud was incredibly challenging [...]

Lake Trout Fishing Tips – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) Welcome to Episode 18 of the Level Up Fishing Podcast! This week, we're covering Lake Trout fishing tips. With peak Spring Lake Trout season upon us, it's the perfect time to sharpen your skills and reel [...]

Bass Fishing For Trout – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) Welcome to Episode 17 of the Level Up Fishing Podcast: In this episode, we're exploring how techniques and lures commonly used for bass fishing can also work wonders when targeting trout. Despite their physical differences, trout [...]

How Fishing Has Changed – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) Welcome back to the Level Up Fishing Podcast! After a brief hiatus, we're thrilled to return with an exciting episode as we gear up for our 18th Anniversary Celebration. In this special edition, we discuss the [...]

2024 Fishing Resolutions – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) Welcome, anglers, to another episode of the Level Up Fishing Podcast, where we explore how fishing can be the catalyst for positive change in your life. As we dive into these top New Year's resolutions, you'll discover [...]

Pros, Guides, & Fishermen – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) Welcome to Episode 14 of the Level Up Fishing Podcast, where we discuss a topic close to our hearts: "Pros, Guides, & Fishermen." In this candid conversation, we aim to break stereotypes and help our fellow [...]

Ice Fishing Safety – Level Up Fishing Podcast w/ Special Guest Cody Rowe and Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) In our latest podcast episode, we had the pleasure of talking with Cody Rowe, the Head Ice Fishing Guide here at GSO.  Covering everything from the various types of ice to [...]

Ice Fishing Checklist – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) As the temperatures drop and the lakes freeze over, preparation becomes key to an exceptional ice fishing season. In this episode of the Level Up Fishing Podcast, we discuss the ice fishing checklist crafted by the GSO Fishing [...]

There is nothing more frustrating than getting a bite, setting the hook, and losing the fish as you reel it in. Once is definitely frustrating, twice is aggravating, and anything more than that is a clue that something isn't right with your setup. The problem then becomes how to figure out what the issue is. [...]

Slowing Down Your Lure Presentation – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) In Episode 11 of the Level Up Fishing Podcast, we dive into a crucial tactic for angling success—slowing down your lure presentation. Join us as we discuss giving fish the time to key in on [...]

Reel Talk & Covering Water – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) This podcast is two years in the making. We weren’t sure we would ever produce the first episode, let alone get to ten! We are thrilled to bring you the tenth episode of the Level Up [...]

Rigging Tube Jigs – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) We are completing our Tube Jig Series with Rigging Tube Jigs and talking about some of our favorite tube jig producers in the industry! We also cover a few tips when rigging your tube, including how scents [...]

Fishing Patterns, Not Spots – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) Fishing Patterns, Not Spots…what does that even mean? Fish behave in patterns. Those patterns can be seasonal patterns like spawning times, winter habitat vs, summer habitat, etc, but you can get even more specific with advanced [...]

Fishing & Social Media – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) The topic of social media and fishing can go in many different directions, but this week we decided to cover it from our perspective. Pros, cons, some pet peeves, and a few unpopular opinions are thrown [...]

Fishing Hooks – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) We are shouting it from the rooftop, GOOD HOOKS MATTER!  It doesn't matter what species you are fishing for, Lake trout, Pike, Perch, Walleye, etc., having the right hook for the species and technique you will be using [...]

Jig Head Styles – Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) This week, we are taking a deeper look at Jig Head Styles and why there are so many on the market. We also dive deeper into techniques you can use both in open water and ice fishing [...]

Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) It’s October and Down Syndrome Awareness Month! This week on the Level Up Fishing Podcast, we are introducing you to a vital member of the GSO Fishing Team and our family, Samantha, aka Sam. . Sam loves dogs, was homecoming queen her [...]

Jig Weight Selection - Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) Jig weight selection plays an important role in first learning how the jig moves in the water and the different techniques an angler can implement with a jig. Choosing the right weight can also determine how a [...]

Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran and Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) On this week's episode, we officially announced our new name: The Level Up Fishing Podcast, as well as broke down 60 vs. 90 line ties on tube jig heads. It's no secret that 60 degree line ties are designed for casting [...]

Level Up Fishing Podcast Hosts Stormy Cochran & Andy Cochran (Owners of GSO Fishing) We have been talking about this for almost two years now, and today we finally made it happen! . We are not perfect (and never want to be!) We are not professional podcasters, we are not actors, and we don't have [...]

As summer gradually gives way to fall, a subtle transformation begins to unfold beneath the water’s surface. This transition, driven by cooler temperatures and shifting daylight hours, triggers changes among the local fish populations. Understanding these patterns can be the key to success during your fall fishing adventures. Temperature Matters: One of the most significant [...]

An Easy 30 Minute Recipe! Looking to spice up your Taco Tuesday dinner? Look no further than our favorite Perch Tacos with GSO Chipotle Sauce! This mouthwatering creation combines the delicate flavors of freshly caught perch with the tangy flavor of the chipotle GSO sauce, creating a culinary sensation that will have your taste buds [...]

As boating and fishing enthusiasts celebrate National Boat Safety Week, it's crucial to prioritize safety while enjoying the beautiful waters of Colorado. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a first-time boater, following safety guidelines is essential for a memorable and incident-free experience. In this blog post, we'll discuss ten safety tips to remember when boating [...]

Lucky Catch - Where Preparation Meets Opportunity Luck. It’s a common term you hear used in fishing. “I got lucky today and caught 'em.” Wait a second… If you caught fish, is that really luck, or did your actions play a role in your success?  The definition of Luck reads: success or failure apparently brought [...]

I sat down with Andy Cochran and asked him a question we hear all the time, ‘What fishing tackle (gear, equipment) should I buy when I first get started fishing?’ Many of you know that Andy is my husband, the Founder and owner of Gunnison Sports Outfitters (our guide service,) and that we launched our […]

Eating healthier, getting outside more, learning a new skill or hobby, spending time with family and friends, going on an adventure, exercising, and traveling…the New Year's resolution list goes on and on. But, did you know that after the very first week of the new year, 25% of people have already given up on their [...]

Most anglers have a lure, technique, or spot that is their absolute go-to when they go fishing. There is something about that lure that usually works, or the spot is a producer, or maybe that particular style of fishing comes easy to them. Whatever it is, having that one go-to can absolutely be a lifesaver [...]

With cooler temps sweeping across the Western US and Hunting season in full swing, many anglers have already put their boats away for the season. That leaves anglers with a couple of options when they have a day off to go fishing. One, they can fish from the shoreline, or two, from a smaller watercraft [...]

Every fall, thousands of Kokanee salmon make the 30ish-mile migration from Blue Mesa upstream to the Roaring Judy Fish Hatchery. They battle local wildlife, anglers, and, depending on the year, warm/low waters. It’s a losing battle for some and a victorious trek for others. Once the Kokanee make their way from the river, they navigate [...]

In the fall, during the pre-spawn and spawn, Kokanee will go off feed and begin their movements towards their spawning grounds. For us, this means they are no longer roaming the open water in search of plankton where they are readily caught trolling. Now, these fish are staged on the bottom of the lake or [...]

Please, Turn Off Your Headlights! Launching at first light is one of the best times of the day to be out fishing, but it can come with its own set of challenges. During this time, the sun hasn't fully risen, so most people automatically have their headlights on while backing their trailer down the ramp. [...]

Each tube jig head is unique to the style of fishing you will be doing and the size of the tube you are fishing with. Some are better for vertical jigging, some are better for casting, and others are better for digging in the dirt. A couple of examples would be our Mega tube heads [...]

Reputable Fishing Guide Service Blot Post: Image of GSO Fishing Clients with their catches of the day. As schools prepare for their final weeks and Summer quickly approaches, more and more households are beginning to plan their summer vacations. However, with so many outdoor activities to choose from, like mountain biking, rock climbing, nature hikes, [...]

Colorado Lifetime Fishing License In the state of Colorado if you are permanently disabled you qualify for a Lifetime Fishing License free of charge. Last year, we applied for our oldest daughter Sam to receive her LFL and it was a really simple process. . Requirements: You must be a Colorado resident for at least [...]

Colorado Fish Records By Length: (Copied From The CPW Website.) . As of January 2020, Colorado Parks and Wildlife has a new State Records by Length program. The new program recognizes the longest fish of a particular species that is caught and released by an angler, anywhere throughout Colorado. In this program, records are by [...]

Even when you can’t get out on the water, there are tons of great resources, both paid and free, to help you expand your fishing knowledge. Everything from books, emails, blogs, and YouTube to seminars, online courses, and guided fishing trips. Although, free content is a great place to start it can be a lot […]

This Star Brite Ultimate Pontoon Deck Cleaner is fantastic! . We get a lot of traffic on our pontoon and the deck really starts to show it. Using a hard-bristled scrubber in our drill and this deck cleaner helps keep the floors much cleaner than just soap and water. . Pro Tip: Always clean your […]

Quick Tip: When rigging your tube jigs, add a pea-size drop of gel scent to the top of your jig head to help the jig head slip into the tube easier. It also slowly releases the scent in the water as you jig your bait. . There are tons of different scents on the market, [...]

Walking the shoreline of Blue Mesa you will see tons of crawdad bodies littering the shoreline as well as some live ones walking in the water. They are a delicacy for both the fish and the birds at Big Blue. IN the Spring you can often find Browns with bellies full of various sizes of […]

When it’s this cold, your fishing gear will require a little more attention. The main thing I maintenance this time of year is our fishing reels. . Most reels (baitcasters and spinning reels) come with grease inside around the gears and anti-reverse mechanisms. This grease basically turns into a rock in sub-zero temps and won’t […]

The line tie also referred to as the “eye” of the jig head, comes in different styles/degrees. The degree of the line tie affects the decent of the jig, the position of the jig in the water, as well as the technique of fishing. Two common line tie options are 90° and a 60°. The [...]

Why are there so many different weights available for the same jig head that fits the same jig? The answer is "fall rate" The example photo is a line-up of our Mega tube jig heads. 1.5 oz., 2 oz., 2.5 oz., and 3 oz. You can use this style head with a tube jig from [...]

One of the hardest things to learn in any type of fishing is knowing when a fish has taken your lure or bait. Here’s a couple of quick tips to help with bite detection for kids and beginners while ice fishing Use a heavier jig head or weight. This will help keep your line tight, […]

Ice Hole Set-up when using your fish finder and 2 rods The optimal set-up we’ve found for setting up your holes is as follows… Drill 3 holes in a pyramid shape. The top/center hole is for your fish finder. The two holes to either side are for fishing.  This setup allows you to sit comfortably […]

Many of our jigs feature Super Glow powder paints that charge via natural sunlight, indoor lights, and UV/black lights including our Shad fry and Mag Shad Fry. Although it isn’t made very clear on any of the websites and articles we have found about Super Glow paint, we find that our glow jigs work best […]

Finesse jigs require a unique rod to get the best hook-up and landing ratio possible. Finesse jigs have a lighter wire and a smaller gapped hook than a standard jig. With that in mind, pick a rod that will not overpower the hook on the hookset.  A standard jig rod is 7′ – 7′ 6″, […]

You often see home decor signs and/or social media posts saying “We interrupt this marriage for Hunting Season.” It’s easy to laugh off as a joke but for couples across the country this is reality from Aug 15th to November…or sometimes well into December. 17 years ago Andy and I were no exception to this […]

Ever wonder ‘what is a marabou jig and when do I use it?’ Here is a quick overview of Marabou Jig – Basics. Read our other blog posts for more in-depth information about Marabou Jigs and how to use them. What Is It: Cast & Retrieve Jig made out of a painted lead head with […]

Kokanne Salmon – Trolling with Corn Kokanee are a plankton eater, meaning that despite popular belief, Kokanee do not eat your lures. They are extremely territorial so when a Kokanee goes after your lure it is actually to defend their territory. So, how do you lure in a fish that won’t eat your lure? You […]

In the Fall, water temps on lakes and reservoirs begin cool at the surface. At a certain point, the surface water reaches a lower temperature than the water below, and with the cooler water being denser than warm water, the surface water suddenly sinks to the bottom of the lake. This shift to the overall [...]

Hang-ups Shore fishing can pose some issues when fishing certain types of lures. The main ones are lures that are fished on the bottom or in the deeper part of the water column. Two examples would be jigs and jerkbaits. Marabous As you bring these lures in, you are fishing them “uphill”. If you are […]

Casting Distance vs. Strike Zone. This time of year, do you notice that boat anglers are usually casting towards the bank and most of the time, trying to get their lure as close to the shore as possible? In the Spring and early Summer, most fish are shallow to very shallow, cruising the warming water […]

With many anglers fishing from the shore right now, we’ve definitely witnessed some shore crowding even at Blue Mesa. If shore crowding is an issue in your area select a section of bank that has harder to navigate terrain. Most anglers won’t fish in the rocks so this will give you a bit more shoreline […]

Wind Direction – “Wind is your friend!” One thing we always try to do in the boat is chase the wind. Wind moves bait around and breaks up the surface, making the fish easier to catch. The rough surface will break up the light penetration, making your lures less visible, which helps fool sight feeding […]

Lure Presentation Angles, shadows, structure, and wind direction are a few factors that determine what lure to throw, where to throw it and how to work it. Lure presentation from the shore can also become a “fisherman position” challenge. Be sure to pick the best area of the lake to fish based on these factors. […]

Rough Terrain / Muddy Beaches: Some of the very best fishing has the absolutely worst terrain to navigate and that’s why we access it from our boat. Take away that option and you’re left with walking in on foot or missing out on some amazing fishing. Here are some of our quick and easy tips […]

Shoreline Fishing – Tackle Prep and Gear Selection Before you leave the house, you’ll probably need to reorganize your tackle to make it more portable. As a boat angler, I’m used to being able to store 25 rods and 40 tackle boxes in my boat. That obviously is not an option when shore fishing. The […]

When our guide Randy came across GVF Lures a couple years ago, we quickly discovered that this brand is different. In a great way! . Rich is very meticulous in his design and construction. What he’s created are unique lures that flat out catch fish! There is nothing on market like his spinners, dodgers, spoons […]

With four daughters you can bet we’ve had a heck of a time getting them to hold fish over the years. Some of them absolutely love holding fish and some down right refuse to hold one. One of our very favorite fishing memories was taking our girls to the the river right at ice off. […]

We’ve all had those days when we head out to the lake with the family and everyone starts out excited but maybe an hour into it the fishing is slow and everyone’s mood quickly goes downhill. Furthermore, some days kids just really don’t want to fish no matter if the fishing is fantastic or slow. […]

Garlic Pepper Trout Fillets: People ask our guides all the time how they cook their trout and honestly we all prepare it differently. Some of our guides love to make it super spicy, some love to smoke the fillets and eat them with cheese. They even been known to make amazing Kokanee salmon ceviche! After […]

Colorado Fish ID Coloring Sheet: We’ve all had those days when we head out to the lake with the family and everyone starts out excited but maybe an hour into it the fishing is slow and everyone’s mood quickly goes downhill. Furthermore, some days kids just really don’t want to fish no matter if the […]

When you’re only focused on moving forward it is easy to forget how far you’ve come. The first half of 2020 has thrown us some curves and a few uphill battles but we are still standing strong. So Far In 2020, We’ve: – Had the pleasure of joining Terry Wickstrom Outdoors on his show radio show multiple […]

We have tested many different types and brands of fishing lures on our boats over the years and found that Rocky Mountain Tackle Company lures are outstanding. Whether it’s their UV dodgers, squid, signature spinners, or billfish squid. We use all of their tackle on our guide boats. Hands down they catch fish. RMT even partnered with […]

Another great product we have found that helps keep our tackle organized is these mesh dodger jackets by Mauk Fishing Stuff (DBA Lure Safe.) . They come with a binder for storage, close with velcro, and have easy carry handles. They come in several sizes and easily hold all our different dodger types. We’ve used them […]

Sunscreen Tip: Sunscreen is an absolute must for us everyday out on the water. After years of trying multiple brands of sunscreen that were extremely oily, got on our tackle, didn’t cover well, smelled horrid, etc. we tried Neutrogena sunscreen and have bought it ever since. The only down side seems to be the cap. […]

Walking the shoreline of Blue Mesa you will see tons of crawdad bodies littering the shoreline as well as some live ones walking in the water. They are a delicacy for both the fish and the birds at Big Blue. In the Spring you can often find Browns with bellies full of various sizes of […]

Now, we know you think we’re a little crazy by saying that rod color matters when trolling (the fish don’t even see the rod!) but stay with us on this one. . When we first started GSO back in 2006 rod color was the last thing on our minds. As time went on we noticed […]

With almost all fishing lures and jig heads, there are 3 types of paint finishes Regular Colored Finishes and Paints UV Glow Finishes and Paints Glow Finishes and Paints Regular Finishes These finishes are the most common and used most of the time in shallow water, less than 30 feet. The following chart shows what […]

#TakeAKidFishing Our hashtag is more than just a hashtag, it’s the foundation of our entire business. Every trip we’ve taken, every angler we’ve helped, every jig we’ve produced, all started with Andy, and the fact that his family took him fishing as a child. Little did they know that his childhood love of fishing would […]

Andy and I have spent countless hours working on jigs in our shop this year. Painting, pouring, baking, packaging. Rinse, lather, repeat… We want to make sure that we’re fully stocked in stores and online but that means long, hard hours, and lots of late nights. From time to time (usually around midnight) We find […]

Here at GSO Fishing, we are always looking for anything that can make our time on the water more efficient. When we find tools or tackle that fit that bill we love to share it with other anglers in hopes of helping them be more efficient and successful on the water as well. We want […]

Looking for the perfect recipe to spice up your next Taco Tuesday? Look no further than Rowe’s Cajun Fish Tacos! These Cajun perch fillets paired with Liz’s Secret Sauce melt in your mouth and keep you craving more! . Ingredients: Blue Mesa Perch (as many as you want to eat) (Note: Any kind of fish […]

I  recently asked our team of guides if they thought anyone could be a fishing guide. I thought for sure I would hear a resounding “no” across the board because, believe it or not, guiding is hard work and not right for everybody.  You’re dealing with extremely early mornings, adverse weather conditions, fish that don’t […]

Not sure what to make for dinner tonight? Why not try guide Ryan Vanlanen’s easy fish tacos! They only take around 10 minutes to make. . Ingredients: Blue Mesa Perch (6-12 fillets) (Note: Any kind of fish will work with this recipe) Powdered Taco Seasoning (1 package) Oil (3 tsp) Corn Tortillas (6-12) Toppings (coleslaw, […]

Colorado is known for having temperamental weather at best and for snowing on the 4th of July at worst. We can go from sun to rain to blowing snow in 10 minutes on any day of the year. So, what does that mean when you’ve scheduled a guided trip and the forecast says it will […]