Author: Top Strike Fishing


Author bio picture for Matthew DeCarlo, owner of Top Strike Fishing.

Top Strike Fishing is owned and operated by Matthew DeCarlo, an avid angler and outdoor enthusiast. Matthew has spent thousands of hours targeting freshwater species including trout, walleye, bass and panfish. He has used a variety of baits and techniques, though inline spinners remain his favorite. Always eager to hit the water, his passion for fishing is driven by the sense of wonder that comes with anticipating his next catch. As a writer, he strives to share his knowledge and experience with other anglers while providing valuable insights that help make the world of fishing accessible to beginners.


Huge forward flash emitted at the camera from the propeller on Top Strike Fishing's inline spinner being reeled through the water.

Does Flash Attract Fish? How to Be Effective With Flash on Lures

Anglers have been using flash to attract fish for probably as long as people have been fishing. Here are some key things to consider about flash on lures…
Happy angler holds a two pound smallmouth bass that bit a Top Strike Fishing spinner. Beautiful lake scenery in the background.

Do Inline Spinners Work on Bass? Get Your Rooster Tail Ready…

With all the innovations made to bass lures over the last century, many anglers wonder if inline spinners are any good for bass fishing…

The Best Fishing Spinners Around? Let Us Explain…

Considering how many great lures are available today, it’s pretty bold to claim that we offer the best fishing spinners around…
Image of a camera lens half submerged in creek water and half above the surface.

Below the Surface: Observing an Elusive Brook Trout Underwater Over Three Days

Unexpectedly recording a brook trout underwater turned out to be a thrilling experience that taught us a few things about their behavior…
Closeup photograph of a brown trout with a lure in its mouth.

Best Fishing Line for Trout: Mono, Fluoro, or Braid?

Having the best fishing line for trout comes down to your style, conditions, and the tradeoffs between monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braid…
A photograph of fast moving water in a creek. Taken after heavy rainfall while fishing during runoff.

Fishing During Runoff: How To Fish Fast Moving, High Water

Pointers for fishing in fast moving water, including short clips showing where to cast and tips on what to use when fishing during runoff…
A collection of inline spinners with varying color patterns photographed on a stream rock.

What’s an Inline Spinner? Here’s How They Work and Why They’re So Effective

Everything you need to know about what an inline spinner is, including underwater video of a spinner in action and some tips on picking one…

Start Reeling: What You Need to Go Fishing & Tips for Beginners

Here are some basic gear suggestions for what you need to go fishing along with some tips that may help beginners reel in their first catch…

Creek Fishing? Try Casting Downstream for Trout

Conventional wisdom says you should cast your lure upstream when creek fishing for trout, but there are many benefits to casting downstream…

Spool Up: How to Put Line on a Fishing Reel With an Arbor Knot

Thereโ€™s a lot to learn if you’re just starting to fish, and knowing how to put line on a fishing reel is high up on the list of essentials…
Rocky creek that is ideal for flip casting.

Stop Reeling: Try Flipping and Pitching for Bass and Trout

Flip and pitch casting are great techniques to learn for fishing weedy banks and rocky creek beds that are home to many bass and trout…
A stream photographed in front of a northern forest.

Is Today a Good Day For Fishing? Where Can I Go Fishing Near Me?

Here are some variables to consider if you want to know whether it’s a good day for fishing, and some resources to help maximize your success…
Top Strike Fishing DIY Fish Stringer Photographed on a Creek Rock

How to Make a DIY Fish Stringer Out of Carved Wood and Cordage

A DIY fish stringer is cheap, compact and easy to make with little more than a strong stick and paracord, bank line or some other cordage…

Why Should You Learn How to Fish? That’s a Good Question

Why should you learn how to fish? It instills many valuable lessons and once you get the hang of it, fishing becomes more than just fun…

How to Tie the Improved Clinch Knot and Double Uni Knot

For all the knots there are to wrap your head around, few are as valuable to memorize as the improved clinch knot and double uni knot…