May 15, 2024
By Jim Edlund
“Fishing In The Dark”
This classic fishing tune has been in rotation since 1987, everywhere from BBQs to teen dances, and for good reason. It’s catchy, good lyrics, and the hotshot Nitty Gritty Dirt Band backing up the fun. Garth Brooks later covered it, and that’s a solid rendition, too.
”All Summer Long”
Widely known for his incredible musical talent, Kid Rock is also a dedicated outdoorsman. His music style is largely alternative—even grunge at times, but he is able to and quite good at crossing genre lines to record country/folk-style tunes from time to time. All Summer Long was written above a familiar riff from world-famous “Sweet Home Alabama.” With a Verse 2 like: Catching walleye from the dock / Watching the waves roll off the rocks / She’ll forever hold a spot inside my soul … we felt this song was a top contender in your summer fishing playlist.
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“Copper Canteen”
The son of western author, Larry McMurtry, the guy behind the epic book and mini-series Lonesome Dove, James McMurtry is a master songwriter in the Americana genre. Honestly, this is one of my favorite songs of all time. For anybody who’s been through hard times, well, it might just hit you in some unexpected ways. Be prepared. Standout lyrics include “If Monsignor should pull you aside as you’re leaving the church / And I’m out on the ice dropping lines for the walleyes and perch / Tell him it’s not your job to bring me to the fold / I’d rather stay out in the cold.” Dang.
“Catfish Blues”
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Probably not the first choice of a lot of country-fried fishermen, keep an open mind and know this isn’t your “Purple Haze” Jimi Hendrix. This is Jimi channeling all the ol’ great bluesmen he listened to growing up—and him digging into that upside-down Stratocaster with unbridled emotion. A great blues jam that might get you pure country folks thinking there’s more music out there to explore. It’s muddy and sweaty, just like catfishin’ should be.
“Talking Fishing Blues”
The Godfather of American folk music, without Guthrie there would never have been a Hibbing, Minnesota-born Bob Dylan—or probably Neil Young for that matter. “Talking Fishing Blues” is a great story involving alligator gar, a shark, whiskey, and much more worth quoting.
“Front of the Boat”
For students of country music—especially guitar players—the name Jerry Reed summons some incredible pickin’, including songs like “Amos Moses” and “Eastbound and Down” (the theme to Smokey & the Bandit) – besides “She Got the Goldmine (and I Got the Shaft). Word has it that when Reed wasn’t touring—and even during off-hours on-the-road—Reed was fishing every minute he could. One story recalls Reed getting a call from Elvis Presley, whose band was covering one of Reed’s songs, and they needed him to come into the studio to walk the studio aces through how to play the tune, which they couldn’t figure out. Reed obliged, showed up at Elvis’ posh recording studio in his muddy waders, fishing gear in hand, then he grabbed a guitar and showed Elvis’ studio musicians/backup band how to play his song. When finished he saluted, got back in truck, and went back out fishing.
“Mind on Fishin’”
A simple tale of how fishing can be its own kind of church—good stuff! Adkins has cut a number of songs with an outdoor theme, and as a solid honorable mention, check out “Just Fishin’” .
“Bill Dance”
We can all relate to these lyrics about growing up fishing with big dreams of turning pro and looking up to legends like Bill Dance. Great song.
“Shut Up & Fish”
Country crooning ladies telling it like it is. Some people love this tune, others hate it. No matter, the chorus is a good reminder to a lot us: “Shut Up & Fish”.
“Better Off Fishin’”
Tales of heartbreak, 10-pound test, catfish—and a foot-stompin’ twangy guitar riff and memorable chorus “Honestly baby, I’m better off fishin’”
“Fishin’, Hunting and Loving”
Solid radio-friendly country song for any fishing playlist with a fun talk interlude.
“Fishing Blues”
Originally recorded by Henry Thomas , this 1969 Taj Mahal version is an acoustic blues classic and has been covered by many musicians over the years, including Keb Mo. If you play guitar—or know somebody who does—this definitely needs to be on your song list to play by the campfire or at the late-night card game.
“Fishing In Our Soul”
More great lyrics about growing up with a Zebco and how the fishing lifestyle runs deep—and gets into our soul. Good stuff.
“More Time Fishin’”
Rhett gets down to brass tacks – yep, it’s hard to beat the free therapy fishing provides in this fast-paced world. PTO, sick days, all of that. Yep, hard to beat a day off on-the-water.
“Mississippi Mud”
The grandson of country music legend, Hank Williams Sr., Sheldon “Hank III” Williams, looks just like his grandpa and can sound just like him when he wants to. An interesting character, Hank III can play traditional country, “speedgrass”, thrash metal, punk, you-name-it, and does it all, bringing his outlaw ways to bars and venues across the country, a hardcore group of fans there to welcome the ground-breaking artist whenever he shows up in town. Personally, one of my favorite musicians in all of his groups/genres—a breath of fresh-air in country music that has gone the way of digital, sanitized, and hip-hop influences. Very much the next generation of outlaws, like forefathers Haggard, Cash, Jennings, and David Allen Coe.
“Fish On”
Brought to the limelight in the ‘90s for their unmistakable alternative rock sound fronted by the odd vocals of fishing-nut and ground-breaking bassist, Les Claypool, “Fish On” is a fun anthem. Maybe not for everyone, but a good fishing song nonetheless. How many times have you heard or yelled “Fish On!” yourself? Yep, we can definitely relate. The lyric “I caught a 100-pound sturgeon on 20-pound test” stands out.
