Shawn

Shawn Chapin

Freelancer writer and former guide
Expertise
Fishing
Fishing gear and lure making
Muskie fishing

Highlights

  • Tournament angler and former fishing guide
  • Lure maker
  • Successful outdoor writer

Experience

Shawn Chapin is an experienced fishing writer and guide based in Wisconsin, where he loves targeting muskie and a range of other species.

He also founded his own lure making company, Black Market Lures, producing gear for muskie anglers.

Shawn's fished extensively for pike, largemouth bass, smallmouth and panfish species. He's developing a passion for chasing trout on the fly rod.

He has also worked as a fishing guide in his native Wisconsin and competes in muskie tournaments in the state. In winter, you can find him on the ice pursuing his passion for ice fishing.

He's written extensively for Tackle Village and other outdoor sites sharing his knowledge of pursuing his favorite species as well as practical advice and reviews of the latest fishing gear.

 

More From Shawn Chapin

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Where to Sell Fishing Lures: Antique and Functional

As a lure maker myself, I can advise it is easier than ever to sell antique fishing lures (as well as normal, functional lures) and make money. The fishing market ... Read more
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How to Tie Down Kayaks in a Pickup bed: Easy Instructions

Throwing your kayak in your truck bed can be easier and simpler than transporting than on a roof rack or a trailer. But even hauling kayaks in a truck can ... Read more
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Best Spinners for Steelhead: Our Expert’s 8 Top Lures

Spinner fishing is one of those legendary lure designs that just work for steelhead fishing, and they are probably the most productive of all conventional fishing lures for the species. ... Read more
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Splake vs Lake Trout: Key Differences Explained

The splake and the lake trout are very closely related, and some anglers have trouble identifying these fish if they co-habitat a body of water. In this post, we will ... Read more
How to Catch Pike Feature Image

How to Catch Pike: Top 2023 Tips for Lure Fishing Success

Fishing for pike is awesome, they are super aggressive and almost always willing to eat your lure. If you want to learn how to catch pike more consistently, stick around. ... Read more
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How to Make Soft Plastic Lures: The Cheap and Easy Way

Many anglers today are starting to make their own soft plastic lures, and it makes sense. After the initial cost of getting the materials and mold cavities, you can make ... Read more
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Best lake Trout Lures: 6 Top Picks for Trolling, Jigging & Casting

Lake trout are a great sportfish species and many anglers spend countless hours in pursuit of big lakers. If you are looking to get into lake trout fishing, or if ... Read more
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Night Fishing For Trout: Tips for Success After Dark

Some of the biggest trout landed have been taken at night. The largest brown trout (and trout of other species) get that way by being very wary and difficult to ... Read more
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Pike Fishing Gear List: Essential Items for Success

The northern pike is one of the most popular freshwater species among anglers on the planet. If you are just getting into pike fishing, or if you’re looking to expand ... Read more
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Muskie Fishing Gear List: Essential Items for Success

Muskie fishing requires the use of specific types of equipment and gear, as musky fishing techniques and lures can vary greatly in size and action compared to lures used for ... Read more
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Are Lake Trout Good to Eat?

Are lake trout good to eat? This is a debated topic among anglers, with many saying that the lake trout is a subpar-tasting fish, while other anglers are big fans ... Read more
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How to Catch Lake Trout: Essential Tips

The lake trout is a very interesting species, and it’s also a blast to catch in the lakes where they are found. Lake trout are quite different from other trout ... Read more