Andrew Ragas splits time between the Chicago area and Wisconsin's Northwoods. Based in Minocqua, WI, he specializes in trophy bass fishing and offers guided trips from May thru October. While big bass is the passion, he dabbles in multi-species as well. He may be visited online at www.northwoodsbass.com
Finding smallmouths immediately at ice out depends on your temperature gauge and intricate knowledge of the lake’s locations as they relate to seasons. Be mindful that smallmouths are sensitive to water temperature changes. Any trickle of warmth is a trigger for increased feeding, while cold fronts are a killer.
Chatterbaits continue to grow and evolve into an intricate lure category and system of fishing. Whether the objectives center around pursuing trophies or numbers, chucking and grinding the water column with an assortment of Chatterbaits triggers success from all bass fisheries across America. Z-Man’s diverse lineup of Chatterbaits continue to prove themselves everywhere each
The main challenges we receive from cold fronts are the less than ideal and unmotivating fishing conditions they bring; Cold overnight temperatures, cloudless, bluebird, bright skies with humid-less crisp air that accompanies the high pressure that rides the frontal system’s backside. Spring cold fronts come frequently and often, as they usually follow thunderstorms, rain
Since its invention during the early 2000s in a country South Carolina garage, the ChatterBait has never stopped working and evolving, enhancing every angler’s experience with each new version. Along the way, each different Chatterbait variation has mounted tournament victories and parades of big bass.
Ever since the Original ChatterBait® won the first of what would soon add up to dozens of tournament wins and mega stacks of cash a couple decades back, the bladed jig’s soft plastic trailer has always been along for the ride, almost an afterthought. Or, depending on the trailer’s design, maybe it’s the other