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
Tuesday, 02 January 2024 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Melanosis

  I remember catching my first smallmouth with black blotches on it in 2010, and this oddity has perplexed me ever since.
Tuesday, 02 January 2024 / Published in Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass

A Seminar on Z-Man Diezel MinnowZ

  This 4-inch slender swimbait personifies fishing on the fly, in search of quick bites. Whether exclusively targeting smallmouths, casting for walleyes, or pursuing a mixed bag of not knowing what you might end up catching, the 4-inch Diezel Minnow is a fish catcher on every water.
Wednesday, 27 December 2023 / Published in Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass

Z-Man Chatterbait WillowVibe for Early Season Smallmouths

  Last winter, a few staff members from Z-Man Fishing Products tipped me off on this concoction, suggesting I try it for ice-out smallmouths. It was tried, but elsewhere….. on the rivers.
Thursday, 21 December 2023 / Published in Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Fishing with Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ

  Minnow imitating plastics lead the way for us in spring. The weightless fluke is deadly on rivers and flowages especially, and I’ve written lots about them over the years.
Tuesday, 12 December 2023 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews

St. Croix Rods Best of 2023

Andrew Ragas of Northwoods Bass Fishing Adventures, LLC – Minocqua, WI showcases some of his favorite St. Croix rods from the 2023 fishing season. Models showcased are listed below:
Friday, 01 December 2023 / Published in Short Stories and Timely Tips, Smallie Blog, Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouths Under Pressure

  If you clicked on this story thinking it’s a how-to about dealing with fishing pressure, you’re maybe 33% correct. This is mostly a venting session filled with observations and atrocities I witness each season. Fishing for a partial living is far from glamorous, and with it comes a lot of dirt if you know
Friday, 01 December 2023 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews

Top Smallmouth Bass Baits of 2023

  A tradition unlike any other – for the gamest fish that swims. Welcome to our end of season lure reveal, profiling and showcasing the best fish catchers of 2023 (as experienced from aboard my boats). 2023 was as wild and unpredictable as it came, for weather, conditions, and timing’s sake. As you’re about to
Monday, 13 November 2023 / Published in Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass

Z-Man TRD Gobyz

  The NEW Z-Man TRD Gobyz is a fish catcher for smallmouths in goby and sculpin populated fisheries. At 2.4 inches, it reinforces Z-Man’s trend-setting finesse bait lineup with a naturalistic, adaptable shape.