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
Saturday, 12 February 2022 / Published in Short Stories and Timely Tips

The Smallmouth Clean-Up Crew

  In the realm of fishing suspending jerkbaits, there comes a period when smallmouth bass grow conditioned to the baits being presented before them. If lucky enough to enjoy 100 fish days with a hard bait, there is a high probability many will grow wary of it in due time or in future years. The
Saturday, 12 February 2022 / Published in Short Stories and Timely Tips, Smallie Blog

Is Social Media Ruining Fishing Spots?

Every once in a while, I come across insightful columns pondering whether social media is ruining fishing. Though these online super-sites are an integral tool for networking, information gathering and education, they are without question negative on fisheries. The disheartening realities of Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube far outweighed the positives. Fishing isn’t the same as
Saturday, 12 February 2022 / Published in Crappie Fishing, Short Stories and Timely Tips

Maintaining Trophy Panfish Fisheries

  Panfish are the largest, most popular, and widespread freshwater fish species in the nation. Because these species can be terribly prolific in certain waters, stocking is generally not required for other than species introductions or in highly used public fishing waters. But when the largest fish of any system get fished out, stocking won’t
Saturday, 12 February 2022 / Published in Short Stories and Timely Tips

Swinging Head Tube Jigs

A swing head jig is ideal for presenting craw imitating plastics along hard bottom. In comparison to traditional jig head designs or tube jig inserts, they promote tail action, resistance to snagging, sound and vibration, better feel and detection of bottom, and higher hooking percentage.
Wednesday, 09 February 2022 / Published in Gear Reviews

How to Tie the “RP Knot”

A buddy once showed me how to tie this knot in 2017, and it’s been my go-to for braid to fluoro / mono attachments ever since. I’ve also shown others in my boat how to tie it as well.
Monday, 31 January 2022 / Published in Gear Reviews

St. Croix Victory Light Weight (VTS610MLXF)

  Andrew Ragas of Northwoods Bass Fishing Adventures, LLC – Minocqua, WI shares specifications and his applications of choice for the new St. Croix Victory (610MLXF) Light Weight spinning rod. This rod is uniquely capable of handling downsizers and finesse that includes a variety of soft plastics that are applicable for the smallmouth bass fishing
Friday, 14 January 2022 / Published in Fishing Reports

Northwoods Bass 2022 Fishing Itinerary

  While you could be preparing your 2022 fishing trip plans, it’s never too early to consider a fully guided bass fishing trip on the inland waters of Northern Wisconsin. Here is a complete itinerary of the type of fishing we could be doing during the 2022 fishing season!
Monday, 10 January 2022 / Published in Gear Reviews

St. Croix Victory Custom Cranker (VTC72MHMF)

  Andrew Ragas of Northwoods Bass Fishing Adventures, LLC – Minocqua WI shares specifications and his applications for the new St. Croix Victory (72MHMF) Custom Cranker rod. This rod specifically handles a variety of downsized crankbaits ranging from squarebills to medium divers, applicable for smallmouth bass.