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
By Andrew Ragas Fall fishing success is usually determined by location rather than presentation. Lake smallmouth are deep structurally oriented fish in fall. By now 90% of the entire lake’s bass population is living in 10% of the lake, in and around wintering locations. The best peak period of autumn occurs after the completion of
By Andrew Ragas During summer’s dog days, some anglers give up on smallmouth bass. Others, meanwhile, are too stubborn to change their fishing ways. “I’m a shallow water guy,” boasted the angler launching his $80k rig before me one morning last August. “If I can’t catch them beating the bank, I’m probably not going to
By Andrew Ragas Smallmouth bass and rusty crayfish in northwoods inland lakes are on a collision course every summer. This predator and prey interaction often utilizes the same lake and river locations for habitat and feeding. Their connection as predator and prey is strong and unique, and shapes the ecosystems and food chains of ever
We’re still somewhat reeling from a slow and cold month of May and early June, but things are finally heating up quickly. Lakes are warming (averaging 72-76 degrees), weeds are sprouting, mayflies are hatching, and big fish of all species are feeding early and late in the day. Thermoclines are just starting to set up
By Andrew Ragas Topwaters and surface baits, longtime bass fishing staples at night, are popular for smallmouths. They are hard to beat when surface activity is prevalent, the lakes are heating up from the sunlight above, and insect hatches take place. When either of these conditions are in play, topwaters often get eaten quickly, and
