Published articles by Andrew Ragas. The most comprehensive bass fishing library for Wisconsin bass fishing and across the Midwest.
The Hot Head
Monday, 01 April 2019
By Andrew Ragas I grew up fishing many northwoods lakes with the X-Rap in Hot Head color. It was the hottest little lure for me when it first came out in the mid 2000’s. Then for a long while, I think my fish at a few lakes grew conditioned to it and it was placed
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews
Swimmer Smallmouth
Friday, 01 March 2019
The single swimmer option has become a go-to presentation that excels during summer period from mid-July through post-turnover in late October.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews
Big Smallmouth Windows
Saturday, 23 February 2019
By Andrew Ragas Big smallmouth bass are wise creatures that have been around the block several times before. As my primary target species and specialty year-round, most 20 inch bass we catch and release from the inland lakes of northern Wisconsin are irreplaceable 20 year old fish that are the most valuable members of the
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
Weekend Warrior Fishing
Saturday, 23 February 2019
By Andrew Ragas Friday nights through Sunday nights are what some fishing die-hards have to live for. Every weekend is a quick fishing vacation that occurs four times a month. Pack the vehicle and boat Thursday night, and show up to work Friday. Productivity level is low, but anticipation level and excitement is high. When
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
Swing For The Fences
Monday, 03 December 2018
Regardless of the type of angler you are, our skills and statuses in fishing are always evolving and improving. A few years ago for example, one might have considered me an avid smallmouth angler who merely fishes a ton and writes articles. Now, that role has evolved into being actual licensed fishing guide who does
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass
Ned Rigs for Northwoods Bass
Tuesday, 20 November 2018
This fish catcher is simple, deadly, and efficient. The Ned rig has actually been around for the last half century or so, when Ned Kehde first concocted this jig worm. But it really came onto the bass fishing scene a few years ago when the tactic became publicized and exploited by the man himself.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Smallie Blog, Smallmouth Bass
Combating Fall Turnover
Monday, 01 October 2018
By Andrew Ragas The lake is dirty and discolored, with remnants of weeds and detritus floating across the surface. Water clarity is mysteriously pea green and soupy as if an algae bloom broke out. Take a whiff of what’s in front of you, and you might smell a stench that’s stinky sulfuric in scent that
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Largemouth Bass
Pools of Smallmouth Magic
Tuesday, 28 August 2018
By Andrew Ragas A wise river rat once tipped me off with confidential information. His findings were so sensitive and accurate that if his intel was leaked, the river’s fragile smallmouth fishery and secrets could be exposed and put into peril. I was instructed to mark my calendar and prepare for this mass river migration
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
The Summer Smallmouth Setup
Friday, 06 July 2018
By Andrew Ragas Summer’s swelter is notorious for delivering the most difficult fishing of the season. Bites are typically less aggressive and fish are driven deep during daytime, becoming even more difficult to locate. Dog days, hot weather, warm water temperatures, heavy pleasure boat traffic and passive bites become common excuses for a poor day
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass