Independent gear and tackle reviews, brought to you by St. Croix Fishing. Written by Andrew Ragas.

Friday, 21 July 2023 / Published in Gear Reviews

SEVIIN Reels – Decades in the Making

  PARK FALLS, Wis. – Fishing. It challenges us. It connects us with the natural world and to other people in ways few other sports can. It’s an escape, a passion, a lifestyle, or even a profession.
Friday, 21 July 2023 / Published in Gear Reviews

The (new) St. Croix Avid 2024

  A special delivery arrived at my doorstep earlier today. To my surprise, it was (3) newly re-designed St. Croix Avids.
Wednesday, 03 May 2023 / Published in Gear Reviews

Hair Jig Smallmouth with St. Croix Rods

  Finesse fishing for smallmouths has ignited angler interest. More anglers are turning to long spinning rod and high-capacity reel set-ups for achieving long casts with light line presentations for early spring smallmouths.
Thursday, 13 April 2023 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass

River Smallmouths with Z-Man’s Chatterbait WillowVibe

  Faux summer this week has the fish woken up and hungry.  A few of you saw my post from last night on my Facebook page. Here’s a recap of yesterday’s great outing.
Wednesday, 01 March 2023 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Largemouth Bass

Starting Lineup for Spring Largemouths

  Depending on where in the Midwest you live, the arrival of spring varies. The season can begin as early as late February. In most regions, not until mid-March through early April. And in the far northern states, early to mid-May. It all depends on the arrival of warming weather and the progression of ice-melt.
Wednesday, 01 March 2023 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass

Jerkbait Tips for More Spring Smallmouths

  For spring smallmouths, suspending jerkbaits have become staples for most anglers. Nearly everyone has one, or a few, rigged up on deck. They are the ticket to early spring success. Few other baits can catch early spring smallmouths better. While many of them catch fish immediately out from the package, some can require simple
Monday, 20 February 2023 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Largemouth Bass

Swim Jig Trailers – When and Where

  If you’ve fished swim jigs, you might have been overwhelmed by the numerous trailer options that are now available. Besides the jig, trailers make up the other half of the package. In my opinion, this tends to become more technical than jig selection itself.
Thursday, 16 February 2023 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass

Z-Man Finesse TRD’s – A Must Have for Every Smallmouth Angler

  The traditional ned rig has ruined fishing for reasons I refuse to comment on. It falls into the same category as the drop shot, my least favorite method of fishing.