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

Monday, 01 April 2019 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews

The Hot Head

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
Friday, 01 March 2019 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews

Swimmer Smallmouth

The single swimmer option has become a go-to presentation that excels during summer period from mid-July through post-turnover in late October.
Monday, 03 December 2018 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass

Swing For The Fences

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
Tuesday, 20 November 2018 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Smallie Blog, Smallmouth Bass

Ned Rigs for Northwoods Bass

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.
Tuesday, 06 November 2018 / Published in Gear Reviews

Top Smallmouth Bass Baits of 2018

By Andrew Ragas At the end of every season, I reveal the secret baits that caught the most fish for customers and I. Now that my 2018 bass fishing season has concluded, we glance back at the dominating baits and presentations that screamed success for big fish this year. Revisiting the old, consistent standbys from
Tuesday, 21 November 2017 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Smallie Blog, Smallmouth Bass

Catch and Release Smallmouth Fishing, with Trokar Live Bait Hooks

I don’t promote the use of live bait fishing unless it’s done responsibly and 100% catch & release survival is assured. When nothing else works to catch fish, it’s a last resort tactic for me. But to others it’s understandably a top choice, and unbeatable in cold water periods.
northwoods bass fishing adventures, wisconsin smallmouth bass fishing
Wednesday, 08 November 2017 / Published in Gear Reviews

Top Smallmouth Bass Baits of 2017

By Andrew Ragas At the end of every season, I reveal the secret baits that caught the most fish for me. Now that my 2017 bass fishing season has concluded, we glance back at the dominating baits and presentations that screamed success for big fish this year. Revisiting the old, consistent standbys from each of
Thursday, 15 December 2016 / Published in Gear Reviews

Top Smallmouth Bass Baits of 2016

By Andrew Ragas At the end of every season, I reveal the secret baits that caught the most fish for me. Now that my 2016 bass fishing season has concluded, we glance back at the dominating baits and presentations that screamed success for big fish. Revisiting the old standbys, and revealing some new.