Smallmouth bass fishing articles by Andrew Ragas. The most comprehensive bass fishing library for Wisconsin bass fishing and across the midwest.
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
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
Mysteries of the Deep: Schooling on Cisco Smallmouth
Friday, 06 July 2018
By Andrew Ragas Lakes are the lifeblood of the northwoods. From the expansive Great Lakes to the inland lakes throughout Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan and Northwestern Ontario, a large percentage of our lakes surface acreage and water columns from top to bottom have gone unexplored.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
Small Streams, Big Bass
Thursday, 07 June 2018
By Andrew Ragas We fish our flowing waters by wading, kayaking, bank fishing or floating them with small craft. At some point in our angling careers, we likely cut our teeth on fishing small rivers and streams due to their availability, affordability, aesthetics, and convenience to fish.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
Five Bass Fishing Philosophies
Thursday, 01 March 2018
By Andrew Ragas Philosophy is the study of general and fundamental problems concerning matters that encompasses knowledge, values, and reason. I don’t believe Pythagoras was a fisherman himself, but his thoughtful teachings are still being applied to scholars of all subjects, including fishing.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
Catch and Release Smallmouth Fishing, with Trokar Live Bait Hooks
Tuesday, 21 November 2017
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.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Smallie Blog, Smallmouth Bass