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
Tuesday, 06 February 2024 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews

Fishing Line Maintenance

  Between the demands of guiding and my own personal fishing time, a lot of wear and tear gets put on my vehicle, boats, and equipment throughout the year. Upkeep and maintenance of each is necessary in order for us to perform at a high level, and helps me avoid many problems that could happen
Tuesday, 06 February 2024 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles

Bass Burnout

  When you do something long enough, you’ll get burnt out by it eventually. It happens in daily life, and it can also happen in fishing. The more repetitive each activity gets, the more bored you become. This is what bass fishing sometimes does to me.
Wednesday, 17 January 2024 / Published in Gear Reviews

Finesse Football Jigs

  Jewel Baits PeeWee Football Jigs with Z-Man Finesse TRD’s – This video showcases one of my top bottom bait combos, and describes when, where and how we fish the whole package. It replicates our native and rusty crayfish species most naturally and perfectly.
Monday, 08 January 2024 / Published in Gear Reviews

Dynamic Lures Suspending Jerkbaits

  Dynamic Lures was created to develop more user-friendly fishing lures and tackle, and place emphasis on highest quality at the lowest price. Owned and operated by Brian Alano, of Grand Junction, CO, Dynamic Lures entered the fishing industry with the sole intent to revolutionize fishing and outdoor products as we currently know them.
Tuesday, 02 January 2024 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Melanosis

  I remember catching my first smallmouth with black blotches on it in 2010, and this oddity has perplexed me ever since.
Tuesday, 02 January 2024 / Published in Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass

A Seminar on Z-Man Diezel MinnowZ

  This 4-inch slender swimbait personifies fishing on the fly, in search of quick bites. Whether exclusively targeting smallmouths, casting for walleyes, or pursuing a mixed bag of not knowing what you might end up catching, the 4-inch Diezel Minnow is a fish catcher on every water.
Wednesday, 27 December 2023 / Published in Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass

Z-Man Chatterbait WillowVibe for Early Season Smallmouths

  Last winter, a few staff members from Z-Man Fishing Products tipped me off on this concoction, suggesting I try it for ice-out smallmouths. It was tried, but elsewhere….. on the rivers.
Thursday, 21 December 2023 / Published in Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Fishing with Z-Man Scented Jerk ShadZ

  Minnow imitating plastics lead the way for us in spring. The weightless fluke is deadly on rivers and flowages especially, and I’ve written lots about them over the years.