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
Monday, 14 April 2025 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass

Horizontal Baits for This Spring

  The most exciting bites of early spring occur in very shallow water, so you’ll need all the subtle and lightweight lures you can get away with to reach these tight quarters. Slow retrieve speed, and hang time within the strike zone are keys to the game.
Wednesday, 02 April 2025 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass

What We’re Throwing in April

  Now that we have entered April month, the spring season is finally emerging. Ice out is occurring slower than normal currently, but once it goes out it’s game on for smallmouths.  
Tuesday, 01 April 2025 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass

My Best Swim Jigs

  As soon as spring water temperatures climb into the 50’s, the swim jig becomes a go-to spring lure. Thereafter, it will continue to produce and to the point I always keep a few of them tied on.
Tuesday, 01 April 2025 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Largemouth Bass

Swim Jig Master Class

  The swim jig is my absolute favorite way to catch largemouths, and over the years it’s produced hundreds of big ones.
Sunday, 23 March 2025 / Published in Gear Reviews

Z-Man Releases JackHammer Baby Jack

Ladson, SC (March 18, 2025) – An ageless angling truism maintains that when everyone else zigs, it’s probably well past time to zag.
Sunday, 23 March 2025 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass

Three Simple Ice-Out Smallmouth Strategies for 2025

  Finding smallmouths immediately at ice out depends on your temperature gauge and intricate knowledge of the lake’s locations as they relate to seasons. Be mindful that smallmouths are sensitive to water temperature changes. Any trickle of warmth is a trigger for increased feeding, while cold fronts are a killer.
Monday, 17 March 2025 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass

Catching Smallmouths This March and April (hopefully)

  Most years, I strive to be the first angler on the water targeting smallmouths at ice out. Doing this well before everyone else has become a unique fishing experience.
Monday, 03 March 2025 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Largemouth Bass

My Best Chatterbaits

  March and April are Chatterbait-centric and dominant months for many of us who fish them. Z-Man’s extensive lineup of bladed jigs continues to evolve and proves to be an outstanding lure to catch big spring largemouths with.