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
Sunday, 01 May 2022 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass

Top River Fishing Tips for Spring Smallmouths

  River systems throughout the upper Midwest can offer some of the best and most exciting bass fishing in spring. Depending on its fishery, action and trophies can both be
Sunday, 01 May 2022 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass

Mistake-Free Smallmouth Fishing

  Perfection isn’t an action. It’s a habit of meticulousness guided through fundamental process. As anglers, we can expect better of ourselves on the water on a daily basis so
Sunday, 01 May 2022 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouths on Point

  Whether fishing a lake for the first time, or for the thousandth time, visiting its points is a shortcut to immediate fishing success. These topographical lake structures provide smallmouths
Monday, 25 April 2022 / Published in Short Stories and Timely Tips, Smallie Blog

Springtime Excellence with Rapala X-Raps

  When smallmouth bass are staging for the spawn, I consider a suspending jerkbait the ultimate lure. It’s the first thing I turn to before anything else. Smallmouths aren’t on
Monday, 18 April 2022 / Published in Short Stories and Timely Tips

Suspending Jerkbaits for Pre-Spawn Smallmouths

  Early spring beckons jerkbaits from tackle trays on lakes all over the country. Smallmouth bass find suspending jerkbaits difficult to resist as they stage to spawn.
Monday, 11 April 2022 / Published in Short Stories and Timely Tips

Dynamic Lures J-Specs for Smallmouth Bass

  The best bites for early spring smallmouths tend to occur in shallow, warming bays. But fish can also suspend and be in transit between wintering areas and spring locations.
Monday, 04 April 2022 / Published in Short Stories and Timely Tips

Backwater Basics for Largemouths

  Springtime brings warming weather and water temperatures. In return, abundant schools of pre-spawn bass invade the shallows to stage for spawn. Specific lake locations that conduct heat are instrumental
Friday, 01 April 2022 / Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Largemouth Bass

Northwoods Backwaters

  From shallow sloughs and oxbows winding off the Upper Mississippi River and Wisconsin River systems, to the slop-choked bays and flood plains of lowland flowages, and the ditches and