By Andrew Ragas The upper Midwest and Great Lakes states are home to some of the best northern bass fisheries in North America. Fishing seasons are open year-round in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, and under a mandatory catch and release in Michigan. Meanwhile in Wisconsin and Minnesota, anglers must wait until their gamefish season openers in May. Then in the foreign lands of Ontario, anglers can catch and release year-round but face more challenging ice conditions and much shorter growing seasons. Regardless of location, and the ice melt calendar or climate, the biggest connection we have is will be furthering our fishing abilities and intellect as soon as we resume 2020 fishing activity. I have been fortunate to receive a comprehensive fishing education from some of the best minds and anglers in the history of fishing. I grew up idolizing writers, educators, communicators, tournament anglers, and some famous old-time guides of northern Wisconsin. Since graduating from college a decade ago and acquiring a few degrees in the process, fishing has been my secondary education and professional study ever since. The knowledge I have acquired has mostly come from these individuals