Published articles by Andrew Ragas. The most comprehensive bass fishing library for Wisconsin bass fishing and across the Midwest.
Bass Burnout
Tuesday, 06 February 2024
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.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles
Smallmouth Melanosis
Tuesday, 02 January 2024
I remember catching my first smallmouth with black blotches on it in 2010, and this oddity has perplexed me ever since.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
St. Croix Rods Best of 2023
Tuesday, 12 December 2023
Andrew Ragas of Northwoods Bass Fishing Adventures, LLC – Minocqua, WI showcases some of his favorite St. Croix rods from the 2023 fishing season. Models showcased are listed below:
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews
Top Smallmouth Bass Baits of 2023
Friday, 01 December 2023
A tradition unlike any other – for the gamest fish that swims. Welcome to our end of season lure reveal, profiling and showcasing the best fish catchers of 2023 (as experienced from aboard my boats). 2023 was as wild and unpredictable as it came, for weather, conditions, and timing’s sake. As you’re about to
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews
Better Understanding Wintering Smallmouths
Friday, 10 November 2023
Back in the day, I was of the belief that once lake turnover completed, most fish species moved out into the deepest areas of the lake where they’d live through the winter. My thought was that they’d be in the deepest, most tolerable water available (to them) for survival and protection. Keep in mind,
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
GOAT Smallmouth Lures (Part I)
Wednesday, 01 November 2023
There’s a hall of fame for anglers, but none for lures. If such a shrine was in existence, it would be impossible for a committee to officially declare the greatest lures of all time. There are too many lures to ever consider for this. So, let’s limit the debate to within my boat.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Suspense
Friday, 27 October 2023
Ladson, SC (August 15, 2023) – A lone ship in the emptiness of outer space, your boat seems lost, disoriented, far from shore. Like throwing darts at stars, your first exploratory casts into the open abyss feel like a fruitless leap of faith. Thankfully, you’ve learned a thing or two about pelagic baitfish—oily, nutritious
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
Multi-Tasking Fall Smallmouths
Sunday, 01 October 2023
Winter is looming. Smallmouth bass know it and also prepare for it. By early October, water temperatures have fallen below 60 throughout much of their northern range, and fall turnover is in the process of completion. Shorter daylight in conjunction with plummeting water temps and completion of turnover will influence smallmouths to congregate heavily
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
LIVE! Nude Minnows
Sunday, 01 October 2023
“It’s cheating!” most proclaim. “They’re too expensive!” some even complain. “Whatever puts them in the boat!” I exclaim. Disallowed in tournaments. Too expensive for a dozen to purchase from bait shops. Messy and a burden to maintain and keep alive. These are just a few excuses for not wanting live minnows, and I get
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass