Published articles by Andrew Ragas. The most comprehensive bass fishing library for Wisconsin bass fishing and across the Midwest.
Tips for More Fall Smallmouth
Friday, 01 September 2023
Most smallmouth die-hards have September and October blocked off on their calendars as the best time to catch giants. Meanwhile, a select few do the same for November until waters freeze over, if the weather and fishery allow. From the world-renown Great Lakes fisheries to the inland waters across the north country, smallmouths are
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
Starting Lineup for Fall Smallmouths
Friday, 01 September 2023
As water temperatures gradually cool, the lakes eventually turn over. Smallmouths slide deeper to the point of wintering, and the tackle box closes. As these events simultaneously occur, my boat’s tackle selection lessens each week – and the majority of gear and tackle I’ve carried up to this point will no longer be needed.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
Blades of Glory
Friday, 01 September 2023
Burn…. Grind…. Rip…. or slow-roll. Made to move, there is no wrong way of working a spinnerbait.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Gear Reviews, Smallmouth Bass
A Quick How-To for Pressured Smallmouth Waters
Monday, 28 August 2023
Many of the best inland smallmouth fisheries happen to be the most pressured lakes in the state of Wisconsin. Their trophy bass are more elusive as a result. I am not a fan of fishing pressure and high traffic water, but pursuing hot bites throughout the year brings me to these fisheries. It used
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Short Stories and Timely Tips
Rip Rap Smallmouth
Tuesday, 01 August 2023
I tied on a red craw squarebill crankbait for my customer fishing at the bow, directing him to cast it parallel with and tight to the bank, and to watch for the shoreline’s rock protrusions displaying on side-imaging.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
Reptiles and Amphibians
Tuesday, 01 August 2023
Opportunistic predators with voracious appetites, largemouth bass will eat whatever living creatures swim and slither atop matted weeds or across the lake’s surface. With our lakes gaining in weed cover and plant life, this spells success for anglers pursuing largemouths with reptile and amphibian baits.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Largemouth Bass
Night Cranking
Tuesday, 01 August 2023
It wanders erratically under a multitude of retrieve speeds and cadences. Its polycarbonate or circuit board lips are able to withstand the frequent punctures from digging into the hard, impenetrable lake bottom. Hook points may impressively dull in the process. Colliding into wood, rock, and boulder, its frivolous wobbling and vibration aided by noisy
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
Tips for More Summer Smallmouths
Saturday, 01 July 2023
The most challenging, rewarding, and steady smallmouth fishing of the season takes place in summer. Depending on your whereabouts, patterns could be habitual or constant from year-to-year. They may revolve around good weather, peak feeding, or other additional factors.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Smallmouth Bass
Northwoods SLOP!
Saturday, 01 July 2023
Slop. Junkweed. Floating weed mats. Pad fields. Several northern largemouth waters contain these plant life overgrowths. As the summer months proceed on, plant species sprout and flourish, fed by daily sunshine and nutrients seeping into the system. Through photosynthesis, they continue to grow as summer progresses.
- Published in Bass Fishing Articles, Largemouth Bass