Fishing-Headquarters Magazine by Fishing-Headquarters Online Magazine

For the 7th consecutive year David Graham was able to enjoy the awesome action of the American Shad run on the Santee Cooperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tailrace Canal. This is one of the more unique angling opportunities out there to catch a fish making an awesome journey from the oceans to our rivers to spawn. These shad can grow in excess of 6 pounds and fight with surprising power, often times leaping from the water in a series of acrobatics! Photograph by Erin Graham Fishing-Headquarters.com

March / April, 2015

Fishing-Headquarters Magazine Volume 5. Issue 2 Num. 22

March & April, 2015 Spring Edition

• Spider Rigging Comes North . . . . . . . . . . . 13 About Fishing-Headquarters The Fishing-Headquarters began as a small homepage in 2005, featuring a collection of photos and YouTube fishing videos. It even featured a small contingency of misfits and rebellious anglers who were tired of the internet elitism and racism expressed by other websites built by uneducated nonangling entities towards specific groups of anglers and species of freshwater gamefish. Formally established in January 2007, the FHQ was created for like-minded anglers to share the wealth of information, and enjoy the beauty in diverse fishing. This greatness as we presently know it is multi-species fishing. Designed and created by posessed and gravely obsessed angler, Andrew Ragas, the website has grown to a large world audience. Our basis as an online media platform is to drop the ego, and catch anything that swims and has fins.

• Revisiting The American Shad Run . . . . . . . . . . 27 • Musky Tactics For Giant Bass, Part 2 . . . . . . . 45 • The Northwoods Smallmouth Calendar . . . . 55 • Pounding River Walleyes And Sauger . . . . 73 • Breaking Barriers With Muskies . . . . . . . . . . . . 85 • Uprooting Spring Crappies . . . . . . . . . . . 99 • Tackle Technicians Spring 2015 . . . . . . . 113

All fish are created as equals. Only to be pursued as opposites.

COVER STORY Important Biz Stuff http://www.fishing-headquarters.com info@fishing-headquarters.com telephone - 708. 256. 2201 Questions or Comments, and if interested in contributing or sponsoring, please contact Andrew Ragas at: andrew@fishing-headquarters.com Magazine layout and design by Ragas Media http://www.ragasmedia.com

In Issue 22, our contributors go heavy into the subjects of crappies. Jim Gronaw writes about spider rigging, coming north. On the cover, Ken Smith shows off a huge northern crappie from Pennsylvania’s Pymatuning Lake. As southern crappie fishing tactics slowly head north, anglers should be able to realize the effectiveness of spider rigging, a multi-rod system. Fishing-Headquarters | Page 2

Fishing-Headquarters Magazine, Issue 22 Everything we do at Fishing-Headquarters centers on our love of multispecies fishing and the ongoing process of educating ourselves and to catch more fish. In order to accomplish this, we’ve released yet another diverse issue for you. The ice is melting, our waterways are opening. Our team of anglers and writers are planning their annual trips and adventures that will be taking them to various destinations throughout 2015. Andrew Ragas

Editor In-Chief, Designer, and Owner.

2015 Issue Releases Projected Schedule

• Issue 23: May 4, 2015 • Issue 24: July 6, 2015 • Issue 25: September 8, 2015 • Issue 26: December 7, 2015

Introducing a new season of open water fishing, Issue 22 takes readers first to the East Coast where David Graham ambushes the massive American Shad schools, and Jim Gronaw talks of spider rigging for crappies - but with some Midwestern twist. We then head down to the southern muskie range to Cory Allen where he and client recently caught and released a Tennessee State Record. We then conclude with stories of big bass fishing with Joe Alfe, and myself as I showcase readers the annual Northwoods Calendar. Finally, walleye pro Roy Vivian tells us about one of the best walleye fishing tactics few anglers are even doing! With great pleasure, I introduce to you issue 22 of Fishing-Headquarters Magazine. I would like to thank our team of writers, friends, and all contributors for allowing us to make this one again possible. We welcome and encourage all anglers with a story to join our annually growing team and its online rotation for this publication, and online at our website, www.fishing-headquarters.com.

I S S U E 22 F E A T U R E D W R I T E R S A N D C O N

Joseph Alfe

Cory Allen

David Graham

Issue 22 Editorial Staff • Paul Ragas Contributed Photographs • Johnny Amato • Spencer Berman • Mike Long • Ian Swenson Online Contributors • Joseph Alfe • Robert Conley • Robert Fuchs • Josh Peacock • Brian Pentecost • Tyler Uteg • Brad Wiegmann Layout and Design By • Ragas Media Designs Sponsors and Advertising Partners • Bearpaw’s Handpoured Baits • Bigtooth Tackle Company • Camp Narrows Lodge • CB’s Hawg Sauce • CAST Crew 312 • Cortland Line Company • Dragin Bait Company • Dynamic Lures • Freedom Tackle Corporation • Llungen Lures • Quantum PT Fishing • Ragas Media Designs • Stankx Bait Company • Toothy’s Tackle LLC

NTRIBUTORS

Jim Gronaw

Our rotation of featured writers with their own stories and unique fish tales.

Andrew Ragas

Roy Vivian

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SOLUNAR CALENDAR March 2015

April 2015

This fishing forecast is based on solar and lunar influences that cycle daily. The chart shows each hour of the day. For instance the hours with the higher rating, and days shaded the darkest have a greater combination of solar and lunar influence and thus indicate the best times to fish. This chart is a general recommendation and all data has been compiled by Weather & Wildlife.

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LEADING OFF.

“LOOK.... THE CRAPPIES ARE THERE!” Jim Gronaw was introduced to this ‘spider rigging’ tactic by Alabama crappie expert Dan Dannenmueller this past May on Pennsylvania’s’ Shenango Lake. A seasoned tournament crappie pro, Dannenmueller was the 2011 and 2012 Crappie Angler of the Year and has numerous tournament wins and lofty finishes on his resume. Along with us was David Baynard of Manning, South Carolina. Baynard customizes rod holders for all kinds of fishing applications. The Driftmaster rod holders that many of us currently use are his creations and they are, in my opinion, the premier American made rod holders today. I have several that I have used for big blue cats over the years and they are top-notch. Read More on page 13

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Photograph by Jim Gronaw Fishing-Headquarters | Page 8

LEADING OFF.

The Northwoods Bass Calendar... When and Where. Opening day for Wisconsin fishing is traditionally the first Saturday in May. Fishing for almost all major fish species on many Wisconsin waters begins on that day with the season normally lasting through mid November on an average climate year. Opportunities abound, and as a part-time Wisconsin resident from May through October Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m lucky to have the luxury of patterning many statewide fisheries, and gaining the knowledge for where to go in the northern tier of the state. As the new season approaches, anglers are planning their trips and getaways for the upcoming year. With the Northwoods of Wisconsin serving as my home waters, I have been asked to offer an annual fishing calendar: To help traveling and adventurous anglers plan their fishing trips and vacations efficiently and more effectively. Read More on page 55

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Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters | Page 10

Photograph by Andrew Ragas

SPIDER R

Comes North

By Jim Gronaw

Ken Smith, of Sharon , Pennsylvania, had a roomy cooler with a bag of ice. He told me that we would have no problem putting slab crappies in there. ‘We just gotta’ find them’ he said. We were fishing 13,000 acre Pymatuning Lake, a flood control, flatland reservoir that bordered Ohio and Pennsylvania in the Quaker State’s northwest corner. Photographs by Jim Gronaw Fishing-Headquarters.com

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RIGGING By Joseph Alfe

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SPIDER RIGGING CRAPPIES

By: Jim Gronaw

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

black crappies from 13 to 15 inches. Hang-gliding, spider-rigging, call it what you want…it works! Throughout the south and parts of the mid-west, the technique of ‘spider-rigging’ for crappie has been an effective tactic for catching these tasty fish throughout the entire monthly calendar. This is not a new gig, as spider rigging has been popular for at least 15 years and has seen a lot of improvements. It is not only used by crappie tournament pros, but by many recreational panfishers as well. As this tactic continues to emerge and evolve it may serve upper midwest and Great Lakes area panfishers as well. Here’s the basic spider-rig scoop…multiple rods are fished out of the bow of the boat with long, usually fiberglass spinning rods, presenting baits or lures at a variety of depths to locate the fish. Ideally, eight rods are deployed, four on either side of the bow and a pair of anglers sit side-by-side, assigned to the four rods on their side of the bow. Critical components for success are detailed sonar equipment to locate the schools of crappie and a sturdy and well distributed rodholder system to spread the baits in an arc around the front of the boat. Toss in quality electric trolling units and GPS mapping for pinpoint fish location and you’re set. Just add minnows, jigs, and hopefully, a fillet knife for the cooler of slabs you will catch!

It was mid May of 2014 and the weather, and fishing, was about to heat up. Known as a premier musky and walleye fishery, ‘Pymie’ also boasted a population big, slab crappies that drew the crowds in the spring. Ken introduced me to what he called ‘hang-gliding’…a simple form of wind drifting for pre-spawn crappies and not quite, but very similar to, spider rigging. We each had three rods out the lee side of the boat and were drifting through a huge shallow and wood filled portion of the lake where the pre-spawn fish were making a move. With air temperatures of 80 degrees predicted for the next several days, Ken anticipated a hot bite. A southerly wind would push us through the stumpfields and submerged laydowns and our rods would bow over to the waters edge as crappies, bluegills and yellow perch, big and small, would aggressively take our 1/16th ounce jigs.. His Garmin picked up fish near the bottom in 7 to 9 feet of water. In the course of a warm Introduction to Spider mid-May morning we would catch Rigging more than 50 panfish, with twothirds of them being robust, nothern Fishing-Headquarters.com

March / April, 2015

I was introduced to this ‘spider rigging’ tactic by Alabama crappie expert Dan Dannenmueller this past May on Pennsylvania’s’ Shenango Lake. A seasoned tournament crappie pro, Dannenmueller was the 2011 and 2012 Crappie Angler of the Year and has numerous tournament wins and lofty finishes on his resume. Along with us was David Baynard of Manning, South Carolina. Baynard customizes rod holders for all kinds of fishing applications. The Driftmaster rod holders that many of us currently use are his creations and they are, in my opinion, the premier American made rod holders today. I have several that I have used for big blue cats over the years and they are top-notch. Dan Dannenmueller and Kevin Baynard cipher spider-rigging moves on Shenango Lake.

Photograph by Jim Gronaw Fishing-Headquarters | Page 16

SPIDER RIGGING CRAPPIES I was introduced to this ‘spider rigging’ tactic by Alabama crappie expert Dan Dannenmueller this past May on Pennsylvania’s’ Shenango Lake. A seasoned tournament crappie pro, Dannenmueller was the 2011 and 2012 Crappie Angler of the Year and has numerous tournament wins and lofty finishes on his resume. Along with us was David Baynard of Manning, South Carolina. Baynard customizes rod holders for all kinds of fishing applications. The Driftmaster rod holders that many of us currently use are his creations and they are, in my opinion, the premier American made rod holders today. I have several that I have used for big blue cats over the years and they are top-notch. When we hit Shenango in May of 2014 the water was high but that didn’t keep Dan and David from locating the fish. With an arc-

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like setup at the bow of the boat, they put out eight rods with double jigs set at varying depths from two to eight feet. Often, springtime, and summer crappie as well, can be throughout the water column, hence the importance of quality sonar units that can accurately track the fish. They used 1/16-ounce jigs with Bobby Garland Baby Shad plastics and trolled in a methodical pattern to stay on fish throughout the morning. Productive colors were Blue Ice and Monkeys Milk from the BG collection. Action was steady for most of the morning, as white crappies and the occasional black crappie would dip the long, 14-foot rod tips sometimes to the waters surface, signaling a strike. Some hits were a lot more tentative, barely moving the sensitive, hi-vis rod tips. Dannenmueller pointed out that you could

March / April, 2015

run through the edges of a school of crappie several times before the fish would actively take the baits. Often, crappie pros use live minnows or Berkely Gulp! Minnows or Crappie Nibbles as a tipping agent on their jigs to temp lethargic crappie during a tough bite. Most of our fish ran nine to 11 inches, with the larger fish being good quality eating fish. At one point a pole on Dan’s side took a sharp drop and it was clear that he was into a much nicer fish. After a nice tussle, I slipped the net under a fine, pre-spawn white crappie that taped nearly 15 inches and would push two pounds. It would be our best crappie of about 50 in a threehour spider-rigging effort. Along the way, Dan landed a pair of hybrid stripers nearing 20 inches and a four-pound channel catfish on the long poles. Keep in mind that each

Dannenmueller with our best white slab, a near 2 -pounder from Shenango.

Photograph by Jim Gronaw Fishing Headquarters | Page 18

SPIDER RIGGING CRAPPIES

Ken Smith shows off a huge northern crappie from Pennsylvania’s Pymatuning Lake. He uses ‘hang-gliding’ tactics, similar to spider rigging to cash in on pre-spawn slabs. Photograph by Jim Gronaw Fishing-Headquarters.com

March / April, 2015

pole had a small, but servicable baitcasting reel and quality 6 pound mono. So when bigger game came knocking, you had a chance to land them. Cool! As southern crappie fishing tactics slowly head north, anglers should be able to realize the effectiveness of this multi-rod system. You are essentially ‘pushing’, not pulling the baits, as with most trolling applications. In my nearby Pennsylvania, waters, as well as in Maryland, an angler is permitted three rods, which could equate to a 6 rod effort for a pair of anglers or go with an eight-rod set if three are in the boat. For more information on spider rigging and other excellent year ‘round crappie fishing tools contact these manufactures and companies…

DRIFTMASTER ROD HOLDERS www.driftmaster.com Contact David Baynard, Black River Tools, 6509 Highwaym260, Manning, SC, phone 803-473-4927. BOBBY GARLAND CRAPPIE BAITS www.bobbygarlandcrappie.com They make many colors and varieties of panfish soft plastics as well as bass and saltwater lures. JOIN CRAPPIE.COM Likely one of the top panfish/crappie fishing sites, with state-wide forums and info on all the latest techniques and hot bites.

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SPIDER RIGGING CRAPPIES

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March / April, 2015

As southern crappie fishing tactics slowly head north, anglers should be able to realize the effectiveness of this multi-rod system. You are essentially â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;pushingâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;, not pulling the baits, as with most trolling applications. In my nearby Pennsylvania, waters, as well as in Maryland, an angler is permitted three rods, which could equate to a 6 rod effort for a pair of anglers or go with an eight-rod set if three are in the boat.

Photograph by Jim Gronaw Fishing Headquarters | Page 22

SPIDER RIGGING CRAPPIES

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Jim Gronaw, 63, is from Westminster, MD, and has been published over 600 times at the local, regional and national level – First published at the age of 17 in Fishing World. Licensed freshwater fishing guide for Maryland – Maker of RiverCritter Hair Jigs, featured several times in the In-Fisherman. You can read more of Jim’s work at BigBluegill.com, and throughout the Fishing-Headquarters website.

Photograph by Jim Gronaw Fishing Headquarters | Page 24

Fishing-Headquarters | Page 24 Fishing-Headquarters | Page 26

PART D

REVISITING THE AM

By David Graham

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DEUX

MERICAN SHAD RUN

In South Carolinaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s coastal rivers and estuaries, an epic spawning run of American Shad takes place. for the 7th consecutive year David Graham was able to enjoy the awesome action of the American Shad run on the Santee Cooperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Tailrace Canal. This is one of the more unique angling opportunities out there to catch a fish making an awesome journey from the oceans to our rivers to spawn. These shad can grow in excess of 6 pounds and fight with surprising power, often times leaping from the water in a series of acrobatics!

Photograph by Erin Graham Fishing Headquarters | Page 28

AMERICAN SHAD

THEYâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE BACK! Along the East coast the American Shad are making their annual run from the oceans to our rivers. For me, this signals the real beginning of the New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fishing season. For the dormant cold-weather angler like myself, the shad run is the prime opportunity to find plenty of action through the colder months until other species become more active in Spring. For the 7th consecutive year I was fortunate enough to visit the shad run during its peak along the tailrace canal below Lake Moultrie on the Santee Cooper. The massive population of herring available in this area seems to attract an equal number of anglers seeking to capture them by rod and reel.

Photograph by Erin Graham Fishing-Headquarters.com

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AMERICAN SHAD

Anglers from all over the state routinely nestle themse boats, center console rigs outfitted for ocean fishing, served deploying a number of tactics, either trolling, f drift naturally in the current. Despite the different ta undeniable sporting quality of the shad that brings th

The area, most commonly known as the Tailrace Canal, country during the peak of the spawn run. During thi enjoy the addicting action of American Shad, Blueback are the American Shad, which can occasionally exceed shadâ&#x20AC;? because wellâ&#x20AC;Ś they carry the eggs. The smaller an Fishing-Headquarters.com

March / April, 2015

elves into the heart of the shad run by fancy bass , simple jon boats, and kayaks. Fishermen can be obfly fishing, actively spin casting or just letting lures actics deployed by the great variety of anglers, it is the hem from all over the Southeast.

offers some of the best shad fishing in the entire is time anglers flock to the rivers by the thousands to k Herring, and Hickory Shad. The largest of the species 6 pounds! Anglers refer to the larger females as “roe nd more abundant males are called ‘bucks’. Photograph by Erin Graham Fishing Headquarters | Page 32

AMERICAN SHAD

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Photograph by David Graham Fishing Headquarters | Page 34

AMERICAN SHAD For many anglers, the shad run is the first opportunity of the year to get the gear out and hit the water for fast paced action. Because of the unavoidable proximity to numerous other anglers, conversation is inevitable. Despite the close quarters and lack of privacy, most anglers Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve encountered during the shad run are nothing but pleasant. From what I have gathered, many are looking to put fish on the table, others look to fill the bait coolers for later in the year, while some (myself included) just put the fish back into the water after a good fight. All of the anglers collectively agree that the shad is just plain fun to catch.

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Photograph by David Graham Fishing Headquarters | Page 36

AMERICAN SHAD

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Erin and I caught a ton of shad in a short period of time on medium and light tackle using 1/8 oz. pink ledheads and 2 inch chartreus curlytail grubs. None of our fish were ‘roes’, but the feisty ‘bucks’ are shockingly powerful and possess awesome endurance during the fight both in AND out of water… which sometimes makes for a difficult photo op. Like its distant cousin, the Tarpon, American Shad will fervently battle to the very end, often times taking flight and leaping several feet out of the water. Most anglers use light tackle with ledhead curly tail grubs, but most light tackle used for panfish seems to work fine for the aggressive shad. Because the fish move in large groups, many anglers use sabiki rigs or multiple jigs for the chance of catching more than one fish in a single cast. Catching two fish on the same rig is not uncommon, but successfully landing even one fish can be especially challenging. Photograph by David Graham Fishing Headquarters | Page 38

AMERICAN SHAD

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American Shad can grow in excess of 5 pounds; have disproportional power, unending stamina, and very thin lips. Because of their constant changes in direction, acrobatics and raw strength, anglers often lose nearly as many fish as they catch. For the last 7 years, the shad run has led me into my best and worst years. Despite the success or failure of any and all subsequent pursuits, the shad run has always been a success and it is the certainty of that success that makes their annual arrival so anticipated year in and year out. Anglers will absolutely positively catch fish during the peak of the shad run. I am not sure if I will be fishing it again this year, but with a few fish under my belt, I am excited for what this New Year will bring.

Photograph by David Graham Fishing Headquarters | Page 40

AMERICAN SHAD

Boundless Pursuit

A non-species specific approach to angling by David Graham, where he craves the soul-stirring magnificence of slipping the bonds of his â&#x20AC;&#x153;to doâ&#x20AC;? list and seeks the quiet places where it is just himself, the water, and big fish to be caught. David is an extreme multi-species angler and featured columnist for Fishing-Headquarters Online Magazine. Follow his monster fish adventures by visiting his blog:

http://www.fishing-headquarters.com/boundlesspursuit/

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March / April, 2015

Photograph by Erin Graham Fishing Headquarters | Page 42

Photograph by The Bassassins

PART II In part one of this series, we explored using bass lures and techniques to catch muskie. Here, we turn the tables and go where few dare to go and that is, to use muskie baits and tactics to catch bass. The thing is, using big baits can get you big bass. How do we know this?

Client of St. Clair, MI guide, Spencer Berman with a 6.7 lb. smallmouth bass taken on a Chaos Tackle Medussa.

MUSKY TACTI Fishing-Headquarters.com

March / April, 2015

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Photograph by Spencer Berman

ICS FOR BASS Fishing Headquarters | Page 46

MUSKY TACTICS FOR BASS

By: Joseph Alfe

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

PhotographbybyJoseph Andrew Photograph AlfeRagas Fishing-Headquarters.com

March / April, 2015

Ask any muskie guy what they incidentally catch while chucking big baits, and it will make the average bass guy’s eyes bulge out of their heads, even on pressured waters. Upon reading this, don’t feel the need to run out and stock up on any huge bait you can find, because there is method to the madness. Time of Year Typically, early spring is a time for smaller, slower presentations, although this wisdom is being challenged in muskie circles. For bass, I would leave the big stuff home in early and even late spring. The exception to this is in reservoir lakes, where big bass tend to suspend in cold water and follow pelagic baitfish out over deep water points and bars. Here, spectacular catches in mid south reservoirs such as Kentucky Lake, Pickwick, and others have been producing huge stringers on the Alabama rig, which to me is a big bait. This has culminated with the new Tennessee state record, a 15.2# behemoth caught on an A-Rig out of Chicamauga Lake this month. The warm summer months and fall tend to be the best big bait times, and when big fish can be aggressive and readily caught on big presentations.

Tactics: Burning Blades

For muskies, without a doubt the number one technique is burning bladed baits over weedtops. This means in-line spinners, which you can get moving faster than spinnerbaits. When I say burn, I mean cranking them in with high speed reels as fast as you can. I like Esox Assault EA8’s and 9’s, utilizing double #8 or #9 Colorado blades and iridescent Mag Flash skirts. The things these baits do to big bass at times is a caution, and both largemouth and smallmouth will absolutely pound a set of blades smoked over shallow weed flats or windblown points. Slow Rolling Opposite of the burning blades is slow rolling big blades. This can be especially effective late in the year, after cold fronts, or after dark. Here, spinnerbaits excel, and I use a single bladed beast made by Esox Assault in the 1.5-2 Oz range that features a single #10 Colorado blade. This set up produces maximum thump and vibration, just the ticket for rolling down drop offs, around wood and rip rap, and at night. I will also slow roll a big double #10 bladed in-line,

the EA10, as well. Twitchin’ This calls for long minnow type baits of highly buoyant plastic or wood. The best are made of Balsa and have a fluttering action when twitched. I prefer super shallow running baits made by Crane or Custom X. Muskie guys love the “twitch twitch pause WHAM!” routine, and so do big bass. This is another tactic that excels over thick weeds, and a fluttering twitch in a weed pocket will have any big bass in the area pounding the bait. With the squared lips, these baits also work well around docks and timber, and bouncing them off structure will produce big bass when nothing else will. Big crankbaits such as the Smoker SS Shad and the Strike King 10XD are also on the menu. Big Rubber We all know that soft plastics are made for bass, but we are just now seeing bigger soft plastic offerings. This is another area that muskie guys have had to themselves Fishing Headquarters | Page 48

MUSKY TACTICS FOR BASS

Our friend and Northern Illinois fishing guide, Chris Taurisano, with a big bass taken on a Crane twitch bait.

for a long time, and they can be extremely effective on outsized bass. Out west, guys like Mike Long have pioneered the use of huge swimbaits for bass, but here in the Midwest, guys are scarred to throw them. Don’t be! Articulated swimbaits such as Bucher’s Swimmin’ Joe, River 2 Sea S-Waver, or the Shadillac are just the ticket for big bass. Jerk or glide style baits like the Chaos Tackle’s Medussa come in many sizes, from 1 Oz Mini’s all the way to pound sized. These three-tailed baits can be burned over weeds, bounced down a drop off, or worked through the middle of the water column. Topwater Smallmouth especially lose their cool when a big muskie sized topwater gets pulled over their heads. Prop baits like the Bucher Top Raider and River 2 Sea Whopper Plopper will draw spectacular strikes from football sized brown bass. Big walk the dogs also get major action, with big walkers such as River 2 Sea’s Wide Glide and Rover, Rapala’s topwalker, or Mojo’s Weagle getting the nod for action.

Gear

Photograph by Chris Taurisano

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Big baits require big gear. Don’t feel the need to move up to muskie gear though, unless you are throwing really big baits. A good quality, heavy power, fast action flipping stick over 7’ will do the trick. I use an Airrus 7’3” X Entity XHXF, as well as the new Airrus 8’ Wrestle in heavy power. For reels, I

Ian Swenson of Central Minnesota, with a big largemouth bass taken on a #10 double bucktail.

Photograph by Ian Swenson Fishing Headquarters | Page 50

MUSKY TACTICS FOR BASS Mike Long with a 17 lb. California largemouth bass on a big swimbait.

Photograph by Mike Long / Airrus Rods

I am partial to a Curado 300 or Curado 300 EJ, spooled with either 20# Sunline Fluorocarbon or Sunline FX2 braid in 50-65# test.

Conclusion

tions big baits will produce big bass. Sometimes, especially on pressured lakes, giving the fish a look at baits they have never seem before can get you action where others falter, and when throwing big baits, you just might find the bass of your life.

Big baits for bass is not going to solve all you problems, and it wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be effective all the time. Moreover, if you are fishing a lake with populations of toothy pike or muskie, you may end up competing with them for the bassâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attention, but make no mistake, in some situaFishing-Headquarters.com

March / April, 2015

Joseph Alfe, a resident of Northern Illinois has spent his whole life in pursuit of angling and outdoors knowledge. As a Pro Staffer and brand rep for various industry and outdoors companies, he promotes and shares products that he believes in and that can make you a better fisherman and outdoorsman. For him, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about education. Joeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s true passion is bringing relevant and fresh fishing industry news and techniques to his readers through his promotional website:

AnglerZconnection.com

Photograph by Joseph Alfe Fishing Headquarters | Page 52

The where’s and how’s to help you plan your 2015 Northern Wisconsin sma

THE NORTHWOODS

SMALLMOU Fishing-Headquarters.com

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allmouth bass fishing trips more efficiently.

By Andrew Ragas As the new season approaches, anglers are planning their trips and getaways for the upcoming year. With the Northwoods of Wisconsin serving as my home waters, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s my obligation to write an annual fishing calendar: To help traveling and adventurous anglers plan their fishing trips and vacations efficiently and more effectively.

UTH CALENDAR Photograph Mark Walton Photograph byby Andrew Ragas

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NORTHWOODS CALENDAR

Opening day for Wisconsin fishing is traditionally the first Saturday fish species on many Wisconsin waters begins on that day with t mid November on an average climate year. Opportunities abound, an from May through October Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;m lucky to have the luxury of patter gaining the knowledge for where to go in the northern tier of the

By: Andrew Ragas Editor In-Chief

andrew@fishing-headquarters.com

Fishing-Headquarters.com

March / April, 2015

in May. Fishing for almost all major the season normally lasting through nd as a part-time Wisconsin resident rning many statewide fisheries, and state.

Photograph by Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament

^^^ A popular destination is undoubtedly Sturgeon Bay and its surrounding waters, where no other place in the world contains as many 4 and 5 pound fish. In the last two Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournaments, fish up to 8.5 lbs. have been caught and released. Pictured is Scott Bonnema and his 8.29 lb. smallmouth from the 2014 event. <<< At left, Andrew Ragas holds one of his largest of the 2014 season, a 21 incher from Vilas County, estimated between 6 and 6.5 lbs.

Photograph by Andrew Ragas

According to geographic experts, the dividing line for entry into Northern Wisconsin is recognized along state HWY 29, which travels horizontally from Hudson to Green Bay. However, my Northwoods map officially begins several miles further north, with the official gateway located in the Wisconsin River paper mill town of Merrill. Here, the landscape noticeably changes from fertile farmland to clean pine forest. The entire northern region of the state and its never-ending fishing destinations runs northward to Lake

Superior and the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Yooperâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; border, and then stretches from Green Bay in the east, to the Saint Croix River and its formation of the Wisconsin/ Minnesota border in the west. Within this region are several popular fishing towns and destinations. Popular areas are the Great Lakes towns of Ashland and Bayfield on Lake Superior, which offers world class trout and salmon fishing, as well as walleye and an expanding smallmouth bass fishery. Fishing Headquarters | Page 58

NORTHWOODS CALENDAR Then to the east along Lake Michigan is the Bay of Green Bay, encompassing the towns of Octonto, Green Bay, and Sturgeon Bay. This region of the bay and Door County contains some of the best walleye, muskie, and smallmouth bass fishing in the entire planet. Moving inland, the fishing gets more challenging, but is still worth everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s time. In Northwest Wisconsin, the region of Hayward, Spooner, and Minong is revered for its historic fishing and musky lore. Then where I live and spend most of my time at is the Minocqua/ Woodruff Lakeland area of Iron, Vilas and Oneida Counties. This region encom-

passes almost 4,000 lakes and offers some of the best diversity of lake types and inland fishing that can be experienced in all of Wisconsin. For the sake of space and word count, there are several more areas and honey-holes located in between, that should never be dismissed by anyone. With a lot of land to scope through, and available waters to fish, weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll cover smallmouth bass

in this edition. I will also recommend some of the major bodies of water I have fished, or know of well, and some new destinations I have plans to fish at some point in 2015.

Spring Fishing T h e spring season takes place during the months of May and June, and offers some of the best fishing of the year for all spe-

cies. Encompassing the pre-spawn to early summer period, all species of fish are on the feed, and in abundance throughout the shallows of most lakes and river systems. As most know, the largest specimens of smallmouth bass are my primary species of interest throughout the year. With exception to a few distinct summer and fall periods, spring fishing is simply the best. There is a reason why I skip out on social events during Mother’s Day, Memorial Day weekend, and other weekends. It’s because the smallmouth fishing in Wisconsin is that incredibly awesome and nobody realizes it! Thankfully family and friends understand. A popular destination is undoubtedly Sturgeon Bay and its surrounding waters, where no other place in the world contains as many 4 and 5 pound fish. Every spring, wolf packs of anglers visit for weekend tournaments and the popular Stur-

geon Bay Open. In the last two opens, fish up to 8.5 lbs. have been caught and released. Meanwhile, other anglers schedule week-long spring vacations at one of the many lakeside resorts and hotels, or hire any number of the guides including Dale Strochein and Brett Alexander to learn the big lake better or to have the opportunity to catch a big fish. While Sturgeon Bay is a spoiler that, for better or for worse, changes bass fishermen’s lives and has the potential of now breaking the smallmouth world record, I will always prefer fishing the more challenging and diverse inland fisheries simply because I grew up fishing on them, and they all have a special place in my heart. In recent years, I’ve caught and handled hundreds of trophy smallmouth bass exceeding lengths of 18 inches and weights surpassing 4 pounds. With my largest smallmouth to date at 22 inches length, weighing in at around 7 lbs., I am convinced that my inland waters, rich in crayfish and pelagic baitfish, are capable of rearing t h e

next Wisconsin state record all thanks to conservation and superb lake management. In Vilas and Oneida County alone, I have the joy of having over 100 quality trophy lakes within 40 miles of Minocqua. My region is now becoming known as a world class bass fishing destination due to the increase in tournaments, and number of out of state license plates I’m now observing at the boat landings. Because each lake fishes differently, and contains different population densities and size structures, I love having the option to fish multiple lakes per day, and cater my daily outings to my personal needs as well as specific angling styles & techniques. Few places in the world outside of southern Ontario and Minnesota have this much bass fishing diversity within such a large concentration. If seeking a guide, please consult with me. Other inland waters worthy of smallmouth trips are the massive lake chains, Eagle River and Three Lakes, Minocqua Chain (for numbers), Lac du Flambeau chain, and the individual lakes around Hayward that includes Round, Grindstone, and Lac Courte Orielles...... and don’t forget to lake hop and jump throughout the many other smaller lakes in these regions too, as many of them contain some of the largest fish you will ever catch!

NORTHWOODS CALENDAR I am convinced that my inland waters, rich in crayfish and pelagic baitfish, are capable of rearing the next Wisconsin state record all thanks to conservation and superb lake management. In Vilas and Oneida County alone, I have the joy of having over 100 quality trophy lakes within 40 miles of Minocqua.

Photograph by Jacob Saylor Fishing-Headquarters.com

March / April, 2015

Photograph by Erik Lennartz

The river systems and its flowages are home to some of the most under fished, fastest growing and fattest smallmouth populations in the state. These waters include the upper Wisconsin River system where my friend Kurt Schultz offers jet boat trips in spring before musky season opens, the Menominee River outside of Florence where Mike Mladenik is revered, the remote Saint Croix River from Saint Croix Falls to Danbury, and the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage where I spend considerable amount of time dissecting thru its stump fields and channels annually……. There are hundreds more to recommend additionally, but for the sake of others I must respect my page limit.

Summer Fishing Summer in the northwoods is a season of capitalizing on feeding windows and lake selection. Water temperatures will hit their annual peak in the upper 70 degree range, and the season lasts from June through early September. Summertime fishing for smallmouths is a challenging game and half the battle is being able to locate them. What I look for during the summer months are lakes with colder, cooler, clearer, deeper water packed with a lot of structure and contours. Of the popular Great Lakes destinations, two venues come to mind. Chequamegon Bay of Lake Superior in Ashland, and Sturgeon Bay off Door County are guaranteed bets and will remain outstanding for fishing through early November. Up north, picturesque cliffs and rock walls surround some of the nearby Apostle Islands, where submerged rock reefs rise

Our friend, Erik Lennartz, from Hartland, WI, with one of his largest ever, a 6 pounder from Sturgeon Bay. from the cold depths of Lake Superior and sand dunes and submerged wood straddle the southern shores. Chequamegon Bay is trophy regulated water whose fishing seems to get better as the year progresses, according to its known guides Chris Beeksma and Josh Tiegen. Meanwhile back to Sturgeon Bay, where its population is more abundant, the best summertime fishing takes place in June through early July, as shallow fishing runs hot before fish move out deeper in summer to roam and suspend, and stay there through fall. On the inland waters, the cold deep lakes with good smallmouth fishing are easy to identify. Good identifiers are high maximum depth, heavy presence of baitfish

species (ciscoes and smelt), and potential for a two-story fishery capable of rearing cold water species and that doesn’t become too affected by heat. Ideal destinations possessing most of these characteristics are scattered throughout the north. The best mid-summer smallmouth waters by me in Vilas and Oneida county with good average fish size (2 to 3 lbs.) and a higher population density is the Lac Du Flambeau chain and Manitowish Chain, and individual lakes that include Trout, Presque Isle, North Twin, Anvil, Butternut, and Kentuck. Additional lakes worth a visit are Metonga and Pelican located in southern Oneida County. And out Photograph by Jacob Saylor

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NORTHWOODS CALENDAR On the inland waters, the cold deep lakes with good smallmouth fishing are easy to identify. Good identifiers are high maximum depth, heavy presence of baitfish species (ciscoes and smelt), and potential for a twostory fishery capable of rearing cold water species and that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t become too affected by heat. Ideal destinations possessing most of these characteristics are scattered throughout the north.

Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters.com

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west near Hayward, Round, Grindstone and Lac Courte Oreilles are outstanding major fisheries. There’s more too, but I’ll let you find them yourself. For anglers with smaller boats and even kayak, there are few destinations as good as the Flambeau River in Sawyer and Rusk County, and St Croix River along the Minnesota border through the State Park and National Scenic Waterway. Smallmouth bass in these remote sections of the Flambeau and St. Croix grow big and beefy, and lurk in the free-flowing narrow, fast-moving sections of river. Successful fishing in the narrow sections means finding deeper holes and places where swift current meets slack water. Similar quality fishing experiences can be had on the upper Wisconsin River from Eagle River through Rhinelander, and all the way downstream to Merrill where mid-stream boulders, swift rapids, and rugged terrain dominate the river landscape offering smallmouths perfect habitat and cold water sanctuaries during mid-summer heat. River fishing in these wilderness settings is often a productive, memorable adventure.

Jacob Saylor caught his largest fish of the 2014 season on a May trip with me. Here is a robust 21 incher.

Fall Fishing Autumn in the northwoods is about location rather than presentation. Because when you locate the right spots, chances are most fish will be concentrated in them, and on the binge in preparation for the winter months. Additionally, it doesn’t get any better than being immersed within the beauty of bright color from fall foliage, and up north it is EVERYWHERE. The fall season for me officially begins following Labor Day, in

Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing Headquarters | Page 64

NORTHWOODS CALENDAR

Photograph by Johnny Amato Fishing-Headquarters.com

March / April, 2015

Photograph by Johnny Amato

Our friend, Johnny Amato, is a dedicated smallmouth angler whom we’ve come to know and fish with. He spends most of his time light line finessing on Wisconsin’s lakes in Forest County, and catches his largest fish with an assortment of jigging tactics which includes lipless crankbaits, hula grubs, and tube jigs. mid-September when water temperatures begin to cool down from the 70’s into the low 60 degree range. The plunge continues through November before ice begins to form, resulting in the open water season to end. My fall season is usually spent smallmouth fishing throughout September into the first two weeks of October. What I’ve learned is that autumn is not a single season, but encompasses three sub-seasons: Early fall which offers fast action, the mid-Indian summer phase, and cold water stage that often kicks out the largest fish. In the northwoods, the fall period takes place from mid September through early November when their overwintering period begins. Diminishing daylight and falling water temperatures trigger smallmouths to binge feed in order to survive through the winter

months. With their active feeding, most would think the fishing would be spectacular, but it’s not usually the case. Fall fishing for smallmouths often requires much searching and good usage of electronics. Along with schools of pelagic baitfish species and yellow perch, smallmouths move out deep to main lake areas and begin concentrating in close proximity to their wintering holes, usually along steep ledges and deep structure. When you can locate their food, you will often locate the fish. A lot of northwoods lakes, including Lake Superior’s Chequamegon Bay, are set up perfectly for good fall fishing where the bite can last through early November. Choosing the proper lake is important. In my opinion, clear water lakes with limited structure and a restricted forage base is the key. Many deep clear water lakes are

home to giant smallmouth and are rarely ever fished for them. Don’t make the mistake of only fishing big lakes. But if you must, some of the better fall options are near me in Vilas County and includes the Lac Du Flambeau Chain, Trout, Big Muskellunge, Star, Black Oak, Presque Isle, North Twin, Long and Big Sand, and Butternut. Small clear water lakes can hold populations of large smallmouths too, and are my most preferred destinations at this time of season. Each year I catch and release a number of 20 inch fish from smaller lakes of only 100 to 400 acres in size. I safeguard my biggest secrets so I won’t disclose these honey holes for a number of reasons. It is important to find a lake with a limited fishery dominated by smallmouths; if a healthy Fishing Headquarters | Page 66

NORTHWOODS CALENDAR smallmouth population exists, they can be the dominant predator in the lake. Lakes with fewer walleyes are the best also. These smaller lakes are easier to fish with smallmouth schooling up and concentrated usually in one or two major areas of the lake, and don’t require the most strenuous searching to locate.

Make Your 2015 Plans Looking for a quality destina-

tion to wet a line in Northern Wisconsin? Hopefully you’ve read the right story here. Whether interested in a lake or river in a specific region or a nearby town you’ll be visiting, Wisconsin’s Northwoods offers a variety of smallmouth bass fishing opportunities for traveling anglers and visitors alike. I can obviously still write about more, but I think I’ve covered enough destinations and possible trips to keep everyone else occupied and entertained for fun.

Whether interested in a lake or river in a specific region or a nearby town you’ll be visiting, Wisconsin’s Northwoods offers a variety of smallmouth bass fishing opportunities for traveling anglers and visitors alike. Fishing-Headquarters.com

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Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing Headquarters | Page 68

NORTHWOODS CALENDAR Pictured here with good buddy and musky tournament partner, Steve Peterson, we boated a half dozen monsters like this 21 incher during our May 2014 outing. Wisconsin bass fishing doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get any better than this!

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Photograph by Mark Walton Fishing Headquarters | Page 70

POUNDING River W

1/2 Oz. jigs are too heavy for walleye’s/sauger? Don’t tell this guy! Photograph by Roy Vivian Fishing-Headquarters.com Fishing-Headquarters.com | | March March/ April, / April,2014 2015

G BOTTOM Walleyes and Sauger By Roy Vivian

When you are on a river this spring, tie on a Â˝ oz. jig and pound the bottom for some fast action. Traditional thinking often says to use the lightest jig the current allows in order to maintain steady bottom contact, but the preference of a more aggressive approach that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t involve a minnow bucket often prevails, and wins.

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RIVER WALLEYES AND SAUGER

Photograph by Roy Vivian Fishing-Headquarters.com

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O By: Roy Vivian

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

One of the biggest misconceptions in today’s walleye world is the encouragement to use the lightest jig possible. Walleyes are known to be finicky, and are short biters, thus the strategy is logical. Traditional thinking often says to use the lightest jig the current allows in order to maintain steady bottom contact. For instance, tip the jig with a fathead minnow, add a stinger hook, and you have the best method for catching walleyes. It’s a proven way to catch fish, but I prefer a more aggressive approach that doesn’t involve a minnow bucket.

Photograph by Roy Vivian

Instead of using the lightest jig possible, I use the heaviest jig I can get away with on my medium light action G-Loomis rod. I have found a ½ oz. jig is the ticket. With a 5/8 oz. jig I lose control of the presentation and have to switch to a heavier, medium action rod. I prefer the feel of the medium light therefore in most cases I am using a ½ oz. jig. Using a ½ oz. jig and plastic allows me to fish quickly and more aggressively. The heavier jig and its power fishing style simply triggers more bites and puts more fish in my Lund compared to a lighter jig and minnow. One of the key differences with this tactic is the bigger profile and pounding acts serves as an attractor. This is especially true when fishing key spring and fall hangouts on hard bottom areas of lakes and rivers. I employ an aggressive lift and drop jigging technique. When the jig hits the bottom, the noise and bottom disturbance draws fish in to investigate. Oftentimes, water clarity is less than a foot in the spring, therefore using a ½ oz. jig helps fish find the bait. In post spawn conditions, I often experiment with adding a fat-

head minnow to a ½ oz. jig and a split tail Berkley Gulp! minnow. The minnow adds bulk to the presentation and provides a bigger profile. This technique was triggering big, post spawn, walleyes in the 2009 Red Wing FLW event held on the Mississippi River. Out of that tournament field of anglers, I believe I was the only person vertically jigging, and for I know for certain I was the only one pounding the bottom with ½ oz. jigs in water as shallow as 4 feet. Look this one up yourselves right now on Google. Search for the subject, “pounding the bottom for walleyes.” Most of the results you will find are tactics used in ice fishing. This style of fishing has been the preferred presentation of ice fishermen for a long time. Not only does it work for walleyes, but also for bluegills and perch. Ice fishing is the ultimate way to vertical jig. It only makes sense that the same technique works when vertical jigging the rivers. Using the right gear is extremely important to this technique. Fishing Headquarters | Page 76

RIVER WALLEYES AND SAUGER

This 4.36 pound Sauger fell for a 1/2 jig and was the third biggest fish out of 200 boats.

By using shorter length rods, you will have greater control over the action of the jig. I use a 6 ft. medium light rod. I would use a shorter rod if I could get away with it but the rod has to be long enough to reach out from the boat so you can comfortably fish. I use white Power Pro 2/10. The 2 lb. diameter reduces resistance and allows me to fish as vertical as possible. This line is strong enough to catch about anything that swims in the river, yet it is light enough that you can break the line when snagged. The high visibility white allows me to see my line and detect light bites. Fishing-Headquarters.com

Boat control is extremely important when pounding the bottom. The key is to stay as vertical as possible erring with the tip of the rod slightly upstream. Use the trolling motor to make proper adjustments to swirling winds and under-currents, all while dodging other boats. I use two rods unless the area I am fishing is full of snags. It is sometimes impossible to have both rods presented vertically at the same time. This is especially true if two anglers are fishing in the boat. I try to keep at least one of my rods vertical at all times. In tournament settings, the co-angler will have to move around

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a lot in order to keep vertical in the back of the boat. My MWC partner, Scott Pirnstill, is a master at this but it is a lot of work. Being in the back of the boat can be rewarding, as fish will often see those baits first. Sometimes the fish will inhale the bait, creating a thump that you will feel all the way into your shoulder. Other times they hit it while the jig is falling and you will not feel the fish until you begin to lift the jig. I have heard Keith Kavajecz describe this as a â&#x20AC;&#x153;presenceâ&#x20AC;? bite, when lifting up and feeling weight. When you feel anything different, set the hook hard. These fish are of-

Photograph by Roy Vivian

I even talked a skeptical Mark Michael into using a 1/2 Oz. jig!

Photograph by Roy Vivian Fishing Headquarters | Page 78

RIVER WALLEYES AND SAUGER Pounding the bottom produced a third place finish in the 2014 MWC IL River.

Photograph by Roy Vivian Fishing-Headquarters.com

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ten not hooked as well so I try to get that fish up to the surface, into the net as quickly as possible. For these reasons I tighten my drag to drive hooks into the fish. In my opinion, the best jig for this technique is a Hutch teardrop jig. If you prefer to make them yourself, you can purchase a mold from Do-It Molds. In stained water I use orange jigs. I am not sure how important color is in triggering fish. I just know that I have caught a lot of fish on orange, which gives me confidence that it works. If I am fishing the same stretch of river over and over I will switch up to a chartreuse jig. My favorite soft plastics to jig with are ringworms. In cold, clear water I will downsize and use a Gulp like split tail minnow. In water temperatures of 30 degrees and warmer I will experiment with numerous plastics like ringworms, paddle tails, shad baits, and twister tails. It is amazing to me what they will hit. In dirty water I will try bulkier plastics such as a Zoom Lizard. When you are on a river this spring, tie on a Â˝ oz. jig and pound the bottom for some fast action. Traditional thinking often says to use the lightest jig the current allows in order to maintain steady bottom contact, but the preference of a more aggressive approach that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t involve a minnow bucket often prevails, and wins.

Roy Vivian is a walleye tournament angler who has fished the MWC, AIM, FLW and NWT Circuits. He is on the Pro-Staff of Lund Boats, Mercury Motors, Shimano and EZEE Step. He has been a FishingHeadquarters contributor since spring 2011, and much of his walleye wisdom can be read online. You can follow him on his fishing page: Roy Vivian Pro Walleye Angler Photograph by Cory Allen Fishing Headquarters | Page 80

RIVER WALLEYES AND SAUGER

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March / April, 2015

As Vivian shows below, when you are on a river this spring, tie on a Â˝ oz. jig and pound the bottom for some fast action. Traditional thinking often says to use the lightest jig the current allows in order to maintain steady bottom contact, but the preference of a more aggressive approach that doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t involve a minnow bucket often prevails, and wins.

Photograph by Roy Vivian Fishing Headquarters | Page 82

TROPHY M By Cory Allen

BREAKING BARRIERS Fishing-Headquarters.com

March / April, 2015

MUSKIES

By Cory Allen

A client of Cory Allen’s, Charles Wallace holds one of his 52 inchers boated after dark in January, 2015.

It Might As Well Be Spring. I’m a restless as a willow in a windstorm; I’m as giddy as a baby in a swing. Photographs by Cory Allen Fishing Headquarters | Page 86

SPRING FEVER

By: Cory Allen

Fishing-Headquarters Contributor

I swear that I have spring fever, as do most musky anglers this time of year. Here they sit, holed up in their dens, clinging rabidly to a tablet pouring over pictures and articles and the wonderland of â&#x20AC;&#x153;Winter Netâ&#x20AC;?. Hesitation is the hallmark of missed opportunity; skepticism the calling card of the imitator. They sit and wait and watch for another to make their move, provide the empirical evidence of traveling outside the comfort zone before they venture themselves.

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March / April, 2015

Allen preparing the big beast for release. This specimen measured 49 inches.

Photograph by Charles Wallace Fishing Headquarters | Page 88

SPRING FEVER

Most of the best areas Allen has found to musky fish in Tennessee were either not entirely understood or tapped, or not even known to exist. All too often anglers wait to see massive billboards of validation and wait years and years before finally feeling safe enough to try something new. This is not only a counterintuitive way of thinking to maximize your lifetime angling journey, but also a way to stifle your time on the water day to day. Fishing-Headquarters.com

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By the time they finally jump into the pool? It’s already being drained by the teeming throng of shoulder-parrots and mimics: Only repeating the words and actions of others, never daring to step out over the precipice. Isn’t this however what the spirit of angling is all about, especially the pursuit of musky? Finding the wrinkles in the tapestry, digging into the dirt and unearthing the evidence of untold treasures are the spirit. Nothing ventured, as they say, nothing gained. Instead of draining gigabytes of data on Netflix this winter and drowning your forlorn in the amber elixir of a whiskey, seize the manifest destiny of the musky angler - exploration. We are blessed to find pleasure in the pursuit of a vagabond fish, one that migrates and extends its own borders by nature. This is not a merciless plug to any particular guide service (not even my own) but more a challenge to a great more noble cause: Find your reward not in walking the steps of so many others. Explore unbeaten paths, through today’s advent of instantaneous access to information and mapping. Most of the best areas I’ve found to musky fish in Tennessee were either not entirely understood or tapped, or not even known to exist. All too often anglers wait to see massive billboards of validation and wait years and years before finally feeling safe enough to try something new. This is not only a counterintuitive way of thinking to maximize your lifetime angling journey, but also a way to stifle your time on the water day to day.

Photograph by Cory Allen Fishing-Headquarters | Page 90

SPRING FEVER

Allen says finding the â&#x20AC;&#x153;choke pointsâ&#x20AC;? where migrating muskies may stop en route to new ecosystems, and fish them during concentrated periods. It make take a time or two before you can entirely write it off, but more often than not, if it makes sense, give it time. Your gut is rarely wrong. Photograph by Cory Allen Fishing-Headquarters.com

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Despite being able to musky fish every single day of the year, we here at TVMA rarely sit on our laurels. This isn’t due to the simple desire to “stay ahead of the curve”; it’s in essence why we musky fishing to begin with: discovery. Very few days go by that we aren’t pouring over topography apps and Google maps, drawing imaginary lines of string theory from known evidence and connect the imaginary dots to form new constellations (the coolest part of which is, we get the name these spots ourselves). The process with which to begin this is fairly easy to grasp, it just takes a slight change of perspective, and a bit of cavalier daring. A good place to begin is taking known areas of musky habitat and look for “Leaks in the hull”. If there is a species that can find a way to escape barriers, it’s the muskellunge. If there’s a dam, they’ll find

a way to get past it. If nature’s creatures dictate the parameters of their range, both in natural and artificially created populations, you can be sure they’ll at least try to find a way to extend their empire. One easy way to begin this is no matter where you fish for muskellunge, look for lanes of interconnectivity, conduits of exchange via water. You would be astounded how many populations go entirely unnoticed even by the natural resource agencies until it smack them in the face. Small creeks that flow from reservoirs into other systems, as minute as they may seem, are all that is needed to give them a “King’s road” out of the parapets of their castle. The best time to validate these theories, are during periods of environmental change, something that would trigger an instinct to the fish to travel. If you have a system with an established population that ex-

periences a period of higher flows, this is one of the best times to intercept grey pilgrims. Find the “choke points” where they may stop en route to new ecosystems, and fish them during concentrated periods. It make take a time or two before you can entirely write it off, but more often than not, if it makes sense, give it time. Your gut is rarely wrong. As anglers we are purely interactive biologists, operating outside any confines or restrictions but the one’s we place upon ourselves. Utilize this to its fullest extent. Two very good resources to employ are both the Navionics App and Google Earth. These two resources in concert not only allow finding the geographical lanes justifying new waters to explore, but are often dissected remotely for identifying the best areas to search for concentrations once a new prospect is located.

SPRING FEVER

Cory Allen, 29, of Oak Ridge, Tennessee is the founder and lead guide of Tennessee Valley Muskie Authority - the most comprehensive fishing resource and guide team in Tennessee. Coryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s specialty is casting and trolling for muskellunge on the reservoirs and river systems of the south. Allenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s team of guides fish the waters throughout Tennessee, guiding on a year-round basis, and offer their clients a wide variety of boat and wading trips. Book your 2014 summer and 2015 winter fishing adventure by visiting:

http://www.tennesseevalleymuskieauthority.com Fishing-Headquarters.com

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Cory Allen and Jake Priegel know how to fish. The two are expert anglers, take people out on trips to teach them the intricacies of fishing, and almost always land a big catch. Saturday, January 17th was no different. The two were out on Melton Hill Lake in Oak Ridge, TN, when a giant Muskie hit their line, and they say it was a state record. “When it came up and I saw it, I was just like, oh my god, that’s, that’s a different animal,” Allen explained. The massive Muskie tipped the scales at 46 pounds, and from tip to tail was 54 inches. But after a quick photo op with the beast, the two decided to let the fish go to live another day. “We just wanted to see it swim off because we wanted to see how much bigger it was going to get in this lake,” Allen said. Allen estimates it won’t take long before they’re able to land another whopper, because they now know Muskies are thriving in Melton Hill Lake. In fact, it’s quickly becoming one of the premiere destinations for Muskie fishing, thanks in part to the TWRA stocking the lake, and the water being a perfect feeding place for the large fish.

Photograph by Chris Willen

Photograph by Cory Allen Fishing-Headquarters | Page 94

SPRING FEVER

MEME Courtesy of Marc Cooper

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Uprooting By Andrew Ragas

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July / August, March / April, 2015 2014

g Crappies

Spring time is crappie time, and for me the first prolonged warm spell in May signifies the arrival of the crappies in shallow water. Schools of spawning crappies will migrate from main lake areas, seeking the thickest, most luscious shallow water cover to lay eggs in protection. Wood cover, weed beds, and bulrushes are popular spawning grounds, and the most sought-after accessible fishing locations for anglers. While these community spots are always good areas to focus on, nobody is going into shallowest jungles where boat access is difficult. Photographs by Andrew Ragas Fishing Headquarters | Page 26Fishing-Headquarters | Page 100

UPROOTING CRAPPIES During the last few springs on some of my favorite lakes, I’ve made some strange discoveries and observations while bass fishing. Pitching and flipping through the emerging thick cover for largemouth bass this time of year, I’ve often found that the most inaccessible bogs and root systems of lily pads contain the most favorable and unsuspecting schools of spawning crappies. These spots are often loaded with fish, and nobody is locating them. I can only speculate that most folks don’t have the required shallow drafting hulls, and powerful trolling motors to

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reach them in these locations.

When and Where Depending on region and spring climates, the crappie spawn generally begins when water temperatures reach 60 degrees. Warming water draws crappies from their open water main lake habitats towards shallow vegetated bays and marshes for spawning. Peak spawning occurs from 65 to 70 degrees. For me, this period quickly takes place between the last week of May through first week of June. Timing

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is everything. Crappies will choose deeper water and thicker cover for spawning. Sometimes, the cover may be thicker than most anglers and their boats can penetrate through. The average depth crappies will spawn in is between 3 to 6 feet deep, but on many of the darkest waters and marshes I prowl, they can be in water as shallow as 1 foot. Males will be most frequently caught due to their aggression as nest builders, and as they await their courtship with females. Meanwhile, females will be present but in less abun-

Photograph by Andrew Ragas

The habitat for uprooting crappies is entirely focused on lily pad systems and its complex root systems. These areas are always associated with shallow bogs, and marshland adjacent to the lake, and are textbook spots for the crappie set-up

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UPROOTING CRAPPIES

dance. The habitat for uprooting crappies is entirely focused on lily pad systems and its complex root systems. These areas are always associated with shallow bogs, and marshland adjacent to the lake, and are textbook spots for the crappie set-up for the following reasons. First, the darker water and shallow habitats provide significantly warmer water temperatures that lead to a much faster, uninterrupted spawning period. Second, the higher fertility of these spots offers greater food sources for the abundant schools of fish. Third, these shallow jungles of thick cover are mostly inaccessible for the average boat, thus they are the perfect sanctuary from predators and anglers. Fishing-Headquarters.com

The best spots will stretch for several hundred yards, providing anglers with hours of casting and dipping through pockets, and repeated controlled drifts along the edges. Within these jungles of amazing habitat, fluctuating holes will be prevalent, as will be several nooks and crannies, underwater funnels and tunnels, and open pockets.

Crappie Safari Over Memorial Day weekend in 2014, I went on my first crappie safari. On the warmest and first 80 degree, windless sunny day of the month, masses of crappies were infiltrating into the shallow backwaters and bogs of my favorite lake

March / April, 2015

fish, we set up shop in my 16 foot Lund glass boat at the mouth of the backwater where a community of boats was stationed. Everyone was consistently catching, but my boat wanted more. We slowly wandered our way into the bog with the trolling motor, raised high up into the water column to prevent the bottom from churning up, and migrating fish from spooking. Before us was a Â˝ mile distance of lily pad kingdoms to probe through. Of the dozen-plus boats concentrated in this large area, we were the only boat that was mobile and aggressiveâ&#x20AC;Ś.. zig-zagging around those who were anchored and through all the dense lily pad root systems, out-fishing everyone at a ratio of 5-to-1.

Photograph by Andrew Ragas

Our timing and strategy on this day was about as perfect as fishing can get. The further and deeper into the mostly inaccessible bog we went, the more concentrated and abundant the crappies were. Of all the boats fishing near the mouth in community spots, nobody else was seeing this, nor could reach the fish like us. In a few hours, more than 50 keepers were caught. Most were 10 to 12 inch eaters. Some went into the box for a handful of meals, while several went back to propagate and complete their circle of life. During mass spawning runs like this, crappies like all other fish are non-renewable resources, thus it is encouraged to harvest conservatively by keeping only what is needed. A mess of 20 crappies will result in 5 to 10 meals for one single individual. More fisheries and

quality size structures are destroyed during these periods than any other point in the season. Take the abundant 10 and 11 inch eaters, release all others. In order to fish aggressively like we did, boat control and placement of baits far outweighed all of the varied techniques we used. Slowly pushing the boat with my bow-mount MinnKota Powerdrive V2 with the co-pilot remote, we were able to cruise at the slowest speeds (slower than foot pedal) that allowed us to use a combination of presentations that included drifting, dipping, and casting.

Tackle and Techniques Pegged in my boatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Scotty and Down-East rod holders, we each

drifted one rod that was rigged with jig and swimming plastics, below a small slip float. Used in a planer board style manner rather than a strike indicator, our floats kept baits placed within 1ft underwater and trailing 25 yds away from the gunnels. Whenever a fish grabbed the crappie slider or micro twister tail, our indicator was the bend in the soft rod tip and exploding float. Best presented around large open pockets and along the edges of the root systems, this unusual stealthy drift fishing system led to numbers of crappies that didnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get spooked by our nearby presence. While drifting with the float system, dipping and casting as well as dead sticking the open pockets and canopies of bogs and roots Fishing-Headquarters | Page 104

UPROOTING CRAPPIES kept us busy and entertained. With a combination of jigs and small plastics that included small Crappie USA tube jigs and 1” Polly Wogz grubs by Stankx Bait Co., crappies were extracted from cover. My favorite crappie jigs of late are hand tied hair jigs by my friend and InFisherman contributor, Jim Gronaw. Labeled under the name of “River Critter Hair Jigs,” they swim and flutter perfectly before the faces of crappies, and don’t require being tipped with small plastic trailers or any other extras. A new hot plastic we discovered came into play for us as well. A week prior, a television assignment on John Gillespie’s Wisconsin Waters and Woods program with friend and Wisconsin guide Rob Manthei, led to the discovery of the Crappie Scrub, made by Kalin’s. Dead sticking them on a 1/16 oz. jig beneath a float, some of the most remarkable, effortless and aggressive crappie bites I’ve ever witnessed took place. The crappie scrub with its kicker legs resembles a small frog in the hatchling stage. It’s the perfect bait for such shallow heavily vegetated habitat, one that most crappies have yet to ever see, and that’s not yet in the boats of many anglers. For such jungle fishing situations, live bait is never needed. Since the purpose is to keep mobile and cover water, weedless jigs and hooks also aren’t required because they can usually be retrieved from snags. Despite the need for a shallow boat and powerful trolling motor to get you there, the required tackle is fairly simple and minimal. 6 to 9 foot medium light action rods Fishing-Headquarters.com

March / April, 2015

Kalin’s Crappie Scrub

Jim Gronaw’s River Critter Jigs

Stankx Bait Company Polly Wogz (At best when tipped on jigs)

For such jungle fishing situations, live bait is never needed. Because the purpose is to keep mobile and cover water, weedless jigs and hooks also arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t required because they can usually be retrieved from snags. Despite the need for a shallow boat and powerful trolling motor to get you there, the required tackle is fairly simple and minimal.

Photograph by Jacob Saylor Fishing-Headquarters | Page 106

UPROOTING CRAPPIES with 6 lb. copolymer or 2 to 4 lb. braided superline are excellent for all drifting, most dipping and casting scenarios. I know that if I had this option in my boat at the time, a 12 foot cane pole used for dipping (pole and line fishing) would have been a remarkable tool for even easier crappie extraction from thick cover. I’ll try to remember this for crappie safari 2015, as it does me no good to leave simple tools like this sitting in the garage.

Conclusion To gain entry into the expansive kingdom of lily pads and their complex infrastructure, having the right watercraft and a quiet trolling motor will allow for this unique fishing adventure to happen. Location and coverage, and quality of drifts will dictate all the fish catching success. Always remember that the most impenetrable roots and fields of lily pads are generally the best. It’s the reason why majority of northern crappie anglers aren’t yet doing it.

March / April, 2015

Photograph by Jacob Saylor Fishing-Headquarters | Page 108

UPROOTING CRAPPIES

Fields of lily pads and their complex infrastructure is the best kept secret to catching spring crappies. To gain entry into the expansive kingdom of lily pads and their complex infrastructure, having the right watercraft and a quiet trolling motor will allow for this unique fishing adventure to happen. Location and coverage, and quality of drifts will dictate all the fish catching success. Always remember that the most impenetrable roots and fields of lily pads are generally the best. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the reason why majority of northern crappie anglers arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t yet doing it.

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March / April, 2015

Photograph by Andrew Ragas Fishing-Headquarters | Page 110

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TACKLE TECHN SPRING 2015 DOES YOUR COMPANY OR BRAND HAVE PRODUCTS FOR US TO USE AND TALK ABOUT? SEND YOUR INQUIRIES TO INFO@FISHING-HEADQUARTERS.COM

Quantum PT Speed Freak Reels By Andrew Ragas Originally launched in 2010, Quantum’s Smoke PT family of reels caught fire and far exceeded projected sales numbers. Now, for 2015, the fire burns faster with the introduction of the new 8.1:1 gear ratio Smoke Speed Freak reel that pulls-in a blazing 35” of line with every turn of the handle – making it the highest gear ratio baitcasting reel in Quantum PT history. The all-new Smoke PT Speed Freak for 2015 features Quantum’s new PTX frame design that reduces overall weight and adds rigidity. It also features a screaming fast 8.1:1 gear ratio that pulls in 35 inches of line for every turn of the handle. The new slim line ACS external centrifugal cast control has a total of 13 new settings for an even wider drag range. From $179.95 to $199.95 quantumfishing.com

Duckett Ghost Rods By Tyler Uteg

As a bass fisherman, the desire to buy new and expensive gear is extremely addictive. We’re always so sure it will have an immediate impact and improve our fishing in some magical way. Like many of you, I share that same affinity for quality rods, but it comes at a high price. Luckily, I’ve come across a somewhat new series of rods that I really like for my flipping and jig fishing. If you’re searching for a rod to help improve some specific techniques, check out the Duckett Ghost Rods. At $99, they’re hard to beat for price and quality. If you want to keep the set-up extra light, pair it with a new 7:5:1 Lews reel and get to flipping. $99.99 duckettfishing.com

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March / April, 2015

Photograph by Johnny Amato

NICIANS

Gear recommendations, reviews, insights and news (mostly new) from contributors & friends of Fishing-Headquarters.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR BRAND’S PRODUCTS! Stankx Bait Company Sultress By Andrew Ragas

Newly released in 2015, in downsized 3.5 inch size for finesse fishing and a super-sized 4.5 inch size for pitching and flipping, the Stankx Bait Co. Sultress is quickly becoming a big hit for anglers and members of Stankx Nation. The Sultress is available in solid and split tail options, and can be purchased in several colorways. The downsized 3.5 model is fished best with a jig head, or as a jig trailer, and is a great choice for most finesse bass fishing applications. Meanwhile, the 4.5 model is available with the identical options, but where it performs best is for flipping and pitching through thick cover, and according to bait brew-master Travis Crosman, as a slither rig trailer. From $5.29 to $6.79 stankxbaitco.com

Columbia Drainmaker Shoes Last season I searched long and hard to find a great pair of shoes that would be comfortable, boat ready and waterproof. I eventually stumbled onto the Columbia Drainmakers, and they had a lot of apparent benefits. They’re extremely lightweight, and allow water to flow right through them whether you’re getting the boat off the trailer or fishing in a warm rain storm. They also come in a wide array of colors, so if you’re into coordinating with your boat or other gear than these are the shoes for you. My only other recommendation is that you buy 2 pairs to last the season. At around $40 a pair (depending on where you buy them) it’s well worth it. $85.00 columbia.com Fishing Headquarters | Page 114

TACKLE TECHN SPRING 2015 DOES YOUR COMPANY OR BRAND HAVE PRODUCTS FOR US TO USE AND TALK ABOUT? SEND YOUR INQUIRIES TO INFO@FISHING-HEADQUARTERS.COM

Accu-Cull Digital Scale By Andrew Ragas Catching too many trophy smallmouth bass in 2014 estimated between 5 and 6 lbs. and having to respond to questions asking for their accurate weights led to this acquisition.; my first ever digital scale, which may in fact humble me greatly. Offering a compact and convenient way to weigh and measure your next big fish, the Accu Cull Digital Scale weighs to 100th of a pound for unprecedented accuracy, and it also features a Hold Function that keeps the weight locked in even after you remove the fish from the scale. A big LCD Screen with Blue Backlight makes it easy to read day or night, and the Accu Cull Digital Scale is also equipped with a built-in 38” Tape Measurer. An Over-sized Weigh Hook helps you weigh even your biggest fish (up to 55-lbs), and when the Weigh Hook is not in use - a magnet conveniently holds it to the back of unit - keeping the sensors safe from unnecessary damage during storage. Get the fastest and most precise weights with the water-resistant Accu Cull Digital Scale. $34.99 accucull.com

Toothy’s Tackle Cookie Cutters By Andrew Ragas

Toothy’s Tackle is home to the worlds Cookie Cutters! Buy the cutters individually by species, or as a complete set for the kitchen! The worlds only Freshwater Cookie Cutter Set! You get the Bass, Walleye and Muskie cutters in your own “stringer of fish” Make many treats and memories with our unique cutters! For use with ovens, baking pans, cookie doughs and tasty treats. Made from the highest quality tin. From $5.00 to $12.00 toothystackle.com Fishing-Headquarters.com

December 2014 / January / February, 2015

ONLY

Musky

NICIANS

Gear recommendations, reviews, insights and news (mostly new) from contributors & friends of Fishing-Headquarters.

ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR BRAND’S PRODUCTS! Stankx Bait Company Gobius By Andrew Ragas Available in packages of 3 for $14.99, The Stankx Bait Co. Gobius, a 4.5 inch handpoured paddletail swimbait with 5/16 oz. lifted jigs internal weight system was released in November and is sure to be a hit with Great bass anglers. Available in

Lakes smallmouth packages of 3.

$14.99 stankxbaitco.com

Rapala Shadow Rap - First Glance By Tyler Uteg This review is going to come in 2 parts. It’s currently freezing here in Chicago, so I’m finding time to search out new baits for the upcoming season - like the newly released Rapala Shadow Rap. I’m an absolute jerkbait fanatic, and I’d love nothing more than to have a new weapon to add to my arsenal. After hearing about the release of the Shadow Rap, I finally got my hands on a couple and they do not disappoint. They’re a little shorter than your Megabass style jerkbait, and also have a more flatsided look and feel. The iridescence and overall color schemes are very impressive as well. My only minor gripe is that they don’t have a weight transfer system, instead the balls inside are locked in place. I’m curious to see how they cast and how their trademarked movement compares to the jerkbaits I’ve grown to know and love. They’re definitely worth picking up, but if you’re on the fence I’ll be back with a follow-up review in the Spring once I can get them wet. $8.99 rapala.com

Fishing Headquarters | Page 116

Llungen Lures designer, Chad Cain.

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