Wisconsin Fishing Tips

Tips For Fishing In Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a lot more to offer than just great cheese, and beer. The Badger State is covered with a multitude of lakes and streams, and some fantastic cold-water fishing. They also have both species of black bass, white bass, catfish, crappie, and sunfish. From fishing in a dark-house through the ice in winter, to trolling in summer, Wisconsin has something for every kind of angler. Just by learning a few Wisconsin fishing tips, you can be assured of a great fishing trip.

• Although Wisconsin has great trout fishing, the Walleye reigns supreme among anglers. The Badger state is famous for it's year-around walleye fisheries. Soon after ice-out, the walleyes are still a bit sluggish, so use smaller lures and baits in early spring. Lead-head jigs tipped with 2”-3” grub-tails are very productive, especially when cast or trolled along shallow bays.
• After the spawn, walleyes will move to slightly deeper water, in bays with access to shallows. Look for schools of minnows, and the walleyes won't be far off.
• Small-mouth bass spawn in June. Cast a Tiny Torpedo into shallow gravel beds to zap aggressive males guarding the nest. If they get finicky, use a lead-head jig with a small curly-tail to trigger explosive strikes.
• In Summertime bass love to feast on crawfish. Cast plastic Craws, crank-baits, or jigs into rock-piles in 8-20 feet of water. The bass are looking for anything that appears to be 'popping' out of the rocks.
• Northern Pike and Muskellunge are very popular targets for anglers. In spring, and early summer, they hang out in structure in shallow water, especially along weed-beds. Work spinners and crank baits along shallow weed-beds, or troll large suckers and minnows along ledges to trigger explosive strikes.
• Lake trout can be caught all year-long in Wisconsin. Lake Trout prefer water temperatures of 47°F to 50°F. In the spring and early summer, they can be found in relatively shallow water near schools of bait-fish. In late summer, they move to deeper water, 100 feet and deeper. Use a thermometer to check the water temperature at depth. Wherever you find the temperature within their preferences, you will most likely find Lake Trout. The most productive lure for Lake Trout are Red & White Daredevels, or 5 of Diamonds Daredevels, larger Mepps spinners and Roostertails, and bucktail jigs.

Wisconsin has some of the best fishing in the country, especially for cold-water species. By using a few Wisconsin fishing tips, you can make your fishing trips in the state memorable ones. Oh, and don't forget to check out the cheeses, as well. You just can't leave the state without trying a large bowl of their Smoked Cheddar-Cheese Beer Soup. It's worth the trip all by itself.

Happy fishing.

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Wisconsin Fishing Tips

Illinois Fishing Tips

 Free Tips For Fishing in Illinois

There is no shortage of places to fish in Illinois. The Prairie State's landscape is peppered with lakes and ponds, and etched with numerous streams and rivers. With this many opportunities, it can be a chore trying to decide where to fish. It may help to have a few Illinois fishing tips under your belt before deciding where to go.

• Illinois lakes and reservoirs offer outstanding fishing all year. If you want to bring home a few bluegills for supper, try fishing for them through the ice at Rend Lake. For spring pike, you can do no better than casting a lure in Chicago's Wolf Lake, soon after the ice-out. If you are a die-hard bass angler, in early spring, your objective should be Crab Orchard, and Brusse Lakes, for some of the best early-season bass-fishing in the mid-west. The Fox chain of lakes in northeast Illinois is a walleye anglers dream come true. The best time to go is from mid-April to mid-May. To get in on the action of spawning crappie in May, try Decatur Lake. To try your luck with monster muskies, drop a line at Evergreen Lake, Shelbyville Lake, or Shabonna Lake. All three lakes have produced many trophy-sized muskellunge. For catfish aficionados, the place to go is Rend Lake.
• For some hot stripped bass action in the cold of winter, throw some jigs in Smithland Pool, on the Ohio River. If you get silly for saugers, drop some nightcrawlers in the deep holes of the Illinois River in February. For the fastest walleye action you've ever seen, try fishing below tailraces on the mighty Mississippi in late March. Fly anglers wanting to target some really nice small-mouth bass should try lobbing brown & orange Clouser Minnows at Apple Creek, in April. For the biggest bluegills in the state, drop some red wigglers in at Panther Creek, near Springfield. The Mississippi River backwaters are legendary for producing lots of large catfish and Large-mouth Bass.
• The states biggest single fishing resource is undoubtedly Lake Michigan, one of the Great Lakes. This large, deep glacial lake offers outstanding fishing for many species. The harbors offer fantastic Brown Trout fishing all year long, great spring perch fishing. Atlantic, Coho, Pink and Chinook Salmon abound in the large open waters. Weed-beds in the shallower bays have large populations of crappie, pike, musky, sunfish, and both Large and Small-mouth Black Bass. Striped and White bass cruise the waters off of points in huge schools.

Illinois may offer more different types of fishing than any other single place in the country. By making note of some Illinois fishing tips, you can have a much better chance of getting your limit, the next time you go fishing in the Prairie State.

Happy fishing.

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Illinois Fishing Tips

Float-Tube Fishing Tips

Few things are more depressing than fishing from shore, and watching someone in a boat catching a lot of fish just outside your casting range. It's happened to all of us at one time or another. Many times, a boat is just not feasible, either for the trouble it takes to use one, or financial concerns. Fortunately, in calm waters, there is a compromise available. Float tubes allow and angler to access productive water without the hassle of maneuvering a full-sized boat, are very quiet, and relatively inexpensive.

A float-tube is one or more air-inflated bladders with a cloth cover, a seat, and usually a nice backrest, with plenty of pockets for gear and D-rings for accessories. The angler sits in the seat and propels the unit with a pair or swim fins, moving through the water backwards, much as in rowing, except the hands are free for casting. They can be used with waders in cold water, or just swim gear in warm water. They are extremely comfortable for all-day fishing. The only down-side is that they are very slow, and you won't be covering a lot of distance in them. But they serve their purpose well. They are very safe, if you use some common-sense, and a few float fishing tips:

• Always wear a PFD when using float tubes. If one compartment deflates, there is no guarantee the other compartments will keep you afloat.
• It may sound obvious, but you probably should not use a float-tube in waters that are inhabited by alligators, sharks, piranhas, or anything that may decide to bite you, since your whole lower half is sitting in the water.
• Although I have seen it done, I wouldn't recommend using float-tubes in saltwater, even in protected waters. The danger from marine life, undertows, riptides, and such is just too great. A kayak is a much better option.
• Always have a repair kit with you. Small holes can be quickly and easily repaired, and you can get back to fishing within minutes.
• Don't over-inflate your float-tube. The air can heat up on the water and expand, causing a blowout that cannot be repaired on the water.
• When walking into the water, and exiting the water with swim fins, walk backwards. It is difficult to walk forward in swim fins, and falling in a float-tube on land is no fun at all.

Float-tubes can greatly expand you fishing possibilities, especially if you use

a few good float-tube fishing tips.

Happy fishing.

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Float-Tube Fishing Tips

Deep-Sea Charter Boat Service Tips

Choosing the right charter boat for you vacation fishing trip can be the difference between an outing you will always cherish, or a nightmare you will never forget. Use these Deep-Sea Charter Boat Service tips and the selection process can get a lot easier.

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The very first thing you have to do is make an honest (and I do mean honest) evaluation of your fishing skills. Hooking and battling marlin, tuna and other toothy adversaries is not like being the King Crappie Viking on your local pond. Ocean fish can hurt you, bad. They will have skilled mates to help you, but the ultimate responsibility is yours. Learn all you can beforehand about ocean fishing techniques. 
 

The next thing is to determine what you want out of the trip. Is this a way to spend time with the family, or get away from them? Are you trying to prove something to yourself? Is it just a personal challenge? Keep in mind that there are charters that specialize in ultimate fishing trips for experienced anglers, and those that cater to family outings, and less experienced blue-water anglers.

Next, you need to determine what kind of fishing you want to do. Do you want to yank snappers, halibut and groupers from the bottom, or do you want to go high-speed trolling for tuna, wahoo and bill-fish? Are you interested in shark fishing? There are charters that specialize in all of these. Pick the right charter for the right trip.

After you've done all this, it's time to do some field-work. You can use the internet to find charters in the area where you want to go, and get ratings and reviews from people that actually went out with them. You can check on their Better Business Bureau ratings, and even call local bait shops and ask for references. The internet has done more to promote good business than any other single thing I can think of.

Once you get down to a short-list of 5 or so charters, call them and discuss the trip. Be specific about your desires, because no matter how good they are, they cannot read minds. Be sure to arrive a few days early so you can have time to personally tour each boat and meet the crew in-person. Never go out with anyone you have not met personally, or have personally checked-out the boat. Always check the boat for general 
 condition: Does it appear to be in good repair? Does the crew appear neat and professional, or do they act more like Moe, Larry and Curly? Good Captains and crews are proud of their vessels, and go to great lengths to take care of them. Is all the required safety equipment on-board? Be sure to ask about emergency procedures. Is at least one of the crew certified in First Aid and CPR? Once you have answered all the questions, your selection is much easier. Now you worry about the best rates. Keep in mind, usually, you get what you pay for. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Be sure to talk to the Captain. Ask about what specific services they offer. Be sure to ask about their Cancellation Policies, refunds, and deposits. Make sure you understand the entire price for the voyage, and compare prices. Your vacation is not going to be a lot of fun if you spend your entire bankroll on one fishing trip. 
 

With a few Deep-Sea Charter Boat Service tips, your fishing vacation can be a lot more fun.

Happy Fishing.

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Deep-Sea Charter Boat Service Tips

Fly Tying Tips

Fly Tying Tips 

      Fly Tying has been around for a long time, mainly because it is an effective way to catch fish, but also because there is a certain artistic satisfaction from crafting a well-made fly. It is an art-form in every sense of the word. The first written reference to using an artificial fly to catch fish was in Greek Historian Aelean's commentaries on ancient Macedonia, around 200 A.D. The next real mention of tying flies was not until the Middle Ages. Believe it or not, fly tying hasn't changed much since then, maybe because it is hard to improve on perfection.  The differences in modern fly tying are due mostly to the availability of new materials, rather than revolutionary designs. The exceptions would be the Clouser Minnows, Puglisi-Style streamers, and maybe tube flies. These are truly innovative techniques. Whatever flies you decide to try, especially if you are new to the craft, these fly tying tips will make your learning curve much smoother. 

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• Materials rotating on the hook shank are always a problem. You can alleviate this aggravation by putting a good coat of head cement, and a good layer of thread wrapping on the hook shank  before you start to tie the pattern. Make sure you cover the part of the hook shank you will be tying on completely. This gives the material something to 'hang on to'. 
• Tying on marabou can be a major pain in the neck, because it wants to go everywhere but where you want it. You can stop this by wetting it before tying it on, by dipping it in a glass of water. This makes it lay out flat and holds it together. It will dry back to it's original fluffy, swirly state quickly. 
• If you are having problems with materials rotating on the hook shank, try putting a small drop of head cement under them before tying them on. Hold them in place with your fingers, and take a few loose wraps with the thread before cinching it down. 
• Feathers are notorious for rotating around the hook, and spinning in place, when you are trying to tie them on. One way to stop this is when you are  trimming the quill shaft, leave a small amount of barbs on the quill, around 1/64" long, right where you will be tying them in. This will keep the feathers from rotating as you tie them down. 
• When tying on bucktail, after stacking the fur, trim the head ends at an angle to avoid bulking up the head of the fly, and then dip the ends in head cement before tying the clump in. This helps keep the fur together, stops it from spinning on the shank, and makes for a much neater fly. Also, after tying the clump in, take a few wraps under the clump as well. This makes the bucktail ride up a bit so that it doesn't hide the flies body material. When using several colors of bucktail, take a few wraps under each clump to keep the colors separated.  This can make some striking bucktail streamers. 
• Closed-cell foam is famous for rotating on the hook-shank. Before tying foam pieces on, brush the bottoms with head cement or super-glue, then quickly tie them on before it dries. This will make them stay where you want them. 
• And lastly, I know half-hitches are much easier to learn, but as soon as the last hitch works loose (and it will eventually), the rest will soon follow, no matter many you put on. Always finish your fly with a good whip-finish, and a coat of head cement or lacquer (Sally Hansen's Hard-As-Nails is as good as it gets, and cheap, too....)  on the final wraps. This makes the fly as permanent as possible. In Fly-Tying competitions, that is the first thing the judges look for...a well-finished head. 

Learning how to tie your own flies has too many benefits to list here, but it's enough to say that it can provide you with a very satisfying lifetime hobby, especially if you learn a few good fly-tying tips. 

Happy fishing. 

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Fly Tying Tips

Grappling Fishing Tips

Grappling for catfish is a very ancient way of harvesting finned-food, going all the way back to the Stone Age. If you've ever had a desire to tackle fish on their terms, this is it.  

     Also known as "Noodling', grappling is simply wading dark, murky waters, sometimes neck-deep, and sticking your hands into places like rock crevices, caves, undercuts, and sunken brush, sight-unseen, and trying to locate a catfish. When you find one, you grab it by the gills, or whatever, or it grabs you, and you drag it out into open water and wrestle to the shore.  Sounds easy, huh? …..Not! Channel, Blue and Flathead catfish can get to a respectable size, and have very strong jaws. This is no picnic. This is extreme-fishing, period.  Grappling can be downright dangerous, but if you know a few grappling fishing tips, it can be a little safer. 

• At the present time, grappling is only legal in 17 states, including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Wisconsin, but several other states have legislation pending to legalize it within their jurisdictions. In addition, even in states where it is legal, there are bodies of water with Special Regulations that prohibit grappling, so be sure to check the local laws before grabbing catfish in an unfamiliar stream, river, pond or lake. 
• Never go grappling alone. There are too many things that can happen. Snakebites, accidents, injuries from the fish, or even grappling a catfish big enough to hold you under. This is not a solo-sport. 
• One of the best times to go grappling is in the spring, when catfish are spawning. Then they are in shallower water.  But keep in mind, they are also more aggressive at this time. 
• While you are sticking your hands into holes, crevices, undercuts and brush, keep in mind that what you find is not always going to be a catfish. Muskrats, beavers and other aquatic mammals can give you nasty bite, and may carry rabies, so if you feel fur, it's best to back out quickly and look somewhere else. Likewise, snapping turtles, which can get quite large, and have the ability to remove an appendage with one bite, water moccasins (very poisonous water snakes), snakeheads (a toothy invasive fish species in some states), large salamanders (yes, they can bite viciously), and gar could also be lurking in that hideout. Try to determine what may be in the hole before you stick your hand in it. It may seem like a redundant warning, but it is probably not a good idea to go grappling in places that have populations of alligators, like southern Texas, Louisiana, and Georgia.  The alligator will probably win. 
• Always carry a good-sized, dependable knife with you. You could get hung up in old fishing line, trot lines, or have other mishaps where a knife could save your life. I recommend a good dive knife, which can also double as a pry-bar if needed. 
• The key to defeating gargantuan catfish, and minimizing damage to yourself. is to control the tail. You do this by wrapping your legs around the fishes body as soon as it clears the hole (while avoiding the sharp pectoral and dorsal spines). If you do not control the tail, even a modest 20 pound catfish can have it's way with you. This also stops the catfish from spinning, which is dangerous for you. Catfish have many small, abrasive teeth, and if they can spin, they can rip the hide right off of your arm. 
• Make sure you always bring a First-Aid kit and know how to use it. Let someone know where you will be when you go out, so they have an idea where to look for you if you are late coming home. 

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While serious injuries are rare while grappling, the danger does exist. But having direct contact with the fish, and the element of danger is appealing to a lot of people, more and more each day. If you decide to have a go at monster catfish, head-to-head, keep these grappling fishing tips in mind, and good luck to you. 

     Happy fishing. 

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Grappling Fishing Tips

Jug Fishing Tips

Jug fishing has been around for quite a while. It is a quick and easy way to catch a lot of fish, quickly. Most of the time, you will catch your limit of fish in a very short period of time. A jug rig is a floating plastic jug, or large foam float, with an attached running line, hooks, weight and bait. You just drop several in the water, follow them in your boat, and bring each rig in when a fish bites. That's all there is to it. This method is not legal everywhere, and even where it is legal, only catfish are allowed to harvested, so check your local laws before trying this.

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The best bait for jug fishing is a live bluegill (where legal) or shad. Cut shad also works well. Chicken livers are great, if you don't mind an occasional turtle (they get ate too, in my house). My next favorite bait to live bluegill is Danny Kings Punch Bait. This stuff is almost magic at times, and stays on the hook very well. Dead minnows are also a good bait.

You can make your own jug-rigs, but there are commercial ones available that are so cheap and well-made that it's not really worth the trouble. Even Wal-Mart carries jug-rigs, ready-to-fish, for a pittance. 6 rigs are plenty. Any more and it gets hard to keep track of them on the water. Many states require you to mark each jug with your name, address and phone number, so it's a good idea to write that on the jug with a permanent marker. Another good idea is to number each jug in large dark letters. This is handy if your are baiting each one with a different bait initially. When you catch a catfish, you can tell by the number what bait you had on it, and can re-bait the others to what is working. It also helps you to be sure you haven't lost a jug rig somewhere (it happens).

It is easy to tell when you get a bite. The rigs float on their sides until a catfish bites. Then, they stand up and start moving away. This means there is a fish (or turtle, gator, or snake) on. Catch up with the jug, but keep an eye on the others. It gets crazy sometimes, when a lot of fish hit all at once. You get really busy, really fast. Pull the line in carefully until you know what's on the end. If is is a desirable aquatic resident, remove it from the hook, place it in the creel. You can then re-bait it and toss it back in. If it is is an unwanted species, carefully unhook it, and allow it to go on it's way. If the hook cannot be safely removed (large snapping turtles, snakes and gators take a dim view of having a hook in them, and would like nothing better than to take out their frustrations on the nearest thing they can reach, namely...you), cut the line as close as safely possible, and release them. It's a good idea to wear gloves when running the lines. It's not uncommon to hook some very large fish, and it can get ugly. Don't use more than 2 hooks per rig, because it gets too dangerous with more.

Jugs will last a long time if cared for. Check the lines periodically and replace when needed. Check the hooks for sharpness and sharpen them when they get dull.

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Jug Fishing Tips