2007 Articles

My Dream of Catching My First Musky Comes True by Jackie Vogen

Legend has it that Muskies are a fish of 10,000 casts. I kept playing this thought in my mind as I prepared for my upcoming Musky trip to Webster Lake, Indiana. As an inexperienced Musky fisherman, I managed to read a few articles about these toothy critters and realized that capturing a Musky is a task that only a few will accomplish. Despite the fact that my chances would be slim, I kept an open mind as my husband and I left for our four day Musky trip. Little did I know at this point in time, the journey would have more significance than the destination; as the action was in the journey and it was quite an intense challenge for me. I've read that the best time to fish for Muskies is... more

Selecting A Line For Ice Fishing by Bob Jensen

As ice-fishing season gets closer, we need to start thinking about getting ready for that first ice bite. Many of the most accomplished ice-anglers view first ice as being the best time to be out there. While first ice can be good, there are many very good fishing opportunities throughout the ice-fishing season. However, no matter how good the fishing is, you need to have line that is going to stand up to the tests that ice-fishing can provide. Your line must be strong enough to handle the fish that bite, but it’s also important that your line doesn’t spook the fish. Finally, the line you use for ice-fishing must be manageable. Here are some ideas for selecting a line for ice-fishing. I... more

Fall Smallmouth In Rivers by Bob Jensen

Smallmouth bass can be found almost anywhere in the Midwest, and this is the time of year when they can be very active in rivers. You will need to change your approach a little bit, and you’ll also need to realize that they will be grouped tighter than they are during the warmer weather months. In the fall months, you might fish several spots and catch nothing. Then you’ll find the area where they want to be and the action will be almost non-stop. Non-stop smallmouth action is about as good as it gets. Keep the following ideas in mind and you’ll be able to get in on this action. From now until next spring, smallmouth will group in deeper water areas in rivers. Sometimes they’ll be in deep... more

Musky Hunting by Dave Duwe

As the end of the open water season approaches, it's time for one more trip to catch a trophy musky. In the late fall I prefer the one-two punch of a jig and a sucker fished on a quick strike rig. To start a trophy hunt one of the most important, if not the most important part, is selecting a lake that has a bunch of fish. I prefer deep lakes with points associated with weed flats. My favorite lakes in Wisconsin are Pewaukee and Okauchee lakes in Southeastern Wisconsin. I also have taken a late October trip to Bone Lake in Northwestern Wisconsin every year for the last 15. All three of these lakes have another benefit since you are able to motor troll. This makes sucker fishing muc... more

The Benefits Of Joining A Fishing Club by Jackie Vogen

When I joined a fishing club in July of 2006, I didn't know what to expect; however, I can say that I've found more than I had anticipated. People join fishing clubs for several different reasons and the format of each club is different. I joined to be around people that were passionate about fishing and who shared a common interest. As a novice, I was looking to gain fishing knowledge. I had thought about joining a fishing club for awhile and it took some time to find the right club. My first attempt at joining a club was a little disappointing; however, my disappointment was short lived when I found the club that I belong to now. This club not only accepted me, but openly welcomed me. I'l... more

Cool Water Crappies by Dave Duwe

October is Crappie time. As the days get shorter and the nights are cool it signals the time that black Crappies once again start to school. And they are hungry, very hungry. Other than the spring spawn this is the best time of year to catch a bunch of fat and feisty crappies. On the lakes I fish most, like Delavan Lake or Lake Geneva in Walworth County, WI, the fish will suspend over open water. For lakes in the northern parts of the state they move to the heavy wood. The controlling factor is the depth of the lake. The deeper the body of water the more the tendency is for the fish to suspend over open water. They are feeding on the ample fall minnows, switching to the zoo plank... more

Learning is the Key to Your Success by Jackie Vogen

As a child growing up, I never went fishing; now at age 50, I'm trying to make up for lost time. I've only been fishing for 2 ½ years and I'm trying to learn all game species. It has been an "intense learning phase" for me because I have a strong desire to learn; however, I'm enjoying every moment. The courage of working for something that you believe in, day in and day out, can be difficult, but holds the greatest rewards. My approach is to learn everything that I possibly can about fishing and then take what I've learned out on the lake and apply it. The best advice and learning tool that I've ever received was from a guide, while out on the lake fishing. To this day I've never forgot ... more

The October Bite by Mike Mladenik

The only problem I have in October is deciding what to fish for. Whether you are after a 40 pound musky, a 12-pound walleye or six pound smallmouth, the time is right in October. Sure there are those diehard fishermen who only chase after on specie. However, there are many like myself who prefer to fish for all species. This means taking advantage of every minute and spending your time wisely. This is no time to check out new water. Fisherman will do best by fishing water they know is productive and has produced trophy fish in the past. Each year fisherman put in their time in hopes of landing a trophy musky in the fall. Pick a lake or flowage with a quality musky fishery that has produce... more

Trailering Ideas by Bob Jensen

This is the time of year when it’s good to check on something that many anglers don’t think about checking on. That would be your boat trailer. So many of us just hook the trailer up and head for the lake, and much of the time that works out fine. But if you experience just one trailer problem that could have been averted, it’s worth the time to do so. Here are some things you should check before your next fishing trip. Check the air in the tires. A properly inflated tire will be safer and add to the life of the tire. A properly inflated tire will also provide better gas mileage, and we need to do all we can to save gas. It helps our pocketbook, but it also helps us to be more energy-inde... more

A learning experience on Green Bay by Dave Duwe

As summer winds down and Wisconsinites think of Green Bay, they are usually referring to the Packers. True Fishermen however, think trolling the bay for Walleyes. Every fall the walleyes again make their migration south from their northern haunts to areas by the mouth of the Fox River. Locations such as Geanos reef, 2 mile reef and the shipping canal. A recent fishing trip to the Bay with PWT Pro Brad Davis, of team Skeeter/Yamaha, was a very educational trip on how to use a nightcrawler harness properly. It was an attempt to catch some of the resident walleye population in the lower Bay. The recent "hot" weather, from all reports had slowed the bite from the peak in late June and e... more

Fall Bass by Mike Mladenik

One over looked period to catch largemouth bass consistently is the early fall period. Many bass anglers do well on lakes and flowages in spring and summer but they fail to key in on the major bass movements that are about to occur once. These bass movements on many natural lakes and reservoirs can be dramatic and offer excellent fishing. Many bass anglers love to fish the slop and shallow weeds in summer. By early September fishing the slop in the back bays is no longer a predictable pattern. While there may be a few stragglers in the slop, the bulk of the bass have moved. What happens in the early fall is that the weeds start to die off and there is a major migration of baitfish into ... more

Fishing for Cats by Nancy Schraufnagel

I love to fish. I don't get the opportunity as much as I would like, but when I do, LOOK OUT Cats. A while ago , my hubby (Perch) and myself decided to take a day and go fishing. Well, we headed to Water works Park Beaver Dam and launched the boat and headed to Denning's Point, better known to me as Rasmussen Point. We are getting all set up and this time I am going to use Minnows, yes, good old minnows. Before long my lines are in and I am having the time of my life. The fight these cats give is just totally awesome. I had two lines just a moving. Well, those two lines gave me some very nice cats. At this point Perch is... more

Get Ready for Fall Fishing by Bob Jensen

“Get ready for fall fishing”. That sounds kind of premature, but now is a good time to get ready to get after the really big fish, and the really big fish bite in the fall. So do the small and medium-sized fish. Everything bites in the fall, and the other benefits of fall fishing are pretty hard to overlook also. The weather can be beautiful, colors on trees are vivid, and often you’ll have the lake to yourself. Here are some things you can do to make sure you’re ready when fall fishing arrives. Fall BassMake sure you have fresh line on your reels. You don’t need to go stronger; you just need to make sure it’s fresh. If you’ve fished all summer without changing line, you need to re-spoo... more

Sometimes the Fish are Just a Bonus by Jackie Vogen

Fishing with your family and friends is a great way to spend quality time while making memories. Have you ever given any thought to taking an extra step and donating your time and fishing skills to individuals with disabilities or special needs? I have found the secret to life is not only doing what you love to do, but to open your heart and make a difference by giving back to your community through volunteering. Why not introduce individuals of all ages to the world of fishing and make a memorable opportunity that they may not otherwise have had. I belong to a fishing club and one way that our club members promote the sport of fishing is through a "Learn to Fish" program. This therapeutic... more

Courtesy at the Boat Ramp by Bob Jensen

The idea of courtesy at the boat ramp is something that should be thought of early in the season, but in reality, anytime is a good time to think about getting your boat in and out of the water quickly but safely. There is no need or reason why a ramp should be tied up by a boater loading or unloading for more than a couple of minutes maximum. On a recent weekend at a popular Midwest lake that I was visiting, it was late in the afternoon and a storm was quickly approaching. We headed back to our take-out point, a three-wide ramp. We arrived in plenty of time to beat the storm, but two of the ramps were tied up for ten minutes apiece by boaters who were loading their boats. If the storm w... more

Fishing Success During the Dog Days of Summer by Bob Jensen

Here in the Midwest, we’re right in the middle of the dog-days of summer, and we’ve got at least a month of the dog-days left. A very basic definition of the dog-days is the period of time during the hottest part of the summer. Anglers often describe the dog-days as the toughest time of the year to catch fish. Although fish can get a little more difficult to catch, they’ll still eat. In fact, if you keep a few ideas in mind, you can catch plenty of fish during the dog-days. Following are some of those ideas. Summer BassOften the best bite will occur early and late in the day before the sun gets to its peak. Fishing is often more comfortable at this time of day as well. The fish will... more

Late Summer Break line Bass and Walleyes by Dave Duwe

When the hot summer days entrench southeastern Wisconsin, I switch to my favorite presentation: the Lindy rig. The Lindy rig is otherwise known as "rigging". This method is one of the most effective ways to present live bait in deep water. Similar to buying a home, the key is location, location, location. All break lines are not created equal. In the dog days of summer I look for hard bottom associated with weeds. Some of these spots can be as small as 10 ft. by 10 ft. These prime locations will school the largemouth bass and the walleyes. I have several key areas where I fish that you can literally catch one fish right after the other. The rig is a simple one; a 1/16 oz or... more

Late Summer Tactics by Mike Mladenik

By August most waters reach the maximum water temperature and water usage by watercraft enthusiasts is also at its peak. Fish are feeding on a regular basis but you would never know it by listing to anglers. The "Dog Days of Summer" Syndrome takes the blame for many an empty live well. The key is to find a place where fish are active and you can escape some of the boat traffic. Fishing a river in late summer will give you the best of both worlds. Smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike and perch are all active during the late summer period. While all species may be active it is the smallmouth fishing that takes center stage. Besides the numbers big fish are also common. These river fish h... more

One Is Not Always the Loneliest Number by Jackie Vogen

Fishing alone sometimes offers opportunities that don't present themselves while you're fishing with your friends. Now don't get me wrong, fishing is definitely better when shared with a friend, but sometimes silence is golden. Yesterday I fished with one of my friends and today I fished alone. Every now and then we need some quiet, quality time to ourselves to reflect. Let me explain why fishing alone today, is a prime example of a golden moment. Envision this, if you will, and you'll get a better understanding that is presenting itself to me today. I decided to go fishing on a smaller lake that didn't allow me to bring my boat; therefore, I rented a John boat with oars and no trolling... more

My First Successful Turkey Hunt by Alice Williamson

This year, during the 2007 spring turkey season, we tried to get tags for the first weekend of the hunting season. I guess the demand for the zone we applied for was too high and my husband, Mike, and I were not one of the lucky ones to receive tags. In a way it was a blessing in disguise as some of you may know that we had cold, windy and snowy weather that weekend, with some places getting 7-8 inches of snow. For a short time I thought that this year we were going to miss the spring hunt. Luckily the DNR now sells the tags that were not filled once the initial tags were drawn. Barefoot, a fellow Lake Linker, knew how much I wanted to go turkey hunting and told me that he would... more

Sizzling Saginaw Bay Walleye by Steve Ryan

It was a pleasant July morning when I first boarded Mike Veine's 20' Lund Baron in search of Saginaw Bay walleye. Along with my fishing buddy, we had made the six hour drive the evening before from Chicago to Au Gres, Michigan to test the waters of Saginaw Bay. We had heard much about this famed summer walleye fishery and were about to experience just how hot the action can be. Instead of wasting countless trips to this huge body of water in an attempt to locate key walleye locations and then put together successful patterns to catch the fish on our own, we elected to take a short cut. By enlisting the services of one of Saginaw Bay's premier fishing guides, our goal was to lear... more

Summer Fishing Ideas by Bob Jensen

We’re just starting to get into the summer months, so now is a good time to think about a few ideas that will help us catch more fish throughout the summer. In the summer, fish do one thing: They eat. In the spring, spawning is their priority. After the spawn and a recovery period of a few days, the fish will be wherever the food is. If they’re eating perch, they’ll be where the perch are. If crawdads are on the menu, the fish will be looking for a meal near rocks or wherever crawdads are. If you want to catch fish in the summer, look for their food. More and more, anglers are relying on their sonar to show them where the fish are. In the past, sonar was used to find structure. Modern ... more

Deepwater Bluegills by Dave Duwe

Maybe some of you can relate to this childhood memory. My dad and I always went fishing for bluegills in the spring in the shallow bays. We had a great time. As summer grew, we continued to fish those shallow bays and I always wondered what happened to the fish. The big bluegills became 3-4 inches by the middle of summer and we just thought the big fish weren't biting. I guess we weren't too good at figuring things out in those days, we just didn't know how much we didn't know! Hopefully this article will help break the cycle of those childhood memories of dads and their lads not catching any big bluegills in the summer. The simple answer for catching the quality fish is "Go Deep" ... more

Early Season Walleyes by Bob Jensen

As the waters warm, walleyes change the way they do things. Earlier in the year, they were in the shallows spawning. Now that the spawn is complete, the walleyes will maybe stay in the shallows, or they might move into deeper water. Where they are depends on where their food is. In the spring walleyes will be in shallow water spawning. The rest of the year, they will be wherever their food is. If you want to catch walleyes, or any specie of fish, you need to put your bait where the fish are. Many anglers like to cover water in their search for walleyes. Walleyes might be on flats or reefs, or they might be suspended. A great way to cover water is by trolling spinner rigs. Here’s how to do... more

Hunting is my Passion by Nancy Schraufnagel

From the time I was a little girl, I always wanted to be a hunter. My Dad and my brother Ron (who aren’t with me today) were very active hunters. I always wanted to go with them, but Dad said, that is no place for a little girl to be, so I always had to stay home. I was always proud, when they would come home, with 2 or more deer tied to the truck. My Dad would say, (that was a successful hunt. Meat on the table, and no one got hurt. So, now starts another time for me. In 1985, when I met Carl(Perch) he was a very avid hunter and that was always my passion. Carl and I and a few of our kids ended up taking a Hunter Safety course. That was the best thing for me and I really enjoyed it and ... more

I Can Have My Cake and Eat it Too by Jackie Vogen

Spring weather not only brings good fishing, but as it approaches I have to fight the urge to hit the lake. As a woman, and like many women, we have to balance our work and family and manage multiple roles. Being a mom and a wife can be challenging but rewarding. When our children are young we have to perform a juggling act between our busy and hectic days and often find less time to do something for ourselves, but we come to accept this lifestyle and we work at a faster pace and become more efficient. As a mother of two daughters, I've always put my children first and I've taken the backseat, but I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. My biggest investment that I've ever made has be... more

Remember when we went . . . . by Judy Brault

---> Some of my earliest memories were of going camping with my family - all eight of us - for a week once a year. Those weeks were great, but I seem to remember that they involved a ton of work for my mother and, what seemed to a young girl, an endless string of chores. Due to divorce, I became a single mom of two young children. At that time, I decided I didn't want them to miss the times that were the most special to me as I grew up simply because I was on my own. When the kids were three and five, I bought a small (and cheap) tent; three sleeping bags and we started the camping experiences together to build our own family memories. I have since added a husband who has shared... more

Topwater Smallmouth by Mike Mladenik

I have yet to meet an angler who does not like to catch smallmouth bass on topwater. Not only is experiencing an 18 inch smallmouth crushing a topwater bait exciting, but it is also addicting. After catching a few fish on top, many of my clients continue to fish the topwater bait, even if no other smallmouth shows any interest. The problem is that many anglers fail to put together all the pieces of the puzzle and likewise have only limited topwater success. From June through early September, I can usually be found on the Menominee River, in pursuit of big smallmouth with my favorite topwater bait. Summer fishing on inland lakes and reservoirs can be unpredictable, although I do occa... more

Cold Water Big Smallmouth by Mike Mladenik

Over my 25 years of guiding, I have kept records of every day spent on the water. These records include the number and size of the fish caught, as well as the time of year and conditions. Having logged thousands of big smallmouth, one outstanding feature is noticeable. About seventy-five percent of the big smallmouth were caught in cold water. By cold water, I am referring to water temperatures less than 60 degrees. This takes in the pre-spawn period in the spring and the fall pattern. The key to catching big smallmouth consistently is understanding where and how these big fish move in cold water. Once you understand seasonal movements and how to use the right presentation, you... more

Fishing is not just a Man’s sport anymore by Alice Williamson

We all know that in order to fish there are no height requirements or a need to be strong and physically fit. Some fishing skills, that many woman already posses, are patience, finesse and agility. Traditionally fishing was "A mans sport". Fishing was something that men would learn from their fathers and grandfathers. It was something that the men would go out and do not even just to fish but to hang out with the other guys. Fishing was a way for the man of the house to bring home dinner while women typically stayed home to take care of the children and the housekeeping. There are more and more women now that are not only learning how to fish but also enjoying the sport of fishing. ... more

Four Winning Lures to Catch More River Smallies by Bill Schultz

Fishing for smallmouth bass is my passion. I love chasing smallies on lakes, but enjoy the river experience even more. I've spent hundreds of hours wading smaller rivers from Southeast Wisconsin to the Southwest corner of the state. In recent years, I've done some productive exploring on the Wisconsin, Menominee, Oconto and St. Croix rivers by boat. In this article, I'm going to tell you what my four favorite lures are to catch river bronzebacks and how I use them. Rebel Teeny Wee-Crawfish Since I caught my very first river smallie on the Wisconsin River in August of 1995 on Rebel's Teeny Wee-Crawfish, this little fish catching magnet has been my constant companion on every one of ... more

Hidden Lakes Fee Fishing Resort is No Longer a Secret by Jackie Vogen

In Northern Illinois come spring time there are many lakes that open up, but on April 1st the lake that comes to mind for me is Hidden Lakes Fee Fishing Resort. Hidden Lakes is located on Rt. #53 and Coal City Road hidden between Wilmington and Braidwood, Illinois. Many people get out on the larger lakes, but Hidden Lakes is composed of two smaller lakes that are accessible for the everyday bank fisherman. In 2007 Hidden Lakes opened their gates for the third year with new owners, Mike and Laura Savage. Although Mike and Laura have been the owners since 2005, Mike is not new to the lake; he sort of grew up here when his Uncle, John Savage, originally opened the lakes to the public in 1961 an... more

Let the fishing season begin: Walworth County Lakes by Dave Duwe

Walworth County in Southeastern Wisconsin is blessed with many great fishing lakes. The county has one of the deepest lakes in the state in Lake Geneva and one of the busiest lakes in the state in Delavan Lake. Lake Geneva is the biggest and deepest lake in Walworth County. Being the deepest lake it does have its disadvantages, especially in early May. The water is still really cold and the fish are not very active. Most of the smallmouth bass are being caught suspended, not associating with any structure. They are however, actively chasing baitfish pods near the spawning flats. My preferred presentations are Rapalas, Husky Jerks, and Kalins Grubs in avocado color fished on a darte... more

April Walleye by Mike Mladenik

The entire Menominee Rivers offers excellent opportunities for walleye anglers. On the river there is a one fish bag limit until the first Saturday in May when the regular fishing season opens. Even with this one fish bag limit it is still worth your time spending a day on the river. March and April are prime time to catch big pre-spawn walleye and action with smaller males. If you need to take home a fish, you can take one home as long as it is over the 15-inch mark. Many anglers choose to fish in Marinette-Menominee where the Menominee Rivers enters the bay of Green Bay. While there is an excellent fishery present and big fish are caught on a daily basis, I prefer to fish the upper r... more

Chasing My Dream in My New Crestliner Boat by Jackie Vogen

Timing is everything and all things taken into consideration, my husband and I were prepared to take "the plunge" and purchase our first ever boat. I truly believe we not only made a good investment in the purchase of our new Crestliner boat, but also an investment that was going to provide us with many years of enjoyment. Keep in mind, Kenny is not only my husband, but he's my best friend too; after 31 years of marriage we still enjoy spending time together and fishing together. So, it wasn't difficult to come up with a name for our boat. Kenny named our boat 'BOUT TIME, as it was 'bout time we bought a boat and 'bout time we spent time together doing something we both enjoyed doing, fi... more

Jig Like A Pro by Dave Duwe

Let's get jiggy with it!! Springtime has finally come. Now is the time to get the boat out and catch the spawning river walleyes. Jig fishing has always been my favorite presentation and the most effective. Last spring I was invited to go jig fishing with Team Skeeter/Yamaha Pro Brad Davis of Jackson, WI. The April day was cold with strong east winds. We were fishing in Oshkosh, WI on the Fox River. The Fox River is part of the Lake Winnebago system, which is full of hungry walleyes of varying size. With such an abundant population there is no size limit. On this trip, we were targeting the post-spawn fish returning from their spawning marshes far to the north in New London ... more

Lessons from Ice-Fishing for Open Water Fishing by Bob Jensen

Sometimes anglers who fish in both open water and through the ice can learn from those seemingly opposite experiences. That point was made crystal-clear to me on my most recent ice-fishing trip a couple of weeks ago. Here’s what I mean. First, you can’t catch the fish if they’re not there. When you’re ice-fishing, if you’re using a sonar unit, you can tell if the fish are there: You can see them on the sonar. Usually, if you don’t see something down there within a few minutes, it’s time to move. Ice EyeSame’s true for open water fishing. If you’re not fishing where the fish are, you might as well keep moving until you find the fish. Humminbird has developed a tremendous line of sonar u... more

Spring Walleyes:Gearing Up and Jigging Walleyes by Dale Helgeson

The snow is starting to melt from the warm sun which is starting to set later in the day. Even though the lakes are still frozen you know the rivers will be opening up soon. The anticipation every year to get out and fish for some early season walleyes is always high. Getting out the boat and grabbing my favorite rods is always a high point of the year. What to do to prepare for that day before it gets here will greatly improve your success. Boat Checklist Make sure your boat is ready to go well before you even think about putting it in the water. During the cold winter months make sure the general maintenance is done and everything is in good working order. Make sure to change... more

Springtime Bass Fishing by Patricia Strutz

Springtime bass angling is the perfect way to turn new anglers or your kids on to fishing. You will all enjoy their terrific fighting tendencies and the sheer number of bass that are available in the spring adds up to great fun. I believe our Northwoods bass fishery is one of our best kept secrets. Growth rates here are average to above average. In many regards our smallmouth fishery is virtually untapped. Everybody knows the Northwoods for walleye and musky fishing but our bass have exploded in many lakes. Many feel that our bass fishing rivals Chequamegon Bay or Green Bay for quality smallmouth. In the Northern Zone bass season opens on May 5th. To protect the large spawners f... more

Springtime Walleye Fishing Tips by Patricia Strutz

Want to put some tasty walleyes on your dinner table? Vilas county guides share some insights with us… In early spring you have a great shot fishing for walleyes because they are so accessible. If there is late ice out the fish stay very shallow for two to three weeks after the spawning process. They may still be in only 3-4' of water. The best time to fish in early spring is either during the very warmest part of the day or at night. During the daylight hours the warming water temperatures make the fish very active, however, we also do well at night because the entire fish population is instinctively in a very narrow band of water. Even if they are not biting there will be a fai... more

The Shortest Fishing Trip EVER! by Renee McElwee

My husband is an avid fisherman - and I don't use the term "avid" lightly. Even when he's asleep he dreams about fishing and wakes up in the morning looking for a pen and paper to write down the ideas that come into his mind during the night; new ways to rig and jig. His nickname here on Lake-Link is "niC" (short for newinCudahy), but we've affectionately re-nicknamed him "niC-gyver", because of all the fishing inventions he's come up with over the years. I enjoy fishing, too. I fished with my father when I was a young girl. We often went camping throughout Wisconsin and Iowa near the Mississippi river and various lakes. I've always enjoyed the outdoors but, as I grew into adulthood, thos... more

Early Season Pike by Mike Mladenik

Northern Pike do have a reputation of cooperating when other fish have lock jaw. Although they do tend to be easier to catch at times than walleye or bass fishing is seldom easy. The problem is that most pike anglers get into a rut and use the same presentations. Pike like other species relate to weather changes and seasoned anglers can adapt to these changes. Over the years I have developed finesse presentation for largemouth and smallmouth bass. The same techniques that will catch big bass under the most adverse conditions also work for pike. When it comes to pike fishing few anglers even consider finesse presentations thinking smaller baits will only catch small pike. With the uns... more

Geocaching and a lesson learned by Alice Williamson

We had taken a family trip to the Black Bear Lodge in St. Germain in February of 2007. Taking a look at the weather before we head out we see that there was a chance that we would have to deal with a snow storm, but we had a list of things that we would like to attempt to do while on our family weekend getaway. First on our list was to ice fish, of course, and the second was to try geocaching. For a couple of years we have talked about attempting to find geocache treasures and maybe this would be a good time to give it a try. I searched on the internet for any geocache information and found that there are quite a few treasures to be found in the St Germain area. So I took all the inform... more

Lake-Link's Ice Fishing Jamboree '07 by Jackie Vogen

Over 400 fishermen and ice fishing enthusiasts gathered for the 8th Annual Ice Fishing Jamboree on February 3rd, at Lake Lawn Resort in Delevan, Wisconsin. Making the trip up north from Illinois, I arrived late in the day and wasn't able to register in time to fish in the event; however, I might add that this was a blessing in disguise. The adverse weather conditions were an enemy to many of the winter anglers and despite the frigid temperatures and unforgiving winds, there were still many diehard fishermen that braved the elements. It was difficult to view all the ice shanties that were scattered across Lake Delevan because of the near blizzard like conditions, but there were many to be fo... more

Memories by Alice Williamson

One of the things I strongly believe in is creating as many memories as possible throughout my life, especially with my children. I am sure that most of us have memories of someone close to you that showed you how to fish or hunt. I have many memories of my Grandfather, one of the greatest men I have ever known, taking me fishing when I was a little girl. He is the one that helped me fall in love with fishing and the outdoors. My parents were not the type to enjoy any kind of outdoor sports, such as hunting, fishing or camping, so it was up to my Grandfather to show me how to love and respect the outdoors. When I was a little girl, my parents were both working and my mothe... more

Preparing for the Spring Run by Dale Helgeson

As you sit in your comfortable heated ice shack slamming the bluegills and crappies through the ice, don't forget that in a month or two it will be time to hit the water. It takes a lot of preparation to get ready again for the open water, specifically the walleye run on the rivers. Ice fishing is a lot of fun and puts fish in my freezer every year. There isn't much that is more anticipated annually than the river walleye runs. It is time to start organizing your equipment and doing any maintenance that will be necessary to have everything working in top form for the run. Start with you fishing rods and reels. Check your rods for any broken eyes or damaged eyes or reel seats. Repl... more

Presentations For Finicky Fish by Bob Jensen

Sometimes when ice-fishing, the fish really want to bite. That's when an angler can get by with presentations that aren't real precise. At other times, the fish want a bait a certain way. If it isn't presented just so, they're not going to hit. You can tell how finicky they are by watching your sonar. If they come in and eat the bait, they're aggressive. If you can see them come in on the sonar screen, and they're moving slowly, but they still eat, they're kind of in between aggressive and finicky. Finicky PerchWhen you see them come in and look at your bait, but not take it, they're being finicky. That doesn't mean they won't eat, it just means you have to present the lure in the w... more

Whatever you do – Don’t wait. by Alice Williamson

We all have made mistakes when it comes to hunting, where you say to yourself “I should have been here." or “If I would have known." Well I am going to share a little turkey hunting story with you. My husband probably will not like it too much, but it did actually teach me a lesson that I will never forget. A few years ago for Christmas I had gotten my husband a GPS as a gift. He had been asking for a one for a couple of years and I finally broke down and got him one. He would take that thing everywhere and never leave the house without it, even if we were just going to the store or even the neighbor’s house. (I will say that it was pretty cool to have when we were on a ... more

Ice Fishing by Barb Carey

I was raised in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, a place where the deer out number the people by 4 to 1. I have always enjoyed the outdoors and fishing has been a pastime of mine as long as I can remember. In my younger days, I spent many summer days floating around in a 12 foot aluminum boat waiting for the big one to appear from the deep blue. In the winter we would trek out onto the frozen lake. The lake was surrounded by pine trees and the white snow went undisturbed. I was always so excited to be the one to mark the snow with our footprints as we walked to our favorite spot and put up the Tepee my father had made for these events. The older I got the busier I became and it seemed a... more

It’s Not Always The Fish That Bites The Lure by Jackie Vogen

January and February is the time of year when many fishermen will be attending numerous Outdoor Sport Shows. This "one stop shopping event" is where many anglers will gather and spend the entire day buying fishing tackle. In preparation for the big event, I've not only made my shopping list and checked it twice, but I've also done my homework. Successful fishing requires knowledge of various types of fishing tackle and having the right tackle for the area and species that we want to encounter. I have confidence that the right lure will be found somewhere today at the show. My husband and I arrive early with our shopping list in our hands. As we're waiting patiently in line for the doors to o... more

Madison Fishing Expo Run Feb. 23-25 by Dan Durbin

The Madison Fishing Expo (MFE) runs February 23-25 and will again donate all proceeds from its fishing show to worthy fishing projects for 2007, including funding for a yearly scholarship to UW Stevens Point. The show will be at the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center and to date has donated over $550,000 for fishing projects in Wisconsin. "We aren't in this for money," said Steve Hauge, MFE Board Member. "Our volunteers are in it to make fishing better, and more accessible for everyone who wants to pursue it. It's hard to believe we have grown to where we have just doing this on a part time basis. Now, close to 30,000 people attend the show." It's really quite a story tha... more

Sonar for Ice-Fishing by Bob Jensen

Open water anglers will usually admit that their most important tool for fishing success is sonar, which is often referred to as a depth-finder. Many anglers have a depth finder on the console of their boat so they can watch the depth and for fish-holding structure as they move around the body of water they're on, and another on the bow next to their electric motor so they can keep track of structure as they fish. A good sonar unit is just as important if you want to catch fish through the ice. Just as in open water fishing, certain areas will be better for fishing through the ice. You need to find those areas. To do so quickly, many ice-anglers use a sonar that looks a lot like a flashli... more

Turkey Hunting by Nancy Schraufnagel

This was my very first Turkey hunting experience ever and this takes place at Mirror State Park in Wisconsin Dells Area. I remember having beautiful weather and having my favorite hunting partner with me, my husband Carl. Well, it is very early in the morning and we arrived at the park. While getting all my hunting gear ready, we take a look around to see where the best place to hunt would be. After walking around for a bit, we found what I thought would be the best place to get all set up, and that we did. While I am getting myself all ready, my hubby seems to have left for a few minutes. Upon his returning, he had this some what half smile on his face. I thought nothing of this. While it ... more

Fool Finicky Fish by Bob Jensen

Every now and then the fish get a little finicky, sometimes a lot finicky. Regardless of whether it’s open water or ice season, there are ways to encourage these finicky biters to take your bait. Following are some ways to get them to eat your lure when you’re ice-fishing. First of all, how do you tell if the fish are finicky? It is important to first determine that fish are actually in the area. You can do this one of two ways. If the water is shallow enough and clear, you can actually see the fish down there looking at your lure. In deeper water or where you can’t see the fish, a sonar will reveal their presence. You can "see" the fish come into the area where your lure is. ... more

Ice Jigging Pan Fish Techniques by Dale Helgeson

It is definitely getting to be that time again. The snow is starting to fall temperatures are dropping and ice is forming on the lakes. First ice is a very exciting time to fish every year. The anticipation to fill your bucket full of fish is exciting but there are several techniques that will increase your chances for success. The first thing is you can't be set on just one jigging technique. There are several techniques to try. One of my favorites is a 6-12 inch raise with a slow drop. I will make a quick 6-12 inch raise of my rod tip sometime only 3-6 inches works as well but then slowly lower the rod tip. You should lower it as slow as possible. If you think you are going to slow... more

Madison Fishing Expo Run Feb. 23-25 by Dan Durbin

The Madison Fishing Expo (MFE) runs February 23-25 and will again donate all proceeds from its fishing show to worthy fishing projects for 2007, including funding for a yearly scholarship to UW Stevens Point. The show will be at the Exhibition Hall at the Alliant Energy Center and to date has donated over $550,000 for fishing projects in Wisconsin. "We aren't in this for money," said Steve Hauge, MFE Board Member. "Our volunteers are in it to make fishing better, and more accessible for everyone who wants to pursue it. It's hard to believe we have grown to where we have just doing this on a part time basis. Now, close to 30,000 people attend the show." It's really quite a story tha... more

Starting a women's fishing group by Janice Wittkopp

Ladies, let's go fishing. I don't see enough women enjoying this wonderful sport. It is so exciting to catch your first muskie, walleye or northern. Some women may be intimidated to go fishing with men, so that is why I am forming a women's fishing group in this area. It will be based on a women's fishing club in Florida called - Ladies, Let's Go Fishing. I also enjoy fishing with my husband who has taught me many things about fishing. I am going on a women's fishing trip in May up near Eagle River. Patricia Strutz, who is a women's fishing guide in this area, is devoted to getting more women involved in fishing. First and foremost she is a guide for both men and women. However,... more

Ten Ice Fishing Tips and Techniques by Steve Ryan

Everyone can stand to catch a few more panfish through the ice. However, ice anglers typically settle into a routine when they head out onto the ice. They catch several fish and then the action slows down or stops entirely. Maybe they change depths, colors, or holes a few times but that is about it. Once they stop catching fish based upon this routine, they quit and blame it on the fish - "they just stopped biting." Prior to muttering this phrase again, try the following tips and techniques. 1. Vertical to Horizontal. The style of one's ice jig is just as important as its color. Most anglers are accustomed to using a tear-dropped shaped jig that hangs vertically in the water, such as Jamm... more

Winter Fishing without ice by Eric Haataja

If this warm weather is keeping you off the ice then consider taking out the spinning tackle and heading to downtown Milwaukee. That's right smack in the middle of the busiest city in the state we have some excellent open water fishing all year. What to use? Grab a walleye rod some crawler's, leeches, spawn minnows, some casting spoons and be prepared for a potential mixed bag of trout and game fish such as walleyes, pike and bass. Yes I said crawlers and leeches; the great thing about fishing the downtown Milwaukee area is that there is a Warm Water Power Plant. This discharge usually keeps the water from 50-60 degree's all winter. Remember the walleye's don't realize it's winter a... more