November is often not the most kind or comfortable month to fish; precipitation, winds, and cold temperatures affect not only fishermen, but the fish as well.  Typically speaking, fishing during the month of November requires “thick skin” and patience - while feeding windows still exist, they are greatly shortened.  Anglers having spent any time on open water this late in the calendar year know better than to expect fast and furious action...

The calendar has flipped over to September and the nights are becoming colder with each new day, it’s an excellent time to ‘talk’ fall muskies – after all, the season has sadly less than 3 months remaining.  As recreational boat traffic begins to dissipate and the trees become brilliantly decorated in vibrant hues of red, orange, and yellow, many a musky angler feels their blood boil for the last big “push” of the season.  True, the summer months often hold the best musky action, but for a shot at the biggest fish of the season, the true giants, there is no better season to fish king Esox than autumn...

The annals of ‘trophy musky fisheries’ include some legendary waters: Eagle Lake, Lake of the Woods, Georgian Bay, and the St. Lawrence River just to name a few.  There is a newcomer to this list however, a name the while relatively new, is showing that it will indeed write its very own chapter before the years are through.  That fishery is non-other than the bay of Green Bay...

There is no shortage to outdoor-related opportunities in North-Central Wisconsin.  While hunting and fishing rate among the favorite nature-themed activities in our area, there is a vastly overlooked on-the-water experience to be had.  Often thought of as more of a “Southern” sport, bow-fishing is not only available in our area, but Central Wisconsin offers some of the some of the finest action in the Midwest.

Fishing is a sport unlike any other for a variety of reasons. Perhaps one of the most alluring factors that sets fishing apart is the never-ending challenge resulting from continual changing and varied seasons, weather changes, water types and conditions, and of course the vast variety of species available to pursue. While each season presents its own unique obstacles to success, spring is arguably one of the more trying times for the angler; with that in mind, here is not-so-secret information on a  "must-have" lure for the ardent fisherman's tackle box, sure to tip the odds in your favor.

At its core, fishing is a simple endeavor – get the fish from its lair to boat side, and subsequently in the net; this task is of course often easier said than done.  After identifying fish location and selecting the proper lure/bait presentation, it becomes time to get down to business; business however, requires the proper equipment, including the correct choice of fishing line...

While often thought of as a "summer-only" pattern, fishing the slop can be dynamite during musky openers following a warm, early spring.

A young woman stopped me recently and asked why I hadn't written about bluegills in awhile - I didn't have much of an answer.  While larger gamefish occupy much of my fishing time, I do not think there are too many anglers, myself included, who do not enjoy catching a pile of bluegills when given the chance!  For one thing they're abundant in many waters, often willing to bite, and make for tasty table fare.

What comes to mind when I mention fishing in Wisconsin during the spring time?  Perhaps the fabled walleye run?  The annual migration of white bass? The throngs of bull bluegill and slab crappie that move into the shallows to spawn?  Yes, these each are certainly a rite of spring here in the north woods, with even more opportunities remain available then time and space to write about them. We'll take a brief look at one of the "other" fish here in Wisconsin, and the ample chances open to many of us to score on numbers of these tackle busting bruisers from spring into autumn. Just what is this beast, a fish that can reach weights of 30, 40 and even 50 pounds - a scaled quarry that can be found in large numbers of several local waterways? It's a fish that is a much sought-after prize in much of Europe, and that has been gaining ever-increasing popularity here in the states - the carp.

My love affair with spinners began years ago as a child.  I had written a letter to Shep, the Mepps Man, after receiving my highly anticipated yearly catalog.  Shep wrote me back and actually sent along a small size 00 Aglia for free - I was pumped!  I ran down the hill to our bay on Lake Wausau, launched a short and cumbersome cast, then proceeded to catch a big 'ol bluegill during the first few cranks of the reel handle. 

The "dog days" of August often finds many species of fish seemingly a bit more picky and temperamental, from panfish to muskies to bass.  I have found that on certain days when the bass don't seem to cooperate, there are two "go-to" rigs that more often than not save the day: the Texas Rig and the Carolina Rig.

Summertime is an excellent period to be out on the water fishing and for good reason - the action is often very good.  While this summer has been cooler than average, our current "heat wave" does have an impact on the fish.  Some species, such as walleyes, can become a bit more difficult to catch during the dog days; here are a few tips and tricks to help you score with more marble eyes.

There's no avoiding it now, winter is on its way!  While it saddens me to know that angling opportunities from my boat are gone, at least for the next couple of months, I also look forward to the ice-fishing season - especially the first-ice bite!  As with preparations before open water being critical to angler success, so it is with being prepared before heading out on to the ice.  Here are some suggestions to help get you ready for the upcoming ice extravaganza: