Wisconsin fishing guides and Wisconsin fishing guide reports from the Wisconsin Angling Adventures Fishing Guides Team. Our pro staff of Wisconsin fishing guides, Joel DeBoer, Todd Bohm, Joe Szarkowitz and Chris Jennings, invite you to come fish for walleye, musky, northern and smallmouth bass in Northern and Central Wisconsin.

Fishing Articles & Pro Fishing Tips

Over the span of his professional fishing career, Author and Outdoor Educator Joel DeBoer has authored many, many top-notch articles on the "How To's" of becoming a better angler. On this page you will find just a sampling of some of his articles and tips - we hope you enjoy!

CLICK HERE to return to the Index of Fishing Tips & Articles!

Carp Fishing in Spring
Fishing Articles & Pro Fishing Tips >>

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.

Yes, you read correctly, I'm actually taking the time to write about the carp.  Before you scoff and go move on to the next article, consider this: as a resident of Marathon County, you have access to some good carp waters.  Just what does that mean - for starters, a good carp fishery is capable of sustaining 100 pounds of carp per acre according to In-Fisherman fisheries biologist Steve Hoffman.  Think of that, 100 pounds per acre, that is a lot of fish!  Now throw in the fact that some of these specimens get quite big (weights of over 20 pounds) and fight like bronze devils, and you've got a fish worthy of chasing.

Trophy carp, like trophy fish of other species, are challenging to catch.  The spring time if perhaps one of the best seasons in which to score on these large-scaled behemoths.  Early spring finds carp moving to areas of warmer water.  Begin your search by investigating shallow dark bottomed bays of lakes and reservoirs and the backwaters of rivers.  One of the exciting methods to catch carp in the early spring is by sight-fishing for them.  A good pair of Solar Bat or other quality polarized sunglasses is a must, and an angler must move with stealth to avoid spooking fish in the "skinny" water.

A variety of presentations will catch carp, keep in mind, to consistently score with the largest specimens' stealth and finesse is a must.  While slip-sinker style rigs work well in more hard bottomed areas, spring carp fishing is often done in back bays and backwaters with a soft or mucky bottom. When this is the case, a float rig becomes necessary. When choosing a float or slip bobber, select the smallest size you can get away with depending on the fishing conditions you are facing. The smaller size will allow for a more subtle approach and be more sensitive to the often surprisingly light bite of a cautiously feeding carp. I prefer a long St. Croix medium action spinning rod, with a minimum length of 7 feet. The added length allows me to more accurately cast small presentations, and to do so with finesse. In addition, the length allows for good hook setting and fish-fighting leverage, especially on the largest of specimens.

Okay, so they're not the most beautiful of fish, nor do they put on acrobatic displays such as other Wisconsin gamefish; however, carp are big, plentiful, and the fight they put up is certainly near the top of the rankings for freshwater fish.  The Wisconsin River, including Lake DuBay, Half Moon, and Lake Wausau all offer plenty of big carp, as does the Big Eau Pleine. Do yourself a favor this spring and take some time to do a little carp fishing. It's a great opportunity to get youth involved with some exciting angling action, or to hone your fish fighting skills for later in the season. I'll see you on the water…  
  

- Back to Index of Fishing Articles -


wisconsin fishing guides, wisconsin fishing reports, wisconsin, fishing, guides, reports, walleye, musky, central wisconsin fishing guide, WI, northern, pike, smallmouth, bass, muskie, muskellunge, vilas, county, northwoods, eagle, river, wisconsin fishing, Lake Wausau, Lake Du Bay, Big Eau Pleine Reservoir, The Willow Flowage, Wisconsin River, Merrill, Brokaw, Fox River, Big Arbor Vitae, Crescent, The Manitowish Chain, Mohawksin, Minocqua, Mid lake, Kawaguesaga, Lake Tomahawk, Kentuck, Star lake, fishing guides

• Back To Top Of Page •

• Site Navigation Map •
Contact - Wisconsin Angling Adventures Fishing Guide Service

Powered by Outdoor Network - Website Hosting, Design & Marketing

FishingInfo.com - Fishing Information Network
Outdoor Network - Website Design, Hosting & Marketing

© Wisconsin fishing guides and Wisconsin fishing guide reports from the Wisconsin Angling Adventures Fishing Guides Team. Our pro staff of Wisconsin fishing guides, Joel DeBoer, Todd Bohm, Joe Szarkowitz and Chris Jennings, invite you to come fish for walleye, musky, northern and smallmouth bass in Northern and Central Wisconsin.