...and they help me pass the winter months. National Geographic is promoting a program called Hooked on Bass.
HOOKED ON BASS
The largemouth bass is more than just Americas most sought after freshwater fish. It fuels an entire culture of followers that pursue the bass at all levels for different reasons: weekend hobbyists, professional tournament anglers, and obsessed record hunters. Some fish to spend time with family and for relaxation, some for the challenge and the connection with nature, and others for the money and obsession. The pursuit of the bass has a $60 billion dollar effect on our economy by the 30 million bass anglers, a sport which has become the most popular outdoor activity in America. Three stories typify the culture of bassfishing, and happen on three different lakes across the country. In Texas, on Lake Sam Rayburn, weekend angler Rusty Clark fishes in one of the worlds largest amateur bassfishing tournaments. In New York, on Lake Oneida, Kevin Van Dam tries to secure his year-long quest to be the top professional in the sport. And in California, on Dixon Lake, three world record hunters obsessively hunt one fish that they believe to be the biggest bass of all time.
Monday, February 2 at 10pm ET/PT
Saturday, February 28 at 8pm ET/PT – Encore Presentation
Here's some videos to keep you thinking spring.
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/videos/feeds/cv-seo/Animals--Nature/All-Videos/If-You-Love-Bass-Youll-Love-This.html
and
http://channel.nationalgeographic.com/channel/videos/feeds/cv-seo/Animals--Nature/All-Videos/If-You-Love-Bass-Youll-Love-This.html
See you soon!
CT
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Friday, January 9, 2009
Ice Fishing
I'm may be on the bench for the winter, but Ben's out there and he's catching people fish. Here's a few from a recent Milwaukee Harbor outing.
There's a link to Ben's website on the right. His number is 414-477-2972.
CT
There's a link to Ben's website on the right. His number is 414-477-2972.
CT
Thursday, January 1, 2009
Reflections on 2008 Season
I had a quiet New Year's Eve, and I was up early this morning. There was a bunch of fishing shows doing their end of year retrospective episodes, and it got me to thinking about my 2008. Fishing wise, I think it was a pretty good year.
I'd be lying if I didn't say that catching a 10+ pound largemouth wasn't a highlight of the year, but I'd also be lying if I din't say that my entire Texas fishing trip at the end of February wasn't fantastic.
Taking Paul Smith, the new Journal-Sentinel outdoor writer out for an article was great, as was the plug that the shop and I received in the Milwaukee Magazine article.
The local open water season started good despite the very high water, and my first trip out after the opener brought in a trophy smallmouth for my clients. I also spent alot of time guiding on Silver Lake this year which resulted in lots of days with a solid number of fish caught. I had three days where my clients caught more than 100 fish there.
The flooding kept me off my usual Lac Labelle trips during late May and early June. It also cut down on the time I spent during the early season on the Rock River. My best walleye fishing ended up being in the late part of summer on Lake Koshkonong when the bite got hot. I had some really fantastic days pulling spinner harnesses over the rocks and sand.
All of these things were great, and I'm grateful that people give me a chance to share my knowledge with them, but the highlight of the year has to be the times I spent with my son, Shannon, in the boat and fishing off the pier when we took a short family vacation up to Eagle River. He wasn't even two years old for the trip, but he took to fishing the way I had always dreamed that he would.
Sitting on the pier, catching potato chip sized bluegills with my son, was for me, better than everything else that happened on or off the water this past year.
See you on the water in 2009!
CT
I'd be lying if I didn't say that catching a 10+ pound largemouth wasn't a highlight of the year, but I'd also be lying if I din't say that my entire Texas fishing trip at the end of February wasn't fantastic.
Taking Paul Smith, the new Journal-Sentinel outdoor writer out for an article was great, as was the plug that the shop and I received in the Milwaukee Magazine article.
The local open water season started good despite the very high water, and my first trip out after the opener brought in a trophy smallmouth for my clients. I also spent alot of time guiding on Silver Lake this year which resulted in lots of days with a solid number of fish caught. I had three days where my clients caught more than 100 fish there.
The flooding kept me off my usual Lac Labelle trips during late May and early June. It also cut down on the time I spent during the early season on the Rock River. My best walleye fishing ended up being in the late part of summer on Lake Koshkonong when the bite got hot. I had some really fantastic days pulling spinner harnesses over the rocks and sand.
All of these things were great, and I'm grateful that people give me a chance to share my knowledge with them, but the highlight of the year has to be the times I spent with my son, Shannon, in the boat and fishing off the pier when we took a short family vacation up to Eagle River. He wasn't even two years old for the trip, but he took to fishing the way I had always dreamed that he would.
Sitting on the pier, catching potato chip sized bluegills with my son, was for me, better than everything else that happened on or off the water this past year.
See you on the water in 2009!
CT
Friday, December 12, 2008
Babe at Viking Outpost
The outfitter for the fly-in trip to Canada next August sent me a note to let me know that Babe Winkleman shot a segment for his TV show at one of the outfitter's cabins. The episode is scheduled to air the week on January 17 on Versus and Fox Sports Net.
I'll try to embed the video, but make sure to check it out.
CT
I'll try to embed the video, but make sure to check it out.
CT
Wednesday, December 3, 2008
2009 Open Water Season
With winter upon us, its time for my annual December special.
Purchase a certificate for a 2009 Trip by December 20th, 2008 and pay only the 2008 Rate.
Contact me for details.
CT
Purchase a certificate for a 2009 Trip by December 20th, 2008 and pay only the 2008 Rate.
Contact me for details.
CT
Silver Carp in Wisconsin
From JSOnline.com:
Jumping silver carp discovered in Wisconsin waters
By Dan Egan of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Dec. 2, 2008
The notorious jumping silver carp has made its way into Wisconsin.
The super-sized cousin to the common carp was discovered late last week in Wisconsin waters of the Mississippi River. It is the first time silver carp, one of four species of Asian carp, have been confirmed in the state, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.
The imported fish have been steadily making their way north in the Mississippi River basin since they escaped containment in Arkansas more than three decades ago. Biologists figured it was only a matter of time until the filter-feeding fish that can grow to 60 pounds made it this far north.
Silver carp are trouble for recreational boaters because of their penchant for leaping out of the water. Also, they feast on the bottom of the food chain, and that can have a big impact on native fish that directly or indirectly rely on the same food.
"A common question is to ask what will be the impact of the Asian carp to the river that we love," DNR's Ron Benjamin said in a news release. "The short answer today is it clearly isn't good."
This is the first time they have been found north of Clinton, Iowa - a huge jump in their range. It also means the Wisconsin River could be exposed to the fish, and that could open the door to infestations in inland lakes across the state.
The bigger worry is that the fish will make the jump into the Great Lakes via the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, though that has yet to happen. An electric fish barrier is all that stands between the Asian carp and Lake Michigan. A new, more robust barrier has been built, but the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has yet to permanently turn it on out of safety concerns for boaters.
The Mississippi silver carp was caught in a commercial fishing net near La Crosse. The catch included two bighead carp.
State biologists don't know how many of the fish are in the river and whether they will be able to thrive this far north, but fish experts have said Asian carp should do just fine in Wisconsin waters.
Jumping silver carp discovered in Wisconsin waters
By Dan Egan of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Dec. 2, 2008
The notorious jumping silver carp has made its way into Wisconsin.
The super-sized cousin to the common carp was discovered late last week in Wisconsin waters of the Mississippi River. It is the first time silver carp, one of four species of Asian carp, have been confirmed in the state, according to the state Department of Natural Resources.
The imported fish have been steadily making their way north in the Mississippi River basin since they escaped containment in Arkansas more than three decades ago. Biologists figured it was only a matter of time until the filter-feeding fish that can grow to 60 pounds made it this far north.
Silver carp are trouble for recreational boaters because of their penchant for leaping out of the water. Also, they feast on the bottom of the food chain, and that can have a big impact on native fish that directly or indirectly rely on the same food.
"A common question is to ask what will be the impact of the Asian carp to the river that we love," DNR's Ron Benjamin said in a news release. "The short answer today is it clearly isn't good."
This is the first time they have been found north of Clinton, Iowa - a huge jump in their range. It also means the Wisconsin River could be exposed to the fish, and that could open the door to infestations in inland lakes across the state.
The bigger worry is that the fish will make the jump into the Great Lakes via the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, though that has yet to happen. An electric fish barrier is all that stands between the Asian carp and Lake Michigan. A new, more robust barrier has been built, but the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has yet to permanently turn it on out of safety concerns for boaters.
The Mississippi silver carp was caught in a commercial fishing net near La Crosse. The catch included two bighead carp.
State biologists don't know how many of the fish are in the river and whether they will be able to thrive this far north, but fish experts have said Asian carp should do just fine in Wisconsin waters.
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
TrailHead Cabin Rentals
I added a link for TrailHead Cabins. I know the folks who operate these cabins very well, having spent a good chunk of my early adult life living with them in various places.
They have a pair of cabins on Duck Lake,which is part of the Eagle River Chain. If you're looking for an affordable place up north for a week or weekend outing, they can accommodate both small or large groups.
I highly recommend them.
CT
They have a pair of cabins on Duck Lake,which is part of the Eagle River Chain. If you're looking for an affordable place up north for a week or weekend outing, they can accommodate both small or large groups.
I highly recommend them.
CT
Great weekend on the water...
It was a great weekend on the water with new clients Paul and Gretchen.
Saturday: Took a shot at musky on Okauchee. We went 0-3, but had some action. Lost one after a solid hook-up on a bulldog, and had two more roll on our sucker. Had two other lazy follows. Came in empty handed other than a pike, but an otherwise solid outing.
Sunday: Hit the rock river to try for some walleyes. Got into a batch right away below the Jefferson Dam and had steady action for a couple of hours. Nothing big, but we caught more than 20.
Walleye fishing will stay good for a little bit and the musky fishing will really pick up after this warmer weather moves through.
CT
Saturday: Took a shot at musky on Okauchee. We went 0-3, but had some action. Lost one after a solid hook-up on a bulldog, and had two more roll on our sucker. Had two other lazy follows. Came in empty handed other than a pike, but an otherwise solid outing.
Sunday: Hit the rock river to try for some walleyes. Got into a batch right away below the Jefferson Dam and had steady action for a couple of hours. Nothing big, but we caught more than 20.
Walleye fishing will stay good for a little bit and the musky fishing will really pick up after this warmer weather moves through.
CT
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Last Nice Weekend of 08?
Looks to warm up a bit this weekend, and I'll be on the water. If you want to chase musky, now is the time.
I'm crossing my fingers that the warmer weather will hold the turnover off until next week.
CT
I'm crossing my fingers that the warmer weather will hold the turnover off until next week.
CT
Monday, October 6, 2008
Cool stuff
If you've ever fished with me on the rock-river or lake koshkonong, you've probably heard me talk about the carp netting that goes on there.
Check out this picture:
Check out this picture:
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Out and about
Hey gang,
I haven't been out to much the last couple weeks, but I snuck in a few hours Friday afternoon. Even when I'm not on the water I keep the fishing reports at the baitshop blog up to date with information from other sources, including some other guides. I update it at least twice a week, so if things are slow here, link over and you'll get the skinny on conditions.
The walleye bite on the Rock River is set to get good. There are some nicer fish mixed in with the fish in the deeper holes. I fished five spots from the Jefferson rapids to Fort Atkinson,pulled out, then drfted a few runs at Blackhawk. Ended up with six walleyes and a handful of white bass. Jig and minnow was the best option.
I'll be out this week chasing musky and I'll post when we get back.
Stay tuned.
CT
I haven't been out to much the last couple weeks, but I snuck in a few hours Friday afternoon. Even when I'm not on the water I keep the fishing reports at the baitshop blog up to date with information from other sources, including some other guides. I update it at least twice a week, so if things are slow here, link over and you'll get the skinny on conditions.
The walleye bite on the Rock River is set to get good. There are some nicer fish mixed in with the fish in the deeper holes. I fished five spots from the Jefferson rapids to Fort Atkinson,pulled out, then drfted a few runs at Blackhawk. Ended up with six walleyes and a handful of white bass. Jig and minnow was the best option.
I'll be out this week chasing musky and I'll post when we get back.
Stay tuned.
CT
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Current Conditions
Got out yesterday afternoon for a couple hours. I expected the water to be much cooler, but it is still in the mid to upper 60's.
Silver Lake was the usual run. Got some fast action on the west end and around the sunken island. We fished a couple hours then pulled the boat and headed over to Moose Lake to give it a go.
Moose was slow, but steady. Got a couple of bass out of ths shallows pitching a jig and chunk or wacky worming. Moved out onto the weedflats and switched to lipless crankbaits and had some fast action to wrap up the evening. We lost one very nice pike right by the boat.
The shallow weedflat pattern will be solid as long as this weather holds. The next big cold snap should trigger fish to move into their fall patterns quickly.
I have some limited availablity for the next couple weeks. Give me a call if you want to get out.
Cheers
CT
Silver Lake was the usual run. Got some fast action on the west end and around the sunken island. We fished a couple hours then pulled the boat and headed over to Moose Lake to give it a go.
Moose was slow, but steady. Got a couple of bass out of ths shallows pitching a jig and chunk or wacky worming. Moved out onto the weedflats and switched to lipless crankbaits and had some fast action to wrap up the evening. We lost one very nice pike right by the boat.
The shallow weedflat pattern will be solid as long as this weather holds. The next big cold snap should trigger fish to move into their fall patterns quickly.
I have some limited availablity for the next couple weeks. Give me a call if you want to get out.
Cheers
CT
Friday, September 12, 2008
St Germain Report Part II
Well it was a nice little trip, but the weather and the fish wouldn't cooperate. I'd go back, but do a few things different.
The lake looks to be a great northern and musky fishery. It certainly looks to be the kind of lake where one should be able to catch some walleyes, which is what I really wanted to do.
I only caught one walleye, and the pike and musky fishing was pretty slow. Caught a few shorter fish By late in the afternoon on wednesday I got frustrated, and switched to bass fishing, and then the fishing got interesting. Caught several fish up to 22 inches using rattle traps, rattling rapalas, and a jig/chunk combo.
The highlight of the trip for me was seeing my two year old son Shannon take to fishing. He hasn't really fished yet, but I gave him a short ultralight pole to play with while we were at the cabin. By the end of the first day, he was pointing to the pier and babbling "rod?!?"
As a result, I spent a good deal of time sitting on the dock or in the boat with him catching bluegills. He even turned the handle on the reel a few times while I was bringing in fish. He liked throwing the small perch that were about the size he could hold back into the water.
When we would walk up from the pier, he would dutifully put his rod next to the ones I had set out for our friends behind the cabin. When we would go outside, he would walk right over and grab "his" rod and walk down to the pier. A couple times he handed me his lifejacket and said "bo" while pointing at the boat. He made me into an even prouder father (than normal) and gave me the impression that he's going to be looking forward to fishing with me, (and his grandfather). And to be 100% honest, that's more important than any fish I would ever catch.
Here's a few pictures including one of the smaller musky's we caught.
Monday, September 8, 2008
St Germain Report #1
On a little family outing this week in St Germain. We're staying on Lost Lake in a cabin with some friends.
The fishing has been slow. Got a little action Saturday Afternoon from a Mid 40's Muskie. I had it up to the boat twice, but couldn't convert. Caught a few northern pike on spinner baits, but haven't found any walleye or bass that will bite as of yet.
The panfish and perch are biting though, and we're catching some keepers. Perch fry this week for sure.
Will post a complete report when I get back on the 13th.
Cheers
CT
The fishing has been slow. Got a little action Saturday Afternoon from a Mid 40's Muskie. I had it up to the boat twice, but couldn't convert. Caught a few northern pike on spinner baits, but haven't found any walleye or bass that will bite as of yet.
The panfish and perch are biting though, and we're catching some keepers. Perch fry this week for sure.
Will post a complete report when I get back on the 13th.
Cheers
CT
Tuesday, September 2, 2008
Fall Trips
I will have some limited availablity for the next few weeks.
I'll be in the Eagle River/St Germain area on a short trip starting Friday but I'll be back for the weekend of the 12th.
If you're interested in getting out, please contact me asap to confirm your date.
--------------
Bass and Walleye fishing is set to get super good as they start moving to fall transitional areas. I would imagine the cold front that is headed our way is likely to trigger some fish.
Musky fishing should be in full swing by the 20th. Just in time for the Ironman Tournament on Okauchee. Could this be the year for Okauchee to break the 50inch mark in a tournament?
See you on the water!
CT
-------------
I'll be in the Eagle River/St Germain area on a short trip starting Friday but I'll be back for the weekend of the 12th.
If you're interested in getting out, please contact me asap to confirm your date.
--------------
Bass and Walleye fishing is set to get super good as they start moving to fall transitional areas. I would imagine the cold front that is headed our way is likely to trigger some fish.
Musky fishing should be in full swing by the 20th. Just in time for the Ironman Tournament on Okauchee. Could this be the year for Okauchee to break the 50inch mark in a tournament?
See you on the water!
CT
-------------
Last Week of Summer
You wouldn't know it by the heat today, but Labor Day has passed, and summer is at an end. I like to think of the next two months as early fall.
Guided Sunday during the afternoon, both the bite and the boat traffic were tough. I got a chance to meet Eagle's warden, when he checked me. I did enjoy the conversation and I do like to know the warden's by name/face.
Tough bite ended good, with this nice smallie for Trent.
Finesse approaches seem to be working right now.
CT
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Link Added
There's a link on the right hand column that will allow you to download a short powerpoint presentation on the fly-in trip to Canada.
The dates are set Augst 22-29, 2009.
Take a look.
CT
The dates are set Augst 22-29, 2009.
Take a look.
CT
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Oconomowoc and Silver Trips
On Oconomowoc with new clients on Sunday Morning.
Fishing was tough, but the lake is starting to clear up a little. There's lots of new weed growth this season, especiallyin the the 6-12 foot depths. It might be a fantastic musky season this fall.
On Silver on Monday Afternoon with new clients.
Fairly typical trip for Silver. Better than 30 fish in about 4.5 hours of fishing.
Two things of note: 1.) Jigworms are outproducing wacky worms on Silver this season. 2.) Zac, one of today's clients, caught the first smallmouth I've seen come out of Silver. I have heard rumors of smallmouth in the lake, and it would appear to be a great lake for them to be in, but I was skeptical of the claims for a long time. I have guided for or personally caught literally thousands of bass from Silver over the past few seasons, but never once had even stumbled onto a smallmouth until today. As a result, I'll be taking a better look at some of the deeper structure on the lake for next season.
------
Our Canada trip keeps getting the details changed, but I've been talking extensively with the outpost operator and I think we picked a great lake, even if we have to change the dates of the trip. I'm waiting for confirmation that we have the slot. As soon as I know for sure, I'll be posting additional information.
Fishing was tough, but the lake is starting to clear up a little. There's lots of new weed growth this season, especiallyin the the 6-12 foot depths. It might be a fantastic musky season this fall.
On Silver on Monday Afternoon with new clients.
Fairly typical trip for Silver. Better than 30 fish in about 4.5 hours of fishing.
Two things of note: 1.) Jigworms are outproducing wacky worms on Silver this season. 2.) Zac, one of today's clients, caught the first smallmouth I've seen come out of Silver. I have heard rumors of smallmouth in the lake, and it would appear to be a great lake for them to be in, but I was skeptical of the claims for a long time. I have guided for or personally caught literally thousands of bass from Silver over the past few seasons, but never once had even stumbled onto a smallmouth until today. As a result, I'll be taking a better look at some of the deeper structure on the lake for next season.
------
Our Canada trip keeps getting the details changed, but I've been talking extensively with the outpost operator and I think we picked a great lake, even if we have to change the dates of the trip. I'm waiting for confirmation that we have the slot. As soon as I know for sure, I'll be posting additional information.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Thuja Musky Lures
Just got some sample baits from Thuja. They are topwaters and I'm looking forward to trying them out.
I added a link to their blog and I'll report back later this week on the trial run.
CT
I added a link to their blog and I'll report back later this week on the trial run.
CT
Canada eh?
Musky Mikes Fly-in Canada Trip
After some requests by guide clients and store customers, I have begun to put together a Canadian Fly-In Fishing Trip for August of 2009.
I will lead a small group on a week long trip out of Red Lake, Ontario. We will fish a lake for Northern Pike and Walleye for a week starting on August 7th, 2009. I'll be arranging the food, beer, bait and tackle for the trip and each angler will get a personalized St Croix Jigging Rod as part of the package.
This is a great trip. I've been out with the outfitter several times and we've caught lots of fish at each of the lakes we've gone to. We'll be the only group on the lake (there's no other cabins). The scenery and wildlife are magnificent.
I'll be posting more information soon, but if you are interested, email me.
Chris
After some requests by guide clients and store customers, I have begun to put together a Canadian Fly-In Fishing Trip for August of 2009.
I will lead a small group on a week long trip out of Red Lake, Ontario. We will fish a lake for Northern Pike and Walleye for a week starting on August 7th, 2009. I'll be arranging the food, beer, bait and tackle for the trip and each angler will get a personalized St Croix Jigging Rod as part of the package.
This is a great trip. I've been out with the outfitter several times and we've caught lots of fish at each of the lakes we've gone to. We'll be the only group on the lake (there's no other cabins). The scenery and wildlife are magnificent.
I'll be posting more information soon, but if you are interested, email me.
Chris
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