J. M. Richardson

Man, I wish the crappies in Wisconsin grew that big. Big ones here are about 10-12 inches long. Stinking winter and short growing seasons

Hey all, Justin Richardson here. I am currently studying Aerospace Engineering at Iowa State University but hail from Wisconsin. I've been fishing since I was probably 5 years old, but only seriously for the last three (I am now 19). I like to fish for Bass, Pike, and Crappie. Mostly fish Southeast Wisconsin (Lake Kessus, Okauchee, Pine Lake). Currently looking for some places to go shorefish around Central Iowa (near Ames where I am studying). Just want to say that I have found some great information on bass resource that has helped me become a better fisherman

Check out the March 09 issue of Field & Stream. There is a great article in there about top lures to use for trout, largemouth, smallmouth, crappie, and pike. Additionally there is an even larger article on the same topic on there website. Definitely a useful article

I've Fished some variety of chatterbaits and have the most luck in Wisconsin with the black/blue skirted one. However, I mostly catch small northerns on these baits and only a bass every now then. i like to tie one on when fishing for pike around rock piles and docks

I picked up a Hula Popper last year before fishing season started and gave it a try on various occasion. Only had one short strike on it the entire time I used is. It is more than likely I was fishing this bait in the wrong places at the wrong times. I tried pitching it around docks and lily pads at all times of day and still no luck. Does anyone here have experience with this lure? I would like to know how to retrieve it and where/when to cast it.

Used some of the smaller (2.5 - 3 inch) versions in bluegill color to catch some smaller bass on a lake in Southeast Wisconsin, Only had success in the spring though

Thanks gusy, i will check those out

Hey all, I'm still pretty new to fishing and don't really know how to use jerkbaits (nor do I own any). I'm wondering how to use them and what are some that I can purchase that will work in Wisconsin (MIdwest). Also what blades on spinnerbaits are good for Wisconsin. Really appreciate the help, thanks.

I just recently purchased a few different jigs, mostly black or brown with a scattering of blue, purple or red. A couple are football heads. I have no idea how to fish these though and could you all the help possible. Also, what kind of trailers work best. I have a bunch of extra plastic worms 4 and 5 inch that i wanted to try as trailers along with some sizmic plastic frogs. Are these any good?

That's ok, I don't own a boat either, I mostly fish on my uncle's boat

I'll have to get me one of these when I'm out getting this season's lures next weekend. Do you guy's sell 'em at Cabela's?

Unfortunately, I don't get home from college until next Friday. Going to miss the season opener . However, I plan on fishing both days the weekend I get back (that is, of course, after I make a run to Cabela's in richfield).

Sweet, Another from the SE side of WI. Know of any good inland waters to fish? I'm not a fan of fishing Mighigan

This may sound like a dumb question, but what is a spook? I've never heard of it.

I once landed a 19 inch pike on 4 lb test using a mini-mite (for crappies) float and no leader - I have no clue how I managed to land this thing.

That answers my question

I agree completely. Fishing is more about discovering one's self just as much as it is about catching fish. Fishing becomes a means of self-improvement.

The lake I usually fish has a lot of lilypad cover. Do you want to throw spinners/buzzbaits across this kind of cover, or run it horizontally in front or behind it?

Thanks, Being a college student, I barely have money to stock up on the tackle I need for this season. No way I could afford even a decent baitcasting combo. What are some of your guys favorite buzzbait colors?

The last couple years I've been throwing buzz baits and spinners from my spinning reels (All I have ). Is this a disadvantage and would I catch more fish by throwing these from a baitcaster? My uncle, who I often fish with, has caught a bunch of bass on spinnerbaits thrown from spinning reels. So I'm not sure if it makes much difference. Also, any advice on the best way to fish spinnerbaits and buzzbaits? I would like to catch more fish on these but can't seem to figure out the trick. Any help on either of these matters would be awesome.

Thanks for the words of support. I have grown up in the outdoors and love everything about it. My passion for fishing has particularly grown in the last couple years and I feel it has helped me grow incredibly. I plan on fishing until all the water dries up or I can no longer hold a rod. I can only be sure that more positive experiences will come out of my fishing expeditions (along with spending other time outdoors) and I don't think I'll ever regret a minute of it.

I'm still young (only 18) but have also noticed the increased pressure against outdoor recreation like fishing and hunting. Many of the activist groups of against our sports don't see our reasons for spending large amounts of time involved in them. I thoroughly enjoy fishing simply because it allows me to reflect on all the things I have going for me. In addition, it's a good way to relieve stress. I also think fishing promotes a harmony between man and nature (something I feel is very important). In order to help preserve our shrinking areas to fish as urban development keeps growing, I plan on participating in more catch and release (especially at my favorite fishing hole) and making sure I show my younger cousins and brother the wonderful benefits of fishing, along with the exhilarating feeling of hooking up "the big one". P.S. Great thread that shows the thoughts of many outdoorsmen out there.

Do you know of anything from Cabela's? There are not any Bass Pro Shops nearby, and I don't think I want to order it from the net

Currently I do not own a casting reel/rod and am possibly looking to by one this summer. Does anyone know of any cheap (but not horrible quality) casting combos that would function well? Any help would really be appreciated. Thanks

That helps since those are pretty much the brands I've been looking at. I can't wait for the season to start in wisconsin. I'm still stuck at school for another three weeks though