KYBassin'

Done anything that has made me feel like crap? Absolutely. And it definitely trumps losing a few fishing lures.

Try taking a leak in the water. Usually helps produce a "rally fish".

Mine is a monster pike....in a canoe....in the BWCA. On a daredevil spoon, classic red and white. Basically dragged us around for 5 minutes and spit the hook before we could get to shore to beach it. Estimated it to be over 45 inches and 20 lbs. After it came off, me and my buddy just sat in the canoe in silence for several minutes...like a dazed boxer. We still talk about what we could have done differently to land it. Man, I wish I had a pic with that fish!

I'd say between 18-20 inches long...between 3.0 - 3.5 lbs.

Fluff and Scott..thanks for the updates. That topwater smallie bite sounds awesome. I haven't had any serious smallmouth fishing since back in college, on the WI River in Stevens Point. So fun. I hope the bite continues for the rest of your trip....and carries over to mine!

It's fun. And that's because I think it taps into some genetic link to our hunter/gatherer past.

Big fish always go back. Keeping some eaters here and there doesn't hurt...actually usually helps.

Looks like some warmer, more consistent is moving in to northern Wisco. I'll be up there next Monday so any insight on current conditions would be awesome. Thanks!

If it can fit in its mouth...a bass will eat it. And sometimes even if it doesn't.

Reaction bait to start, cover some water to see what's up and if it's even worth the time. Spinnerbait, chatterbait, jerkbait, swimbait.

Thanks Scott. And 16 days?! That sounds awesome.

Thanks FluffChucker! Still have a few weeks until I'm up there but I appreciate any info leading up.

Any update on the water temp/spawn situation in Northern WI? Thanks.

Thanks for the update

Thanks for the thoughts guys. What's the deal with Vanish? Seems like some people are fine with it while others totally bad mouth it. Is it really that bad? For a leader?

How are the water temps doing up there? Was out this past weekend here (KY), saw quite a few males in the swallows, a few beds.

I'm pretty much a straight braid guy. This year I am planning on adding a fluoro leader to the mix for some presentations. Is there a good "middle of the road" fluoro on price and quality? And how much does this matter if I will be using it as leader only, not whole rig? I already spend enough on braid. Thanks.

Blows my mind that you guys are already seeing/hearing about 60 degree water temps...and bass already cruising shallow. Now, I don't live up there, but I'm guessing this is at least a few weeks sooner than normal.

Wow. That much ahead of schedule already huh? Could be interesting. We'll be fishing in the northwest region, a little north of Eau Claire.

At the end of May I'll be in Northern WI for a week to fish with a few buddies. We are all from WI but currently live out of state. We would greatly appreciate any/all insight you could provide us leading up to our trip. Thanks.

In very clear water fluoro can make a difference in bite rates. Also, a fluoro leader on a drop shot helps the presentation. Other than that, braid.

Been probably about 10 years but The Chip can be very productive. My trip was mainly focused on musky but we did catch some good smallies near some floating bogs on the north side with minnow tipped jigs. No shortage of water, huge place.

Born and raised in the Madison area, now living in KY. I grew up fishing several lakes in the Hayward area during family vacations. I now get the opportunity to spend 2 weeks a year in northern WI, 1 week for a fishing trip with the guys and 1 week for a family vacation very similar to those I had growing up (my wife and kids love it as much as I do). Much like Scott, I prefer not to share my favorite fishing spots. Too valuable to broadcast in a message board. Man, I can't wait to be back up there.

So I'm a braid guy, love PP. Have used it for all applications to date and I don't feel like it has limited me in any way, especially in catching fish. But I am working on adding a drop shot rig to my arsenal and I am considering using FC, either for the entire rig or as just a leader. I am a little leery of using FC because of what I have heard about knot issues and memory but I wanted to get your opinions. Thanks

That's a nice fish. Musta been hungry! Heading up north tomorrow, hope the largemouths are hungry where I'll be. Again, thanks for sharing.