Northern Wisconsin

[Joel Michel]

Was up in northern Wisconsin last week for the annual boys up nort trip. Fishing could have been very good, however for some reason, the fish just wouldn't stay pinned. We ended up getting 5 in the net with a 36, 40, 40.5, 41, and 45. Weagles took 3 of the fish, and also resulted in 4 missed fish and one lost fish. The rest were caught on kick'n minnows with 2 fish lost on kick'n minnows and one missed. Suicks in the slop also produced a swing and another miss (notice a trend). Overall, we had a shot at 12 fish, with only 5 of them hitting the net. Oh well, at least we were on them. Most of the fish were caught suspended with fish also being seen on the breaklines and in the slop. Water temps started out at 74, but after a pretty nasty front went through, it dropped them to 70 by the end of the week.

We allllllmost started the trip out with a double as well. One fish ate a weagle, then two seconds (litterally) another fish ate my kick'n minnow. Unfortunately the weagle fish escaped (I'm blaming that one on my partner being a sleep at the reel).

On a good note, another buddy who was on his second trip with us scored his first musky at 36"s on a weagle. Celebratory libations were had.

[Joel Michel]

Was up north last week with the family. Fished mostly evenings with a few mornings mixed in when I could get up. All of the fish we caught were in the evening/night (got one at 2:30 in the morning). Water temps ranged from 73-75 depending on the day and how much rain fell. There was a TON of rain that week. Didn't even get to fish on Wednesday. Overall, most of the fish we contacted were on deeeeep weed edges on swim baits and rubber. Monday, I lost a 50+" fish after about 30 seconds which SUCKED!!!! Oh well. I called a buddy up and let him know I was moving some good fish, so Tuesday he swung down for the evening bite. I told him we had to be on a spot by 9 as there was a definite window at that time. Well, at 9:30, we ended up putting a TANK of a 50"er in the boat. Didn't get a girth on her, but she was pushing the mid 30# class. Ate a pounder right after we saw her boil on the surface. Ended up Thursday and Friday pounding a spot that was holding another big fish, but couldn't get her to eat. She'd show herself once or twice an evening, but never ate for me.

Overall, not a bad trip. Not a ton of action, but was looking for bigger fish, so with the results, I'm a happy dude. Pics will be on the website of the big girl when I get a chance to load them up there.