Grab a coffee and relax with some videos from The Minimalist Fisherman and Stars & Bars Fishing. TMF focuses on techniques, projects & reviews while S&B focuses entirely on in-the-field adventures.
I’ve been gone for a bit – traveling (and fishing) with family, writing for a few new outlets, and just being blessed overall with some awesome new opportunities… but very busy. It’s time to get back into reviewing notes and fishing techniques that have worked well this year, and here’s an awesome little realization I’d like to share with you…
I’ve recently discovered there’s something different about a rowboat. Not just in how it moves – but in how it makes YOU move. How it slows you down. How it connects you to the water by removing things like electric trolling motors & sonar screens.
It’s different.
It’s also one of the BEST ways to gain access to big, hidden largemouth bass in the thick – and I mean THICK – stuff. Rowboat fishing is a physical activity and it will challenge your body in a good way, and after fishing everything from kayaks to charters to modern bass fishing boats that cost more than a house… there’s something special about stripping it all back. Drifting quietly with nothing but the rhythm of your own hands. Pulling big, fat bass into the boat from areas that NOBODY else is fishing, because their trolling motor would get eaten alive… yeah man, never thought I’d say it but… I love rowboat fishin’!
Big Fat Hidden Largemouth Bass Taken While Rowboat Fishing
One presentation you absolutely for fishing thick stuff is The Crowbar Rig.
First, when it’s too dang thick to get around any other way! (I considered testing out a push-pole in here, but it was just too clunky and surprisingly expensive.)
That’s lookin’ a little… thicc…
Rowboat bass fishing shines on small to mid-sized lakes, but you could also use it to your advantage on bigger lakes with large, choked-out bays. It’s also great if you simply want to enjoy a more peaceful approach. You’ll see things you would’ve missed. Bass cruising the edge of a sunken log. A pike darting around the cabbage. Panfish suspending beneath the reflection of an overhanging tree.
Thick-cover water like this rewards patience, stealth, and presence – and this method of fishing forces you to pay attention to what’s in front of you.
Rowboat Fatty – never woulda caught her without my little dingy!Another rowboat bass with some sort of deformity or sickness. 18″ long and way under 2 pounds – something was wrong with this one… not sure what…
Eat
– A –
Sammich
I’m not saying dump your electronics forever – but consider shoving off with nothing but a rod or two, a couple of oars and a small box of confidence baits. Fish slower. Enjoy the environment you’re in, get into the areas other guys aren’t exploring – and soak it up. It’s a different way to fish, and a different way to experience the water… and it’s GOOD.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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The jon boat was finally ready, loaded, and trailing behind me as I sped toward my favorite canal. It was the fourth week of April, and even though it was a little brisk at 65°, it was comfortable. The only thing that made me uncomfortable… was the clouds up ahead.
But winter had finally released its grip on spring, and with the slight increase in warmth, life had to be stirring beneath the surface of the water. Clouds or not, I had to check. Within 55 minutes, the ramp came into view. I slammed the truck in park and walked over to the water to see how things looked…
Then the sky tore open.
Not a rumble. Not a flash. Not a drop of rain. Just a brutal, bone-deep crack of thunder following a streak of lightning so clearly visible it made the hair on the back of my neck stand straight up.
I didn’t launch the boat.
Instead, I cussed, got back in the truck, and drove all the way home. “What a flippin’ waste of two hours,” I mumbled… but about halfway through the drive, something changed. I went from sulking to planning. When you’re a father of five running two businesses, there aren’t many days you get to fish. So, my options were to be sad – or be flexible.
I opted for the latter. Dropped the boat, grabbed a different Base Box, a backpack, rigged two simple rods, and drove to a nearby group of small lakes with shoreline access. If I hadn’t… I never would have caught her…
Sometimes the best days begin with a little flexibility.
19″ of Pure Largemouth Attitude Exploding Topwater on a Crowbar.
In a nutshell, fishing flexibility means this: don’t force it.
The scenario above is true – you’ve experienced it yourself. We make plans to fish a certain lake, a certain way, for certain results. God laughs. Heartily. Then tells us otherwise. If we can pay attention to these signs – to our surroundings – we can usually make better decisions. Decisions that will make us safer, make us look smarter, and, in truth, help us catch more fish.
Rain? I’ll fish it. Clouds and even a bit of distant thunder? I’ll fish it. Lightning?
I’m out.
Don’t put yourself in a position where you are the tallest, most attractive thing on the lake – unless you’ve always dreamed of transitioning into a lightning rod.
“My pronouns are cooked / goose.”
Flexible Fishing Techniques
Leaving the canal was hard – not only because it meant I’d have to wait to explore an area I know holds big fish, but because I had to adjust how I would approach the fish at the next location. I had to pick somewhere I could take cover quickly, which meant staying on foot. This limited the rods I could carry, and so two bank fishing techniques got the early-spring nod:
1. Fling-a-Ding
I love throwing YUM Dingers around, but the problem with Flingin’ a Ding is that they have very little weight. They’re durable, cheap, and they catch fish – all good – but they look dead unless you impart some action into them. There are several ways to do this, but the easiest is to put your Dinger on a Reaction Tackle Weighted Wacky Jig.
Even in clear water, it seems like bass focus on the bait, not the weight. They’ll inhale your Frankenstein’d hot dog like it’s a gourmet offering! I’ll still opt for internal weights and super-light wacky hooks in pits with 500-foot visibility… but in semi-clear water like this, I don’t feel like I’m missing fish because of the exposed weight. Plus, the hooks are nasty, and the weight adds a pulse to the Dingers that is otherwise nonexistent. Very important. Very effective.
The color white (or in this case, a more subtle smoke / pearl laminate) is perfect for overcast days as it creates a soft glow in the water. At times, it’s the best thing you can throw.
Fling-a-Ding on Reaction Tackle Weighted Wacky Jigs
This setup was developed to pry big, mean bass from thick, heavy sludge. It’s a battering ram with a fishing license – like calling in an airstrike to deal with a raccoon problem. Brutal, yes – but effective.
The single hook delivers a much better hookup ratio than a frog hook – especially when you consider that the extra weight of the solid ElaZtech gets flung in the air less than a hollow-bodied frog. The legs give you the ability to buzz or pause. You can twitch, hop, skip, and everything in between. The fluoro is less visible and abrasion-resistant if you want to work around stumps and laydowns.
I could go on, but the bottom line is this: The Crowbar is an extremely versatile topwater presentation that I will leave tied on from the time the water hits 55° until the end of my season. Period.
It’s a flexible technique for the flexible fisherman.
Clear water? No problem. Buzz. Pause. Twitch. Brace for impact.
Crowbar Bass
Crowbar Bass
So yes, it can be frustrating… but if you focus on improving your flexibility – becoming a flexible fisherman – you’ll make better decisions, safer decisions, and make hay.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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It’s early – but not too early – as you stand on the bank of the pond. To the novice, it looks empty. Calm. Still. Like nothing could possibly live beneath the dark surface… but you know better. The bright April days are slowly pushing the water past the chilly winter temps, and at 52°, things are waking up. The shoreline is riddled with the brittle brown stalks and faded reeds of last year’s growth. The chill in the air makes a jacket necessary, and as the wind picks up, it’s obvious why you’re the only one here. No matter – socializing isn’t on the agenda.
Even though the sun is up above the distant treeline, it’s fighting with the clouds, and your soggy fingers ache as you try to retie. A slight tug on a fresh Uni-Knot reassures you, confirming that the only connection between you and the fish is solid. It is – and so, the game resumes. Even though it’s early in the Midwest fishing season, it’s only a matter of time before your hard work pays off…
*tap*
The lightest tap. That’s all it takes to trigger years of vivid memories. In an instant, they all come flooding back – along with that familiar jolt of adrenaline that reminds you why we fish.
We’re off to the races…
My first largemouth bass of the season
Bank Fishing is a Special Thing
For many of us, this was where it all began.
For those of us in the Midwest, this is where each new season usually begins.
Small ponds start to warm a bit faster than lakes and canals here in Illinois (especially those with deep water) which means more bass activity, sooner. What’s a “small pond”? Anything 10 acres or less. If you have good shoreline access, these are also great places to knock the rust off. If your timing is right, you can get into a good mess of fish. Not to mention, fishing during the afternoon early in the season can be the most productive window – no need to get up before the sun – you’ll get icicles on your bits.
I tried several presentations this year: jerkbaits, chatterbaits, swimbaits, a bevy of ElaZtech plastics – but the Strike King Rage Craw turned out to be the most effective bait I threw, accounting for my first fish – along with the most fish – caught in April. Here’s a simple way to put it to work – and below, I’ll talk about pulling double duty with a single bait…
Minimalist. A Berkley Lightning Rod. Pflueger President XT. Reaction Tackle X8 Braid to a Seaguar Premier fluoro leader (abrasion resistant) to a 3/0 Gamakatsu Alpha Nano or Reaction Tackle EWG and a 1/4 oz bullet weight. With this, you can quickly cover ground and fish a single Rage Craw two ways:
1. The Rage Craw Vertical Approach
Cast it out. Let it sink without jiggles. Calm yourself. Watch the line. If you see it jump, reel down and set the hook! Bass will often snag it on the drop, and if they don’t, the flappies will get their attention. They will likely inspect your offering, and if they’re going to bite, it will usually be within a few “hops.” Slowly lift your rod tip, then drop it, allowing the bait to fall straight back down. Keep watching the line. Go ahead and jiggle it now, if you must – or go nuts and drag it along slowly for a few feet before you reel in to make another cast.
First Largemouth Bass of 2025 (1 week earlier) on the Vertical Approach
2. The Rage Craw Horizontal Approach
If you need to move faster and cover more water, or if you see positive signs and notice that the bass are a bit more active than you expected – there’s no need to switch baits – cast your craw, let it sink to the depth you think the fish are at, and begin a slow, steady retrieve. The flappies will paddle behind the swimming bait, and you’ll quickly realize that swimming is not only passable… but very effective.
Rage
Craw
Bass
I’m Sure You’re Asking…
“AJ… why in the world did you pair a $100 reel with a $40 rod?!”
Great question – it has a lot to do with where I fish these days. Between the canals and the shallow lakes that have to be paddled, knocking around in the brush, hauling my plastic kayak into the thick of it just to get a crack at unbothered bass… I beat my gear up a lot and feel much better about accidentally snapping a $40 rod than a $200 rod. These things are workhorses; good enough for this kind of fishing.
1 Bait 2 Ways = Faster Fishing, More Casts and More Bites
So get out there and get your flappies goin’. Remember that largemouth key in on vibration & noise, while smallmouth bass key in on sight & scent. Keep these things in mind as you start your season – and you’ll be off to a great start.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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The rhythmic sound of what seemed like hundreds of topwater strikes made the hair on the back of my neck stand straight up. I’d never heard so many bass eating all at the same time! Unbelievable. Today will be the topwater bite to end all topwater bites! Instead of launching the kayak I decided to grab a spinning rod and quickly work a stickbait across the top of the muck that filled the narrow Midwest canal, right there at the launch.
However… upon closer inspection, it became apparent that the ruckus wasn’t coming from largemouth bass, but another fish… one with silvery-gold scales the size of quarters, massive girth, cold dead eyes and a mouth shaped like a… well… there is no pleasant comparison. Fill in the blank yourself.
Carp. Hundreds of ’em. Mating? Maybe. Eating for sure. Rolling around in the shallow water, kicking up silt and mud. Over the next few hours these freshwater whales would decide to keep me company (even though I didn’t ask for it) while I caught big bruiser bass after big bruiser bass.
It was minimalist fishing in the truest sense. I took one rod, one hook, and fished one kind of bait all day long with great success. The weather was favorable. The timing was perfect. And yeah… there may have been a bit of luck involved…
Midwest Canal Bass Fishing
Best Baits for Canal Bass
One thing that you have to keep in mind when it comes to canal fishing, is that these areas can often stretch hundreds of miles. They can be very wide or strikingly narrow, and you’ll find productive stretches (or “pools”) surrounded by dead water. In the summer when muck covers the surface, it becomes extremely difficult to see if your casts are landing in 2 feet… or 2 inches.
I just shared this in an article for Midwest Outdoors, but it bears repeating: the best way to avoid wasting time, is to explore the areas you plan to fish in the cold months when the algae is dead and you can see into the water. Make notes, then avoid dead water when the summer gunk fills back in.
Because canals are usually so shallow, I’ll lean on a good muck-resistant topwater, and a good weedless sinking stickbait 80% of the time. Remember the 80/20 Rule in Bass Fishing? It applies here as well.
Big fish will attack topwater baits. A favorite that I’ll use all season long is something I call The Crowbar. The Crowbar works in both clear water and heavy muck, and it can be used to pry big fish from the thick slop or snaggy bushes & branches overhanging the bank. Once the water gets above 50° I’ll start flingin’ it. In fact, just yesterday I landed my first Crowbar bass of the year on a super-windy day with 60° water temps. She dwarfed everything else I’d brought onto the shore so far this season!
The Crowbar getting it doneI’ll share the critical modifications in another post…
A good weedless, sinking stickbait is also a must, and that’s what worked so well in the video above. Now, in the past I’ve mentioned quite a few that I like, and at different times in different locations, one or the other will usually get the nod on some sort of a Texas Rig (weightless to weighted).
But in super-shallow areas, rigging up a traditional wacky can accentuate a horizontal fall. It’s excellent in canals. Some stickbaits are very salty and sink well on windy days, but they tear easily. I try to avoid using o-rings because while they can make your wacky rig more weedless, they lower your hookup ratio (fight me). Others are more durable but they float and have zero action. Adding weight can increase vibration, but also increases hangups and muck collection.
Fortunately the Strike King 3X Zero Worm merges several of the attributes I want when fishing canals. They are heavily salted so they sink without extra weight, and have “flavor.” They are also made of ElaZtech, so they are very durable and you can rig them without an o-ring and catch many, many fish on a single bait.
But, as with every bait, there are a few cons to the pros. While Zero Worms are heavily salted, that salt will begin to dissolve the minute you toss one into the water. So they do sink… for a while… once that salt is gone they float, and the leftover ElaZtech is very spongy, full of tiny little salt granule cavities.
The salt will also dissolve in the package if you squirt some scent in with ’em ahead of time. I made this mistake more than once before realizing what was going on…
There are a few new modifications I’ll be testing In The Field this season to see if we can reduce or eliminate these issues, but in certain situations like the ones below… the pros still outweigh the cons. I paired a Shimano Catana reel with a Bass Pro Graphite 6’6″ medium heavy spinning rod. Both are very inexpensive, and that rod is stout. I’ll also swap in a Lew’s Speed Spin or a Berkley Lightning Rod at times, and these are very budget-friendly as well. Throw on your favorite 8-strand braid (20 to 30 lb) and tie straight to a Berkley Fusion19 weedless wacky hook – boom – you’re in business.
If you pick the right color, you might also catch a surprise or two…
A nice little Illinois… trout?!
As our weather & water continue to heat up, we can expect a dramatic spike in the activity level of the bass. Shallow canals and ponds will warm up first. Don’t miss out!
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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Let’s talk about Midwest Fishing. Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, Wisconsin… I’ve come to realize that every sub-region has it’s own unique flavor. The trick is figuring it out in your neck of the woods.
Our region is known for it’s harsh winters and scorching summers. At times those seasons will both make an appearance within a 48 hour period. Illinois in particular is known to “outsiders” for gang violence, corrupt governors and terrible drivers. That last one has earned us the nickname “FIBs.” Ask any Wisconsiner what that means next time you visit… chances are you’ll get them to burst into laughter…
Speaking of Wisconsin; what a beautiful state! Rich with natural resources, amazing scenery, warm people, cold beer, delicious diners and enough cheese to clog your arteries 10 times over. A little slice of Heaven on Earth.
When I was a kid I thought that you had to go to Wisconsin to catch smallmouth bass. I was also under the impression that largemouth bass were rare here in Illinois. Pike & muskie? Well, up Nort’ of course! Imagine my surprise a few years ago when a DNR officer mentioned we had pike right here at home. Good pike. In a marsh not far from where I live. “Pike?! In a shallow marsh? Seriously?? You’re messing with me…“
He wasn’t messing with me.
AJ Hauser with a nice Illinois pike measuring 28″
See what I mean? Every sub-region has a unique flavor and hidden gems. So exploring is important, and that’s great news, because for us anglers exploring new areas and new water can be incredibly rewarding. It can also crush your spirit, grind it into a fine powder and light it on fire… but that risk just adds to the excitement every time you load up to go fish.
I might fail today.
If that happens, I’ll feel bad for a while, pick myself up, dust myself off and try again tomorrow.
The results of that tenacity cannot be denied.
Right before the pike, this 20″ largemouth bass weighing 5.25 lbs joined me in the jon boat
So Illinois has given up some genuine chonks these last several years. For that I am so grateful. However, Wisconsin fishing – especially near Minocqua and along the Manitowish Chain ‘o Lakes – has always been a special thing for me and my family. We started fishing this area when my Grandpa Jerry bought a cabin along the channel between Stone Lake and Rest Lake (not far from Greer’s Pier) when I was just a wee lad.
A lot has changed since then, and over the years I’ve figured out the best baits for fishing the Manitowish Chain. Granted the word “best” is subjective, but when you consider the following fish, I think it’s fair to say that everything I’ve included should at least be in the conversation.
My best smallmouth bass on the chain (so far) was 20″ and 4 lbs – pretty good considering she was caught in the middle of summer (July)My wife with an absolute unit the year priorDad with a big, fat, Manitowish Chain smallmouth bass
We still vacation here every summer, and a few years back we stayed at a cabin on the bank of Wild Rice Lake for the first time. This lake sits at the far southeastern end of the chain, right next to the incoming river. I believe this is called Trout River – but I’m not sure about that. What I am sure about, is that Wild Rice Lake seems to have a fair amount of sediment in the water that I believe has something to do with that incoming river. The visibility isn’t bad, but it’s not as clear as some of the other lakes. It’s somewhat shallow (again, compared to the other lakes on the chain) with lots and lots of weeds, some underwater humps, and pockets that make it look like pike and muskie would absolutely flourish here.
We didn’t catch any notable pike or muskie during our visit – but we did see some locals pull up a few big fish! They’re in there… but we were plenty happy to discover a good handful of smallmouth and largemouth bass.
I’ve been cleaning up old video footage lately. It’s a great way to relive memories and learn even more about different bodies of water, but one thing keeps jumping out at me. My technique, my methods, my commentary – it was all unbelievably bad and cringy. Yikes. Wouldn’t it be better to hide these videos from the world? To delete them??
No.
I didn’t start The Minimalist Fisherman to look cool, I started it to learn more about fishing and share that info with my kids and readers, so we can all catch more & bigger fish. Hopefully along the way I meet a few guys & gals that fish for the same reasons we do. These old videos are actually pretty exciting, because they allow me to really see the genuine growth. They show progress. They show that this entire endeavor isn’t a waste of time – it’s a process, and being able to share that (even the stuff that might look bad) is a blessing.
Exploring new water near Copp’s Cabins on Wild Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Cleaning this footage also reminded me of an old project I need to revisit… customizing spoons. Spoon fishing is something that my brother and I have loved for a long, long time. You can see one of my first paint jobs getting tossed around for a bit near the weedy humps on Wild Rice Lake. Here was how I modified them:
I’m going to scroll back up now, and look at the fat fish from the beginning of this article. Consistent hard work pays off. It pays off in fishing of course, but it also pays off in every other aspect of life. Maybe not today, or tomorrow… or for 5 years… but if you set your sights on something and try again, and again, and again… improvement is inevitable.
Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!
Tired of the wind? The chapped lips? The dark dinners? Heart-attack shoveling? Split fingers? The icicles of death? (See Die Hard 2 for reference.) The SUCK?
Golly man. I understand some of you masochists like to set up little tents and dangle the ‘ol worm deep down below the frozen ice. If that’s you, God bless ya, but I am absolutely clawing at the walls, waiting to get out and start the season off the same way I always do: Bank Fishing. I can’t wait for the dew to soak my shoes, the sun to cook my goose (I’m not sure what that means) and the bass to gnaw on my thumb.
“My goose is cooked!”
But as I worked through some footage from last April, I almost felt like I was doing something wrong…
Is Bank Fishing OK?
I’m a Midwest Fisherman, and in April we typically see water temps anywhere from the 50’s to the low 70’s. These temps fluctuate based on depth, wind and weather, but the bass are going to spawn. You can see them clear as day from the bank. They’ll be on beds. Or around beds. They won’t all spawn at the same time, and this can be confusing to anglers. Myself included. What triggers that spawn? Is it the temperature? The length of the day? Something else? A combination? The “why” is a discussion for another time, but the “what are you two doing in there?!” is pretty obvious…
Some beds will have “fry guarders” hanging around, some will have big, fat, beautiful females. Because of this, bank fishing (or specifically “sight fishing”) can be extremely productive… but there is a conversation to be had about a big problem with bank fishing for bass on beds…
I saw you… but you saw me, too…
These bass are up shallow, doing the hibbidy-dibbidy or guarding the results of said dibbidy. Giggity. But you know they have to be getting pestered all day. They’re just too close to the bank, especially in areas with lots of foot traffic.
You can see them. They can see you. The tension builds. Slowly, carefully, you pitch a half ounce Texas Rig with some outer-space-looking plastic thing that breaks the surface of the water with the subtlety of a cannonball. On ANY OTHER DAY, that bass is going to bolt – especially in such shallow water! But not today… today that bass looks up, annoyed, rolls her eyes and slowly does what she knows she has to do… she saunters over and slurps up your ridiculous offering (not having thumbs means in the mouth it goes, like a toddler) and tries to remove it from the clearing… SNAP!!… “I DONE GOT HER GEWD!!“, you bellow. She rolls her eyes a second time, allowing yet another goober to hoist her onto the bank, snap a picture, and (hopefully) put her right back.
Yes, I am the goober in this story. Yes, it is an exaggeration, but do you see the problem? On any other day that fish is going to run (swim) or at the very least, develop an immediate case of lockjaw as soon as they become aware of your presence. Could be your shadow. Your footsteps. Your B.O. (hopefully not that). I’m really struggling with the ethical side of this equation.
But… (there’s always a “but”) they are SO HARD to ignore. I mean look at this fish – how am I supposed to quit you!?
Everyone needs a few more heifers in their life…
Are bank fishermen “better” than tournament anglers? Are tournament anglers “worse” because they target bedding bass, throw ’em in the livewell, take them miles and miles back to to ramp for an official weigh in… only to release them there, instead of taking them back home?
(Pro-Tip: always plan a trip to go fish around the ramp a week after any local tournament wraps up. You can thank me later.)
Surely us bank fishermen aren’t that bad… at least not as bad as them… after all, we put ’em right back and that’s better… right? Hard to say. I don’t think it’s a question of “better or worse,” those are just shades of gray.
On the flipside: bass eat bass. Are we protecting the newly hatched fry that can’t protect themselves? When you consider both males and females eat baby bass by the mouthful… maybe we’re actually filling the role of a bassy savior?!
Hmmm… check this out and let me know what you think. Then I have one final question for you…
Quick Sidenote: the best bank fishing equipment is pretty simple. Stickbaits, first & foremost. Getcha some Senkos or Ochos if you want to fish weightless. Go with Dingers if you need to save a few bucks, but plan to use weight to add some movement to the lifeless plastic. Bang StickZ are a good option if you want a stickbait that will last all day and float, but again, they are lifeless on their own.
Hooks? The Trokar Pro-V is a NASTY little bugger. You hook ’em on these and they stay hooked – plus you can use up to a 4/0 and still stay relatively low profile with the baits mentioned above. The Magworm and the Grip-Pin are great options for stretchy morsels you want to lock in place (a la Bang StickZ), but they will tear “regular” plastics, especially those loaded with salt. Reaction Tackle makes a nice little bread ‘n butter EWG that is a good combination of strength and thickness. It’s not super-chunky, but you probably won’t straighten it out. I discovered Reaction Tackle years ago ordering on Amazon and assumed they were a foreign company, but they’re actually headquartered just 2 hours away from me – right in Big Bend Wisconsin, USA. If you want to reload the tackle box they have some quantity discounts worth considering, plus you can get 15% off of your first order. I plan to get up there for a visit later this year (and hopefully a video) to talk more with Cody Dobberstein & Chad Hoover. Good dudes!
So GEAR is always fun to talk about… but back to the matter at hand. Is bank fishing for bedding bass ethical? Is it OK? We all know it’s fun… but are we doing something wrong, or are we just enjoying a natural (renewable) resource?
I’m curious to hear what you think.
Hey buddy…
See you soon?
Warmer weather will be here before we know it. I’ve moved from sharpening hooks to loading the backpack and planning with great excitement in anticipation of some big, fat, springtime bass. Bank fishing is without a doubt one of the greatest ways to spend the morning…
Question is… do we bother them in bed?
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!
What comes to mind when you think of canal fishing?
Is it slop? Ditch pickles? Mucky mayhem? Garbage fish? Hot sticky days surrounded by stagnant, stinky water? Disgusting old filth some wanker tossed from his truck as he drove over the bridge?
Sure… sometimes that can be the case… but for me, canal fishing is associated with BIG BASS.
A big fat canal largemouth bass taken on a stickbait. See the wad of weeds & gunk still hanging on my rig in the background??
That wasn’t always the case though…
I Used to Avoid Canal Fishing
Completely. It wasn’t until the DNR stopped me (multiple times) as I was leaving other clean bodies of water. He commented on my little jon boat with the huge battery (again… multiple times) and asked “you ever get over to fish the canal? It would be perfect for the way you fish!“
Yes. True story. This happened multiple times. (Do not underestimate my ability to learn slowly.)
So fine. FINE. FINE! I’ll fish the stupid ditch! STOP ASKING!
I waited… and waited… and waited… I drove over it probably 25 more times, fishing other bodies of water. Then at the very tail end of 2023, finally took a reluctant trip to the canal… and landed a 3.5 pounder that also ended up on a Midwest Outdoors cover:
AJ with a Fat Canal Bass
MWO Jan ’24
Holy smokes. That’s a game changer. They can really live – and thrive – in this shallow water that, at times, barely seems to cover their back! It was decided right then and there; the following season I would dedicate a serious amount of time to canal fishing.
Here’s how it started…
Canal Fishing Equipment
This isn’t a sales pitch so I’ll keep it short and sweet. Most of the gear that I took with me lives in my Heavy Muck Base Box. This has been converted (minimized) to a Heavy Muck Kayak Base Box. We’ll talk about that in a future article – but the long and short of it is this:
You need a stout rod and the ability to cast a fair distance. The fish are living in shallow water, so while they can be aggressive, they can also be extremely spooky. I prefer to use a spinning combo when I’m sitting low in my little plastic kayak. A 6’9″ Bass Pro Bionic Blade with an Ugly Tuff spinning reel spooled with 30-pound Power Pro V2 braid works really well in these situations. The rod is rated as a medium-heavy (fast action) but it has a surprising amount of backbone. A 7-foot Berkley Lightning Rod is another great option that I use often for this kind of fishing. It’s a bit “slower,” but these are great workhorse rods that won’t break the bank. The Ugly Tuff (by Ugly Stik) is solid, but I did have to completely disassemble and grease it to fix a nasty squeak that developed after I dropped it in the water. Fluorocarbon leaders are not usually necessary, but when they are, 40-pound Seaguar Fluoro Premier gets the nod. I’ve tried their Blue Label and Gold Label, and like them at times, but in this situation Premier has the best mix of stretch, strength and abrasion resistance (for working around tree trunks or sporadic riprap) with a reasonably small diameter. Bit pricey, but man, Seaguar makes good stuff! (That said, I am really looking forward to testing out the Reaction Tackle fluoro that’s sitting on my desk at the moment…)
Start with a topwater. Always. If they won’t bite, go subsurface… but remember, subsurface here doesn’t mean a jerkbait or a crankbait. Ever. It might mean a weedless chatterbait or a weedless swim jig or a spinnerbait if you really have high confidence in something like that. But for me?
Stickbaits.
I caught more fat canal largemouth bass on stickbaits last season than all other baits combined. Sure, I caught some on tubes, I caught some on flukes, a few others on soft-plastic creature baits with all kinds of flappys on ’em… but day in and day out, whether the bite was on fire or extremely tough, some version of a stickbait was always the top producer. Often the setup was super-minimalist: Weightless Texas Rig. At times: Weightless Wacky Rig. Occasionally I would add weight, but with such shallow water, that only happened if I needed to punch through overhead cover or play with the rate of fall.
90% of the time a big chunk of plastic, rigged some sort of weightless, was plenty.
Now I will admit, occasionally a monster heifer (my big bass for the day) came on another presentation. Usually topwater. But most of the time both quantity and quality engulfed the stickbait.
This absolute heifer of a canal largemouth slammed a Z-Man GOAT Toad on top… well, on top of about… 9 inches of water… look at how beautiful this specimen is. Flawless.
Start there, and you’ll be well on your way.
Everyone needs a few more heifers in their life.
That needs to be a t-shirt…
Canal Kayak Fishing: Day 1
This video shows some of the events from my first return visit the following season. It also shows how to meet other anglers at the ramp, and how much fun that can be! If you meet a quality fisherman that is willing to trade information, this can be extremely valuable.
It was the beginning of a long learning process… one that continues to this day. Upcoming videos will show the progression in-depth:
Canal Fishing: Full Episode
Oh, and get this: the best fish of the day came out of a tube, after biting a tube…
Canal Fishing: Best Bass of Day 1
That’s canal fishing.
So, brothers, there is much more canal fishing goodness to cover, and this season I have no doubt there is even more for me to learn… but that’s part of the fun. That’s the good stuff. Figuring out the puzzle. Getting humbled. Figuring it out again. I’m so freaking ready to go. More videos covering canal fishing are on the way in the near future, but I just wanted to say if you haven’t given it a try… consider it.
Lol… heifers…
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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The Post Spawn Period, I have come to learn, is surprisingly unique. Bass can have an insane case of lockjaw, and at times they simply will not bite even when you can see them peppered throughout the shallows.
This is frustrating.
Bass can also be insanely active during this time (if you catch them on the right day) striking anything that crosses their path.
This is exhilarating.
A quick online search shows that the Post Spawn Period usually gets a bad rap… however, if you look just a bit further than the top 1, 2 & 3 results on the ‘ol Googlebox, you’ll find that many anglers seem to love fishing during this time.
What gives?!
Here’s a secret about fishing: if you find a guy that loves something, you can easily find another guy that hates that same thing!
This is a great truth of the universe.
It never fails.
If Guy A swears by BAIT X, you’ll quickly find another guy that swears BAIT X NEVER WORKS!
Guy A will tell you the XYZ Period is BEST, while Guy B swears the XYZ Period makes fishing IMPOSSIBLE!
Guy A LOVES bed fishing, Guy B says it WRECKS the fishery!
Pour Coca-Cola on their gills?! Fizz ’em before release?! No bananas in the boat?!
“I… whuh??”
You get the idea… but without a doubt, right after the spawn there is typically a period where bass need to recuperate. During this time the bite can slow dramatically. However, as largemouth begin to move to their summer haunts, they’ll begin to put on the feedbag… this can lead to some ridiculously fun days on the water… like this:
Illinois Topwater Fishing: Post SpawnClick the banner to jump to Stars & Bars Fishing on YouTube.
On top of that, in larger lakes and reservoirs it is possible to find areas where the fish are actually in different phases even though they are technically living in the same lake. They could be post spawn in the northern part of the lake, while still spawning in the southern part. They could be slamming moving baits in the north, while requiring a slooooowed doooooown approach in the south.
If that’s the case, you’ll want to tie on a few good “soaking baits.”
Test this on your lake this spring, and don’t forget to target transitional areas (like the first major point outside a spawning flat) in the reverse order the fish would have used them when they moved in to spawn. OH! Keep your eyes peeled for bluegill beds too… those honeycomb patterns along the bottom can mean an easy meal… and some nearby bass lurking in the shadows…
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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Isn’t it amazing how much a body of water – or more importantly, the bite – can change from day to day? This can be true during any time of the year, but here in Illinois the months of April, May and June can offer up some of the best largemouth bass fishing you could hope to experience… and at the exact same time… some of the most frustrating.
Just depends on the day…
… and… about 587 other factors…
So hey, no sweat right?! Let’s get into it!
Fishing the Midwest Post Spawn Period
It is difficult to pinpoint The Post Spawn Period with exact certainty. Many anglers believe there are 4 key elements that signify the fish are still Post Spawn, and not yet exhibiting Pre-Summer behavior. In Illinois (and other states in the Midwest) The Post Spawn Period is typically when you have water between 65° and 70°. Spawning has completed, and the females are no longer shallow – they’ve shuffled off to deeper waters (think deeper shelves, the ends of main lake or secondary points, or even suspending). The males however can still be found guarding the nests along the shoreline. This is true for both largemouth and smallmouth bass…
Leave them alone. They have a job to do and their old lady just ran out on ’em!
Finally, you’ll know if you’re not yet into the Pre-Summer Period when regular behaviors and feeding activity have yet to resume. The fish are still sluggish, tight-lipped, lock-jawed, lazy… and this will drive you freakin’ crazy!
I know y’all just did the hibbidy-dibbidy a bunch but DANG IT… do you really need 2 to 4 weeks to recuperate?!
Sometimes. Not always. Other factors have come into play in recent years as well, aside from temperature. Things like the length of the day, sun & moon cycles, barometric pressure and weather patterns – these are all given more weight than in yester-years.
If you notice some of the signals I’ve listed here when you are out on the water, there is a good chance you can figure out what kind of behavior you can expect (or not expect) from the bass you’re targeting. If you’re on a lake with both largemouth and smallmouth bass, you’ll probably be able to find areas with fish in several different moods.
But remember: even when the bite is TOUGH, there are things that we can and should be doing as anglers to capitalize on our time on the water!
How to Make the Most of an Illinois “Post-Spawn Fishing Trip”
First decent fish aboard the jon boat on a tough bite kinda day!
Even though fishing Post Spawn conditions can be tough, there are still things we can to do to make the most of our limited time on the water. Here are 4 tips that will help you make the most of the day:
1. Find NEW Fish-Holding Structure & Cover
It’s always a good idea to be mindful of your surroundings. On days like the one in the video above (where the water was clear and low) I was able to see tires, pallets, standing timber and some distinct rocky ledges that I had never noticed before.
Adding waypoints during a tough day is an investment in future fishing trips for when the water – and the bite – return to normal. If you do this, you’ll be able to quickly remember and cast to these fish-holding spots that other anglers are unaware of.
2. Work on Your TECHNIQUE
Every cast is a chance to improve your accuracy. Every retrieve is an opportunity to improve your “feel” (your ability to feel what is above and below the water). Every breeze gives you an opportunity to work on your positioning & boat control. Every tap is a chance to perfect your hookset. Every battle is a joy, and a rep that builds your ability to play & net fish.
Every trip – good or bad – should be seen as an opportunity to build your skills.
During the one above, I started with a Megabass Pop-X. It’s one of my new favorites.
While using both presentations, I was deliberate in my actions, and I told myself that even if I didn’t catch anything, I was going to improve as an angler. (I also made a point to test a Z-Man EZ Tube on a Pro Bullet, which did result in one aggressive smallmouth bass.)
Not a giant – but on a tough post spawn day – I’ll take it!
Don’t lose sight of this and sleepwalk through the day. Stay present and do your reps.
3. Try LIVE BAIT
Live bait is always an option. It’s also something that I tend to forget when I am bass fishing in Illinois. When we’re targeting smallmouth bass up in Wisconsin, it’s a different story. Live bait like leeches and crawlers are automatic.
If you have live bait available… grab some and use it!
(I wish I had some with me during the trip above… next year I’ll try to think ahead a bit better…)
You’re Welcome in our Camp
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4. Be GRATEFUL & Think Some Good THOUGHTS
Dude. You’re out in nature. Breathing the fresh air. Soaking up the sun. Sweating from your hard work. You’re doing something that others wish they were doing right now, but for one reason or another – they cant.
Never fall into feeling sorry for yourself.
That is WEAK.
Weak men are WORTHLESS.
It’s easy to slip into a pity-party when the bite is nonexistent. I’m guilty, too. But remember: weak men aren’t able to lead a family. Learn to make the most of the tough days on the water, because at some point you’ll have someone with you that needs to see what it means to push through adversity. To get kicked in the teeth and keep going. To take some “bad luck” and turn it around.
These lessons don’t just apply to fishing – they apply to life.
The young men in your life – and in my life – deserve a good example.
Don’t quit. When the going gets tough, there’s only one thing to do:
Keep casting.
One more Post Spawn Illinois largemouth on the 4″ Ocho.
Eventually, your luck will turn around – just like it did here:
2023 had some ups and downs for all of us, but overall, it was a great year. This project, The Minimalist Fisherman, continues to grow, and some new opportunities have surfaced in the last few months. If you’ve ever subscribed, shared a post, emailed me, or donated – thank you!
I appreciate the support, and we all want to wish you a prosperous 2024. God bless.
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from The Hausers!
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So, I have these hooks… and they are vicious looking little dudes… but, I haven’t been able to find a good use for them for years. Gear that sits like this, unused, needs to be tossed, round-filed – minimized.
However, while rolling them back and forth in my hands, lightning struck. On a recent bank-fishing trip to Snapping Turtle Pond I was able to fish stickbaits and wakebaits very effectively, but there was a major problem…
When I would get a bass up near the shore, the act of lifting the fish 10 feet high in the air, up and over the tall reeds & grass, resulted in several lost fish. They would either get stuck and fall back in the water, or my little wacky hook would simply pop free – releasing the fish before I had a chance to give ’em a smooch.
I needed a longer pole, heavier gear, and a hook that would stay put when lifting fish up and out. The CHT Double Wacky Hook paired with a stout spinning setup and heavy braid-to-fluoro fit the bill. Now the good news is that I have about 6 more of these, and they will last for a while – the bad news is that I’m not sure if they’re still making ’em… if anyone has any idea, please comment. Might be a good idea for me to send them an email right now just to check…
If you fish from the bank, check this out and go get some hawgs!
Lifting Fat Bass High Into the AirClick the banner to jump to Stars & Bars Fishing on YouTube.
The Lunkerhunt Battle Beetle is something that I will try again. However, it has two exposed trebles on the back. On this trip the slight amount of floating debris made this bait unusable.
The CHT Double Wacky Hook allowed me to lift big fish up and over the tall shoreline reeds & grass. This hook did not pop free as easily as a single wacky hook on previous trips.
The o-ring allows the maximum amount of hook to be exposed – just like using o-rings with a standard wacky hook. Cool feature.
Big fish will hide right up next to shore if there is adequate cover and they feel safe.
It all comes down to balance. When I’m fishing clear water, I go as light and natural as possible, but in a place like this increasing the size & strength of the entire rig is a must.
Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!
I am happy to report that my ridiculous nose-infection has dropped back down, from 100% swollen to about 12%. So, that means it’s back to work, and back to fishin’! In the following video I wanted to show you (and install) a very clever rod holder I just purchased.
Earlier this year I made some vertical rod holders out of PVC… and they came with a few hassles. This addition to the customized jon boat will allow me to add or remove rod holders in 3-seconds flat.
Check it out –
3-Second Rod Holders? Yup. Click the banner to jump to The Minimalist Fisherman on YouTube.
If you want to pick up a few for yourself, check out the Lunker Trail Website – I was extremely impressed with how fast these guys processed my order, and it looks like their home pase is right in Missouri.
More on this product soon… hope you get out today, and have a great weekend!
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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It’s Monday, and there is a YouTubes I’d like to show you.
First, a quick story: when I sat down at my computer to edit this video, that’s all it was supposed to be: a fishing video. With fish in it. And baits. And fishy stuff. And fishing tips.
The end.
But… it’s not just a fishing video…
While playing the clips back over and over and over, I found myself smiling ear to ear whenever my son would catch a fish. The excitement and adrenaline, followed by his enthusiastic laughter – how could I NOT smile!? He’s so excited! He’s happy. He’s proud. He took on a task and succeeded.
So why does this matter?
4 years ago when I started The Minimalist Fisherman, I didn’t know what it would become, but I did feel a strong pull. Just go. Write stuff. Record stuff. Publish stuff. See what happens. Even with all that uncertainty, helping my boys become better anglers was a priority. We’ve talked before about how I struggled to put them on fish. My skills needed to improve, so that they could have more fun.
So that was the focus. Fun. As I gained more and more experience it paid off in terms of many, many more fish for everyone in my tribe… but… guess what the added (unexpected) benefit has been?
Real, genuine, father / son bonding.
I had completely missed it. Bonding was an afterthought, not a priority! Catching more fish, THAT was the goal. But through the development of this skill, something truly special has happened. My boys ASK me to go fishing all the time. I get to take them outside, away from screens, away from news, away from distractions and work in unison with them towards a common goal. We climb a mountain together, and God willing – we celebrate VICTORY.
It’s a beautiful thing, and I want that for you as well.
If you’re looking for a way to bond with your son or daughter – yes, even your wife – then fishing can be an extremely valuable asset in the relationship building toolbox. Keep this in mind during trips so you can do whatever possible to help them have fun and achieve success. On days like this it’s not about you, Dad – it’s far more important they catch fish!
But I promise… by focusing on them, you’ll walk away from the lake with something way more valuable than a couple of bites…
Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!
One great thing about owning a small, lightweight kayak, is that you can carry it into a LOT of different places without breaking the bank… or breaking your back. It’s hard work, but since one of our main goals this year is to find new, remote areas to fish… hard work is simply mandatory.
GOOD.
Exercise plus fishing? Sign me up. Currently I’m lugging & floating in the noisiest plastic kayak known to man – a Lifetime Payette 98 sit-inside model. This nine-and-a-half foot, 44 pound kayak works, but you can hear it squeaking with every cast, every fish, every paddle…
Stealth is not an option, and one day I’ll upgrade… but for now we gotta do what we can with what we got. Here’s what I learned on this trip…
Kayak Fishing a New Lake in IllinoisClick the banner to jump to Stars & Bars Fishing on YouTube.
Jerkbaits can work as a searchbait, but they are a visual presentation – not a great choice in cloudy water after a storm. This is why the 80/20 Rule is applied to all Base Boxes.
Bass love to hide around (and cruise over) Chara Algae, especially during the springtime Midwest fishing season. Look for and cast to shallow clear areas, shadows, overhangs and finally deep transitions to other weed types.
Walking through State Fish & Wildlife Areas can be very productive. Ticks were not an issue… yet… but by mid-summer, they are a major concern. Be careful!
White and gray baits in cloudy water can reflect light. Don’t be afraid to try them, along with black baits that will cast a distinct silhouette. Experiment.
I like to fish small wacky hooks with o-rings so the MAXIMUM amount of HOOK is exposed. This boosts hookups, and the added benefit is that plastics last longer, but I don’t care about saving plastics & neither should you! After spending hundreds on gas & gear, saving a $0.38 plastic bait is NOT a priority, it is a distraction. Focus on the fish. If you need to spend $4.99 on more plastics because you caught too many – embrace that, it’s a good problem to have!
Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!
Muckin’ bass is something that many of us have experienced. It involves manually removing bass from… well… loads of muck.
In 2019 when I started The Minimalist Fisherman, I had made the incorrect assumption that cover like this was simply unfishable.
“Just look at all that nasty algae. No bass in there! If there are, they’re untouchable – gotta wait until we go up to Wisconsin to catch some fish out of clear water with very distinct weed edges I GUESS…”
So negative. So silly. So WRONG.
The bass are in there, and as soon as I realized this, it became my mission to find the best way(s) to extract ’em. This has led to the development of several new skills and modified rigs.
It’s a blast.
In this video, I’ll explain a bit more about The F4 Rig, which was originally developed to help fish flukes through heavy cover. Here’s how you rig it and what you can pair with it – and just for good measure, a few good examples of what you can pull out of heavy underwater sludge & cover – even when the bite is tough!
The F4 Rig is a great option for muckin’ bass & adjusts easily on the fly.
Early in the season when the greenery is sparse, you can get away with treble hooks and sloppy knots sportin’ large forward-facing tag ends… but as the season progresses, you need to adjust your approach if you don’t want to spend more time removing debris (and pulling your hair out) than fishing. As the snot & muck thicken… rigs like this become more and more useful.
A Healthy Largemouth Bass on the ‘ol F4 Rig
Add it to your repertoire, get after it, and let me know how it goes!
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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Yesterday I was going over a trip from last June while working on a video for the fishing vlog. We had been getting rain off and on for about 72 – 48 hours – but nothing super heavy… so I thought I could go out and have another day of smallie bashin’… well, the water was high & muddy – like chocolate milk.
Fortunately, I was able to call an audible after 30 minutes of unproductive fishing. My F4 Rig was getting snagged up on all the creek bed debris, but my Pop ‘n Drop rig allowed me to make enough noise to attract fish in the muddy water and keep my trailing plastic off the bottom.
Check it out!
Chocolate Milk & Smallmouth Bass – Breakfast of Champions!
When the water is high and muddy like this, bass will move. They might move up or downstream. They might get in really close to cover (including the bank, boulders, timber – anything that can make them feel more secure or offer a current break) and they might seek out eddies or wider areas with slightly slower current.
They could have lockjaw… but… you’ll never know until you get out there and look for ’em.
Check out both of the techniques mentioned here, get after it, and let me know how it goes!
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!
The rain is pitter-pattering outside my window. Tiny taps followed by the occasional PLOP as a big cold drop travels through space from the corner of the roof to the sill…
… pat pat pat pat pat PLOP pat pat pat…
It’s calming, but… I’m restless. Restless because we have rain. Not snow.
Snow is the devil.
Rain means the snow is dying.
Good riddance.
I was talking with a friend last night about dealing with depression. He called it “being lost in the wilderness.” You can probably relate. There are times when everything seems to be… just… blegh. Right now in this country, you can feel an overwhelming sense of dread.
Stories of chemical spills, huge layoffs, corruption without justice, $7 eggs, any number of cultural issues – it’s enough to drive a man insane… it’s oppressive.
You feel it?
One of the ways to combat these feelings is to stay busy.
Busy with prayer. Busy with work. Busy with family. Busy with hobbies.
Getting busy (giggity?) can give your brain a chance to break away from the weight we carry day-to-day, even if it’s subconscious. Not that we should ignore the issues – quite the opposite – but at times, we need a break.
Fishing is that break for me, and winter is my enemy… because it slows me down.
It gives me something to chase, something to work on, something to improve, something to aim at… even if the target is a bit cloudy as the tires on the truck crunch their way out of the driveway…
Let’s just go.
… and so today, as winter continues it’s slow death… my daydreams become more vivid. The plants are greener, the air is crisp, and the fish… they are plentiful. Plentiful, and so much fun to catch on ultralight gear.
If you’re like me, daydreaming about those action-packed afternoons – the 4 presentations used in this video are absolutely killer for panfish!
Click the banner to jump to Stars & Bars Fishing on YouTube.
1. The Kalin’s Crappie Scrub
The Kalin’s Crappie Scrub is an inexpensive plastic bait with no salt or scent, but twin paddle tails that thump and vibrate aggressively on a straight retrieve.
Speaking of retrieve, you can see in the video that I’m using a Pflueger President spinning reel (size 20 I believe), which is just an absolute unit. Make sure you have one (or four) of these classic workhorses in your arsenal. Check out this monster green sunfish that fell for the Crappie Scrub – landed in the Trophy Room, actually.
2. The Donkey Tail by Mule Fishing Supply Co.
You’re probably sick of me talking about these… but… well… I don’t care.
They catch fish man!
I like the Jr., and my favorite color is Pasture Fire. Click below for a full review, and consider hucking these on another simple workhorse that Brother Mike (aka Brother Wiggly Worm) down at Table Rock Lake reminded me about just yesterday: the Berkley Lightning Rod.
They are cheap, and they work – I have seen more Lightning Rods on the boats of fishing guides than any other make & model.
3. The Bobby Garland Itty Bit Swim’R
This is the smallest plastic I have ever fished. Like the Crappie Scrub and Donkey Tail, they have no salt or scent that I am aware of – but they are just the right size for aggressive panfish.
They catch all kinds of gamefish, and pair well with small (1/32 oz) jig heads. There are all sorts of jigs on the market, but the Mr. Crappie offerings are always a good choice.
4. The Strike King Bitsy Minnow
Finally, if the cover allows for it – test mini crankbaits like the Strike King Bitsy Minnow (or Bitsy Pond Minnow, depending on who you ask). It has a tight little side-to-side wobble and pairs perfectly with Stren monofilament.
The extra stretch helps keep the small hooks pinned in the mouth of fish, and makes it harder to toss – or for us to tear it out. It also allows the bait to acheive maximum wobble!
Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!
Yesterday, I used this simple 4-step plan to get out of my fishing slump. Not only did it help me catch bass – it helped me methodically break down a local lake that has changed drastically due to the fact that all of the large algae pods the bass used to get up under close to shore are gone (removed with chemicals).
In short – the plan worked. Here are the 3 best from yesterday:
Largemouth Bass #3 – 2.25 lbs
Largemouth Bass #2 – 2.5 lbs
Largemouth Bass #1 – Just Under 3 lbs
This was the key:
My downsized wacky rig was weedless, but I used heavier tackle and added a little bit of heft. There was a swivel between my braid and fluorocarbon leader for weight, plus a 1/32 ounce bullet weight. (Yes, you read that correctly – tiny!) This allowed me to cast a bit further, fish a bit faster, and find the deep grass edge these largemouth bass were set up next to.
It worked again and again (smaller fish not pictured). Here was the gear:
This got me thinking about a video I did a while back, when I was using VMC Weedless Wacky Hooks with a wire weedguard exclusively. I missed a lot of fish using these… but I still have them on hand for the heaviest of cover. It’s worth considering so you’re a bit more versatile… but remember… only get ’em if you’re gonna use ’em!
Click the banner to jump to The Minimalist Fisherman on YouTube.
Even though it’s a bit older, if you have any feedback, I’m all ears.
Hope you fellas get some fishing in this weekend.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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Oh Mylanta – this is cringe-city! Lord… I was also like 15 pounds heavier. At least.
You can tell in these older videos that I was completely depressed. Quite literally sad, as my business and home life were both on the rocks. There are a few jokes & smirks, but you can actually feel the anxiety and stress bubbling under the surface. Fishing was something I was trying to focus on to keep busy, to learn more about, to help me lay off the bottle.
So I post this today with two hopes:
I hope that my inexperience and funny mistakes will inspire youto create. We’ve talked about how Motivation is Worthless, and Developing a Drive is Necessary, but being willing to suck and look like an idiot in public – for a long time – is also necessary. I still have a lot to learn, but just remember: if you don’t thicken your skin you’ll never create anything. That would be a shame.
The Pop ShadZ have been a staple in my Base Box for almost 3 years now. With that in mind, it’s worth watching this video to glean the tidbits that make it such an interesting largemouth bass bait.
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Even though it’s a bit older, if you have any feedback, I’m all ears.
Hope you fellas get some fishing in this weekend.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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I’m packing today. Headed to Iron River, Wisconsin with ‘da boys for the annual BroTrip. I’d love to tell you it’s a fishin’ trip, but the truth is the primary focus will probably be whiskey-fueled storytelling around the fire by the cabin. Reliving memories. Sharing new ones. Good times.
My buddy James and I started this tradition many moons ago, going consistently every year. The accompanying cast changes slightly. It’s nearly impossible to coordinate eight or nine schedules when there are kids and wives involved. James has an older brother named Mike who is flying in this year, and he likes to fish. There was a bit of chatter as we were making plans: “… so Hauser… you got a hitch on your truck?“
Sure do.
Let’s make it happen, cap’n.
God willing, I’ll be fishing in Wisconsin tomorrow afternoon, and you can be darn sure these will be with me:
You can fish a lot of areas thoroughly just by having these 5 items with you, plus a handful of assorted weights. Here’s a few getting used last summer while fishing up near Minocqua, Wisconsin.
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* The hair jigs tipped with leeches are the sleeper hit… but even if we can’t get our hands on any leeches (as it is pretty late in the season for that), jigworms can help you cover an area well. Just adjust your weight depending on how fast and deep you want to fish!
This is a bit different than what I lean on in Illinois for smallmouth bass fishing, but if I’m in Wisconsin, you can bet these items are in my tackle bag.
If you have any questions, just let me know.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots!
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It’s no secret. I currently travel the Land o’ Lincoln in search of the mighty largemouth bass. Some days the fishing is incredible, other days… not so much. Probably user-error more than location… or maybe Abe doesn’t want me catching all his fish?
“Walk on home, boy.”
Whatever the reason, there are 4.3 presentations that I ALWAYS have with me no matter where I’m fishing in Illinois. I did a video on this last year (below). Based on the comments, some people loved it… others didn’t care for the fact that I made fun of our state.
Whether I’m fishing up around northern Illinois, or way, way down south (we got a looooong state y’all), these baits are with me so I can cover many kinds of water and fish the conditions effectively.
If you have any questions, just let me know.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots!
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Fixing fishing rods is something that has fascinated me for a while now.
Several years ago I started working on an outdoor social media project with a few friends. We tried our best, but fizzled out. During that time I broke an important fishing rod – one that helped me catch a lot of larger bass early on in my fishing journey. I’d become attached to it, and when it snapped, it broke my heart. Surprised by this sentiment, I decided to try my hand at repairing fishing rods.
This video shows how I completed my first fishing rod repair, the next shares the improved rod repair method.
Going through this process showed me what to do, but more importantly, what not to do. After testing the repaired rod in the field, I came up with a new, stronger method for repairing fishing rods.
If you have a broken fishing rod that needs to be repaired, I would suggest you check this out and see if you can apply the methods and tips within these two videos.
While it might make sense to just go out andbuy a new rod instead of spending the time and effort required to perform the rod repair, I can tell you from experience that the knowledge you’ll gain from going through the repair process is extremely valuable. You will develop new skills and a deeper understanding of the tools you’re putting to use on the water.
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If you have any questions, just let me know.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots!
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You can spend your time showering… like a girl… or you can stink and fish… LIKE A MAN!
On this day in history… I chose to stink… and it was worth it.
Catching Fat Illinois Bass on Swim Jigs & Stickbaits!Click the banner to jump to The Minimalist Fisherman on YouTube.
After the weather warmed up a bit it was time to get back out and fish the ‘ol swim jig again… but not without taking the Strike King 4″ Ocho, which had also recently started to produce. Even with all of the wind today, this provided a really nice one-two punch and allowed me to fish fast and slow without stopping in my limited window of time.
This might work for you, too.
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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He jumped out of his aquarium and dried up on the floor. I am still completely confused at to why he did this. Fred the Miracle Fish did this as well… at a later date… maybe we’ll get into this a bit more later on – but…
Jon Boat Upgrades: Using Sealed Pop RivetsClick the banner to jump to The Minimalist Fisherman on YouTube.
A few important points:
If you are using marine grade silicone (or any silicone) to apply and repair the holes in your boat, make sure you only squirt out what you need. When I was completing this step, the silicone I had out was drying up and getting gummy and hard to work with.
I actually had to remove one of the rivets because the silicone did not create a good, smooth seal.
So definitely something to be mindful of.
Aluminum Jon Boat Holes to FillAluminum Rivet, Silicone and Washer Combination on Jon Boat HullInside View of the Rivets Used on the Jon Boat
Also, like I mentioned in the previous video, make sure to use the smallest drill bit you can when you are removing old rivets.
I made a lot of extra work for myself by creating holes larger than they needed to be – don’t repeat my mistake!
The way that I fixed this issue was by stacking washers. You can see in some spots in the video a little washer on top of a big washer held together with the silicone and the rivet. Not the best situation, but they have held up.
So all in all, this step was successful. We have a few more things to do to the interior and then we need to take it out on the water just to test everything and make sure all of the holes and rivets are water tight!
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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Several years back we started The Jon Boat Project. It went well. Today, I’d like to give you an update on the original boat project and show you how everything is holding up, as well as a closer look at some of the modifications that were made.
This was a great, relatively simple project that anyone can do. It’s also a great alternative to shelling out thousands on a brand new fishing boat if you just need a simple – but comfortable – alternative. Not to mention… it’s really fun.
Jon Boat to Bass Boat ProjectClick the banner to jump to The Minimalist Fisherman on YouTube.
Over the next several weeks I’ll be getting caught up on the update videos that I took during the time I was working on the project. These have yet to be turned into videos, because while they were being created I was completely obsessed with growing my business – not fishing or video editing.
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They can play a much larger role in your life as well.
All you need to do is simplify and make a one change at a time. Progress. Progress leads to happiness.
We’ll talk more about that as we go, but for now here are a few before & after photos of the jon boat project. Feel free to hit me up by dropping a comment if you have any questions.
Jon Boat – DeliveryAluminum Jon Boat – Seat RemovalJon Boat Fixed Back EndCurrent Jon Boat Status – Holding Up Well!
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots!
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Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!
Ok… not really… but it is probably not an awful idea to wear boots if you are going to be walking around ponds and lakes where there is a decent amount of fishing pressure:
Protect your dogs! Click the banner to jump to The Minimalist Fisherman on YouTube.
So I’m joking about the “attack”… but only slightly. It’s a good idea to be careful when you are fishing pressured ponds and lakes. Opt for some protective footwear unless you are really watching where you are stepping. Had I been wearing light flippy floppys… this would have been embedded in my foot.
That could have sucked…
Now with that said – here’s a funny little tidbit:
So the stowaway that almost killed me has more road to travel… he’s not done… his legacy is still being written!
After pulling him out of my boot with pliers, I straightened out the crooked hooks and sharpened them so he’s currently ready for action… if it ever stops snowing.
We’ll keep you posted… 😀
So watch your back and your footing – but make sure to keep getting out! I would trade 2 awesome topwater strikes like these for a hook in my foot any day…
Largemouth Bass Strikes on TopwaterClick the banner to jump to The Minimalist Fisherman on YouTube.
Let me know if you have a favorite pair of fishing boots, I need some new ones (plus a new fishing backpack now that I think about it) and take care of yourself out there!
Tight Lines & Godspeed, Patriots.
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Join us as we continue to work on becoming better anglers – and better men.
Your support directly funds the creation of weekly articles and videos that promote the development of better anglers and better men. Our country (and our kids) need both. Please share this site, and consider a monthly, weekly, or one-time donation. You are helping us make a difference!
