Ready to test your skills against some of Northern Wisconsin's hardest-fighting fish? Hop aboard with Captain Mark from Curtis Guide Service for a 4-hour fishing adventure you won't forget. We'll hit up primo spots on lakes like North Twin, Lac Vieux Desert, and the Eagle River Chain, where the fish are always biting and the scenery can't be beat. Whether you're after a trophy musky or a mess of tasty walleye for the frying pan, we've got you covered. Bring your A-game and let's see what we can hook!
From the moment you step on the boat, you'll know you're in for a treat. Captain Mark knows these lakes like the back of his hand, and he's got all the gear and know-how to put you on fish. We're talking about some serious fishing action here – casting for aggressive northern pike, jigging for walleye, or maybe even trolling for that fish of a lifetime, the mighty musky. Don't sweat it if you're new to fishing or need a refresher – the Captain's got patience in spades and loves sharing tips and tricks. And hey, if you're an old pro, he's always up for swapping fish stories and trying out new techniques. Just remember to grab your fishing license before you come, and feel free to pack some snacks and drinks to keep your energy up. The fish don't take breaks, and neither will we!
We'll be cruising on some of the most beautiful lakes in the Northwoods. Picture yourself casting as the sun rises over misty waters, surrounded by towering pines. Or maybe you'll prefer an evening trip, when the big predators come out to play and the lakes turn to liquid gold in the sunset. No matter when we head out, you're in for some world-class fishing and views that'll have you planning your next trip before this one's even over.
Alright, let's get down to the nitty-gritty of how we'll be fishing. Captain Mark's boat is decked out with top-notch gear, but feel free to bring your favorite rod if you've got a lucky charm. We'll be using a mix of techniques depending on what's biting and where. For walleye, we might be drifting with live bait rigs or jigging over underwater structure. If we're after pike or musky, get ready for some casting practice – we'll be throwing everything from big bucktails to noisy topwater lures.
One of the coolest things about fishing these lakes is how varied the structure is. We might start the day working weed edges for aggressive pike, then move to deep rock piles for walleye, and finish up casting at fallen trees for those lunker smallmouth bass. The Captain's got his secret spots marked on the GPS, and he's always on the hunt for new honey holes. And let me tell you, when that drag starts singing and the rod doubles over, you'll be glad we're using quality gear that can handle whatever decides to bite.
Musky: The "fish of 10,000 casts" isn't just a saying – these toothy critters are the apex predators of our lakes and they don't come easy. But when you do hook up, hold on tight! Muskies can grow over 50 inches long and put up a fight that'll leave your arms shaking. They're most active in late summer and fall, but we can target them year-round. There's nothing quite like watching a musky the size of your leg follow your lure right up to the boat.
Northern Pike: Often called "water wolves," pike are the perfect mix of aggressive and common. These torpedo-shaped predators will hit just about anything that moves and fight like crazy. They're especially fun in the spring when they move into the shallows. Expect hard strikes, acrobatic jumps, and some serious tugging matches. Just watch those teeth when you're unhooking them!
Walleye: If you're looking for a fish fry, walleye is what you want. These tasty devils are known for their light bite and tendency to hang out in deeper water. But don't let their subtle take fool you – they can put up a respectable fight, especially the bigger ones. We'll target them with live bait or jigs, often at dawn and dusk when they're most active. There's a good reason why walleye are Wisconsin's state fish!
Smallmouth Bass: Pound for pound, smallies are some of the hardest fighting fish in our lakes. They love rocky areas and fallen trees, and when they hit, they hit hard. Expect lots of jumps and runs that'll test your drag. The best part? They're active all day long, so we can target them even when other species are taking a siesta.
Crappie and Bluegill: Don't overlook these "panfish" – they might be smaller, but they're a blast to catch and delicious to eat. We can often find big schools of them, which means non-stop action. Kids especially love catching these feisty little fighters, and they're a great way to hone your skills while waiting for that big one to bite.
Look, I could go on all day about why fishing these lakes is so special, but here's the real deal: every trip is different, and that's what keeps folks coming back. One day you might land your personal best musky, the next you could be reeling in walleye after walleye for a shore lunch. You never know when that big fish story is going to happen, and that's half the fun.
Plus, there's just something about being out on these pristine waters that recharges the batteries. Whether you're escaping the office grind or looking for some quality family time, a day on the lake is good for the soul. And let's be honest – bragging rights at the local bait shop never hurt either!
Alright, folks, here's the deal – the fish are out there, and they're not catching themselves. Captain Mark's calendar fills up fast, especially during peak seasons, so don't wait to lock in your date. Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to upgrade your PB or a newbie hoping to feel that first tug, we've got a trip that'll fit the bill.
Remember, we can take up to three anglers per trip, so grab your fishing buddies or bring the family. Just don't forget to pick up those fishing licenses before you come. And hey, while the deposits are non-refundable, the memories you'll make are priceless. So what do you say? Ready to see what's biting in Northern Wisconsin? Give Curtis Guide Service a call and let's get you on the water. The big one is waiting – let's go catch it!
Bluegills are perfect for introducing kids to fishing or just having a relaxing day on the water. You'll find them in shallow bays and around docks in 2-10 feet of water. They average 6-8 inches but can reach 10 or more. Spring and early summer are best when they're spawning in the shallows. Folks love their spunky fight and sweet, mild fillets. To catch bluegills, use small hooks with worms or tiny jigs under a bobber. Work around weed edges and fallen trees where they hide. A local trick is to use a light, long rod for detecting subtle bites and getting a good hookset. These "sunfish" are a blast to catch and even better to eat fresh from the fryer.
Crappies are fun little panfish that put up a scrappy fight for their size. You'll usually find them in 10-20 foot schools near submerged timber, weed edges, or dock pilings. They average 8-12 inches and half a pound or so. Spring and fall are prime crappie seasons when they move shallow to spawn or feed. Folks love targeting them for their tasty white fillets and how readily they bite. To catch crappies, try a small jig tipped with a minnow or soft plastic under a slip bobber. Work it slowly around cover and you'll often get a bite on the fall. One local trick is to use a long, sensitive rod to detect their light strikes. These "specks" are a blast for anglers of all ages.
Muskies are the apex predator of our lakes - big, mean, and tough to catch. You'll find them patrolling weed edges and rocky points in 10-20 feet of water. They average 30-40 inches but can reach over 50. Fall is prime muskie season when they feed aggressively. Anglers love the challenge and thrill of landing these elusive monsters. To catch one, use large lures like bucktails or jerkbaits. Make long casts and work your bait with a fast, erratic retrieve. A local tip: focus on "spot-on-the-spot" areas where structure elements intersect. Be ready for follows and figure-8s at the boat. Muskies aren't called the "fish of 10,000 casts" for nothing, but landing one is unforgettable.
Northern pike are aggressive predators that'll strike just about anything. You'll find them lurking in weed beds and along drop-offs in 5-15 feet of water. They average 24-30 inches but can top 40. Pike are most active in cool water, making spring and fall prime times. Anglers love their explosive strikes and powerful runs. To catch pike, try casting large spoons or inline spinners near weed edges. Use a steel leader to prevent bite-offs from their razor-sharp teeth. A local trick is to use a "Figure 8" retrieve at the boat - pike often strike at the last second. Handle them carefully and have pliers handy to remove hooks. These "water wolves" will get your heart racing.
Walleye are prized for their flaky white meat and challenge to catch. You'll find them in 15-30 foot depths near rock piles, weed edges, and drop-offs. They average 2-3 pounds but can reach over 10. Walleye feed most actively at dawn and dusk, especially in spring and fall. Anglers love their hard-fighting nature and delicious flavor. To land one, try slow-trolling with a bottom bouncer and nightcrawler harness along structure edges. Keep your bait near bottom and watch for light bites. A local tip: on windy days, drift live bait rigs over shallow reefs where walleye hunt baitfish. Be patient - these "marble eyes" are worth the wait.