March 18 Fishing Report

[Jason Sloan]

Hello all, it's been awhile! The Badfish Crew has been extremely busy wrapping up the editing for our first season of television on Charter Mainstreet. It's been a fun and educational ride. Now we are in the process of hammering out the details for season 2 which looks like it will put us in households nationwide. We will continue to share all of our episodes online for those that won't be getting us on their cable/dish provider. This upcoming season is looking very promising, and we'll be passing the details on to you as they unfold. Onto the fishing report...

Late ice panfishing has been good to us. Mark and Gordy have been on some spectacular bites with big bluegills and crappies making up the majority of the catches. This last week has brought near-record high temperatures in the low 60's and the ice is about done. A few anglers are still hitting the ice but we wouldn't recommend it anymore. A fellow died last night in the U.P. when his atv went through the ice. If you are going to go out, we would suggest only going where others are out, and walk. Take the necessary precautions (go with someone else, bring a rope and throwable floatation device, hand spikes, etc.) and by all means don't push it. A meal of bluegills is not worth risking your life for. That said, the 'gills have been taking a variety of presentations including small rockers and Bro-bugs tipped with waxies. Crappies also taking this presentation as well as small minnows on tip-downs. Fish location is moving shallower, with 6-8' being best depth. Soft bottom areas with wood or weeds in the vicinity of spawning areas are best right now.

Also, check out our guide page for our 2010 rates and if you're interested in spending a day on the water with us, don't hesitate to contact us. Our summer dates are filling quickly, and we'll be happy to figure out a plan that best suits your needs. With an early ice-out on the way, this looks to be great year for spring/summer fishing in the Lakeland area.

Stay tuned, we'll be bringing you regular reports on our spring river walleye fishing, Lakeland area fishing forecasts, and updates on the Film Crew.

Thanks for staying with us, we're looking forward to a fantastic 2010 open water season!

JS

[Jason Sloan]

A quick update on the ice situation:

We do not recommend going out on the ice anymore this spring in Northern Wisconsin. Gordy fell through yesterday, and the shorelines on the bigger lakes are getting tough to get out on. Some guys were in Holiday Bay on Mincocqua this morning, but still we wouldn't recommend going out. Get the boat ready, re-spool your reels, sharpen hooks, and store the icefishing equipment until next year.

JS