Ready for a full day of fishin' on one of the Midwest's best-kept secrets? Hop aboard with Captain Ryan for an 8-hour trip on the gorgeous St. Croix River. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, this private charter is your ticket to some serious rod-bending action. We're talkin' Walleye, Crappie, Smallmouth Bass, and even some hefty Catfish if lady luck's on our side. So grab your lucky hat and let's hit the water!
Picture this: You and up to three buddies, spending a whole day on the crystal-clear waters of the St. Croix. No need to fuss with gear or bait - we've got all that covered. Captain Ryan's been fishing these waters since he was knee-high to a grasshopper, so you're in good hands. He'll show you the hotspots, share some local legends, and make sure you're using the right techniques to land the big ones. It's like fishing with that cool uncle who always seems to know where the fish are hiding.
Alright, let's talk shop. We're not just sitting around with a worm on a hook (though sometimes that works too). Captain Ryan's got a few tricks up his sleeve to help you catch your limit. We'll be trolling with Rapalas - those lures are like candy to Walleye. We'll also set up some 3-way rigs, perfect for getting your bait right where the fish are hanging out. And of course, we'll have plenty of live bait on hand. Minnows, leeches, nightcrawlers - whatever the fish are in the mood for that day. Don't worry if you're new to these techniques - by the end of the day, you'll be working those lines like a pro.
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Walleye: These golden-eyed beauties are the crown jewels of the St. Croix. They're crafty fighters and even tastier on the dinner plate. Walleye tend to hang out in deeper water during the day, so we'll be targeting them with our trolling setup. The best time to catch 'em is during their feeding frenzies at dawn and dusk. Nothing beats the thrill of feeling that telltale 'tap-tap' on your line!
Crappie: Don't let the name fool you - these fish are anything but crappy! They're fun to catch and even better to eat. Crappies like to school up, so when you find one, you've usually found a bunch. Spring is prime time for Crappie fishing when they move into shallow water to spawn. We'll use light tackle and small jigs to tempt these tasty panfish.
Smallmouth Bass: Pound for pound, Smallies are some of the hardest-fighting fish in the river. They love rocky areas and current breaks, so we'll focus on those spots. These bronze beauties are most active in the warmer months, putting up acrobatic fights that'll have you grinning from ear to ear. There's nothing quite like watching a Smallmouth go airborne with your lure in its mouth!
Catfish: The St. Croix's got some monster Cats lurking in its depths. These whiskered giants can grow to impressive sizes, giving you a real workout when you hook into one. We'll try for them in deeper holes, using stinkbaits or cut bait. Catfishing's best in the evening or at night, so if you're up for it, we might stick around as the sun goes down to try our luck.
Largemouth Bass: The big, bad bullies of the freshwater world. Largemouth love to hang out near structure - fallen trees, weed beds, you name it. We'll pitch some plastic worms or topwater lures their way and hold on tight. These guys are known for their explosive strikes and powerful runs. Landing a big Largemouth is sure to be a highlight of your trip.
White Bass: These silver speedsters are a blast to catch when they're running. They often travel in schools, so when you find them, the action can be fast and furious. White Bass are most active in the spring and fall, and they put up a great fight on light tackle. We'll try some small spinners or jigs to get them fired up.
So there you have it, folks - a full day of fishing on one of the prettiest rivers this side of the Mississippi. With Captain Ryan's know-how and a boatload of prime fishing spots, you're in for a day you won't soon forget. Whether you're looking to fill the freezer, learn some new techniques, or just enjoy a day on the water with good company, this trip's got you covered. The fish are biting, the boat's gassed up, and we're ready to show you the best of what the St. Croix has to offer. Don't let this chance slip away like a big one off the hook - book your spot now and get ready for some serious fishing action!
Crappie are fun, tasty panfish that typically run 7-12 inches long. You'll find them schooling around brush piles, fallen trees, and dock pilings in lakes and slow-moving rivers. They're most active at dawn and dusk, especially in spring when they move shallow to spawn. Anglers love targeting crappie for their delicate, flaky meat and the excitement of catching multiples. Light tackle is key - use small jigs or live minnows under a bobber. One local tip: in summer, try fishing deeper water during the day, then move shallow as evening approaches. Crappie have soft mouths, so set the hook gently. Once you find a school, you can often catch your limit pretty quick. They're great eating too, perfect for a fish fry.
Largemouth bass are real fighters, usually ranging from 12-24 inches and 2-10 pounds. You'll find them hanging out near structure in lakes, ponds, and slow-moving rivers. They love hiding in weeds, fallen trees, and docks. Spring and fall are prime seasons when they move to shallower water. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic jumps. To boost your chances, try working the edges of weed beds with a plastic worm or topwater lure early morning or late evening. One local trick: on cloudy days, throw a buzzbait along the shoreline - the commotion often triggers explosive strikes. Just remember, these fish have big appetites and even bigger attitudes, so be ready for a tussle when you hook one.
Smallmouth bass are scrappy fighters, usually 12-20 inches long. You'll find them in clear, cool waters with rocky or gravel bottoms. They love current, so focus on rivers or windswept lake points. Spring and fall are prime as they move shallow, but summer can be great too if you fish deep structure. Anglers prize smallies for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs. They hit hard and don't give up easily. Try tube jigs, crankbaits, or topwater lures. One local trick: when the water's warm, try dragging a crawfish-imitating jig slowly along the bottom - smallies can't resist. They're not as well known for eating as some other species, but they're still tasty if prepared right. Just be sure to release the big ones to keep the population healthy.
Walleye are prized for their tasty, flaky white meat. They typically run 15-20 inches and 2-3 pounds, but can get much bigger. You'll find them near rocky or sandy bottoms in lakes and rivers. They're most active at dawn and dusk, moving shallow to feed. Walleye have sensitive eyes, so cloudy days or night fishing can be productive. Anglers love targeting them for their excellent table fare and the challenge of locating them. Try jigging with minnows or nightcrawlers along drop-offs or trolling crankbaits. One local tip: in rivers, focus on current seams and eddies behind rocks where walleye wait to ambush prey. They're light biters, so watch your line closely for subtle takes. Once you figure out their patterns, walleye fishing can be addictive.
White bass are feisty little fighters, usually 10-12 inches long but can reach up to 18 inches. You'll find them in large rivers and reservoirs, often schooling near the surface or around structure. They're most active in spring during their spawning run upriver. Anglers love targeting them for their aggressive nature and tasty fillets. When a school is feeding, the action can be non-stop. Try small jigs, spinners, or live minnows. One local trick: look for seagulls diving - they'll often lead you right to a feeding frenzy. White bass hit hard for their size, so be ready. They're great eating too, just be sure to remove the red meat along the lateral line before cooking. When the bite is on, it's some of the most fun you can have with light tackle.
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