About Fishing

Fishing Seasons

The type of fish you want to catch may depend on the time of year you go fishing. Here is a guide to help you decide what time of the year you want to plan a trip with Reel Striking Guide Service.

Late December through March
Ice fishing on the bays of Sturgeon Bay and Green Bay for monster Northern Pike, Big Perch and Trophy Brown Trout... Trips depend on ice conditions.

April
Trophy Walleye, Northern Pike, Brown Trout and Lake Trout... Trips depend on icebergs.

May
Trophy Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Brown Trout and Lake Trout.

June through September
Lake Michigan Sport Fishing available

October through November
Trophy Northern Pike, Bass, Walleye and Brown Trout.

You are required to obtain the correct fishing license.  Visit the Wisconsin DNR for more information:  http://www.dnr.state.wi.us/org/water/fhp/fish.

Keep in mind that fish hang out were they are most comfortable.  As the weather changes so does the favorite location for different fish species.  An experienced local guide is your best bet to have an enjoyable and productive fishing trip.

Fishing Species

Here is some brief information on the fish you may catch:

 
Smallmouth Bass - Known for its fighting ability the smallmouth is aggressive and territorial.  It can be found in various depths year-round.  It has distinctive vertical tiger stripes.

Walleye - These are thought to be mostly nocturnal but also caught during the day.  They have reflective eyes which appear to glow when in light and a white underbelly.  Found in the bay, there is an abundance trophy size (28 inch plus) are not uncommon.

Northern Pike - Distinguished by its long slender body, the pike is also grey and spotty.  It is known as the "fresh water barracuda" due to its row of razor sharp teeth.  An abundance of 30 inch and ranging up to above 40 inch are not uncommon.

Yellow Perch - A popular pan fish, the delicious perch can be found any time of year except when closed by the Wisconsin DNR.  Once in decline, the species is currently rebounding.  There are once again an abundance of 10 inches or bigger ranging from 1/2 lb to 2 lbs.

Brown Trout - Somewhat fragile, the brown trout do not take well to being released.  They are abundant as they are a stock fish.

Catch & Release

As a sportsman, I actively support the catch and release program which helps encourage the strength and growth of our fish populations.  I have been involved with organizations such as Walleyes For Tomorrow that focus on sustaining our resources.

Tournaments

There are many poplular fishing tournaments in this area.  Captain Neil Sealey and partner Mark Zielsdorf won the 2004 Spring Sturgeon Bay Open Bass Tournament having caught 47.47 pounds.  They also won the big bass with a smallmouth bass weighing in at 5.66 pounds bringing their total winnings to $40,000 in cash and prizes.  Neil has also placed well in other tournaments including ice fishing.