Thursday, June 28, 2012

EXTREME HEAT MEANS NIGHT TIME FISHING!!

Greetings All;
With the very extreme heat covering the Midwest and very high humidity, daytime angling is  not advised at this time. High heat warning have been posted and it is a very dangerous situation out there. As I write this, outdoor temps are exceeding the 100 degree range. If you have to be outdoors, try to limit the time spent there and be sure to stay very hydrated by drinking a lot of water. 


Due to this excessive heat wave, I have been limiting all my angling to the night time hours. Even though it is still hot, the Sun is not beating down on you and the humidity is much more bearable.

The good news is that the night bite has been great. Lots of beautiful catfish coming in along with a few panfish. The catfish are the ones that will keep you busy. Fish those snag and deadfall areas with your dipbaits and you will be very successful.  Remember, catfish roam at night much more that day.

One thing to remember about night fishing, no matter how well you think you know the area, just remember it will look very different at night. Travel slowly and use caution in your navigation. Also, make sure you tell someone where you are heading so that they know where to look should you get in a jam. I'll tell you folks, right now is the time do do your angling during the cooler night time hours. I'm quite sure you will not only stay cooler, but you might just catch the catfish of your life.

Be safe, wear that PFD and save a few for me.  

Regards:  Lastcast,   Mike Cyze    lastcast13@yahoo.com



Tuesday, June 26, 2012

LOOK FOR RISING WATER LEVELS AGAIN ON THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER!!!

Greetings All:
With the huge rains of 10" plus up in Minnesota around the Duluth area and areas South,  look for all that water to start making it's way down river and causing water levels to rise quite a bit. This rise will be a fast rise so be alert as to what conditions are before heading out. Best bet for fishing is to head into the many backwaters and side sloughs for some great angling action. The rise in water will turn the fish on to a good bite. Look for excellent catfish, bass and also panfish to be biting. 
Don't forget to wear that PFD when on the river. Strong currents can be very dangerous if you should happen to fall in. Always tell someone what area of the river you are planning on fishing so that they have an idea where you are headed, just in case you have a motor or boat malfunction occur.


Don't let the high water scare you off, just be safe and use common sense when on the water.


Regards: Lastcast,    Mike Cyze     lastcast13@yahoo.com

Sunday, June 24, 2012

CANADIAN TRIP A REAL WINNER!!!!

Greetings All:
Just returned today from a few days up in the Great Canadian Bush Country. Fishing was truly excellent with many fish coming in. Big Northern up to 28 lbs., giant walleye with a 5 lb. average and some great lake trout action also. Weather was nice, a few showers but nothing to worry about. The bugs were out in force though when there was no breeze. 
Was able to enjoy one of my favorite things to do when in Canada. I'm talking about shore lunch. Fresh caught walleye fillets, baked beans and fried potatoes and onions all made over an open fire. What a way to enjoy a wonderful meal. Float plane flights were great also with beautiful scenery from the cockpit. If you have never been to the wilds of Canada, try and plan a trip. The fishing and scenery are amazingly breath taking. If you need tips on Canada and great remote locations to head to, drop me an e-mail at: lastcast13@yahoo.com. 

Regards: Lastcast   Mike Cyze    lastcast13@yahoo.com

Saturday, June 16, 2012

FATHERS DAY 2012 LOOKING GOOD FOR BEING OUTDOORS!!!

Greetings All:
 Well, looks like the rain in the forecast for Saturday will exit the area overnight making for a great looking Fathers Day Sunday 2012. Hopefully you have some plans to spend time with your Dad if possible and show him you appreciate all he has done for you over the years. 

If your looking to get out on the Mississippi River to do some fishing, make it a point to get into those backwaters for some great angling action. Both bass and catfish fishing is excellent at this time. For the bass, use plastics such as worms or lizards cast near structure in the water. You can also work the edges of the many weed beds that are there. For the catfish, get yourself a good dip bait like G&S Cheesebait and fish the upstream side of snags and dead-falls laying in the water. Give that dip bait a chance to work and you will get some nice, eater size catfish to take home for a meal. 

One thing, bring water to drink. The weather is hot and you can become dehydrated very fast if you are not drinking water. Forget the beer, drink water. You will stay nice and fresh. Also, for those fish you catch, bring an ice chest full of ice and get the fish on the ice as soon as possible after catching them. This will insure they stay nice and fresh for eating. 

In closing, HAPPY FATHERS DAY 2012 to all you Dad's out there and on a personal note, HAPPY FATHERS DAY to my own Dad. Thanks "Pop's" for all you thought me in life, it is never forgotten,,, till we meet again.

Regards:  Lastcast     Mike Cyze       lastcast13@yahoo.com

Saturday, June 9, 2012

RISE IN WATER LEVELS REJUVENATING BACKWATER AREAS!!

Greetings All:
Well, with the rise in water levels from pools 9 through 14 from the recent rains up North, the backwater areas are getting a much needed shot of fresh, oxygenated water and the fish are loving it. This fresh water has turned the catfish and also the panfish on and the bite is excellent. 
Excellent crappie action in pools 10-11 & 13 with many slabs coming in. for you catfish anglers, the good fishing has become excellent fishing. Bass fishing is also excellent in the side slough and backwater areas on plastics. It's amazing how this influx of fresh water has transformed the stagnant backwater areas into great fisheries. It's like getting a much needed shot in the arm for the fish. 

As long as the water stays up, look for continued good fishing off the main river in these beautiful backwater areas. I was out last evening and hit the hat-trick, crappie, bass and nice catfish all were caught.

If your heading out on the Mississippi River fishing, plan on trying the backwaters in the pools I mentioned. You won't be disappointed.

Regards:   Lastcast        Mike Cyze        lastcast13@yahoo.com

   

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

MIDWEST FISHING IS BUSTING OUT ALL OVER!!!

Greetings All:

Well, it seems that this great weather we have been enjoying all across the Midwest has really turned the fish on also. Fishing has been excellent in Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois and Minnesota with good catches of all species available. Both lakes and rivers have been producing excellent catches. 

Anglers are taking nice panfish and also bass at most locations where available. Look for excellent catfish action also available in rivers, streams and lakes that contain them. Walleye angling good at locations throughout upper Wisconsin and Minnesota with numerous big fish being taken. 

If your making plans for an outing, do your homework before heading out and you will have an enjoyable, fish filled trip. One reminder though, bring that bug repellent because the insects are out in full force. Use a product that has the ingredient DEET as it's main source of repellent. 

With great weather expected to last for a while, make those plans now to get out and make some memories.

Regards: Lastcast,           Mike Cyze     lastcast13@yahoo.com
 

Friday, June 1, 2012

FREE FISHING DAYS ARE HERE!!!

Greetings All:
Hope you get a chance to get out this weekend in Wisconsin & Iowa for the Free Fishing Days. If you have never fished or have not in a while, now is the perfect time to get that MoJo back and enjoy a wonderful outdoor sport. If you lack equipment, check with your local DNR office to see if they have some available to use. Limited supplies are available so call first. 

This is a perfect time to introduce that youngster to the great sport of angling along with yourself having a great time and no license needed.

So what do you say??   Get off that couch this weekend and enjoy some great angling that both states have to offer. 

Good Luck and enjoy yourself.

Regards:  Lastcast,   Mike Cyze    lastcast13@yahoo.com

Friday, May 25, 2012

MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND IS UPON US!!

Greetings All:
Well, Memorial Day Weekend is upon us for 2012. This is the unofficial start of the Summer season. For you folks planing on getting out on the Mississippi River it looks like there may be some spotty showers in the forecast and some near record high temperatures also on tap. Forecasters are saying that Sundays temps could top the 94 degree mark,,,Whew, That's Hot!!!

Make sure if your outside enjoying the great outdoors that you stay very well hydrated and drink a lot of water. Remember, any alcohol will add to your dehydration. Although it may taste good, it is not a good idea in the very hot weather. Also bring the sunscreen and bug spray to stay protected. 

The river is in great shape, a little on the low side but nice. Be careful out there and wear those life jackets. I want everyone to get back home safely. 

Finally,  let’s all remember to take a moment to think about those who make it possible for our freedoms. This is a great time to fly your flags to show our support for those who serve and their families who wait for them.
Happy Memorial Day!


Regards:  Lastcast,,,   Mike Cyze      lastcast13@yahoo.com 

Friday, May 18, 2012

WHAT A GREAT WEEKEND TO ENJOY ON THE RIVER!!!

Greetings All:
Just a short note to let everyone this weekend weather forecast is a great one. If you have any chance at all, get out on the Mississippi River and enjoy all it has to offer. It makes no difference if your camping on it's banks or fishing it's many backwaters, this is a great weekend for whatever adventure you wish. 


Be sure to wear those life jackets and be safe out there. 

So put the grass cutting on hold and get your gear together. It's time for a great, relaxing time on the "Old Man River".


Regards:  Lastcast   Mike Cyze   lastcast13@yahoo.com

Tuesday, May 15, 2012

DON'T LET THE HIGHER WATERS SLOW YOU DOWN!!

Greetings All:
 Some of the rain run-off from up North has finally made its way down into the Tri-States area. The gates on the dams in both Dubuque and also Bellevue are open at this time.

 This is only a small bump in the fishing road so don't let it ruin your trip. In fact, the fresh water has re-energized some of the backwaters and the fish are biting well. Catfish especially good on dip baits. Look for crappie and blugills also hungry. On the main river, wingdams giving up a multitude of different fish. My favorite during May is the Big Stripers that I have been getting on the river.

 Look for the action to continue with this great streak of weather we are having.

Regards:  Lastcast   Mike Cyze    lastcast13@yahoo.com