Each issue of Game & Fish Midwest details proven local strategies for whitetails, turkeys, bass, walleyes and more. Discover the best places to hunt and fish from North Dakota to Kentucky, and learn the top times for success in the field and on the water. Get info on hot new gear and how it performs, as well as updates on trends, regulations, seasons and destinations to help you plan your next outing.
Editor
IN THE FIELD
CALENDAR
THE NEXT WAVE • ANGLERS HAVE PLENTY OF CHOICES WHEN IT COMES TO BUYING A NEW BOAT. WE TOOK A DEEP DIVE INTO THE 2018 MODEL-YEAR FISHING CRAFT AND FOUND MANY THINGS WE LIKED AND FEW WE’D CHANGE.
ALUMACRAFT • VOYAGEUR 175 SPORT
STARCRAFT • TITAN 186 DC
SMOKER CRAFT • 182 PRO MAG
RANGER • 2080MS ANGLER
G3 • SPORTSMAN 200
CRESTLINER • 1750 BASS HAWK
PASS IT ON
TECH EDGE • THE LATEST INNOVATIONS TO HELP YOU GET THE MOST OUT OF YOUR TIME ON THE WATER OR IN THE FIELD.
ANGLER OF THE YEAR • What has Brandon learned that can help you catch more fish? Search “Brandon” at gafmag.com.
CAMO FOR FISHING? • MOSSY OAK AND REALTREE THINK IT’S TIME ANGLERS GET THE EDGE OF STEALTH ON THE WATER, TOO.
LATE-ICE PANFISH TACTICS • THESE TIPS WILL MAKE YOUR WINTER PANFISHING MORE PREDICTABLE AND YOUR SUCCESS MORE RELIABLE.
LAST ICE SAFETY
2018 MICHIGAN FISHING CALENDAR • NOW IS THE time to examine your fishing agenda for the coming season at Michigan’s top fisheries. Chances of hooking up are certainly better than they were just a few weeks ago. With that in mind, the following are our very best options for memorable angling adventures in 2018.
BEST BETS FOR BITES • Michigan’s top catches month-by-month
MOON TIMES
EARLY BASS, EASY BASS • Open-water angling is not that far in our future. These expert tips should help you make the most of that early bass action.
MORE TIPS, MORE BASS • In addition to what we’ve already covered here, consider these two “bonus” tips next time you hit the water for some bass action.
FEBRUARY SHED HUNTING TIPS • LOOKING FOR SHEDS CAN BE PART OF THE SCOUTING STRATEGY THAT WILL HELP YOU BAG A NICE BUCK NEXT FALL.
MICHIGAN HOTSPOT FOR GIANTPERCH • Special regulations and size limits make Michigan’s Lake Gogebic a hotspot for taking jumbo yellow perch .
WHERE TO GET BAIT
CATCHING COLD WATER SLABS • These expert tips will produce enough crappie action to keep you warm on the most frigid days on the water.
HEAVY METAL HOOKUPS
FOUR LURES that CHANGED FISHING • Each of these famous lures dramatically changed the way anglers fish.
THE WIGGLE WORM
THE BUEL SPOON
THE FLOATING RAPALA
THE MEPPS AGLIA
PLANNING FOR A PERFECT OPENING DAY • BEING PREPARED FOR SPRING TURKEY SEASON TAKES SOME TIME AND EFFORT.
SETTING UP FOR TURKEYS • WHILE KNOWING HOW TO CALL IS IMPORTANT,TO BE TRULY SUCCESSFUL HUNTERS NEED TO UNDERSTAND HOW TO SET UP FOR TURKEYS.
Playing By The Rules