AboutMarc Wisniewski Expertise I can answer questions relating to all types of freshwater fishing, tackle, and tactics. I also can answer questions regarding rod building, lure making, and lure modification.
Experience My expertise is in Bass, Pike, Musky and the Great Lakes species. I have a lot of experience in Wisconsin and Lake Michigan in particular. With regard to Rod building, I have built custom rods since 1978. I have been building and designing lures for 35 years. I currently sell several of my lures both locally and nation wide. I have done work for several lure companies such as Mepps, Storm, Cisco Kid, and Suick
Organizations Wisconsin DNR Lake Michigan Forum (elected position). Friends of Lakeshore State Park, Milwaukee, WI
Publications Two monthly columns in Midwest Outdoors Magazine, Writer of the weekly Lake Michigan Fishing Report in the Milwaukee Journal/Sentinel, The In-Fisherman Magazine(since 1986), Musky Hunter Magazine, The Badger Sportsman, Woods and Waters Magazine, The Mepps Fishing Guide, Do-It Molds website, and I have been a guest on WGN Radio (Chicago) on their Saturday Outdoor program.
Education/Credentials I have an engineering background.
Question Hi Mark, for fishing in a river for bass, northern pike trout etc. specifically near a dam, which lures would you suggest? Also what artificial lures would you suggest?
Answer Hi Jon,
Without knowing more about the area (depth, current speed, weeds, no weeds, etc) I can make a few general suggestions.
All those species can be caught on spoons and spinners. A #3 Mepps or a 1/4 ounce spoon will work for all three. The bass and pike can be taken on safety-pin type spinnerbaits, crankbaits like a #7 Shad Rap, a 4 1/2" Thunderstick, or something like a 1/2 ounce Rat L Trap.
Jigs are always one of my favorites and work well at many depths. A 1/8 to 1/4th ounce jig tipped with a 4" Gulp Minnow will catch nearly anything that swims.
For live bait, a medium sized (3-4") golden Shiner will be good for all three species.
