Fishing in the Mid-West was a whole new world to me.
Found that one out on a recent business trip to South Dakota, where I fished a couple lakes in Brookings and was blown away by how different the fisheries are out there.
I spent most of my time on Lake Sinai, which has at least nine species in it. Six of which were new to me: walleye, yellow perch, black bullhead, northern pike, green sunfish and hybrid sunfish.
In fact, the only fish I recognized were smallmouth, carp and bluegill. Not that I saw any. But I recognized them on the signs around the lake.
Another difference from the California waters I become accustomed to was the depth of the lakes. While I didn't have the benefit of a boat, I was able to wade out a good 20 or 30 feet and the water level barely reached my knees.
Needless to say, the deep-diving crankbaits I brought along for the ride never left my box. I used spinners for nearly the entire trip and didn't have a whole lot of luck.
OK, I had no luck whatsoever. Hit one big fish -- I like to think it was a pike -- but lost it before I could identify it.
Then the thunderstorms rolled in and blew me off the water.
Thunderstorms? In the summer?
Again, I might've well have been fishing on Mars.
But the best part about fishing in the Mid-West?
Access.
Every couple miles I'd pass a sign:
"Public Fishing Access Ahead."
Free of charge every single time.
It was a pleasant sight for the sore eyes of a California angler who has come accustomed kicking off his fishing trips at the drive-up ATM.
No matter where you go in California, you have to pay to play if you plan on fishing a lake.
In the Mid-West, the lakes and streams easily accessible and free, for the most part.
Again, I might've well have been fishing on Mars.
