By Melissa Ganje & photojournalist Jeff Ernewein, FOX 21 News

WASHBURN - Its home to the largest Smallmouth Bass in the state of Wisconsin.  Come along as we Launch from the Washburn Marina with an experienced fishing guide and go Bass fishing on Chequamegon Bay.

"Lake Superior is the big draw; most people who come up here want to fish the big lake just because it's the biggest lake in the world," said Captain Craig Putchat.  So we headed out onto Chequamegon Bay with Capt. Putchat of Outdoor Allure in Washburn.  He's been fishing since he could hold a pole and guiding anglers for 13 years.  "Its fun to see a smile bigger than any smile you've ever seen when they catch their first real nice big fish," said Putchat.  Wednesday we fished for Smallmouth Bass and Putchat says in Chequamegon Bay, their average size is 20 inches.  "With the Smallmouth regulations, we've got the biggest Smallmouth Bass in the state that live out here because it's a catch and release fishery."

The most popular types of fishing on Chequamegon Bay are trolling for Trout and Salmon and Bass fishing.  Wednesday we used live bait.  "Because we've got the mayfly hatch going on right now, that and the fact that we haven't had good stable weather, the fish are really sluggish, they are inactive, they are just kind of laying around and it's in times like that, live bait is much more effective," said Putchat.  But still, patience was key.  "Ah, he dropped it, he dropped it," said Putchat.  We had to work for them.  "And I missed him."  We dropped a line in at a couple hot spots in the bay and finally got lucky.  "Oh, he's back, he's back, there he is," said Putchat.  This guy was on the smaller size but Capt. Putchat also reeled in a typical Chequamegon Bay Smallmouth Bass.  This one was about 18 inches.  "Look at how gorgeous they are," said Putchat.  But they had to go back in the water.  "You just have to spend enough time out here with a line in the water and have patience," said Putchat.  Another successful day for Capt. Putchat on Chequamegon Bay.  "What would you rather be doing, it's a gorgeous day, the weather is great, there is a nice cool breeze blowing and we caught a few fish."

For more information about Outdoor Allure or to book a fishing trip with Capt. Craig Putchat log onto their website at www.outdoorallure.com