Episode 25
You Can't Catch Them in the Cabin
Show Date: June 20, 2026
Location: St. Germain, Wisconsin
Accommodations: St. Germain Lodge [715-542-3433 - www.stgermainlodge.com]
This week we’re back in the Northwoods with good friend and guide Rob Manthei, hoping to enjoy a classic summer bite around the St. Germain area. Of course, the weather had other ideas.
The forecast called for clouds, wind, and temperatures that felt more like spring than summer. Rob wasn't particularly surprised. In fact, he told us that during his years living in St. Germain, he's seen snow during every month of the year except August. That’s the Northwoods for you—you never quite know what you're going to get.
Joining us for the trip was fellow guide Tom, along with our friend Chris MacGillis. When the conditions aren't ideal, having good people in the boat becomes even more important, and fortunately we had plenty of that.
Rob and Tom suggested starting on bass, and it quickly became obvious they were on the right track. The wind made casting a challenge, but the smallmouth didn't seem to mind. For several hours we enjoyed steady action, battling hard-fighting fish and forgetting about the less-than-perfect weather.
As the day wore on and the temperatures continued to drop, the bass bite slowed, so we switched gears and went looking for walleyes. We managed to put a few in the boat before eventually deciding we'd had enough of the cold and calling it a day.
No, the weather wasn't what we hoped for. No, we didn't spend the entire day loading the boat with fish. But that's never been the only reason to go fishing. Sometimes the best part of a trip is simply spending time on the water with good friends, sharing a few laughs, and making memories. As Chris's grandfather always said, "You can't catch them in the cabin."
