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Posts: 615
Location: Madison, WI | I apologize if this seems like a weird question, but does anyone here in WI (especially Madison area) know of a place that will let you test baits? I'm thinking a hotel with a pool that will let you go in after hours?
I only have time to test new prototypes in the off season as I'm fishing in the spring. Even if there is open water, there is the closed season and I doubt the DNR would be lenient "i was only testing a new lure I made" 
Thanks in advance for any suggestions
MS |
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Posts: 619
Location: Verona, WI | Surface baits? There's a pond with a natural spring here in Verona that is open year round. It's about 2/3 of a cast length wide and about 3' deep. Pm me if you want directions.
Shane |
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Posts: 71
Location: Loves Park, IL | It's a short haul, but you could cross the Illinois border and test on the Rock River in South Beloit. The season is open year round. |
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Posts: 57
Location: Janesville wi | I would just throw them on the rock river in Wi. Pike and bass are open all year. I throw decent sized baits for spring pike and get checked by wardens all the time never had a problem. Unless your going to be testing really big baits or you are catching muskies and don't stop or trying to catch one you see you'll be fine. |
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Posts: 531
Location: Hugo, MN | Most hotel pools close at 10 pm or so. Some smooth talking or a small bribe should get you access to the pool once the guests are gone. Also, check some of the local schools. If they have a pool, you may be able to sweet talk a custodian. |
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Posts: 941
Location: Freedom, WI | It is legal if you have bent over hooks. Can't take them off for the balance but if bent down to the point that they can't catch a fish you are just throwing for practice. Talked to a few wardens about it but if you wanted to be safer call or email your local DNR contacts yourself.
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Posts: 2269
Location: SE, WI. | Lake Michigan is open year round. Why not test baits there???
Edited by jdsplasher 2/24/2012 9:33 PM
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Posts: 34
| I made friends with the night manager of a local fitness center and he let me toss some baits in the pool. He was so interested I actually took him out an he's turning into a Muskie nut. |
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Posts: 676
Location: Wisconsin | I used to go down to the Kenosha harbor and cast, open year round. Or Milwaukee harbor. Inland I wouldn't do anything until season open, even if you claim to be fishing for pike, the wardens are smarter than that. Get to an indoor pool. |
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Where in WI to test prototype baits?