Fishing in the Mid-West, or fishing on Mars?

I might as well have been fishing on Mars.

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.