Back Lash Musky Fishing Podcast

Celebrating 300 Episodes: The Evolution of Musky Baits

Welcome to a special milestone in the Backlash Podcast series, as we celebrate our 300th episode! This episode delves into the fascinating world of musky fishing baits, from their humble beginnings to iconic status.
Jeff and Brad explore the rich history and journeys of legendary musky bait manufacturers, uncovering the hard work and passion that fuels their craft. Featuring in-depth conversations with industry veterans like Brad Ruh of Musky Innovations, Bill Schwartz of Slammer Tackle, Mike Suick of Suick Lures, Russ and Jake of Smity Baits, and Duff Thury of Supernatural Big Baits. This episode highlights the dedication required to succeed in the niche market of musky fishing.
Join us as we dive into the innovations, challenges, and triumphs of creating the perfect lure, and discover the personal stories and motivations that drive today's leading bait creators. Whether you're an avid musky fisherman or someone interested in the art of lure making, this episode offers an engaging glimpse into the industry's backbone—its creators.
Thank you for 300 amazing episodes, filled with insights, stories, and community. Here's to many more! Happy New Year from the Backlash Podcast team.

Episode 299 - Jeff Hanson - Pre-Thanksgiving Muskie Madness

In this special pre-Thanksgiving episode of the Backlash podcast, join us as we dive into the world of muskie fishing with expert guide Jeff Hanson from Madison Musky Guide Service. Discover insights into the Madison fishery, enjoy a recap of the season, and learn about the hot baits that have been making waves. Whether you're prepping for one last muskie chase or planning for next year, Jeff offers essential tips to improve your game.
Also, hear about the upcoming plans for the podcast as it hits a milestone episode, and get a sneak peek into exciting promotions and sales from Team Rhino Outdoors and Musky Mayhem Tackle just in time for the holiday shopping season. This episode is packed with end-of-season reflections and strategies to keep you hooked on the thrill of muskie fishing.

Episode 298 - Chase Gibson - Chasing Seasons - Musky Adventures

Welcome to another exciting episode of the Back Lash Podcast! This week, we sit down with Chase Gibson, who joins us from his temporary base at Brad's house, as he transitions between Minnesota and West Virginia, the places he calls home. In this episode, Chase shares his unique lifestyle of guiding and fishing across multiple states year-round, offering insights into the seasonal patterns and challenges he faces while pursuing muskies.
Chase discusses his passion for fishing and how he balances guiding with his own explorations, particularly his adventures on Leech Lake in Minnesota. He shares his experiences learning the intricacies of this vast body of water and his strategies for targeting musky, from casting and trolling to his favorite baits and techniques. The episode dives into the world of musky fishing, discussing the impact of technology like LiveScope, and the importance of staying positive and adaptable on the water.
Join us as Chase and Brad share their insights on seasonal transitions, the upcoming cold weather, and the highly anticipated cisco spawn. This episode is packed with valuable tips, personal stories, and a touch of humor, making it a must-listen for any musky enthusiast looking to learn from the experts and enjoy the thrill of the chase!

Episode 297 - Brad and Jeff talk about catching November musky

In this episode of Back Lash Podcast, Jeff dives into the world of musky fishing with Brad Hoppe, discussing the ups and downs of the current season. Brad shares insights into his recent fishing experiences, detailing the challenges faced due to unusual weather patterns and the strategies he's been employing to catch muskiy during this tricky time.
The conversation also explores the effectiveness of various baits, with Brad highlighting his preference for Supernatural big baits like the 12-inch headlocks, while also touching on other popular choices like the Mattlock. The hosts discuss the importance of adapting tactics based on water temperatures and fish behavior, emphasizing the need for flexibility in lure selection.
Additionally, the episode unveils new product developments from Musky Mayhem Tackle, including the upcoming releases of the Single Girl Flashabou and the Mini Hurricane, designed to enhance fishing strategies with unique features. As they gear up for future episodes, the hosts encourage listeners to share topic suggestions for the milestone 300th episode, inviting them to be part of the podcast's evolution.

Episode 296 - Kevin Goldberg - Musky Conversations: Tradition Meets Technology

In this episode of the Backlash Podcast, we sit down with seasoned musky angler Kevin Goldberg, who shares his unique perspective on the evolution of musky fishing. Without the usual brand affiliations, Kevin offers a raw and honest take on his experiences across various states and provinces, providing a glimpse into his extensive musky adventures.
The conversation delves into the impact of modern technology on the sport, especially the controversial use of forward-facing sonar. Kevin and Jeff discuss the potential benefits and pitfalls of this advanced technology, pondering its long-term effects on conservation and fishery health. They reflect on how fishing has changed over the years, exploring the balance between tradition and innovation in the musky community.
Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that encourages anglers to consider the future of musky fishing while celebrating its rich past. Whether you're a seasoned veteran or a newcomer to the sport, this episode offers valuable insights into the challenges and joys of chasing musky.

Episode 295 - Steve Jonesi - Fall Fishing Tactics

Welcome to what feels like a special mid-summer edition of the Back Lash Podcast, where we dive into the world of musky fishing with guide Steve Jonesi. Steve shares his experiences fishing across the Midwest, particularly in Iowa, and discusses various fishing seasons and topics. Joining the conversation is Brad Hoppe from Musky Mayhem Tackle, bringing his insights and expertise.
In this episode, we explore the challenges and opportunities presented by changing weather patterns, the latest in fishing gear, and strategies for successful trolling as temperatures cool down. Jeff and Brad also discuss their impressions of new products, like AFTCO's waterproof gloves, and the importance of having the right equipment for cold-weather fishing.
Listen in as Steve recounts his recent trip to Eagle Lake and shares valuable trolling tips, including the use of planer boards for sucker fishing. Whether you're a seasoned muskie angler or just getting started, this episode is packed with insights and advice to enhance your fishing adventures. Don't miss it!

Episode 294 - Jordan Stokes - Unlocking Musky Mysteries

Welcome to this week's episode of the Backlash Podcast, where we dive deep into the world of musky fishing with our special guest, Jordan Stokes, from Stoked on Fishing Guide Service. Broadcasting from the beautiful waters of Minnesota, Jordan shares insights from his current fishing season, including the unique weather patterns and how they have influenced fish behavior.
Co-host Brad Hoppe from Musky Mayhem Tackle joins the conversation to discuss the challenges and strategies of musky fishing under various conditions, emphasizing the importance of timing and location. Whether you're an avid muskie angler or just curious about the sport, this episode offers valuable tips and intriguing discussions on fishing techniques, including the effectiveness of blade baits and the potential of night fishing.
Tune in for an engaging chat about the unpredictability of weather, water levels, and their impact on fishing, as well as some lighthearted banter among the hosts. Don't miss out on this informative and entertaining episode!

Episode 293 - Jeff Van Remortel Navigating Turnover and Tactics

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Back Lash Podcast! This week, we dive deep into the world of musky fishing with Jeff Van Remortel from Northern Wisconsin's WDH Guide Service and the Musky Academy. With Brad Hoppe absent, it's just Jeff and Jeff discussing the nuances of musky fishing during the fall turnover.
Jeff shares his insights on how quickly the turnover snuck up this year, recounting the sudden temperature drops in Northern Wisconsin. They explore how these conditions affect fishing strategies, highlighting the importance of selecting the right gear. Listeners get a sneak peek at new musky fishing products, like the Crosstail X-Tail from Savage Gear, and tips on effective rigs for the season.
The conversation takes a turn towards the challenges faced by musky populations due to budget shortfalls and stocking issues in Wisconsin. Jeff provides a firsthand account of the situation in Vilas and Oneida counties, emphasizing the role of muskie clubs and the Department of Natural Resources in maintaining fish populations.
As the episode wraps up, Jeff shares valuable advice for anglers navigating turnover, including signs to watch for and effective strategies to employ. Whether you're a seasoned angler or new to the sport, this episode is packed with tips and insights to help you make the most of your musky fishing adventures this fall.

Episode 292 - Brad and Jeff discuss Fall Fishing Tactics and Trolling Tips

Welcome to another episode of the Backlash Podcast! This week, join hosts Jeff and Brad Hoppe from Musky Mayhem Tackle for a lively discussion on all things fishing. In a rare guest-free episode, they delve into their personal fishing experiences, share insights on the current season, and discuss various bait options as they gear up for the final push of the year.
With mid-October fast approaching, Jeff and Brad talk about the changing water temperatures, the impact of recent winds on fishing conditions, and the scattered nature of musky activity this fall. They also share exciting news about new products from Musky Mayhem Tackle and offer valuable advice for anglers looking to maximize their fall fishing success.
In this episode, you'll find tips on trolling baits, discussions on the challenges of the current fishing season, and the importance of adapting to changing conditions. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just starting out, this episode is packed with information to help you navigate the waters and improve your fishing game.
 

Episode 291 - Rob Manthei - Navigating the Winds of Change

Welcome to this week's episode of Backlash Podcast! Join us as we chat with Rob Manthei, who gives us the latest updates from Northern Wisconsin. Discover how the changing seasons are impacting musky fishing, and get the inside scoop on the controversial forward-facing sonar technology.
Despite technical issues, Brad shares his observations on the scattered fish patterns due to weather fluctuations and the recent significant cool down. Rob discusses the challenges of the season, including algae blooms and the elusive nature of larger fish, while also highlighting the increased activity in shallow waters.
We delve into conservation topics, examining the impact of budget shortfalls on muskie stocking and the ethical considerations surrounding modern fishing technologies. Rob provides insights into the importance of proper fish handling and the potential role of lake associations in supplementing stocking efforts.
As we look ahead, Rob offers valuable tips on where to target musky and which baits to use as the fall progresses. Tune in for an engaging and informative episode that aims to preserve and enhance musky fishing for future generations.