Back Lash Musky Fishing Podcast
Every Wednesday Jeff Widmann owner of Team Rhino Outdoors and Brad/Carrie Hoppe who own Musky Mayhem Tackle discuss the world of musky fishing along with the occasional guest who will talk about anything else that swims.
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Episodes

May 27, 2026
May 27, 2026
42 min
Post-Memorial Day episode covering the season opener: strong early season action up in the Green Bay tributaries, rapidly warming water, and shifting weed growth patterns.
Hosts review new musky gear (lures, reels, titanium leaders, NetBuddy, rod organizers) and share on-the-water reports from Jeff and guide Steve Genson (Genson's Fish Hunts Guide Service), plus guiding availability and fishing tips for the coming weeks.

May 20, 2026
May 20, 2026
57 min
On this episode Jeff Van Remortel breaks down spring fishing conditions in northern Wisconsin—water temperatures, spawning progress, and where musky and walleyes are holding. He shares practical bait and tackle advice (Pit Bulls, gliders, paddle-tails, spinnerbaits) and what to expect for opening weekend.
Jeff also discusses Musky Academy, gear recommendations from Team Rhino Outdoors, and a teaser about local stocking and conservation efforts with the Vilas–Oneida County Musky Fund. The episode closes with tips for anglers on when and where to fish and how to stay involved with the community.

May 13, 2026
May 13, 2026
1hr 4 min
Welcome to Back Lash Podcast featuring Kyle Friedges of Beyond the 8. Kyle shares stories from Eagle Lake, Canada, and the musky belt, discusses gear, filming challenges, and the enduring mystique of muskie fishing.
We touch on YouTube content strategies, merchandising hiccups, banger bucktails, electronics like spot lock and mapping, and the importance of sustainable fisheries while reflecting on angling legends and the joy of exploration on the water.

May 6, 2026
May 6, 2026
46 min
Welcome to another episode of Back Lash Podcast featuring Kyle Hunsader of Hunsy Tails. We discuss Kyle’s musky fishing origin, the creation of the ‘banger’ bucktail, product development, and his role with Titletown Muskies Inc. on Green Bay. Topics include club involvement, stocking and pit-tag surveys, opener tips, and a memorable meetup anecdote.

Apr 29, 2026
Apr 29, 2026
56 min
This week we celebrate the Wisconsin musky opener, discuss bait preferences and season strategies, and welcome Lee Tauchen from Today's Angler / Lee Lures to share his background and top early-season presentations.
The episode also touches on community flood relief efforts, a generous donation from Muskie Bumper, and practical tips for anglers heading out on opening weekend.

Apr 22, 2026
Apr 22, 2026
1hr 23 min
On this episode of Back Lash Podcast, the hosts chat with Jeff Sacco, a lifelong musky angler who shows up with a 19-page “dissertation” on his fishing methods. Jeff shares stories from his start in Northern Wisconsin, discusses electronics vs. old-school techniques, and gives practical tips on trolling, jigging, and reading baitfish. He also offers advice for beginners, memorable fishing moments (including a rare double-lure catch), and thoughts on early-season strategies.
Whether you troll, cast, or jig, listeners will get actionable tips and entertaining stories to help improve their musky fishing.

Apr 15, 2026
Apr 15, 2026
44 min
On this episode of Back Lash Podcast we talk with Ryan Becker about early-season musky fishing in Iowa — how weather swings, water temps, and spawning patterns are shaping the bite. We cover tactics that are working now, including slow bottom presentations, larger gliders, and when trolling can be effective.
Ryan also discusses forage bases like yellow bass, fishery management in Iowa, and practical tips for adapting to changing conditions so anglers can find and catch muskies this spring.

Apr 8, 2026
Apr 8, 2026
1hr 23 min
In this episode of Back Lash Podcast Pete Maina and Rob Manthei join Jeff and Brad to continue the conversation about Wisconsin’s new early-season musky opener, the upcoming Conservation Congress hearings, and a proposed resolution to restore split-zone seasons to protect spawning fish.
They discuss concerns about increased spring mortality and harvest, the role of technology and social media in adding pressure, Green Bay exclusions, and the challenges of stocking and hatchery strain decisions.
The guests argue that expanded, better-managed stocking is the most practical solution, explain how anglers and clubs can help, and urge interested listeners to attend county meetings and vote in person on April 13th.

Apr 1, 2026
Apr 1, 2026
52 min
Episode 360 of Back Lash Podcast: Jeff sits down with Brad and Carrie to recap the Wisconsin Musky Expo, share show-season stories, and discuss the new statewide early-season musky opener in Wisconsin.
The conversation covers concerns about early-season fishing during spawn, the role of stocking and local clubs, how anglers can get involved or donate, and plans for future stocking efforts.
They also touch on life after tackle manufacturing, upcoming gear on TeamRhinoOutdoors.com, and a fun challenge to pick five budget baits for early season fishing.

Mar 25, 2026
Mar 25, 2026
48 min
Live from the Wisconsin Musky Expo, the crew breaks down a busy day one with guides sharing wild on-water stories — from boat mishaps and soaked phones to first-cast victories and the mysterious "cinnamon beaver" follow. Lively banter, pranks, and guide nicknames keep the episode entertaining.
The episode also highlights gear and tackle talk, including underutilized baits like the Smity Wizard and new jerkbaits, leader choices, and tips to streamline your tackle box for the season.

