Back Lash Musky Fishing Podcast
Every week we talk fishing more specifcially musky and northern pike.
374 - Jon Richards and Matt Seifert talk Summer Peak
Jon Richards and Matt Seifert join the Backlash Podcast from Agency Bay Resort to discuss summer musky fishing, including lodge updates, guiding life, and changing seasonal patterns.
They cover shifting open-water vs. structure bites, DNR stocking and fin-clip genetics studies, tackle choices like triggers, flap tails and bucktails, and share client-first-musky stories and booking details.
373 - Will Buhler - Newly Married and Talking Summer Musky
Will Buehler of Sconnie Guy Adventures joins Back Lash Podcast to talk musky fishing in Northern Wisconsin shortly after his wedding. We discuss current water temperatures and weather windows, summertime patterns, and where musky are likely to be â weeds, rock humps and main-lake structure.
Will covers tactics and gear: casting vs trolling, crankbaits (including a 4.5" boss shad), Pit Bull rubber baits, top waters, titanium leaders, leader lengths, and rod choices. He also shares guide availability, booking info, and encourages exploration of new water to find fish.
372 - Dan Donovan - Musky Fool: Online Shop to Wisconsin Fly Shop Legend
Welcome to episode 372 of Backlash Podcast where Jeff talks with Dan Donovan, owner of Musky Fool Fly Fishing Company. They discuss building an online brand into a brick-and-mortar fly shop, Danâs video series The Figure 8 Chronicles and the Spot Burn Podcast, fly-fishing gear and guides, and the challenges and passion behind running a specialty retailer. The episode also covers conservation, musky stocking debates, and ways anglers can get involved to protect fisheries.
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371 - Taylor Flannery - Trolling Transformation
Guide Taylor Flannery joins Back Lash Podcast to explain his switch to open-water musky trolling, sharing setups, bait choices, and practical tactics that led to surprising success.
Hear a chaotic double hookup story, insights on timing and conditions, social media and guiding tips, and how to book a trip with Musky Guarantee Guide Service in Northern Wisconsin.
370 - Luke Bogdanovic - River Musky, Rafts & Wild Guide Story
On this episode of the Back Lash Podcast (take two), host Jeff is joined by Brad Hoppe and guide Luke Bogdanovic to talk early-season musky action on Green Bay tributaries and northern Wisconsin rivers.
They cover bait choices (bucktails, swim baits, topwaters), raft guiding tactics, seasonal patterns, useful apps, and the realities of running a guide business â plus a hilarious on-the-water story captured on camera.
369 - Chase Gibson - Minnesota Musky Opener Preview
Jeff chats with guide Chase Gibson to preview the Minnesota musky opener, discuss current water temps and early-season patterns, and highlight gear and guide availability.
They cover musky behavior, trolling vs. live scope, West Virginia strain genetics, and practical tips for anglers planning to hit the water this weekend.
368 - Steve Genson - Memorial Weekend Report, Hot Gear, and Rapid Warm-Up
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.
367 - Jeff Van Remortel - Northern Wisconsin Forecast
On this episode Jeff Van Remortel breaks down spring fishing conditions in northern Wisconsinâwater 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 VilasâOneida County Musky Fund. The episode closes with tips for anglers on when and where to fish and how to stay involved with the community.
366 - Kyle Friedges - Beyond the 8: Musky Stories, Tech, and the Thrill of the Chase
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.
365 - Kyle Hunsader - Bangers, Bucktails, and Green Bay Musky
Welcome to another episode of Back Lash Podcast featuring Kyle Hunsader of Hunsy Tails. We discuss Kyleâs musky fishing origin, the creation of the âbangerâ 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.
364 - Lee Tauchen - Bait Junkies, Big Fish & Today's Angler
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.
363 - Inside Jeff Saccoâs Musky Obsession
On this episode of Back Lash Podcast, the hosts chat with Jeff Sacco, a lifelong musky angler who shows up with a 19-page âdissertationâ 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.
362 - Ryan Becker - Early Season Musky
On this episode of Back Lash Podcast we talk with Ryan Becker about early-season musky fishing in Iowa â 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.
361 - Pete Maina and Rob Manthei talk about Early Season Musky
In this episode of Back Lash Podcast Pete Maina and Rob Manthei join Jeff and Brad to continue the conversation about Wisconsinâs 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 ur...
360 - Early-Season Shakeup, and What Comes Next
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.
359 - WI Musky Expo Live - Tales, Gear Picks & the Cinnamon Beaver Mystery
Live from the Wisconsin Musky Expo, the crew breaks down a busy day one with guides sharing wild on-water stories â 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.
358 - Austin Wiggerman - Early season Tactics and WAV Products
Prepping for the Wisconsin Muskie Expo amid heavy snow, the hosts cover booth inventory, Musky Mayhem Tackle changes, and show details for March 20â22 at the Central Wisconsin Convention Center.
Guest Austin Wiggerman introduces Wave Products rod organizers and shares his current guiding reports from Kinkaid, Southern Illinoisâwater temps, clarity shifts, and bites on rattle traps, crankbaits, and gliders.
The episode also discusses rod and rig setups, fishing tactics for pre-spawn windows, guide availability, and contact info for booking trips.
357 - Noah Binsfeld - River Giants & Shallow Jet Boat Action
This week on Back Lash Podcast we talk river musky with Noah Binsfeld of Get the Net Guide Service â jetâboat shallowâwater runs, bucktails, topwater, big blades, weed challenges, and tips for targeting big and multiple fish in changing water conditions.
Plus a Wisconsin Muskie Expo preview (March 20â22) with Noahâs Saturday seminar at 4 PM, new Musky Mayhem Tackle bait releases, and how to book a trip with Noah.
356 - Live from the MN Muskie Expo - Topwater Tactics and Fishing Stories
Live from the Minnesota Muskie Expo, Brad Hoppe and three guides answer listener questions on topwater tactics, rubber baits, swim baits, sucker rigs, tackle storage, and how to adapt when the bite gets tough. They share gear tips, presentation tricks, and memorable fishing stories from the season.
The show also touches on changing season openers, upcoming Wisconsin Muskie Expo dates, and how to contact the guides for trips and more information.
355 - Dave Brown - Brad's Farewell Tour & Musky Hot Topics
In this episode the hosts preview the Minnesota Muskie Expo, share updates from Team Rhino Outdoors and Musky Mayhem Tackle, and announce a live recording at the show. They welcome guest Dave Brown (formerly of Keyes Outdoors) for an in-depth conversation about musky fishing, river tactics, bait work, and industry hot topics like forward-facing sonar, stocking, and social media and pro-staff dynamics.
The episode blends practical tips for breaking down new waters, river fishing strategies, and bait choices with candid opinions about technology, pressure on fisheries, and the future of the sport.
354 - Live from The Milwaukee Muskie Expo - Chaos & Big Fish
Live from the Milwaukee Muskie Expo, hosts and guest guides trade wild fishing and boat stories, including solo big-fish boatings and hand-lined river muskies.
The episode covers river vs. lake guiding styles, tech and flow effects on musky, the social media impact on the sport, and personal goals for 2026.
Listeners are reminded about the Minnesota Muskie Expo (Feb 27âMar 1 at Canterbury Park, in Shakopee MN) and encouraged to stop by for more stories and gear talk.
353 - PreâMilwaukee Muskie Expo, Shop Hustle, Rig Boss Drops & Live Podcast
Welcome to a preâMilwaukee Muskie Expo episode of Back Lash Podcast â Jeff and Brad catch up on the shop being slammed, lastâminute show prep, and upcoming expo dates in West Bend and Shakopee.
They discuss new Rig Boss arrivals, glide bait vs. rubber tactics, leader recommendations, live podcast details from the Milwaukee show, and what to expect at the Minnesota Muskie Expo.
352 - Jesse Karau - M13 Madness: Big-Blade Breakthroughs, Wind Tactics & Solo Muskie Tips
Jesse Karau of Slime & Slay Outdoors joins the Back Lash Podcast to share his Northwoods musky adventures, season highlights (including a 48-inch fish), and the family roots that shaped his fishing career.
We cover tactics for windy and winter conditions, topwater and bucktail strategies, the M13 big-blade bait, solo-fishing tips, and where to find gear and content.
351 - Musky Industry Shakeup - New Owner Unites Mayhem, Innovations, and Chaos
This episode announces the sale of Musky Mayhem Tackle, Chaos Tackle, and Musky Innovations to Paul Check, who discusses his background, plans, and the transition process.
Hosts and former owners address rumors about production and big-box plans, explain timelines for inventory and staffing moves, and share reflections, thanks, and upcoming show appearances.
350 - Live from the Chicago Muskie Expo
Live from the Chicago Muskie Expo, three top guidesâDJ Chupita, Phil Bauerly  and Spencer Bermanâshare their favorite 2025 fishing stories, discuss moon and weather effects, and explain how they pick spots and adapt through the season.
They cover practical tips on pattern switching, water clarity, electronics, guiding mindset, destination picks, and why they keep chasing muskies year after year.
349 - Chase Gibson - Dyin' Dawg Secrets & Expo Buzz
Jeff and Brad talk with guide Chase Gibson about his 2025 season guiding in West Virginia and Minnesota, bait modifications and techniques (including the "dyin' dawg," chaos weights, glide baits and top waters), Ohio stocking and population notes, and why big northern muskies respond to certain presentations.
They also preview Muskie Expo logistics and special booth gear, and share how to contact Chase for guiding trips in WV or MN.
348 - Steve Genson - New Year, New Gear
This is our Happy New Year episode covering Team Rhino updates, new MuskyMayhem releases (including the Reactor and M10), and show plans for the season.
Guest guide Steve Genson shares top baits from 2025, moon-phase insights, fishing tactics, and tips for catching musky.
Episode 347 - Back Lash Podcast Wraps the Season with Taylor Flannery
This final 2025 episode of Back Lash Podcast features guide Taylor Flannery discussing a career-best season, bait patterns, and why auto-charting and mapping changed his game.
Jeff and Brad share holiday sale details for Team Rhino Outdoors and Musky Mayhem Tackle, offer offseason tips, discuss show plans and booking for 2026, and reflect on a season of gratitude.
Episode 346 - Reactor Revealed: The Inline-Blade That Lets You Burn Baits Fast
Jeff and Brad talk late-season fishing, early snow sightings, and the upcoming holiday hiatus while sharing shop restocks and tackle updates from Team Rhino Outdoors and Musky Mayhem.
They unveil the new Reactor inline-blade bait built for speed, announce a show-only M10 release, and list 2026 expo dates (Chicago, Milwaukee, Minnesota, Wisconsin) and availability details.
The episode closes with practical late-fall tips for clear-water musky trolling â optimal speeds (~3.2â3.5 mph), line spacing and depth setups, bait choices (headlock vs. matlock), and handy gear advice like seat heaters for cold days.
Episode 345 - Spencer Berman - Clairâs Next Wave: Young Muskies Rising and Fall Fishing Tips
On this episode of the Back L:ash Podcast, Jeff and Brad chat with Spencer Berman of Spencer's Angling Adventures about the current state of the Lake St. Clair musky fishery, recent tournament success, and what to expect in the coming years as young fish grow into the trophy class.
They cover bait choices (Bull Dawgs vs. Medussas and Pit Bulls), fall and winter casting strategies, gear and clothing tips for cold-weather fishing, tournament highlights, and logistics for anglers planning trips to St. Clair.
Episode 344 - DJ Chupita - Fall Trolling Secrets
It's November and Jeff hosts Back Lash Podcast solo with guest DJ Chupita from Hinterland Musky Guides. They discuss fall musky trolling tactics â finding and targeting cisco/whitefish pods, ideal bait depth (keep baits slightly above the pods), leader choices (solid wire), speed adjustments, and using AutoChart/mapping. They also cover gear picks like 10âft rods, AFTCO waterproof gloves, Pitbulls and the Mimic 9, plus memorable guide stories and upcoming musky expos.
Episode 343 - Rich Reinert - River Secrets
Host Jeff chats with Rich Reinert about the Wisconsin Musky Expo dates, fall musky behavior, and how to fish rivers safely and effectively. Rich covers hiring a guide, respecting river hazards, and using auto-charting to find structure.
They discuss bait selection for stained river water â emphasis on sound, vibration and contrast â including swimmin' dawgs, bucktails, slow-sinking gliders, and lure retrievers. The episode also touches on Team Rhino gear, conservation efforts, and upcoming November episodes before a December hiatus.
Episode 342 - Jeff Schulte - Conservation and New Musky Gear
Jeff Schulte of Muskie Bumper and Bomb Squad Baits joins Back Lash Podcast to discuss conservation-minded measuring, the compact tri-fold bump board, new Bomb Squad lures like the MK-65 and the Double Tap, show-season releases, and tips for handling musky safely.
They also cover practical advice on measuring fish quickly and responsibly, custom board orders, availability of limited-run baits, and the role of anglers and social media in supporting fisheries and growing the sport.
Episode 341 - John Bette - Turnover Tactics and Terminal Tackle Tips
Welcome to another episode of Back Lash Podcast. Hosts Jeff and Brad talk with guest John Bette from Stealth Tackle about fall musky strategies, including turnover timing, shallow vs deep approaches, topwater and rubber baits, and the pros and cons of trolling. They discuss terminal tackle essentials: leader types (wire, fluorocarbon), sucker rigs, snaps vs solid rings, leader care, and when to switch tactics. John shares product notes and where to find Stealth Tackle gear. Ideal for anglers preparing for the fall season and refining rigging techniques.
Episode 340 - Steve Worrall - Creatures and Catch-and-Release
Steve Worrall of Outdoors First Media joins Back Lash Podcast to trace the evolution of musky fishingâfrom his early days with Tuffy Boats and guiding Pelican Lake to the birth of jig-and-soft-plastic techniques and the catch-and-release movement.
This episode covers industry changes, memorable anglers and shows, advances like spot-lock and sonar, and why community-driven content keeps the musky world thriving.
Episode 339 - Dan Gropengiser - Fall Musky Tactics & the Unpredictable Bite
Hosts Jeff and Brad talk with Dan Gropengiser of Grop's Guide Service about an unusual fall muskie season, changing weather patterns, and how to adapt your tactics.
They cover whatâs working now â blades, gliders, trolling and big baits â share gear recommendations, tournament highlights, and practical tips for finding fish as temperatures shift.
Episode 338 - Jeff Van Remortel - Record Musky and Fall Tactics
Welcome to another episode of Back Lash Podcast. Brad is out this week, so the Jeff goes solo with guest Jeff Van Remortel of WDH Guide Service. Jeff shares the story of catching the current Wisconsin live-release musky state record (56" x 26"), his Green Bay season, gear and rigging tips (including BKK hooks, pit bulls, doubles and bucktails), and observations on stocking and fish numbers.
They discuss conditions, live-bait strategy, hook sharpening, and seasonal patterns, plus how to book trips and join Musky Academy for real-time reports and training. Tune in for practical advice to improve your musky...
Episode 337 - Will Buehler - September Musky Tactics
Jeff and Brad chat with guide Will Buehler (Sconnie Guy Adventures) about the importance of getting kids into fishing, memorable first-muskie moments, and his approach to keeping young anglers engaged.
The episode also covers this seasonâs highlights â a successful Canada trip, effective baits and tactics (bucktails, topwaters, select rubbers), gear talk (St. Croix Musky X, GRASP handles, Musky Mayhem), and current lateâseason shallow-water strategies.
Episode 336 - September Musky Madness - Shallow Push, Topwaters & Fall Tactics
Hosts Jeff and Brad recap recent musky outings, weather swings and the shallowâwater push, sharing practical tips on finding warmer pockets, timing bite windows, and choosing baits like topwaters, blades, bucktails, and stopâandâgo presentations.
They also cover gear essentialsâwhy some bucktails are keeled, spinnerbait uses, trolling vs casting, and rod choices (including 10' Mojo rods)âand point listeners to Team Rhino Outdoors and Musky Mayhem Tackle for tackle and questions.
Episode 335 - Steve Genson - Fall Bucktail and FigureâEight Secrets
Steve Genson from Genson's Fish Hunts Guide Service breaks down lateâsummer to earlyâfall musky fishing: current water temps, an expected cold front, and why now is "go time" for bucktails, figureâeights, and shallow flats.
He shares bite patterns, gear and rod setups, when to switch presentations (blades, rubber, gliders), and tips for anglers heading out this week.