Serious Angler Bass Fishing Podcast
The Serious Angler Bass Fishing Podcast is the headline show on the Serious Angler Podcast Network that is dedicated to all things bass fishing education. From top-tier angler interviews, fishing baits and techniques, boat and kayak tournament coverage, fantasy fishing previews – we cover it all!
Forward Facing Will Not Kill Fishing, But This Can
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Ty Manarola joins the Serious Angler Bass Fishing Podcast to break down his first career tournament win, a 62.5 pound smallmouth bass total caught over three grueling days on the Columbia River, complete with a full gear and bait breakdown and the six-foot-wave grind that came with it. The episode also features an unfiltered rant on what's really holding competitive bass fishing back: not forward-facing sonar, but the toxic comment sections and online negativity scaring off non-endemic sponsors and stalling the sport's growth. Expect practical smallmouth bass fishing tips, tournament strategy, gear talk, and...
Where Do Bass Go When the Water Level Drops?
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The Serious Angler Bass Fishing Podcast sits down with West Coast Super 60 standout Joe Mariani to break down the toughest transition in bass fishing: the late-summer drawdown on Northern California reservoirs like Clear Lake, Berryessa, and Don Pedro. Joe explains why largemouth push shallow into dying grass while spotted bass and smallmouth abandon the bank entirely, why big square bills and topwater still fool giants in low, clear water, and how to locate suspended fall bass using forward-facing sonar on main-lake structure. The conversation also covers Joe's switch from Nitro to Bass Cat...
How the Free Rig Was Born with John Murray
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The Serious Angler Bass Fishing Podcast welcomes back West Coast bass fishing legend John Murray for a deep dive into the free rig, why it outperforms a jig, Texas rig, or drop shot for hookup ratio, and his exact rod, line, and hook setup for flipping grass and laydowns. John traces the origins of West Coast staples like the drop shot, football jig, and swimbait, shares rare bass fishing history including the true origin of the split shot rig and a 1990s deep-water story from Lake Castaic, and breaks down the koiki bait...
Forward-Facing Sonar Just Broke Electrofishing Science
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The Serious Angler Bass Fishing Podcast sits down with Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation fisheries biologist Nate Hall for a deep dive into black bass management, harvest regulations, and cutting-edge electrofishing research. Nate breaks down Oklahoma's landmark 2022 length-limit change, why statewide bass harvest rates sit under 3%, and how genetic stunting affects bass growth in lakes across the country. The episode also covers groundbreaking forward-facing sonar research showing electrofishing boats miss up to 70% of large bass, plus Florida bass stocking success at the 34th parallel and fish care education for tournament anglers. A must-listen...
This Mindset Helps You Catch More & Bigger Fish Everywhere
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Matthew Brannon has cracked the code on catching big bass consistently across the country, and on this episode of the Serious Angler Podcast he breaks down exactly how. Matthew is a California angler who has put in serious time on big bass fisheries from coast to coast, and he shares the techniques that translate no matter where you're fishing, whether you're chasing giants or grinding out numbers.
We get into how his day job with the Coast Guard has shaped his understanding of marine electronics and fishing technology, and how that...
Pro Angler Exposes Forward Facing Sonar Setting Secrets!
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In this episode we sit down with Tai Au to break down a livescope settings hack that most anglers overlook, but makes a huge difference in image clarity on the water. Tai walks through exactly how he dials in his settings for a cleaner picture, along with the baits that consistently produce for him fishing the West Coast. Whether you are new to forward facing sonar or looking to sharpen your setup, this episode is packed with practical tips you can use on your next trip. Tune in to learn how small settings...
Pro Tips to Catching More & Bigger Bass with the Free Rig
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In this episode of the Serious Angler Bass Fishing Podcast, we break down the free rig for bass fishing with anglers Tyler Madden and Jake Maddox. You'll learn when to throw the free rig, the best gear and line setups, and the presentation tricks that make it one of the most effective techniques for catching more bass. Whether you're new to bass fishing or looking to sharpen your soft plastics game, this episode gives you a complete 101 style breakdown of the free rig. Tune in to level up your bass fishing skills and...
Fish Biologist on 20 Years of Fixing America's Broken Lakes
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Fisheries biologist David Beasley joins Bailey and Steve for a deep dive into what actually makes a lake healthy or unhealthy, unpacking sediment oxygen demand, harmful algal blooms, and why hydrilla and blue-green algae take over neglected water bodies. Beasley breaks down grass carp strategies, nutrient cycling, and the internal load problem lurking at the bottom of nearly every lake, from small farm ponds to giants like Lake Okeechobee. The conversation takes a hard turn into fisheries management history, challenging whether catch and release culture has actually helped or hurt bass populations across...
Understanding How to Find & Catch Big Summer Smallmouth Bass
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We talk with Lake Erie Smallmouth guide and former Bassmaster Elite Series pro Destin Demarion about how to best find and catch big summer smallmouth bass!
📌 Important Links:
Destin's Website: https://destindemarion.com/
📌 Baits Discussed (Click the link and use code SERIOUS10 for 10% off your order):
Dropshot: Berkley Flat Worm (https://omnia.direct/aeht)
Ned: Xzone Ned Zone (https://omnia.direct/aethhet)
Minnow: Rapala Mooch Minnow (https://omnia.direct/rsn)
New Arrivals: https://omnia.direct/aertnrn
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podca...
Find Fish Faster on Brand New Fisheries
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On today's podcast we are talking to pro angler Alec Morrison to talk about how he covers water fast, learns fisheries faster, new sneaky baits and his most underrated bait with forward facing sonar and much more.
📌 Important Links:
Alec's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alec_morrison_fishing/
Blacksheep: https://www.instagram.com/blacksheepcustomtackle/
Blacksheep Launch Page: https://blacksheepcustomtackle.com/
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: https://seriousanglernetwork.com/
📌 Click here to start your FREE trial of Omnia Fishing Premium PRO: https...
Current Fishing Issues in Government! Biologist Explains...
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On today's episode @txprolake dives into the current angling issues that are being discussed and the bills in discussion in Washington DC that could impact anglers and fishing.
📌 Important Links:
https://fisheries.org/sfrbtf-state-fact-sheets/
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8195?hl=cormorant&s=3&r=1
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/2293?hl=cormorant&s=3&r=2
https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/house-bill/8876?hl=fishing&s=2&r=6
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: https://seriousanglernetwork.com/
📌 Click here to start your FREE...
Pro Tips to Find Big Bass Deep & Shallow in Late Summer
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On this episode of the Serious Angler Bass Fishing Podcast, pro bass angler Bob Downey breaks down the exact decision making process he uses before he ever makes his first cast of the day. We dig into how he decides whether to start shallow or deep, and how he decides between throwing a moving bait to cover water or slowing down with a finesse presentation on the bottom.
Bob walks through the real factors that go into these calls: water temperature, seasonal patterns, water clarity, forage location, fishing pressure, and current...
Pros and Cons of ICAST 2026...
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Bailey and Andrew Hayes from the Tackle Talk Podcast talk about their pros and cons after coming home from ICAST.
Tackle Talk Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/tackle-talk-bass-fishing-podcast/id1482360881
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: https://seriousanglernetwork.com/
📌 Click here to start your FREE trial of Omnia Fishing Premium PRO: https://omnia.direct/SAPremiumPRO
📌 This episode is brought to you by our amazing partners:
• If you're a fishing guide, check out the Bloodknot App here: https://www.bloodknotapp.com/
•...
Fisheries Biologist on How Carp Impact Fisheries + Fish Growth & Lead Poisoning
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In this episode, we sit down with a fisheries biologist to uncover the truth about carp impacts on lakes, how fisheries grow trophy bass, and whether lead fishing tackle is harming our fisheries. We separate fact from fiction using real fisheries science and discuss fish habitat, stocking, invasive species, conservation, and what every bass angler should know to help protect our waters. If you're passionate about bass fishing, fish management, and conservation, this is an episode you won't want to miss.
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: htt...
Look for This When Bass Fishing Becomes Tough this Summer
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In this episode, I sit down with Noah Winslow to break down one of the most important summertime bass fishing patterns: flipping grass when the bite gets tough. If you’ve ever struggled to find and catch bass in the heat of summer, this conversation is loaded with tips to help you understand where bass go, what grass to look for, and how to generate bites when fishing feels impossible.
📌 Important Links:
Noah's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/winslow_fishing15/
📌 Baits Discussed (Click the link and use code SERIOUS1...
How to Find & Catch Bass on Tidal Fisheries!
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In this episode, I sit down with pro anglers Bryant Smith and Pete Gluszek to break down one of the most confusing and rewarding ways to catch bass: fishing tidal fisheries. If you’ve ever struggled to understand tides, current, water movement, grass, bait positioning, and how bass set up on tidal rivers and tidal systems, this conversation is packed with bass fishing tips that will help you catch more fish.
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: https://seriousanglernetwork.com/
📌 Click here to start your FREE tri...
This Team Tournament Fishing Strategy Wins Consistently
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Carty Shoen, former President of Auburn University's fishing team and a collegiate national champion angler, joins the Serious Angler Bass Fishing Podcast to break down what it actually takes to win at the highest level of team tournament bass fishing — plus how he turned a U-Haul truck into a fully decked-out mobile fishing rig for life on the road.
In this episode, we cover:
✅ Team tournament fishing strategy like communication, boat positioning, and fishing water efficiently
✅ How to prep for team tournaments
✅ Building a U-Haul truck camper setup for towin...
Does Bait Color Actually Matter to the Fish? (ft. John Crews)
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In this episode, we sit down with professional bass angler and Missile Baits owner John Crews to talk bass fishing, bait design, lure color selection, and the future of the fishing industry. John breaks down how he chooses colors for Missile Baits, what makes certain soft plastic colors stand out, his hot takes on the current bass fishing industry, and which anglers he believes are shaping the future of bass fishing. If you love bass fishing, tournament fishing, bait design, and behind-the-scenes conversations with top pros, this is an episode you don’t wa...
Why Do Bass Get Red Lips and Black Spots? Biologist Explains...
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On today's episode we are joined by two fisheries biologists to talk about why bass get black spots on them and why they sometimes have red lips.
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: https://seriousanglernetwork.com/
📌 Click here to start your FREE trial of Omnia Fishing Premium PRO: https://omnia.direct/SAPremiumPRO
📌 This episode is brought to you by our amazing partners:
• If you're a fishing guide, check out the Bloodknot App here: https://www.bloodknotapp.com/
• Amped Outdoors Lithium Batteries (https://amped...
Tips for Fishing a Big Bait in the Summer with Carl Jocumsen
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On today's bonus podcast we are joined by Pro Angler Carl Jocumsen to talk about his lake cleanup event coming up this weekend as well as some sneaky tips to catch more bass this summer on big glidebaits!
📌 Important Links:
@CarlJocumsen
Register Your Lake Here: https://fearmyheart.com/
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: https://seriousanglernetwork.com/
📌 Click here to start your FREE trial of Omnia Fishing Premium PRO: https://omnia.direct/SAPremiumPRO
📌 This episode is brought to you by our amazing par...
Stop Fishing Like Everyone Else...Try These Techniques Instead!
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Join us in this episode as we sit down with special guest The Informative Fisherman to reveal the most unique baits to fish in the summertime! When the water heats up and the bass get heavily pressured, throwing the same old standard lures just won't cut it. We break down out-of-the-box summer fishing lures, secret bait presentations, and the best techniques to trigger massive strikes during the dog days of summer. If you want to catch more fish in the heat and learn some unconventional tricks, this breakdown is a must-watch.
📌 Imp...
Is Lake Mead Dead? WON Bass 2027 Updates + More
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In this episode, I sit down with WON Bass Tournament Director Billy Egan to discuss the current state and future of western tournament bass fishing. We dive deep into the pressing question on every angler's mind: Is Lake Mead dead and gone as a premier tournament fishery? With changing conditions and historically tough bites, we explore the possibility that the upcoming U.S. Open Bass Fishing Championship could be the last one—and potentially the final major bass tournament—ever held on the Arizona/Nevada reservoir.
We also get an exclusive look...
It's 2026...Is Forward Facing Sonar Going Away? (New Updates & Takes)
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We’ve been grinding on the road, and in this episode, my co-host and I catch up on a crazy few weeks of traveling the country for tournament bass fishing! Once we get you caught up on our travels, we dive into the biggest elephant in the room: the ongoing forward-facing sonar (FFS) controversy.
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: https://seriousanglernetwork.com/
📌 Click here to start your FREE trial of Omnia Fishing Premium PRO: https://omnia.direct/SAPremiumPRO
📌 This episode is brought to you by o...
Fish Biologist on One of the Biggest Threats to Our Fisheries
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In this episode of the Serious Angler Podcast, we are joined by Preston Chrisman, Freshwater Fisheries Biologist and Coordinator with the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR), to discuss one of the most critical issues facing our southern fisheries today: the explosive spread of the invasive Alabama Bass.
📌 Important Links:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-fisheries-podcast/id1434777977
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: https://seriousanglernetwork.com/
📌 Click here to start your FREE trial of Omnia Fishing Premium PRO: https://omnia.direct/SA...
Fishing New & Unique Baits Can Catch More Bass?
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In this episode of the Serious Angler Podcast, we sit down with YouTube standout Blake Miller from @BDBassin to dive into his strategy for stepping outside the traditional tackle box, explaining how experimenting with unique, unconventional baits and color patterns can trigger strikes from highly pressured bass that ignore standard presentations. We also pull back the curtain on the business of fishing, discussing the grind of the content creator lifestyle, what it really takes to grow an audience, and actionable strategies to succeed and stand out in the crowded 2026 fishing media landscape.
📌...
Alabama Bass Are Going to Make Smallmouth Bass Extinct...
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In this episode of the Serious Angler Podcast, we sit down with Jason Henegar, Fisheries Division Chief for the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency (TWRA), to discuss a growing crisis in our southern fisheries: the invasion of the Alabama Bass. Often illegally transplanted into new waters, these Alabama-strain spotted bass are wreaking havoc on native smallmouth bass populations through rapid hybridization.
Jason breaks down the science behind this alarming trend, explaining how these hybrids (often called "meanmouths") are literally breeding purebred smallmouth out of existence in world-class waters across the Tennessee River...
Where Do Bass Go Right After the Spawn?
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Wondering where bass go immediately after the spawn and how to catch them when they are exhausted and finicky? In this episode of Serious Angler, Bassmaster Elite Series pro Sam Hanggi breaks down his exact blueprint for targeting postspawn bass, breaking down his incredible 2nd place finish at Lake Murray.
We dive deep into the postspawn transition, detailing exactly how bass move from their spawning beds to intermediate transition zones, and how the blueback herring spawn completely changes their behavior. Sam reveals his strict elimination process for finding the best docks...
Pro Tips for Catching More Fish on the Bank
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As technology like Forward Facing Sonar (FFS) begins to dominate the professional tournament scene, many anglers are losing touch with their natural instincts. Zach Birge has built a career being a "hammer" in the dirt shallow water, and today he explains why he refuses to get caught up in the "screen fatigue" that is sweeping the industry.
📌 Important Links:
Zack's YouTube: @zackbirgefishing7923
📌 Baits Discussed (Click the link and use code SERIOUS10 for 10% off your order):
Swim Jig: https://omnia.direct/aergerg
Chatterbait: https://omnia.direct/uyjg
20% Off...
Santee Cooper Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing Show
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The fantasy fishing gang is back to talk about the upcoming Bassmaster Elite event on Santee Cooper Lakes! What could win, big bass, our fantasy fishing picks and so much more.
📌 Important Links:
Serious Angler Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing Group: https://bassmasterfantasy.com/GroupHo...
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: https://seriousanglernetwork.com/
📌 Click here to start your FREE trial of Omnia Fishing Premium PRO: https://omnia.direct/SAPremiumPRO
📌 This episode is brought to you by our amazing partners:
• If you're a fishin...
This is Why West Coast Anglers are Big Bass Specialists!
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On today's episode of Serious Angler's Seriously Western we are joined by Bassmaster Elite Series and BAM Tour pro Bryant Smith to talk about how west coast anglers love to fish in Florida! Whether you're a seasoned angler looking to refine your skills or a newcomer eager to learn, our podcast has something for everyone.
📌 Important Links:
Bryant's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bryant_smith_fishing/
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: https://seriousanglernetwork.com/
📌 Click here to start your FREE trial of Omnia...
Flipping & Pitching Secrets with West Coast Legend Ish Monroe
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Dive deep into the heart of West Coast bass fishing! We explore the legendary techniques and untold stories that have shaped the region's elite anglers. From the evolution of flipping and punching to the secrets of mastering diverse fisheries, this episode uncovers the essence of what makes West Coast bass fishing truly unique.
📌 Important Links:
Ish Monroe's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ish_monroe/
📌 Baits Discussed (Click the link and use code SERIOUS10 for 10% off your order):
Daiwa Rods and Reels (https://omnia.direct/da)
Missile Baits...
The Best Bass Fishing Tournament Trail That You've Never Heard About
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The Champions Tour out in the midwest is the best tournament trail that you have likely never heard of!
📌 Important Links:
Champions Tour: https://classicbass.com/
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: https://seriousanglernetwork.com/
📌 Click here to start your FREE trial of Omnia Fishing Premium PRO: https://omnia.direct/SAPremiumPRO
📌 This episode is brought to you by our amazing partners:
• If you're a fishing guide, check out the Bloodknot App here: https://www.bloodknotapp.com/
• Amped Outdoors Lithium Batterie...
How He Caught a 14lb Bass! (Big Bass Behavior)
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In this episode, Reece Martin drops in to break down the fishing trip of a lifetime: landing a true 14 lb Texas giant largemouth. We recount the entire story of that day on the water, exactly how this monster fish was caught, and the specific Texas post-spawn patterns we were running to find her.
📌 Important Links:
Reece's Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/reece.martin/)
Evolution Gear (Use code BE20 for 20% off): https://evolutionoutdoor.com/collections/gear
Evolution Marketing Coordinator Position: https://www.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=00b32ab0df49eaa4...
Lake Murray Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing Preview Show
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The fantasy fishing gang is back to talk about the upcoming Bassmaster Elite event on the Lake Murray! What could win, big bass, our fantasy fishing picks and so much more.
📌 Important Links:
Serious Angler Bassmaster Fantasy Fishing Group: https://bassmasterfantasy.com/GroupHo...
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: https://seriousanglernetwork.com/
📌 Click here to start your FREE trial of Omnia Fishing Premium PRO: https://omnia.direct/SAPremiumPRO
📌 This episode is brought to you by our amazing partners:
• If you're a fishi...
Pro Tips to Finding Big Spawning Bass Faster!
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Welcome back to another episode on the Serious Angler Podcast Network! Today, we are joined by the 2026 Gamakatsu Bassmaster Elite Series Champion, Jacob Foutz, fresh off his incredible victory on the Arkansas River. Jacob weighed in 72 lbs, 4 oz to take home his first blue trophy, and he is here to break down exactly how he secured the win.
In this interview, Jacob reveals his secrets for locating bigger-than-average pre-spawn and spawning bass when the rest of the field is stuck picking through post-spawn fish. We dive deep into his winning pattern...
Winning Tournament Strategy + Coike/Urchin Bait Fishing Tips
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Are you looking to build elite consistency on the tournament trail? In this episode, we sit down with West Coast pro bass angler Ty Manterola to break down exactly how he approaches highly-pressured tournament waters and continually puts massive bags on the scales at events like the WON Bass Clear Lake Open and the BAM Trail.
Ty drops a masterclass on his tournament strategy, how he breaks down new water, and his elite approach to mid-strolling using forward-facing sonar. Then, we get into the juice: The Hideup Coike. This spiny, urchin-style...
Sneaky Bait Modificiations with Taku Ito
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On today's episode we are joined by Bassmaster Elite Series pro and Japanese angler - Takumi Ito! We talk bass fishing cultural learnings, bait modifications and so much more.
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and podcast apparel here: https://seriousanglernetwork.com/
📌 Click here to start your FREE trial of Omnia Fishing Premium PRO: https://omnia.direct/SAPremiumPRO
📌 This episode is brought to you by our amazing partners:
• If you're a fishing guide, check out the Bloodknot App here: https://www.bloodknotapp.com/
• Amped Outdoors Lithium Batte...
The Bass Fishing Learning Curve is Changed Forever (Here's Why)
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In this episode, we dive deep into the real-world struggles of professional tournament fishing, including how to mentally and physically dig out of a slump when the bites just aren't coming. Logan also shares his unfiltered thoughts on the massive format changes coming to the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series. Beyond the Elite stage, Logan takes us behind the scenes of the Logan Parks Fishing Foundation and the NSANE Fishing Tournament—a revolutionary combine bridging the massive gap between high school and college competitive bass fishing.
📌 Important Links:
Logan's YouTube Channel: @LoganParksFishing
📌...
Finding & Catching Giant Kokanee/Trout Eating Bass! (Juice)
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If you want to catch the biggest smallmouth bass of your life, you have to look up. In this episode of the Serious Angler Podcast, we sit down with PNW smallmouth legend Joey Walton to break down the exact science of targeting "Kokanee Eaters." These aren't your typical bottom-dwelling smallmouth; these are open-water pelagic hunters that suspend over hundreds of feet of water to gorge on landlocked salmon.
📌 Important Links:
Joey's Instagram (http://instagram.com/joey.walton.fishing/)
📌 Baits Discussed (Click the link and use code SERIOUS10 for 10% off yo...
Stop Catching Dinks and Target Above Average Bass on Any Lake
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Are you struggling to find kicker fish when you travel to a new body of water? In this episode of the Serious Angler Podcast, we sit down with Bassmaster Opens Pro and Wisconsin native Andrew Behnke to uncover his exact system for locating above-average bass on completely unfamiliar fisheries.
📌 Important Links:
Andrew's YouTube @andrewbehnke9200
📌 Baits Discussed (Click the link and use code SERIOUS10 for 10% off your order):
8XD Crankbait: https://omnia.direct/eageg
Owner ST36: https://omnia.direct/erg
📌 Check out Serious Angler Network lifestyle and p...
