Fishing pressure is one of the most influential factors in modern musky fishing, yet understanding how muskies respond to angling activity is considerably more complicated than simply labeling a fishery as pressured or unpressured. On this week's Musky 360 Podcast, host Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse take an in-depth look at musky fishing pressure, the concept of intelligent pressure, and how anglers can adapt their approach to heavily fished waters during the fall season.

As musky fishing continues to evolve, so does the relationship between fishing pressure, fish behavior, and angler expectations. Understanding the difference between the...

Fall Musky Fishing: Tiger Muskie Tactics, Late Fall Trolling & Low-Density Fisheries

Fall musky fishing is a time when preparation, equipment choices, and attention to detail can make a tremendous difference on the water. On this week's Musky 360 Podcast, host Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse break down the strategies and considerations that help anglers make the most of their time on the water as the musky season moves into its final stages.

One of the major topics is how to approach low-density musky fisheries, where fish populations are limited and locating muskies requires a different...

Late Fall Musky Fishing: Mid-Cast Triggers, Sucker Tactics & the 50-Degree Shallow Bite

Late fall musky fishing presents some of the best opportunities of the year to catch trophy muskellunge, but success often comes down to understanding fish positioning, controlling your presentation, and knowing how to trigger strikes before a musky reaches the boat. On this week's Musky 360 Podcast, host Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse explore advanced musky fishing techniques designed to help anglers contact more fish and convert more opportunities into successful catches.

One of the major topics is triggering muskies during the retrieve...

October Musky Fishing: Fall Turnover, Better Hooksets, Lure Modifications & Late-Season Tactics

October musky fishing can deliver some of the most exciting opportunities of the entire season, but rapidly changing conditions can also make locating and catching muskies a serious challenge. On this week's Musky 360 Podcast, host Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse break down the ups and downs of fall musky fishing, sharing practical techniques, equipment adjustments, and strategies for catching more muskies as water temperatures continue to drop.

One of the major topics is improving hooksets and keeping muskies hooked throughout the fight. Steven...

October is prime time for chasing giant muskies, and legendary musky angler Steve Herbeck joins hosts Steven Paul and Jay Esse on the Musky 360 Podcast for a deep dive into late-season success.

Whether you’re heading north to the Canadian Shield or hunting trophy muskies closer to home, understanding how fall conditions affect fish movement and feeding behavior can make the difference between a follow and a strike.

In this episode, the crew tackles listener questions, breaks down the impact of major feeding periods, discusses how to capitalize on prime musky windows, and shares proven lu...

The late September transition into the fall musky bite is all about recognizing feeding windows, adjusting to changing conditions, and knowing where muskies are likely to move next.

On this week’s Musky 360 Podcast, hosts Steven Paul and Jay Esse break down fall feeding windows and how cooling water, changing weather, and shifting baitfish movements can create short but highly productive opportunities.

Steven also announces the release of two new Livingston Lures topwaters: the compact Lil Makk and the completely redesigned Custom Big Makk, built specifically for serious musky anglers.

The episode also co...

The late-September transition into the fall musky bite is all about adaptation. As water temperatures begin to cool and baitfish movement changes, musky anglers need to establish a reliable baseline before making adjustments.

On this week’s Musky 360 Podcast, hosts Steven Paul and Jay Esse break down how to approach late-September muskies across reservoirs, flowages, and natural lakes. The discussion covers changing water temperatures, shifting forage, location adjustments, and how to recognize when conditions are telling you to stay with the program or make a move.

Build the baseline first, read what the fish and co...

On this week’s Musky 360 Podcast, Steven Paul and Jay Esse break down fall reservoir musky fishing and how to stay dialed in as conditions begin changing.

The discussion covers trolling speeds for active fall muskies, how seemingly minor weather changes can impact musky location and feeding behavior, and why establishing a solid baseline is critical before making adjustments. Steven also explains the three-point bait check, a simple system for evaluating your presentation and determining what needs to change when targeting muskies.

From trolling adjustments and changing fall weather patterns to lure presentation and reading ac...

On this week’s Musky 360 Podcast, host Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse break down the future of fall musky fishing and what trophy anglers should expect as water cools, bait shifts, and big fish change their habits.

The guys dig into slack line presentations, why that “dreaded reel” moment happens, and how to stay connected when a monster musky eats. They cover late-season musky location, feeding windows, lure selection, and the habits that separate average fish from true giants. Plus a loaded listener Q&A on fall musky tactics, gear, and on-the-water adjustments.

If you wa...

 What separates confident musky anglers from those constantly second-guessing their decisions? Competence. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler and author Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to explore the relationship between fishing knowledge, confidence, and making better decisions on the water.

Successful musky fishing isn't about having the newest lures or blindly following popular tactics. It's about understanding your fishing program, recognizing what you're trying to accomplish, and making meaningful adjustments instead of constantly changing strategies without a purpose.

Steven and Jay discuss how simplifying your approach, b...

This week on the Musky 360 Podcast, host Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse deliver an in-depth recap of Steven’s month-long pursuit of trophy muskies in Canada. Steven breaks down what worked, what failed and what he learned while targeting giant Canadian muskies under constantly changing conditions.

The episode covers trophy musky location, fish movement, weather patterns, forage, water clarity, lure selection and the adjustments required to consistently contact big fish. Steven and Jay also answer a wide range of listener questions covering musky fishing techniques, equipment, seasonal strategies and the realities of hunting mature muskies on Ca...

Hunting Mega Muskies with Dr. Bob — Targeting the Biggest Muskies in the Water

Forget numbers. This episode is about one thing: hunting the biggest muskies that swim. On the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse welcome Dr. Bob for an in-depth discussion about the pursuit of truly exceptional trophy muskellunge.

Catching giant muskies requires a different mindset than simply trying to put fish in the boat. Steven, Jay, and Dr. Bob explore what separates ordinary musky fishing from deliberately targeting the largest fish in a system, including understanding trophy musky be...

 On this week's Musky 360 Podcast, the ups and downs of musky fishing trips. How to prepare BEFORE you get there and how to adjust quickly to ever changing conditions, with host Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse.  

Destination Musky Fishing: How to Prepare, Adapt, and Catch More Muskies

A destination musky fishing trip can be the opportunity of a lifetime or an expensive lesson in frustration. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to discuss the preparation, planning, and...

 On this week's Musky 360 Podcast, how to take proper advantage of a hot musky fishing bite window. Selecting and predicting Musky patterns, listener Q&A and more from host Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse.  

Musky Fishing Patterns and Prime Bite Windows — How to Capitalize When Muskies Turn On

When the musky bite turns on, are you prepared to take full advantage of it? On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to discuss how to identify productive musky fish...

 On this week's Musky 360 Podcast, the ultimate survival guide to zero feedback on your musky fishing trip. What to do to be successful and how to accomplish finding big fish with all of the variables at hand. Host Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse break it down. 

Musky Fishing with Zero Feedback — How to Find Big Muskies When Nothing Is Working

What do you do when the muskies aren't following, striking, or giving you any indication that you're on the right track? On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and award-winning lure...

 On this week's Musky 360 Podcast, musky fishing bait selection as tools that are must haves. Speed is an audio signal, how to apply that in your retrieves. What water temperatures are too hot for musky fishing. All this plus a Bash recap from your host Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse.  

Summer Musky Fishing: Lure Selection, Retrieve Speed, Water Temperatures & the Bash Recap

Are you choosing the right musky lures for the conditions, or simply throwing your favorites? On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and award-winning lure designer Steven Paul jo...

 On this week's Musky 360 Podcast.  Host Steven Paul chimes in from glorious Florida before Icast begins. Co-host Jay Esse gives a local extreme heat look at local conditions and a preview of the Musky Shop Bash this Saturday.  Plus Q&A from our amazing listeners on all things Musky Fishing.  

Extreme summer heat can change everything about musky fishing, from fish location and feeding activity to lure selection and safe catch-and-release practices. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins the show from Florida ahead of ICAST, whil...

Musky 360 Podcast: Speed, Boat Channels, Current Positioning, and Small Boat Rigging

On this week’s Musky 360 Podcast, host Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse break down how speed can trigger big muskies and why boat channels are often overlooked big fish locations. They discuss how muskies use channels, current, edges, and high-flow areas to position and feed, especially when conditions push fish into predictable travel routes.

The episode also covers high current musky positioning, how to approach smaller musky fishing boats, and practical boat rigging tips for better efficiency and safety on the water. Steven an...

Summer Musky Fishing Strategies: Baitfish, Structure & High-Percentage Locations

Successful summer musky fishing starts long before you make your first cast. Understanding baitfish movements, identifying productive structure, and recognizing where muskies are most likely to position themselves can make the difference between a successful fishing trip and days of frustration.

On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to break down the essential dos and don'ts of summer musky fishing. From preparing for destination fishing trips to analyzing conditions...

Early Season Musky Fishing: Minnesota Musky Research, Timber Tactics & Fish Behavior with Dr. Bob

What can scientific research teach us about catching more muskies, and are anglers overlooking one of the most productive types of musky structure? On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse alongside special guest Dr. Bob for an in-depth discussion of early season musky fishing, fisheries research, and advanced fishing techniques.

The conversation examines Minnesota musky studies and how scientific research can influence our...

Trophy Musky Destinations, Algae Bloom Tactics & New Lures from Europe

What separates a truly world-class trophy musky fishery from a lake that simply produces good numbers of fish? On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul returns from Spain after attending EFTTEX, one of Europe's premier fishing tackle trade shows. Steven joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to discuss emerging fishing tackle trends, innovative lure designs, and the developments shaping the future of musky and pike fishing.

The conversation shifts to one of...

 Musky Fishing Mindset: Smarter Decisions, Better Results & EFTTEX 2026

What separates consistently successful musky anglers from those who struggle to put fish in the boat? Often, it's not the equipment they're using but the decisions they're making. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul checks in from EFTTEX 2026 in Barcelona, Spain, while co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse holds down the fort in Wisconsin.

The conversation takes a deep dive into the mental side of musky fishing, examining how experienced anglers analyze conditions, develop p...

Successful musky fishing requires more than choosing the right lure. Understanding the conditions, recognizing how muskies are positioning themselves, and coordinating effective presentations can make the difference between a productive day and hours of wasted effort. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to break down how to analyze fishing conditions and select the most effective lure presentations for everyone in the boat.

When multiple anglers are fishing together, throwing the same lure with the same retrieve isn't...

Finding productive musky water starts with understanding what you're looking at before you ever make a cast. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to break down how to use lake maps, fishing electronics, and structural analysis to locate muskies more efficiently and develop a better fishing game plan.

One of the biggest advantages serious musky anglers can develop is the ability to interpret underwater structure and recognize the subtle details that separate productive fishing locations from ordinary...

What separates anglers who consistently trigger muskies from those who struggle to turn follows into strikes? Often, the difference comes down to understanding how lure presentation changes with depth, fishing pressure, and the activity level of the fish. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to break down the techniques and adjustments that help anglers become more effective on the water.

Getting dialed in on muskies requires more than identifying productive structure or choosing a popular lure. Steven...

Is social media creating unrealistic expectations for trophy musky fishing, and how much attention should anglers really pay to moon phases and solunar feeding windows? On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to examine the difference between fishing reality and internet hype while exploring the factors that influence muskellunge behavior and feeding activity.

Social media has changed how anglers perceive success, with viral catches, carefully selected highlight reels, and constant exposure to giant muskies creating expectations that often...

Spring cold fronts can turn productive musky fishing patterns upside down, leaving anglers struggling to locate fish and trigger strikes. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to break down how changing spring weather conditions influence muskellunge behavior and what anglers can do to remain productive when the bite gets tough.

Cold fronts present unique challenges during the early and mid-spring fishing season, particularly when rapidly changing weather patterns, falling water temperatures, shifting barometric pressure, and changing...

What separates successful musky anglers from those who spend their time guessing? The ability to analyze conditions, understand fish behavior, and execute a calculated fishing strategy. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul introduces his latest book, Musky IQ: Analyze & Execute, and discusses how a more systematic approach to fishing can help anglers make better decisions on the water.

Now available through The Musky Shop, Musky IQ: Analyze & Execute builds on decades of professional guiding experience and firsthand observations of muskellunge behavior. The book focuses on...

Early season musky fishing demands the right presentations, an understanding of productive structure, and the ability to make adjustments as conditions change. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to break down spinnerbait modifications, learning new musky lures, and the important differences between fishing humps and reefs.

One of the biggest topics is modifying musky spinnerbaits for early season success. Steven and Jay discuss how changes to spinnerbait configurations can influence lure performance and presentation, allowing anglers to...

Understanding where muskies position themselves and selecting the right lure for the situation are two of the most important elements of successful musky fishing. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse for an in-depth listener Q&A covering spinnerbait selection, underwater structure, and advanced open water musky fishing techniques.

One of the major topics is musky spinnerbaits and how blade size, blade configuration, and overall lure profile influence performance. Steven and Jay examine how different spinnerbait designs affect...

Finding muskies consistently starts with understanding where their food is located and how changing conditions influence fish behavior. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse from the road for a discussion of current musky fishing news, baitfish location, and the strategies anglers can use to remain productive when conditions change.

One of the major topics is understanding baitfish movements and their relationship to musky location. Steven and Jay examine how forage distribution, underwater structure, depth changes, and seasonal...

What does it take to consistently catch muskies during the challenging early season? On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, legendary professional musky guide and trophy fishing expert Steve Herbeck joins host Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse for an in-depth discussion of the strategies, techniques, and decision-making processes that can help anglers develop a successful early season musky fishing game plan.

With decades of professional guiding experience on Wisconsin waters and Ontario's legendary Eagle Lake, Herbeck brings an exceptional understanding of muskellunge behavior, seasonal movements, and the conditions that influence early season fishing success. The conversation...

 What does it take to consistently catch muskies during the challenging early season? On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, legendary professional musky guide and trophy fishing expert Steve Herbeck joins host Steven Paul and co-host Jay Esse for an in-depth discussion of the strategies, techniques, and decision-making processes that can help anglers develop a successful early season musky fishing game plan.

With decades of professional guiding experience on Wisconsin waters and Ontario's legendary Eagle Lake, Herbeck brings an exceptional understanding of muskellunge behavior, seasonal movements, and the conditions that influence early season fishing success. The conversation e...

Spring musky fishing presents unique challenges as changing water temperatures, weather patterns, and seasonal transitions influence muskellunge behavior. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to discuss spring musky fishing strategies and answer questions submitted by listeners.

Understanding how muskies respond to changing spring conditions is an important part of developing an effective fishing game plan. Steven and Jay explore the challenges anglers face during this transitional period, including interpreting seasonal patterns, evaluating fishing conditions, and selecting appropriate...

Big muskies don't always require big water. Smaller lakes, rivers, and overlooked fisheries can offer exceptional musky fishing opportunities for anglers who understand how to identify productive structure, interpret current, and develop an effective fishing strategy. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to break down the techniques and strategies for consistently locating and catching muskies on smaller bodies of water.

One of the major topics is small water musky fishing and how to maximize opportunities in limited...

Three new musky lures, three distinct presentations, and a deeper understanding of what makes muskies strike. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to break down the release of three Livingston Lures predator baits: the Critter, Menace, and Banshee.

As the designer behind these innovative musky lures, Steven provides firsthand insight into their development, intended applications, and the specific fishing situations each was designed to address. From the compact, versatile Critter and the aggressive soft-plastic Menace to the...

What does it take to consistently catch muskies in the legendary waters of northern Wisconsin? On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse for an in-depth conversation with special guest Jake Smith, longtime professional musky guide and co-owner of Smity Bait and Guide Service in Minocqua, Wisconsin.

With more than two decades of professional guiding experience across Wisconsin's Northwoods, Jake brings extensive firsthand knowledge of muskellunge behavior, seasonal fishing patterns, and the techniques required to locate and catch fish...

What does the future hold for musky fishing, and how will new lure designs, changing weather patterns, and artificial intelligence influence the way anglers pursue muskellunge? On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to explore emerging fishing tackle innovations, seasonal weather predictions, and the rapidly evolving role of technology in modern musky fishing.

One of the major topics is new musky fishing lures and upcoming tackle innovations. Steven and Jay discuss new products on the horizon, the continuing...

How do muskies actually hunt their prey, and what can understanding their predatory behavior teach us about catching more fish? On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse alongside special guest Dr. Bob for an in-depth discussion of muskellunge hunting behavior, feeding strategies, and the factors that influence when and where muskies strike.

A major focus of this episode is understanding how muskies locate, pursue, and attack prey. Steven, Jay, and Dr. Bob examine the predatory instincts of muskellunge...

Fishing for muskies in dark, tannic-stained water presents unique challenges, but understanding how reduced visibility influences lure presentation and fish behavior can create valuable opportunities. On this episode of the Musky 360 Podcast, professional musky angler, author, and internationally award-winning lure designer Steven Paul joins co-host and Musky Shop manager Jay Esse to break down effective musky fishing strategies for tannic water, changing fishing tackle prices, and the latest developments throughout the musky fishing community.

One of the major topics is how to catch muskies in tannic-stained lakes and rivers. Dark water changes the way anglers approach structure...