The Muskie Hunks Podcast

E130 - Recent Trip and Hunks Fall Weekend Recap

Hunks only pod recapping recent trips, events and Hunks Fall Weekend. This episode is a major BS session. 

E129 - Figureighting with Brandon Lilly

This week we talk with the originator and creator Brandon Lilly of Figureight F8 Musky Gear started the trend of muskie apparel. 9 years ago the husband and wife duo took a chance on creating apparel that would take the muskie world by storm. Apparel that the everyday muskie angler could wear and be comfortable on the water. The business of Figureight F8 Musky Gear has expanded not only from an apparel company, but now to hosting annual tournaments in West Virginia and Virginia. Come along the journey and hear how this great company is making a comeback in 2025. You Muskie Maxers and the rest of you Muskie Nutz are not going to miss out on what’s coming for 2025.

E128 - Beyond the 8 with Kyle Friedges

This episode we welcome return guest Kyle Friedges back to the podcast to learn discuss his recent trip to Eagle Lake. Kyle shares some of his secrets on what it takes to create some amazing footage. As well as how to overcome the challenges of capturing those moments while solo fishing. Come along his journey and the new endeavors that will be brought to through his channel now called “Beyond the 8”.

E127 - Smokin Darts and Breakin Hearts with Jake Latkovic and Aaron Parise

The hunks have a true B.S. session with repeat guests Aaron Parise and Jake Latkovic. The boys go off the rails often in this episode, recounting lots of stories about the PMTT and some exciting new lures.

E126 - lake Nipissing Recap Part 2 with Lexan and Ron Dilisio

The guys reconvene to cover a little more lake Nipissing territory, this time with two special guests, Lexan and Ron Dilisio.  This father/son duo take an annual trip to the West Arm of lake Nipissing the same time of year as Owen and Nick, this year going for two full weeks.  We get into a lot of detail as to how’s and why’s  Lexan and Ron do what they do, and why they have consistently improved over the years on the shield as well as other local bodies of water. Enjoy this one, we sure did!

E125 - Bad Boating Decisions , Nerve Damaged Hands, Cabo Marlins, Shield Muskies and Life Lessons

After another hiatus, the guys are back to talk about a couple of recent trips, including the recent trip to Lake Nipissing on the Canadian shield. Learn about what not to do on the water with your boat, amongst other important life lessons.

E124 - Muskies Inc. Spotlight - Amy Keyes and Alison Willers

In this episode, the Hunks are joined by the Muskies Inc. magazine editor, Amy Keyes, and the Lunge log and Member Photo manager, Alison Willers. They get to peek behind the curtain at Muskies Inc. and learn about some of the interworking of the organization.

E123 - Muskies Giveth

Just sit right back and you'll hear a few tales, tales of some fateful trips, that started on different musky lakes, with mighty trolling rips. Donnie sailed in Washington, with Ryan Lynn and pup, while Nate and Dave bagged a giant and SS Leo caught them up. This episode was a two and a half hour tour...

Ryan and Donnie recap the Washington Tiger Safari and talk about the celebration of their Mexican heritage, Nate and Dave make moves like jagger and catch a PB up on NIP and Ryan and Team Leo have a fun trip out on Lake St. Clair where a very special goal was accomplished. Rando BS session with stories. 

E122 - "Only Hunks" BS Session - Recent Trip Recaps and Upcoming Trip Prep Talk

In this hunks only episode, we discuss recent trips like Donnie's salmon banger with Zach and Katia, Ryan and Nicks recent summer fishing adventures, Owens dad duty summer and Nate and Ryan's late night jag sessions. We do get to highlight what a fishing machine Luffey's pontoon is and then we talk about upcoming trips. Nate and Net Boy (Shoutout Big Dave) gets ready for Nip, Donnie fly's the distance of the country to chase tigers with Eli and Ryan sails St. Clair with the Leo crew. It was nice to just take a night and catch up with the boys! 

E121 - Hanging Out with Team Tadpole - Treigh Mason, Becky Brown and Matt Smith

In this episode we have the pleasure of talking to three local guests from central\ eastern PA, Treigh Mason, Becky Brown and Matt Smith. Treigh and Matt talk about how friends since the first grade started fishing together, how the OG tadpole changed the game, how they both got the musky bug, Becky admits to only dating Treigh for his Musky spots, we hear amazing tales of PB fish, tournament wins, first muskies and more. This was a blast to talk to three talented local fisherman from our area. Treigh, Becky and Matt , you guys are always welcome to come on and talk muskies! #TEAMTADPOLE

E120 - Chasing Tigers in the Mile High

In this episode we catch up with Eli and get all the details of a recent fishing trip where he had the opportunity to visit his brothers Nick Granato and Jonathan Davis. We welcome Nick back to the podcast and welcome new podcast guest Jonathan and his daughter and fishing partner Ellie. Jon and Ellie have been chasing tigers in Colorado and really the whole western musky range. 

Nick gives us a great Muskies Inc update on a recent stocking effort for Chapter 65. The boys talk about western tigers, crazy weather patterns, battling charcoal grills in the pouring rain with a sore bum, trolling motor issues and a Mexican with bolt cutters. We learn to keep your muskie bait purchases close to the vest. This was a great episode to sit back and relax and listen to a great musky fishing story!

https://www.facebook.com/MWMCh65/

 

E119 - Region 3 Champs - Donnie Got His Groove Back

In this episode we recap the recent Region 3 Muskies Inc tournament on Chautauqua Lake. Big Muskies, bloody hands, Katia running around with med kits, sleep eating sour patch kids, good food, muskies eating while your setting boards, good company and a first place finish for the new Hunks Hammer, all of which leading to Donnie Swink getting his groove back. This episode was full of memories, laughs and great stories all brought to you by our awesome guests Zach Baker, Katia Rivers, Jesse Smith and Charlie Mueller. This tale is one that will never be forgotten. 

Congrats to Zach, Jesse and Donnie for their first place finish as well as everyone that placed in a great tournament on Chautauqua Lake. Congrats to everyone who caught fish and special thanks to everyone that supported their Muskies Inc chapters in an awesome tournament. 

E118 - Linesville Hatchery Update With Hatchery Manager Nicholas Yaroszewski

In this episode, we get an overall hatchery update from the Linesville manager Nicholas Yaroszewski. Nick talks about how he has adjusted to his role at the hatchery, recent personal fishing excursions,  how last year went with the PA Musky Program, how things are looking for next year, how the money for the permit is spent and lots more. This was a super fun and informative episode with Nick and his transparency was appreciated. We have an opportunity as anglers to support the hatcheries at events like the open house and also through the voluntary permits. Please check these out and especially check out the voluntary musky permit:

https://www.fishandboat.com/Conservation/Voluntary-Permits/Documents/VoluntaryPermits-fundingfor2021.pdf

Nick, thank you very much for coming on to the podcast as a return guest and man we are looking forward to following your story as you continue to grow at the Linesville fish hatchery! 

E117 - Shooting the Musky $#@T with Matt Vavroch aka Matt Vavroch Fishing

In this episode we talk to Matt Vavroch. Matt talks about how he got started fishing, musky fishing and then into the media creation world on you tube. This was an awesome discussion with Matt! Matt has a wealth of knowledge and has been putting out killer content for a long time! Go check him out!

https://www.youtube.com/c/MattVavrochFishing

https://www.instagram.com/matt.vavroch/

https://www.threads.net/@matt.vavroch?xmt=AQGzCVcS0TL_SemG_aQbowdcxbBlcL88rAbPvpHza4coLxY

https://www.facebook.com/matt.vavroch/

 

E116 - Getting bit on "Custom Clarkey Baits" with Noah Clarke

Custom Clarkey Baits!!! Get comfortable and listen to the Hunks as they are joined by a very special guest from North of the Border, Noah Clarke of Clarkey Baits! Noah gives the details of how he got started fishing, muskie fishing and finally making baits. This episode comes with a few stories and lots of laughs. Noah makes some of the prettiest baits in the business, and also has one of the most well named lure lineups out there! Add Clarkey Baits to that list of much needed lures for your musky fishing adventures! 

 

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/CustomClarkeyBaits/

 

E115 - Three Rivers Chapter 16 MI Tourney Recaps and BS Session

In episode we recap two recent Three Rivers Chapter 16 Muskies Inc tournaments in our area. We have three local boys on to give us their backgrounds, Andrew Arnold, Eric Bartolomeo and Greg Colosimo. Andrew, Bart and Greg tell us a little about how they got started Muskie fishing, how they fish now and how their experiences were at the Lake Arthur tournament. Andrew placed second with Ryan Connelly and Bart and Greg took first. We also recap the Chapter 16 youth outing also held at lake Arthur. The Hunks Hammer was present to secure 2nd place for his youth fisherman Shane Duncan only missing first by 1/8 inch. Swinkie talks about cheating on Muskies with ocean fish, Nate was dragging ass, Ryan was in the middle of breakfast and Nick was just happy that i pronounced his last name correctly. This episode is a pure hunks BS session with tips, stories and laughs. 

E114 - You'll Always Remember Your First PMTT with Garrick Sobeski and Aaron Parise

In this episode we catch up with local western PA boys Garrick Sobeski and Aaron Parise and hear the tale of their recent experience at the PMTT tournament on Cave Run. We talk about tournament preparation, planning and the execution of their gameplan on the water. Here's to lure swap half priced dying dogs and friendships forged through Muskies Inc! These boys did us proud in Kentucky and we are pumped to cheer them on in the next tournament in Wisconsin.

E113 - MuskyHunkaPalooza 2024 Recap

In this episode we recap THE 2024 Muskie Hunk A Palooza! Most of the Palooza participants are present to talk about their experience fishing in western PA. This episode is filled with fishing trip trials, fish stories and lots of laughs from last weekend. There is a strong possibility that another Eli podcast musky ends up in the bag! 

Shout out:

Bucko Muro - Bucko's Branded Baits

Noah Clarke - Clarkey Baits

Greg Jones - Lila Lures

Dave From Minnesota

E112 - Ben Stone Returns

This week the Hunks are joined by return guest, none other than Ben Stone of Ben Stone Media. Ben sits down to talk about his season from last year, some of his past work filming for Kanal Gratis and Devoted Outdoors and what he has planned coming up for his new venture which includes all types of outdoor videography and editing. He’s one of the best at shooting content that is not only entertaining and educational but much more visually pleasing than most YouTubers out there, so definitely give him a look!

E111 - Poggin’ Around With Greg Nimmer

In this episode, it’s our privilege to chat with Greg Nimmer, who illustrates over and over during this talk why he’s known all around the country for his one-of-a-kind creative genius. Greg shares some of his journey making off-the-rails and unique musky baits for over 20 years (in an equally unique way). He tells us about his first expos, some things he’s learned in fishing and in building, and what his creative process looks like when it comes to dreaming up his zany creations. He gives us a few secrets and unexpected surprises, holds back on a few others, and tells us some incredible fishing stories from the north woods of Wisconsin. It’s a click-clackin’ good time.