The Muskie Hunks Podcast

In this episode, we recap the 2026 Muskie Max with the Leopardi family. This years event was held at Thiel College and it was truly an awesome show. We cover how the setup went this year,  hunky hauls and a weekend recap. Towards the end, Todd addresses the heating issue in the venue.

We learn that is possible for Swinkie to behave at a Muskie show, however, Nate Bud cannot. Nick threw tickle punches, Wiley's caught Ryan,  Owen survived the plague and Eli finds a way to take advantage of that Leo buy 5 get 1 free deal from 3000 miles away. Joey at some point crashes a drone, Todd and Dale knock their seminar out of the park and Lauri gets to talk about one of her favorite fishing stories. It was great hanging out with the Leo fam! Great job on Muskie Max Leo's, we are all pumped for Muskie Max 2027!

In this episode, we sit down with Todd, Lauri and Joey Leopardi and talk about the upcoming Muskie Max Plus being held at THIEL college in Greenville, PA. Todd highlights why the show was moved to Thiel, Lauri gives us the scoop on the food options, Joey runs through the vendor list and allot more. This is a great appetizer for the upcoming show February 28th and March 1st. We are all really pumped for this event and we cant wait to see everyone there! 

 

https://www.muskiemax.com/

https://www.facebook.com/westernpamuskiemax/

https://www.instagram.com/muskie_max_show?igsh=MTJ1bmtnZnRqNHVnNQ==

 

EXPO DATES / TIMES

​​SAT. - FEB. 28, 2026:   9 AM - 5 PM

​​SUN. - MAR. 1, 2026:   10 AM - 3 PM

In this episode we recap last years Lake Nipissing trip. The boys talk about there successes and failures. Lots of stories and lots of laughs. We end on a seriousness business note and discuss muskie industry recent events and private equity. 

In this episode we go up to northern or southern Minnesota to talk to Cole Graczyk from Zilla Custom Baits. We discuss his recent collab with BAMBAM Bait Co, his best of show award in Chicago, some exciting news from Brady and what’s next for both of them at the New York show and beyond.

We have the honor and privilege to talk to Josh Marshall and Grandpa Ray Elkins in this banger of an episode. Muskies pounding, old scar back, jointed Pikey's with glass eyes, Dennis and Jerry, piss on the plate, trolling for dogs and lot's more. Grandpa talks about spawning muskies, tells amazing stories and tells us how they used to do this thing called Musky fishing back in the day. Sit back, strap in and get ready for a 3-4 hour ride. 

In this episode Eli, Nick, Nate and Ryan catchup with our long time friend and honorary hunkie hunk Bucko Muro. We talk about upcoming shows, new bait design, football and everything in between. Go Bears! 

Life updates, upcoming shows and jagging arahnd. Mark King and Jake Latkovic join us to give updates , talk shows and catchup. 

In this episode we hang out, catchup on recent events. Eli recalls the memory of a lost friend, Nick shows off his 2am Facebook marketplace skills, Luff talks about his season on the toon and Nate goes off on Chris Collinsworth for being an absolute Jag. 

This week we sit down with a couple veteran PMTT anglers Chris Riebe and Scott “2 Pounder” Popowski that teamed up for the first time for the 2025 trail. We go into depth of their progression into the sport and where it’s take them. From fishing with zero electronics to using Tony Grant as a human FFS. These two have a ton of knowledge and have been successful all over the muskie range. Theres a ton of take aways and laughs throughout this episode. Sit back, grab a cold one and enjoy.

This week honorary Hunk Brady Martz joins the boys as they dip their toes back into the hot water of podcasting. They recap some Muskie’s Inc happenings, give some summer updates, and break down the Lake Tapps 2025 Tiger hunt.

In this episode, the hunks talk with Green Bay guide Phil the Thrill Stodola. We cover everything from why music matters in the boat, why muskies inc matters, and and having fun while fishing. There’s a lot of great takeaways in this one, from a guy who is all in on the muskies giveth mentality.

In this episode we talk with two local boys, a father and son duo Rick and Rich Marnic. Rick and Rich get us up to speed on how they started muskie fishing and we hear a few awesome stories along the way. Eventually we get around to recapping the Three Rivers Chapter 16 Muskies Inc Lake Arthur Tournament from a few weeks back. Congrats to Rick and Rich on a buzzer beater muskie to take first place! These are two of the best human beings you could ever meet, check out this episode for that local feel with two great local anglers!

This week the hunks are back to recap the 2025 Muskypalooza. They were joined by some out of town guests for a weekend of western PA fishing. Stories, shenanigans and scandals ensued.

In this episode we talk to one of West Virginia's talented glide bait makers Derek Tucker and Lucky Tuck Lures LLC. Derek walks us through how he got started musky fishing, making baits and more. We talk about sketchy boats ramps with zombies, glide bait hookup ratios and the best of 90's Nickelodeon. 

In this episode, we get to talk to Brian Luffey from Banging Bottom Outfitters. Luffey is known for his color coordinated pontoon boat, Daisy May Trolling, as well as his practical customization of everything. Get excited for spring musky as we pick his brain on boat prep. This episode is loaded with good ideas for modifying and preparing your boat for the upcoming musky season. Stay successful our friends! 

In this episode we bring back return guest Shawn Leopardi owner of the Core 3 Group and Father of the Muskie Max. Shawn talks about this years event held at the Washington Crown Center. We get a little preview of some new vendors and some adjustment from last years show. Its that time, Muskie Max week, LETS GET MAXXED! 

In this episode we talk to Benjamin Duke from Duke's Dozerz. We discuss shows, bladed baits and all kinds of other topics that should make the blade bro's happy. 

In this episode the Hunks are joined by another Canadian friend, known to some as Alex Boutin, others as Rex St. Pierre, and to the rest he is the Barbarian Guy. We talk fishing North of the Border, Quebec. Alex talks about how he got started in the Muskie industry and we have a really fun discussion of all things musky. 

In this episode repeat guest the "THE Boss" Paul Frustereo comes back on to discuss the 2025 show season and drops some hints on a new exciting development in the works. We are pumped to see what Paul brings to the Muskie Max here in March. The boss store is back open, get them while they are Orange Tiger Chartreuse Belly Hot! 

#Bossshad

Everyone traveled from near and far for the long awaited weekend of shenanigans at the New York Muskie Expo. We get to hear all the behind the scene stories from our great friends/vendors from this year’s show. From wondering where BIGFOOT is hiding in the maze of vendors, if BUCKO will find the secret bar, then to having a BAM BAM thrown at your back. Talk about a BIG ACTION packed weekend with a TOP-LINE for the “Crazy Sunday Babe” deals. That’s a wrap on the 2025 New York Muskie Expo. Thanks Katia and Zach for a memorable show.