The Muskie Hunks Podcast

E47 - “Hold My Shirt”: The Episode About Nothing

In this Hunks-only mess of an episode, we let the wind take us and talk about a little bit of everything. A few of the guys talk about their plans for fall and winter fishing, while a few others talk about some oddball cold weather tactics that many don’t consider. This conversation leads to another conversation (and listener question) about the proper way to "just make it work” with your bass gear if you’re on the fence about getting into musky fishing. We pick this apart and do our best to talk about the right way to downsize your gear for safe and effective use of bass-sized baits on bigger fish. We talk about launching boats without launches, and revisit some more items to include in that beginner boat kit that we left out last week. Nick becomes the Bubba Gump of secondhand anchors, and recaps some of his most memorable harvests.

E46 - Donnie Wants to Be Like Chase Gibson When He Grows Up

In this episode, we sit down with musky nut, guide, and previous WV record holder, Chase Gibson. Chase goes all the way back, and tells us how he got into fishing, guiding for muskies, boat ownership, and more. We discuss why Chase loves his home state, some other places he has visited, and some relationships he has forged in the industry. Chase talks about what he likes and dislikes about where the industry is headed, and also where the WV stocking program is headed. He gives some pointers for people headed to the Mountain State in search of a big girl, and tells the story of his own previous record. Chase tells us which Batic brother is the better fisherman, and agrees to a live wrestling match, versus both, at the next Musky Show (allegedly).

E45 - Boats ’N Woes

In this seven-man episode, we have all five regular Hunks, plus we call in two reinforcements for this beginner boating discussion. We invite back a name you all should know by now: Mark King, of Keystone King Musky Lures. We also call up Matt Fuchs, aka "Corn". Corn is a longtime friend of Tom, who was raised by the wrench and (allegedly) eats gasoline in his frosted flakes. We start off talking about Ryan's latest purchase, which believe it or not, is NOT more musky lures. We talk about some beginner boating mistakes, some good things for beginners to buy and do, and some little tricks and hacks that can make your first few years of boat ownership easier and safer. The Hunks desperately try to acquire the Harbor Freight sponsorship. Owen tells us how not to take care of your boat. 

E44 - Three Is The Loneliest Number - Rando BS Session

Owen, Donnie and Ryan just BS about recent events, Ryan's Boat Buying Woes and the good bad and the ugly of social media. We are all over the map on this one. Sometimes we just need to hang out , drink beers and shoot the $6#@ with the boys. 

E43 - Hunks Weekend 2022 - Hunky, Chunky, and a Little Bit Funky

In this episode, we recap Hunks Weekend 2022. We are joined by the whole gang in attendance that weekend- including Mark King of Keystone King Musky Lures, Nate Budziszewski, and the man, the myth, the legend: Don Senior. We go from start to finish talking about the fishing, the shenanigans, the food, and of course, the rescues. Ryan steals the belt (sort of?). Team Swink beats us to the lake from 2 hours away, despite the fact that we camped 100 yards away. Owen and Senior man the Blackstone. Tom almost falls in the musky net with a musky. Nate and Mark reconsider ever coming back. Nick ditches us and ruins Owen's birthday (again).

E42 - A Beginner’s Guide to Stuffing Walleye, Stretching Muskies, and Native Canadian Skunks

In this Hunks-only variety episode, we welcome yet another honorary guest Hunk, Kellen Campbell. We invite Kellen on to discuss their recent Canada trip. However, we start the episode on a more scandalous note, talking about what everyone else has already heard and talked about: the LEWT cheating debacle. We do our best to talk about this and what we think about the situation given our limited knowledge of the walleye world. Eventually, we switch to a lighter topic (kind of), and talk about the Canadian Hunks Skunk. We discuss what happened, and how to bounce back from a heartbreak trip. Kellen gives us some good advice about keeping your mind in the game and staying positive when times get tough. Donnie and Kellen talk about their recent NY outing and Don Senior’s 50 with Vance from Muddy Creek. Eventually, after already trying once to wrap up for the night, we get into a quick line discussion, and talk about where the bananas on boats superstition came from.

E41 - What Happened to Episode 40?

In this episode, we talk about the main reason why we pulled the original episode 40 off of the air. 

Episode 40:

In this Hunks-only variety episode, we welcome yet another honorary guest Hunk, Kellen Campbell. We invite Kellen on to discuss their recent Canada trip. However, we start the episode on a more scandalous note, talking about what everyone else has already heard and talked about: the LEWT cheating debacle. We do our best to talk about this and what we think about the situation given our limited knowledge of the walleye world. Then, while we’ve tried to avoid it, we felt it was necessary to address the recent “alleged” happenings in the musky world and our thoughts on this “alleged” situation (allegedly). Eventually, we switch to a lighter topic (kind of), and talk about the Canadian Hunks Skunk. We discuss what happened, and how to bounce back from a heartbreak trip. Kellen gives us some good advice about keeping your mind in the game and staying positive when times get tough. Donnie and Kellen talk about their recent NY outing and Don Senior’s 50 with Vance from Muddy Creek. Eventually, after already trying once to wrap up for the night, we get into a quick line discussion, and talk about where the bananas on boats superstition came from.

E39 - Singing the Musky Blues With Joe Bucher

In this extremely special episode, we have the privilege of sitting down with musky fishing’s grandfather and Hall of Famer, Joe Bucher. Joe tells us some of his history in fishing, filming, guiding, writing, speaking, bait making, and even mentoring. He shares stories of things he has seen change along the way, for both the better and worse. He tells us a little about the early versions of his lures, including how they became popular, and how they were originally made. He gives the guys some advice on how to deal with getting skunked on destination/vacation trips. When our time unfortunately comes to a close, Joe leaves us with a guitar riff and some invaluable advice regarding both fishing and life. A huge thank you goes out to our previous guest, Tyler Andrews, for making this unforgettable evening possible.

E38 - Off the Rails With Banging Bottom Outfitters

Pull up a chair to this three-hour sideshow as we get to know the guys of Banging Bottom Outfitters. BBO, out of Western PA, guides primarily on Pymatuning, and consists of Doug Vanasco, Jesse Barnhart, Joel Morrow, and Brian Luffey. The eight of us talk about how the guys got their start, and of course how they got the name. We talk a little bit about what they believe in as far as their day-to-day mentality, and some useful tips for anglers who may be struggling or just feeling the pressure of musky fishing. After a few drinks, things go completely off the rails, and Doug decides to give away his secret spots and interview us. Joel debunks rumors of his famous "musky call" and talks about his preferred choice of footwear. Jesse ruins the perfect streak. Luffey talks a little about something he has, and something we've discussed in the past: pontoons for musky trolling. Donnie gives Doug COVID.

E37 - Brian Skaife and Angling Anarchy

In this episode, we welcome a name that anyone with the internet and a musky rod knows: Brian Skaife, or as you may know him, Angling Anarchy. We also welcome another honorary hunk as a sit-in cohost: Nate Budziszewski. With so many videos on so many topics, it's hard to cover anything that Brian hasn't; but, we do our best to keep it fresh while discussing his history in fishing, filming, and some advice for both. Brian talks about some common misconceptions of Youtube, some upcoming and past fishing trips, and we already start dreaming about show season. Brian gets invited to Hunks Weekend. 

E36 - Blinded by the Light with Tyler Andrews

In this episode, we sit down with Tyler Andrews (FKA "The Musky Guru"). Tyler tells us a little bit about how he got into fishing as a kid, and how that eventually led to his obsession with the musky. We talk about his relationship with some of the godfathers of musky fishing, some stories from spending time in the boat with them, and some fun facts we never knew. We eventually talk about how he ended up both on a t-shirt and in a video game. Tyler gives some advice about how to maximize your time as a weekend warrior, and how to ethically and effectively scare away crackheads from launch ramps while night fishing. Donnie catches COVID.

E35 - Dave in Minnesota

In this week's episode, we welcome Dave (in Minnesota), a name you've probably heard before if you listen. Dave (originally from PA, but now in Minnesota) is a longtime friend of Donnie (in Pennsylvania), and arguably the reason Donnie (in Pennsylvania) started chasing musky (in Pennsylvania, and Minnesota). Dave (in Minnesota) sits in as a guest co-host as we tell fish tales. Dave (in Minnesota) talks a little about his past (in Pennsylvania, and Minnesota) and schools us on how he breaks down new water as an amateur musky fisherman with resources available to most anglers (everywhere). Towards the end, we even hear a few fish stories from his two young sons' points of view (also in Minnesota). Owen invites Dave (from Minnesota) to Hunks Weekend (in Pennsylvania).

E34 - Caught in a GLITCH with Mike Conklyn and Conklyn Lures

In this episode , we talk with Mike Conklyn , owner of Conklyn Lures and creator of the Glitch, a hybrid glider and twitch bait. Mike created a very versatile musky lure that is a quality product at a very cost friendly price point. We talk to Mike about where he started musky fishing up in Wisconsin, how he started bait making, Mike tells a few stories and we sit around and BS about Muskies. Mike is a great dude and we were pumped to have him on! Check out Conklyn Lures!

https://www.facebook.com/ConklynLures

E33 - To Scope or Not to Scope

In this episode, we re-welcome a past guest, Alex McLean, an avid musky fisherman from Minnesota. Alex is also one of the new organizers of the annual Musky Battle. While we admittedly lack any extensive live imaging experience, Alex is passionate about this topic, and he comes on to share some of his thoughts. We talk about this very polarizing debate, Alex's season, some Minnesota trip tips, and more. Nick opens an invite to the general public to crash at his new place in Georgian Bay (tell a friend to tell a friend).

E32 - Rock the Boat, Don’t Tip the Boat Over

In this episode, we take a week off from interviewing guests to discuss some of our many recent stories on the water- some fishing, and some not. We talk about some successes, failures, and everything in between. We talk about some beginner trolling terminal gear, rod holders, and some baits that have brought us good results in the recent weeks. Donnie is on the road trying to catch a St. Lawrence 60. Ryan (almost) loses his idol's favorite fishing rod. Tom is convinced he has trolling all figured out. Nick believes in the Believer. Owen retires from skateboarding.

E31 - Ryan Elizondo, El Cazador de Tigres

In this episode, we talk to Ryan Elizondo, a tiger musky fisherman who lives in the Pacific Northwest. Ryan eats, sleeps, and breathes tigers- and his passion has led to quite a few fish that most musky anglers would only ever dream of. Ryan sets the scene by telling us a little about his home waters. We try to debunk some common rumors about these rare fish, the fisheries, and the tactics. We compare and contrast hybrids versus pures. Eventually, as usual, we derail completely into a conversation about lures, life, and musky fishing in general.

E30 - A Quick Chat and Some Big News with Gregg Thomas

In this week's short but sweet special episode, we have a quick talk with a man whose name probably rings a bell to any and all musky fisherman (and cockfighters) - Gregg Thomas. Gregg is a writer, speaker, guide, lure creator, brand owner, show organizer, content creator, photographer, and current owner of Musky Hunter Magazine. Gregg comes on for a special announcement, but we also take some time to discuss a little bit of his history in the musky world. We start with a talk about what it's like fishing the PMTT for so many consecutive years, and eventually work into the history of the Dyin' Dawg and Musky Hunter. We talk about guiding, Gregg's bait and photo tinkering, and eventually lead into the future plans for Musky Hunter Magazine.

E29 - 54 or Bust with Glenn McDonald

In this episode, we talk to Glenn McDonald, aka 54 or Bust, who is an avid musky fisherman, content creator, writer, and educator who lives right in the heart of Ontario’s Sunset country. We talk to Glenn about how he started and where he’s heading with both his musky fishing and his YouTube channel. We talk about what it’s like to juggle a full-time job with a burning passion for muskies while also navigating social media’s complicated landscape.  We talk about the industry changing, tips for beginners coming to Canada, and the right way (and wrong way) to go about getting sponsors.

E28 - Flying High With Scott Grassi

In this episode, we chat with Scott Grassi from Keystone Anglers Guide Service about broadening our musky horizons. Scott is a seasoned multispecies fly fisherman, who somewhat recently added musky fly fishing to his résumé. We talk with Scott about beginner fly setups, what it’s like to guide novice fly fisherman for such a difficult species, and what advantages (and disadvantages) fly fishing may have over gear. Once again, we end with a discussion of why all of us fisherman, whether dirty gear fisherman or purist fly slappers, should just get along.

E27 - Joe Cermele: Fisherman, Creative Genius and Stalking Victim

In this episode, we have the privilege of spending a few hours with one of the truly great creative fishing minds (and voices) of our generation, Joe Cermele. We have an unforgettable chat with Joe about some of his work, as well as his influential past, present, and plans for the future in the fishing industry. We talk about his rivalry with the musky, and he proposes a few often-heated esox debates. Most importantly, Joe explains why all of us fishermen - no matter the species or method - should just get along, dude. Nick welcomes home the second baby Hunk of 2022. Ryan finds out that he bought bootleg Joe C. goods at the bargain outlet. Joe quits smoking, and Donnie might start. Things get weird and Tom scares Joe away from ever coming to the annual Hunks Weekend at Owen's musky camp.