We, the Muskie Hunks are a group of fisherman from the state of Pennsylvania (and Washington) that love fishing and love Muskies. We are not professionals, we are not on the water every day. Our goal is to bring you content from the average anglers perspective and share helpful tips that we are learning in real time. This podcast is for fun and for the love of Muskies.
Episodes
Thursday Mar 02, 2023
Thursday Mar 02, 2023
In this episode, we sit down with Mike Woelfel from HellBender Lures of wild and wonderful WV. Mike makes increasingly popular small-batch soft plastics in a huge variety of shapes and sizes. Mike tells us how he got started with fishing and lure making, shares some stories and some mishaps, and offers a little advice for beginner soft plastics makers. We share stories, talk fishing, and talk a little bit about the upcoming show this weekend in PA. Mike drops a special coupon code just for our listeners to save some coin online, since he can’t be there for Muskie Max.
Monday Feb 27, 2023
Monday Feb 27, 2023
In this episode we talk to Josh Marshall who owns and operates Marshall Custom Tackle. Josh is a great musky fisherman and an awesome bait maker out of Ohio. He makes a variety of Musky baits that flat out catch fish! Check him out at Muskie Max this week!
https://www.facebook.com/marshalltackle/
Sunday Feb 19, 2023
Sunday Feb 19, 2023
In this episode , we highlight Andrew Eye and Spray Bomb Bait Company as well as well Ryan Painter and Ryan Painter Customs. Both Andrew and Ryan are from the hills of Virginia and they are making some really awesome Musky lures that have been putting tons of big fish in the boat. This spotlight really gives you an idea of what they are building and bringing to Muskie Max as well as the story on how they got where they are today. This was a super fun podcast filled with Jet Boat crash stories , fishing information, lure building epoxy tips and more. Andrew and Ryan are two great dudes and were were thankful to get them on and talk Muskies!
Spray Bomb Bait Co.
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063539918296
Ryan Painter Customs
https://www.facebook.com/ryanpaintercustoms/
Sunday Feb 12, 2023
Sunday Feb 12, 2023
In this episode we BS about all things Muskie MAX Plus with the MAX father himself, Shawn Leopardi. Shawn gives us a little history lesson, we take a walk down Muskie MAX memory lane and talk about the upcoming 2023 expo. Shawn tells some classic stories and we all discuss our favorite Muskie Max moments. Shawn gets all of us pumped up, so much so that Ryan is already standing in line. We cover allot of ground here about the show and hopefully this gets everyone excited for this years event! We wrap the episode up talking about Shawn's new podcast adventure, Boss Juice.
#MuskieMAXPLUS2023
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg8NunIi4w0SO9lrmp2_47w
PRINTSCAPE ARENA
114 Southpointe Blvd.
Canonsburg, PA 15317
SHOW DATE + TIME
SAT. - MARCH 4, 2023: 9 AM - 5 PM
SUN. - MARCH 5, 2023: 10 AM - 3 PM
GENERAL ADMISSION: $12.00
CHILDREN UNDER 12: FREE [WITH PAID ADULT]
WEEKEND PASS: $16.00
Sunday Feb 05, 2023
Sunday Feb 05, 2023
In this episode, Nick, Owen and Ryan hold the fort down with three guests\ Honorary Hunks\ Hunksverse Captains. We invite Craig Semrau, Nate Bud and Ryan Elizondo on the podcast to talk upcoming musky shows, recent events, fishing updates, future plans, muskie lures and more. Owen gives us a little update on the Big O's booth, and Ryan talks about a recent fishing trip gone wrong. This was a true Hunksverse round table BS session!
Sunday Jan 29, 2023
Sunday Jan 29, 2023
In this episode, we BS about what has been going on in the off-season lives of us five. We talk a little bit about beginner soft plastics, some ongoing boat setup and maintenance, and yet again (you already guessed it): musky expos. Ryan talks graph mounts. Owen talks boat covers. Tom talks litter cleanup. The Hunks give Donnie a Rorsharch test.
Sunday Jan 22, 2023
Sunday Jan 22, 2023
In this episode we talk about the upcoming 2023 Musky show season. We talk about shows we plan to attend, gear that we are targeting and then the man and the myth and the legend, drunk Owen comes out to play.
Ohio Musky Show:
Jan. 27, 28, 29 2023
Makoy Event Center
5462 Center St, Hilliard, OH 43026
606-776-6567 or 606-776-6729
New York Musky Expo:
February 4th(9am-5pm) and February 5th 2023. (9am-1pm).
Chautauqua Suites and Expo center located in Mayville New York
https://www.facebook.com/groups/497322881051693
THE Muskie MAX Plus 2023:
MARCH 4 + 5, 2023
PRINTSCAPE ARENA - CANONSBURG, PA
Sunday Jan 15, 2023
Sunday Jan 15, 2023
In this episode we catchup with one of New York's premiere lure builders, Zach Baker. We talk about the upcoming 2023 New York Musky Expo, Baker Baits and updates from Chapter 69 of Muskies Inc.
Upcoming New York Musky Expo Information:
Sunday Jan 01, 2023
Sunday Jan 01, 2023
In this episode, we talk to a local friend, breakfast sandwich guru, and budding musky fisherman, Ryan Chavara. Ryan owns and operates Thyme Machine, a highly sought-after breakfast sandwich cart in Bloomfield (a popular neighborhood in Pittsburgh for you non-yinzers). Ryan shares some of the history behind Thyme Machine, as well as an inspirational story about how and why he found fishing so late in his life by most standards. Ryan tells us the interesting and analytical angle he took to teaching himself how to fish in a rather short period of time (a mindset which quickly led him to finding a passion for musky). Ryan tells us some of the most constructive things he learned when he was starting out, and on the other hand, some of the more destructive things that may have initially led him in the wrong direction. Ryan eventually asks us some of his own questions, and also shares an interesting outlook on why he doesn’t think he’s quite ready to fully appreciate a destination musky trip. We wind down by discussing some advice for those intimidated by taking the leap into musky fishing or just intimidated by networking with fellow musky fisherman. Keeping the pattern of derailment alive, we end on how to properly make an onion volcano like a hibachi chef.
Sunday Dec 25, 2022
Sunday Dec 25, 2022
In this laid-back episode, we get a little science-y, as we dive into a strange psychological concept that often pops up in fishing: The Dunning-Kruger effect (Google it). We go down a hole discussing this interesting concept and talking about some of the ways we've seen it in fishing. We talk about some other "musky mindset" questions and ideas, and how we deal with some of the mental abuse that comes as part of musky fishing. We eventually land on our (lack of) Christmas lists for this year.
Sunday Dec 11, 2022
Sunday Dec 11, 2022
In this celebratory episode, we go back and reflect on our last 50 episodes. We revisit some highs, lows, favorite guests, topics, and hilarious moments from the last 150 hours of podcasting. We discuss why we do what we do, and what our plan is for the future. Donnie promises to get a mic if we make it to 100.
Sunday Dec 04, 2022
Sunday Dec 04, 2022
In this episode, we talk with Jake Latkovic of Latkovic Lures. Our chat was so enjoyable that it went the distance at three hours- so, maybe break this one up into a few sections. Jake’s baits recently received a glowing review from the Fat A.Z. Musky Podcast, and have started spreading throughout the PA musky community as fast as he’s able to make them. Jake, local to Pittsburgh, talks about his history in fishing and lure making. We touch on the “79 Belt” of musky baits and whether or not that influences his own bait making. Jake tells us about the delicious place where he sometimes swim tests his lures. The guys explain a little bit of Pittsburgh-ese and propose what would be the most epic Yinzer musky ever caught. Jake eventually flips the script and begins asking the Hunks some questions and this leads into a chat on winter fishing, motivating yourself through said fishing, the past present and future of the PA musky program, and of course, show season.
Sunday Nov 27, 2022
Sunday Nov 27, 2022
In this episode, we are rejoined by Ben Stone. Ben was one voice of many in the original Musky Battle podcast, and we finally got him back for a solo interview. Ben, a young content creator, tells us a little about how he got into fishing, and also how he got into filming and editing. He shares some funny stories from along the way, including a very "fishy" highschool project and the very frank way in which he got involved with Youtube as a whole. Ben, as of recently, is also the face of Kanalgratis USA: a free fishing channel which started in Europe and has since grown into a global brand. Ben shares stories about how this happened, his first trip overseas to chase Euro pike and some of his plans for the future. Finally, we end with some advice from Ben on how to see the light when social media has you feeling a little dark.
Sunday Nov 20, 2022
Sunday Nov 20, 2022
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.
Sunday Nov 13, 2022
Sunday Nov 13, 2022
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).
Monday Nov 07, 2022
Monday Nov 07, 2022
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.
Sunday Oct 30, 2022
Sunday Oct 30, 2022
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.
Sunday Oct 23, 2022
Sunday Oct 23, 2022
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).
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
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.
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
Tuesday Oct 11, 2022
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.