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.

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.

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. 

In this week's episode, we hand the ropes off to some of the old and some of the new minds behind the annual Musky Battle. Jeff Contreras (back by popular demand) is joined by Ben Stone, Alex McLean, and Joseph Biebert to talk about their plan for this year's various stages of the Battle. We talk about some changes, challenges, pros, cons, stories , and what to expect. As usual when Jeff is around, we close out by going down a rabbit hole about life.

In this episode, we have a hilarious, insightful, and all-around enjoyable chat with Mike Nabulsi of Water Wolf and Bass Magnet Lures. We start the night in shambles, and once back on track, we talk about Mike's storied history in the world of making stuff swim. Mike schools us on things we never before thought about in the realm of rubber, we beg him to come to a US musky expo, and Owen professes his love to another one of his many man crushes.

In this first installment of “Fish Tale Fridays”, we tell stories about a recent weekend excursion where the hunks (almost) had a perfect sweep at various bodies of water across the state of PA. Find some of the events on video on the new Muskie Hunks YouTube channel, also found at linktree.com/MuskieHunks

This week, the hunks host none other than Vance “Boomer” Kaloz, pro-guide, bait maker, podcaster, and all-around Muskie Renaissance Man.  We talk about his progression through fishing to where he ultimately ended up fishing the PMTT, winning various awards, and guiding full-time. We discuss all things musky…and all things not. We take another stab at a speed round, and the podcast quickly divulges into a Kennywood conspiracy theory episode. #TheMuskieHunks #ALLDAY

In this episode, we recap our weekends at the first-ever NY Musky Expo as both vendors and buyers. We talk highs, lows, our hauls, seminars, and everything in between. Following expo talk, we derail into an interesting chat about some recent spring fishing and positive musky mindset. 

In this week's episode, we go way over our typical 2 hours talking to one of the more well-known names in Pittsburgh musky fishing. Nicholas Colangelo. We talk all things Esox in this three-hour musky extravaganza. We discuss boats, rods, lures, tinkering, ice fishing, Pittsburgh eats, and everything in between. Nick tells stories, we whiff at the concept of a speed round, and Tom's microphone craps the bed on the night he has been waiting for his whole life. 

#themuskiehunks

#colangelosbakery

Colangelo's Bakery: https://colangelopgh.com/

 

In this week’s episode, as we approach the first-ever NY Musky Expo, we chat with one of the vendors making the trip up. We talk with Bob and Nick Cox, a very dynamic father/son duo who own B&N Custom Rods and Tackle (and also recently acquired the Talonz brand). We talk about what it’s like to produce so many different baits at once, how you split work as a father/son team, fishing/developing lures on Lake St. Clair, and what we can expect to see at the show.

In this episode, we talk to Steve Gould (Trophy Time Leaders and Lures) and Zach Baker (Baker Musky Lures) about the upcoming New York Musky Expo. The NY Musky Expo will be held on April 9th and 10th, at the Chautauqua Suites and Expo Center in Mayville New York. Steve and Zach have been working hard to build a premiere Musky show around Chautauqua Lake. Baits, gear, awesome seminars and cool giveaway's, its shaping up to be one of the best events in the country! 

Check out the New York Musky Expo Facebook group for more information!

https://www.facebook.com/groups/497322881051693/

In this week’s episode, Fisheries Research Specialist, Kamden Glade, joins us to discuss musky diets, strange eats, memorable poops, and why the perch fisherman should technically be angrier at the musky than the walleye fisherman.    Check out Kamden’s research and thesis at:   

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Kamden-Glade

https://www.instagram.com/kamdenglade/

#FishPuke

In this week’s episode, we recap our five different experiences at the recent PA Muskie Max expo. We discuss the show through our eyes, our purchases, and some “interesting” interactions along the way.  Owen taps out early and things take a nose dive. 

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.

In this episode, we take a week off from having guests to discuss the upcoming Muskie Max show. We talk about past experiences both on the customer and vendor side of things. We discuss our different approaches and outlooks on muskie expos, shopping lists, some of our favorite vendors, what to expect this year at the PA Show, and what we’d like to see in the future.         

This week, we talk to Beau Whittington of wild and wonderful West Virginia. We discuss his brand, Beauzooka Baits, as well as guiding, baseball, aquaponics, and much more. Beau gives advice to new bait makers, Tom finally finds someone to talk trout with, and Ryan podcasts through a tornado.

In this episode, we talk to Regan Thompson, owner of the Paradise Cove Resort situated on the West Bay of beautiful Lake Nipissing. Regan Thompson is a professional multi-species guide and owner and operator of Lake Nipissing Charters. Regan tells his story on how he started fishing, how he started guiding and ultimately how he opened the Paradise Cove Resort. This episode is all about Lake Nipissing and stories that Regan shares with us. For anyone considering going to Lake Nipissing, this is a great listen. You find out quickly why Regan is one of the best guides on this giant body of water. Check out season 16 of The Musky Hunter TV "MUSKIES IN PARADISE"  on FEBRUARY 19TH, Regan guest stars with Jim Saric to showcase Lake Nipissing and the Paradise Cove Resort.

https://www.paradisecovenipissing.com/

https://www.muskyhuntertv.com/

If your headed up to Lake Nipissing, book a fun filled day of fishing for Walleye, Northern Pike, Bass & Musky with Professional guide/operator Regan Thompson.

In this episode, we talk to Brad Kutmas, THE All-inclusive Angler. Brad is a super smart talented fisherman and bait maker that has learned the ins and outs of 3D printing to design and print lures for Musky Fishing. In this episode, we talk about how Brad got into Musky fishing, how he mastered the 3D design and printing of lures, his process and all things All-inclusive Angler. This was a super interesting podcast that really shows off Brad's skill set. Check him out on Instagram!

https://www.instagram.com/allinclusiveanglr/

https://allinclusiveangler.com/projects/

 

In this episode, we talk to Jake and Joe Batic, two musky-obsessed brothers from the state of Indiana. We talk about how they got their start to fishing and musky media, their experiences across the Midwest as pro staffers for Musky Mayhem, boats, setups, baits, brotherly love, and basically all things musky.

In episode ten, we welcome our fourth guest, Luke Wholey. Our intended focus was to discuss the Wholey brand, how Luke got started fishing , his time spent in Alaska, the Alaskan Grille  and how he got started Musky fishing in Western Pennsylvania. Luke tells his story and makes us all hungry for seafood. This was a really awesome episode with one of Pittsburgh's iconic business owners as well as premiere local Musky angler.

In episode nine, we welcome our third guest, Mark King of Keystone King Musky Lures. Our intended focus was to discuss Marks bait lineup and what he has new for the Muskie Max. Mark makes really awesome glide, dive and rise and now twitch baits. Really pumped to see the Keystone King lineup at the Muskie Max here in March. Hopefully this episode gives you some insight into Mark King and Keystone King Musky Lures.

In episode eight, we welcome our second guest, Evan Schoss of Schoss Bait Company. Our intended focus was to discuss Evans history making Musky lures and to get a quick overview of Schoss Bait Company. We also get into discussing local Musky history and Evan shares his tales of fishing with Howard Wagner and local Musky Lure builders that have all had there share in building the rich history of Musky fishing here in Western Pennsylvania. 

In episode seven, we discuss recent musky news from the Three Rivers Chapter 16 Muskies inc. holiday meeting, recent group fishing news while re-capping our 2021 seasons and then talk about 2022 fishing resolutions. We try to stay on musky topic and avoid talking Steelhead. Tom gets boo'd even though Ryan has been recently converted to a Steelhead hunk. 

In episode six, at the suggestion of our (wonderful) listeners, we take a few steps backwards to dive deeper on the topic of bank fishing. Last week, while we intended on talking about it with Jeff Contreras, we quickly derail into an open-table conversation about life, and we miss the intended topic almost entirely. This week, however, we do our best to to stay on track. We start at ground zero with selecting your spots. We dive even deeper into strategy, scouting, baits, seasons, weather, mindsets, and more. 

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

In episode five, we welcome our first guest, Jeff Contreras of Just Keep Casting. While our intended focus was bank fishing, we quickly derail into a conversation about the musky fishing community and life in general. We talk about how Jeff and his brand got started, what it’s like to manage two dozen crazy musky fisherman at the annual Musky Battle, and the good, the bad, and the ugly that comes with it all. Finally, we close with some bank fishing stories and tips. 

In episode four, after a two week hiatus, we had a lot of catching up to do. We go off the rails discussing some recent muskies we have (and have not) been catching, as well as some common fall strategies and a multi-species road trip. We recap our annual Hunks Weekend musky trip, commemorate the reigning “champion”, and eventually, we get into our top personal musky memories. 

In episode three, we talk about why we chose what we chose, our regrets, and some budget-friendly boat hacks to save time and money when you finally take that leap. As weekend warriors with full time jobs, we try to keep our boat setups cheap and simple, and prove that you don’t necessarily have to spend your life savings on a fancy new boat to be successful. 

In this episode, the Muskie Hunks talk a little about how we got into Muskie fishing and focus on major mistakes we have made along the way. This is a good episode for beginners and really gives you an idea of how green we are and how far we have come.  The goal is to share common mistakes and to show how imperfect we are as humans and fisherman. 

This is the first episode of the Muskie Hunks Podcast featuring Owen Seman, Nick Fiesler, Donnie Swink and Ryan Read. We discuss why we wanted to start a podcast as a group of local anglers in Pennsylvania and we also share recent trips that we have been on. Owen and Nick share information about Lake Nippising, Donnie shares his experience from Minnesota's Muskie Battle and Donnie and I give a quick synopsis of the Muskies Inc. Allegheny River tournament that we fished with Tom Vannatta a few weeks back. This Podcast is our way to share our love and passion of fishing, what we are learning about the sport and recent events. The Muskie Hunks is a group of Musky Fisherman here in PA that just truly love the sport of Musky fishing and love hanging out talking about fishing. We hope you guys enjoy this podcast! 

In this video-cast, I talk to The Muddy Creek Fishing Guides and FATAZ Musky Products crew. Todd, Vance and Andy talk fishing with me, tell stories and talk about tips and tricks with the bait lineup. This video cast was a great look inside Muddy Creek and FATAZ and I had a blast doing this one!

In this video-cast, Evan Schoss, Nick Fiesler and I talk to the legendary Brian Boyer , the creator and owner of Legend Lures. We talk about how Brian got started Musky fishing and building lures. Also, Brian talks tips and tricks for running Legends, talks color selection, tells stories and more. This video cast was a great look inside legend lures and really it was a fun conversation.

In this video-cast, I get the opportunity to talk to my man Evan Schoss about Musky fishing, the Schoss bait company line up , tips and tricks and then hear some awesome stories from Evans trips. Evan provides a ton of information regarding his line up, when to fish the baits, how to fish the baits and color selection. We also talk tips for Musky Anglers. Check out Schoss Bait Company on Instagram and Facebook: https://www.instagram.com/schossbaitcompany/?hl=en https://www.facebook.com/SchossBaits

In this episode, I have the awesome opportunity to discuss Musky guiding with Banging Bottom Outfitters. Doug Vanasco, Joel Morrow and Jesse Barnhart come on to talk guiding, tell stories, recap trips and provide us with great information for new musky anglers. This was a very special conversation as these guys are local fisherman to PA, local guides and really just the best human beings you will find. I really enjoyed this conversation and I hope you all do to. Check out Banging Bottom Outfitters on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/doug__75/?h... ​ https://www.instagram.com/bangingbott... ​ SHOW LESS

In this video, we talk all things Boss Shad. Boss Shad Musky Lures has been a staple in the Musky world for 11 years now. Paul comes out to the zoom world and brings the heavy hitters to recap his baits and share stories. We talk Musky Fishing and Boss Shads with the one and only Kevin Goldberg and the one and only Vance Kaloz. Listen in on stories, tips and tricks and overall great information from these talented bait makers and Musky Fisherman. They are some of the best fisherman in the country and they are even better human beings!

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!

In this episode I talk to my good friends Owen Seman, Tom Vanatta and Nick Fielser about Big O's Bucktails. We listen to Owen tell his interesting story and then get into the MTO Big O's Bucktail Configuration. Owen will make any color combo, and skirt color or configuration and any blade configuration you want. Life's full of color and that's what Big O's brings to you. We talk useful information, share stories and talk tips and tricks and our favorite bucktail applications, colors and baits.

In this video cast, Evan Schoss , Charlie Mueller and I talk Pennsylvania State Fish Hatcheries with Jared Sayers, the manager of the Linesville State Fish Hatchery. Jared shares a wealth of knowledge about the hatcheries which will show you how important they are to the state of Pennsylvania and us as fisherman. We talk Walleye, Catfish, Bass, Musky and Steelhead. Jared shares his wealth of knowledge with us and answers questions about upcoming projects and the PA Voluntary Fishing Permits. This video cast was a blast and Jared has so many interesting things to share about our fisheries and native species.

In this videocast episode, I get to talk with three talented musky anglers from our local area here in Pennsylvania. One of which is the talented Mark King, owner of Keystone King Musky Lures. We get to talk Musky Fishing and Glide Baits. We discuss the Keystone King lineup of lures, how mark started building lures, favorite lures in general, when to fish Glide Baits, share tips and tricks, talk favorite colors and musky fishing in general. This was a fun videocast with very talented fisherman. You can pick a few tips and tricks up in the hour plus video.

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.

In this episode Josh Marshall and Marshall Custom Tackle facilitate a conversation with one of Ohio's Muskie fishing's greats, Ray "Grandpa" Elkins. Ray is 81 years young and has been Muskie fishing for well over 65 years. Ray gives us some background on how he got started muskie fishing, what it looked like to fish Ohio in the 50's & 60's, how the Ohio Huskie Muskie Club got started and the impact that they have had, how he spent all his money on Wiley's and had to bum money for lunch and how he got the nickname "GRANDPA". This episode is a walk through Ohio Muskie history and Ray tells allot of fun and amazing stories. This was truly an honor for us to interview Ray and we could listen to Grandpa talk muskie fishing for hours.  Special thank you to Josh Marshall for helping set this up and helping Ray join the call!!!

This week the hunks are joined by a very special return guest in Jeff Contreras, as well as Dan Scriver, both from Tackle Industries. We get to catch up with Jeff and learn a little bit about how Dan got started in the fishing industry and how these two have joined forces to try to take the Tackle Industries brand to the next level in the Musky industry. We reveal that two of the hunks have been recruited by Tackle Industries and VEXAN fishing to become brand ambassadors, and are very much looking forward to testing out the products and helping Jeff and Dan get towards their goal of taking Tackle Industries and VEXAN Fishing into the future.

In this episode we have 2 special guests Chris Willen (Chris Willen Guide Service) and Lynn Hotchkiss (Big Fish Lynn). We highlight the Southern Muskie range and all it has to offer including a recent giant caught. Then we talk all things Chris Willen and what he has to offer with his guide service, along many different tactics to target these fish. From fishing the smallest waters imaginable in his Towee or drift boat to the big waters in his Ranger. You won’t want to miss our new segment to the podcast that debuts in this episode. Be prepared to laughing hysterically. Settle in and enjoy this week’s episode.

In this episode we sit down with chapter 16 secretary Charlie Mueller and long time club member Mr. Meatball himself Evan Schoss. We discuss everything chapter 16 new and old and how far the club has come in recent years. We highlight upcoming events like the banquet and the 2024 tournaments, and as usual get derailed a few times along the way.

In this episode we talk with our Wisconsin boys Trevor Allen and Justin Regan from Chaos Tackle. We get a little background on Trevor and Justin and hear about how they got started fishing and how they got hooked up with Chaos. We talk about Chaos and the endless products that they provide to customers, hear stories from their grueling show season travel and more. This was such a fun showcase and very informative for those of you trying to get into the sport of Musky Fishing. Chaos is truly a one stop shop and they really provide high end rods, nets, baits terminal tackle and more to you as an angler at a very cost effective price. Trevor and Justin are awesome sticks and a great representation of what Chaos is all about! Check this one out! Yinz guys will love it! 

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. 

In this episode, we recap the 2024 Western Pennsylvania Muskie Max. The prodigal son Tommy "Two Crocs" Vanatta returns to talk about his first experience as a vendor at Muskie Max under the Saddle Tramp Banner. We are all sure he will never forget it.  We talk through the setup, first day live on Saturday and Sunday and recap favorite stories from the weekend. We eventually cover our muskie max gear hauls which results in spending PTSD. At the very end of this episode, Owen pulls the raffle winner of the Big Rich Muskie painting. We got MAXXED!

In this pre Muskie Max vendor spotlight, we highlight the father son duo of Nick and Bob Cox and B&N Custom Lures. We discuss what B&N is bringing to this weekend's Muskie Max and get an update from the boys on recent trips. We end the discussion talking about what's going to be in all of our bags. Happy Muskie Max week! We will see yinz at the MAX! 

The Hunks are joined this week by 2 friends of the pod and return guests, Jake Latkovic of Latkovic Lures and Mark King of Keystone King Musky Lures. Both will be at Muskie Max showing theirs wares, this weekend at Washington Crowne Center in Washington Pa. Tune in to hear what each has planned to bring for the show so you can budget accordingly! Of course there are many side-tracks and laughs throughout, let’s get ready for Muskie Max Week!!!

In this episode we catch up with owner and operator of Battle The Beast Guide Service and Musky Hunter , Gregg Thomas. Gregg comes on to kill some time while he drives home from the Milwaukee Musky Expo and talks recent musky fishing conditions, show season, cool new baits for the year, fishing tips for early spring, updates to Musky Hunter media as well as highlighting his collection of random gas station bathroom stall art cell phone pictures.  We are all pumped to see Gregg next week at THE Muskie Max in Worshington. Its always a pleasure catching up with Gregg and talking musky fishing! Check this one if your into eating hot dogs like a corn cobb and laughing until you cant breath.