In-Fisherman Storyline host Thomas Allen is joined by good friends and local fishing experts to discuss the state of the fishing industry, boat prices and angler optimism as the new year begins. Mille Lacs guide Brad Hawthorne, Brainerd bass anglers Chad Foster and Brandon Cizek dig into the future of the sport we all love, with some laugh along the way. This is a fun discussion about where we're all headed no matter where you are in the fishing spectrum. 

Some of the top muskie minds in the business come together at a legendary destination in Ontario—Andy Myers Lodge. Renowned and lifetime muskie guide and fanatic Steve Jonesi joins legendary muskie angler Steve Herbeck along with Andy Myers lodge owner/operator Julian Kalka hosted by In-Fisherman's Digital Content Manager Thomas Allen. The group talks about the history of AML and the unbelievable fishing available at this incredible destination. You'll love this episode and will likely put AML at the top of your bucket list, if it's not already there.
For more information, visit www.andymyerslodge.com

Cullen Veiders of Western New York shares his inspirational story that helped him become an obsessed muskie angler—a pursuit that helped him catch a world-record class muskie on lures he handcrafts—Musky Candies. Eric Allee works with Eagle Claw in Denver, CO, and recently caught the Colorado state record crappie ... from a kayak no less! He shares his story alongside Cullen, and the two anglers from different parts of the country both share common traits that make them successful on the water. You won't want to miss this one!

In this episode of In-Fisherman Storyline, the crew discusses springtime magazines, modern publications and what to expect in the upcoming issues.

In-Fish Storyline host Thomas Allen sits down with IF-TV videographer/producer Dave Penning and Jackson, Mississippi, based crappie guide Brad Chappell. We talk about Brad's history and his burning passion for big southern crappies. Fun discussion!

In this episode we sit down with Ryan Lilly, Old Town Canoe's Brand Evangelist, and kayak fanatic. Great stories, rigging discussion and a look at Ryan's career. Lots of fun to be had in this one!

Eagle Claw's Eric Allee sits down with In-Fisherman's Thomas Allen to discuss the countless soft-plastic hook variations and how to make the best choice for each specific application you may have tied on. Hooks are critical to your success, and this is a conversation that will help you get the most out of your hooks.

Eagle Claw's Eric Allee sits down with In-Fisherman's Thomas Allen to talk about getting the most out of your hardbaits--and that may mean swapping out the stock hooks for hooks scientifically proven to keep fish pinned. The duo provides numbers of examples that will help you put more fish in the boat.

There's a good chance that you never think about the hooks that come stock on your topwater frogs. Is an upgrade necessary? Well, one can speculate, but it's certainly necessary if a hook breaks on your favorite frog, or if the hook points just can't function any longer. It's easier than you think, and Eagle Claw's Eric Allee and In-Fisherman's Thomas Allen talk about getting the most out of your frogs.

As bait profiles continue to evolve and adapt to angler demands, so the hooks that catch the fish. In-Fisherman's Thomas Allen and Eagle Claw's Eric Allee dive into alternative and standard rigging applications for drop shots. The options abound and the fish won't ever see it coming.

In-Fisherman's Thomas Allen and Eagle Claw's Eric Allee sit down to talk about hook selection for different catfish applications. There are plenty of great options out there, but what is the best choice for you? Check this out.

We get the inside story of the Berkley CullShad and how the lure made a near accidental appearance before the planned release at the 2023 Redcrest. It's an awesome story of one of the finest swimbaits you'll find anywhere. And it's already in very high demand.

Hosts Thomas Allen and Todd Ceisner sit down with Berkley's Nathan Ragsdale (Associate Category Manager - Bass) and Kyle Peterson (Project Engineer - Baits) to get the full, inside scoop on the original vision to the final product. This is the story of the Berkley CullShad.

Fenwick's mastermind Dave Brinkerhoff talks about the new lineup of rods, which are simply amazing. Bailey Eigbrett joined in the conversation, as well--Bailey hosts the ever-popular Serious Angler podcast and works with Gunpowder PR representing Pure Fishing brands, including Fenwick. This is a fun conversation about everything Fenwick fishing and more.

We visited one of the most beautiful northern destinations to film a couple segments of In-Fisherman TV with Bret and Dan Amundson, and we sat down with one of Tazin Lake Lodge owners Trevor Montgomery to get the full story behind legendary Tazin Lake in northern Saskatchewan.

There may not be a more fascinating guy than Jon Bondy—he changed muskie fishing forever by inventing a presentation and a bait that is a regularly utilized technique in all serious muskie anglers’ arsenal. Plus, did you know he fished for bass professionally? What a story.

Reference Links:

https://www.in-fisherman.com/

https://bondyfishing.com/

Staying powered up has never been easier thanks to the lithium battery revolution. Leading the way is X2Power. X2’s very own Shawn Budiac joins us and talks with Minnesota pro bass angler and guide Josh Douglas. The goal is to simplify your battery needs and keep you on the water longer.

Reference Links:

https://www.in-fisherman.com

https://x2powerbattery.com

 https://www.joshdouglasfishing.com

In this Hardcopy edition of In-Fisherman Storyline, the topic is the Kayak Fishing Fun annual publication and deep-dive discussion with Publisher Mr. Michael Carney, Editor Jeff Weakly and Thomas Allen who moonlights as Senior Editor of KFF.

Useful links:

https://www.floridasportsman.com/listing/kayak-fishing-fun/455407

https://www.osgnewsstand.com/product/kayak-2024?utm_source=brandedsite&utm_medium=warmode&utm_campaign=KFF

One of North America's finest freshwater fisheries often flies under the radar, but Capt. Frank Campbell, joined by OSG's Todd Ceisner and Michael Carney dig into the world-class smallmouth bass fishing, along with numbers of steelhead, chinook, lake trout and other species available at your fingertips in the Lake Ontario region. Capt. Frank can put you in touch with the top guide in the area, or take you out himself. Enjoy this discussion that takes place after dark on a roof-top patio just a stone's throw from the renowned Lower Niagara River, mere miles downstream of legendary Niagara Falls. 

In this Afters Hour edition of In-Fisherman Storyline, Thomas sits down with a few good friends and talk about the state of the industry, forward-facing sonar, youth fishing derbies and how to ... address Nature's calling from the boat. You won't want to miss this one!

Aaron Ambur lives for his outdoor time, and that passion has trickled down into his family pursuits and professional objectives. He owns a number of fishing and hunting brands that you'll surely recognize, but the cool part is really learning about his level of passion for making products he truly believes in. When you have devoted outdoorsmen and women behind useful products, you can count on quality and application—and we learn about Aaron's story and how he got to where he's at today. A remarkable outdoorsman and businessman. ​

Held locally in Brainerd, Minnesota, this year is the 35th annual Brainerd Jaycess Ice Fishing Extravaganza on famed Gull Lake. Thousands of anglers from all over the state, country and world gather to compete for an impressive purse that pays out to 150 competitors. Curious how it works? Sheena Ziegler, Mike Kuck and Andrew Jay swing by the Storyline Studios to give the full inner workings to the largest ice fishing derby on the planet. You should come and give it a try, you’ll love it!

https://www.icefishing.org/

Our good friend Craig Storms, or Stormy to those who know him best stopped by the In-Fisherman headquarters to sit down and share the details of his interesting career. Host Thomas Allen digs into Stormy’s early days and finds a long list of similarities in how their careers began and changed directions. Craig works with Dakota Lithium and shares a tremendous amount of insight to the lithium battery market, and how anglers are better powered on the water than ever before. This is a good listen!

Longtime In-Fisherman contributor and renowned Lake Erie walleye guide Ross Robertson connected with Thomas Allen to talk about how he kicked his career off and, of course, they got off on a few rabbit trails along the way. This is a fun discussion about what it takes to be a professional in the industry, what to avoid and what you definitely need to do if this career path is of interest. Strap in and listen, this is a long one but entertaining from the word go!

This is the second part in an extended series we’re producing to help celebrate 50 years of In-Fisherman. The legendary Al Lindner and his late brother Ron began In-Fisherman back in the 70s, with lots of twists and turns along the way.

Al shares some incredible stories about his early years before In-Fisherman was founded. We learn about what motivated him, how he learned the business and how the Great Northwoods beckoned the two brothers to a new home to begin one of the most influential fishing publications in history. This is the first of several interviews with Al as he recounts his early days and what lead them to Hayward.

In-Fisherman Editor-in-Chief Doug Stange sits down with Thomas Allen to relive the early days of his youth in Iowa. He talks about how his fishing passion was born, why catfish are so important to American anglers and the duo discusses the legend of Otis “Toad” Smith and his impact on Doug’s storytelling. Mr. Stange has contributed so much to the In-Fisherman platform over the years, and hearing him tell stories of the old day is an absolute privilege.

In-Fisherman Editor in Chief Doug Stange sits down with host Thomas Allen for his second interview reminiscing about the early days of In-Fisherman magazine. Doug talks about the evolution of the content, cover art development, writer acquisition, and much more. Doug shares a lot of exciting and entertaining stories about the days of old and brings us into the modern age of In-Fisherman magazine. You’ll not want to miss this edition of In-Fisherman Storyline.

The editors at In-Fisherman including Doug Stange, Rob Neumann, Jim Nagy and Thomas Allen sit down and go through what many have concluded as the best issue of In-Fisherman magazine. The March/April 2025 edition is the official 50th Anniversary issue and all the contributing writes and editorial staff worked collectively for months to look back at 50 years of the fishing industry. The team is proud of this issue, and we think you will be too.

Al Lindner sits down for a second interview with In-Fisherman Storyline host Thomas Allen to discuss the early days of In-Fisherman magazine and how both Ron and Al got the organization off the ground. Al looks back at those days with pride, shares some stories that brought the brand to the forefront of the fishing industry and talks about his decision to eventually sell the title to an investment group. It’s an intriguing discussion from the get-go. 

Thomas Allen sits down with Barry Prall, owner/operator of Trails End Outfitters located on the shore of legendary Tobin Lake in central Saskatchewan. The In-Fisherman crew was visiting Tobin Lake on a content drive to capture images for upcoming In-Fisherman Ice Guide images, and for future digital content efforts, and it turned into an amazing wintertime adventure. In-Fisherman’s Todd Ceisner and Thomas Allen’s daughter Taylor were in attendance, but the main personalities on this episode include Barry and Eskimo prostaff member Anthony Kleinwachter. There are some exciting stories in this episode, including Barry reminiscing about some of his more interesting bush pilot adventures.

This is part 7 of The Greatest Fishing Story Ever Told. Lifetime fishing fanatic, Mark Fisher, talks about how fishing has changed over the years, and talks in detail about his career working at Rapala. The long line of Rapala lures all started with the Original Floater and Fisher offers some insight about the evolution of the brand and how it impacted the entire fishing community. He insists on remaining relevant as an angler by fishing as often as possible, and he talks about how the incoming generations can be active contributing members of the fishing industry. Mark is one of the best dudes in the business and a fine storyteller. Fascinating guy for sure. 

Host Thomas Allen has his son Tommy and good friend and veteran walleye pro Mark Courts sit down to talk about the current state of the industry, with a bunch of shenanigans along the way. The heart of the discussion is largely about the explosion of youth involvement in competitive fishing, and how it’s almost created a sense of entitlement at times. Courts offers advice to Tommy, and we all agree the future is bright but not without its risks. This is a fun conversation including a couple of generations and various levels of competitive fishing experience.

As we continue to tell the story of the In-Fisherman inception, it would be incomplete without at least one thorough discussion about legendary fish artist Larry Tople. Chuck Beasley spent 16 years as Art Director of In-Fisherman magazine, and now Jim Nagy holds the title after a couple of years. Both men have a lengthy history working with Tople over the years and share their insight into what made him so good, incomparable actually. This is the first discussion about Tople and afterwards, we all decide one episode isn’t sufficient. We’ll be doing this again. 

Thomas Allen sits down with his longtime friend and generational muskie angler and guide Steve Jonesi. The guys dig into how the sport has evolved and what the incoming generation needs to understand about muskies as the sport changes, seemingly by the day. Steve shares some stories from the past, including a world-class fish he put a client on that may have challenged the state record. The guys also talk about how fishing media impacted the early days of fishing passion and how it ultimately changed their lives. This is a fun conversation about life as a guide and how those impacts are worth all the investment—and why the muskie is the greatest freshwater fish that swims.

Mille Lacs-area baitshop owner Jason Bahr is joined by his son Tyler as they sit down and talk with host Thomas Allen about baitshop ownership—more specifically Tutt’s Bait and Tackle in Garrison, Minnesota, alongside legendary Mille Lacs. The biggest problem lately is how the state of Minnesota unreasonably restricts livebait importing, which has impacted the sales of golden shiners. The golden shiner is considered the best livebait option for walleyes, especially during the ice season. The state needs to make changes, and this discussion sheds light on a situation that is killing baitshop owners across the state we also talk about good solutions going forward. This one gets a little spirited, you don’t want to miss it.

Longtime Grand-Rapids based guide Tom Neustrom sits down with Thomas Allen, host of In-Fisherman Storyline, to talk about the early days of Minnesota fishing discovery, and how guides found and promoted the amazing fisheries that the state is known for. Neustrom worked very closely with the Lindners to contribute to the magazine features and the early days of the TV show. This was a long conversation that you won’t want to miss, so we broke it up into two pieces for easier listenting. Part 2 will be published on July 1, 2025.

Gary Roach, known as “Mr. Walleye”, is one of the most recognized walleye anglers in history. Mr. Walleye sits down with In-Fisherman Storyline host Thomas Allen to tell some stories and discuss his rise to walleye fame in the Brainerd Lakes Area. The historical lookback is not only informative, but entertaining and enlightening. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did!

Longtime Grand-Rapids based guide Tom Neustrom sits down with Thomas Allen, host of In-Fisherman Storyline, to talk about the early days of Minnesota fishing discovery, and how guides found and promoted the amazing fisheries that the state is known for. Neustrom worked very closely with the Lindners to contribute to the magazine features and the early days of the TV show. This was a long conversation that you won’t want to miss, so we broke it up into two pieces for easier listenting.

Custom rod builder Ted Stardig of Toxic Rods sits down with Minnesota tournament angler Evan Blakley to talk the state of the industry, how the tournament world continues to bring drama to forefront and how the future of the sport looks. Both guys are heavily invested in the future of fishing and have a lot of interesting knowledge to share—with some laughs along the way.

Timeless contributor and personality, and former editor at In-Fisherman Steve Quinn has long been known as a bass scientist. He grew up in New York City, yet discovered bass fishing at an early age and built a passion for writing and fishing from there. His story is inspiring and entertaining proving that you can develop a love for fishing no matter what. Plus, the science is nothing short of intriguing. Steve is an incredible man with a great story. Enjoy this segment of In-Fisherman Storyline as we continue to dig into the stories that made In-Fisherman from the beginning.

Mr. Don Pursch will be inducted into the Minnesota Hall of Fame this coming fall, and it’s an overdue honor for such a wonderful guy. Don talks about his early days with the renowned Camp Fish here in Minnesota, and how the original crew at In-Fisherman helped encourage him to purchase a remote fly-in fishing resort in Ontario. He shares a few epic stories about what it takes to run a lodge like that and spends a lot of time reminiscing about the Discovery Years of In-Fisherman. A truly enjoyable conversation that sheds a lot of light on the guide lifestyle in an amazing part of the world.

Austin is a Brainerd resident and runs one of the most popular summer bass tournament trails in the region. Just like many communities across the nation where week-night derbies are the norm, Brainerd’s Thursday Night Bassin’ is a competitive and exciting weekly derby that Austin manages. The two discuss many issues around the state of the industry, how to keep up with a weekly bass tournament series and more. Austin has a great story, and lots of valuable insight in case you’re looking to start your own wildcat derby on your home waters. This is a fun conversation you won’t want to miss.

The latest edition of Kayak Fishing Fun is on newsstands and is the best one yet! KFF Editor Jeff Weakley sits down with Thomas Allen who is the Senior Editor of KFF, and renowned kayak pro angler and KFF contributor Bailey Eigbrett. The guys discuss the new magazine, new products released at ICAST 2025, state of the industry and some great kayak fishing discussion throughout. Learning about how much fun kayak fishing is the first step to building your passion. This podcast will help get you started.

Walleye Dan is a renowned Brainerd Lakes Area fishing guide and Mike Knapp is the Brainerd area Fisheries Supervisor. Having lived in the area for most of their lives, both guys know each other well and love fishing. Both want to keep the amazing fishing that the BLA is known for, but with different perspecives. This is a fun conversation between two super smart guys, and a lot of issues that anglers are facing on a daily basis. We believe that bringing two separate parties together to find common ground to promote the healhiest fishery possible is a job every fishing license holder must embrace.