Advertise on podcast: Great Lakes Fishing Podcast

What separates consistently successful Great Lakes anglers from everyone else? Often, it’s their ability to recognize when conditions have changed and adjust before the fish make them pay for it. In Episode 291 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen is joined by three veteran Lake Ontario charter captains: Vince Pierleoni of Thrillseeker Sportfishing, Matt Yablonsky of Wet Net Charters, and Anthony Ellis of Redemption Charters. Recorded at the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, the conversation starts with a look back at the 2025 Lake Ontario season, including the impressive coho salmon fishery, abundant alewives, healthy young Chinook salmon, and what those signs could mean for the fishery moving forward. From there, the captains get into the details of building an effective trolling program. They discuss downrigger setbacks, leader lengths, slide divers, leadcore and copper, spoon sizes, knots, rod and reel setups, and how they adjust their presentations as conditions change. Anthony also breaks down how anglers can simplify a meat program, while Vince and Matt explain why successful anglers need to “listen to the fish” instead of assuming yesterday’s program will work again today. You’ll also hear why late September and October can produce some outstanding Lake Ontario fishing, how wind and temperature changes relocate bait and salmon, and why anglers struggling to catch fish may actually be running too many different presentations at once. Whether you're an experienced Great Lakes troller or still building your first salmon spread, this episode is packed with practical information you can put to work the next time you hit the water. The Great Lakes Fishing Podcast is presented by Fish Hawk Electronics. For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/blog/

Episode 290 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast brings together three of the most respected names in Lake Erie walleye fishing: Capt. Ross Robertson, Capt. Craig Sleeman, and Capt. Pete Alex. Recorded live at the Niagara Fishing Expo, this roundtable discussion is packed with practical advice that will help anglers catch more and bigger walleyes. The conversation goes far beyond lure colors and favorite baits. The captains discuss how to make better on-the-water decisions, when to make adjustments, why confidence and preparation matter, and how experience helps develop the instincts that consistently put fish in the boat. Whether you're trolling crankbaits, worm harnesses, lead core, inline weights, or spoons, you'll pick up valuable strategies you can apply on your next trip. You'll also hear: How each captain approaches finding and catching trophy-class walleyes. Why making small adjustments often outperforms making drastic changes. Lead core vs. inline weights and when each presentation shines. Where bigger walleyes position themselves in the water column. How Fish Hawk electronics help eliminate guesswork and make trolling more repeatable. The importance of preparation, education, and trusting your instincts on the water. If you're planning to chase Lake Erie walleyes this season, this episode is loaded with insights from three captains who spend hundreds of days each year figuring out what works—and why. Whether you're a weekend angler or a seasoned tournament fisherman, you're guaranteed to come away with ideas that will make your next trip more productive. For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/blog/

For years, Ron Winter has been one of the most trusted field testers behind Fish Hawk Electronics products. While he's best known for chasing landlocked salmon on Lake Champlain and king salmon on Lake Ontario, what really sets Ron apart is his meticulous approach to fishing. Every trip is built around data, observation, and constant learning. In Episode 289 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, Ron joins host Chris Larsen to discuss his experience testing the new Fish Hawk TD Connect, why detailed temperature profiles can completely change the way you fish, and how understanding the thermocline helps anglers consistently put more fish in the boat. Ron also shares his philosophy on keeping fishing records, measuring diver running depths, identifying productive water, and learning from charter captains without ever getting in their way. Whether you're a weekend angler or someone who fishes tournaments, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply on your very next trip. Plus, Ron talks about building one of the most respected YouTube channels in the Great Lakes fishing community, his favorite salmon tactics, and the simple lessons he's learned after decades on the water. In this episode: Why Ron Winter became one of Fish Hawk's most trusted product testers First impressions of the Fish Hawk TD Connect How to use temperature profiles to locate productive water Measuring diver running depths and long-line presentations Understanding the thermocline on Lake Ontario and Lake Champlain Why successful anglers keep detailed fishing logs How recreational anglers can learn from charter captains Ron's favorite salmon tactics, lures, and gear Rapid-fire fishing questions, bucket-list destinations, and more Whether you troll Lake Ontario, fish the Finger Lakes, chase landlocked salmon on Lake Champlain, or simply want to become a more efficient angler, this conversation with Ron Winter is full of insights that will help you fish smarter, not harder.

What does it take to deliver world-class customer service in the Great Lakes trolling industry? In this episode of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen joins Trevor Sumption from Fish Hawk Electronics aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing Charters in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, to discuss why firsthand experience on the water is critical to supporting Great Lakes anglers. Trevor explains why Fish Hawk brings its customer service team onto charter boats to learn the techniques, terminology, and real-world situations anglers encounter every day. The conversation also includes exciting updates on the highly anticipated Fish Hawk ONE, including its future-ready digital platform, backward compatibility with existing Fish Hawk systems, and why it's designed to grow with anglers through over-the-air software updates. Trevor also shares the latest on the overwhelming demand for the new TD Connect and why building products in the USA remains a core part of Fish Hawk's mission. Later in the episode, Chris sits down with David Baxter, first mate aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing Charters. David shares how he broke into the charter fishing industry, what it's like running a 14-rod spread on one of Lake Michigan's premier salmon boats, and why Sturgeon Bay's Bank Reef consistently produces trophy Chinook salmon. Whether you're interested in becoming a charter mate, learning more about Great Lakes salmon fishing, or staying up to date on the latest Fish Hawk technology, this episode is packed with valuable insights. In this episode you'll learn: Why Fish Hawk sends customer service staff on fishing trips The latest updates on the Fish Hawk ONE and its new digital platform How over-the-air software updates will expand future capabilities Why existing Fish Hawk users can upgrade without replacing their entire system The incredible demand for the new TD Connect How David Baxter became a full-time charter mate The rod spread and trolling program used aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing Why Sturgeon Bay's Bank Reef is one of Lake Michigan's premier salmon fisheries Tips for anyone interested in becoming a Great Lakes charter mate Early season outlook for Lake Michigan Chinook salmon fishing Whether you're chasing kings on Lake Michigan or simply looking to become a better Great Lakes angler, Episode 288 offers a behind-the-scenes look at both cutting-edge fishing technology and life aboard one of Wisconsin's top salmon charter boats. For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/

Episode 287 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast takes listeners aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing Charters with Captain John Pollock in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Recorded on the waters of Lake Michigan during an action-packed morning of salmon fishing, Captain Pollock shares why Sturgeon Bay's famous Bank Reef is one of the premier destinations for Chinook salmon and steelhead in the Great Lakes. John explains how this unique underwater structure concentrates baitfish and predators, creating consistent fishing opportunities throughout the season. During the conversation, John discusses his journey from a 14-year-old charter mate to one of the most respected charter captains on Lake Michigan. He shares stories from his early days in the industry, explains his trolling setup, and offers valuable tips for recreational anglers looking to target salmon and steelhead on their own. Topics covered in this episode include: • Fishing Sturgeon Bay's legendary Bank Reef • Lake Michigan Chinook salmon and steelhead patterns • Downrigger, diver, lead core, copper, and weighted steel setups • Favorite salmon spoons, flashers, and flies • How weather and water conditions impact fishing success • Summer 2026 salmon fishing outlook for Sturgeon Bay • Advice for anglers planning their first Great Lakes salmon trip Whether you're planning a charter trip, fishing your own boat, or simply looking to learn more about one of Lake Michigan's top salmon ports, this episode is packed with practical information and entertaining stories from the water.

In Episode 286 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen sits down with Fish Hawk Electronics customer service specialist Mario Perzichilli while fishing aboard Real Impressions Sport Fishing Charters with Captain John Pollock on Lake Michigan. Although Mario brings years of experience in the marine electronics industry, this trip marked his first time targeting Great Lakes salmon and trout. He shares his impressions of battling hard-fighting salmon, experiencing multiple hookups, and learning the unique tactics that make Great Lakes trolling so exciting. Mario also discusses his role at Fish Hawk Electronics, what anglers can expect when they call customer support, and his early impressions of the new Fish Hawk ONE and TD Connect systems. The conversation also explores how temperature and thermocline data can benefit not only Great Lakes anglers, but inland fishermen targeting crappies, walleyes, and other species. Whether you're curious about the people behind Fish Hawk Electronics, interested in the latest Fish Hawk products, or simply enjoy hearing firsthand Great Lakes fishing stories, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the team helping anglers catch more fish. Topics Covered: Mario Perzichilli's first Great Lakes fishing experience Salmon, steelhead, and lake trout action on Lake Michigan Fish Hawk Electronics customer service philosophy First impressions of the Fish Hawk ONE TD Connect features and applications Using thermocline data on inland lakes Fishing electronics tips and customer support insights For more Great Lakes fishing content, visit FishHawkElectronics.com and subscribe to the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast.

In Episode 285 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen is joined by Trevor Sumption from Fish Hawk Electronics for a detailed update on the highly anticipated Fish Hawk One display and the new TD Connect system. Trevor explains why Fish Hawk One has taken longer to reach the market, the importance of backwards compatibility with legacy Fish Hawk equipment, and how the company is stress-testing the new system to ensure long-term reliability for Great Lakes anglers. The conversation also dives into TD Connect production, over-the-air updates, improved signal handling, new flush mount options, and what anglers can expect when the first Fish Hawk One units begin shipping. If you’ve been following the online chatter surrounding Fish Hawk’s newest products, this episode delivers direct answers from the source. For more information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/

On Episode 284 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen sits down with three respected Lake Ontario captains during the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo: Bob Songin from Reel Excitement Charters, Brian Garrett from Tall Tails Sportfishing, and Nick Glosser from Synergy Sportfishing. The three captains were instructors at the renowned LOTSA Salmon School and discuss what anglers can realistically expect to learn from advanced salmon trolling education, how each captain approaches fishing differently, and why understanding why fish bite matters more than simply copying tackle setups. This episode dives deep into: Fighting boat traffic on the Niagara Bar Understanding water movement and current changes Why presentation matters more than specific lures Electronics advancements and how technology has changed salmon fishing Decision-making during tournaments and charter trips Spring vs staging salmon behavior across Lake Ontario ports Simplifying trolling spreads for more consistent bites Teaching new anglers and introducing kids to the fishery The importance of LOTSA, ELOSTA, and supporting Great Lakes fishing organizations You’ll also hear memorable charter stories, tournament strategy discussions, and practical advice on adapting to changing conditions on Lake Ontario. Whether you troll the western basin, fish the Salmon River staging run, or are just getting started in Great Lakes salmon fishing, this conversation is packed with insights from captains who spend hundreds of days on the water every season. For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/

In Episode 283 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast presented by Fish Hawk Electronics, host Chris Larsen talks with Chip Cartwright and CJ Baker of Silver Streak Spoons about what really makes trolling spoons effective for salmon and trout across the Great Lakes. Recorded at the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, this conversation covers real-world insights from Lake Michigan fishing out of Ludington, including how changing water clarity, bait size, and modern electronics are shaping today’s salmon programs. Chip and CJ explain why profile often matters more than color, how spoon size should change throughout the season, and what anglers should know about the growing popularity of salmon jigging with live sonar. They also break down practical trolling speeds, lead lengths behind the ball, and how anglers can confidently choose productive spoon patterns without overcomplicating their spread. You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories about how classic Silver Streak colors get their names, how new patterns are tested on the water, and why matching your presentation to your goals—numbers vs. trophy fish—changes everything. If you troll for salmon or trout on Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, or any Great Lakes port, this episode will help you fine-tune your spoon program and make smarter lure choices all season long. 🎣 Topics include: Choosing spoon profile vs. color Best trolling speeds for Silver Streak spoons Lead lengths behind downriggers and divers When smaller spoons outperform magnum sizes How live sonar is expanding salmon jigging opportunities Productive color trends from Ludington and beyond New glow finishes and jigging spoon developments for 2026 Listen now and sharpen your Great Lakes trolling strategy with insights from one of the Great Lakes' most trusted spoon manufacturers. For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/

In this episode of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast presented by Fish Hawk Electronics, host Chris Larsen sits down at the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo with Chris Legard from the New York DEC and Captain Rob Westcott of Legacy Sportfishing for an in-depth conversation about the current state—and future—of Lake Ontario salmon fishing. They break down what anglers are seeing on the water right now and how it connects to the science behind the fishery. Topics include the rebound of the alewife population, what recent die-offs really mean, and how bait availability continues to shape salmon growth and catch rates across the lake. Chris Legard explains the ongoing genetic parentage-based tagging program that helps determine how many Chinook salmon are naturally reproduced versus hatchery-stocked fish—and why that information matters when balancing predator and prey populations in Lake Ontario. The discussion also covers how anglers are contributing to this effort through citizen-science sampling programs across the lake. The conversation dives into the growing role of Atlantic salmon, which are native to Lake Ontario and seeing improved returns after changes to stocking strategy and locations. Meanwhile, anglers are also noticing stronger coho salmon fishing, especially in the western basin—and the DEC shares why natural reproduction may be playing a bigger role than many people realize. Chris and Rob also address a question many anglers have been asking: Where are the 30-pound Chinook salmon? Learn how salmon abundance, prey availability, and long-term management decisions influence fish size trends—and why today’s fishery still ranks among the strongest in decades. Additional topics include: Chinook salmon catch-rate trends since 2017 How Atlantic salmon stocking changes are improving returns The role of pen-rearing programs in boosting survival Brown trout strain improvements and survival expectations Cormorant control efforts near stocking sites How anglers help shape DEC management decisions through advisory panels Whether you fish the Niagara Bar, the Salmon River, Oak Orchard, or anywhere else on Lake Ontario, this episode offers valuable insight into the science behind the fishery—and what it means for your next season on the water. For more Great Lakes fishing reports, tactics, and electronics insights, visit FishHawkElectronics.com.

In Episode 281 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen talks with Jim and Diane Steel of Dream Catcher Sportfishing about targeting walleyes in the Eastern Basin of Lake Erie out of Dunkirk, New York. Jim and Diane break down their trolling program step-by-step, including how they run leadcore on planer boards, dipsy divers, and downriggers, and why stickbaits and spoons have largely replaced worm harnesses in their spread. They also explain how paying attention to downspeed and temperature at the probe helps anglers stay consistent when fishing deep open water structure. The conversation covers: Why Dunkirk is one of the most versatile ports on Lake Erie Typical rod spreads for Eastern Basin walleye trolling Stickbait and spoon size selection Speed control strategies (including their 2.2 mph starting point) How turns trigger bites when fish are following Seasonal timing from spring through fall Why the current Lake Erie walleye fishery is among the best in decades Common mistakes new trollers make—and how to fix them If you're planning a trip to the Eastern Basin of Lake Erie or looking to improve your trolling success on walleyes anywhere on the Great Lakes, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use right away.

Captain Casey Prisco of Dirty Goose Sportfishing and Captain Elaine Supp of Pura Vida Charters join the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast for Episode #280 to share the story behind their purchase of Hammerhead Cowbells—one of the most trusted lake trout trolling attractors on the Great Lakes. Casey and Elaine explain how they acquired the company, how these cowbells are still hand-built in the USA, and what makes their hammered stainless-steel design so effective at triggering big lake trout. They walk through the manufacturing process, rigging setups, leader lengths, spinning-glow combinations, and the downspeed ranges that consistently produce fish—especially when paired with accurate probe data from Fish Hawk Electronics. The conversation also covers how anglers across the Great Lakes—and even out West—are using Hammerhead Cowbells for lake trout, kokanee, and landlocked salmon, along with color selection strategies and when to run different sizes. Plus, Casey and Elaine share a big personal milestone and talk about what it’s like building a fishing business together while running busy charter operations on Lake Ontario. If you’re targeting lake trout and want to improve your trolling success, this episode is packed with practical cowbell tactics you can put to work immediately. For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/blog/

In Episode 279 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen sits down with Trevor Sumption, Steve Stelter, and Mario Perzichilli from Fish Hawk Electronics for a relaxed after-hours conversation recorded at the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo in Niagara Falls, New York. This episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the people who support Fish Hawk customers every day—from answering calls and troubleshooting systems to helping anglers get the most out of their electronics on the water. One of the biggest themes of this conversation is Fish Hawk’s commitment to real customer service from real anglers. While many companies are moving toward automated chat systems and outsourced support, Fish Hawk continues investing in knowledgeable staff who understand the products and the challenges anglers face on the water. The discussion also touches on the excitement surrounding Fish Hawk ONE, the company’s new modular and future-ready platform, along with growing interest in TD Connect and what these technologies mean for the future of fishing electronics. You’ll also hear stories from the show floor at Niagara Falls, reactions from longtime Fish Hawk users still running legacy systems, and insights into how the company approaches product development, backwards compatibility, and long-term support for anglers across the Great Lakes and beyond. If you’ve ever called Fish Hawk for help—or wondered what happens behind the scenes when you do—this episode introduces the team that makes it happen. For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/blog/

In Episode 278 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, Chris Larsen shares another conversation from the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo featuring three experienced Lake Ontario captains: Captain Vince Pierleoni of Thrillseeker Sportfishing, Captain Matt Yablonsky of Wet Net Charters, and Captain Anthony Ellis of Redemption Charters. This wide-ranging discussion covers what these captains saw on the western end of Lake Ontario last season, including the surprising coho bite, strong king salmon fishing, brown trout trends, steelhead size, and what a huge alewife population could mean for the year ahead. They also break down practical trolling topics that matter to everyday anglers, including leader lengths, diver setups, spoon sizes, knot choices, rod and reel recommendations, and how to simplify your spread to catch more fish. The conversation also dives into spring instability on Lake Ontario, how wind and temperature shifts reposition bait and salmon, when Olcott fishing is most stable, and how to adapt when conditions change fast. Anthony also talks about his Broken Rod Tackle artificial meat products and offers advice for anglers looking to add a meat program without overcomplicating things. If you fish Lake Ontario for kings, coho, brown trout, or steelhead, this episode is packed with smart, practical insight from captains who spend serious time on the water. For more Great Lakes fishing content, visit FishHawkElectronics.com.

We’re back from the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo in Niagara Falls, NY with the Fish Hawk Electronics 2026 New Product Showcase—and we’re breaking it all down for Episode 277 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast. First up: the upcoming Fish Hawk ONE—a new “one system” approach designed to simplify buying decisions while delivering the features anglers ask for most. We discuss the upgradeable platform, Wi-Fi over-the-air updates, screen layout customization (speed/temp/depth), and flexible setup options including 12V power or AA batteries, plus future expansion toward NMEA compatibility and broader networking. Then we unveil TD Connect—a major evolution of the original Fish Hawk TD. Learn how it captures depth + temperature profiles, syncs via Bluetooth to a mobile app, logs drops (with GPS when available), and stores your data so you can track conditions, share results, and dial in patterns. We also cover what anglers want to know most: rechargeability, drops per charge, how it works without cell service, whether it can help determine lure running depth, and the price point ($249.99). We also touch on current deals if you want to get on the water now, including the Fish Hawk Ultra and Fish Hawk Multi pricing while supplies last. For more Great Lakes fishing tips and updates, visit FishHawkElectronics.com.