In this episode of the Take It to the Bank podcast, host Ben Ballou interviews Harmon Marien, a rising star in the fishing world. They discuss Harmon’s journey through college fishing, his experiences on Northern fisheries, and insights from his recent tournament at Leech Lake. The conversation covers various fishing techniques, bait selections, and the differences between targeting smallmouth and largemouth bass. Harmon shares valuable tips for aspiring anglers and recounts some humorous and embarrassing moments from his fishing adventures.

Takeaways

Harmon Marien is a talented young angler with a bright future.

College fishing has significantly raised the competitive bar.

Understanding the specific habitat of a lake is crucial for success.

Smallmouth bass prefer to be in areas where they can see all around them.

Fishing techniques can vary greatly depending on the conditions and fish behavior.

Bait selection is key; certain baits work better in different situations.

Fishing pressure can change fish behavior and feeding patterns.

Trial and error is essential in finding the right technique for the day.

Jig fishing can be effective, especially in windy conditions.

Embarrassing moments on the water are part of the fishing experience.

00:00 Introduction to Harmon Marien

02:19 The Journey into College Fishing

06:14 Success in College Fishing

10:16 Exploring Northern Fisheries

11:37 Strategies for Targeting Bass Species

20:04 Analyzing Leech Lake's Structure

29:37 Tactics for Catching Smallmouth Bass

33:54 Essential Baits for Bass Fishing

36:57 Techniques for Fishing Boulders

40:24 Drop Shot Strategies and Setups

42:34 Jig Fishing for Smallmouth Bass

46:38 Understanding Fish Behavior and Feeding Patterns

49:34 Techniques for Presenting Minnow Baits

55:38 Jig Fishing Success in Challenging Conditions

58:02 Common Mistakes in Smallmouth Fishing

59:34 Embarrassing Moments on the Water