Byron Velvick's Fish Tales

The 2026 WON Bass US Open Champion is HERE! We're closing out our US Open series with the man who took home the title at Lake Mead — Justin Kerr!

In this episode of Fish Tales H2O, Byron Velvick sits down with two-time US Open Champion and Evergreen International Pro Staff member Justin Kerr to break down his 2026 victory, the decisions that made the difference, and what it takes to come out on top in one of the biggest tournaments in bass fishing.

From changing water and weather conditions to relying on old-school fishing techniques, Justin shares his approach to navigating Lake Mead, adapting his strategy, and finding the fish when it mattered most.

Byron and Justin also dive into the role of modern electronics like LiveScope, the importance of balancing technology with traditional fishing knowledge, and the people and experiences that make a championship victory so meaningful.

🎣 In This Episode:

• Justin Kerr's 2026 WON Bass US Open victory
• The winning strategies that worked on Lake Mead
• Old-school fishing techniques vs. modern electronics
• Adapting to changing weather and water conditions
• Shallow-water and deep-water fishing strategies
• The importance of experience, teamwork, and legacy
• What winning a second US Open means to Justin

Whether you're a competitive bass angler or just love hearing the stories behind the biggest moments in fishing, this is an episode you won't want to miss!

👍 LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more Fish Tales H2O episodes featuring the biggest names, stories, and conversations in bass fishing!

🎣 Fish Tales H2O with Byron Velvick

#justinkerr #byronvelvick #WONBassUSOpen #FishTalesH2O #evergreeninternational #Bassfishing #lakemead #tournamentfishing #wonbass #usopen #usopenchampion #bassfishingnation #bassangler #wonbasswinner #professionalfishing

From guiding on Lake Falcon as a teenager to fishing waters across Texas and Alabama, Hayden Marbut has spent years learning what it takes to find fish and make the most of every day on the water.

This week on Fish Tales H2O, Hayden joins two-time Bassmaster Classic champion Byron Velvick to talk bass fishing, guiding adventures, tournament strategies, and the lessons learned from years of experience. Hayden shares stories from his early days as a fishing guide, the challenges of navigating different fisheries, and why understanding a lake can be just as important as time spent practicing. From scouting unfamiliar waters to identifying overlooked fishing opportunities, Byron and Hayden discuss the preparation, knowledge, and instincts that can make a difference on the water.

The conversation also turns to fishing on the West Coast, Lake Mead, and Byron's upcoming appearance at the 2026 WON BASS US Open. Whether you're a competitive tournament angler, a weekend fisherman, or simply love a good fishing story, this episode offers valuable insights, experiences, and plenty of conversation about the sport we all love.

🎣 IN THIS EPISODE:

• Hayden Marbut's early guiding experiences on Lake Falcon
• Guiding and bass fishing across Texas and Alabama
• Scouting lakes and finding overlooked fishing opportunities
• Bass fishing tips and techniques learned through experience
• Tournament preparation and understanding unfamiliar waters
• Why lake knowledge can be just as valuable as practice
• Fishing on the West Coast and Lake Mead
• Byron's preparation for the 2026 WON BASS US Open
• Building friendships and connections through fishing

👍 LIKE this video if you enjoy bass fishing stories, tips, and tournament insights!

🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Fish Tales H2O for weekly conversations with professional anglers, fishing legends, and personalities from across the fishing industry.

📲 FOLLOW BYRON VELVICK:
Instagram | TikTok | Facebook: @reelbyronvelvick 

🎣 NEW EPISODES EVERY TUESDAY!

#fishing #bassfishing #bassangler #professionalfishing #byronvelvick #haydenmarbut #fishinglegend #fishingstory #fishingtips #fishingstrategies #tournamentfishing #fishingtipsandtricks #bassfishingnation #fishingnation #professionalfishing

Bryant Smith joins Byron Velvick on Fish Tales H2O for the final episode of our pre-U.S. Open series, breaking down what it takes to compete at the highest level on Lake Mead and how modern technology continues to change the way anglers approach tournament fishing.

Bryant shares his insight into reading water, understanding bass behavior, adapting to changing conditions, and preparing for a tournament where every decision matters. From Lake Mead to Lake Mojave, he explains how conditions can change the way fish position and how successful anglers learn to adjust instead of relying on one pattern.

Byron and Bryant also dive deep into forward-facing sonar and the impact it has had on competitive bass fishing. Bryant explains how he uses sonar to understand fish behavior, improve casting accuracy, and recognize how bass react to both electronics and bait.

But technology is only part of the equation. Bryant talks about the importance of practice, mechanics, repetition, and learning how to make the right cast when an opportunity presents itself. They also discuss fish conditioning, curiosity, and how pressured fish can respond differently as anglers continue to become more advanced.

With the WON BASS U.S. Open approaching on Lake Mead, this conversation is a look inside the mindset, preparation, technology, and on-the-water decision making that can separate anglers in one of bass fishing’s most legendary tournaments.

🎣 In this episode:
• Bryant Smith’s approach to fishing Lake Mead
• Preparing for the WON BASS U.S. Open
• How forward-facing sonar has changed bass fishing
• Reading water and understanding fish behavior
• How bass react to sonar and fishing pressure
• Casting accuracy, mechanics, and repetition
• Adapting when conditions and fish movement change
• Lake Mead and Lake Mojave fishing strategies
• Choosing equipment for different situations
• Why practice remains one of the biggest advantages in tournament fishing

This episode wraps up our pre-U.S. Open series, featuring the anglers, strategies, stories, and preparation leading into one of bass fishing’s most iconic tournaments. Stay tuned to Fish Tales H2O after the U.S. Open for more conversations, reactions, and stories from the tournament.

If you’ve followed the series, let us know in the comments what you’ve enjoyed most — and who you want to see Byron sit down with next.

🎣 Connect with Bryant Smith:

Website:
https://bryantsmithfishing.com

Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61551199912257&mibextid=ZbWKwL

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/invites/contact/?utm_source=ig_contact_invite&utm_medium=copy_link&utm_content=1fhmj8f

Want to book a guide trip with Bryant? The best way to reach him and book a trip is directly through his website at bryantsmithfishing.com.

🎣 Subscribe to Fish Tales H2O for more conversations with the anglers, legends, and personalities who have helped shape the sport.

Follow Byron Velvick:
@reelbyronvelvick

#fishing #bassfishing #bassfishingnation #USopen #WONBASS #bassangler

As we continue our countdown to the 2026 WON BASS U.S. Open at Lake Mead, Byron Velvick sits down with one of the legendary names in bass fishing — Rich Tauber.

Rich joins Fish Tales H2O to look back on an incredible career that includes winning the 1982 U.S. Open, decades of tournament fishing, guiding, and a well-earned place in the fishing Hall of Fame.

Byron and Rich dive into the history of the U.S. Open, how the tournament and the fishing industry have evolved over the years, and what it takes to compete at a high level on a constantly changing fishery like Lake Mead. Rich shares insight into tournament strategy, changing water levels, bed fishing, lure selection, and the lessons he learned competing against some of the greatest anglers in the sport.

They also swap stories from their years on the tournament trail, including rivalries, friendships, sponsorships, the growth of prize money in professional fishing, and the passion and perseverance it takes to build a lasting career in the industry.

🎣 In this episode:
• Rich Tauber’s 1982 U.S. Open victory
• The history and evolution of the WON BASS U.S. Open
• Fishing Lake Mead through changing water levels and conditions
• Tournament strategies, bed fishing, and lure selection
• Rich’s Hall of Fame career and legacy in bass fishing
• Stories from decades on the professional tournament trail
• How prize money and sponsorships helped grow the sport
• Building a career and guiding business around fishing
• Innovation in fishing gear and techniques
• Advice for anglers looking to make fishing their career
• Byron and Rich’s memories, rivalries, and friendships from the sport

This is Week 2 of our special Fish Tales H2O series leading into the 2026 WON BASS U.S. Open at Lake Mead. Stay tuned for more conversations, stories, and behind-the-scenes insight from the people who helped shape one of bass fishing’s most legendary tournaments.

👇 What’s your favorite U.S. Open memory? Let us know in the comments.

Subscribe to Fish Tales H2O for more conversations with the legends, competitors, and personalities who have shaped the world of fishing.

Follow Byron Velvick:
Instagram, TikTok & Facebook: @reelbyronvelvick

#BassFishing #RichTauber #USOpen #WONBASS #LakeMead #FishingPodcast #TournamentFishing #ProfessionalFishing #FishingLegends #FishTalesH2O

Billy Egan, Tournament Director for WON BASS, joins Byron Velvick on Fish Tales H2O for a behind-the-scenes look at tournament fishing, the legendary U.S. Open, and the experiences that shaped his career in the fishing industry. From his early days making swimbaits to becoming one of the people responsible for running major bass fishing tournaments, Billy shares the road that led him to WON BASS and what it actually takes to manage a competition at this level.

With the 2026 WON BASS U.S. Open returning to Lake Mead, Billy and Byron dive into the history of the event, what anglers can expect this year, the Pro and AAA experience, tournament rules, fish care, and some unforgettable stories from years on the water. They also get into one of the toughest subjects in competitive fishing: cheating. Billy explains how tournament directors approach suspected rule violations, why integrity matters so much in the sport, and how tournament rules and technology have evolved over the years.

Later in the conversation, Billy opens up about his own health experiences and the importance of men paying attention to their health, including conversations surrounding prostate health, autoimmune issues, lifestyle, and taking care of yourself both on and off the water.

🎣 In this episode:

• How Billy Egan went from making swimbaits to tournament directing
• The history and legacy of the WON BASS U.S. Open
• The U.S. Open’s return to Lake Mead
• What happens behind the scenes of a major fishing tournament
• Tournament cheating, enforcement, and fishing ethics
• Fish handling, conservation, and competition rules
• Pro and AAA/co-angler opportunities
• How fishing technology has changed tournament competition
• Stories from Lake Mead and Billy’s years in the fishing industry
• Men’s health, prostate health, and Billy’s personal experiences
• Why preparation and the right equipment matter on the water

The 2026 WON BASS U.S. Open returns to Lake Mead October 9–11, bringing one of Western tournament fishing’s most historic events back to the lake where much of its legacy was built. Whether you’re planning to fish the U.S. Open, follow tournament bass fishing, or simply want to hear what happens behind the scenes when the boats hit the water, this is a conversation you don’t want to miss.

🩺 MEN’S HEALTH RESOURCE:

This episode is also an important reminder for men to take their health seriously, speak with a qualified medical professional about prostate cancer screening, and avoid putting off routine checkups. For those looking for support with hormone health and overall wellness, Byron highly recommends Dr. Dave at OptImage AMG. Dr. Dave has helped many patients better understand their health and find the support they need.

Learn more or contact Dr. Dave at:
https://optimage-amg.com/

If you reach out, be sure to tell him Byron Velvick sent you!

Subscribe for more conversations with the anglers, personalities, and people who have shaped the fishing world.

Follow Byron on YouTube, Instagram, TikTok & Facebook:
@reelbyronvelvick

FISH ON!

 #fishing #bassfishing #fishingnation #usbassopen #usopen #wonbassusopen #wonbass

Oliver Nye, the man behind Big Bass Dreams, joins Byron Velvick on Fish Tales H2O to talk about trophy fishing, giant bass, big tuna, and the mindset it takes to consistently chase exceptional fish. From his early days building a following on social media to fishing both the freshwater and saltwater scenes of Southern California, Oliver shares how his approach has evolved—and why adaptability and real-time decision making are so important when targeting pressured fish.

Oliver and Byron dive into the story behind Big Bass Dreams, lessons learned through tournament fishing, changing fishing technology, regional differences in the sport, and what the future of fishing could look like.

Whether you're chasing trophy bass or heading offshore for tuna, this conversation is about much more than finding fish—it's about learning to adjust, trusting what you're seeing on the water, and staying committed to the pursuit.

🎣 In this episode:
• The story behind Big Bass Dreams
• Targeting trophy bass and giant tuna
• Fishing highly pressured water
• Adapting when conditions change
• How technology has changed fishing
• Tournament fishing lessons
• The mindset and resilience behind trophy fishing
• Where Oliver sees the sport heading next

🔥 Oliver is coming back for Part 2—and we want YOUR questions! Drop them in the comments, send us a DM, or email them to [email protected] for a chance to have your question answered on the next episode.

New Fish Tales H2O episodes every Tuesday at 3 PM CST! Subscribe and follow @reelbyronvelvick for more fishing stories, conversations, and behind-the-scenes content.

#fishing #podcast #fishingshow #bassfishing #bassnation #bigbassdreams #fishinglegends

Scott Martin joins Byron Velvick on Fish Tales for a conversation about family, competition, and building a legacy in professional bass fishing. 🎣

Growing up as the son of legendary angler Roland Martin, Scott had a front-row seat to the fishing industry from an early age — but creating his own name and career meant forging a path of his own.

Scott and Byron look back on growing up around the sport, the realities of life as a professional angler, Scott’s journey into tournament fishing and outdoor television, and some of the unforgettable moments that have shaped his career.

They also talk about the next generation of the Martin family, including Scott’s daughter Hilary Martin, and what it means to watch her build her own future in competitive fishing.

From tournament strategy and career-defining moments to forward-facing sonar, changing technology, and the evolution of bass fishing, this episode covers decades of experience from two anglers who have watched the sport transform firsthand.

If you love bass fishing, tournament history, and the stories behind some of the biggest names in the sport, you won’t want to miss this one.

🎣 FISH TALES with Byron Velvick CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction and Friendship Origins
03:11 The Evolution of Fishing Styles
09:24 Growing Up with a Fishing Legend
14:53 The Reality of a Fisherman’s Life
20:03 College Years and Fishing Sabbaticals
23:57 The Untapped Fishing Potential
25:46 Hilary’s Fishing Journey
28:14 Empowering Women in Fishing
30:08 Hilary’s College and Career Choices
32:25 Scott’s Path to Professional Fishing
35:27 Reflections on Regrets and Accomplishments
38:30 The Meaning Behind Trophies
41:16 Full Circle Moments in Fishing
52:48 The Invisible Cattail Clump
53:13 Breaking Records: The Last Day of Competition
54:39 The Winning Strategy: Big Baits and Key Spots
56:49 Emotional Moments: A Friend’s Triumph
57:18 The Evolution of Forward-Facing Sonar
59:14 Adapting to Technology: A Legacy of Innovation
1:02:48 The Impact of Age on Fishing Skills
1:04:07 High School Fishing: A New Generation of Anglers

Few anglers have left a mark on professional bass fishing quite like Rick Clunn. 🎣

In this classic Fish Tales conversation, Rick sits down with Byron Velvick to look back on more than 50 years of competitive tournament fishing and share stories, lessons, and insight from his legendary career.

Rick and Byron talk about the evolution of professional bass fishing, the mental challenges that come with competing at the highest level, and the role that mindset, intuition, and adaptability have played throughout Rick’s career.

We’re bringing this Fish Tales favorite back for anyone who missed it the first time — and for those who want to hear these stories again.

🎣 Hosted by Byron Velvick
📺 Fish Tales

Subscribe for more conversations with some of the biggest names in fishing, stories from decades on the water, and new episodes of Fish Tales.

Professional bass angler Cal Lane joins Byron Velvick on Fish Tales H2O to break down his recent tournament win on Lake Champlain, his approach to Live Scope fishing, and the strategies that helped him find and catch winning bass.

In this episode, Cal dives into bass fishing tournament strategy, including how he uses Garmin Live Scope / forward-facing sonar, pre-fishing and practice techniques, map study, finding productive areas, avoiding fishing pressure, and making critical decisions when tournament day doesn’t go exactly as planned.

Cal also shares stories from his early days of bass fishing and the experiences that helped shape him into the angler he is today. Whether you're a competitive tournament angler or just looking to become a better bass fisherman, this conversation is packed with bass fishing tips, tournament fishing strategies, electronics advice, and real-world lessons from the water.

🎣 IN THIS EPISODE:
• Cal Lane’s recent tournament victory on Lake Champlain
• How Cal uses LiveScope and forward-facing sonar to target bass
• Why scanning and marking key fishing spots before competition matters
• Pre-fishing and tournament practice strategies
• Using maps to identify high-percentage fishing areas
• How to handle crowded spots and heavy fishing pressure
• Why Cal limits his LiveScope fishing during tournament days
• Making adjustments when your original fishing plan changes
• Tournament preparation and decision-making
• Stories from Cal’s early days of bass fishing
• Lessons learned from years on the water

One of Cal’s biggest takeaways? Preparation and adaptability matter. Scanning productive areas ahead of time can save valuable tournament hours, while knowing when to leave pressured water and change your strategy can be the difference between simply catching fish and putting together a winning bag.

If you’re interested in professional bass fishing, bass tournaments, LiveScope fishing, forward-facing sonar, Lake Champlain bass fishing, tournament preparation, fishing electronics, or learning how professional anglers approach competition, this episode is for you.

👍 LIKE the video if you enjoyed the conversation
💬 COMMENT with your biggest takeaway from Cal’s strategy
🔔 SUBSCRIBE to Fish Tales H2O for more bass fishing stories, tournament insights, fishing tips, and conversations with some of the biggest names in the sport.

ABOUT FISH TALES H2O
Fish Tales H2O with Byron Velvick brings you stories, strategies, and conversations from the world of professional fishing. From legendary anglers and tournament competitors to industry insiders, each episode dives into the people, experiences, and lessons that make bass fishing what it is.

#BassFishing #CalLane #FishTalesH2O #LakeChamplain #LiveScope #TournamentFishing #FishingTips #BassFishingTips #ForwardFacingSonar #ProfessionalFishing #FishingPodcast