This week on the podcast, Tony is jacked about ideal water temps and perfect conditions for targeting large pike. After recent guide trips of boating multiple pike over 40”. Tony has pike on the brain! We explore the reasons behind the three pike management zones in Minnesota. He also shares early memories of fishing these toothy critters and how it got him hooked on fishing. This week, we break down the where and the when so you can boat a fish of a lifetime.

Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week, Tony is celebrating the buildup to the peak fall fishing season. He discusses in depth this week's fishing trips to Lake Superior, Leech, and Mille Lacs. We also deep dive into perch and walleye patterns that are shaping up all over northern MN. In addition, we discuss smallmouth tactics and more! The weather has been beautiful, and we are getting out and making the most of it before it is gone!

Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week, Tony takes a drive up the north shore and all the way to the end of the Gunflint Trail. He meets up with Chad Kieper of Gunflint Wilderness Guide Service, Joe Friedrichs of Paddle and Portage Podcast, and Paul Zak. The group talks about their personal journey to the Gunflint and why they all decided to call this place home. We discuss how anglers can navigate these border waters and pursue the endless fishing opportunities this region has to offer, both in the BWCA and outside of the wilderness area. Everyone shares their favorite things to do, from winter camping to paddling wilderness waters in search of lake trout. This road trip is a reminder of how special a place this is and leaves Tony figuring out how to get back there soon.

Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

Now that the calendar says it's September and Mother Nature agrees, Tony is thinking fall! This week on the DIA podcast, we visit the MNDNR Aitkin Area Fisheries office to check in on how the DNR does some of its fall assessments. We sit down with Greg Berg of the MNDNR to discuss data collection and observe some of the forage nets as the crew works. We also pay tribute to Randy Havel, former owner of StrikeMaster Augers. Mr. Havel passed away after a battle with cancer. Tony shares some stories about himself and how he has shaped his career and the ice industry.

Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week on the podcast, Tony breaks down the recent large walleye tournament bags on Lake of the Woods. He discusses a variety of techniques and locations that anglers can use to catch big walleyes this Labor Day weekend. In addition, dives into some of his favorite walleye strategies and where he will be heading this fall.

Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

As summer winds down, the panfish bite is heating up. This week, Tony does a deep dive on overlooked late summer panfish. Where to find big numbers of fish this time of year, now, and as we transition into fall. Tony also shares some of his favorite techniques for targeting large panfish.  Lastly, Tony shares some jigging rap secrets that will help you step up your summer walleye game.

Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week, we chat about how the “dog days” of summer no longer exist. Tony breaks down his entire week filled with new lakes and new species. A DIY fishing vacation, where every day is a new adventure to find and catch fish all over MN and WI. We also discuss how today’s technology makes fishing this time of year fun and productive. Carving out time to fish new waters and new species with friends and family is what summer is all about.

Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week, we are on the north shore of Lake Superior to fish for lake trout with Ethan Waytashek of Lake Superior Jigging. Tony sits down with Ethan to learn about how he got his start. He also shares some insight into carving out a new guiding experience, jigging lakers on the big lake. We close out the show with Tony and Robbie recapping this epic trip to Gitchee Gumee.

Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week, we catch up with Marcus Quam as he pre-fishes for a tournament. He and Tony chat about how their summer guiding seasons are going. The two discuss the incredible year classes of walleyes in the South Dakota glacial lakes region. Marcus opens up about late summertime walleye strategies and how he is looking forward to a great fall season.

Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week on the DIA podcast, Tony discusses the recent Mille Lacs Fishery Advisory Committee meeting. He recaps a wide variety of topics, including walleye regulation changes and talks of ending the night fishing ban. We also sit down with the area MNDNR Mille Lacs Area Supervisor, Greg Berg. The two chat summer creel surveys and how things are looking in the big lake.

Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)