On Episode 208 of the Fish House Nation Podcast, host Chris Larsen is joined by Al Escobedo for a laid-back, food-focused conversation every ice angler can appreciate. Instead of breaking down tactics, the guys dive into their favorite fish house meals, snacks, and comfort foods that make long days on the ice even better.

From venison backstraps and smoked chili to salmon patties, frozen pizzas, gas-station staples, and must-have wheelhouse food tips, this episode is packed with ideas you can actually use this winter. They also share favorite post-fishing burger stops, pizza-stone hacks, and simple ways to eat well without overthinking it.

If you spend long days in the wheelhouse—or just love good food and ice fishing—this episode will leave you hungry and ready to upgrade your fish house menu.

For more ice fishing information, visit https://catchcover.com/read-blog-articles/

On Episode 207 of the Fish House Nation Podcast, Chris Larsen and Al Escobedo dive deep into one of the most debated tools in the wheelhouse world: rattle reels. Love them or hate them, rattle reels are one of the most effective—and misunderstood—ways to stay in the game 24/7 when you’re on the ice.

Chris and Al break down everything you need to know, including:

🎣 Why rattle reels are more than just “night lines”

Learn how they keep you fishing while you sleep, cook, play cards, or host guests new to ice fishing.

🎣 Smart setups and must-use gear

From fly line vs. Dacron to memory issues, spool sizing, leader choices, and how Catch Cover’s Rattlesnake Reel solves common frustrations with line twist and tangles.

🎣 Keeping kids and casual anglers engaged

How assigning “their own” rattle reel creates ownership, excitement—and fewer headaches for parents.

🎣 Avoiding rod-down-the-hole disasters

Why rattle reels and Catch Cover safety covers work together as a system to prevent lost rods, tangled lines, and chaos in small spaces.

🎣 The best depths and locations for overnight bites

Flat edges, saddles, suspended marks, under-the-ice predators, and how to dial in depth without guesswork.

🎣 Tips for multi-species action

Walleyes, perch, crappies, bluegills—even pike—respond well to rattle reels when set up correctly.

The guys also share personal stories of being jolted awake by a screaming rattle, “giving up” for the night after too many bites, and the underrated strategy of resetting lines at 3:30 a.m. to catch the first-light window.

Whether you’re looking to simplify your setup, improve your all-night success, or just keep lines wet while the crew hangs out in the shack, this episode is loaded with practical, field-tested insight.

And don’t forget—right now (December 1–7, 2025) Catch Cover’s once-a-year 20% off sale is live at CatchCover.com. No code needed.

On Episode 206 of the Fish House Nation Podcast, presented by Catch Cover, hosts Chris Larsen and Al Escobedo dive deep into one of the most talked-about—and debated—topics in ice fishing: color selection.

Whether you’re walking the aisles of the St. Paul Ice Show or stocking up at your favorite retailer, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by the wall of plastics, jigs, glow baits, metallic finishes, and UV patterns. So what colors actually matter? And when?

Chris and Al break it all down with a mix of practical strategy and real-world experience. They discuss how factors like water clarity, sunlight, depth, and fish behavior dictate color choice—and why confidence colors still play a massive role.

You’ll hear Al’s go-to lineup (gold, white, black, red, pink), when to lean on natural tones, why metallics shine in darker water, and how UV-brightened plastics can trigger panfish. Chris shares his favorites for clear water—including his “Dr. Pepper” color obsession—and the duo explores how pairing plastics with jig heads creates effective color combinations.

They also cover:

🎣 When color actually doesn’t matter as much as you think

🎣 The role of cadence, profile, and location vs. lure color

🎣 Hard-bait color selection and why metallics mimic livebait so well

🎣 Why it’s okay to experiment far outside the “rules”

Whether you keep your jig box minimal or (like Al) treat it as an art collection, this episode will help you choose smarter—and fish more confidently—this winter.

For more ice fishing content, guides, and gear tips, visit CatchCover.com.

Jumbo perch are the ultimate prize on the ice—fun to catch and unbeatable on the table. In this episode of the Fish House Nation Podcast presented by Catch Cover, hosts Chris Larsen and Al Escobedo share their best tips for finding perch, staying mobile, and choosing the right gear to keep the bite going. Whether you fish in a wheelhouse or on the move, this episode will help you put more jumbos on the ice this winter.

For more ice fishing information, visit https://catchcover.com/read-blog-articles/

In this episode of the Fish House Nation Podcast presented by Catch Cover, host Chris Larsen is joined by Al Escobedo for a storytelling session that captures the heart of ice fishing culture. Instead of sharing only tips and tactics, Chris and Al swap their favorite ice fishing stories—from late-ice crappie adventures and tournament mishaps to unforgettable memories with family, friends, and even a few legendary names like Dave Genz.

You’ll hear about close calls with thinning ice, hilarious four-wheeler moments with Al’s cousin Mario, a humbling run at the Minnesota Panfish Championship, unforgettable trips to Lake of the Woods and Big Stone, and even a behind-the-scenes look at photo shoots on Mille Lacs and Winnibigoshish.

Packed with laughs, camaraderie, and real-life adventures on the ice, this episode feels like pulling up a chair in the fish house and swapping stories with friends. Whether you’re an avid angler or just love the tradition of ice fishing, you’ll come away with a smile—and maybe a new story of your own.

For more ice fishing content, visit CatchCover.com

We're discussing finding quality panfish in new locations on Episode #203 of the Fish House Nation Podcast presented by Catch Cover. Co-hosts Chris Larsen and Al Escobedo discuss how to find new fishing spots from home and while on the lake. Fishing on new bodies of water is an excellent way to expand your fishing skills and find some great fish. For more ice fishing information, visit https://catchcover.com/read-blog-articles/

When the lakes freeze over and the shacks come out, your fishing line becomes one of the most critical tools in your setup. Unlike summer fishing, ice fishing demands specialized line choices because of frigid conditions, small fishing holes, and the subtle strikes of winter fish.

Selecting the wrong line can lead to lost fish, tangled messes, and frustrating days on the ice. But with the right line, properly matched to your species and fishing style, you’ll put more fish on the ice and enjoy a smoother experience.

On this episode of the Fish House Nation Podcast, we discuss choosing the perfect line for ice fishing.

For more ice fishing information, visit https://catchcover.com/read-blog-articles/

On this episode of the Fish House Nation Podcast, we take a close look at how to choose the perfect ice fishing rod. Topics discussed include rod action, rod length, deciding between fiberglass & carbon, and much more. For more ice fishing information, visit https://catchcover.com/read-blog-articles/

What do you need when you buy a wheelhouse? It’s Episode 200 of the Fish House Nation Podcast, and we’re breaking down everything you need to make your Fish House a fish home. From fishing gear & augers to cooking equipment and more, we’re talking about it. Make sure you pick up everything you need before the upcoming ice season!

Get all your Catch Cover gear at https://catchcover.com/

How To Get Started With Ice Fishing - on this episode of the Fish House Nation Podcast, we discuss how to get started ice fishing. Everything from building knowledge to rods, line, electronics, safety and more. If you're thinking about getting started in ice fishing or know someone who is, this is the perfect episode!

For more ice fishing information, visit https://catchcover.com/read-blog-articles/