Fishing University's Take It to the Bank

In this episode of the Take It To The Bank podcast, host Ben Ballou welcomes NFL lineman Ben Cleveland, who shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to professional football and his passion for fishing. The conversation covers Cleveland's early experiences in the outdoors, his NFL career, the draft process, and the challenges of balancing sports with personal interests. They also discuss a memorable fishing trip to Kentucky Lake, the nuances of fishing techniques, and the reactions to social media posts about their fishing methods. The episode concludes with light-hearted banter and insights into the world of professional sports and fishing. takeaways Ben Cleveland shares his journey from small-town Georgia to the NFL. Fishing was a necessity growing up, helping to put food on the table. The importance of quick decision-making in both fishing and football. Draft day was a mix of excitement and missed calls. Cleveland emphasizes the mental aspect of football and fishing. Social media reactions can be surprising and humorous. Hook setting techniques can vary and spark debate among anglers. The camaraderie between athletes in different sports is evident. Fishing techniques differ greatly depending on the location and conditions. The joy of fishing lies in the experience, not just the catch.

In this episode of the Take It to the Bank podcast, host Ben Ballou welcomes tournament angler Jordan Hartman to discuss fishing techniques, conditions, and experiences on Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River. They explore the current fishing season, effective strategies for September, and the importance of understanding fish behavior. The conversation also touches on safety tips for navigating Kentucky Lake, the impact of winter drawdown on fishing, and some humorous fishing stories.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Fishing Season

00:52

Jordan Hartman's Tournament Experience

02:30

Current Fishing Conditions

05:18

September Fishing Strategies

08:59

Understanding the Tennessee River

09:41

Scoping Techniques for Bass Fishing

14:41

Identifying Bass on LiveScope

18:10

Bait Selection for Scoping

23:15

Using Spinnerbaits and Worms

25:09

Fishing Techniques for Smallmouth Bass

31:07

Understanding Kentucky Lake's Conditions

35:39

Navigating Kentucky Lake Safely

39:17

Fishing Bars and Their Importance

44:54

Embarrassing Moments on the Water

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

In this episode of 'Take It to the Bank', host Ben Ballou and elite series pro Jonathan Kelley dive deep into the world of smallmouth bass fishing. They discuss the nuances of fishing in northern waters, particularly Lake Oneida, and share insights on tournament preparation, bait selection, and the behavior of smallmouth bass. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating rough waters and the importance of boat maintenance. Listeners are treated to entertaining anecdotes and valuable tips for both novice and experienced anglers.

takeaways

• Smallmouth bass fishing is best during cooler weather.
• Different northern fisheries require different gear and techniques.
• Mapping technology is crucial for locating smallmouth bass.
• Smallmouth spawn around individual rocks and gravel areas.
• Grass mixed with rocks is a prime location for smallmouth.
• Hair jigs are effective in calm conditions and require a slow retrieve.
• Boat maintenance is essential for safe navigation in rough waters.
• Understanding fish behavior is key to successful fishing.
• Tournament fishing requires adaptability and quick decision-making.
• Funny and unexpected moments can happen while fishing.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Smallmouth Bass Fishing

03:03

Preparing for Upcoming Tournaments

06:06

Understanding Smallmouth Behavior

08:49

Spawning Habits and Habitat Preferences

12:03

Fishing Techniques and Strategies

15:11

Current and Its Impact on Fishing

17:57

Breaking Down Lake Oneida

21:03

Fishing Gear and Setup

23:49

Bait Selection for Smallmouth Bass

27:00

Final Thoughts and Tips

36:56

Understanding Fish Behavior and Bait Selection

39:20

The Art of Drop Shot Fishing

40:50

Exploring Hair Jigs and Their Effectiveness

46:02

Identifying Feeding Zones for Smallmouth Bass

50:06

Navigating Rough Waters: Boat Maintenance and Safety

56:03

Experiences in Extreme Water Conditions

01:03:38

Humorous and Embarrassing Fishing Stories

In this episode of the Take It to the Bank podcast, host Ben Ballou welcomes Hunter Baughman, a professional fisherman who has overcome significant physical challenges to pursue his passion for fishing. The conversation covers Hunter's journey from childhood to becoming a competitive angler, including his experiences in tournament fishing, his recent success in the Toyota Series, and his insights on fishing techniques, particularly in rivers during the summer months. Hunter shares personal stories, including humorous moments and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, making for an inspiring and informative discussion.

takeaways

• Hunter Baughman has overcome significant physical challenges to pursue his passion for fishing.
• Fishing is accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability.
• The importance of competition drives many anglers, including Hunter.
• Hunter's journey in tournament fishing began with local competitions and evolved into national events.
• The Toyota Series win was a pivotal moment in Hunter's fishing career.
• Fishing rivers in the summer requires specific techniques and strategies.
• Current plays a crucial role in fishing success on rivers.
• Backwater areas can hold larger fish during the summer months.
• Patience and persistence are key to successful fishing.
• Humor and positivity are essential in overcoming life's challenges.

Chapters

00:00

Introduction to Hunter Baughman

04:24

Overcoming Challenges: Hunter's Journey

10:18

The Love for Fishing: Early Memories

12:29

Transitioning to Tournament Fishing

18:56

Building a Career in Professional Fishing

27:16

Overcoming Challenges in Fishing

29:30

The Journey to the Toyota Series Win

44:01

Fishing Strategies for Hot Summer Rivers

51:43

Family and Fishing Life

52:15

Understanding River Currents and Jetties

53:48

Fishing Techniques for Jetties

59:10

Exploring Backwater Fishing Strategies

01:03:45

Current vs. Water Level in Fishing

01:04:48

Fishing Challenges in Hot Weather

01:07:15

Humorous Encounters and Misconceptions

01:10:44

Embarrassing Moments on the Water

Join host Ben Ballou in this exclusive interview with Andy Morgan, widely regarded as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in professional fishing. Dive into a compelling mix of fishing tips, hunting adventures, and personal stories from the Tennessee River to wild bluff country.

✅ Topics covered:

• Fishing techniques during the Mayfly hatch
• Live Scope and how it's transforming the game
• Bluff fishing tips from a pro
• How current and seasonal patterns affect fish
• Andy’s favorite hunting stories and outdoor encounters

Whether you're a seasoned angler or weekend warrior, you'll pick up valuable outdoor insights, gear tips, and a few laughs.

🦆 Bonus: Andy shares his love for duck hunting and bow hunting, revealing how both passions fuel his competitive edge.

📍 Filmed near the Tennessee River, this episode is a must-watch for fans of outdoor adventures, bass fishing, and real stories from the field.

#Fishing #AndyMorgan #Hunting #TennesseeRiver #LiveScope #MayflyHatch #FishingTips #BluffFishing #OutdoorLife #FishingPodcast #DuckHunting #FishingStories #bassfishing

Chapters:

00:00 – Introduction to the GOAT of Fishing (Andy Morgan)

02:33 – Why Andy Loves Both Hunting and Fishing

05:31 – Duck Hunting: Andy’s #1 Passion

08:33 – Elk Hunting & Bowhunting in the Wild

11:43 – Fishing the Tennessee River: Seasonal Insights

14:30 – The Importance of the Mayfly Hatch

17:31 – Shallow Fishing vs. Deep Water Strategy

20:22 – Choosing the Right Bait for the Right Conditions

23:19 – How Live Scope Changed the Fishing Game

25:40 – Bluff Fishing Tips & Techniques

28:53 – Andy’s Embarrassing Fishing Moments

31:43 – Wild Encounters on the Water

Welcome back to another episode of the Take It to the Bank Podcast! In this insightful and entertaining episode, host Ben Ballou sits down with legendary pro bass angler James Niggemeyer to dive deep into Texas bass fishing in the month of May—especially on the famed Lake Fork. Known for his humble attitude, deep faith, and one of the most unique names in the sport, James shares not only his fishing knowledge but also his inspiring personal story, from his rise in the Elite Series to his unwavering faith through life's toughest moments.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• 
  
• How to find and fish the shad spawn across Texas lakes
• 
  
• 
  
• Why Lake Fork in May is both magical and challenging for bass anglers
• 
  
• 
  
• Proven tactics for fishing post-spawn bass, including frogs, swim jigs, Carolina rigs, and speed worms
• 
  
• 
  
• How James breaks down standing timber and offshore structure
• 
  
• 
  
• The real story behind James's social media fame and how his name became a talking point
• 
  
• 
  
• How faith and fishing intersect in his life and career
• 
  
• 
  
• Keys to fish care during tournaments and maximizing survival on warm spring days
• 
  

Bonus Content:

• 
  
• Deep dive into Birch Creek on Lake Fork, including map breakdowns and strategic locations
• 
  
• 
  
• Setup recommendations: rods, reels, line, baits, and favorite colors
• 
  
• 
  
• Why color selection may not be as complex as many think
• 
  
• 
  
• Navigating the transition from shallow to offshore fishing during May
• 
  
• 
  
• Top community holes and patterns working right now on Lake Fork
• 
  

Whether you're a tournament angler looking to refine your strategy or just a bass fishing fan who loves learning from the best, this episode is packed with actionable advice, heart, and humor. Don’t miss it.

Timestamps:

0:00 – Intro with James Niggemeyer

2:00 – The story behind the name and social media explosion

6:00 – James on faith, fishing, and life challenges

11:00 – Early years, Elite Series memories, and guiding in Texas

17:00 – Boater-on-boater drawdown stories from back in the day

23:00 – Shad spawn: locations, timing, and techniques

34:00 – Lake Fork in May: top patterns and baits

46:00 – Birch Creek map breakdown and how to fish it

55:00 – Offshore structure and southern Lake Fork strategy

59:00 – Gear setups: frogs, squarebills, Carolina rigs, and more

1:11:00 – How to approach standing timber confidently

Subscribe for more deep-dive conversations with top anglers, fishing strategies, and all things competitive bass fishing.

Keywords:

Texas bass fishing, Lake Fork, May bass fishing, shad spawn, James Niggemeyer, Take it to the Bank podcast, Bassmaster Elite Series, MLF, post-spawn bass, frog fishing, swim jig setup, Carolina rig, fishing tackle setup, standing timber bass, how to fish Lake Fork, bass tournament strategy, Christian anglers, bass fishing podcast

Welcome back to Take It to the Bank Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with BPT and MLF champion Jeremy Lawyer to talk everything April bass fishing. From targeting fish in all phases of the spawn to key strategies for navigating rapidly changing spring conditions, this conversation is packed with practical tips for serious anglers.

What you’ll hear in this episode:

• An absolutely wild story about Drew Boggs and a Dremel tool that you’ve got to hear to believe

• The latest patterns on Grand Lake, Table Rock and Lake of the Ozarks

• Why fish positioning changes daily in April and how to stay ahead of them

• Jeremy’s go to sight fishing baits and techniques, including the underrated chicken rig

• The pros and cons of wacky rigs, trick worms, tubes and more when bed fishing pressured lakes

• How to choose the best bank lines, water color and spawning zones on highland reservoirs

• How Jeremy breaks down lake sections to target pre spawn, spawning and post spawn fish all in the same day

• Tips for reading bass behavior and knowing when to walk away from a stubborn bed fish

• His favorite line, hook and rod setups for finesse fishing and flipping

• The one fish that still haunts him years later and what it cost him

Whether you're fishing a tournament, preparing for a trip to Lake of the Ozarks or just trying to understand spring bass behavior better, this is the episode to study. Jeremy’s advice is based on decades of experience and delivers real world knowledge any angler can apply right now.

Be sure to subscribe to the channel for more pro angler interviews, bass fishing strategy, and behind the scenes stories from the water. Take It to the Bank Podcast is your go to source for seasonal breakdowns, gear tips and fishing insights straight from the pros.

Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major streaming platforms.

Keywords

Bass fishing April

Lake of the Ozarks bass fishing

Jeremy Lawyer fishing

bed fishing tips

spawning bass strategies

fishing podcast

wacky rig setup

spring bass fishing

MLF pro angler

Take It to the Bank Podcast

chicken rig fishing

pre spawn bass

post spawn bass

highland reservoir fishing

bass sight fishing

Ozarks fishing spring

Jake Lawrence’s the hottest name in professional bass fishing right now 🔥 — straight off a Top 5 finish at MLF Redcrest, Jake Lawrence joins Take It to the Bank with Ben Ballou to talk all things April bass fishing, forward-facing sonar mastery, and one unforgettable moment live on national TV... (yes, THAT cast 😳)

Whether you're chasing spawning smallmouth on Kentucky Lake, targeting pre/post-spawn largemouth on the Tennessee River, or just trying to figure out how to stay locked in during this wild spring transition, this episode is PACKED with game-changing knowledge.

🚀 Topics include:

✅ April bass fishing tips for Kentucky Lake, Pickwick & Guntersville

✅ Smallmouth vs largemouth spring behavior: where to find them

✅ What makes April the most dynamic fishing month

✅ Jake's go-to baits: swimbaits, jerkbaits, traps, minnow rigs & more

✅ The bait fish will never get used to: jighead minnow breakdown

✅ Masterclass in electronics: forward-facing sonar + perspective mode

✅ Why zero-degree mounts and cone angles REALLY matter

✅ The fish that bit while Jake was... well, you’ll just have to listen

elcome to a deep dive into April bass fishing in Florida with none other than Randall Tharp, the "Honey Badger" himself! In this full episode of Take It to the Bank, Ben Ballou and Randall Tharp break down everything you need to know about spring bass fishing, fry guarders, shad spawns, and how to catch big bass in Florida during one of the best months of the year to be on the water.

From Kissimmee grass and hydrilla to shell bars and shad spawns, this episode covers:

✅ Why April is prime time to fish in Florida

✅ Best techniques for fry guarders and post-spawn bass

✅ Randall’s favorite baits: swim jigs, topwater, prop baits & more

✅ How to find shell bars and brush piles on the Harris Chain

✅ Electronics tips: side imaging, forward-facing sonar, and live scope

✅ Epic stories from Randall’s tournament career – including his FLW Cup win

💥 Whether you’re fishing Okeechobee, Harris Chain, St. Johns River, or anywhere in the Sunshine State, this episode is packed with Florida bass fishing tips to help you catch more fish this spring.