On Episode 274 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast presented by Fish Hawk Electronics, host Chris Larsen sits down in Manistee, Michigan with Captain Lenny Vaughan of Slipknot Charters. This is a recording from late August. Fresh off a big win at the Founders Cup Championship, Captain Vaughan shares insights into competitive Great Lakes salmon tournaments, including tips for new anglers looking to get started.

The conversation also dives into what makes Manistee one of the premier fishing ports on the Great Lakes—from its unique river system and world-class catch rates to the deep-water shelves and seasonal fish migrations that create outstanding opportunities for salmon, trout, and steelhead. Lenny also gives a behind-the-scenes look at his 31’ Tiara fishing machine, his approach to guiding clients, and why charter fishing is as much about people as it is about catching fish.

Whether you’re interested in Great Lakes tournaments, planning a fishing trip to Manistee, or just love hearing from seasoned captains, this episode is packed with knowledge and stories you won’t want to miss.

For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/blog/

In this episode of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast presented by Fish Hawk Electronics, host Chris Larsen sits down in Manistee, Michigan with Captain Mark Chmura of Pier Pressure Fishing. Mark opens the conversation with a heartfelt tribute to the late Captain Willis Kerridge, a legendary angler whose influence will be felt across Lake Michigan and beyond for years to come.

From there, Mark shares his own remarkable story—35 years as a charter captain and tournament angler, more than 50 tournament wins, and a lifetime spent building community on the water. He talks candidly about his battle with stage four prostate cancer, how faith and fishing helped carry him through, and what it means to truly appreciate the blessings around you.

With insights on the evolution of Great Lakes fisheries, the balance between tournaments and charters, and lessons learned through hardship, this conversation goes far beyond fishing tips—it’s about resilience, humility, and gratitude.

Whether you’re a seasoned tournament angler or just love hearing authentic stories from the Great Lakes, this episode with Captain Mark Chmura is one you won’t want to miss.

For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/blog/

In this episode of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast presented by Fish Hawk Electronics, host Chris Larsen sits down with first mate Wyatt Merritt of Catch a Bunch Charters in Grand Haven, Michigan. Fishing alongside Captain Phil Rutherford, Wyatt shares his perspective from the back deck—covering the excitement of battling fiery late-summer king salmon, the challenges of running a busy spread of rods, and the chaos of netting fish in heavy boat traffic.

Wyatt isn’t just passionate about fishing—he’s also a fisheries and aquatic science student at Grand Valley State University. He discusses how his classroom studies on thermoclines and cold-water species connect directly to Great Lakes salmon fishing, and what he hopes to pursue as a fisheries technician in the future.

From wild net jobs to insights on salmon behavior and the importance of temperature probes, this conversation blends hands-on fishing stories with fisheries science. Whether you’re a charter customer, weekend angler, or just love the Great Lakes, you’ll enjoy hearing Wyatt’s passion for the fishery and his vision for its future.

For more Great Lakes fishing tips, gear reviews, and stories, visit FishHawkElectronics.com.

Captain Shane Ruboyaines from Dreamweaver Lures joins the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast for Episode 271. This show was recorded at Team Dreamweaver headquarters in Ludington, Michigan in late August. We discuss the origins of Dreamweaver, the fishing around Ludington in 2025, what's new with Dreamweaver, and much more.

Keep an eye out on our YouTube channel. In October, we'll drop a video of our tour of the Dreamweaver facility.

For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/blog/

Captain Chris Ingalls from ‪Dark Blue Charters in Manistee, Michigan joins the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast to discuss staging kings, salmon fishing from Manistee, how structure affects salmon movement in Lake Michigan, and much more.

This interview is from our trip to Michigan in late August.

For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/blog/

Captain Phil Retherford from Catch A Bunch Charters in Grand Haven, Michigan joins the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast for Episode #269. We discuss the stager bite, best plugs for kings in shallow water, and much more!

For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/blog/

Captain Bob Hinds from Central Coast Angling in Michigan joins the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast for Episode 268. This is a recording from a Facebook LIVE post recorded in late August while fishing Michigan's East Grand Traverse Bay. Lake Michigan was too rough due to winds so we hit the Bay and enjoyed some incredible salmon fishing. In this interview, we discuss fishing Grand Traverse Bay, jigging salmon on Platte Bay, and fishing the Manitou Islands. We even catch a nice king salmon during the interview!

For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/blog/

Christian Carlson from Northeast Troller joins the show for Episode 267 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast. Northeast Troller is a fishing lure company based in Maine. We discuss how Christian got started in the fishing industry, how Northeast Troller spoons are made, Northeast Troller’s most popular designs, and more. Today’s conversation is from the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo back in February. Captain Casey Prisco is co-hosting this episode.

For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/blog/

Captain Jim Steel from Dream Catcher Sportfishing joins the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast for Episode 266. We discuss Eastern Basin Lake Erie walleye fishing, the Lake Erie forage base, using Fish Hawk while trolling for walleyes, what it’s like to produce an outdoor TV show, and much more. Today’s conversation is from the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo back in February.

For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/blog/

We’re talking fishing with Patrick Yohon from GRC Trolling Flies in New York. Patrick started GRC while truck driving and has built it into one of the most popular lure manufacturers in Great Lakes fishing. Patrick makes trolling flies, laker bells, meat rigs, and much more. Today’s conversation is from the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo back in February.

For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/blog/