Great Lakes Fishing Podcast

What separates consistently successful Great Lakes anglers from everyone else? Often, it’s their ability to recognize when conditions have changed and adjust before the fish make them pay for it.

In Episode 291 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen is joined by three veteran Lake Ontario charter captains: Vince Pierleoni of Thrillseeker Sportfishing, Matt Yablonsky of Wet Net Charters, and Anthony Ellis of Redemption Charters.

Recorded at the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, the conversation starts with a look back at the 2025 Lake Ontario season, including the impressive coho salmon fishery, abundant alewives, healthy young Chinook salmon, and what those signs could mean for the fishery moving forward.

From there, the captains get into the details of building an effective trolling program. They discuss downrigger setbacks, leader lengths, slide divers, leadcore and copper, spoon sizes, knots, rod and reel setups, and how they adjust their presentations as conditions change.

Anthony also breaks down how anglers can simplify a meat program, while Vince and Matt explain why successful anglers need to “listen to the fish” instead of assuming yesterday’s program will work again today.

You’ll also hear why late September and October can produce some outstanding Lake Ontario fishing, how wind and temperature changes relocate bait and salmon, and why anglers struggling to catch fish may actually be running too many different presentations at once.

Whether you're an experienced Great Lakes troller or still building your first salmon spread, this episode is packed with practical information you can put to work the next time you hit the water.

The Great Lakes Fishing Podcast is presented by Fish Hawk Electronics.

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

Episode 290 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast brings together three of the most respected names in Lake Erie walleye fishing: Capt. Ross Robertson, Capt. Craig Sleeman, and Capt. Pete Alex. Recorded live at the Niagara Fishing Expo, this roundtable discussion is packed with practical advice that will help anglers catch more and bigger walleyes.

The conversation goes far beyond lure colors and favorite baits. The captains discuss how to make better on-the-water decisions, when to make adjustments, why confidence and preparation matter, and how experience helps develop the instincts that consistently put fish in the boat. Whether you're trolling crankbaits, worm harnesses, lead core, inline weights, or spoons, you'll pick up valuable strategies you can apply on your next trip.

You'll also hear:

How each captain approaches finding and catching trophy-class walleyes.

Why making small adjustments often outperforms making drastic changes.

Lead core vs. inline weights and when each presentation shines.

Where bigger walleyes position themselves in the water column.

How Fish Hawk electronics help eliminate guesswork and make trolling more repeatable.

The importance of preparation, education, and trusting your instincts on the water.

If you're planning to chase Lake Erie walleyes this season, this episode is loaded with insights from three captains who spend hundreds of days each year figuring out what works—and why.

Whether you're a weekend angler or a seasoned tournament fisherman, you're guaranteed to come away with ideas that will make your next trip more productive.

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

For years, Ron Winter has been one of the most trusted field testers behind Fish Hawk Electronics products. While he's best known for chasing landlocked salmon on Lake Champlain and king salmon on Lake Ontario, what really sets Ron apart is his meticulous approach to fishing. Every trip is built around data, observation, and constant learning.

In Episode 289 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, Ron joins host Chris Larsen to discuss his experience testing the new Fish Hawk TD Connect, why detailed temperature profiles can completely change the way you fish, and how understanding the thermocline helps anglers consistently put more fish in the boat.

Ron also shares his philosophy on keeping fishing records, measuring diver running depths, identifying productive water, and learning from charter captains without ever getting in their way. Whether you're a weekend angler or someone who fishes tournaments, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply on your very next trip.

Plus, Ron talks about building one of the most respected YouTube channels in the Great Lakes fishing community, his favorite salmon tactics, and the simple lessons he's learned after decades on the water.

In this episode:

Why Ron Winter became one of Fish Hawk's most trusted product testers

First impressions of the Fish Hawk TD Connect

How to use temperature profiles to locate productive water

Measuring diver running depths and long-line presentations

Understanding the thermocline on Lake Ontario and Lake Champlain

Why successful anglers keep detailed fishing logs

How recreational anglers can learn from charter captains

Ron's favorite salmon tactics, lures, and gear

Rapid-fire fishing questions, bucket-list destinations, and more

Whether you troll Lake Ontario, fish the Finger Lakes, chase landlocked salmon on Lake Champlain, or simply want to become a more efficient angler, this conversation with Ron Winter is full of insights that will help you fish smarter, not harder.

What does it take to deliver world-class customer service in the Great Lakes trolling industry? In this episode of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen joins Trevor Sumption from Fish Hawk Electronics aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing Charters in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, to discuss why firsthand experience on the water is critical to supporting Great Lakes anglers.

Trevor explains why Fish Hawk brings its customer service team onto charter boats to learn the techniques, terminology, and real-world situations anglers encounter every day. The conversation also includes exciting updates on the highly anticipated Fish Hawk ONE, including its future-ready digital platform, backward compatibility with existing Fish Hawk systems, and why it's designed to grow with anglers through over-the-air software updates. Trevor also shares the latest on the overwhelming demand for the new TD Connect and why building products in the USA remains a core part of Fish Hawk's mission.

Later in the episode, Chris sits down with David Baxter, first mate aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing Charters. David shares how he broke into the charter fishing industry, what it's like running a 14-rod spread on one of Lake Michigan's premier salmon boats, and why Sturgeon Bay's Bank Reef consistently produces trophy Chinook salmon. Whether you're interested in becoming a charter mate, learning more about Great Lakes salmon fishing, or staying up to date on the latest Fish Hawk technology, this episode is packed with valuable insights.

In this episode you'll learn:

Why Fish Hawk sends customer service staff on fishing trips

The latest updates on the Fish Hawk ONE and its new digital platform

How over-the-air software updates will expand future capabilities

Why existing Fish Hawk users can upgrade without replacing their entire system

The incredible demand for the new TD Connect

How David Baxter became a full-time charter mate

The rod spread and trolling program used aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing

Why Sturgeon Bay's Bank Reef is one of Lake Michigan's premier salmon fisheries

Tips for anyone interested in becoming a Great Lakes charter mate

Early season outlook for Lake Michigan Chinook salmon fishing

Whether you're chasing kings on Lake Michigan or simply looking to become a better Great Lakes angler, Episode 288 offers a behind-the-scenes look at both cutting-edge fishing technology and life aboard one of Wisconsin's top salmon charter boats.

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

Episode 287 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast takes listeners aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing Charters with Captain John Pollock in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin.

Recorded on the waters of Lake Michigan during an action-packed morning of salmon fishing, Captain Pollock shares why Sturgeon Bay's famous Bank Reef is one of the premier destinations for Chinook salmon and steelhead in the Great Lakes. John explains how this unique underwater structure concentrates baitfish and predators, creating consistent fishing opportunities throughout the season.

During the conversation, John discusses his journey from a 14-year-old charter mate to one of the most respected charter captains on Lake Michigan. He shares stories from his early days in the industry, explains his trolling setup, and offers valuable tips for recreational anglers looking to target salmon and steelhead on their own.

Topics covered in this episode include:

• Fishing Sturgeon Bay's legendary Bank Reef

• Lake Michigan Chinook salmon and steelhead patterns

• Downrigger, diver, lead core, copper, and weighted steel setups

• Favorite salmon spoons, flashers, and flies

• How weather and water conditions impact fishing success

• Summer 2026 salmon fishing outlook for Sturgeon Bay

• Advice for anglers planning their first Great Lakes salmon trip

Whether you're planning a charter trip, fishing your own boat, or simply looking to learn more about one of Lake Michigan's top salmon ports, this episode is packed with practical information and entertaining stories from the water.

In Episode 286 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen sits down with Fish Hawk Electronics customer service specialist Mario Perzichilli while fishing aboard Real Impressions Sport Fishing Charters with Captain John Pollock on Lake Michigan.

Although Mario brings years of experience in the marine electronics industry, this trip marked his first time targeting Great Lakes salmon and trout. He shares his impressions of battling hard-fighting salmon, experiencing multiple hookups, and learning the unique tactics that make Great Lakes trolling so exciting.

Mario also discusses his role at Fish Hawk Electronics, what anglers can expect when they call customer support, and his early impressions of the new Fish Hawk ONE and TD Connect systems. The conversation also explores how temperature and thermocline data can benefit not only Great Lakes anglers, but inland fishermen targeting crappies, walleyes, and other species.

Whether you're curious about the people behind Fish Hawk Electronics, interested in the latest Fish Hawk products, or simply enjoy hearing firsthand Great Lakes fishing stories, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the team helping anglers catch more fish.

Topics Covered:

Mario Perzichilli's first Great Lakes fishing experience

Salmon, steelhead, and lake trout action on Lake Michigan

Fish Hawk Electronics customer service philosophy

First impressions of the Fish Hawk ONE

TD Connect features and applications

Using thermocline data on inland lakes

Fishing electronics tips and customer support insights

For more Great Lakes fishing content, visit FishHawkElectronics.com and subscribe to the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast.

In Episode 285 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen is joined by Trevor Sumption from Fish Hawk Electronics for a detailed update on the highly anticipated Fish Hawk One display and the new TD Connect system.

Trevor explains why Fish Hawk One has taken longer to reach the market, the importance of backwards compatibility with legacy Fish Hawk equipment, and how the company is stress-testing the new system to ensure long-term reliability for Great Lakes anglers. The conversation also dives into TD Connect production, over-the-air updates, improved signal handling, new flush mount options, and what anglers can expect when the first Fish Hawk One units begin shipping.

If you’ve been following the online chatter surrounding Fish Hawk’s newest products, this episode delivers direct answers from the source.

For more information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/

On Episode 284 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen sits down with three respected Lake Ontario captains during the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo: Bob Songin from Reel Excitement Charters, Brian Garrett from Tall Tails Sportfishing, and Nick Glosser from Synergy Sportfishing.

The three captains were instructors at the renowned LOTSA Salmon School and discuss what anglers can realistically expect to learn from advanced salmon trolling education, how each captain approaches fishing differently, and why understanding why fish bite matters more than simply copying tackle setups.

This episode dives deep into:

Fighting boat traffic on the Niagara Bar

Understanding water movement and current changes

Why presentation matters more than specific lures

Electronics advancements and how technology has changed salmon fishing

Decision-making during tournaments and charter trips

Spring vs staging salmon behavior across Lake Ontario ports

Simplifying trolling spreads for more consistent bites

Teaching new anglers and introducing kids to the fishery

The importance of LOTSA, ELOSTA, and supporting Great Lakes fishing organizations

You’ll also hear memorable charter stories, tournament strategy discussions, and practical advice on adapting to changing conditions on Lake Ontario. Whether you troll the western basin, fish the Salmon River staging run, or are just getting started in Great Lakes salmon fishing, this conversation is packed with insights from captains who spend hundreds of days on the water every season.

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

In Episode 283 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast presented by Fish Hawk Electronics, host Chris Larsen talks with Chip Cartwright and CJ Baker of Silver Streak Spoons about what really makes trolling spoons effective for salmon and trout across the Great Lakes.

Recorded at the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, this conversation covers real-world insights from Lake Michigan fishing out of Ludington, including how changing water clarity, bait size, and modern electronics are shaping today’s salmon programs.

Chip and CJ explain why profile often matters more than color, how spoon size should change throughout the season, and what anglers should know about the growing popularity of salmon jigging with live sonar. They also break down practical trolling speeds, lead lengths behind the ball, and how anglers can confidently choose productive spoon patterns without overcomplicating their spread.

You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories about how classic Silver Streak colors get their names, how new patterns are tested on the water, and why matching your presentation to your goals—numbers vs. trophy fish—changes everything.

If you troll for salmon or trout on Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, or any Great Lakes port, this episode will help you fine-tune your spoon program and make smarter lure choices all season long. 🎣

Topics include:

Choosing spoon profile vs. color

Best trolling speeds for Silver Streak spoons

Lead lengths behind downriggers and divers

When smaller spoons outperform magnum sizes

How live sonar is expanding salmon jigging opportunities

Productive color trends from Ludington and beyond

New glow finishes and jigging spoon developments for 2026

Listen now and sharpen your Great Lakes trolling strategy with insights from one of the Great Lakes' most trusted spoon manufacturers.

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

In this episode of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast presented by Fish Hawk Electronics, host Chris Larsen sits down at the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo with Chris Legard from the New York DEC and Captain Rob Westcott of Legacy Sportfishing for an in-depth conversation about the current state—and future—of Lake Ontario salmon fishing.

They break down what anglers are seeing on the water right now and how it connects to the science behind the fishery. Topics include the rebound of the alewife population, what recent die-offs really mean, and how bait availability continues to shape salmon growth and catch rates across the lake.

Chris Legard explains the ongoing genetic parentage-based tagging program that helps determine how many Chinook salmon are naturally reproduced versus hatchery-stocked fish—and why that information matters when balancing predator and prey populations in Lake Ontario. The discussion also covers how anglers are contributing to this effort through citizen-science sampling programs across the lake.

The conversation dives into the growing role of Atlantic salmon, which are native to Lake Ontario and seeing improved returns after changes to stocking strategy and locations. Meanwhile, anglers are also noticing stronger coho salmon fishing, especially in the western basin—and the DEC shares why natural reproduction may be playing a bigger role than many people realize.

Chris and Rob also address a question many anglers have been asking: Where are the 30-pound Chinook salmon? Learn how salmon abundance, prey availability, and long-term management decisions influence fish size trends—and why today’s fishery still ranks among the strongest in decades.

Additional topics include:

Chinook salmon catch-rate trends since 2017

How Atlantic salmon stocking changes are improving returns

The role of pen-rearing programs in boosting survival

Brown trout strain improvements and survival expectations

Cormorant control efforts near stocking sites

How anglers help shape DEC management decisions through advisory panels

Whether you fish the Niagara Bar, the Salmon River, Oak Orchard, or anywhere else on Lake Ontario, this episode offers valuable insight into the science behind the fishery—and what it means for your next season on the water.

For more Great Lakes fishing reports, tactics, and electronics insights, visit FishHawkElectronics.com.