New England Outdoor Life

We're back after a little hiatus, and this episode is a catch-up on everything happening in the hunting world. One of the hosts looks back on a phenomenal fall: nine bucks taken out of their camp group, a snowy Vermont season, and a tracked eight-pointer on day three. They also cover a scouting trip to public land in Pennsylvania that ended with a seven-pointer, a deboned pack-out because of CWD rules, plus a spring turkey season with a Jake and a missed tom.

Then we turn to this fall. Bears are a hot topic across the Northeast, with trail cameras showing sows with twins and triplets, 300-pound-plus bruisers, and Vermont Fish and Wildlife fielding far more bear complaints. We also hit archery season for deer and moose, Vermont's new earn-a-buck rules, Maine's moose season, upcoming bird hunting and scouting in Maine, snowmobiling plans, and a hint of a future guest with a good moose story. Let us know what topics or guests you'd like to hear.

After a long break, New England Outdoor Life is back. Capt. Matt explains the hiatus: he spent about six months as fire chief of the Killington Fire Department, after 24 years as a career firefighter and 38 years in the fire service overall, while his charter business went on the back burner. He and Andy also catch up on a busy year of guiding.

Capt. Matt looks back on the season: a flooded Salmon River in the spring that hit 7,500 CFS and wiped out about 10 days of prime steelhead fishing, then a strong finish once it dropped to normal flows. On Lake Champlain he saw the best spring Atlantic salmon fishing in about 10 years, followed by bass fishing on local lakes and Lake Trout jigging. The big news is his new Lund HG 24 aluminum boat and his acceptance into the Lund ambassador program. He also shares plans for Lake Ontario trips, kids' fishing camps, giving back to first responders and veterans, and a hunting episode next week.

Join us live on the water in central Vermont for this episode of New England Outdoor Life, where we dive deep into spring bass fishing tactics, pre-spawn strategies, and the hottest baits for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Whether you're chasing bedded fish, transitioning lake trout, or post-spawn pike, we’ve got you covered with real-time insight from the boat.

🎣 Topics covered:

• Water temps and fish behavior 
• Rapala Shadow Rap jerkbait cadence tips
• Best swim bait colors and rigging with Keitech Fat Swing Impact
• Ned rig setups with Fresh Baits Hellgrammites
• Football head jigs with Hula Grubs for rocky bottom fishing
• Early results from Lake Champlain and more!

🚨 Plus, a huge announcement from Sean Snover of Real Northern Bass about the launch of the New England Angler Challenge — a virtual fishing tournament with $5,000+ in cash and prizes, covering bass, lake trout, brown trout, and pike all summer long across New England!

🧠 Learn from Sean’s expert tips, weekly livestreams, and decades of experience as he helps you dominate your local waters.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• 🔥 Tournament info: NEAngler.com
• 🧢 Sean’s YouTube: youtube.com/603bass
• 🎯 Charter trips and gear: NewEnglandOutdoorLife.com
• ⚡ Fishing Trip w/Capt Matt: ThirdAlarmChargers.com

💬 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a rating, and sign up for our email list on our site so you never miss a tip, tactic, or upcoming fishing report!

Join us on this special episode of the New England Outdoor Life Podcast as we welcome Liz Ellers from Lake Champlain International (LCI) to discuss the rich history and growing legacy of the 44th Annual Father’s Day Fishing Derby. With over $200,000 in prizes, 13 eligible species, and weigh stations spanning Vermont and New York, this is the largest multi-species derby of its kind.

We dive into:

• The origins of the Derby in 1982
• How it's grown to attract anglers from 38 states
• The role of anglers in conservation and research
• Tips on how to register, compete, and win big
• Why this event is about more than just fishing—it's about community, tradition, and preserving the outdoor lifestyle

🎣 Whether you're after sheepshead, salmon, or just good times with family, this episode has something for every angler.

Check out more:
Register for the Derby

Third Alarm Charters

New England Angler Challenge

Captain Matt is joined by his brother Mark and nephew Peyton to relive an unforgettable Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend. Despite pouring rain and tough conditions, Peyton stayed patient and harvested his second turkey with a clean shot—this time in a wide-open Vermont meadow. They share stories of scouting birds the night before, close encounters in the early morning rain, and the adrenaline rush of a silent tom circling their decoys. This episode celebrates the power of mentorship, family tradition, and the next generation of hunters carrying the torch forward. A must-listen for anyone who’s ever waited out a storm, chased gobbles, or just loves hearing campfire stories that stick with you for life.

In this episode of the New England Outdoor Life Podcast, we journey beyond the New England borders into the legendary Delaware River Valley with fly fishing guide and outdoor enthusiast Jason Metzker. Based in Northeast Pennsylvania, Jason shares his deep passion for fly fishing the iconic East and West Branches of the Delaware — a fishery hailed by many as the most challenging and rewarding dry fly destination east of the Mississippi.

We dive into:

• The incredible “bug soup” hatches of the Delaware
• The technical challenges and rewards of targeting trout on dries
• Jason’s guide life, balancing a full-time career and twilight trips
• The history and ecological tensions surrounding the Delaware River system
• His role in launching the revolutionary East Cape Drifter — a 300lb carbon fiber drift boat shaking up the scene on both coasts

Whether you’re a seasoned angler, curious about drift boats, or love great storytelling from the riverbank — this one’s for you.

🛶 Learn more about East Cape Boats: https://www.eastcapeboats.com
🎣 Book a trip or connect with Jason: [email protected]
📬 Sign up for the NE Outdoor Life newsletter: https://www.newenglandoutdoorlife.com
🚤 Check out Third Alarm Charters: https://www.thirdalarmcharters.com

🎯 Catch & release conservation matters! Join the New England Angler Challenge launching May 1st — more details coming soon.

🎣 Join us for a heart-filled, hook-setting episode of the New England Outdoor Life Podcast as we sit down with Mike Blatt of TBC Guides — a guide whose story starts with kayaking the Connecticut River and evolves into something much bigger: purpose-driven outdoor leadership.

In this episode, Mike shares how a simple love for fishing turned into a full-time mission involving kayak-based guiding, youth fishing camps, and incredible community outreach — including programs for kids with learning differences, military veterans, and families exploring nature together for the first time. 

Discover why the Connecticut River is one of New England's most underrated warm water fisheries, with trophy-sized pike, walleye, smallmouth, perch, and crappie — and how Mike helps others navigate both the water and life’s challenges.

🔹 Learn more about TBC Guides and book a trip: TBCGuides.fish
🔹 Follow Mike on Instagram for daily catches and camp updates: @tbcguides
🔹 Support inclusive fishing: Autism Anglers Reel 

This episode is a must-listen for outdoor lovers, educators, parents, and anyone who believes fishing can change lives.

#TightLines #GuidedForGood #FishingWithHeart

Book a trip with Capt. Matt

Join us on New England Outdoor Life as we dive into Lake Ontario’s world-class fishery with Captain Andy Bliss of Chasing Tail Adventures. From trophy Chinook salmon to steelhead and brown trout, Captain Andy shares his expertise on year-round fishing opportunities, seasonal fishing tactics, and how Oswego, NY, has become a hotspot for anglers. Whether you're planning your next Great Lakes fishing trip or looking for expert salmon fishing tips, this episode has everything you need to know!

Book a trip with Capt. Andy Here

Get out on the water with Capt. Matt Here

Some places Capt. Andy Recommends:
Pautzke Bait Co Inc.
Gibbs Fishing
Fat Nancy’s Tackle Shop
A-TOM-MIK Trolling Flies
Stealthcraft Boats
Kingpin Reels
Great Lakes Steelhead Co

Welcome to New England Outdoor Life Podcast, where we dive into expert fishing tactics, seasonal strategies, and tournament action! 🎣

In this episode, Captain Matt and Andy break down early spring trolling techniques, covering everything from choosing the right lures for trout and salmon to how water temperature affects fish movement. They discuss the best fishing locations in New England, from Lake Ontario to Lake Champlain, and share insights on planer boards, downriggers, and dipsy divers.

Key Topics Covered:
✅ Best trolling lures for spring fishing
✅ How to find fish using water temperature
✅ Techniques for using planer boards and lead core lines
✅ What makes New England fishing unique
✅ Tips on catching trophy trout and salmon

🔥 BONUS: Captain Matt announces an exciting fishing tournament with the New England Angler Challenge! Tune in to hear the details and how you can join.

🎣 Subscribe now and never miss an episode filled with pro tips, outdoor adventures, and expert fishing advice!

📲 Follow us: @neolpodcast
 🌎 Website: https://newenglandoutdoorlife.com

Don't forget to grab your day on the water with Capt Matt soon!! 3rd Alarm Charters
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Join us live from the New Hampshire Outdoor Expo ‪as we chat with the dedicated team from Tri-State Disabled Veterans, a nonprofit that has been taking disabled veterans on life-changing fishing trips for nearly three decades. Learn how their bass fishing tournaments provide camaraderie, healing, and outdoor adventure for veterans, many of whom only get to fish once a year due to mobility challenges. Hear inspiring stories of veterans overcoming obstacles, volunteer boat captains giving back, and the power of water therapy for PTSD. Find out how you can donate, volunteer, or participate to support this incredible mission.

Get involved:
Tri-State Disabled Veterans 

Also check out:
‪3rd Alarm Charters to book a trip with Capt Matt

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