Outdoor Ruhls

The guys are all together in Quentin, PA to talk about childhood fishing memories. You can thank Poppy for this one! He got Matt, Mark, and Mike together for a conversation about or home waters and some not-so-close to home misadventures. Lots of laughing as we talk about being novices or “googans” every time we tackled a new fishing challenge.

Join the brothers for an episode all about family history, opinions, and advice on shotguns.

This one is all about Mark! From following in his brothers’ footsteps to forging his own path, Mark is one heck of an outdoorsman and an even better brother.

Introducing Caitlin’s Dad, our beloved GT. Sometimes reluctant but always up for an adventure, Tim has spent a lifetime tackling new outdoor adventures and built a business working with active lifestyle brands. Through life and work he’s built a unique perspective on all the things we love at Outdoor Ruhls and made lots of memories along the way.

Poppy, Matt, Mark, and Mike tell stories about unexpected flights and an abrupt transition from water to land. This one is funny and cautionary!

Episode Overview
In this nostalgic episode of the Outdoor Rules Podcast, Poppy, Mark, Matt, and Mike Ruhl take a deep dive into their early fishing adventures and family memories at Broadkill Beach, Delaware. The conversation weaves through a mix of fishing tales, gear talk, humorous mishaps, and reflections on how this beloved spot shaped their childhood and family traditions.

Key Topics & Segments

Early Memories & Family Traditions

Childhood Beginnings: Reminiscences of the very first trips to Broadkill Beach and how it became a family destination.
(Approx. 11:00 – 15:00)

From Camping to Renting: Transitioning from camping at Indian River to renting a beach house—and how that change marked a new chapter in their summers.

Local Geography & Broadkill’s Unique Character

Setting the Scene: Discussion of Broadkill Beach’s location on the Delaware Bay, nearby inlets, and towns (including the correct local pronunciation of “Lewis”).
(Approx. 15:59 – 18:50)

Evolving Landscape: Reflections on how the area has transformed from a modest, family-focused town to one with bigger homes and a different character.

Fishing Techniques & Gear Talk

Surf vs. Drift Fishing: Detailed insights into surf fishing—from using long surf rods and sand spikes to casting heavy sinkers for bluefish, flounder, and sea trout.
(Approx. 38:38 – 41:00)

Tog Fishing Tactics: Stories on the art of tog fishing (a type of reef fish), including the “set the hook just before the bite” wisdom passed down by Pop Grant.
(Approx. 55:00 – 58:30)

Memorable Catches & On-the-Water Adventures

Epic Encounters: Recollections of standout catches like a massive angel shark (sometimes called a monk fish) and a memorable striper

Boat Tales: Amusing anecdotes about anchoring mishaps, setting sand anchors, and the sheer thrill (and occasional chaos) of fishing in a moving boat.

Unexpected Moments & Mishaps

Horseshoe Crab Incident: A vivid, painful, and humorous recounting of stepping on a horseshoe crab tail—its “sword-like” barb leading to a trip to the hospital.
(Approx. 23:00 – 25:45)

Glow Stick Fiasco: A lighthearted story about a night fishing experiment with a glow stick that flew off like a “green missile,” much to the chagrin (and eventual laughter) of family members.
(Approx. 41:13 – 44:30)

Family, Fun & Lasting Impact

Shared Experiences: Moments spent together on the screen porch, reading funny Outdoor Life stories (including Pat McManus’s “Grasshopper Trap”) that sparked confidence and storytelling in young Mike.
(Approx. 31:00 – 32:30)

Enduring Connections: Reflections on how Broadkill was more than just a fishing spot—it was a place that cemented family bonds and left a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors.
(Approx. 43:36 – End)

Final Thoughts & Call to Action
Mike wraps up by expressing gratitude for these cherished memories and encourages listeners to connect and share their own stories. The episode not only celebrates the fun and adventure of fishing but also the deeper, formative moments of family and community.

Connect with Us:
Visit OutdoorRuhls.com and follow us on Facebook and Instagram @OutdoorRuhls.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to help others find the show!

In this special episode, Mike sits down with his sister, Kate, her husband Jed, and their newborn daughter Anne, to explore the theme of travel and family. While much of the podcast revolves around hunting and fishing, this conversation takes a different turn—highlighting adventure, international travel, and a unique relationship with the outdoors.

From childhood family vacations filled with fishing excursions to Kate’s solo journeys around the world, the episode dives into her experiences in New Zealand, Italy, and Morocco, her passion for seeing new places, and how it shaped her career in international education.

Along the way, they cover:
✔️ The Ruhl family’s travel traditions and why nearly every trip involved fishing 🎣
✔️ The one time Kate went fishing in New Zealand—and how she unintentionally upheld the family legacy
✔️ Studying abroad and how it opened the door to global adventures
✔️ A harrowing near-drowning experience while fly fishing in Scotland with their nephew Grant
✔️ Jed’s reluctance toward boats (and a hilarious kayaking mishap in Alaska) 🚣
✔️ The unexpected miracle of baby Anne, named after a beloved family friend
✔️ Future travel plans, from Maine to Italy and beyond

It’s a funny, heartwarming, and insightful conversation about how travel shapes our perspectives and strengthens family bonds.

An episode all about the five Grants! Join Poppy (Grant #3), Matt (Grant #4), Mark and Mike as they tell family stories about Grant Killian (#1), Pop Grant (#2), and Matt’s oldest son, Grant the fifth. It sure is a lot of Grants!

In this special episode of Outdoor Ruhls Podcast, we take you straight onto the ice for a live, real-time ice fishing adventure! Mike is joined by his father-in-law Tim in Eagle Nest, New Mexico, while Mark, Rachel, Poppy, and CJ are fishing on Speedwell Lake in Pennsylvania. It’s a true transcontinental ice fishing experience, complete with fish on the line, tip-ups going off, and the usual Ruhl family shenanigans.

What’s Inside This Episode?

✅ Live fishing action—catches, misses, and all the excitement
✅ Family traditions: Teaching kids patience, perseverance, and the joy of ice fishing
✅ Ice fishing setups: From barebones beginner gear to electronics and shelters
✅ Cooking on the ice: Jetboils, warm meals, and making the most of the experience
✅ The best part of ice fishing? (Hint: It’s not just the fish!)
✅ A surprise guest appearance from the local game warden
✅ Poppy gets out-fished by his granddaughter, CJ (officially on record!)
✅ The first-ever transcontinental double hookup in podcast history!

This episode is packed with laughs, tips, and plenty of fish tales. Whether you're an ice fishing veteran or just curious about the sport, there’s something here for everyone. And if you're looking for proof that Outdoor Ruhls Podcast is good luck for fishing, this is it! 🎧🐟

Follow & Connect with Us:

📍 Website:outdoorruhls.com
📍 Instagram: @OutdoorRuhls
📍 Email us: [email protected]

🎙️ Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe, leave us a review, and share your favorite fishing stories with us. Tight lines and stay warm out there! 🎣🔥

What do we do between the end of hunting season and the the beginning of the spring fishing season? Well, we talk about the hunts past and fishing trips to come. Oh yeah, and ice fish, or at least some of us do. Join the brothers as we recap deer season, including Mark’s late success, talk about Mark’s health challenges and recent surgery, and plan our 2025 fishing adventures.