On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan talks with Biologist Dillan Laaker of the Army Corps of Engineers about the Mississippi River and its industrial and sporting uses.

Dillan talks about his role with the Corps of Engineers managing the water flow through the lock and dam systems throughout the rive as well as the various habitats and ecosystems. Topics discussed include river navigation, wing dams, habitat project, and much more.

If you have every thought about what the Corps of Engineers does, this is the episode for you.

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On this episode of the Freshwater Bite Podcast Lee is joined by Layne Maier of MTN MAN OUTDOORS.  Layne is an accomplished tournament angler from Saskatchewan, Canada who recently started his own guiding business.  He has been fishing since he can remember and is entrenched in the lifestyle of catching big fish all year round.  From learning how to chase big walleye to manufacturing high end products for the fishing industry, Layne tells Lee how fishing is “ a way of life” to him and how much it has taught him over the years. Check out Layne on Instagram @mtnmanoutdoors and be sure to follow.  

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On this episode of the Freshwater Bite Podcast Lee is joined by Joe Test of Freshwater Therapy.  Joe and Lee discover they have a lot of common frustration, success and favorite techniques to catch fish on one of their favorite bodies of waters in Northern Michigan.  Joe is unique in the fact that he guides on bodies of water in both the state of Michigan and New York.  This is a great episode to sit back and listen as Lee and Joe give away some great tips on chasing walleye that are unpredictable throughout different seasons and how they get them to bite.  Lee also announces the WINNER of the JT Outdoor Products ice rod.  Cheers!!

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On this weeks episode we discuss the H2Ohio water quality initiative that was recently unveiled by Ohio Governor Mike Dewine.  The intent of this initiative is to reduce harmful algal blooms, improve wastewater infrastructure, and reduce lead contamination.  We go into detail on a few of the changes that could directly impact the agriculture in Northwest Ohio and in turn lead to a significant decrease in the phosphorus run off that has been shown to be the cause of the toxic algal blooms that have effected the shores of western Lake Erie.

It's that time of year again to dust off the ice shelters, get out the augers, and start thinking about ice fishing. On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan talks with Rod Woten a bout the details of ice fishing. They kick off the show by discussing the ice itself, when it's safe to get on and what to look for when it's time to get off. 

Then the conversation turns to strategy and the two talk about wether patterns that are the best conditions to find success as well as locations within a body of water to be focusing on. Lastly, Rod shares his opinions about what lures he drops below the ice that get him the best bite as well as what he does if the fish are not biting.

if you are interested in finding out more about ice fishing, this is the episode for you.

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The best way to learn about your local body of waters, what tackle to use and how to learn more about fishing in general can be as simple as logging onto your favorite social media account.  Building a community of anglers is not only good for the sport of fishing but more importantly, the FUTURE of the sport of fishing.  Angler recruitment is always an important topic and folks like Juan Gomez and Josh Strand from Reel Midwest Fishing come on the podcast today to talk about how they are building a community of anglers to not only promote the sport of fishing but how to make sure it continues to grow for years to come.  Lee also asks them about some of their “must have” ice fishing gear they never leave home without and what bodies of waters they are hitting this hardwater season.  Don’t forget to listen how to enter for the GIVEAWAY Lee is putting on.  Cheers.  

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On this episode of the Iowa Sportsman, Dan talks with fishing fanatic and tournament angler Todd Reed. Todd shares some insight about what it takes to become success in the would of tournament fishing. Todd talks about the time that is needed out side of the boat as well as routine practice with your boat and gear to maintain success. 

If you have ever thought about becoming a tournament angler or have a dream about becoming a professional bass fisherman, this is the episode for you.

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My guest this week is the youngest angler to ever win a National Walleye Tour At the ripe old age of 20 years old!! Dylan Nussbaum joins the Podcast to share his story of how surreal it was to take home the number one podium spot at such a young age and how he broke into making a name for himself as a professional walleye angler. We are approaching fall weather and water conditions soon so I ask Dylan to share some of his fall tactics for catching walleye. Dylan explains how he likes to fish reservoirs this time of year and what you should be looking for to catch some big fish. It’s fall y’all. Let’s enjoy it!

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The salmon are running right now around The Great Lakes region but the water levels are high!  What do you do?  Lee checks in with Dan Stewart of Chrome Seekers Sport Fishing to see how he attacks the high waters and how he is getting the salmon to still bite in these conditions.  Lee just returned from a somewhat unsuccessful trip up north and the boys talk about what you can do to make sure you walk away with a cooler full of salmon.  If you are thinking about going after these fish this time of year there is still plenty of time to cash in on the opportunity.  Hopefully you can learn from Lee’s mistakes and zero in on the bite as Lee and Dan talk their way through how they view the water and fish conditions. Dan also throws out a date for any who want to get involved with cleaning up the rivers one day in mid October and how we must keep our rivers free of trash before we lose our privileges!. It’s up to us anglers! 

You may have heard of tackle company brands like Berkley, Abu Garcia, Shakespear and more. Dan Spengler of Pure Fishing gets to go to work everyday developing and perfecting some of the most well known baits and products on the market today that help us all catch more fish. Dan joins Lee to talk about how making baits growing up as a kid landed him a full time job working for one of the largest most well known tackle and bait manufactures in the world. Dan also shares what baits you should be throwing this fall as walleye and bass make their way back into more shallower waters. Enjoy!