Bass Central Podcast

As a two-time MLF champion and the 2022 Toyota Plains Angler of the Year, Michael Harlin doesn't just endure the sub-zero tournament conditions—he thrives in them. This episode peels back the layers of strategy and mental resilience demanded by the sport, offering a glimpse into the life of an angler who juggles the love of the catch with the love of family. We explore how Michael's experiences on the Lake of the Ozarks and Table Rock inform his approach to competitive angling.Discover the ebb and flow of a professional angler's career through Michael's eyes, from the highs of leading the Rookie of the Year race to grappling with "slumps". Decision-making and strategic adjustments during tournaments becomes vivid as we discuss the art of bed fishing through challenging weather and the calculated game of managing tides on the Potomac River.In the spirit of reflection, we cast our minds back to memorable fishing trips, collegiate victories, and the lessons that shape an angler's destiny. Delving into the business side of the sport, we unravel the complexities of sponsorships and the financial realities that underpin tournament decisions. Michael's insights on mental strategies and personal growth illuminate the path to becoming a top-tier angler. 

Ever been curious about what it takes to go from the high school fishing scene to making the college roster? Well, you're about to find out! We share our insights on high school fishing recruitment and college fishing teams, with stories and advice drawn from our own journey and experiences at the Bassmaster High School Combine. Learn how to reach out to coaches, why good grades are essential, and why your passion for fishing can wrangle you the right spot on a college team.We also dive into the details about collegiate bass fishing teams, breaking down what you can expect when you join one. From the typical team size, to how you pair up with a freshman partner, we've got you covered. Plus, we'll be shedding light on what expenses are covered by the school and how professors treat the fishing team like any other sport, giving you the flexibility you need to reel in those big wins at tournaments. Remember, communication is key, especially with your professors, to stay on top of academics.Finally, we've got some great advice on how to navigate the recruitment process. We talk about the importance of making college visits, building relationships with sponsors, and why striving to improve your angling skills could be your best bait yet. 

Carson's formula for success lies in his trust in instincts and ability to stay focused, a skill he attributes to being a student of the game. He candidly shares his experiences as a co-angler in the early 2000s and how he has continually made himself better in all aspects of the sport.We round off the episode by exploring the impact of philosophical readings on Carson's life and approach to fishing. Get ready to be inspired as he reveals how books like 12 Rules for Life by Jordan Peterson have helped him maintain productivity and achieve a higher understanding. Carson's approach to fishing, the strategies he employs, and the mindset he adopts make this episode a must-listen for anyone with a passion for angling.

The first episode in what we call the "Late Night Breeden Talk Show" with my wife Haley and I that highlights our life topics like buying cattle for the first time and turning "girl math" into "bass math". We have graduated college and started life together so join us on our adventure!

Join us as we reel in the insights of our guest, pro angler Drew Gill. He takes us on a captivating journey, from his early college fishing experiences to the high-stakes world of the Invitationals. Drew discusses the role of technology in angling, and shares his strategies for success, making this a must-listen for anyone interested in professional angling.We tackle some of the biggest changes in professional angling, like the introduction of Live Scope and its impact on the sport. We wind up the episode by diving into the nitty-gritty details of Drew's strategies in the MLF Toyota Series and Invitationals. From getting the best out of your equipment, to understanding the influence of wind conditions, Drew's experiences and strategies provide invaluable insights for both novice and pro anglers. Don't miss this episode packed with real-life fishing experiences, tips, and techniques.

What a year it's been! From big catches to unforgettable tournaments, even tying the knot, there's no shortage of stories to share. Grab your tackle box and join us as we recap our year on the water, including the exhilarating highs and humbling lows of participating in fishing tournaments such as the MLF Invitationals and Toyota Series events. Hear firsthand accounts of navigating the waters of Lake Lanier, Lake Eufaula, Lake of the Ozarks, Okeechobee, and more, sharing the thrill of landing a big catch and the frustration of empty nets. So whether you're an experienced angler or just getting started, there's something for everyone in this episode.

Edwin Evers and I preview the MLF College National Championship on Grand Lake scheduled for March 3-5.  We are looking at a very cold couple weeks leading up to the tournament which might make it a very tough event.  Edwin shares some good knowledge about what we should expect that week!

Drury bass fishing head coach and Missouri Hall of Fame inductee Rick Emmitt joins me to talk about his career and his brand new full time position at Drury. Rick has worked at Bass Pro for years and has been the part time Drury coach for 6 years. Drury has offered him a full time position and the team now has the ultimate weapon in becoming the best team in the nation. Listen to find out more about Rick! Also included is a report on Pomme De Terre and how I've managed to bring in two mid 20 pound bags the past few weeks!

We talk college bass fishing, what travel is like, and our schedule for the year.  We also get into each lake, if we've been there before, what we expect this time around, and more.  

This is the very first episode of the Bass Central Podcast!  I started Bass Central as a way to create a podcast show.  My goal is to create a platform to talk about college and high school fishing.  In future shows, we will cover tournament winning patterns, how to get from high school to college, how to get from college to the pro level, and everything in between.