Off Shore Tackle Podcast

This month, a conversation with Off Shore Pro Staffer and tournament tested angler....David Kolb. .  David recently won the MWT Tournament on Lake Erie with a very impressive catch in a challenging conditions. Kolb talks about trolling Off Shore OR 12 boards and why the Tattle Flag was key in this latest win. He describes the difference in trolling with the waves, verses trolling the trough, why water clarity is key to success and the challenge of finding aggressive, post spawn fish.  

This month on the Off Shore Tackle podcast we're talking with the Godfather of depth control, Mark Romanack of Fishing 411 TV. Mark talks about his partnership with Off Shore and the DeShano Family the development of the OR12 board, the hiearchy of trolling and much more. He also discusses the importance of crankbait tuning, the Precision Trolling app and the new 50+3T method of getting baits even deeper. It's a interesting discussion with a well known fishing icon.

We're talking with Paul Alpers of the National Crappie League this month on the Off Shore Tackle Podcast. Paul is a lifelong crappie angler and intimately involved in the world of crappie tournaments for decades. He talks about the evolution of crappie angling and why trolling is still a very effective way to cover water and catch fish. Alpers also discusses the world of crappie tournaments and why they're a great way to learn more about catching that popular panfish.

There's a wide range of topics this time on the Off Shore Tackle podcast as we talk with Jason Graham of Send It Charters and Linwood Beach Marina. Jason is a former bass tournament angler turned walleye Charter Captain. He runs ice charters on Saginaw Bay in the wintertime, trolls the Bay in spring and summer...then heads to Lake Michigan each fall to chase salmon. Graham talks about the challenge of finding fish through the ice and why he prefers trolling to cover more water. Jason says he wouldn't be as successful without his Off Shore products and describes his trolling set up for walleye and salmon.

We kick off the new year on the Off Shore Tackle podcast talking with "Crappie Dan", Dan Dannenmueller. Dan talks about wintertime fishing, including how to trigger a cold water bite. He also discusses the range of crappies, difference between black and white crappies and river fishing versus in a lake. The veteran Alabama angler also talks about trolling for crappies, choosing the right boards and how tadpoles can help you dial in the perfect depth.    

We wrap up the year talking about trolling in cold water with John Bergsma of the Great Lakes Fisherman's Digest TV Show.   John is a former tournament pro and long time Off Shore Tackle Pro Staffer who loves to target big fish late in the trolling season. He talks about water temp, speed and color selection for trophy walleye. Bergsma also unveils a new TV show focused on Great Lakes trolling. He wraps up the conversation with the story of how he partnered with the DeShano family and why le's a loyal Off Shore angler.

We wrap up our three part conversation with the man who started Off Shore Tackle...Bruce DeShano. "The Chairman of the Boards" talks about his companies move into new markets, including striper and catfish, why you probably won't see Off Shore products for saltwater anglers and also why the popular OR 12 boards is still "unfinished". Bruce also describes his role as a teacher and promoter, todays market dynamics and the role charter captains now play in Off Shore promotion. The "Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame" member also talks about the transition in leadership to his son Nick and what the future might hold for this proud American company.

We're talking with Pro Staffer Craig Sleeman this time on the Off Shore Podcast.  Craig tells the story of how he made the NWT Championship on Lake Huron and what that experience was like. Sleeman describes how he made it to the top ten and eventually finished fourth in the tourney. The New York native says Lake Huron offered some challenges including wind, waves and crystal clear water.   Craig talks about his strategy for fishing new water and why electronics play a big role in that process. He then talks about his partnership with Off Shore and why that national walleye championship was a "dream come true".    

Lake Ontario is the destination this time on the Off Shore Tackle Podcast as we talk with Rick Hajecki of Crazy Yankee Sportfishing. Rick talks about the Lake Ontario salmon and trout fishery.   He also describes the differences between tournament fishing and running charters, the importance of networking to find fish and why social media has become a big part of his business. The lifelong angler then talks about his relationship with Off Shore and why good partnerships are critical to success. Hajecki also looks ahead to some good fall walleye fishing and outstanding wintertime brown trout trolling action.

We're headed north this month on the Off Shore Tackle podcast to talk with angler and wildlife artist Erich Carlson. Erich's home water is northern Lake Huron and the Alpena Michigan area but during this converstion we find him trolling for walleye on Green Bay in Wisconsin. Erich  describes the challenge of fishing clear water, how to target deep fish, planer board set up and much more. He also talks about his wildlife art and the process of getting his Charter Captain's license.  

We're talking about trolling the big water....and the river, this time on the Off Shore Tackle podcast with tournament angler Roy Miller.  We catch up with Roy as he's prefishing for an MWT Tourney on Northern Lake Huron.  He describes his program for catching fish in crystal clear water. Then the conversation turns toward chasing walleye in rivers.  While most anglers jig for those fish, Roy prefers to troll. Miller trolls the Detroit River but says the tactic will work on other rivers as well.

It's part two of our conversation with the "Chairman of the Boards", Bruce Deshano on this edition of the Off Shore Tackle podcast. Bruce talks about the transition of Off Shore from a salmon based company, into the world of walleye. He describes the early days of working with Al Lindner and the In-Fisherman organization, how the OR 12 planer was first tested in a hotel swimming pool and why Off Shore products cost more than some competitors "Mr. Chairman" also discusses branching out into the striper and crappie fisheries.

We're headed to southern Lake Michigan and the port of St. Joe this time on the Off Shore Tackle podcast. Captain Mike Boyd of Coldwater Charters talks about early season trolling for salmon and trout, including the difference between copper and lead core line.  Mike also explains his set up, including the use of Off Shore OR 12 planers and the bigger SST Pro Mag boards (that he calls a "school bus"). He describes the process of getting a new charter boat ready for the water, why the St. Joe fishery is unique, fishing dirty water...and much more. The conversation wraps up with Mike talking about his career as an outdoor writer and also a hunting guide.

We're catfishing this time on the Off Shore Tackle podcast with Alex Nagy of Twisted Cat Outdoors. Alex talks about how he got into catfishing and why that passion led to a tournament circuit. He also describes the growth in popularity of catfish and how the perception of those fish is changing. The angler/tournament director then explains popular techniques for catching giant catfish and describes the experience of weighing in a fish of more than a hundred pounds on the tournament stage.  

It's a look back at the history of the Lake Huron fishery this month on the Off Shore Tackle podcast as we talk with Ed Retherford of Trout Scout Charters. Ed has fished Lake Huron for more than 55 years and has seen a lot of changes during that half century. He talks about the early days, changes in the fishery and water clarity...and how that's affected the way anglers fish. Retherford also has advice for folks hitting the water this spring and he talks about working with Off Shore since the early days.  

It's a very special edition of the Off Shore Tackle podcast as we talk with the man who started to the company....Bruce DeShano. In part one of this series Bruce talks about the early days...how he launched the company with just one downrigger release, the challenges of marketing and why Off Shore was built on relationships. DeShano also tells the story of why one early product failed and how he turned that failure into success. It's an interesting look inside the career of a fishing industry icon this month on the Off Shore Tackle podcast.

We're kicking off the new year with Pat Ney of the National Professional Anglers Association. Pat talks about the benefits of membership in that group and the role Bruce DeShano and Off Shore Tackle have played in it's success. Ney encourages all professional anglers, including tournament participants, fishing guides, charter captains...and fishing educators to become members of NPAA.  He says it's "the best hundred bucks you can spend on your career".

We're wrapping up another great year of Off Shore Tackle Podcasts as we talk with the man leading the company....Nick DeShano. Nick talks about the early days of the company and where they are today, including high praise for his employees and pro staffers He also previews the upcoming fishing show season and a new, digital version of the popular Off Shore Release.      

It's a conversation with one of the hottest walleye anglers on Lake Erie this month on the Off Shore Tackle podcast. Ryan Buddie won the Lake Erie Walleye Trail championship and also Team of the Year along with his partner Jason Kopf. He talks about the keys to his success this past season....including the role of confidence and hard work. Ryan also discusses the importance of details, for example the process of verifying trolling depths. Buddie also gives his thoughts on forward facing sonar, dipsey divers vs tadpoles...and the challenge of fishing against cheaters.

We're headed to Lake Erie this month to talk about giant fall walleye with Jason Fischer of the Lake Erie Walleye Trail and the Lake Erie Fall Brawl. Jason is the Director for both events and probably sees more big walleye than most anyone in the fishing world.   He describes the two contests, styles of fishing and the size of the fish this time of year. Fischer also has advice for anglers visiting Lake Erie for the first time and he talks about the role sponsors like Off Shore Tackle play in the promotion of fishing tournaments.

We're getting ready for fall trolling this time on the Off Shore Tackle podcast as we talked with Lance Valentine from Teachin Fishin. Lance describes a recent incident on Saginaw Bay where he hit something that put a hole in in the tube of his Angler Qwest.   He also talks about the effectiveness of trolling and why Off Shore is the best choice in gear. Captain Valentine then describes his set up for OR12 boards and why he doesn't always use the Tattle Flags. Finally, Lance discusses how cold water can impact your fall trolling program.    

We're heading to Lake Erie this month on the Off Shore Tackle podcast to fish with Mark Romanack of Fishing 411 TV Mark talks about his long history with Off Shore and why trolling is so effective.  He also discusses the finer points of trolling, including the the importance of tuning your crankbaits. The long time professional angler also talks about their new series of baits and rods, why spoons are a good choice for open water fish and how to get those baits down to the fish. The converation wraps up with a recap of a trip to Lake Erie for walleye and steelhead.  

We're headed to Wisconsin on this edition of the Off Shore Tackle podcast to talk with Jesse Quale of Green Water Walleye guide service. Jesse is a full time hunting and fishing guide and also a tournament angler on the walleye trail. He talks about the differences between tournament fishing and guiding, why he enjoys a multi species guide service and how guiding hunters helps break up his fishing schedule. The thirty year veteran also describes how he runs his OR12 boards and his long relationship with Off Shore.

We're headed to Ontario this month on the Off Shore Tackle podcast to fish with Captain Paul Powis of J&P Fishing Charters. Paul talks about targeting Lake Erie walleye from the north shore of the lake...the Canadian side. He describes his tactics for trolling cranbaits off OR 12 boards and how he runs crawlers off those boards behind Off Shore tadpoles and guppy weights. The lifelong angler also describes his approach to dealing with clients on his boat and why fishing should be fun....not a job.

We're talking with a Lake Erie charter captain and tournament angler this time on the Off Shore Tackle podcast. Ohio angler Bobby Greene of Meals on Reelz charters recently won the Lake Erie Walleye Trail tourney out of Sandusky. He talks about his strategy for taking first place in that event and why he had to run forty miles to find his fish. He also describes the difference between tournament angling and charter fishing, use of electronics to find fish and the importance of current and boat control. Bobby also tells us why he believes there's "nothing normal in fishing".

It's a lesson in springtime trolling for walleye this month on the Off Shore Tackle Podcast. David Kolb is tournament veteran and avid big water trolling expert.   He talks about the importance of water temperature and clarity for early season anglers. David also describes his preferred baits and trolling speeds for cold water walleye. The tournament pro then talks about his planer board management strategy.  

We're getting ready for springtime action this month on the Off Shore Tackle Podcast. Chad Burns is a fishing guide and tournament pro from Wisconsin.  He's also a long time Off Shore Pro Staffer and an expert at trolling for walleye, trout and salmon. Chad talks about the role of technology in fishing today, hiring a guide to explore new water and why anglers shouldn't give up on their old baits. He also explains his technique for rigging and running Off Shore OR12 boards for walleye.

We're headed south to Kentucky this month on the Off Shore Tackle podcast to talk with Tyler Logdson. Tyler describes the world class crappie fishing on Lake Cumberland and how he trolls for those trophy fish using the Off Shore Awesome Crappie boards. Logdson also talks about the striper and walleye fishing on his local lakes...and why he makes the drive to Lake Erie several times a year.    

Wintertime trolling for walleye on Saginaw Bay and the Saginaw River is the topic this month with Captain Mark Pieniozek of Reel Fishn. Mark talks about the differences between big water fish and those in the river.  He describes his setup, speed, baits, board configuration and more. Pieniozek then goes on to describe why he runs Tattle Flags on his OR-12 Off Shore boards...even for big fish. He also has great advice on where to find fish in the river, and why trolling can be more effective on big fish than traditional jigging tactics.  

We head to Lake Erie this time on the Off Shore Tackle Podcast to fish for big walleye after dark with Darryl Wood. Darryl is a former tournament angler and a master custom crankbait painter who specializes in trolling after dark. He has great advice on how to set up Off Shore OR 12 boards and tattle flags, the best baits for night time fish, cold water trolling speeds and much more. Darryl also talks about the safety aspects of late fall fishing at night and describes why this could be your best chance at a double digit fish.      

We're talking with the man at the helm of Off Shore Tackle....Nick DeShano. Nick talks about his upcoming trip to Lake Erie for trophy fall walleye.  He describes how to catch those fish using Off Shore's OR 12 in line planers and crankbaits. DeShano also explains the appeal of  Erie's "Fall Brawl" and walleye tournaments in general...saying those events are good for the business of walleye angling and also weekend anglers as well. Nick then hints at a couple of new products in the works at Off Shore and says he's excited for the upcoming fishing show season.  

We're talking with MWC World Walleye Championship winner Jerry Fox Jr. on this edition of the Off Shore Tackle podcast. Jerry describes how he won the event, the importance of fine tuning tattle flags and the role of lure color and action. He also talks about the mindset of tournament angling compared to a "fun" day on the water. The converation wraps up with Jerry's thoughts on why he loves the competition of the tournament trail and how walleye fishing has evolved over the years.

We're headed to southern Lake Michigan to fish with Captain Jerry Link of Originator Charters on this month's Off Shore Tackle Podcast. Jerry talks about late season salmon and trout fishing off St. Joe. He says the crowds are down this time of year, but the fish are still there in good number. Link has great advice on targeting those fish right on through the fall. He also describes his technique for running Off Shore OR 12 boards and the bigger SST Pro Mag boards.    

It's a lesson in pulling for crappies with country music singer and Off Shore Pro Staffer Garrett Steele this time on the podcast. Garrett talks about how he got into the world of crappie tournaments and why trolling with Off Shore boards and tadpoles is such an effective technique. He compares  trolling to the traditional spider rigging tactic and explains how to use the OR 12's and smaller OR 38 mini boards to target slab fish.      

Mid summer walleye fishing on Lake Erie this time on the Off Shore Tackle Podcast. Off Shore Pro Staffer Mathew Leben joins host Mike Avery to talk about how weather affect fishing this time of year. They also discuss the "perfect" OR 12  configuration, how far to run your boards out to the side, the art of netting fish....and much more. The conversation wraps up with Matt's thoughts on current on the big water and why many anglers overlook that factor when trollling.

Lake St. Clair walleye and more....that's the topic this month on the Off Shore Tackle Podcast. Rob Barnes is a board member of the Lake St. Clair Walleye Association and owner of Barnstormer Sportfishing Charters. He talks about the diverse fishery on the lake, especially the world class walleye action there. Rob describes how the use of Off Shore OR 12 boards and guppy weights can be a deadly combination for weed oriented fish. He also has great tips for using the EZ Crankbait Tuner.

We're heading to Alabama this month on the Off Shore Tackle Podcast with Off Shore's Nick DeShano.  Nick talks about trolling for giant catfish on Wheeler Lake while fishing in a catfish tournament. He describes using their SST Pro Mag boards with live bait to target those monster cats. DeShano also talks about the culture of catfishing and why some northern anglers don't give those fish the respect they deserve. The conversation wraps up with NIck's thoughts on the evolution of Off Shore and where the company is headed.    

We're talking with "Chairman of the Boards" and Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame member Bruce DeShano this time on the Off Shore Podcast.   Bruce tells the story of how he started Off Shore Tackle with just one downrigger release and why the company has grown into the "Leader in Trolling Technology". He reminisces about  the early days of salmon fishing, the transition to walleye tackle and development of new fisheries like catfish and crappie. DeShano also talks about the most important product ever produced by Off Shore and hints at some new products to come.  

Big, Tennessee stripers are the topic this month on the Off Shore Tackle podcast as we talk with Richard James of James Gang Trophy Fish Guide Service. Richard describes how he uses live bait with Off Shore's OR 12 boards to target stripers and hard fighting hybrids. He also explains why chasing big fish on his home water of Percy Priest Lake is a lot like targeting trophy whitetail bucks.  

This month we're talking with the cohost of one of the most popular TV fishing shows today....Jake Romanack of Fishing 411. Jake describes what it was like to grow up in a famous fishing family and their long time friendship with Off Shore and the DeShano family. He talks about the 16th season of the TV show, including a special 200th episode. Romanack then offers some fishing tips and has advice on how to get the most from Off Shore's versatile OR 12 planer board.    

We're talking wintertime steelhead this month on the Off Shore Podcast with Jerry Link of Originator Charters. Jerry runs a year round guiding business out of St. Joe, in the southwest corner of lower Michigan. Hi fishing for salmon and trout on the big lake during the summer months and chases steelhead in the St. Joe River during the wintertime. Jerry describes how he targets those hard fighting fish, including the use of Off Shore OR 38 mini boards to reach more fish.  

We're going inside the world of crappie tournaments this time on the Off Shore podcast with the husband and wife team of Mike and Leanne Six. Mike describes how he made the transition from walleye angler to crappie fanatic...and how his wife Leanne became his best fishing partner. The Ohio couple talk about how they troll for big crappie...including extremely shallow fish using Off Shore's OR 38 Awesome Crappie boards. They also discuss the growth of crappie fishing, why trolling is so productive and how electronics can help catch more fish. All that and much more, this time on the Off Shore Tackle Podcast.