Polar Kraft Podcast

Polar Kraft is known as a great fishing boat but it's also an outstanding hunting platform as well.   That's the topic of discussion this time on the podcast as we talk with Bobby Sullivan of Ice Breaker Charters. Bobby is a fishing guide and charter captain who also targets ducks on Saginaw Bay using his 2072 Outfitter. Sullivan talks about his waterfowl hunting strategy and also his steelhead trips on the west side of the state. An interesting conversation with a very interesting guy, this time on the Polar Kraft Podcast.

We're talking with Nicole Stone on this edition of the Polar Kraft podcast. Nicole is a hard core angler and social media influencer who grew up in a fishing family and wants to promote those values to families today. She talks about fall fishing techniques and why it's important "not to put the boat away yet". She describes her evolution as an angler and why time on the water is important. Nicole also discusses technology in the fishing world why she's convinced Polar Kraft is the perfect boat for her needs.

An interesting conversation this month on the Polar Kraft Podcast with Lance Valentine of Teachin Fishin. Lance describes his early days on the Professional Walleye Trail and the transition into guiding. He has some great tips for finding fish in new water, looking for active fish and why fall is a great time to be on the water. The professional angler also talks about his long relationship with Polar Kraft and has a preview of the upcoming Fishing Education Weekend on Lake Erie.

  A conversation with a two Polar Kraft family this time on the podcast. Greg and Amy Diekevers liked their Outlander so much, they bought a new Kodiak to go along with it.  Now they have room to take the entire family fishing. The couple talk about fishing with their kids and seven grandkids, walleye fishing on Saginaw Bay and the friendships they've developed on the water. They describe the differences between walleye and salmon fishing and why the Polar Kraft is the perfect all species boat for their family. Amy also has details on a recent "girls trip" and why it was so rewarding.    

We're talking four seasons of fishing this month on the Polar Kraft Podcast with Bobby Sullivan of Ice Breaker Charters. Bobby describes how he uses his Polar Kraft for springtime walleye, fall king salmon and wintertime steelhead. He also talks about the transition from walleye fishing on Saginaw Bay to salmon fishing on Lake Michigan. The full time charter captain also tells the story of his client catching a new Michigan state record chinook and how that's changed his life.  

This month on the Polar Kraft Podcast it's a conversation with Indiana fishing guide Heath Malone of Captain Q Fishing Charters. Heath talks about targeting walleye and crappie including his technique for jigging fish out of weedbeds. Malone also describes his program for catfish and the difference between channel cats, flatheads and blues. Heath also talks in depth about electronics and why he runs multiple units on his Polar Kraft.                  

We're heading to Michigan's St. Clair River on this edition of the Polar Kraft podcast as we talk with Captain Pete Patsalis of Hook One Charters. Pete talks about how he got started in the fishing business, including his charter service and tackle shop. He describes how to target walleye and salmon in the river and why he prefers jigging over trolling. Patsalis then talks about the differences between migratory and resident fish.      

It's been a long winter for Polar Kraft Pro Staffer Nicole Stone and she's ready to hit the open water. In this edition of the podcast Nicole talks about her childhood fishing adventures, previous career as a meteorologist and how she uses social media to reach anglers today. She also promotes her upcoming series of panfish videos and talks about the difference between southern crappie anglers and those in the north country. Nicole also describes a recent early season trip to the Rainy River and how  dragging jigs ended up being the best presentation for big walleye.

We're headed to south east Michigan this month on the Polar Kraft Podcast to talk with Mike Downey of Relentless Grind Guide Service. Mike talks about the phenonemanal springtime walleye fishery on the Detroit and St. Clair Rivers. He describes how he uses his Outlander 2010 to jig those rivers and also troll big water later in the season. Downey takes us through his charter options from early season walleye, through white bass, muskies and even sturgeon.  

Daryll MacNeil is a former Lake Erie charter captain who considers himself "semi retired", but he spends more time on the water than most full time guides. On this edition of the Polar Kraft podcast, Daryll talks about the differences between fishing for walleye and salmon.  He discusses wintertime river steelhead techniques and why current is a factor in trolling big water. MacNeil is also a boat rigging expert at Blue Water Marina in Grand Island, New York and has great advice on transducer placement and electronics installation. He's also a big fan of Polar Kraft boats, especially his Outlander 2010.

Something a little different this time on the Polar Kraft Podcast. We're heading to south Florida with Michigan angler and Polar Kraft owner John Durtka.   He talks about the unique sport of hunting iquanas with blowguns. John also describes spearfishing in that warm, clear water and how it compares to the north country. Then, Durtka tells of a deep water fishing adventure in 800 feet of water using 500 pound mono, 5 pound weights and electric reels for giant fish.    

Some great cold water tips this month on the Polar Kraft Podcast.  We're not talking about fish catching tips though...we've got advice on how to stay safe on your wintertime fishing adventures. Joe Marion is a retired Coast Guardsman who pioneered cold water rescue techniques.  These days, Joe is a Charter Captain on Lake Michigan off Ludinton with Lie a Lot Charters. He talks about the danger of hypothermia and why it's a concern for ice fisherman and open water anglers as well. Joe also describes the different types of ice and what to do if you go through. He also explains why he bought a Polar Kraft Outlander and how it's a great choice for multi species anglers.    

It's a story of fishing, family and faith this time on the Polar Kraft podcast. We're talking with Jeff King and his dad Jeff King Sr.  They run the Yadkin Master Catters catfish tournament in North Carolilna and they also fish as a team on the tournament circuit there. The two men talk about the world of catfishing today and how their tournament ciruit has help increase the visibility of chasing trophyt cats. The elder King also shares the story of how fishing helped him beat addiction and regain his relationship with his son. They also discuss the need for big livewells on their catfish boats and why Polar Kraft offers the perfect solution.

We're not really fishing for dinosaurs on this editon of the Polar Kraft podcast but we are talking fishing for every species of fish in the St. Clair River...including the prehistoric looking sturgeon with Pete Patsalis of Hook One Charters. Pete is best known for his walleye expertise but he's also a very knowledgeable perch, musky, salmon, sturgeon and bass angler. Patsalis describes how his passion for fishing started at an early age and why he was willing to risk everything to start a charter service and bait shop. He also talks about the finer points of fishing the St. Clair River and why the depth and current can be a challenge for anglers. Pete then explains why his Polar Kraft Outlander is the perfect boat for his multi species trips.  

We're checking in with Polar Kraft National Sales Manager Roger Neisen. Roger is a veteran of the boating industry and an avid angler as well. He talks about the recent dealer meeting in Michigan, various models of Polar Kraft boats and why the company offers welded and riveted designs. Roger also describes the "Design a Boat" feature on their website and stresses the importance of establishing a relationship with your local dealer if a new boat is in your future.

This month, we meet the newest members of the Polar Kraft Field Staff. Amy and Greg Diekevers are a hard core husband and wife team of Saginaw Bay walleye anglers who dabble in salmon fishing as well. The pair has great advice on trolling for summertime walleye, tactics for late season fish....and tips on finding schools of perch. They also talk about how they set up their Outlander 2010T to fish for salmon without downriggers. Finally, Greg describes duck hunting out of that versatile tiller model Polar Kraft.  

We're talking with the man behind Polar Kraft Boats....Mark Dupuie. Mark talks about his background in the boating industry and how that experience has helped improve the Polar Kraft lineup. He also describes his niche in the boating market and why Polar Kraft can respond to changes more quickly than his bigger competitors. Dupuie also give us a sneak peak at a new model Qwest Pontoon in the works for the next model year.  

It's a comparison of Saginaw Bay walleye and Lake Michigan salmon this time on the Polar Kraft podcast.  Bobby Sullivan fishes both lakes and species with his Ice Breaker Charters ...and he guides steelhead and duck hunters from his Polar Kraft Outfitter. Bobby talks about the differences between walleye and salmon fishing...including his tackle, set up and trolling patterns. He also explains the importance of water clarity and temperature with both sepecies. Sullivan then describes how his client caught a new Michigan record king salmon and how that experience has changed his charter business.

We're headed back to North Carolina this time on the Polar Kraft Podcast to talk catfishing with Jeff King.   Jeff runs the Yadkin MasterCatters tournament series on the Yadkin river. Anglers in those events target giant blue and flathead catfish. Jeff talks about catfishing techniques, why livebait is so effective and the use of today's high end electronics to catch more fish. He also describes why he's convinced his Polar Kraft Outlander is the perfect catfishing machine.  

It's a change of pace this time on the Polar Kraft Podcast as we go underwater instead of on the surface. John Durtka is a passionate underwater spearfishermen who worked hard to change spearfishing laws in Michigan. He talks about what that process was like, as well as details on the sport of spearfishing. Durtka also talks about the need for all anglers to work together to maximize fishing opportunities and why his Polar Kraft is a great boat for his spearfishing adventures.      

This time on the Polar Kraft Podcast, a man who has a quarter century of experience with the versatile fishing machine.    Lance Valentine of Teachin Fishin helped design the first Polar Kraft walleye boat, and he's been running them ever since. Lance talks about his history with Polar Kraft, the early days on the tournament trail, how guiding is different than tournaments and the importance of keeping good records of your time on the water. He also describes the concept of finding fish versus catching fish and why his eight step process can make anglers more successful. The conversation wraps up with a discussion of today's high tech electronics and why they can make anglers more efficient than ever.

We're getting ready for  springtime fishing this month on the Polar Kraft Podcast! Open water jigging on the St. Clair and Detroit Rivers are the topic with Captain Pete Patsalis of Hook One Charters. Pete describes his techniques for targeting trophy fish in that fast moving water. He also talks about the time tested practices of handlining and "whipping". Patsalis also has an update on his baitshop, new podcast....and why Polar Kraft is the perfect boat for his charter business.

Professional angler, entrepreneur and social media influencer Nicole Stone is our guest this month on the Polar Kraft Podcast. Nicole has made quite a name for herself in the fishing world as she chases a variety of fish across the north country on open water and through the ice. She talks about a wide range of topics including targeting trophy fish, getting the most from your electronics, buying the right boat...and more.  

We're talking with an icon in the Outdoor Industry this month on the Polar Kraft Podcast. Ernie Calandrelli is a well know deer and turkey hunting expert who spent many years with Quaker Boy game calls.  These days, the New York state native spends much of his time on the water with his Calendrelli Guide Service. Ernie talks about fishing Lake Erie, the Niagara River and Lake Ontario for walleye, trout and salmon. The lifelong outdoorsman describes how he uses his Polar Kraft  Outlander for a variety of techniques, including trolling and jigging.  

We're headed to North Caroline this month on the Polar Kraft Podcast to learn more about targeting big catfish with Jeff King. Jeff is a tournament angler and coordinator who specializes in fishing for blues and flatheads on the Yadkin River. King describes how he trolls live and cut bait with multiple rods from his PK Outlander. Of special note for northern anglers, the action will get better through the winter months, creating a great open water fishing opportunity.      

We're talking with Dean Cushman of Hard Core Charters this time on the Polar Kraft Podcast.   Dean talks about late season trolling, the role water temp plays in that fall bite...and why it's important to be careful on near freezing water. He describes the difference between an open water bite and fish relating to structure. Cushman also has great advice on how bottom hardness and custom mapping can help put more fish in the boat. Finally, the conversation wraps up with info on the late fall night time fishery for walleye and why this is a great time of year to target trophy fish.  

Design changes, improvements....and a new model, this time on the Polar Kraft podcast. PK National Sales Manager Roger Niesen talks about the new Kodiak 198.  He says the addition of a radar arch and fish station should appeal to big water trollers. He also describes how the company has grown since being acquired by Apex Marine. The long time boating industry expert also says he doesn't expect that demand to go away soon. Finally, Niesen talks about the difference between welded and riveted hulls, the popularity of their Bay Boats....and much more.

There's a new Michigan state record Chinook salmon, and it was caught by a client of Charter Captain Bobby Sullivan of Ice Breaker Charters. The 47.86 pound fish beat a long standing Michigan record that many thought would never fall. Bobby tells the story of landing that big king and what happened next. Then, he talks about the river fishing and waterfowl side of his business where he runs a Polar Kraft 2072 Outfitter. Sullivan describes his tactics for late season kings in the river and wintertime steelhead.  He also talks about waterfowl hunting on Saginaw Bay and why his Polar Kraft is the perfect boat.

It's a lesson in urban fishing this time on the Polar Kraft podcast as we talk with Captain Eric Zwierchowski of Captain Z's Charter in southeast Michigan. Eric uses his Polar Kraft to fish the Detroit River and Lake St. Clair.  He targets walleye and perch but it's common for his clients to land muskies, bass and even sturgeon. Zwierchowski explains the techniques he uses including trolling, jigging and even handlining. Captain Z also describes why his Outlander is the perfect boat for his style of fishing.        

We're talking with Polar Kraft National Sales Manager and avid angler,  Roger Neisen. Roger talks about the state of the boating industry today and why Polar Kraft is in a good position to capitalize on that demand. He also describes the growth of PK across the country and how the partnership with Apex Marine is a big factor in that success. The industry veteran also discusses the advantages of welded and riveted hulls, some potential model changes for 2022 and why a family owned company like Polar Kraft can offer customers more choices and options than the competition.

We're talking fishing, and the business of fishing, this time on the Polar Kraft Podcast with Pete Patsalis of Hook One Charters and Bait Shop. Pete is a young Charter Captain from Marine City Michigan who had a dream of making a living in the outdoors.  When a local retail spot opened up, he bought it and started a bait and tackle shop. Pete talks about the challenges of starting a business during the covid pandemic and why he's excited to grow the Hook One Franchise. We also discuss the diverse fishery of the St. Clair River, including walleye, perch, muskies, sturgeon....and even trout and salmon. Pete wraps up the discussion by talking about his Polar Kraft and plans to buy another one.

It's catfish time this month on the Polar Kraft Podcast as we talk with tournament angler Joe Hatfield. Joe describes where to find big catfish and how to catch them. He also talks about the difference between river cats and lake fish, trolling vs drifting and how to land a fifty pound fish. The Ohio angler then talks about a couple of programs to encourage young people to get involved in fishing.

We're talking Detroit River walleye fishing with one of the best...Polar Kraft Pro Staffer Lance Valentine of Walleye 101. Lance talks about the challenges of fishing that river in strong current with lots of boat traffic and the occasional Great Lakes freighter, but he says the rewards are worth it. Valentine explains the importance of boat control, choosing the right jigs and proper jigging technique. He also gives his thoughts on why harvesting fish from that system will not hurt the resource.

We're talking with Polar Kraft Pro Staffer and social media influencer Nicole Stone. Nicole talks about the end of ice fishing season and looks forward to open water action. She also talks about her role as a fishing educator and the importance of social media in getting that message out. Nicole then hints at a big upcoming contest to win a day on the water with her in her Polar Kraft.

It's a very interesting story about a very old Polar Kraft boat this month on the podcast. Pat Richardson's dad bought a Polar Kraft boat back in 1957.  Over the years that boat saw lots of time on the water, but eventually ended up abandoned in briar patch on the family farm. A few years ago Pat completely restored the boat, including a new trolling motor and 20hp Mercury outboard. These days, the 63 year old "bateau" looks better than ever, including a custom graphics pattern in honor of Pat's father "Clyde" who originally bought the boat. Mr. Richardson walks us through the restoration process and has great words of wisdom from his years on the bass tournament trail, where he won a total of 43 tournaments.  

We're talking with a new member of the Polar Kraft Junior Pro Staff this month on the podcast. Dylan May is a high school student from Indiana who's already making a name for himself on the national tournament scene. Dylan recently took second place in the Bassmaster High School Championship on Kentucky Lake. The young angler talks about that tournament, as well as his thoughts on scouting a new lake, the right way to cull fish, the importance of pre-fishing....and lots more. Lots of great information and insight from a name you'll likely hear more from in the future.  

This month on the Polar Kraft Podcast, an interesting conversation with a man who has spent his entire life in the boating industry. Mike Marsh of Marsh Brothers Marina in Quincy Michigan talks about the history of his family business and why they've survived for 36 years. Mike talks about a wide range of topics including wintertime storage of your boat, choosing the right trailer, and the difference between welded and riveted hulls. He also explains why he's convinced Polar Kraft is the best value in aluminum fishing boats today. Marsh also has some late season fishing tips, including the use of walleye tactics for river steelhead.      

Nicole Stone talks about fall fishing and her new Kodiak 200 on this edition of the Polar Kraft Podcast. Nicole is a hard core angler, social media influencer and internet marketer who has a passion for targeting big, fall crappie and walleye. Nicole talks about breaking in her new boat in some pretty tough conditions.   She also describes her techniques for cold water presentations, her thoughts on lightweight jigs and why she no longer uses mono for jigging. Stone also says though she like ice fishing, she might head south this winter and try some open water wintertime action with her new Polar Kraft.

Lake Erie walleye action this month on the Polar Kraft Podcast as we talk with Captain Dean Cushman of Hard Core Charters.    Dean talks about how he got into the fishing business, and what it takes to be successful on the water. We also discuss the finer points of rigging a boat and whether it's best left to the experts. Cushman then describes  mid summer steelhead fishing on Erie and the trophy fall walleye action there. Finally, Dean tells us why Polar Kraft is a great choice for anglers.

We're talking river fishing with Michigan Charter Captain Pete Patsalis of Hook One Charters this time on the Polar Kraft Podcast. Pete fishes the St. Clair River for walleye, muskies, bass and even sturgeon.  He talks about his favorite jigging techniques, the effectiveness of handlining...and how he catches giant sturgeon after dark. Pete also talks about the challenges of being a young fishing guide and why he says Polar Kraft is the perfect boat for him.

We meet a new Pro Staffer this month on the Polar Kraft Podcast. Nicole Stone grew up hunting and fishing in Minnesota but these days, you can find her in North Dakota, using her social media and marketing skills to promote fishing...and now, Polar Kraft. Nicole talks about how she got into the angling business, what it takes to be successful and why she's excited to work with PK. She also discusses her love for trophy pike and has great advice on where to find fall walleye. It's an interesting discussion with the newest member of the team, this month on the Polar Kraft Podcast.  

We're talking with Gabe VanWormer this time on the Polar Kraft Podcast. Gabe is an avid outdoorsman and first class videographer.  His work can be seen on Michigan Out of Doors TV and the Fishing 411 TV shows. We talk about a variety of topics, including how Gabe got into the outdoor television business, his favorite outdoor passions, how to jig for lake trout in deep water...and of course, why he's a fan of Polar Kraft boats. Those subjects, and more....this month on the Polar Kraft Podcast.