The Great Lakes Experience

Sorry it's been so long! we've been so busy outside of the podcast! This episode is all about predator hunting and what its all about! This will for sure be a two part episode because there is so much more that we can cover, so if you're interested in this one, keep your eyes peeled! D & R Sports Center will be hosting the Great Lakes Region Predator challenge this year so don't miss out on that either! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Sorry we've been missing in action the last couple weeks! We've just had a lot going on and we're trying to get back on track! Stick with us!

This week, we are joined by Branden and Nick of HexFlyCo! These two guys realized there was a problem with normal nets, they break where the handle meets the hoop. They decided they were going to fix this problem. With a rubber coated spring steel hoop, HexFlyCo solved the problem of nets breaking at the handle. They also have a saying of their own "Catching the Curse". We talk about how for them it means, that one time you fly fish and you are instantly hooked, but we also talk about how this can happen for any activity in the outdoors that you enjoy, whether its fishing, hunting, hiking, kayaking or anything else, Get out and Catch your Curse! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

By far one of my favorite episodes. Jon is such an incredible guy and has fished in so many places. We talk about what the Kalamazoo River has been through, fishing all over the Great Lakes, a little bit of hunting, and some of our favorite parts of fishing. I finally got to have someone on who knows their way around Carp fishing. This was a great episode with a great guy. Jon is super knowledgeable and you should definitely hit him up to fish with him. Just search The Kalamazoo River Guide on facebook or instagram! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

I know, I know, we're a couple days behind. But Troy and I wanted to wait til after the fishing escapade to give you guys a recap. We talk about some of our favorite things about fly fishing including some of our favorite techniques. Great episode after a great trip! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

A BIGGUN We missed last week while Collin was at middle opener of duck season, so we made it up to you all with a two hour episode. We're joined by our Good friends Jonathon VanDam and Cody Ketchum for an episode full of good times and stories that we've came across over the years! We talk a little bit of fishing in the front half of this episode with Jon's fishing experiences and how he got into the professional bass industry and quickly begin talking about hunting. In this episode we cover, ducks, geese, coyotes, whitetail and much, much more! Don't miss this one because we had a blast recording this episode! Don't forget to check out the website and use code "BOWSZN" at checkout to get 10% off your next order at greatlakesexperience.com! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We received great feedback on the Whitetail Round Table, so we decided we'd do one for waterfowl as well! Its's that time of year, birds are moving and we're getting pumped! This episode is full of talk about decoy spreads, best types of hides and so many more tips and tricks including best calls for beginners. Also in this episode you will find some of our best stories that each of us have acquired throughout the years. We are joined by Mason again along with Brendan Henderson, Josh Lopez and Austin George. All three of these guys are BIG TIME waterfowl hunters, so you won't want to miss what they have to talk about this episode. We just want to thank you all again for the continued support of the show! Hop on over to www.greatlakesexperience.com to check out the website and get some merch! It helps us keep doing this for you guys and keeps us having such a great time. We're currently working on some new designs for new t-shirt ideas so stay tuned for those! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Big episode. Sit down with Collin and Hunter as we chat with a couple of friends and talk about everything whitetail, from rules and regulations to favorite styles of hunting for deer. Brian and Mason have been in the outdoor industry for a while now and love the fall because of whitetail hunting. Saddle hunting, baiting, APR's, we cover it all. Don't miss this one, it's definitely worth the listen, some good info about how deer travel and deer numbers pop up in this episode. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We're back! We had to take a few weeks of for some stuff going on around here, join us for a soft little relaunch as Hunter and Collin chat about waterfowl hunting while Collin is on the road scouting for some new birds. We've got some cool stuff planned for the upcoming hunting seasons that will be arriving before you know it, so stay tuned and tell your friends!! Check out the website and grab some gear at www.greatlakesexperience.com !!! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We are joined this week by Adrian Dean, owner of Scales n' Tales Podcast! Adrian has been fishing for a long time, but has gotten into the swimbait game in the past few years. The swimbait world is getting HUGE and it's something Collin and Hunter don't know a ton about. Adrian gives us a good insight on what it looks like to throw big baits for big fish. Outside of that, we talk a little bit about electronics and finding what makes fish bite. Check out Adrian's podcast wherever you listen to podcasts! Just look up Scales n' Tales! Also check out Hand Crafted Lure Co. Gerry is a great guy making some awesome stuff, from swimbaits to spinner baits, he's got you covered! Check out his website at https://handcraftedlureco.square.site/ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This is just a quick thank you to everyone who's been listening to our ongoing rambling about the outdoors in the Great Lakes/Midwest region! The website is LIVE. We wouldn't be able to do this without all of you who listen to us! The link is in our instagram bio! Use code LAUNCH for 10% off your first order with GLE!! So head on over to greatlakesexperience.com and grab your GLE Swag today!!!

We sit down with the youngest guy to ever win a Bassmaster Elite series event. Jay Przekurat recently just cracked the Century Belt. With over 100 pounds of smallmouth, we talk with Jay about quite a few different things. From growing up in a small Wisconsin town, to how he breaks down a lake to find those giant smallies or largemouth. Jay has A LOT of knowledge for a guy his age. It was very interesting to sit down with someone our age and get a perspective on what it looks like inside the Elite Series trail. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

We are joined with World Champion Caller Shawn Stahl. Goose hunting from a very young age, now having his own line of calls through RNT, Shawn knows everything there is to know about Branta canadensis. From calling to listening to birds while they're going about their day, he drops a ton of knowledge on how to up your goose game. Born and raised in West Michigan, it was an awesome experience to sit down with someone local who has made it big in the industry. The best part about our time with him was that after the show, he sat down with us and helped Collin tune up a call, he's an awesome genuine guy with a giant heart. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

A short little episode this week to give the folks at home a good idea for a vacation. There's a special guest with me this week! My girlfriend Jenna! Her and I are down in Hocking Hills, Ohio for a little vacation with our dog. This weeks episode is more of a "come check this out" than a whole episode. With miles of hiking trails and waterfalls/cliffs to look at, don't sleep on this place for your next vacation! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week we sit down with Dale Wallace, owner and operator of Five2 Outdoors. What started out as a fun project for him and his friends, Dale quickly found out that he had something that could be potentially huge. Dale has a vast knowledge of how to create the perfect food plot for your deer herd, if your looking for how to build your dream plot, this is the episode for you, from soil testing to what time of year you need to get seed in the grown, we cover this episode.  All of Five2's products are available at D and R Sports Center in Kalamazoo, MI or at https://five2outdoors.com/  If you have any food plot questions, hit that link and give Dale call, he is a great guy and super willing to help you get to where you need to be! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

It's finally here, the long awaited fly episode. We talk with WMU Alum, Ash Agler to talk about some of her favorite aspects of the fly fishing world. Tune in to catch a peak at Mindful Trout, the brainchild of Ash in an effort to gain a more diverse number of participants in the fly fishing industry. She also gives some tips and tricks for wanting to get started in fly fishing, don't miss out on this one! Want to start fly fishing but don't know which flies you should start with? Check out Big Al's Baits on Facebook, he's got everything you'll need to get your fly box on the track. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, join Collin and Hunter as they talk about what you need to know to start finding patterns on the deer in your area. From camera placement to which trail cams will suit you best, we cover it this week.  Trail cams have really advanced in the last few years and can take your hunts to the next level. Check this episode out for what you'll need to know to get started. They can be great tools to helping you find where your deer are moving and when they are doing it.  Everything on the show we talked about today is available at D and R Sports Center, stop in store or check online at www.vandamwarehouse.com  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

He's back!! Nick Vandam joins us again to get you on those slow summertime fish. We all know how tuff it can be this time of year on the water, Nick is here this week to talk about what he loves doing to catch some of those slow lethargic fish this time of year. From dock fishing to flipping deeper grass, we cover what you need to know about catching the bag of fish that could win you your next local derby this summer! Thank you all so much for the support and our journey on this podcast. Our website will be up soon! Tell your friends about the show and spread the word for some awesome merch coming soon! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Join us as we chat with our favorite sponsor! We talk with Alan Albbarran of Big Al's Baits, from fly tying to antique collecting to auctioneering, Al has quite the resume under his belt. A short and sweet episode where we'll chat about how fly tying can be an art or something you just do for fun. If you're interested in getting into tying flies, this is the episode for you. We highlight some great beginner tools and videos that you can find to get your foot in the door! If you want something tied up by Alan, shoot him a message on facebook at his personal page or even on the Big Al's Baits facebook page, he'll get you hooked up with quality lures! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, we are joined by members of the WMU Bass Team, Jack, Mason, and Logan have a chat with Hunter about their fishing experiences in the midwest and all around the county. While in Virginia for a tournament, we sat down to just talk a little fishing. We cover getting in your comfort zones, finding new things, using certain electronics and just getting back to the basics! A great episode with great guys, don't miss this one! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Join us this week as we talk with our good friend from D and R Sports, Hunter Holzapfel! Hunter grew up in St. Joseph, Michigan right next to the pier, so he's no stranger to the big lake. He has spent most of his life fishing with charter captains and gaining knowledge in the big lake fishing industry. This weeks episode gives insight into what big lake fishing looks like on the West side of Michigan, from Cohos to Kings to steelhead, we touch on some conservation efforts for different species as well. A Really good episode that you don't want to miss! Check out vandamwarehouse.com to get all the gear you need to start big lake fishing! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week we are joined by WMU Bass Team President, Bo Thomas. Bo has been fishing for most of his life and has a great passion for the outdoors. With the water temps where they're at, this weeks episode focuses mainly on bed fishing for bass, whether you're chasing, largemouth or smallmouth on the beds, this episode will give you the tips and tricks you'll need to catch those big girls that are laid up in the shallows. Check Bo and the WMU Bass Team out on social media to see what they're up to, they both have very big things coming up this summer! If you want to check out the video we mentioned this week, here is the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGk6i8ox8BQ --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Not a lot going on this week besides some regular ole fish SMASHING! We've got a quick one that you can listen to on your way in to the office or wherever it is that you work, maybe even the lake! From right here in Kalamazoo, over to St. Clair, up to the Au Sable, and back all the way over to Wisconsin, we'll give you an idea of what's happening on the water right now. If there's anything I missed that you're wondering on what the fish are doing, drop us a message on facebook or instagram, or even spotify! We cannot thank you guys enough for all of your support throughout this journey, stay tuned for our website and merch that we'll have at the end of this month so you all can rep your favorite outdoor podcast!! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Whether you're a hardcore tournament angler or just your average weekend fisherman, everyone loves a good panfish. Join us this week as Collin and Hunter talk with their good friend John about panfishing. John is somewhat of a local hammer for crappie this time of year so we reached out to see if he would be interested in a chat to give some insight on how to find and catch springtime panfish! Everything thing we talked about in this episode is available at D and R Sports Center. Check them out at vandamwarehouse.com or in store in Kalamazoo, MI If you don't quite find what you're looking for at D and R, Look up up Big Al's Baits on facebook, anything panfish related, Al will knock out of the park, so don't miss out on some of the things he's got cookin' up this time of year! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This weeks episode, we are joined by Aleah Garner! Aleah is a photographer and content creator in the outdoors industry. We talk about what its like being behind the lens in the outdoors a bit as well as some good tips and trick for getting started in taking pictures when you're enjoying all that the Great Lakes has to offer! She also shares a couple really awesome hunts and moments with us! You don't want to miss out on this one! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Join us this we as Collin and Hunter talk about catching river smallmouth! We talk tips and tricks, when and where and little things to look for when on the river. Huge shout out to Big Al's baits for some new baits! Hit him up on facebook to get some of your own, they are going to put a hurting on some spring smallies on the river! From East side to West side to up North, there are plenty of opportunities to chase some bronze! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Its that time of the year where the fish aren't quite biting and the morels aren't out and we're still waiting for turkey season to start. What better to do than to hit the woods and look for some sheds! Our good friend Cam Hansen joins us this weeks and gives some tips and tricks to hit the woods and find the antlers that the deer have dropped. We talk about location and areas to find sheds and tell some stories. Looking for sheds can be a great way to find areas where your deer will be hanging out and what kind of patterns they run. It's also one of the best and most fun ways to scout out your areas for the upcoming fall! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

All the tips and tricks you'll need to get your bird in the next few weeks for opening weekend! Tanner and his boys have been busting birds for a LONG time, Tanner had a trip this year to Florida to complete his Turkey Grand Slam - Eastern, Mariam, Rio, and Osceola He shares some experiences and give some insight into making your spring hunt successful! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

EPISODE 10!!! We've made it to our tenth episode! Join us this week as Collin and Hunter talk about everything outdoors related that makes Michigan so great. This show is called The Great Lakes Experience after all, so we figured, for our tenth episode, we'd talk about all the opportunities that this great state has to offer! From hunting to camping to kayaking and everything in between, this state has so much to offer, so if you're looking a weekend getaway, check out this episode to get some ideas for your next vacation trip! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Join us this week as we talk with Molly VanVranken. We talk about about Molly's family dog food business "The Scoop Dog Food" and she also gives some amazing tips and tricks for training your best furry friend. And of course she shares some of her favorite hunting memories because it would be a GLE episode without hunting stories! Molly will be hosting dog training seminars all summer long! If you're interested, feel free to shoot us a message and we will get you in contact with her! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Join us as we talk with The legend himself Shifty Shifflett of Shifty's Seasoning and talk a bit about the company and how it started, we also talk about some aspects of cooking wild game and a little bit about conservation and making sure we as outdoorsmen come together and not forget what being in the outdoors is all about. An awesome episode with two awesome dudes! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Join as we talk with our good friend Nick Vandam about all things bass fishing! We go from the best times to be on the water to the best techniques to use to the best technology thats out there! A great episode for anyone looking for new tips on bass fishing or what different technology to use while on the water. In this episode you'll gain some insight on how to catch them in the very slow days of summer and even the early spring when the bass are just starting to move again. Being the son of seasoned veteran Kevin Vandam, Nick really knows his stuff and gives you the knowledge you need to hit the water this spring! All of the gear we talk about in this episode is available at D and R Sports Center in Kalamazoo, MI or online at www.vandamwarehouse.com Stop in store or online to get the gear you need to hook the big ones this spring! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

This week, we are joined by our good buddy John Wielinga of SBS Outdoor Action and Get Bent Guide Service. We talk all about the adventures of steelhead fishing. We also hit the topic of guide fishing, which John will be starting very soon! Want to book a trip? Message SBS Outdoor Action or Get Bent Guide Service on instagram or facebook and they will get you hooked up with some steel! We would also like to give a huge shoutout to our newest sponsor, Big Al's Baits. Based out of West Michigan, Big Al's has you covered from winter slabs all the way to summer spawners, make sure to check them out! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Join us this week as we talk with our good friend, and former president of the Western Michigan University Bass Team, Josh Lopez. In this episode we tell some stories and we talk about some of the incredible opportunities that come with college fishing. We talk about how to get started and what to do when you've found your team! All it takes is one email to change your future, Get After It! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

In this episode, Collin and I discuss some of the adverse affects social media can have on the outdoors. We talk about social media and the outdoors, giving away all your best spots and what more traffic can do to the wildlife in your area. Check out the link where we got some of our information from - https://flylordsmag.com/tag/spot-burning/ - its really a great read and talks about some great topics to help you in the outdoors while posting your trophy pics! Let us know what you want to hear about on the show! Message us at @great_lakes_experience_podcast on instagram! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Join us this week as we talk to Matt Fischer from Marcel's Guide Service. We're talking about the big pond, thats right, Lake St Claire. Matt gives great insight on how to catch giant smallmouth bass on one of the best smallmouth fisheries in the United States. We talk techniques, conditions, and boat placement. If you are looking for some info on St Clair, this is definitely the episode for you. Tell us what you want to hear about! Want more St Clair topics??? We can get Matt on for a part two if you feel theres something we didn't touch on in this episode, just shoot us a dm on Instagram or drop a comment on this episode!! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Join us as we talk with Jimmy Childers of Goosebusters LLC Jimmy has been guiding professionally for 3 years and knows how to get on some serious birds. In this episode we'll talk reading birds, calling birds, and where to look for birds. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Welcome to The Great Lakes Experience. Join Collin and Hunter as they introduce themselves and give a little insight on what this podcast is about and how they got involved with the outdoors the way they are today. We talk, duck hunting, trapping, turkey hunting, fly fishing, photography and much much more about what the Great Lakes Region has to offer. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app