The Muskie Hunks Podcast

In this episode, the hunks talk with Green Bay guide Phil the Thrill Stodola. We cover everything from why music matters in the boat, why muskies inc matters, and and having fun while fishing. There's a lot of great takeaways in this one, from a guy who is all in on the muskies giveth mentality.

In this episode we talk with two local boys, a father and son duo Rick and Rich Marnic. Rick and Rich get us up to speed on how they started muskie fishing and we hear a few awesome stories along the way. Eventually we get around to recapping the Three Rivers Chapter 16 Muskies Inc Lake Arthur Tournament from a few weeks back. Congrats to Rick and Rich on a buzzer beater muskie to take first place! These are two of the best human beings you could ever meet, check out this episode for that local feel with two great local anglers!

This week the hunks are back to recap the 2025 Muskypalooza. They were joined by some out of town guests for a weekend of western PA fishing. Stories, shenanigans and scandals ensued.

In this episode we talk to one of West Virginia's talented glide bait makers Derek Tucker and Lucky Tuck Lures LLC. Derek walks us through how he got started musky fishing, making baits and more. We talk about sketchy boats ramps with zombies, glide bait hookup ratios and the best of 90's Nickelodeon. 

In this episode, we get to talk to Brian Luffey from Banging Bottom Outfitters. Luffey is known for his color coordinated pontoon boat, Daisy May Trolling, as well as his practical customization of everything. Get excited for spring musky as we pick his brain on boat prep. This episode is loaded with good ideas for modifying and preparing your boat for the upcoming musky season. Stay successful our friends! 

In this episode we bring back return guest Shawn Leopardi owner of the Core 3 Group and Father of the Muskie Max. Shawn talks about this years event held at the Washington Crown Center. We get a little preview of some new vendors and some adjustment from last years show. Its that time, Muskie Max week, LETS GET MAXXED! 

In this episode we talk to Benjamin Duke from Duke's Dozerz. We discuss shows, bladed baits and all kinds of other topics that should make the blade bro's happy. 

In this episode the Hunks are joined by another Canadian friend, known to some as Alex Boutin, others as Rex St. Pierre, and to the rest he is the Barbarian Guy. We talk fishing North of the Border, Quebec. Alex talks about how he got started in the Muskie industry and we have a really fun discussion of all things musky. 

In this episode repeat guest the "THE Boss" Paul Frustereo comes back on to discuss the 2025 show season and drops some hints on a new exciting development in the works. We are pumped to see what Paul brings to the Muskie Max here in March. The boss store is back open, get them while they are Orange Tiger Chartreuse Belly Hot!  #Bossshad

Everyone traveled from near and far for the long awaited weekend of shenanigans at the New York Muskie Expo. We get to hear all the behind the scene stories from our great friends/vendors from this year's show. From wondering where BIGFOOT is hiding in the maze of vendors, if BUCKO will find the secret bar, then to having a BAM BAM thrown at your back. Talk about a BIG ACTION packed weekend with a TOP-LINE for the “Crazy Sunday Babe” deals. That's a wrap on the 2025 New York Muskie Expo. Thanks Katia and Zach for a memorable show.

In this episode we discuss the long awaited New York Musky Expo. Zach and Katia prime the pump as we talk about new venue, new exhibits and new vendors. Hold onto your fingerlings, this ones a wild ride! 

MUSKIES GIVETH!!! Important note for one of the Musky Industries very best human beings. Hans Mann (Hans the Carver) is facing an urgent medical challenge. Whether you can donate financially or share this campaign with your network, your support means the world to him and his family.  Please check out the GO FUND ME and consider donating: Fundraiser for Hans Mann by Liesl Mann : Support Hans Mann's Surgery and Recovery   This week's episode focuses on return guest Ethan Greathouse and Big Foot Baits. Ethan returns to give us a life update, tell the story of multiple first muskies, highlight personal accomplishments that really warm the heart and get into what he has new for the 2025 show season. This one was off the rails early and often. When bigfoot calls, you hand him a P Funk and roll out. Muskies Giveth!!!  Bigfoot Baits | Facebook Instagram  

In this quick episode, we talk too our good friend Greg Them owner of Xtreme Musky Lures. Greg highlights what Xtreme has new for 2025 including a deadly little jointed bait, what his show season lineup looks like and gives us the run down on the Ohio Musky Show.  Greg is one of the best human beings you will ever meet. Give this one a listen and check out Xtreme Muskie Lures this show season! 

This week we go north of the border to talk with Brendon Rurak from Big Action Baits. TopLine Adam joins as a guest host to talk about The Big Action Flutter Glides and how glide baits actually do work on the Canadian Shield! These rattling, fluttering glide baits have been putting 50s in the boat since they were released earlier this year. They look juicy and yinz need to check them out.  Brendon talks about how he got started musky fishing, building baits and what his show schedule looks like for 2025. Both of these extremely talented bait makers will be at the New York Musky Expo on February 1st and 2nd. Check them out on Instagram!  https://www.instagram.com/bigactionbaits/ https://www.instagram.com/topline_baits/

In this episode the hunks host the Muskies on Tap boys Gus and Max Mantey and Brian Eckle, Not another Musky Podcast host Tyler "The Guru" Andrews and and Kyle "Beyond the 8" Friedges for a very merry secret hunksmas! After the guys are done exchanging gifts, Nate Bud  gives a special reading of “A Night Before Christmas” and we all take some time to be thankful for good friends and musky lures. Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night! 

On this episode we jump in the boat with Cody Daniels of Cody Daniel's Guide Service www.codymuskyfishingdaniels.com from Eastern TN. He was consumed with musky bug in his early years of owning a boat before even having a driver license or a car. Cody doesn't hold back and gives it to us real and how it should go down in a muskie boat. Having fun is the name of his game when you're in the boat with Cody. Sit back and enjoy the ride into the Southern musky range on this episode.

In this episode we discuss the new Tackle Industries fishing rods with the Tackle Industries Pro Staff Team.  Lead by Jeff Contreras , we hear from legendary Dave Brown, and ultra talented content creators Ben Stone, Kyle Friedges and Sam Gaza! They give us a little background on themselves, talk about the overall performance of the fishing rods, their go to TI bait and more. As Dave Brown mentioned, this one was about the "Company that you keep". Tackle Industries has really revamped the business model and there are allot of great people involved in this company. Check out the new fishing rod lineup and social media accounts for Tackle Industries!  https://tackleindustries.com/collections/fishing-rods https://www.facebook.com/tackleindustries1 Tackle Industries (@tackle_industries) • Instagram photos and videos Tackle Industries Musky Fishing Trailer - Join The Movement!      

This episode we catch up with local bait maker and honorary Hunk, Brady Martz of BamBam Bait Co. We talk show season, random fish talk, and get to hear about his new bait.

In this episode we talk with local fly guy Chris “Raz” Roslonski. We talk gear for the fly-curious angler, importing Canadian spouses, and our favorite cabbage based Polish foods.

Hunks only pod recapping recent trips, events and Hunks Fall Weekend. This episode is a major BS session. 

This week we talk with the originator and creator Brandon Lilly of Figureight F8 Musky Gear started the trend of muskie apparel. 9 years ago the husband and wife duo took a chance on creating apparel that would take the muskie world by storm. Apparel that the everyday muskie angler could wear and be comfortable on the water. The business of Figureight F8 Musky Gear has expanded not only from an apparel company, but now to hosting annual tournaments in West Virginia and Virginia. Come along the journey and hear how this great company is making a comeback in 2025. You Muskie Maxers and the rest of you Muskie Nutz are not going to miss out on what's coming for 2025.

This episode we welcome return guest Kyle Friedges back to the podcast to learn discuss his recent trip to Eagle Lake. Kyle shares some of his secrets on what it takes to create some amazing footage. As well as how to overcome the challenges of capturing those moments while solo fishing. Come along his journey and the new endeavors that will be brought to through his channel now called “Beyond the 8”.

The hunks have a true B.S. session with repeat guests Aaron Parise and Jake Latkovic. The boys go off the rails often in this episode, recounting lots of stories about the PMTT and some exciting new lures.

The guys reconvene to cover a little more lake Nipissing territory, this time with two special guests, Lexan and Ron Dilisio.  This father/son duo take an annual trip to the West Arm of lake Nipissing the same time of year as Owen and Nick, this year going for two full weeks.  We get into a lot of detail as to how's and why's  Lexan and Ron do what they do, and why they have consistently improved over the years on the shield as well as other local bodies of water. Enjoy this one, we sure did!

After another hiatus, the guys are back to talk about a couple of recent trips, including the recent trip to Lake Nipissing on the Canadian shield. Learn about what not to do on the water with your boat, amongst other important life lessons.

In this episode, the Hunks are joined by the Muskies Inc. magazine editor, Amy Keyes, and the Lunge log and Member Photo manager, Alison Willers. They get to peek behind the curtain at Muskies Inc. and learn about some of the interworking of the organization.

Just sit right back and you'll hear a few tales, tales of some fateful trips, that started on different musky lakes, with mighty trolling rips. Donnie sailed in Washington, with Ryan Lynn and pup, while Nate and Dave bagged a giant and SS Leo caught them up. This episode was a two and a half hour tour... Ryan and Donnie recap the Washington Tiger Safari and talk about the celebration of their Mexican heritage, Nate and Dave make moves like jagger and catch a PB up on NIP and Ryan and Team Leo have a fun trip out on Lake St. Clair where a very special goal was accomplished. Rando BS session with stories. 

In this hunks only episode, we discuss recent trips like Donnie's salmon banger with Zach and Katia, Ryan and Nicks recent summer fishing adventures, Owens dad duty summer and Nate and Ryan's late night jag sessions. We do get to highlight what a fishing machine Luffey's pontoon is and then we talk about upcoming trips. Nate and Net Boy (Shoutout Big Dave) gets ready for Nip, Donnie fly's the distance of the country to chase tigers with Eli and Ryan sails St. Clair with the Leo crew. It was nice to just take a night and catch up with the boys! 

In this episode we have the pleasure of talking to three local guests from central eastern PA, Treigh Mason, Becky Brown and Matt Smith. Treigh and Matt talk about how friends since the first grade started fishing together, how the OG tadpole changed the game, how they both got the musky bug, Becky admits to only dating Treigh for his Musky spots, we hear amazing tales of PB fish, tournament wins, first muskies and more. This was a blast to talk to three talented local fisherman from our area. Treigh, Becky and Matt , you guys are always welcome to come on and talk muskies! #TEAMTADPOLE

In this episode we catch up with Eli and get all the details of a recent fishing trip where he had the opportunity to visit his brothers Nick Granato and Jonathan Davis. We welcome Nick back to the podcast and welcome new podcast guest Jonathan and his daughter and fishing partner Ellie. Jon and Ellie have been chasing tigers in Colorado and really the whole western musky range.  Nick gives us a great Muskies Inc update on a recent stocking effort for Chapter 65. The boys talk about western tigers, crazy weather patterns, battling charcoal grills in the pouring rain with a sore bum, trolling motor issues and a Mexican with bolt cutters. We learn to keep your muskie bait purchases close to the vest. This was a great episode to sit back and relax and listen to a great musky fishing story! https://www.facebook.com/MWMCh65/  

In this episode we recap the recent Region 3 Muskies Inc tournament on Chautauqua Lake. Big Muskies, bloody hands, Katia running around with med kits, sleep eating sour patch kids, good food, muskies eating while your setting boards, good company and a first place finish for the new Hunks Hammer, all of which leading to Donnie Swink getting his groove back. This episode was full of memories, laughs and great stories all brought to you by our awesome guests Zach Baker, Katia Rivers, Jesse Smith and Charlie Mueller. This tale is one that will never be forgotten.  Congrats to Zach, Jesse and Donnie for their first place finish as well as everyone that placed in a great tournament on Chautauqua Lake. Congrats to everyone who caught fish and special thanks to everyone that supported their Muskies Inc chapters in an awesome tournament. 

In this episode, we get an overall hatchery update from the Linesville manager Nicholas Yaroszewski. Nick talks about how he has adjusted to his role at the hatchery, recent personal fishing excursions,  how last year went with the PA Musky Program, how things are looking for next year, how the money for the permit is spent and lots more. This was a super fun and informative episode with Nick and his transparency was appreciated. We have an opportunity as anglers to support the hatcheries at events like the open house and also through the voluntary permits. Please check these out and especially check out the voluntary musky permit: https://www.fishandboat.com/Conservation/Voluntary-Permits/Documents/VoluntaryPermits-fundingfor2021.pdf Nick, thank you very much for coming on to the podcast as a return guest and man we are looking forward to following your story as you continue to grow at the Linesville fish hatchery! 

In this episode we talk to Matt Vavroch. Matt talks about how he got started fishing, musky fishing and then into the media creation world on you tube. This was an awesome discussion with Matt! Matt has a wealth of knowledge and has been putting out killer content for a long time! Go check him out! https://www.youtube.com/c/MattVavrochFishing https://www.instagram.com/matt.vavroch/ https://www.threads.net/@matt.vavroch?xmt=AQGzCVcS0TL_SemG_aQbowdcxbBlcL88rAbPvpHza4coLxY https://www.facebook.com/matt.vavroch/  

Custom Clarkey Baits!!! Get comfortable and listen to the Hunks as they are joined by a very special guest from North of the Border, Noah Clarke of Clarkey Baits! Noah gives the details of how he got started fishing, muskie fishing and finally making baits. This episode comes with a few stories and lots of laughs. Noah makes some of the prettiest baits in the business, and also has one of the most well named lure lineups out there! Add Clarkey Baits to that list of much needed lures for your musky fishing adventures!    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CustomClarkeyBaits/  

In episode we recap two recent Three Rivers Chapter 16 Muskies Inc tournaments in our area. We have three local boys on to give us their backgrounds, Andrew Arnold, Eric Bartolomeo and Greg Colosimo. Andrew, Bart and Greg tell us a little about how they got started Muskie fishing, how they fish now and how their experiences were at the Lake Arthur tournament. Andrew placed second with Ryan Connelly and Bart and Greg took first. We also recap the Chapter 16 youth outing also held at lake Arthur. The Hunks Hammer was present to secure 2nd place for his youth fisherman Shane Duncan only missing first by 1/8 inch. Swinkie talks about cheating on Muskies with ocean fish, Nate was dragging ass, Ryan was in the middle of breakfast and Nick was just happy that i pronounced his last name correctly. This episode is a pure hunks BS session with tips, stories and laughs. 

In this episode we catch up with local western PA boys Garrick Sobeski and Aaron Parise and hear the tale of their recent experience at the PMTT tournament on Cave Run. We talk about tournament preparation, planning and the execution of their gameplan on the water. Here's to lure swap half priced dying dogs and friendships forged through Muskies Inc! These boys did us proud in Kentucky and we are pumped to cheer them on in the next tournament in Wisconsin.

In this episode we recap THE 2024 Muskie Hunk A Palooza! Most of the Palooza participants are present to talk about their experience fishing in western PA. This episode is filled with fishing trip trials, fish stories and lots of laughs from last weekend. There is a strong possibility that another Eli podcast musky ends up in the bag!  Shout out: Bucko Muro - Bucko's Branded Baits Noah Clarke - Clarkey Baits Greg Jones - Lila Lures Dave From Minnesota

This week the Hunks are joined by return guest, none other than Ben Stone of Ben Stone Media. Ben sits down to talk about his season from last year, some of his past work filming for Kanal Gratis and Devoted Outdoors and what he has planned coming up for his new venture which includes all types of outdoor videography and editing. He's one of the best at shooting content that is not only entertaining and educational but much more visually pleasing than most YouTubers out there, so definitely give him a look!

In this episode, it's our privilege to chat with Greg Nimmer, who illustrates over and over during this talk why he's known all around the country for his one-of-a-kind creative genius. Greg shares some of his journey making off-the-rails and unique musky baits for over 20 years (in an equally unique way). He tells us about his first expos, some things he's learned in fishing and in building, and what his creative process looks like when it comes to dreaming up his zany creations. He gives us a few secrets and unexpected surprises, holds back on a few others, and tells us some incredible fishing stories from the north woods of Wisconsin. It's a click-clackin' good time.

In this episode Josh Marshall and Marshall Custom Tackle facilitate a conversation with one of Ohio's Muskie fishing's greats, Ray "Grandpa" Elkins. Ray is 81 years young and has been Muskie fishing for well over 65 years. Ray gives us some background on how he got started muskie fishing, what it looked like to fish Ohio in the 50's & 60's, how the Ohio Huskie Muskie Club got started and the impact that they have had, how he spent all his money on Wiley's and had to bum money for lunch and how he got the nickname "GRANDPA". This episode is a walk through Ohio Muskie history and Ray tells allot of fun and amazing stories. This was truly an honor for us to interview Ray and we could listen to Grandpa talk muskie fishing for hours.  Special thank you to Josh Marshall for helping set this up and helping Ray join the call!!!

This week the hunks are joined by a very special return guest in Jeff Contreras, as well as Dan Scriver, both from Tackle Industries. We get to catch up with Jeff and learn a little bit about how Dan got started in the fishing industry and how these two have joined forces to try to take the Tackle Industries brand to the next level in the Musky industry. We reveal that two of the hunks have been recruited by Tackle Industries and VEXAN fishing to become brand ambassadors, and are very much looking forward to testing out the products and helping Jeff and Dan get towards their goal of taking Tackle Industries and VEXAN Fishing into the future.

In this episode we have 2 special guests Chris Willen (Chris Willen Guide Service) and Lynn Hotchkiss (Big Fish Lynn). We highlight the Southern Muskie range and all it has to offer including a recent giant caught. Then we talk all things Chris Willen and what he has to offer with his guide service, along many different tactics to target these fish. From fishing the smallest waters imaginable in his Towee or drift boat to the big waters in his Ranger. You won't want to miss our new segment to the podcast that debuts in this episode. Be prepared to laughing hysterically. Settle in and enjoy this week's episode.

In this episode we sit down with chapter 16 secretary Charlie Mueller and long time club member Mr. Meatball himself Evan Schoss. We discuss everything chapter 16 new and old and how far the club has come in recent years. We highlight upcoming events like the banquet and the 2024 tournaments, and as usual get derailed a few times along the way.

In this episode we talk with our Wisconsin boys Trevor Allen and Justin Regan from Chaos Tackle. We get a little background on Trevor and Justin and hear about how they got started fishing and how they got hooked up with Chaos. We talk about Chaos and the endless products that they provide to customers, hear stories from their grueling show season travel and more. This was such a fun showcase and very informative for those of you trying to get into the sport of Musky Fishing. Chaos is truly a one stop shop and they really provide high end rods, nets, baits terminal tackle and more to you as an angler at a very cost effective price. Trevor and Justin are awesome sticks and a great representation of what Chaos is all about! Check this one out! Yinz guys will love it! 

In this episode, we recap the 2024 Western Pennsylvania Muskie Max. The prodigal son Tommy "Two Crocs" Vanatta returns to talk about his first experience as a vendor at Muskie Max under the Saddle Tramp Banner. We are all sure he will never forget it.  We talk through the setup, first day live on Saturday and Sunday and recap favorite stories from the weekend. We eventually cover our muskie max gear hauls which results in spending PTSD. At the very end of this episode, Owen pulls the raffle winner of the Big Rich Muskie painting. We got MAXXED!

In this pre Muskie Max vendor spotlight, we highlight the father son duo of Nick and Bob Cox and B&N Custom Lures. We discuss what B&N is bringing to this weekend's Muskie Max and get an update from the boys on recent trips. We end the discussion talking about what's going to be in all of our bags. Happy Muskie Max week! We will see yinz at the MAX! 

The Hunks are joined this week by 2 friends of the pod and return guests, Jake Latkovic of Latkovic Lures and Mark King of Keystone King Musky Lures. Both will be at Muskie Max showing theirs wares, this weekend at Washington Crowne Center in Washington Pa. Tune in to hear what each has planned to bring for the show so you can budget accordingly! Of course there are many side-tracks and laughs throughout, let's get ready for Muskie Max Week!!!

In this episode we catch up with owner and operator of Battle The Beast Guide Service and Musky Hunter , Gregg Thomas. Gregg comes on to kill some time while he drives home from the Milwaukee Musky Expo and talks recent musky fishing conditions, show season, cool new baits for the year, fishing tips for early spring, updates to Musky Hunter media as well as highlighting his collection of random gas station bathroom stall art cell phone pictures.  We are all pumped to see Gregg next week at THE Muskie Max in Worshington. Its always a pleasure catching up with Gregg and talking musky fishing! Check this one if your into eating hot dogs like a corn cobb and laughing until you cant breath. 

In this episode  owner of Core 3 Group, host of the Boss Juice Podcast and one of the OG Fathers of the Muskie Max, Shawn Leopardi comes on to discuss the upcoming Muskie Max. Muskie MAX is Western PA's Superbowl of Musky Fishing, its one of the top shows in the country.  Shawn answers questions regarding the new venue, gives us a sneak peak at what to expect for this years show and gets us pumped up for Smokin' Dave's BBQ!!! There have been allot of questions regarding this years Muskie Max and Shawn as always has a plan and is able to adjust on the fly to bring us BIGGER AND BETTER MAX 2024! Check this episode out, and get ready to GET MAXXED! https://www.muskiemax.com/ https://www.smokindavesbarbq.com/ https://www.core3group.com/ https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/boss-juice-podcast/id1669114003    

In this episode, we recap the New York Musky Expo and the recent Three Rivers Chapter 16 Muskies Inc Lure Swap. 

In this episode we discuss our approach for purchasing gear at the upcoming New York Musky Expo this weekend. All of us talk about our gear wish list and want baits we want to target. When dad goes to bed, we discuss budgeting approaches and how we all fail miserably to stay on financial track. We are looking forward to this 2024 New York Musky Expo and cant wait to see all yinz at the show!