New England Outdoor Life

Latest Episodes:

Spring Bed Fishing Secrets & The New England Angler Challenge. Live from the boat. Jun 15, 2025

Show notes

Join us live on the water in central Vermont for this episode of New England Outdoor Life, where we dive deep into spring bass fishing tactics, pre-spawn strategies, and the hottest baits for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Whether you're chasing bedded fish, transitioning lake trout, or post-spawn pike, we’ve got you covered with real-time insight from the boat.

🎣 Topics covered:

Water temps and fish behavior
Rapala Shadow Rap jerkbait cadence tips
Best swim bait colors and rigging with Keitech Fat Swing Impact
Ned rig setups with Fresh Baits Hellgrammites
Football head jigs with Hula Grubs for rocky bottom fishing
Early results from Lake Champlain and more!

🚨 Plus, a huge announcement from Sean Snover of Real Northern Bass about the launch of the New England Angler Challenge — a virtual fishing tournament with $5,000+ in cash and prizes, covering bass, lake trout, brown trout, and pike all summer long across New England!

🧠 Learn from Sean’s expert tips, weekly livestreams, and decades of experience as he helps you dominate your local waters.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

🔥 Tournament info: NEAngler.com
🧢 Sean’s YouTube: youtube.com/603bass
🎯 Charter trips and gear: NewEnglandOutdoorLife.com
⚡ Fishing Trip w/Capt Matt: ThirdAlarmChargers.com

💬 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a rating, and sign up for our email list on our site so you never miss a tip, tactic, or upcoming fishing report!

The 2025 LCI, Fathers Day Lake Champlain Invitational w/Liz Ehlers Jun 04, 2025

Show notes

Join us on this special episode of the New England Outdoor Life Podcast as we welcome Liz Ellers from Lake Champlain International (LCI) to discuss the rich history and growing legacy of the 44th Annual Father’s Day Fishing Derby. With over $200,000 in prizes, 13 eligible species, and weigh stations spanning Vermont and New York, this is the largest multi-species derby of its kind.

We dive into:

The origins of the Derby in 1982
How it's grown to attract anglers from 38 states
The role of anglers in conservation and research
Tips on how to register, compete, and win big
Why this event is about more than just fishing—it's about community, tradition, and preserving the outdoor lifestyle

🎣 Whether you're after sheepshead, salmon, or just good times with family, this episode has something for every angler.

Check out more:
Register for the Derby

Third Alarm Charters

New England Angler Challenge

Rain, Roosts, and First Toms: A Youth Weekend Turkey Hunt to Remember. Family Edition May 09, 2025

Show notes

Captain Matt is joined by his brother Mark and nephew Peyton to relive an unforgettable Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend. Despite pouring rain and tough conditions, Peyton stayed patient and harvested his second turkey with a clean shot—this time in a wide-open Vermont meadow. They share stories of scouting birds the night before, close encounters in the early morning rain, and the adrenaline rush of a silent tom circling their decoys. This episode celebrates the power of mentorship, family tradition, and the next generation of hunters carrying the torch forward. A must-listen for anyone who’s ever waited out a storm, chased gobbles, or just loves hearing campfire stories that stick with you for life.

Fly Fishing the Delaware & Redefining Drift Boats: Jason Metzker & The East Cape Drift Apr 17, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the New England Outdoor Life Podcast, we journey beyond the New England borders into the legendary Delaware River Valley with fly fishing guide and outdoor enthusiast Jason Metzker. Based in Northeast Pennsylvania, Jason shares his deep passion for fly fishing the iconic East and West Branches of the Delaware — a fishery hailed by many as the most challenging and rewarding dry fly destination east of the Mississippi.

We dive into:

The incredible “bug soup” hatches of the Delaware
The technical challenges and rewards of targeting trout on dries
Jason’s guide life, balancing a full-time career and twilight trips
The history and ecological tensions surrounding the Delaware River system
His role in launching the revolutionary East Cape Drifter — a 300lb carbon fiber drift boat shaking up the scene on both coasts

Whether you’re a seasoned angler, curious about drift boats, or love great storytelling from the riverbank — this one’s for you.

🛶 Learn more about East Cape Boats: https://www.eastcapeboats.com
🎣 Book a trip or connect with Jason: metzkeroutdoors22@gmail.com
📬 Sign up for the NE Outdoor Life newsletter: https://www.newenglandoutdoorlife.com
🚤 Check out Third Alarm Charters: https://www.thirdalarmcharters.com

🎯 Catch & release conservation matters! Join the New England Angler Challenge launching May 1st — more details coming soon.

Connecticut River Secrets: Pike, Perch & Passion Projects with Mike Blatt of TBC Guides Apr 09, 2025

Show notes

🎣 Join us for a heart-filled, hook-setting episode of the New England Outdoor Life Podcast as we sit down with Mike Blatt of TBC Guides — a guide whose story starts with kayaking the Connecticut River and evolves into something much bigger: purpose-driven outdoor leadership.

In this episode, Mike shares how a simple love for fishing turned into a full-time mission involving kayak-based guiding, youth fishing camps, and incredible community outreach — including programs for kids with learning differences, military veterans, and families exploring nature together for the first time.

Discover why the Connecticut River is one of New England's most underrated warm water fisheries, with trophy-sized pike, walleye, smallmouth, perch, and crappie — and how Mike helps others navigate both the water and life’s challenges.

🔹 Learn more about TBC Guides and book a trip: TBCGuides.fish
🔹 Follow Mike on Instagram for daily catches and camp updates: @tbcguides
🔹 Support inclusive fishing: Autism Anglers Reel

This episode is a must-listen for outdoor lovers, educators, parents, and anyone who believes fishing can change lives.

#TightLines #GuidedForGood #FishingWithHeart

Book a trip with Capt. Matt

Lake Ontario Fishing Secrets with Captain Andy Bliss | Chinook, Steelhead & More! Apr 02, 2025

Show notes

Join us on New England Outdoor Life as we dive into Lake Ontario’s world-class fishery with Captain Andy Bliss of Chasing Tail Adventures. From trophy Chinook salmon to steelhead and brown trout, Captain Andy shares his expertise on year-round fishing opportunities, seasonal fishing tactics, and how Oswego, NY, has become a hotspot for anglers. Whether you're planning your next Great Lakes fishing trip or looking for expert salmon fishing tips, this episode has everything you need to know!

Book a trip with Capt. Andy Here

Get out on the water with Capt. Matt Here

Some places Capt. Andy Recommends:
Pautzke Bait Co Inc.
Gibbs Fishing
Fat Nancy’s Tackle Shop
A-TOM-MIK Trolling Flies
Stealthcraft Boats
Kingpin Reels
Great Lakes Steelhead Co

Trolling Secrets: Pro Tips for Big Catches w/Capt. Matt Mar 26, 2025

Show notes

Welcome to New England Outdoor Life Podcast, where we dive into expert fishing tactics, seasonal strategies, and tournament action! 🎣

In this episode, Captain Matt and Andy break down early spring trolling techniques, covering everything from choosing the right lures for trout and salmon to how water temperature affects fish movement. They discuss the best fishing locations in New England, from Lake Ontario to Lake Champlain, and share insights on planer boards, downriggers, and dipsy divers.

Key Topics Covered:
✅ Best trolling lures for spring fishing
✅ How to find fish using water temperature
✅ Techniques for using planer boards and lead core lines
✅ What makes New England fishing unique
✅ Tips on catching trophy trout and salmon

🔥 BONUS: Captain Matt announces an exciting fishing tournament with the New England Angler Challenge! Tune in to hear the details and how you can join.

🎣 Subscribe now and never miss an episode filled with pro tips, outdoor adventures, and expert fishing advice!

📲 Follow us: @neolpodcast
🌎 Website: https://newenglandoutdoorlife.com

Don't forget to grab your day on the water with Capt Matt soon!! 3rd Alarm Charters
If you need help starting your podcast, check out Mission Cast Media

Empowering Disabled Veterans Through Bass Fishing – The Mission of Tri-State Disabled Veterans Mar 23, 2025

Show notes

Join us live from the New Hampshire Outdoor Expo ‪as we chat with the dedicated team from Tri-State Disabled Veterans, a nonprofit that has been taking disabled veterans on life-changing fishing trips for nearly three decades. Learn how their bass fishing tournaments provide camaraderie, healing, and outdoor adventure for veterans, many of whom only get to fish once a year due to mobility challenges. Hear inspiring stories of veterans overcoming obstacles, volunteer boat captains giving back, and the power of water therapy for PTSD. Find out how you can donate, volunteer, or participate to support this incredible mission.

Get involved:
Tri-State Disabled Veterans

Also check out:
‪3rd Alarm Charters to book a trip with Capt Matt

If you're looking to start your own podcast but aren't sure how to do it, check out Mission Cast Media

Reeling in Success: Sean Snover’s Journey with Reel Northern Bass Mar 19, 2025

Show notes

Join us for an exciting episode of New England Outdoor Life as we sit down with Sean Snover of Reel Northern Bass. Sean shares his journey from a casual fishing hobbyist to running one of the most informative bass fishing channels in the northeast. We dive deep into tournament fishing strategies, seasonal bass fishing tactics, and the evolving role of technology in modern angling, including the controversial forward-facing sonar. Whether you're a weekend angler, an aspiring content creator, or a competitive tournament fisherman, this episode is packed with valuable fishing tips and insights. Don’t miss it!

Check out Reel Northern bass:

Youtube Channel
Facebook
Instagram

Also don't forget to check out 3rd Alarm Charters to book a date with Capt. Matt before they are all gone and if you have any interest in starting your own podcast, check out Mission Cast.

Rockstar to River Guide: The Story Behind Heavy Metal Outfitters Capt. Shiloh Patterson Mar 16, 2025

Show notes

🎣 From Heavy Metal to Heavy Metal Outfitters!
Join us as we sit down with Captain Shiloh Patterson, a former rock guitarist turned expert fishing guide. He takes us through his journey from shredding on stage to guiding drift boat and charter fishing trips on Salmon River, Mexico Bay, and Western NY. We talk brown trout runs, steelhead fishing, and the secrets behind a successful fishing guide business. Learn why mobility matters, how repeat clients turn into family, and why he chose a smaller boat over upgrading. If you love fishing, charter boats, and pro guide insights, this episode is for you!

📍 Locations Discussed:

Salmon River, NY
Mexico Bay, Lake Ontario
Western NY Brown Trout Hotspots

🔗 Follow Heavy Metal Outfitters on Facebook for bookings & updates!

Also check out:

3rd Alarm Charters to get yourself out on the water with Capt. Matt this summer!
&
Mission Cast Media to get your podcast kickstarted today!

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