The Spot Burn Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Why Are Wisconsin Fishing Licenses On The Decline? Oct 22, 2024

Show notes

Hey listeners! Just a quick heads-up—this episode includes a deep visual dive that's best enjoyed on our YouTube channel. While the audio is still engaging, for the full experience, we recommend heading over to MuskyFoolFlyFishing on YouTube. Now let's get into it!
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Welcome back to another episode of the Spot Burn Podcast with Dan and Josh! In episode 31, we’re doing a deep analytical dive into the current state of fishing licenses in Wisconsin and why it’s crucial for the future of our fisheries. With the WI DNR facing a significant budget shortfall, we’re examining the situation starting with fishing license sales and their impact on our natural resources. Could there be a better funding model that Wisconsin uses to fund the DNR?
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Here's a link to the data we referenced throughout the video:
https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/11Li4djTEbxOxv1eImu8E8kl_WugmNDbP?usp=sharing
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But first, we cover some important events in the fishing world:
Current Events:
Bob Popovics Hit & Run: The legendary saltwater fly-tier and author is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle on September 23rd. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family.
John Geirach’s Passing: The fly-fishing community mourns the loss of iconic author John Geirach, who passed away on October 3rd at 78. His timeless works like Trout Bum continue to inspire anglers everywhere.
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Main Discussion:
We revisit the ongoing funding crisis within the WI DNR and the cuts to fisheries management. After raising awareness in our last episode, we’ve received a mix of support and criticism, even sparking political debates. As business owners in the Wisconsin fishing industry, we’re committed to finding the facts and advocating for the improvement of our fisheries.
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Musky Team Update:
Despite resource cuts, there’s a new co-lead, Dan Oele, who brings a promising vision for musky management in the state.
Madison Musky Stocking:
Thanks to the efforts of Madison’s Musky Inc., $40k was raised to stock Great Lakes muskies in the Madison Chain, set for October 24th.
Wisconsin Wildlife Coalition:
We’ve joined the Wisconsin Wildlife Coalition to collaborate with conservation groups, DNR members, and private sectors to tackle the funding crisis. We break down how the WI DNR is funded, explore current fishing trends, and share data on fishing license sales to understand what’s at stake.
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Conclusion:
Thanks for tuning in to this episode! We’ll be sharing all of our research and data sources, so be sure to check the links in the description. If you have feedback or suggestions for experts we should speak to, let us know. If you're an expert in the industry we'd also like to hear from you!

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

Follow us on Instagram @muskyfool and check out our YouTube channel.
And be sure to check out MuskyFool.com !
Have fun out there on the water ya'll!
- Dan & Josh
MuskyFool.com
Instagram: @muskyfool
YouTube: Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.
Facebook: Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co.

800 Grains of Fly Line & Wake Boats Ruining Our Lakes Oct 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Josh and Dan discuss upcoming fly fishing tournaments, including the Treeland Premier Musky Fly Fishing Championships, Beast of the East, Monster Mash, and the new Kentucky River Musky Classic. Additionally they do a recap on the latest happenings from the first 3 stops of this year's Professional Musky Tournament Trail (PMTT). They also play a fun game of comparing political candidates to fish. They answer a listener's question about getting flies deeper in the fall and provide tips for achieving greater depths with a fly rod. Furthermore, Dan and Josh discuss their predictions for the fall season, the impact of weather on fishing, and the release of the new Scientific Anglers 800 grain Sonar Musky Custom Cut fly line. They also touch on the controversial issue of wake boats and their impact on fisheries. The conversation ends with a Qwik Tip about the benefits of saunas for anglers.

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

Wisconsin DNR $16M Deficit Cutting Musky & Walleye Stocking Sep 13, 2024

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In Episode 29 of the Spot Burn Podcast, Josh and Dan take listeners on a journey through Josh’s recent travels to Finland, Sweden, and Denmark with his lovely wife Laura who planned the entire vacation. During his trip he explored the picturesque Gudena River and shared his experience fishing for pike with Laura’s cousins. Despite no pike catches, the diverse fishery and clear waters made it a memorable outing.
The duo also dive into why fall fishing in Wisconsin is a must-do for anglers, and are particularly exciting for the upcoming School of Fishing on the horizon.
Josh and Dan then give an update on their non-traditional book club that has uninimously fallen off the wagon reading, "Three Record Muskies in His Day, The Life & Times of Louie Spray," where Josh admits to losing his borrowed book, leading to a discussion on what books they'll attempt next.
They also cover Aaron Wiebe's latest video conveying a barotrauma field study, discussing how forward-facing sonar (FFS) can be a valuable tool for ethical fishing practices.
Finally, they report on the Wisconsin DNR’s budget crisis of a $16M deficit, highlighting the significant cuts to musky and walleye stocking and its potential impacts on future fisheries. Saddle up for a high level deep dive as the shed light on the current happenings with an intent to report more on the matter as new information unfolds.

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

Muskies Attacking Humans And A Madison Fish Kill Aug 26, 2024

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In this episode of the Spot Burn Podcast, Dan & Josh discuss muskies attacking humans, a fish die-off caused by blue-green algae blooms, and the weird hatred towards carp. They share stories of musky attacks and highlight the need for caution when swimming or fishing in musky-infested waters. They also discuss the factors contributing to the fish die-off, including high water levels, an algae bloom, and a drop in dissolved oxygen. The hosts then delve into the debate surrounding carp, exploring their origins, impact on fisheries, and the varying opinions on their management. In this conversation, the hosts discuss various topics related to fishing, including the impact of carp on fisheries, the need for proper water quality, and the importance of choosing the right fly line for different seasons. They also touch on the importance of sun protection and appropriate gear for different weather conditions.

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

Summer Musky Bender And The End of Hero Shots Aug 08, 2024

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In this episode of the Spot Burn Podcast, Dan & Josh sit down with Gabe Park to discuss his epic summer musky trip and the surprising catch of a possible Leech Lake musky in a popular Wisconsin river. They also touch on the Musky Wars podcast, where Steve Rinella and Larry Ramsell discuss musky fishing. The key takeaways include the success of using small flies in high water, the importance of being adaptable and listening to the muskies, and the potential impact of introducing Leech Lake muskies into native strain rivers. In this part of the conversation, the hosts discuss the interview with Larry Ramsell, a renowned muskie angler and advocate for the sport. They highlight his qualifications and expertise in muskie fishing, including his extensive knowledge and documentation of muskie catches. They also discuss his strong opinions on the current state of muskie fishing in Wisconsin and the importance of proper fish handling. The hosts reflect on the need for better fish handling practices and the role of fly anglers in leading the way. They also touch on controversial topics such as spearfishing and live scope technology. Overall, they commend the podcast episode for bringing attention to muskie fishing and providing valuable insights from Larry Ramsell. In this conversation, Dan discusses various topics including cash flow in business, inventory management, fishing seasons, pet stories, and personal reflections. The conversation covers a wide range of subjects, making it challenging to identify distinct themes.

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

The One About 8 Tips For Catching More Muskies Jul 17, 2024

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In this episode, Dan and BamBam discuss 8 hot tips for catching more muskies. They cover topics such as having the right gear, fly rods, fly line, nets, tools, efficient casting, mental toughness, and when and where to fish for muskies. The conversation provides valuable insights and practical advice for musky fishing enthusiasts.
They also discuss the mental toughness required for musky fishing, the importance of fishing with confidence, and the best practices for releasing muskies. Additionally they cover the significance of the team sport mentality in musky fly fishing and the proper technique for figure eights and boat side etiquette. The conversation provides valuable insights for musky fly anglers of all levels.
Thanks for listening folks and if you have an idea or a questions feel free to reach out and as always check us out at:
MuskyFool.com

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

The One About Audience Questions Jul 01, 2024

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In this episode of the Spot Burn podcast, Josh and Dan discuss a wide range of topics based on listener feedback, covering river fishing, musky behavior through the seasons, the use of sound bullets, and wading shore fly fishing tips for muskies. They delve into the use of stripping baskets, musky flies, and fish behavior in response to river flows, sharing their insights and experiences to provide valuable tips and recommendations for musky fly fishing enthusiasts.
The conversation also addresses the state of musky populations in Minnesota and Wisconsin, the use of WD-40 in fly fishing, different methods of line/leader/fly attachment setups, the results of a spring survey on banning LiveScope, and the impact of fly color on musky fishing. Additionally, they explore the characteristics of tiger muskies, population dynamics, the use of pin straight bucktail, the suitability of tenkara rods for musky fishing, and the importance of comfortable chairs for fly tying, offering comprehensive insights into musky fishing techniques and equipment.
Wisconsin Statewide Spring Hearing Results:
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/sites/default/files/topic/About/WCC/2024/SpringHearing/2024_StatewideResults_FINAL.pdf
Thanks for listening folks. If you have questions or ideas for an upcoming episode let us know and as always check us out at
MuskyFool.com

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

The One About Spring Sloppy Seconds Jun 10, 2024

Show notes

Welcome back to another exciting episode of the Spot Burn Podcast. In this episode, Josh and Daniel dive into their spring adventures, musky season updates, and more.
Episode Highlights:
Catch-Up and Spring Fishing Update: Josh and Daniel discuss what they've been up to this spring, including bluegill, bass & trout fishing, as well as the start of musky season.
Musky Season Insights:
They talk about the Southern and Northern Wisconsin openers, sharing their experiences and strategies.
Fishing Challenges and Wins:
Hear about their tough conditions, trophy hunting, and the exciting moments they had on the water.
Book Club Announcement:
Josh and Daniel have started a book club, currently reading "Three Record Muskies in His Day, The Life and Times of Louie Spray." by John Dettloff (with Louie Spray).
Join them as they discuss the history and adventures of muskie fishing.
Snag the book for yourself!:
https://www.amazon.com/Three-Record-Muskies-Times-Louie/dp/0971894051
Interesting Phenomena:
A bizarre trend of large muskies eating other large muskies has been observed. Josh and Daniel speculate on the possible reasons behind this.
Read more in the Outdoor Life article:
https://www.outdoorlife.com/fishing/video-dead-muskies-tried-killing-each-other/
Listener Shoutouts:
Congratulations to Laken, Brett, Jake, Cody & Grant for their impressive catches.
Upcoming Events and Plans:
They share their plans for the upcoming Green Bay trip, the Muskie League, and other summer fishing adventures.
Join us for the Fly Fishing Musky School:
https://schooloffishing.co/products/fly-fishing-musky-school-with-dan-donovan
Conservation Corner:
Learn about the efforts to support muskie stocking in Tennessee and how you can help from Daniel Moscon:
"TN MUSKY NEED SOME HELP.
If you have a minute to spare today I’m urging you to send an email to FishingReg.Comments@tn.gov.
Our bureaucrats at TWRA have decided to severely limit the amount of musky they are stocking. Resulting in fewer fish seen and caught. We have very limited amount of natural reproduction and it is not enough to sustain our fishery. A short email goes a long way in showing the interest they need to see to bring our stocking numbers back up.
On a separate but related note, a Muskies Inc. chapter is in its infant stages of being formed. Muskies Inc. is a 501-C3. Any and all proceeds go to one thing, stocking musky in the bodies of water that need it the most.
Conservation and education will be the goal. If you would like to join, you first need a Muskies Inc. membership and then the affiliation will go with our Chapter after it is officially accepted. We can’t do it alone. Reach out to me or Cody Daniels for more info."
Minnesota Opener and PMTT Updates:
Get the latest on the Minnesota opener and the Professional Musky Tournament Trail in Madison.
Fun Segments and Miscellaneous:
Additional topics include musky hook removal tips, updates on cicadas, and effective musky flies the MF fellas have made tutorials for:
Guide Deceiver, tied by: Josh Smeltzer
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OoJbKmpKltU
Mini Glider, tied by: Nick Gellerstedt
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CIOqFURQrKA&t=59s
Thank You:
Thank you for listening to the Spot Burn Podcast, presented by Musky Fool Fly Fishing Co. A special thanks to our sponsors, Cortland Line Company and Stealth Craft Boats. We also want to express our gratitude to all our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.
Check us out at MuskyFool.com.
Contact Information:
Visit our website: MuskyFool.com
Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for the latest updates and news.
Tune in next time for more exciting fishing stories and updates from the Spot Burn Podcast!

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

The One About Steve Rinella & The 72lb. Musky May 02, 2024

Show notes

In this episode, Dan and Josh respond to a portion of episode 538 on the Meat Eater podcast where musky fishing was discussed. They address the misconceptions and criticisms raised by the hosts and provide a more accurate perspective on musky fishing. They discuss the history of musky fishing, the importance of catch and release, the significance of different musky strains, and the conservation efforts to restore musky populations. They also highlight the role of musky fly fishing in the resurgence of musky fishing and challenge the notion that it is a recent trend. The conversation explores the topic of musky fly fishing and its impact on the musky community. The hosts discuss the reasons why they engage in musky fly fishing, including the challenge and the desire for a more ethical approach to catching and releasing muskies. They also address the contradictions within the musky world, such as the focus on catch and release while using methods that may harm the fish. The conversation delves into the controversy surrounding world record muskies and the dilemma of whether to certify and potentially kill a record-breaking fish. Overall, the hosts emphasize the importance of preserving muskies and finding a balance between conservation and angling.

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

The One About The Musky Crisis on The Madison Chain Apr 01, 2024

Show notes

Welcome to the Spot Burn Podcast, where we dive deep into the waters of muskie fishing, conservation, and the great outdoors. In this episode, Dan and Josh, celebrate a year of sharing tales from the waters, the impact of fish stocking on Madison Wisconsin's fisheries, and a sneak peek into the world of competitive muskie fishing. Tune in for an authentic, entertaining, and enlightening conversation that navigates the currents of environmental stewardship, community engagement, and the sheer joy of fishing.

In This Episode:

Celebrating a Year: Reflect on a year of podcasting, exploring the highs and lows of fishing, and sharing the journey with you, our listeners.
Stocking Stockades: Delve into the complexities of fish stocking in Wisconsin, specifically on the Madison chain discussing the pivotal role it plays in maintaining vibrant fisheries, and the challenges faced in recent years.
Madison Chain Insights: Spotlight on the Madison chain, its importance to the muskie community, and the ongoing efforts to ensure its future as a premier fishing destination.
Muskie School & Community Events: Announcing the Muskie School presented by Musky Fool, a four-day fishing extravaganza in Northern Wisconsin. Plus, how you can join and support local Muskie Inc chapters to make a difference.
Fishing Tales & Tips: From the thrill of topwater fishing to the battle stories of nearly mythical muskie catches, including a spotlight on a record-breaking 59.5-inch catch.
Conservation & Community: A call to action for listeners to engage in conservation efforts, support local chapters, and contribute to ensuring the future of muskie fishing for generations to come.

Links Mentioned:

Musky Fool Musky School - Dive into the details of our upcoming Musky School guide week at Treelands Resort in Hayward, WI
Support Your Local Muskie Inc Chapter - Find out how you can get involved and help support muskie conservation efforts.
Dan's Presentation on the Crisis on the Madison Chain
Wisconsin DNR Fish Stocking Data - Explore the data on fish stocking in Wisconsin and understand its impact on your favorite fishing spots.

Join Us:
Don't forget to subscribe for more episodes and connect with us on social media and at MuskyFool.com. Your support helps us continue to bring important conversations to the surface. Tight lines, and see you on the water!

Thank you to all of our listeners for tuning in, subscribing, sharing, and spreading the good word.

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