Great Lakes Fishing Podcast

Fish Hawk Electronics

Podcast by Fish Hawk Electronics

  1. Fish Hawk ONE Update: Trevor Sumption on the Future of Great Lakes Fishing Electronics - GLFP #288

    Jun 26

    Fish Hawk ONE Update: Trevor Sumption on the Future of Great Lakes Fishing Electronics - GLFP #288

    What does it take to deliver world-class customer service in the Great Lakes trolling industry? In this episode of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen joins Trevor Sumption from Fish Hawk Electronics aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing Charters in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, to discuss why firsthand experience on the water is critical to supporting Great Lakes anglers. Trevor explains why Fish Hawk brings its customer service team onto charter boats to learn the techniques, terminology, and real-world situations anglers encounter every day. The conversation also includes exciting updates on the highly anticipated Fish Hawk ONE, including its future-ready digital platform, backward compatibility with existing Fish Hawk systems, and why it's designed to grow with anglers through over-the-air software updates. Trevor also shares the latest on the overwhelming demand for the new TD Connect and why building products in the USA remains a core part of Fish Hawk's mission. Later in the episode, Chris sits down with David Baxter, first mate aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing Charters. David shares how he broke into the charter fishing industry, what it's like running a 14-rod spread on one of Lake Michigan's premier salmon boats, and why Sturgeon Bay's Bank Reef consistently produces trophy Chinook salmon. Whether you're interested in becoming a charter mate, learning more about Great Lakes salmon fishing, or staying up to date on the latest Fish Hawk technology, this episode is packed with valuable insights. In this episode you'll learn: Why Fish Hawk sends customer service staff on fishing trips The latest updates on the Fish Hawk ONE and its new digital platform How over-the-air software updates will expand future capabilities Why existing Fish Hawk users can upgrade without replacing their entire system The incredible demand for the new TD Connect How David Baxter became a full-time charter mate The rod spread and trolling program used aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing Why Sturgeon Bay's Bank Reef is one of Lake Michigan's premier salmon fisheries Tips for anyone interested in becoming a Great Lakes charter mate Early season outlook for Lake Michigan Chinook salmon fishing Whether you're chasing kings on Lake Michigan or simply looking to become a better Great Lakes angler, Episode 288 offers a behind-the-scenes look at both cutting-edge fishing technology and life aboard one of Wisconsin's top salmon charter boats. For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/

    18 min
  2. Sturgeon Bay Salmon Fishing Secrets with Captain John Pollock | Great Lakes Fishing Podcast 287

    Jun 18

    Sturgeon Bay Salmon Fishing Secrets with Captain John Pollock | Great Lakes Fishing Podcast 287

    Episode 287 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast takes listeners aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing Charters with Captain John Pollock in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. Recorded on the waters of Lake Michigan during an action-packed morning of salmon fishing, Captain Pollock shares why Sturgeon Bay's famous Bank Reef is one of the premier destinations for Chinook salmon and steelhead in the Great Lakes. John explains how this unique underwater structure concentrates baitfish and predators, creating consistent fishing opportunities throughout the season. During the conversation, John discusses his journey from a 14-year-old charter mate to one of the most respected charter captains on Lake Michigan. He shares stories from his early days in the industry, explains his trolling setup, and offers valuable tips for recreational anglers looking to target salmon and steelhead on their own. Topics covered in this episode include: • Fishing Sturgeon Bay's legendary Bank Reef • Lake Michigan Chinook salmon and steelhead patterns • Downrigger, diver, lead core, copper, and weighted steel setups • Favorite salmon spoons, flashers, and flies • How weather and water conditions impact fishing success • Summer 2026 salmon fishing outlook for Sturgeon Bay • Advice for anglers planning their first Great Lakes salmon trip Whether you're planning a charter trip, fishing your own boat, or simply looking to learn more about one of Lake Michigan's top salmon ports, this episode is packed with practical information and entertaining stories from the water.

    13 min
  3. From Customer Support to Screaming Drags: Mario Perzichilli’s Great Lakes Adventure - GLFP #286

    Jun 16

    From Customer Support to Screaming Drags: Mario Perzichilli’s Great Lakes Adventure - GLFP #286

    In Episode 286 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen sits down with Fish Hawk Electronics customer service specialist Mario Perzichilli while fishing aboard Real Impressions Sport Fishing Charters with Captain John Pollock on Lake Michigan. Although Mario brings years of experience in the marine electronics industry, this trip marked his first time targeting Great Lakes salmon and trout. He shares his impressions of battling hard-fighting salmon, experiencing multiple hookups, and learning the unique tactics that make Great Lakes trolling so exciting. Mario also discusses his role at Fish Hawk Electronics, what anglers can expect when they call customer support, and his early impressions of the new Fish Hawk ONE and TD Connect systems. The conversation also explores how temperature and thermocline data can benefit not only Great Lakes anglers, but inland fishermen targeting crappies, walleyes, and other species. Whether you're curious about the people behind Fish Hawk Electronics, interested in the latest Fish Hawk products, or simply enjoy hearing firsthand Great Lakes fishing stories, this episode offers a behind-the-scenes look at the team helping anglers catch more fish. Topics Covered: Mario Perzichilli's first Great Lakes fishing experience Salmon, steelhead, and lake trout action on Lake Michigan Fish Hawk Electronics customer service philosophy First impressions of the Fish Hawk ONE TD Connect features and applications Using thermocline data on inland lakes Fishing electronics tips and customer support insights For more Great Lakes fishing content, visit FishHawkElectronics.com and subscribe to the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast.

    8 min
  4. Great Lakes Salmon Trolling Tips from Three Top Lake Ontario Captains - GLFP #284

    May 17

    Great Lakes Salmon Trolling Tips from Three Top Lake Ontario Captains - GLFP #284

    On Episode 284 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, host Chris Larsen sits down with three respected Lake Ontario captains during the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo: Bob Songin from Reel Excitement Charters, Brian Garrett from Tall Tails Sportfishing, and Nick Glosser from Synergy Sportfishing. The three captains were instructors at the renowned LOTSA Salmon School and discuss what anglers can realistically expect to learn from advanced salmon trolling education, how each captain approaches fishing differently, and why understanding why fish bite matters more than simply copying tackle setups. This episode dives deep into: Fighting boat traffic on the Niagara Bar Understanding water movement and current changes Why presentation matters more than specific lures Electronics advancements and how technology has changed salmon fishing Decision-making during tournaments and charter trips Spring vs staging salmon behavior across Lake Ontario ports Simplifying trolling spreads for more consistent bites Teaching new anglers and introducing kids to the fishery The importance of LOTSA, ELOSTA, and supporting Great Lakes fishing organizations You’ll also hear memorable charter stories, tournament strategy discussions, and practical advice on adapting to changing conditions on Lake Ontario. Whether you troll the western basin, fish the Salmon River staging run, or are just getting started in Great Lakes salmon fishing, this conversation is packed with insights from captains who spend hundreds of days on the water every season. For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/

    37 min
  5. Designing Salmon Spoons That Catch Fish: Inside Silver Streak Lures - Great Lakes Fishing Podcast

    Apr 29

    Designing Salmon Spoons That Catch Fish: Inside Silver Streak Lures - Great Lakes Fishing Podcast

    In Episode 283 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast presented by Fish Hawk Electronics, host Chris Larsen talks with Chip Cartwright and CJ Baker of Silver Streak Spoons about what really makes trolling spoons effective for salmon and trout across the Great Lakes. Recorded at the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo, this conversation covers real-world insights from Lake Michigan fishing out of Ludington, including how changing water clarity, bait size, and modern electronics are shaping today’s salmon programs. Chip and CJ explain why profile often matters more than color, how spoon size should change throughout the season, and what anglers should know about the growing popularity of salmon jigging with live sonar. They also break down practical trolling speeds, lead lengths behind the ball, and how anglers can confidently choose productive spoon patterns without overcomplicating their spread. You’ll also hear behind-the-scenes stories about how classic Silver Streak colors get their names, how new patterns are tested on the water, and why matching your presentation to your goals—numbers vs. trophy fish—changes everything. If you troll for salmon or trout on Lake Michigan, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, or any Great Lakes port, this episode will help you fine-tune your spoon program and make smarter lure choices all season long. 🎣 Topics include: Choosing spoon profile vs. color Best trolling speeds for Silver Streak spoons Lead lengths behind downriggers and divers When smaller spoons outperform magnum sizes How live sonar is expanding salmon jigging opportunities Productive color trends from Ludington and beyond New glow finishes and jigging spoon developments for 2026 Listen now and sharpen your Great Lakes trolling strategy with insights from one of the Great Lakes' most trusted spoon manufacturers. For more Great Lakes fishing information, visit https://fishhawkelectronics.com/

    37 min
  6. Why Chinook Sizes Changed & Atlantic Salmon Are Surging in Lake Ontario - GLFP #282

    Apr 22

    Why Chinook Sizes Changed & Atlantic Salmon Are Surging in Lake Ontario - GLFP #282

    In this episode of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast presented by Fish Hawk Electronics, host Chris Larsen sits down at the Greater Niagara Fishing Expo with Chris Legard from the New York DEC and Captain Rob Westcott of Legacy Sportfishing for an in-depth conversation about the current state—and future—of Lake Ontario salmon fishing. They break down what anglers are seeing on the water right now and how it connects to the science behind the fishery. Topics include the rebound of the alewife population, what recent die-offs really mean, and how bait availability continues to shape salmon growth and catch rates across the lake. Chris Legard explains the ongoing genetic parentage-based tagging program that helps determine how many Chinook salmon are naturally reproduced versus hatchery-stocked fish—and why that information matters when balancing predator and prey populations in Lake Ontario. The discussion also covers how anglers are contributing to this effort through citizen-science sampling programs across the lake. The conversation dives into the growing role of Atlantic salmon, which are native to Lake Ontario and seeing improved returns after changes to stocking strategy and locations. Meanwhile, anglers are also noticing stronger coho salmon fishing, especially in the western basin—and the DEC shares why natural reproduction may be playing a bigger role than many people realize. Chris and Rob also address a question many anglers have been asking: Where are the 30-pound Chinook salmon? Learn how salmon abundance, prey availability, and long-term management decisions influence fish size trends—and why today’s fishery still ranks among the strongest in decades. Additional topics include: Chinook salmon catch-rate trends since 2017 How Atlantic salmon stocking changes are improving returns The role of pen-rearing programs in boosting survival Brown trout strain improvements and survival expectations Cormorant control efforts near stocking sites How anglers help shape DEC management decisions through advisory panels Whether you fish the Niagara Bar, the Salmon River, Oak Orchard, or anywhere else on Lake Ontario, this episode offers valuable insight into the science behind the fishery—and what it means for your next season on the water. For more Great Lakes fishing reports, tactics, and electronics insights, visit FishHawkElectronics.com.

    50 min
4.6
out of 5
56 Ratings

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Podcast by Fish Hawk Electronics

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