Fishing University's Take It to the Bank

Fishing University
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Fishing University's Take It to the Bank Podcast with Ben Ballou is the serious angler's guide to bass fishing across the country. Hosted by TV host Ben Ballou, this twice-weekly podcast delivers up-to-date regional fishing reports and expert insights tailored to anglers who want to cash in on the latest bite. Covering 10 key fishing regions, from the Florida swamps to the Great Lakes, each episode breaks down seasonal patterns, hot baits, and tournament-winning strategies. Plus, once a month, we mix it up with a special guest episode, featuring legendary pros, rising stars, and industry insiders. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a tournament angler, or just love talking fishing, this is the podcast that helps you Take It to the Bank!

  1. 12/31/2025

    Raven’s Guard Ben Cleveland on Haters, Hard Hooksets, and Life in The NFL

    In this episode of the Take It To The Bank podcast, host Ben Ballou welcomes NFL lineman Ben Cleveland, who shares his journey from a small-town upbringing to professional football and his passion for fishing. The conversation covers Cleveland's early experiences in the outdoors, his NFL career, the draft process, and the challenges of balancing sports with personal interests. They also discuss a memorable fishing trip to Kentucky Lake, the nuances of fishing techniques, and the reactions to social media posts about their fishing methods. The episode concludes with light-hearted banter and insights into the world of professional sports and fishing. takeaways Ben Cleveland shares his journey from small-town Georgia to the NFL. Fishing was a necessity growing up, helping to put food on the table. The importance of quick decision-making in both fishing and football. Draft day was a mix of excitement and missed calls. Cleveland emphasizes the mental aspect of football and fishing. Social media reactions can be surprising and humorous. Hook setting techniques can vary and spark debate among anglers. The camaraderie between athletes in different sports is evident. Fishing techniques differ greatly depending on the location and conditions. The joy of fishing lies in the experience, not just the catch.

    56 min

  2. 08/28/2025

    BASS opens pro and KY Lake stick Jordan Hartman on September fishing and catching some funny items on the TN RIVER

    In this episode of the Take It to the Bank podcast, host Ben Ballou welcomes tournament angler Jordan Hartman to discuss fishing techniques, conditions, and experiences on Kentucky Lake and the Tennessee River. They explore the current fishing season, effective strategies for September, and the importance of understanding fish behavior. The conversation also touches on safety tips for navigating Kentucky Lake, the impact of winter drawdown on fishing, and some humorous fishing stories. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Fishing Season 00:52 Jordan Hartman's Tournament Experience 02:30 Current Fishing Conditions 05:18 September Fishing Strategies 08:59 Understanding the Tennessee River 09:41 Scoping Techniques for Bass Fishing 14:41 Identifying Bass on LiveScope 18:10 Bait Selection for Scoping 23:15 Using Spinnerbaits and Worms 25:09 Fishing Techniques for Smallmouth Bass 31:07 Understanding Kentucky Lake's Conditions 35:39 Navigating Kentucky Lake Safely 39:17 Fishing Bars and Their Importance 44:54 Embarrassing Moments on the Water

    52 min

  3. 08/21/2025

    Breaking Down Leech Lake with Bassmaster Opens Pro and College Hammer Harmon Marien!

    In this episode of the Take It to the Bank podcast, host Ben Ballou interviews Harmon Marien, a rising star in the fishing world. They discuss Harmon’s journey through college fishing, his experiences on Northern fisheries, and insights from his recent tournament at Leech Lake. The conversation covers various fishing techniques, bait selections, and the differences between targeting smallmouth and largemouth bass. Harmon shares valuable tips for aspiring anglers and recounts some humorous and embarrassing moments from his fishing adventures. Takeaways Harmon Marien is a talented young angler with a bright future. College fishing has significantly raised the competitive bar. Understanding the specific habitat of a lake is crucial for success. Smallmouth bass prefer to be in areas where they can see all around them. Fishing techniques can vary greatly depending on the conditions and fish behavior. Bait selection is key; certain baits work better in different situations. Fishing pressure can change fish behavior and feeding patterns. Trial and error is essential in finding the right technique for the day. Jig fishing can be effective, especially in windy conditions. Embarrassing moments on the water are part of the fishing experience. 00:00 Introduction to Harmon Marien 02:19 The Journey into College Fishing 06:14 Success in College Fishing 10:16 Exploring Northern Fisheries 11:37 Strategies for Targeting Bass Species 20:04 Analyzing Leech Lake's Structure 29:37 Tactics for Catching Smallmouth Bass 33:54 Essential Baits for Bass Fishing 36:57 Techniques for Fishing Boulders 40:24 Drop Shot Strategies and Setups 42:34 Jig Fishing for Smallmouth Bass 46:38 Understanding Fish Behavior and Feeding Patterns 49:34 Techniques for Presenting Minnow Baits 55:38 Jig Fishing Success in Challenging Conditions 58:02 Common Mistakes in Smallmouth Fishing 59:34 Embarrassing Moments on the Water

    1h 10m

  4. 07/31/2025

    Mastering Smallmouth Fishing with Elite Pro Jonathan Kelley

    In this episode of 'Take It to the Bank', host Ben Ballou and elite series pro Jonathan Kelley dive deep into the world of smallmouth bass fishing. They discuss the nuances of fishing in northern waters, particularly Lake Oneida, and share insights on tournament preparation, bait selection, and the behavior of smallmouth bass. The conversation also touches on the challenges of navigating rough waters and the importance of boat maintenance. Listeners are treated to entertaining anecdotes and valuable tips for both novice and experienced anglers. takeaways Smallmouth bass fishing is best during cooler weather.Different northern fisheries require different gear and techniques.Mapping technology is crucial for locating smallmouth bass.Smallmouth spawn around individual rocks and gravel areas.Grass mixed with rocks is a prime location for smallmouth.Hair jigs are effective in calm conditions and require a slow retrieve.Boat maintenance is essential for safe navigation in rough waters.Understanding fish behavior is key to successful fishing.Tournament fishing requires adaptability and quick decision-making.Funny and unexpected moments can happen while fishing. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Smallmouth Bass Fishing 03:03 Preparing for Upcoming Tournaments 06:06 Understanding Smallmouth Behavior 08:49 Spawning Habits and Habitat Preferences 12:03 Fishing Techniques and Strategies 15:11 Current and Its Impact on Fishing 17:57 Breaking Down Lake Oneida 21:03 Fishing Gear and Setup 23:49 Bait Selection for Smallmouth Bass 27:00 Final Thoughts and Tips 36:56 Understanding Fish Behavior and Bait Selection 39:20 The Art of Drop Shot Fishing 40:50 Exploring Hair Jigs and Their Effectiveness 46:02 Identifying Feeding Zones for Smallmouth Bass 50:06 Navigating Rough Waters: Boat Maintenance and Safety 56:03 Experiences in Extreme Water Conditions 01:03:38 Humorous and Embarrassing Fishing Stories

    1h 10m

  5. 07/24/2025

    Fishing Beyond Limits: The Story of Hunter Baughman

    In this episode of the Take It to the Bank podcast, host Ben Ballou welcomes Hunter Baughman, a professional fisherman who has overcome significant physical challenges to pursue his passion for fishing. The conversation covers Hunter's journey from childhood to becoming a competitive angler, including his experiences in tournament fishing, his recent success in the Toyota Series, and his insights on fishing techniques, particularly in rivers during the summer months. Hunter shares personal stories, including humorous moments and the importance of perseverance in the face of adversity, making for an inspiring and informative discussion. takeaways Hunter Baughman has overcome significant physical challenges to pursue his passion for fishing.Fishing is accessible to everyone, regardless of physical ability.The importance of competition drives many anglers, including Hunter.Hunter's journey in tournament fishing began with local competitions and evolved into national events.The Toyota Series win was a pivotal moment in Hunter's fishing career.Fishing rivers in the summer requires specific techniques and strategies.Current plays a crucial role in fishing success on rivers.Backwater areas can hold larger fish during the summer months.Patience and persistence are key to successful fishing.Humor and positivity are essential in overcoming life's challenges. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Hunter Baughman 04:24 Overcoming Challenges: Hunter's Journey 10:18 The Love for Fishing: Early Memories 12:29 Transitioning to Tournament Fishing 18:56 Building a Career in Professional Fishing 27:16 Overcoming Challenges in Fishing 29:30 The Journey to the Toyota Series Win 44:01 Fishing Strategies for Hot Summer Rivers 51:43 Family and Fishing Life 52:15 Understanding River Currents and Jetties 53:48 Fishing Techniques for Jetties 59:10 Exploring Backwater Fishing Strategies 01:03:45 Current vs. Water Level in Fishing 01:04:48 Fishing Challenges in Hot Weather 01:07:15 Humorous Encounters and Misconceptions 01:10:44 Embarrassing Moments on the Water

    1h 7m

  6. 07/10/2025

    One of the GOATS of bass fishing goes in depth on the TN RIVER in Summer time!

    Join host Ben Ballou in this exclusive interview with Andy Morgan, widely regarded as the GOAT (Greatest of All Time) in professional fishing. Dive into a compelling mix of fishing tips, hunting adventures, and personal stories from the Tennessee River to wild bluff country. ✅ Topics covered: Fishing techniques during the Mayfly hatchLive Scope and how it's transforming the gameBluff fishing tips from a proHow current and seasonal patterns affect fishAndy’s favorite hunting stories and outdoor encounters Whether you're a seasoned angler or weekend warrior, you'll pick up valuable outdoor insights, gear tips, and a few laughs. 🦆 Bonus: Andy shares his love for duck hunting and bow hunting, revealing how both passions fuel his competitive edge. 📍 Filmed near the Tennessee River, this episode is a must-watch for fans of outdoor adventures, bass fishing, and real stories from the field. #Fishing #AndyMorgan #Hunting #TennesseeRiver #LiveScope #MayflyHatch #FishingTips #BluffFishing #OutdoorLife #FishingPodcast #DuckHunting #FishingStories #bassfishing Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction to the GOAT of Fishing (Andy Morgan) 02:33 – Why Andy Loves Both Hunting and Fishing 05:31 – Duck Hunting: Andy’s #1 Passion 08:33 – Elk Hunting & Bowhunting in the Wild 11:43 – Fishing the Tennessee River: Seasonal Insights 14:30 – The Importance of the Mayfly Hatch 17:31 – Shallow Fishing vs. Deep Water Strategy 20:22 – Choosing the Right Bait for the Right Conditions 23:19 – How Live Scope...

    1h 12m

  7. 05/07/2025

    The Most Interesting Name in Fishing Talks About Fame, Faith, and Fishing!

    Welcome back to another episode of the Take It to the Bank Podcast! In this insightful and entertaining episode, host Ben Ballou sits down with legendary pro bass angler James Niggemeyer to dive deep into Texas bass fishing in the month of May—especially on the famed Lake Fork. Known for his humble attitude, deep faith, and one of the most unique names in the sport, James shares not only his fishing knowledge but also his inspiring personal story, from his rise in the Elite Series to his unwavering faith through life's toughest moments. What You'll Learn in This Episode: How to find and fish the shad spawn across Texas lakesWhy Lake Fork in May is both magical and challenging for bass anglersProven tactics for fishing post-spawn bass, including frogs, swim jigs, Carolina rigs, and speed wormsHow James breaks down standing timber and offshore structureThe real story behind James's social media fame and how his name became a talking pointHow faith and fishing intersect in his life and careerKeys to fish care during tournaments and maximizing survival on warm spring days Bonus Content: Deep dive into Birch Creek on Lake Fork, including map breakdowns and strategic locationsSetup recommendations: rods, reels, line, baits, and favorite colorsWhy color selection may not be as complex as many thinkNavigating the transition from shallow to offshore fishing during MayTop community holes and patterns working right now on Lake Fork Whether you're a tournament angler looking to refine your strategy or just a bass fishing fan who loves learning from the best, this episode is packed with actionable advice, heart, and humor. Don’t miss it. Timestamps: 0:00 – Intro with James Niggemeyer 2:00 – The story behind the name and social media explosion 6:00 – James on faith, fishing, and life challenges 11:00 – Early years, Elite Series memories, and guiding in Texas 17:00 – Boater-on-boater drawdown stories from back in the day 23:00 – Shad spawn: locations, timing, and techniques 34:00 – Lake Fork in May: top patterns and baits 46:00 – Birch Creek map breakdown and how to fish it 55:00 – Offshore structure and southern Lake Fork strategy 59:00 – Gear setups: frogs, squarebills, Carolina rigs, and more 1:11:00 – How to approach standing timber confidently Subscribe for more deep-dive conversations with top anglers, fishing strategies, and all things competitive bass fishing. Keywords: Texas bass fishing, Lake Fork, May bass fishing, shad spawn, James Niggemeyer, Take it to the Bank podcast, Bassmaster Elite Series, MLF, post-spawn bass, frog fishing, swim jig setup, Carolina rig, fishing tackle setup, standing timber bass, how to fish Lake Fork, bass tournament strategy, Christian anglers, bass fishing podcast

    1h 18m

  8. 04/23/2025

    Ozarks hammer BPT Pro Jeremy Lawyer on April fishing on Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock, and Grand!!

    Welcome back to Take It to the Bank Podcast. In this episode, we sit down with BPT and MLF champion Jeremy Lawyer to talk everything April bass fishing. From targeting fish in all phases of the spawn to key strategies for navigating rapidly changing spring conditions, this conversation is packed with practical tips for serious anglers. What you’ll hear in this episode: • An absolutely wild story about Drew Boggs and a Dremel tool that you’ve got to hear to believe • The latest patterns on Grand Lake, Table Rock and Lake of the Ozarks • Why fish positioning changes daily in April and how to stay ahead of them • Jeremy’s go to sight fishing baits and techniques, including the underrated chicken rig • The pros and cons of wacky rigs, trick worms, tubes and more when bed fishing pressured lakes • How to choose the best bank lines, water color and spawning zones on highland reservoirs • How Jeremy breaks down lake sections to target pre spawn, spawning and post spawn fish all in the same day • Tips for reading bass behavior and knowing when to walk away from a stubborn bed fish • His favorite line, hook and rod setups for finesse fishing and flipping • The one fish that still haunts him years later and what it cost him Whether you're fishing a tournament, preparing for a trip to Lake of the Ozarks or just trying to understand spring bass behavior better, this is the episode to study. Jeremy’s advice is based on decades of experience and delivers real world knowledge any angler can apply right now. Be sure to subscribe to the channel for more pro angler interviews, bass fishing strategy, and behind the scenes stories from the water. Take It to the Bank Podcast is your go to source for seasonal breakdowns, gear tips and fishing insights straight from the pros. Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and all major streaming platforms. Keywords Bass fishing April Lake of the Ozarks bass fishing Jeremy Lawyer fishing bed fishing tips spawning bass strategies fishing podcast wacky rig setup spring bass fishing MLF pro angler Take It to the Bank Podcast chicken rig fishing pre spawn bass post spawn bass highland reservoir fishing bass sight fishing Ozarks fishing spring

    59 min
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4.3
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6 Ratings

About

Fishing University's Take It to the Bank Podcast with Ben Ballou is the serious angler's guide to bass fishing across the country. Hosted by TV host Ben Ballou, this twice-weekly podcast delivers up-to-date regional fishing reports and expert insights tailored to anglers who want to cash in on the latest bite. Covering 10 key fishing regions, from the Florida swamps to the Great Lakes, each episode breaks down seasonal patterns, hot baits, and tournament-winning strategies. Plus, once a month, we mix it up with a special guest episode, featuring legendary pros, rising stars, and industry insiders. Whether you're a weekend warrior, a tournament angler, or just love talking fishing, this is the podcast that helps you Take It to the Bank!

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