Slickfish Radio

Jim Crowley

Join host Jim Crowley as he gets you the inside track with professional anglers and industry insiders. A true audience interaction podcast! Get hooked on Slickfish Radio.

  1. MAR 30

    Bates Fishing Reels: Innovation being noticed!

    🎙️ In this episode of Slickfish Radio, host Jim Crowley sits down with Nick Staub of Bates Fishing Co. for an in-depth conversation on what’s really driving innovation in modern fishing reels. This isn’t just another gear talk—it's a deep dive into the engineering, philosophy, and performance behind one of the most talked-about reel manufacturers in the industry right now. 🔧 Nick breaks down what makes Bates reels different, starting with their commitment to true CNC-machined construction. Unlike traditional reels that use cast frames, Bates machines their frames from solid blocks of 6061 aluminum using advanced 5-axis CNC technology. The result? Increased rigidity, better drag consistency, and zero frame flex when it matters most. 🇺🇸 The conversation also explores Bates’ push toward American manufacturing. With a significant investment in in-house machining and sourcing the majority of materials domestically, Bates is working to bring high-end reel production back to the U.S.—something rarely seen in today’s fishing market. 🎣 Jim and Nick also get into real-world performance, discussing how these design choices translate on the water. From heavy cover fishing to throwing big swimbaits, Bates reels are built with serious anglers in mind—prioritizing strength, smooth power transfer, and long-term durability. ⚙️ Another key theme is the shift from traditional mass-produced reels to precision-engineered equipment. Bates is challenging the status quo by focusing on tighter tolerances, premium materials, and purpose-built designs for specific fishing applications. 💡 Whether you’re a hardcore angler, a gear enthusiast, or just curious about what goes into high-performance fishing equipment, this episode gives you a rare behind-the-scenes look at reel design and innovation. 👇 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth fishing conversations and gear breakdowns.

    44 min
  2. FEB 12

    Jerkbait & Drop Shot Fishing with Banks Shaw

    🎣 Jerkbait vs. Drop Shot – In-Depth Fishing Breakdown with MLF Pro Banks Shaw | Hosted by Jim Crowley In this full-length episode, Jim Crowley sits down with Major League Fishing Pro Banks Shaw for an in-depth conversation about two of the most effective bass fishing techniques: jerkbait fishing and drop shot fishing. Whether you're targeting smallmouth in clear water or coaxing pressured largemouth into biting, Banks shares detailed insights from the MLF tour on when, where, and how to use these proven techniques to maximize your success on the water. 🔥 In this episode, we cover: When to throw a jerkbait vs. when to pick up a drop shot Seasonal patterns and water temperature considerations Rod, reel, and line setup recommendations Bait selection, color choices, and cadence adjustments Electronics and boat positioning tips How to trigger bites in tough conditions Tournament mindset and decision-making strategies Banks breaks down the subtleties that make a big difference — from jerkbait cadence and pause timing to drop shot leader length and weight selection. Jim leads a deep-dive conversation that’s packed with practical knowledge you can immediately apply to your own fishing. Whether you're a weekend angler or a serious tournament competitor, this discussion delivers real-world insight straight from the MLF stage. 👉 If you enjoy detailed fishing conversations with the pros, be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more in-depth bass fishing content.

    44 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Join host Jim Crowley as he gets you the inside track with professional anglers and industry insiders. A true audience interaction podcast! Get hooked on Slickfish Radio.

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