The Fishful Thinker Podcast: Recent Episodes
Chad LaChance
Fishful Thinker is a state of mind that besets those who think fishy thoughts. It‘s respect for the quarry, environment and peers, the sharing of knowledge, and the understanding of an angler‘s place in the grand scheme, however humbling that may be. We thrive in that mindset!
Spring means shallow fishing and shallow fihsing can often be maximized by using lighter lures. Host Chad LaChance believes in getting the lead out and shares his thoughts on this episode. Hope you'll like, share and subscribe while you're here!
Memorial day is a great tiem to be outside near water, but can frustrate anglers. Chad LaChance lives overlooking a lake and public campground and shares his thoughts on dealing with the crowds and still catching a few fish.
Birds can be a angler's best friend...if you are observant and know when they're relevant to the bite and when they're not. Host Chad LaChance believes the powers of observation, especially as it pertains to fishing birds, are an easy way to improve yoiur success and shares details in this podcast.
Taking a guided fishing trip is a great way to advance your skills and enjoy time on the water...if you book with the right guide. Doing that is part of what Chad LaChance discusses in this podcast, as well as how to get the most out of the day once you're there.
Fish and fishermen love stable conditions, but what do anglers do when the weather is not cooperative...how does an angler adjust? Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on the topic, learned from 20 years of guiding and filming.
If catching fish is fun and catching fish you can see ahead of time is even more fun! Whether it's trout in a river, cruisers feeding in shallow water or even fish guarding an area, casting to fish you can see takes skill and nerves. Host Chad LaChance loves to sight fish and shares his thoughts.
Fishing tackle ain't cheap and the buying options are limitless; Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on choosing tackle to maximize your value and efficiency on the water.
Power and finesse are two very different approaches to fishing! Chad LaChance believes that combining the two concepts on any given day is a great way to maximize catching, regardless fo what you're fishing for.
Anglers typically gravitate to the newest lures, but many old school lures have plenty of merit in modern angling. Chad LaChance shares some classic lures he feels still deserve a spot in your tacklebox.
Heavy wind (not a breeze...real wind!) is a common problem anglers face, especially in spring and fall. Host Chad LaChance is no stranger ot fishing in the wind; his home lake sits in a valley known for its high winds. He shares his thoughts on what to throw when the windy really blows!
For walleye anglers, early spring is a magic time to target them. Chad LaChance focusses his walleye fishing efforts around the late March- April timeframe and shares his thoughts. Please share and subscribe while you're here!
Chad LaChance believes that small, hand-launchable boats may just be the way to have the most fun fishing. It's a huge trend in fishing these days, and he shares his small boat set-up experiences. Hope you'll subscribe while you're here!
Before you can catch fish you must locate fish and Chad LaChance believes in a systematic approach. He breaks down his approach to trout rivers in this episode. Please like, share and subscribe while you're here!
Did you know that the timing of your fishing trips will most likely have more affect on your success than all your fancy flies or lures will? Host Chad LaChance has built a career by planning his fishing trips around key times, and he shares the details here.
Like any sport, a little pre-season training and prep goes a long way towards a successful fishing season. Chad LaChance says it may be more important for serious anglers, but most casual fishermen could benefit from the time-honored sporting ritual as well. Please like, share and subscribe while you're here! #sportsmanswarehouse #berkleyfishing #abugarcia #fishingtips #fishingpodcast
The ol' plastic tube was originally designed for bass, but Chad LaChance feels the versatile plastic shape goes well beyond what the designers may have imagined. Please subscribe while you're here...it's a labor of love!
Tailwater fisheries are just about the only open water option for a bunch of anglers this time of year adn while most folks target them with fly tackle, Chad LaChance will most often utilize spinning tackle on these low, clear and cold fisheries. He shares his thoughts in this episode. Please like, share and subscribe if you enjoy these podcast!
Host Chad LaChance has developed a systematic approach to chooing colors based on generalities. It helps to reduce lure choices and builds confidence; he shares his thoughts in this episode.
Chad LaChance has had dozens of boats over his fishing career, ranging from full blown tournament fiberglass bass boats to 14 foot "tin" tiller boats. He shares his thoughts on key buying details, with the timing being perfect since winter is boat show season!
Chad LaChance believes that if more anglers focussed on these five things, they'd catch more fish. It's a simple path to more catching!
Chad LaChance, the host and producer of Fishful Thinker TV now in it's 17th year on cable TV, gives an inside look into how they plan and build a 13 show season of fishing trips.
Chad LaChance looks back at the lessons learned watching and editing 13 new Fishful Thinker TV episodes filmed over the last season. He discusses what went right, what went wrong and what he took away from the season.
It takes a whole fishing season for host Chad LaChance to gain confidence and trust in a new lure, and the new Berkley Finisher passed that long-term test with ease. LaChance shares his thoughts on tackle and presentation details for this super versatile lure.
'Tis the season and it's Black Friday...here's a few ideas for the outdoors folks on your list!
Treble hooks...love 'em or hate, they're very common on conventional fishing lures. They require maintenance and in some cases are not even legal. Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on all things treble hooks, including replacing them with single hooks.
Fishing ain't cheap, but there are ways to save a few bucks in your angling. Host Chad LaChance is frugal by nature; here's how he manages some of expense of angling.
It may be mid fall and you're still fishing, but now is the time to start evaluating and inventorying your tackle, thus allowing plenty of time to take advantage of year-end deals and winter's free time. Host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on the first steps towards next spring's fishing. #sportmanswarehouse #berkleyfishing
abugarcia
Conventional tackle trout anglers have a strong tendency towards small lures, but host Chad LaChance believes they'd be well served to upsize their lure offerings, at least during the spring and fall seasons.
Hyperphasia, or the fall feeding binge, is upon us and that is happy information for anglers. Host Chad LaChance loves fishing this time of year and shares his general thoughts on fall fishing for multi-species. Thanks for tuning in; please like,m share and subscribe if this podcast is of interest!
Over nearly two decades of traveling around filming FTTV host Chad LaChance has focussed on one key thing...consistency. He shares his thoughts on keys that have helped him, and could help you, catch fish every time you hit the water.
Somedays the fishing just doesn't go like you want it to...but how you deal with it defines your day. Host Chad LaChance just returned from a tough trip and shares his thoughts on keeping the wheels from falling off!
The dead-drifted fly, be it nymph or dry fly, may be classic and part of the sport's history, but host Chad LaChance believes moving flies can catch fish in scenarios that dead-drifts fail. From streamers to wets and even to dry flies, LaChance likes to make his flies move...and often they move really quickly!
Early fall can be a tough time to fish due to a range of variables. Host Chad LaChance has filmed fishing shows and guided clients during this time of year for two decades and shares his thoughts on details to combat the finicky early fall season. Please share and subscribe...it's a labor of love!
Host Chad LaChance loves to pursue trout, both rainbows and browns, in September through November. He fishes each species differently and shars those details and others in this episode. Please share and subscribe while your here!
The difference in fishing reservoirs versus natural lakes is far more than simply the presence of a dam. Host Chad LaChance breaks down differences from water levels to weed growth to species mixes, nad talks about how it affects angling.
Preparing for a long range roadtrip to fish somewhere fun can take some planning. After 20 years of running around the country chasing fish, host Chad LaChance has planned and packed for literally hundreds of fishing roadtrips and shares his thoughts on getting your tackle pared down to manageable amounts and transporting it safely.
Host Chad LaChance loves to cook fish and game almost as much as he loves to fish and hunt. He shares his thoughts on some slightly different ways to cook the fish you harvest, from bluegills to trout.
A quick trip to a local canyon reminded host Chad LaChance of the some of the key details for being successful on even low-key fishing trips. He shares his thoughts on this podcast; if you enjoy or learn from it, please subscribe while you're here!
Late summer heading into fall means many sportfish chasing baitfish in wide open water, most often on main lake areas. Locating this baitfish/sportfish feeding frenzy is part of the battle, and getting good presentation is the other part; host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on both. If you enjoy or learn from this podcast, please subscribe wherever you listen from!
Spoons may old school and simple looking, but there is a reason they are so popular with so many anglers...they catch fish! Host Chad LaChance believes spoons are under-rated and shares his thoughts on their use for everything from redfish to walleyes to lake trout to salmon. Please subscribe while you're here!
Did you know that anglers catch more fish per hour on average fishing vertically than horizontally? Host Chad LaChance is a fan of vertical fishing and shares his thoughts.
It's a very busy time of year for anglers everywhere, especially those in the fishing business. Host Chad LaChance has been "in the biz" for 20 years and shares his thoughts- and lessons - from a mid-summer pause in the action.
ICAST is the largest trade show in the fishing business and it's only open toe members of the media, manufacturer's, retailers and others in the fishing industry. It's closed to the public so host Chad LaChance gives you a behind the scenes peak of what working the ICAST show looks like.
In 20 years of fishing professionally, host Chad LaChance has heard a lot of questions and many of them are very common. He addresses the most commonlky asked ones in this podcast.
Summer trout season is in full swing and lot's of folks are targeting "stockers". Host Chad LaChance discusses some simple things that will ensure you can catch - and safely release - lots of trout.
Reservoirs look beautiful at flood stage and it can be great for the long term health of the fishery...bvut it can make anglers' days very frustrating. 20 years of guiding on a lake that flooded almost yearly taught host Chad LaChance how to deal with very high water, and he shares his thoughts in this podcast. If you enjoy, please like and subscribe wherever you listen!
Fishing's springtime party is over and the dog days of summer are looming. Fishing is getting trickier for all species and host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on how to overcome the heat and crowds. Please subscribe while you're here! #sportsmanswarehouse
Winding a crankbait seems simple enough but like mostr techniques, there are details and nuances that separate great crankers from average winders. Bass, walleye, white bass, trout and others respond well to crankbaits and host Chad LaChance shars his details for the efficient fish-catching lure. Please subscribe while you're here!
Bass are America's most popular sportfish but not many anglers fly fish for them. Host Chad LaChance does and shares his thoughts on this fun way to catch spring bass. Please share and subscribe if you enjoy this podcast...it's a labor of love!
Host Chad LaChance believes in the power of confidence in all aspects of life and feels it's especially important in angling success. He discusses ways to build your own confidence initially, as well as repairing damaged confidence for more experienced anglers. Please like, share and subscribe while you're here!
If you fish much, eventually you'll get snagged. Host Chad LaChance shares his ideas for both preventing snags and freeing them when it happens. If this podcast is helpful, please subscribe wherever you listen from!
Being a co-angler in a tournament boat, or even fishing in your friends' boats, typically means you stuck in the back of the boat. That does not automatically mean you're at a disadvantage, it just means you need to adapt. Host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on beating folks out of their own boats!
We all make mistakes as anglers...it's what we learn from them that helps us grow. Host Chad LaChance has made more than he cares to admit, and discusses the common ones here in an effort to help you avoid them. Please subscribe to the podcast...Fishful Thinker is a labor of love.
Host Chad LaChance and guest Dan Swanson (former walleye pro and guide) discuss a whole slew of things they've learned from owning more than 30 fishing boats between them, towing all over the country. From unexpected maintenance to legal safety items you are likely not aware of. Please share and subscribe if you learned anything!
Forward Facing Sonar may be controversial but it is here to stay. What has this revolutionary new technology taught us as anglers? Host Chad LaChance and retired fishing guide Dan Swanson have used FFS since its inception and share their lessons. Please subscribe while you're here!
Fishful Thinker host Chad LaChance has been guiding anglers for 20 years and airing on TV for 16 years. Over that time he's received a lot of questions. This episode addresses emailing questions so that you can get the best answers. Please subscribe while you're here!
Largemouth bass are the most popular sportfish in the U.S. and most bassers carry tons of lures. But what if you only get one one lure to fish with...what do you choose? Host Chad LaChance loves bass fishing and discusses his choice here. We hope you'll subscribe!
Many anglers practice catch and release angling for at least some of their fishing, but are they successful in survival? Host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts and those of a fish physiologist in this informative and important episode. Hope you'll subscribe and share it!
As part of the "Only One Lure" for a given species series, host and smallmouth guide Chad LaChance shares his choice if he only got to pick one lure for a day of targeting bronzebacks. Please subscribe while you're here...FTTV is a labor of love!
Host Chad LaChance addresses one of the most common question he gets..."if you only get one lure, which one do you choose?"...only his information is species-specific. Please subscribe while you're here!
Carrying a small amount of well-chosen fishing tackle in your vehicle ensures you can fish at a moments notice. Host Chad LaChance calls it opportunity fishing and shares what he carries to be ready when the chance arrises in his travels.
Using a leader in your fishing has several advantages. Host Chad LaChance uses leaders in much of his angling and shares his thoughts on their use for a variety of angling situations.
It's late February and we have rare open water bass ponds around the region. Host Chad LaChance says they're catchable but it'll likely take some patience...
On a recent vacation host Chad LaChance caught a slew of inshore slat water fish simply by focussing fundamentals learned in fresh water. He's shares the process in this episode...please subscribe while you are here!
Both anglers and hunters often find success on the edge, any edge. The concept of edges is key to locating fish and game. Host Chad LaChance always exploits edges in his outdoor pursuits and share shis thoughts on the fundamental topic.
"If you could only pick one lure..." is a very common question host Chad LaChance gets, and his answer varies by species. In this case, he'll break down the details of his "if you only get one lure" for trout specifically. Please subscribe while you're here!
The two terms are often used interchangeably but they are not the same thing and understanding the differences will help you catch more fish. Host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on defining the two terms, and more importantly, applying them to you fishing.
Lot's of people travel to the coasts at this time of year to soak up some sun and warmth and they might as well fish a it while they're there, right? Host Chad LaChance thinks so and here's his tips, gleaned from three decades of beach vacations, to help you keep it very simple yet still catch a few fish. Please subscribe wherever you listen!
A boat is a big purchase and if you have not bought many boats, the decision process can be tricky. Here's what host Chad LaChance, who has bought 20+ fishing boats and helped many others buy their own boats, has to say about boat buying decisions.
Western anglers are staring at the prospect of frozen waters for he coming months...unless you have access to some tailwater trout fishing! Host Chad LaChance shares his intel on both fly and spin fishing western tailwaters, along with some info on Denver local appearances coming up soon.
The turning of a new year is a perfect time to evaluate the year passed and the coming season as well. Host Chad LaChance puts a lot of stock in that concept and shares his thoughts on a making a better 2024.
Tis the season to celebrate with family and friends, reflect on the year passed and look forward to the coming year. Host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on the season.
Freshly stocked trout may not be glamorous, but this time of year they are typically abundant and willing to bite. Host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on simple, holiday time trouting in metro reservoirs.
Like it or not, boating season in the northern states is rapidly coming to an end. That means now is the perfect time to ensure your boat is not only ready for a long sleep, but also ready to launch the first nice day in spring! Please consider subscribing wherever you listen.
December is a month of planning...planning content, fishing trips and time with family and friends.Chad LaChance shares his light-hearted thoughts on this month and what the new year has in store.
Choosing gifts for outdoorsy folks can be tough; host Chad LaChance is here to help! Working at Sportsmans' Warehouse for five years gave him some insight into holiday season ideas and he shares them in this episode.
Testing fishing products in an official capacity requires a defined process, plus a bunch of experience. Here's how host Chad LaChance handles this responsibility.
The use of technology in fishing has always been hotly debated, but probably never as much as when live or forward facing sonar hit the scene. Love it or not, it's here to stay. Host Chad LaChance was an early adopter and gives his thoughts on the good, bad and ugly of FFS.
"Jigging" is a very common term in fishing, but the idea of working a jig is very broad. Two anglers, both jigging, may be fishing completely differently and with different results. Host Chad LaChance love to jig and shares his thoughts on the ways and means of multi-species jigging.
Love it or hate it, social media is changing the fishing game. Host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on the positive and negative sides of social media in fishing.
'Tis the season to harvest, and few things are tastier than freshly harvested trout, juvenile lake trout, or kokanee salmon. Host Chad LaChance loves to smoke all these fish, and then eat them stand alone or in other preparations. He shares his smoking ideas in this episode; enjoy...and please subscribe while you're here!
Flutter spoons, jigging spoons and blade baits all come into their own in the fall and will produce bass, walleyes, white bass/wipers/stripers and others all through the open water season. Host Chad LaChance relies heavily on the technique and shares his presentation details in this podcast. Please subscribe while you're here!
It's late September and that means the water in our regional ponds is cooling down and the aquatic vegetation is starting to die off. That adds up to some aggressive fall bass fishing as these eating machines prepare for a long slow winter under the ice. Host Chad LaChanceshares his insights on this fun fall bite; please subscribe while you're here!
Trophy fall brown trout are beautiful, aggressive and generally display a "doesn't play well with others" attitude...which is all part of their charm! Host Chad LaChance loves this bite, and shares his power fishing details in this episode.
Early fall sees a lot of fish and wildlife transition into their hyperphagia stage....the annual fall feeding binge in preparation for leaner winter months ahead. Fishing can be evry good, but there are some keys to maximizing success and host Chad LaChance discusses them in this episode. Please subscribe while you're your here!
Ahhh...the fall season! Outdoors folks have so many options to pursue their passions, both hunting and fishing, that it can be daunting. Host Chad LaChance says you don't have to choose...you can do both on any given outing, you just have to plan accordingly!
Love it or hate it, technology has taken a marked turn in fish catching with the advent of live or forward facing sonar and other developments. Anglers, to be fully up to speed with technology, must now be able to manage data, maintain networks and connectivity, and interpret what they're seeing. Host Chad LaChance has taught sonar classes in his boat for a decade and shares his thoughts in this episode. Please share with your friends and subscribe to the podcast...it's a labor of love!
Host Chad LaChance has been traveling around filming Fishful Thinker TV since 2008 and for a decade before that he fished tournaments or just for fun all over the place. All those fishing trips have taught him what info he needs to know in advance to ensure the trip has the highest possibility for success. Please subscribe to the Fishful Thinker podcast and YouTube channel...both a labors of love!
Late summer means boils...no not as in people food, as in schooling predator fish pushing baitfish to the surface and "boiling" on them as they feed. It's a sight to behold and can seriously fun for anglers armed with the right knowledge and skills of how to handle the situation. Host and guide Chad LaChance shares his insight in this episode...please subscribe while you're here!
The weakest part of your tackle is the knots you tie, and especially when coupled with lazy line maintenance, poor knots cost both money and fish. Host Chad LaChance shares his knot and line maintenance insight gleaned from 20 years of guiding and 45 years of fishing. It's pretty simple to keep prevent break-offs...all it takes is some diligence and discipline.
It may be the dog days of summer, but an escape to the high country is a sure way to get some relief from the heat. Whether you fish small creeks or high cirque lakes targeting brook trout or cutthroats, you will find the scenery incredible and fishing can be as well...with a few of host Chad LaChance's tips in your arsenal! Please subscribe while you're here!
Mid summer can be a fantastic time to fish, but it can also be frustrating. There's tons of bait, the fish have a lot of pressure already, and most of them have moved to off-shore haunts for summer. Host Chad LaChance has guided anglers through summer days for almost 20 years and dshares his thoughts on summer mid summer reservoir fishing in this episode. Please subscribe while you're here; Fishful Thinker is a labor of love!
Ever wonder how your favorite lure was developed, or how they made that new model of fishing rod so much better then the older version? Host Chad LaChance spends a lot of his time as an official fishing tackle tester working closely with product development teams and companies to help ensure what they are working on will work for anglers when it comes to market, and share's his insight in this almost "behind the scenes" podcast!
The venerable soft plastic tube may have been invented for bass fishing, but host Chad LaChance has been fishing fishing them for everything from trout to panfish to snook for 30+ years. He shares some insight on the ways and means of rigging and fishing this uber-versatile lure genre. Please subscribe wherever you listen in!
Whether it be aquatic vegetation or terrestrial vegetation that is flooded, fishing in the weeds can be both frustrating and rewarding. Not all vegetation is created equal in the fish's eyes though, so host Chad LaChance delves into how he approaches fishing the salad. Please subscribe wherever you listen, and follow along @fishfulthinker on your social channels!
Love to fish but want to get off the bank? The easiest and least expensive step is a paddle board or simple kayak. There are, however, some nuances to selecting, equipping and fishing from a paddlecraft and host Chad LaChance, who lives lakefront and has several versions of both paddle boards and kayaks, shares his thoughts on them. Please subscribe; Fishful Thinker is a labor of love!
Fly fishing may be centered around trout rivers, but that is not the only place where fly guys can ply their craft. Besides that, rivers may not be a great option these days with the 2023 nationwide monsoon and heavy winter snow melt. Don't despair though, host Chad LaChance has a love for warm water fly fishing and shares his thoughts in this podcast. Please consider subscribing wherever you tune in!
Fishing a lure on the water's surface is about as fun and interactive as fishing gets...the bites are visual and it's great way to get newish anglers hooked on the sport as well. Bass to stripers to trout to pike...topwater fishing will get you bit.
The first weekend in June is free fishing weekend in CO and a few other states Fishful Thinker TV host Chad LaChance has some insight as to how to get the most reward out of the weekend on the water.
Catching a fish is only part of the process; what you do next determines a lot. From careful field handling for tablefare to careful fish handling for truly successful catch and release, host Chad LaChance discusses all of the above. Please subscribe...Fishful Thinker is a labor of love!
Modern fishing boats feature their most complex level of electronics ever, yet it seems many anglers still miss out on the most fundamental aspects of how to use each feature; traditional sonar, "structure scan", live sonar, and GPS. Host Chad LaChance attempts to break down what each feature is used for in his guiding and personal angling. Please subscribe while you're here!
Crankbaits are the ultimate "chuck and wind" lures, right? Well, maybe...but if you want to maximize your effectiveness with the speedy fish-catcher, you'll want to hear what host Chad LaChance has to share about one of his favorite tools for multi-species catching. Please subscribe while you're here!
Boat control while actually fishing seems easy and is rarely talked about, but perfect boat control is not as simple as it appears. Host Chad LaChance focusses on boat control as a critical aspect of not only catching, but also to avoid losing lures. Please subscribe while you're here!
Stepping back to bank fishing simplicity has host Chad LaChance inspired! It came in response to years of emails and returning to bank fishing roots in the hopes of re-learning and sharing very accurate and relevant info has been fun. This podcast is part of that endeavor; please subscribe while you're here!
Want to be a better angler? We all do and host Chad LaChance has been helping anglers grow their skills for almost two decades and has seen several problems that are common to many fisherman, regardless oif experience level. Plasae subscribe wherever you get Fishful Thinker content...it's a labor of love!
In mid spring, water clarity can be all over the board, from crystal clear to pure mud. Don't panic though; the fish are still willing to eat if you manage your presentations according to the water color. Host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on dealing with the extremes is water color, gleaned from his travels around the west. Please subscribe while you're here; Fishful Thinker is a labor of love!
Watching yourself fish on film sounds slightly odd, but host Chad LaChance maintains it is a great way to advance your skills. After editing 330+ TV shows of himself fishing, eh has noticed nuances and behavior patterns that lead to catcging or non-cathcing as hte case may be. Please subscribe while you're here...Fishful Thinker is labor of love!
The first couple of days out on the water for a new spring season have a way of setting the tone for the rest of season. Starting off on the right foot ensures you have the best shot for a good spring, and host and long-time guide Chad LaChance firmly believes that focussing on the big picture is more important than just catching fish on the first couple of outings. If you enjoy this podcast, please subscribe and/or check out other content @fishfulthinker on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube.
Catching walleyes from the bank is one of the most common questions host Chad LaChance has received over the 20 history of Fishful Thinker. Since this is prime time to catch them, this podcast discusses his concepts for banking walleyes.
Late March through April is a timeframe that yields some of the largest bass of the year, especially in small local or metro ponds. Big fish will move shallow and have seen minimal to no angling pressure yet, and ponds warm up quick and tend to be small so an angler can be confident in exactly where they are fishing. It is not, however, easy fishing so host Chad LaChance talks about three to four basic techniques that will produce in early spring pond bassin'. Please mash the subscribe button wherever you tune in!
Ahhh, springtime is finally here! Host Chad LaChance is always very busy in spring getting ready for a season of guiding and filming around the country, and much of that work involves getting his boats ready for the initial launches of the season. A little time at home preparing your own boat as detailed in this podcast will keep you from being "that guy" at the ramp the first time you hit the lake this spring. Please subscribe while you're here...it's a labor of love!
Ok, so spring is, well, springing and that means snow melt, especially in the afternoons. Snow melt means muddy rivers, but that does not mean poor fishing! What is means is that anglers need to change up their tactics, focus on some fundamental things, and fish with the same confidence they do in clearer times...or at least that's what host Chad LaChance does when the flows rise and the water gets ugly. If you learn form these podcasts, please join in on our other social media and YouTube channel, all @fishfulthinker!
Podcast and TV host Chad LaChance has made a career of teahcing people to catch more fish and his teachings are always multi-species in nature. That same philosophy is applied to lure genre selection; multi-species lures are more valuable to anglers. Very few lures are are versatile as the one LaChance discusses in this podcast because it can be fished shallow or deep, horizontal or vertical for just abut any sportfish that swims. Please subscribe to this podcast and elsewhere such as YouTube, Instagram and Facebook, @FishfulThinker.
While working an in-store promo event for Sportsman's Tackle, host Chad LaChance was asked the same question about choosing tackle for a given technique by different customers. This podcast is a result of those questions, as Chad attempts to give all-around answers to line, rod and reel choices for some popular lure genres. If you learn form or enjoy these podcast, please subscribe and follow other Fishful Thinker content @FishfulThinker, Youtube, Instagram and Facebook.
Yes, it's the middle of winter and if you live in trout country, most of your water is frozen, even in rivers. That does not preclude fishing, though, as host Chad LaChance talks about in this podcast. There are always a few open holes in the river, plus tailwater fisheries to be considered...you just need to adjust your mind-set with fly or conventional tackle. Please subscribe while you're here!
Its sounds a bit silly to say, but host Chad LaChance thinks his pickup truck is the most important piece of equipment he has for living the outdoor lifestyle. Having criss-crossed the country for 20 years, most commonly towing or hauling a boat but also on many annual big game hunting adventures, has lead Chad to decide what items and accessories are useful and worth installing on the new 2023 Toyota Tundra he is currently setting up as the newest entry to his long list of Tundra dating back to 2002. He shares that info as well as some maintenance tips for those outdoor truck owning enthusiasts.
There are two kinds of outdoorsmen...fisherman that hunt and hunters that fish. As a member of the former group, host Chad LaChance tries to apply lessons learned fishing to his deer hunting and vice versa. There are several key concepts that cross over when locating fish and game, and Chad discusses them in this episode. Please subscribe while you're here!
Are you ready to fish at all times during your daily travels? We are...and we suggest that you should be as well! Fishing is good for your mood, attitude, soul or general well-being so having the mindset that a few minutes out of your your day spent "opportunity fishing" is time well-spent, and furthermore being prepared tackle-wise to fish wherever you may be with minimal yet well chosen tackle, is a great way to be a happier human. Host Chad LaChance believes whole-heartedly in the concept and shares what he carries in his Tundra all the time in this episode. Please subscribe while you're here...it's a labor of love!
Being a traveling fisherman, means you get to visit a bunch of new waters, often in places you've never been, in a variety of conditions. That's all great until you get hard-headed and fight the conditions or your equipment fails, or the fish simply won't cooperate. Fortunately it doesn't happen too often and host Chad LaChance and crew have learned there are times to just put it on the trailer and live to fight another day. If you enjoy or learnf form our podcast, please subscribe wherever you listen!
So, you're going on Spring Break or a family visit to somewhere salty and warm, eh? Well, pack a bit of simple tackle (that you likely already have even) and get a little fishing in, too. Having traveled coastal areas extensively, yet being Colorado-based these days, host Chad LaChance gives you some insight into how little of stuff you can take and still be successful with some "opportunity fishing" wherever your coastal travels take you! Please subscribe while you're here...Fishful Thinker is a labor of love :)
Happy New Year, Thinkers! This is a short and sweet holiday episode of our podcast and host Chad LaChance goes Fishful Thinker plans for 2023. Thanks for tuning in. Enjoy your holiday and we'll see you back in 2023!
Ho, ho, ho and Merry Christmas! We suggest you give a gift to yourself this year...join a club or organization devoted to your passion. You'll meet like minded folks, learn more about your sport and give back to others and the lifestyle, all at once. Host Chad LaChance firmly believes getting involved will make you a better outdoorsman and he's lived that mantra for a more than two decades.
Spinning tackle and casting tackle both have strengths and weaknesses, yet both are very effective. But how do you choose when to employ which method of presenting a lure? In this episode, host Chad LaChance details teh decison points and some nuances for choosing and using casting tackle and spinning tackle. For a video reference for this topic, check out the Fishful Thinker YouTube channel and please subscribe while you're here!
Buying a first boat or first fishing boat can be a daunting task because of all the variables involved. What lay-out, hull style and material, motor and trolling choices, electronics...it's a lot to consider. In this episode, host Chad LaChance is joined by former walleye pro and longtime fishing guide Dan Swanson to go over things to consider when buying. Given the two anglers have bought more than 25 boats between them, they have some info that may help you avoid pitfalls. Please join us @FishfulThinker on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, and subscribe while you're here!
Fishing stuff makes for great gifts for kids and adults alike, an dit is, after all, the giving season! In our last podcast, host Chad LaChance talked about ideas for adult anglers and this week he discusses gift and selection ideas for the young anglers on your list. If you enjoy our content, please give us a subscribe and we'll keep the content flowing!
It's the giving season and if you're listening to this, you likely have an angler or two in your circle of family and friends So, in the gift giving spirit, host Chad LaChance presents a range of items he feels will be hit any angler on your list!
Few genres of lure are more versatile than the old tube jig. Available big or little, light or heavy, in any color you can imagine and with the ability to fish vertical or horizontal or anywhere in between...it all adds up to the reason host Chad LaChance always has a tube jig handy in fresh or salt water. If you enjoy or learn from our podcast, please subscribe while you're here!
Planning to film 330+ episodes of Fishful Thinker TV has taught us a few things about planning fishing trips. To this day, the ideas most commonly come from viewers and we do three basic styles of TV shows...species focussed, lure/presentation focussed, and location focussed. In this episode, we give you a behind the scenes look at how the show comes about. If you enjoy, please subscribe while you're here!
Targeting bigger than average fish is a different game than just trying to catch fish. Bigger fish are more rare, more educated, and harder on tackle and anglers alike. To catch them regularly requires a different mindset, and host Chad LaChance discusses just that in this episode. While you're here, please subscribe to our channels!
Being consistently successful day in and day out on the water is not easy, but after nearly 20 years of guiding and 15 filming Fishful Thinker TV, host Chad LaChance has developed a few keys to catching fish every time you hit the water. Keeping a few of these ideas in your arsenal will help you catch more fish, more often. Please subscribe while you're here...our content is a labor of love!
Ok, so yes there is still some fishing to be done, but by and large, fishing season is winding down for may folks. For us, that means it's the perfect time to start looking at next season's tackle needs while this season is still fresh in your mind. After all, why wait until the first warm days of spring to figure out you need to order new lures, fix reels, or replace rusty pliers. Take advantage of the time and even perhaps fall clearance sales, to replace what you lost or broke now. Winter is the perfect time to work on tackle and now is the time get started!
It's a very common question for us here at FTTV: "Great technique, but can I use it from the bank since I don't have boat?" Well, in a lot of cases yes, and here are our suggestions for maximizing your fun and productivity while beating the banks of your local waters. Please share with your friends and subscribe while you're here!
Fall is here, water is cooling and baitfish are heading for the main basins in many lakes around the country. That all adds up to vertical fishing! Jigging spoons, blade baits and gliding jigs are all great options this time of year and in this episode we discuss how to present them. It's a great time of year to load the boat with fish if you master this technique!
The key to making the most out of any given day's fishing is to be efficient and comfortable. In this episode, we talk through all the little items that rarely get discussed but that always get used. From great sunglasses to simple towels, the little things make all the difference. Spend a few dollars, make yourself efficient and comfy!
Freshly stocked trout or "stockers" are plentiful and easy to catch...but they leave a lot to be desired in the table fare department. In this episode, we talk through a few ways to handle and cook them so that they can fulfill their destiny as the "put and take" our wildlife agency intends them for. Introduce your friends or kids to fishing on stocked trout, then cook some for them...it's a great way to get people hooked on fishing!
Fishing brown trout in fall is one of our favorite bites of the year. The fishing is relatively simple and straight forward; get aggressive! Regardless of if we're targeting them in running water or lakes, big baits, crazy retrieves and rowdy colors get the action. From September through ice in, chasing brown trout is a power fishing game!
Ahhh, the fall season is rapidly encompassing us. evenings are cooling, days are getting shorter and everybody in the ecosystem is packing on pounds in anticipation of the lean winter months. Fall fishing can be great, some of the best of the year even, but some key things will help catch 'em, regardless of whichever species it is you like to catch. We discuss all things fall fishing in this episode. If you enjoy our podcast, please tell your friends and subscribe wherever you listen!
Spinning reels are very common, but expert spinning reel selection and use is, in our almost 20 years of guiding, not so common. Hence, host Chad LaChance details the decision process when selecting a spinning reel as well as some advanced use details. We feel this information is paramount to avoiding the dreaded line twist, lost fish and general woes anglers often complain about when using spinning tackle. If you enjoy our podcast, please consider joining the rest of our social media @fishthinker on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
The concept of edges extends to everything from mankind to fish and it's something we apply whenever we're searching for fish or game. Whether it be bass on a weed line or trout in a current seam, edges are where fish and game congregate...which means outdoorsmen of all sorts need to understand them. If you enjoy our podcast, please subscribe wherever you listen!
Lot's of folks will tell you what to do when you fish, but we're here to tell you what NOT to do. Yep, host Chad LaChance talks through the most common mistakes that have cost him valuable on the water time and success over the years. Many of them are hard to avoid even if you recognize them, but experience is one of those things you need before you have so Chad's here to share his gained over his career. If you learn from or enjoy our content, please subscribe wherever you take it in!
It's a common email for us: "I want to go trout fishing but I don't fly fish...what do I do?" The same question was common from folks visiting Colorado when I worked at Sportsman's Warehouse. Over the years we have worked with about every possible lure for trout and have developed a group of lure genres that consistently get bites. We'll discuss that as well rod, reel and line options in this episode. Please consider subscribing while you're listening...it's labor of love!
Choosing a new fishing seems easy; just run down to your favorite tackle store and give one a wiggle, right? Well, not so much. Using specific design and material characteristics and matching them to your application will help you get the best rod for your needs. It will be more effective and more fun. If you have further questions on this or other topics, shoot me an email. Thanks for listening and please subscribe while you're here!
The angle which you cast your lure or fly is often more important than the lure itself such the right lure doesn't get bit on the wrong angle or vice versa. Casting angles are something we try to focus on as a major part of of our pattern on any given day. It seems simple, but there are a lot of nuances to how angles affect your presentation and subsequent catching. We discuss all that in this episode. If you enjoy our educational content, please subscribe while you're here!
"How deep were you fishing?" That's the magic question when evaluating other anglers' success or fishing reports. What they caught them on is not nearly as important as how deep they were fishing. But, and it's a big but, if you can't control your presentation in whatever the requisite depth range, is your catching will drop considerably. We'll discuss the various ways to establish control at any depth in this episode. Please subscribe while you're here and check out our YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram @FishfulThinker
Getting fish to bite your offering is easy peasy...when they're actively feeding. But how do you get bites when they are not eating? The answer to that equation is by employing bite triggers. Bite triggers are ways to manipulate your lure or fly such that you peak their natural predatory response. Chad LaChance will talk all about our most common bite triggers in this episode of Fishful Thinker, The Podcast. Please subscribe while you're here!
The venerable drop shot rig was invented in Japan and made popular in America by smallmouth bass derby anglers, but it is a very effective and efficient rig for lots of fish species and scenarios. In this podcast, host Chad LaChance details a range of applications for drop-shotting, including some fish you wouldn't likely think of for the simple rig. If you enjoy please subscribe and check out more of our content @FishfulThinker on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook. Thanks for tuning in!
These days with the cost of living, we're all looking for ways to save a few bucks in everything we do, including our fishing. So, in this episode we discuss ways we save some money in our guide biz as well as ways followers of the Fishful Thinker Facebook suggested they save money. No, it won't save you thousands, but these tips will increase your savings enough to matter...without reducing your catching! Please subscribe while you're here, and check out our YouTube, Facebook and Instagram, all @FishfulThinker.
What do we mean by "best practices"? Things that you focus on to become habits so that your days on the water are more efficient, successful and less expensive. They are fundamental things, that when taken as a lot and made habitual, will make you a better angler in the long run. Some of these things I've observed over 17 years of guiding, some I've learned from other fishing guides, and some were things in my personal fishing I corrected. Regardless, I'm confident that if you pay attention to them, you'll catch more fish, have less frustration, and loose less tackle. If you enjoy or learn from our content, please subscribe while you're here, on our YouTube channel, Facebook or Instagram @FishfulThinker.
We often joke that everyone's a hero in May fishing. Water levels are typically up, fish are on the banks, and life is good for bass and walleye anglers especially. But what do you do when you show up at your favorite reservoir and realize the water has now dropped a bunch? Suddenly those easy bank biters ain't so easy. And what if the lake drops all summer long as many of them do? How do you stay on fish then? Well, after almost 20 years of guiding on reservoirs that fluctuate 40-60 vertical feet per season, we've figured a few things out. Additionally, we've tested our theories on many western reservoirs over 14 years filming fishful Thinker TV. We'll talk through some it on this episode. Please consider subscribing to our podcast and YouTube channel if you learn from our efforts.
Lure color selection is not an exact science and no two anglers fully agree on color selections. Well, between multi-species angling my entire life, guiding for almost 20 years and tournament bass fishing for a decade, I've developed some patterns of color selection that help me stay consistent. More importantly, filming for Fishful Thinker TV always has us fishing "on the clock" at places I've never even seen before, so having a system for color selection speeds up the process. If you learn from or enjoy our podcast please subscribe and consider following along @FishfulThinker on YouTube, Facebook and Instagram.
It's a very common email for us; "How do I get my kids more involved in fishing?" Another common question revolves around details about coaching junior or high school fishing tournaments. Well, as a very experienced kids fishing teacher and derby coach, we dedicated this podcast to lessons I've learned by teaching and coaching tons of kids over the last two decades, all the way up to winning the Costa Bassmaster High School National Championship. If you have further questions about this topic, please email us at FishfulThinker.com; I'd be glad to help. Otherwise, enjoy and please subscribe to our podcast and Fishful Thinker YouTube channel, too!
Lakes and rivers have become more and more crowded with both anglers and other users. On top that, the average angler is now both better equipped and better educated, meaning that fishing behind or around them is tougher than ever. As a guide service on a very popular lake, and also living in prime fly fishing country, we are very used to fishing in crowds for bass and walleyes on our reservoirs, and trout on the rivers. In this episode, host Chad LaChance discusses some of the nuances of fishing around both angling pressure and general recreational users alike. If you enjoy, please subscribe while you're here and also visit our YouTube channel, Facebook and Instagram pages @fishfulthinker.
Fishing can be boiled down to the hook, line and sinker...but what decisions go into choosing your hook, line and sinker. More importantly, how do we put it all together? In this episode, well talk through some of the choices we make with regards to choosing terminal tackle, and also knot choices when we rig them. Yes, it's basic...but as has often been said, the devil's in the details. We hope you enjoy and learn from our podcasts...please subscribe while you're here and we'll keep 'em coming!
Fishing jerkbaits is almost a polarizing topic amongst anglers. Many pigeon-hole the jerkbait as a spring time only lure, others say it's only for clear water and many think it's basically a bass lure. Well, for us here at FTTV, the jerkbait is an extremely versatile and effective too for a wide range of fish species and conditions. In this episode, host Chad LaChance discusses everything from why the jerkbait works to how to rig it to how to fish it for multi-species angling. Hope you enjoy; please subscribe while you're here and consider visiting our other social media @FishfulThinker as well!
Modern anglers have a wide range of choices when choosing a fishing line and anglers are not in 100% agreement as to which style - nylon monofilament, "super line" or fluorocarbon - in the best. Why? Because each line has strengths and weaknesses. In this episode, we'll delve into the characteristics of each choice and how they apply to anglers, along with what line type we choose for various presentations. If you learn from or enjoy our podcast, please share it with your angling friends and subscribe while you are here!
It's a very common concern we hear as western walleye guides; "I used to catch walleyes back when I lived in WS (or any other traditional "walleye state") but I can't catch them here in CO!" Well, the reason is not only differences in the region, but also that fact that western walleyes dwell in man-made reservoirs stocked with non-native fish. Those reservoirs, unlike natural lakes back east, typically have wildly fluctuating water levels, very little if any aquatic vegetation, and often odd main food sources like stocked trout or salmon. They simply don't act the same as walleye in their native waters. Minnesota native turned CO fishing guide Dan Swanson is a former PWT walleye pro and joins us to talk about the differences and how to address them as anglers. Please consider subscribing while you're here!
The difference between a great day of fishing and an average one comes down to how well your decision making was for that day. 99% of the time somebody on the lake or river will make the correct decisions and catch them good while somebody else simply won't. In this episode host Chad LaChance talks through his decision making process developed from tournament angling, guiding and filming Fishful Thinker Television...in other words fishing on the clock. If you enjoy or learn from this podcast, please consider subscribing and following along on social media as well.
Ahhh...fresh fish! Eating fish you caught is part of the angling lifestyle and a rewarding way to round out the experience. Fish are a healthy diet choice and when chosen using "selective harvest" principles, they are sustainable as well. In this episode, we talk about choosing which fish to eat, how to transport and store them, and a couple of our favorite way to prepare them, too. If you enjoy or learn from our podcast, please subscribe while you're here!
Everyone wants a magic lure...one that always gets bites. Us to, and in our opinion, that lure needs to work for basically any species we target. Well, over the 14 years, one specific lure, or lure body really, has proven it's potency for not only numbers of bites, but also numbers of species and size, too. Host Chad LaChance has caught 78 species of fish on it to date, as well as some of his most memorable catches. Best of all, it's affordable and anyone can fish it. IF you enjoy our pdocast, please share it with your fishy friends!
For many anglers, a trip to a very remote fishing destination is a bucket-list adventure, and for good reason...it's the stuff dreams are made of. Realistically though, there are several steps leading up to that all-important outfitter decision. Then are several more steps in preparing for the trip itself to ensure your goals are met. In this episode, host Chad LaChance is joined by hardcore outdoorsman and Alaskan lodge owner, Dan Paull to discuss those topics. Having been to Dan's oh-so-remote lodge as well as a couple of others, Chad can testify to the mental value in these kinds of adventures and he has already booked a trip back to Dan's place for more! If you enjoy our podcast, please subscribe, follow or share with share with you friends!
Before you can catch fish, you have to find fish. Yet, for some reason, folks always ask us how we caught them, not how we located them. Over our 18 years of guiding and 14 years of hosting Fishful Thinker Television, we've developed some key location strategies that we can apply to nearly any species of fish, especially those reservoir dwellers anglers most common chase. This episode as host Chad LaChance sharing those key location details. Please check out all our social media and subscribe if you like our information! @FishfulThinker on FB, Insta and YouTube.
Booking a guided trip can be a great way to advance your angling skills and an investment in memories you'll have forever. To get the most bang for you buck, it pays to keep a few things in mind when choosing a guide and planning your outing. Longtime fellow fishing guide Dan Swanson and host Chad LaChance discuss how to get the most out of your guided trip.
Fishing boats have evolved into floating info gatherers when it comes to depth, mapping and more. Sonar and GPS units are standard fishing boat accessories and are often found even on kayaks these days. Problem is, electronics aren't cheap or intuitive. In this episode, host Chad LaChance is joined by industry leading electronics expert and fishing guide, Dan Swanson to discuss how best to spend your hard earned dollars when choosing a modern sonar/GPS unit for your fishing needs.
Fishful Thinker TV has aired more than 330 episodes over 13 years with Chad LaChance hosting and Tim Farnsworth filming. The two are very close friends and have travelled the country fishing for fun and profit since they were both in college. Chad may the face of the TV show and social media, but all Fishful Thinker content is very much a team effort and Tim brings plenty of fishing knowledge and even more levity to every day on the water.
After 13 years on TV and 14 years on radio, a podcast was the next logical step for Fishful Thinker and host Chad LaChance. In this our first episode, Chad will discuss the history and backstory, and plant the seeds for future podcast episodes. Each will be around 30 minutes long and we'll launch a new episode weekly. Hope you'll tune in to them all!