Benjamin Nowak Fishing: Recent Episodes

Benjamin Nowak

This podcast is all about bass fishing! From personal stories of catching our biggest fish ever, to tips and information that will make you a better bass fisherman, this podcast has what you need to gear you up or make you excited for your trip to the lake!

The Bass & Bourbon Podcast is also included under the Benjamin Nowak Fishing brand, which is all about bass fishing news and hot topics in the industry!

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In this episode, we discuss the ins and outs of winter bass fishing, covering all the basic strategies and techniques that are essential for catching big fish in cold water. Additionally, we share our recent experience fishing at Dale Hollow Lake and provide a detailed trip recap. We delve into the unique challenges of fishing in winter and offer tips on how to adapt to the changing conditions. We also highlight the benefits of fishing at Dale Hollow Lake, a renowned fishing destination in the United States, and discuss the key takeaways from our trip. If you're looking to improve your winter bass fishing skills and learn about a great place to fish, then this episode is not to be missed!

Join us Thursday mornings at 6 am!

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Phil Dutra, MLF Pro Circuit angler, discusses the importance of versatility in fishing.  Moving from the California Delta to Alabama, Phil talks about how he's been able to adapt to different conditions and lakes across the country.

Follow Phil Here:

INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/dutrafishing

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"The Mental Game of Bass Fishing: Featuring Joe LaBarbera" is a podcast for all bass fishing enthusiasts looking to take their skills to the next level. In this episode, we delve into the mindset of a successful angler and how it plays a critical role in catching big fish. Join us as we sit down with Joe LaBarbera, a professional bass fisherman with years of experience, as he shares his strategies, tips and insights on how to develop the mental edge required to excel in the sport of bass fishing. From the importance of setting goals, to the power of positive thinking, and the benefits of visualization, this podcast will give you the tools you need to succeed in the sport of bass fishing and become a true champion. Listen now and take your bass fishing game to the next level!

Follow Joe LaBarbera Here:

INSTAGRAM:  https://instagram.com/joe_labarbera_fishing_

YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/@TheOuterRealmWithJoe

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Join us as we explore the recent phenomenon of giant smallmouth bass being caught, and hear from expert angler Joey Walton as he shares his experiences and insights on this exciting trend. The Rise of Giant Smallmouth Bass is a must-listen for any bass fishing enthusiast.

Check out Joey on Instagram Here > https://www.instagram.com/joey.walton.fishing/

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In this episode, we'll be talking about the importance of building a network and sharing information in the world of bass fishing. No matter your experience level, having a strong network of fellow anglers to turn to for advice and support can be a major asset in your pursuit of success on the water. We'll discuss the various ways in which you can build and maintain a strong network, and how sharing information with others can help you learn and grow as an angler. Whether you're looking for tips on where to find the best fishing spots or advice on the latest techniques and gear, having a supportive community of fellow anglers can make all the difference. Tune in to learn how to build and leverage your bass fishing network to become a better angler.--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/brnowak-fishing/message

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Join us on Bass & Bourbon as we reflect on the highs and lows of the 2022 fishing season and set our sights on the future.  We'll be chatting about our most memorable catches, challenges we faced, and lessons learned. We'll also be setting goals and making plans for the upcoming year, discussing everything from new gear and techniques to 2023 fishing destinations. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, this podcast is for anyone looking to improve their fishing skills and make the most of their time on the water. So cast your line and join us as we fish forward into the exciting world of 2023.

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This is Episode 5 of Bass & Bourbon.  Nathan Derdowski (Derds) and I talk about the importance of keying into tiny details and paying attention to what's going on around you to have tournament bass fishing succes.

Bass and Bourbon is focused on covering bass fishing news, trending topics, and personal opinions of the happenings of the bass fishing world.

Follow the podcast and leave us a positive rating if you enjoyed this episode!

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Can we catch over 30lbs of smallmouth?! Today is the final day of Seeking Bronze season 2, and we need to put together all of the pieces to catch a mega bag!

FILMED BY @MI Roots Media

Check out Caleb Bell - @BassQuest

🛠️ Hair Jig & Small Swimbait GEAR ​🛠️

Marabou Jig - 3/32oz - https://omnia.direct/SB2FeiderFly

Swimbait - Sexy Shad - https://omnia.direct/SB2PowerSwimmer

Swimbait Head - 1/8oz - https://omnia.direct/SB2SwimHead

Rod - 7'6" ML TFO Spinning Rod - https://omnia.direct/SB2TFO763

Reel - Size 35 Pfleuger Supreme XT

Line: 8lb Braid to a 6lb Fluorocarbon Leader

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There has been one lure that has helped us put the majority of our fish into the boat! Using a small marabou hair jig has helped us land many of our big fish, and this sneaky trick will help you catch more bass!

FILMED BY @MI Roots Media

Check out Caleb Bell - @BassQuest

🛠️ Hair Jig & Small Swimbait GEAR ​🛠️

Marabou Jig - 3/32oz - https://omnia.direct/SB2FeiderFly

Swimbait - Sexy Shad - https://omnia.direct/SB2PowerSwimmer

Swimbait Head - 1/8oz - https://omnia.direct/SB2SwimHead

Rod - 7'6" ML TFO Spinning Rod - https://omnia.direct/SB2TFO763

Reel - Size 35 Pfleuger Supreme XT

Line: 8lb Braid to a 6lb Fluorocarbon Leader

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This is one of the most incredible days of fishing that I've ever had.  Caleb catches the biggest smallmouth I've ever seen, and we catch multiple other giant smallmouth too!

All of these fish came on a Homemade 3/32oz Marabou Hair Jig using Do-It Molds Midwest Finesse Heads.

FILMED BY MI Roots Media

🛠️ Hair Jig GEAR ​🛠️

Homemade Marabou Jig - 3/32 Midwest Finesse Jig - https://bit.ly/DoItMoldsBRN

Marabou Jig - 3/32oz - https://omnia.direct/SB2FeiderFly

Rod - 7'6" ML TFO Spinning Rod - https://omnia.direct/SB2TFO763

Reel - Size 35 Pfleuger Supreme XT - https://omnia.direct/SB2PfleugerSupremeXT

Line: 8lb Braid to a 6lb Fluorocarbon Leader

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The first video of Seeking Bronze Season 2!

This is the start of the most epic smallmouth trip in my life.  Different from years past, we're staying on 1 lake for 5 days, searching for true Michigan GIANT smallmouth.  Day 1 was all about learning the lake and understanding the conditions to set us up for success throughout the trip.

FILMED BY MI Roots Media

🛠️ Hair Jig & Small Swimbait GEAR ​🛠️

Marabou Jig - 3/32oz - https://omnia.direct/SB2FeiderFly

Swimbait - Sexy Shad - https://omnia.direct/SB2PowerSwimmer

Swimbait Head - 1/8oz - https://omnia.direct/SB2SwimHead

Rod - 7'6" ML TFO Spinning Rod - https://omnia.direct/SB2TFO763

Reel - Size 35 Pfleuger Supreme XT - https://omnia.direct/SB2PfleugerSupremeXT

Line: 8lb Braid to a 6lb Fluorocarbon Leader

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/brnowak-fishing/message

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This is Episode 4 of Bass & Bourbon.  Covering bass fishing news, trending topics, and personal opinions of the happenings of the bass fishing world.

Custom bass fishing lures have taken off since 2020.  Whether it's buying from small online sellers or making your own, with the current state of the industry and lures in high demand, custom lures have taken off.  We discuss with Brennan from Do-It Molds, as well as Alex Rudd, the impact of custom lures over the past two seasons and the reasons to consider making your own lures.

If you're interested in making your own custom baits, check out www.do-itmolds.com

Join the conversation LIVE on YouTube at 8pm on Sunday Night at www.youtube.com/benjaminnowak10

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This is Episode 3 of Bass & Bourbon.  Covering bass fishing news, trending topics, and personal opinions of the happenings of the bass fishing world.

Are JDM Baits like Megabass, Deps, OSP, and many more, still worth the money for bass fishing?  Obviously there is a time and place for secret fishing lures, but with the investment in bass fishing lures by American companies, should you still spend the money on JDM baits?  Epic Eric, Alex Rudd, and myself, take a deep dive on this subject.  We share when and where JDM baits still have an edge, some of our favorites, and when you can save some money to buy American lures.

Join the conversation LIVE on YouTube at 8pm on Sunday Night at www.youtube.com/benjaminnowak10

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This is Episode 2 of Bass & Bourbon.  Covering bass fishing news, trending topics, and personal opinions of the happenings of the bass fishing world.

We discuss the powers of Forward Facing Sonar technology, a hot topic in the world of bass fishing.  We're continually seeing larger and larger bags of bass caught, most of which are coming using this technology, so the discussion is whether or not LiveScope should be banned in bass fishing.  What impact does this technology have on bass fishing as a whole as well as at a professional and recreational level?  Join us in this discussion!

Join the conversation LIVE on YouTube at 8pm on Sunday Night at www.youtube.com/benjaminnowak10

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This is Episode 1 of Bass & Bourbon.  Covering bass fishing news, trending topics, and personal opinions of the happenings of the bass fishing world.

This first episode dives into our outlook on the 2022 fishing season.  Nathan and I talk goals for 2022, baits we want to learn, and how we want to become better as anglers on and off the water.  We also reflect on the 2021 season for insights on what we did well, and the things we can improve upon!

Join the conversation LIVE on YouTube at 8pm on Sunday Night at www.youtube.com/benjaminnowak10

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These are our TOP bass fishing lures of the 2021 season.  Alex Rudd and I break down our best lures of the 2021 year and take a look month-by-month at how our 2021 bass fishing season turned out!

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If you want to go out and catch some giant smallmouth bass these are my Top 5 recommendations to help you put those big fish in the boat.  These 5 baits will cover all situations and are, in my opinion, the best options to catch smallmouth nationwide.

Check out some of the baits at these links below:

Swimbaits:

  • Bass Magnet ShiftR Shad: http://bit.ly/2g5Hu7a

  • 6th Sense Hollow Body: http://bit.ly/2jg2Cb9

  • 6th Sense Swimbait Head: http://bit.ly/2lE8U8S

  • 6th Sense Underspin: http://bit.ly/2kJU7KB

Dropshot:

  • Bass Magnet Twitch: http://bit.ly/2iNbZiZ

  • Bass Magnet Phat Fry: http://bit.ly/2lllCJ6

  • Poor Boy's Erie Darter: http://bit.ly/2m9VhMm

Jerkbaits:

  • 6th Sense Lures Provoke: http://bit.ly/2lJSFrg

  • Luck E Strike RC STX: http://bit.ly/2kXvWDP

Tubes:

  • Poor Boy's 3.5 inch Tube: http://bit.ly/2l5PkPN

Crankbaits:

  • 6th Sense 250 MD: http://bit.ly/2kXzxS3

  • 6th Sense 300 DD: http://bit.ly/2lt6s2K

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These are some tips to help you be successful when fishing a swim jig for smallmouth bass!  Swim Jigs are great during the spring time for smallmouth, especially around shallow water.  Swim Jigs catch giant smallmouth and can trigger big bites!

GEAR:

Swim Jigs (3/8 or 1/2 oz) ►

  • Do-It Molds Weedless Casting Swim Jig: https://bit.ly/DoItWeedlessCastingSwim

  • Beast Coast Gorilla Swim Jig: https://bit.ly/BCGorillaSwim

  • Nichols LW Swim Jig: https://bit.ly/NicholsLWSwim

  • LW Swim Jig II: https://bit.ly/LWSwim2

Trailers ►

  • Gambler Burner Craw: https://bit.ly/BurnerCraw

  • Zoom Ultravibe Speed Craw: https://bit.ly/ZoomUltraVibe

  • Strike King Rage Craw: https://bit.ly/RageCraw

  • Gambler Little EZ: https://bit.ly/LittleEZ

Rod ►

  • TFO Tactical Elite 735 (7'3" MH): https://bit.ly/TFOEliteCasting

  • Fitzgerald Bryan Schmitt Rod: http://bit.ly/SwimJigRod

Reel ►

  • Lew's Baitcasting Reels (6 Gear Ratio): https://bit.ly/LewsCastingReels

Line ►

  • Sunline SniperFC (14lb Test): http://bit.ly/SunlineSniper

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Caleb Bell from the YouTube Channel - BassQuest, breaks down how he approaches rivers and current situations in cold water months.  Fishing rivers, reservoirs, and current areas can be dominant patterns in cold water!  This is a full seminar breakdown of how to fish rivers and current to catch more fish in cold water!

Check out Caleb's YouTube Channel - http://bit.ly/Bass_Quest

This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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These are some tips to help you be successful when fishing jerkbaits for smallmouth bass! Jerkbaits are great for getting big bites from smallmouth bass, particularly during the spring and fall. In this video, I break down the baits as well as how, when, and where I use a jerkbait to catch big smallmouth bass.

GEAR:

Jerkbaits Shallow Diving ►

  • Duo Realis 100SP (AM Edge, Ghost Minnow, and AM Dawn): https://bit.ly/Duo100sp

  • 6th Sense Provoke 106X (American Shad): http://bit.ly/ProvokeJerk

  • Luck E Strike RC STX (Herring Bone Chart and Black Stardust Shad): http://bit.ly/RCStxJerkbait

Deep Diving ►

  • Megabass Vision 110+1 (Elegy Bone and HT ITO Tennessee Shad): http://bit.ly/SecretJerkbait

  • Strike King KVD Deep (Crystal Shad and Yellow Perch): https://bit.ly/KVDdeep

  • Lucky Craft Staysee 90V2 (Ayu): https://bit.ly/Staysee90

  • Rapala Shadow Rap Deep (Olive Green): https://bit.ly/RShadowRapDeep

Rod ►

  • TFO Tactical Elite 70CB (7'0" M Crankbait): https://bit.ly/TFOEliteCasting

Reel ►

  • Lew's Tournament Pro (7.5:1 Gear Ratio): https://bit.ly/LewsTournamentPro

Line ►

  • Sunline SniperFC (10lb Test): http://bit.ly/SunlineSniper

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These are my top tips on how to fish a tube to catch big smallmouth bass!  Tubes are one of the best smallmouth bass lures ever made and this is how to fish them to trigger bites from big smallmouth!

TUBES: http://bit.ly/TWTUBES

NORMAL HOOK: http://bit.ly/TubeHook

FOOTBALL HOOK: http://bit.ly/FootballHead

Spinning Rod: https://bit.ly/TFOspinning

Spinning Reels: http://bit.ly/SpinningReel

Baitcast Rod: https://bit.ly/TFOcasting Baitcast Reel: http://bit.ly/BB1reel

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These are some tips to help you be successful when fishing ned rigs for smallmouth bass!  Ned Rigs are great all year long and catch fish anywhere you're at!  Not only do ned rigs catch numbers, but knowing how to fish a ned rig for big smallmouth can put some giant smallies in the boat or on the bank!

GEAR:

Ned Rigs (1/8 to 1/4 oz) ►

Do-It Molds Midwest Finesse Jig: https://bit.ly/DoItNed

Berkley Half Head: http://bit.ly/HalfHead

Perfect Ned Head: https://bit.ly/PerfectNed

Baits ►

Z-Man TRD TicklerZ (Drew's Craw or The Deal): http://bit.ly/ZmanTicklerZ

XZone Ned Zone (Dirty Shad or 309): http://bit.ly/2mIzHn4

Roboworm Ned Worm (Aaron's Magic): https://bit.ly/RoboNed

Z-Man TRD HogZ (Drew's Craw or Green Pumpkin): https://bit.ly/TRDHogZ

Rod ► 

TFO Tactical Elite 713 (7'1" ML): https://bit.ly/TFOEliteSpinning

TFO Tactial 6104 (6'10" M): https://bit.ly/TFOspinning

Reel ►

Lew's Custom Pro Speed Spin (3000 Size): http://bit.ly/LewsTLC

Line ►

Sunline SniperFC (6 to 8lb Test): http://bit.ly/SunlineSniper

This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

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These are some tips to help you be successful when fishing lipless crankbaits for smallmouth bass! Lipless crankbaits are extremely versatile and can be fished with a variety of retrieves and used in many different situations. This is where, when, how and the gear that I use to fish a lipless crankbait for big smallmouth bass!

Where - moderate to shallow depth bait - 15fow or less

When - Most effective in prespawn and fall when bass are shallow and feeding heavy. Can work in summer to cover water and find fish, but not as effective as spring and fall How - Use this to locate fish and cover water but also thoroughly fish through a spot.

  1. Cast and reel/twitch - Simple approach, best for covering water and shallow flats when fish are up on shallow cover - especially grass

  2. Yo-Yo approach - slower retrieve but effective to cover water, trigger reaction bites as well as pick apart a spot. Cast, let sink to top of grass and lift/reel. Goal is to rip free from top of grass and keep bait up in water column

  3. Lift and Drop - similar to yo-yo, but slower moving and on bottom. Use for picking apart specific areas and fishing along bottom. Similar approach to a tube

  4. Flopping a Trap - Similar to dragging a jig or tube. Shake the slack to make the bait flop or shake and rattle. Great when water visibility isn’t great or fish are lethargic. Prefer baits with rattles over 1 knocker styles for this technique

Gear -

Rod - 7’ to 7’6” Rod with moderate action. I’m using TFO Tactical 74CB MH I prefer MH to help rip bait out of grass and have power for a hookset on end of a long cast. 7’4” rod picks up more line and helps me get a good hook in fish even when moving towards me Reel - 6 or 7 speed gear ratio reel with 14-17lb fluoro depending on how heavy the grass is you’re fishing. Prefer straight fluoro but braid to fluoro leader is also a good option

Baits -

Colors: Craw for dirty/tannic water esp in spring, natural/clean bodies of water

Summer I like chrome or White base. Chrome blue back is goto on waters around me, but when overcast or slight off color water, switch to white or natural because it silhouettes better

Fall - add in bold colors again with heavy rains and dirty water. Chartreuse based colors

RatLTrap - shallower water ~10fow or less in. Flat nose helps it be fished around cover effectively on bottom and rips from grass well, but not great for yo-yo technique

Red Eye Shad - Works well for yo-yo or straight retrieve

Lucky Craft LV500 - Best for dragging or flopping. Heavy bait, small profile, fishes well along bottom and very loud

Duo 68 Gfix - similar to LV500 - best for dragging or flopping. Falls straight down in water column vs gliding to bottom so great for long cast dragging or target fishing. Small profile and very thin body - similar to blade bait where rattles with small movements

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This is a full breakdown of when, where, how, and the gear used to effectively fish a hair jig for smallmouth bass. This is a great technique to catch big fish, so here are some tips for you to use when you approach this technique!

Where -

Shallower water situations, I typically focus 12ft or less. Best around shallow flats with rock where bass are cruising early season prespawn through the postspawn. Look for spawning flats and areas where bass can pull up to feed with sporadic isolated cover

When -

53-70* late prespawn through postspawn. This is a relatively limited presentation for me. Some people utilize in cold water situations (ice out through spring) but I have other confidence techniques that I prefer. Also a big player for me around the mayfly hatch

How - 2 approaches

  1. Fan Casting - Cast and very slowly reel this bait with little rod movement or reel twitches. Useful when covering shallow flats or covering water where fish may be spawning or cruising

  2. Specific target casts and bed fishing - Cast to visual targets or beds. Start by swimming the bait and then slowly drag/fish the bait through the area and pick it apart as needed

Gear -

Rod - 7’ - 7’6” ML Rod with Fast or Mod Fast Action You want a rod that will cast the hair jig well and load up, but is not too “whippy.” Also when setting the hook on baits with light hooks and line, softer power and action will let you keep fish pinned and manage the fish to the boat

Reel - 5 or 6 speed gear ratio big 3000 or 4000 size spinning reel with 8-10lb braid to 5-8lb fluoro. Small diameter line casts better and comes off spool better. Run a top shot 30’ leader

Bait - 1/16-1/8oz Hair jig (3/32oz is best). Favorite color is black but I’ll mix in brown during mayfly hatch. I have other colors but those are my favorite. Add a small piece of senko or soft plastic to hook to add weight to the bait for better castability. It doesn’t add action but helps with some bulk for casting

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Alex Rudd and I break down how to use small body crankbaits to catch big bass.  This is a full breakdown - seminar style - on how to use small body crankbaits to target bass.  In this video, we break down the baits as well as how, when, and where to use a small body crankbait to catch big bass

BEN'S GEAR:

Rod (7'4 MH Glass) ► https://bit.ly/TFOGlass923

Reel (6.6:1) ► https://bit.ly/38Ztf0L

Line (10-14lb) ► http://bit.ly/3o1rYdC

BAITS:

Dredger 10.5 & 14.5 ► https://bit.ly/3nZppci

OSP Blitz EX DR ►https://bit.ly/OSPblitzmaxdr

Rapala Shad Rap ► http://bit.ly/3qC64j6

ALEX'S GEAR:

Rod (7'0 M) ► http://bit.ly/3o6DbKg

Reel (6.2:1) ► http://bit.ly/35WcQIB

Line (10 lb) ► http://bit.ly/39TvuC6

BAITS:

Spro RK Crawler ► http://bit.ly/3bVfWAk

Strike King 3xd ► http://bit.ly/38YTFQ8

Bandit 200 & 300 ► http://bit.ly/390t8Sx

Rapala Shad Rap ► http://bit.ly/3qC64j6

This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/brnowak-fishing/message