Episodes

  • FishStix PondCast: Ain't No Show Like The Houston Boat Show
    Jan 7 2025

    Hunter and Chris have a seat with Kenny Lovell, the president of the Houston Boat Show. They discuss Kenny's lifelong passion for boating, his journey into the boating industry, and the evolution of the Houston Boat Show, including its collaboration with the Houston Auto Show. Kenny shares insights on why attending the boat show is essential for enthusiasts and families, detailing the exciting activities planned for the upcoming show, including a remote control racetrack for kids. The conversation highlights the importance of personal interaction with vendors and the unique experiences the show offers. In this conversation, Chris and Kenny discuss the upcoming Houston Boat Show, focusing on various aspects such as casting demonstrations, favorite boat types, new innovations, and the importance of supporting small businesses. They also touch on the logistics of the event, including the indoor setting and the introduction of a new app for attendees to engage with vendors and participate in a treasure hunt. In this conversation, Kenny Lovell discusses the upcoming Houston Boat Show, highlighting exciting features such as the return of the beer garden and NASA's Artemis display. The hosts share personal experiences with boat shows, including how they influenced their boat purchases. They delve into the rising prices of boats and the importance of social media for staying updated on events. The conversation shifts to bucket list fishing adventures, with Chris sharing his goals for 2025. The hosts emphasize the benefits of attending fishing shows, including supporting small businesses and enjoying concessions. They conclude with a discussion on the deals available at the show, encouraging listeners to attend and take advantage of the opportunities.


    Keywords


    Houston Boat Show, Kenny Lovell, boating industry, trade shows, fishing, boat manufacturers, boat accessories, family activities, boat show details, boat show history, boat show, casting techniques, favorite boats, new innovations, small businesses, community engagement, indoor event, Houston Boat Show, boat show, fishing, NASA, Houston, bucket list, fishing adventures, small businesses, consumer benefits, fishing shows, concessions



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    1 hr and 38 mins
  • Usyk Was Here: Story Time!
    Dec 31 2024

    Chris and Usyk navigate through various themes including technical difficulties, the inevitable Christmas Sweater, the impact of winter weather on lifestyle, the nature of epiphanies in storytelling, the writing process, and the nostalgia associated with traditional writing methods. They share humorous anecdotes and insights about their experiences, emphasizing the importance of capturing ideas and the value of nostalgia in writing. In this conversation, the speakers explore the deeper meanings behind fishing, writing, and personal growth. They discuss how fishing transcends the act of catching fish, becoming a metaphor for life experiences and reflections. The dialogue delves into the therapeutic aspects of fishing, the evolution of landscapes, and the journey from anger to peace through nature. Additionally, they touch on the self-publishing process and the changing landscape of literature in the digital age. In this engaging conversation, Chris and Usyk explore the hustle of authors and podcasters, the shift towards audiobooks, and the art of storytelling. They discuss the differences between writing and speaking, the personal connections that stories create, and the importance of community engagement through shared experiences. The episode culminates in a celebration of a listener's fishing story, highlighting the value of storytelling in building connections. podcast, storytelling, writing process, winter weather, nostalgia, fashion, personal style, epiphanies, inspiration, technology, fishing, writing, philosophy, nature, self-publishing, therapy, landscapes, memories, personal growth, outdoor life, podcasting, storytelling, audiobooks, writing, fishing, authors, self-publishing, community, engagement, personal stories

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    1 hr and 25 mins
  • FishStix PondCast: A chat with the Prop Guru; Chuck McKinney
    Dec 24 2024

    Hunter and Chris have a seat with Chuck McKinny and delve into the world of fishing and prop technology. They explore Chuck's journey from a frustrated boat owner to a prop guru, discussing the intricacies of prop mechanics, the importance of pitch, and the innovations brought by HPP. The discussion also touches on real-world experiences with different props, the effects of water temperature and elevation on performance, and the significance of prop design for shallow water navigation. Chuck shares valuable insights and anecdotes, making this a must-listen for boating enthusiasts and those interested in optimizing their vessel's performance. In this engaging conversation, we take that DEEP DIVE into the intricacies of propeller technology and its impact on boat performance. They discuss the wear and tear of props, the importance of selecting the right manufacturer, and the evolution of outboard motors. Chuck shares insights on optimizing boat handling and performance, the pricing and availability of props, and future developments in prop technology. The episode is filled with technical knowledge, personal anecdotes, and practical advice for boat enthusiasts.

    titles


    fishing, props, performance, HPP, boating, mechanics, pitch, design, innovation, water, props, boat performance, propeller technology, fishing, outboard motors, speed dynamics, prop maintenance, marine

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    1 hr and 36 mins
  • Usyk Was Here: Pathways Are Not Straight
    Dec 18 2024

    In this episode, Chris and Usyk are joined by guide Tommy Fleming to explore themes of friendship, personal growth, and the impact of life choices. Tommy shares his journey from working on cruise ships to becoming a fishing guide, highlighting the lessons learned along the way. The discussion touches on the effects of COVID-19 on careers, the importance of pursuing one's passions, and the reflections on life choices and regrets. The camaraderie between the speakers adds a light-hearted tone to the serious topics discussed, making for an insightful and entertaining episode. In this engaging conversation, the speakers explore the themes of childhood dreams, career changes, and the joys of fishing. They reflect on their aspirations as children, the challenges of pursuing passions later in life, and the importance of connecting with nature through fishing. The discussion also touches on the gear used in fishing, memorable adventures on the water, and the significance of maintaining a youthful spirit. The speakers share humorous anecdotes and insights, emphasizing the value of storytelling and the unconventional paths that lead to fulfilling careers. friendship, fishing, life lessons, COVID-19, personal growth, guiding, career changes, life choices, regrets, fishing guide, dreams, aspirations, childhood, career changes, fishing gear, nature, fishing experience, adventures, youthful spirit, unconventional path, nostalgia, humor

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    1 hr and 11 mins
  • Grinding Gear: XTRa Wild Setups with Bonafide, Power-Pole, and Mariner Sails
    Dec 11 2024

    In this episode of 'Grinding Gear', Chris discusses his passion for fishing gear, particularly focusing on the new Revo lineup from Abu Garcia. He shares his journey back into the kayak fishing world, highlighting the importance of quality information for consumers. The episode features a visit to Mariner Sails, a well-established outfitter, where Chris talks about the extensive range of products available and the expertise of the staff. Additionally, he delves into the technical aspects of trolling motors and batteries, providing insights on their efficiency and performance.

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    58 mins
  • FishStix PondCast: The Elusive Sow Trout
    Dec 10 2024

    Summary


    In this conversation, Hunter and Chris with their guests discuss the West End Anglers organization, its impact on the community through fishing tournaments, and the techniques and strategies for catching trophy trout. They delve into the challenges of winter fishing, the importance of conservation in tournaments, and share personal anecdotes about fishing experiences. DJ Rouse, a trophy trout expert, provides insights into the best conditions and baits for winter trout fishing, emphasizing the thrill of the chase and the significance of preparation and safety in fishing tournaments. In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into various aspects of fishing, particularly focusing on trout fishing techniques, winter strategies, lure selection, and the impact of environmental factors like moon phases and water temperature. They share personal anecdotes, insights on fishing gear, and predictions for upcoming tournaments, all while emphasizing the importance of confidence in fishing choices.


    West End Anglers, fishing tournaments, trout fishing, conservation, fishing techniques, DJ Rouse, winter fishing, fishing community, fishing strategies, fishing safety, fishing, trout fishing, winter fishing, fishing techniques, fishing lures, fish behavior, moon phases, fishing tournaments, fishing gear, Galveston

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    1 hr and 19 mins
  • Usyk Was Here: Alaskan Remote Adventures
    Dec 3 2024

    Summary


    In this engaging podcast episode, Chris and Mark introduce Daniel Rogers, a fly fishing guide from Alaskan Remote Adventures. The conversation flows from light-hearted banter to the serious challenges and thrills of guiding in Alaska. Daniel shares his experiences of traveling to remote locations, the beauty of the Alaskan wilderness, and the unique challenges of living and working in such an isolated environment. The discussion also touches on Daniel's journey to becoming a guide, his passion for outdoor adventures, and the realities of wildlife encounters, particularly with bears. The episode concludes with reflections on the thrill of mountaineering and the complexities of pursuing a career in the great outdoors. In this segment, the conversation delves into various themes surrounding mountaineering, personal sacrifices, survival stories, and the mental challenges faced in extreme situations. The speakers share personal anecdotes about their experiences in the mountains, the realities of survival shows, and the challenges of aviation and space exploration. They also discuss fishing adventures and the growth that comes from these experiences, highlighting the importance of mental resilience in both outdoor activities and life. In this conversation, Daniel and Chris explore various themes including the challenges of facing fears in climbing, the journey to Alaska for personal growth, societal expectations versus personal fulfillment, and the intricacies of fish behavior and feeding habits. They discuss the importance of understanding both the psychological and physical aspects of climbing, the motivations behind their life choices, and delve into the science of how fish perceive color and their feeding strategies. In this engaging conversation, Chris, Usyk, and Daniel delve into various aspects of fishing, from the intriguing color spectrum that influences fish behavior to the importance of having a well-stocked tackle box. They share personal fishing stories, techniques, and experiences, highlighting the unique challenges and joys of fishing in Alaska. The discussion also touches on the role of social media in the fishing community and how it shapes perceptions and experiences. Daniel shares insights about his guiding business, Alaskan Remote Adventures, and the value it offers to fishing enthusiasts.


    Keywords


    Alaska, fishing, adventure, outdoor, Daniel Rogers, remote lodge, wildlife, mountaineering, guiding, travel, mountaineering, survival, aviation, space exploration, fishing, personal stories, mental challenges, adventure, certification, Alaska, climbing, fears, mountaineering, Alaska, personal fulfillment, fish behavior, feeding habits, color perception, fishing, color spectrum, tackle box, fishing techniques, Alaskan adventures, social media, fishing stories, lures, fishing experiences, fishing tournaments



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    1 hr and 29 mins
  • The FishStix PondCast: Shop Small, Shop Local
    Nov 26 2024

    In this conversation, Chris and Hunter discuss a variety of topics ranging from the rising prices of beer and snacks to their favorite sports teams, particularly the Dallas Cowboys. They delve into personal interests such as reality TV and basketball, highlighting family involvement in sports. The discussion shifts to fishing tournaments, conservation efforts, and the challenges faced in the redfish tournament scene. They also touch on upcoming guests, tournament rules, and personal fishing experiences, including equipment and marine electronics. In this engaging conversation, Chris discusses various aspects of fishing, including minimalism in fishing gear, the importance of supporting small businesses, and the excitement surrounding Black Friday deals. He reflects on the challenges faced by the fishing industry, particularly in the wake of COVID-19, and shares personal anecdotes about fishing shows and identity theft on social media. The conversation wraps up with a preview of upcoming sales and promotions at his store, emphasizing community support and the joy of fishing. sports, fishing, Dallas Cowboys, reality TV, fishing tournaments, conservation, redfish, marine electronics, trolling motors, personal stories, fishing, minimalism, small business, Black Friday, fishing shows, identity theft, social media security, fishing gear, discounts, promotions

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    1 hr and 6 mins