Dialed In Angling Podcast

This week on the podcast, Tony is jacked about ideal water temps and perfect conditions for targeting large pike. After recent guide trips of boating multiple pike over 40”. Tony has pike on the brain! We explore the reasons behind the three pike management zones in Minnesota. He also shares early memories of fishing these toothy critters and how it got him hooked on fishing. This week, we break down the where and the when so you can boat a fish of a lifetime.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week, Tony is celebrating the buildup to the peak fall fishing season. He discusses in depth this week's fishing trips to Lake Superior, Leech, and Mille Lacs. We also deep dive into perch and walleye patterns that are shaping up all over northern MN. In addition, we discuss smallmouth tactics and more! The weather has been beautiful, and we are getting out and making the most of it before it is gone!   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week, Tony takes a drive up the north shore and all the way to the end of the Gunflint Trail. He meets up with Chad Kieper of Gunflint Wilderness Guide Service, Joe Friedrichs of Paddle and Portage Podcast, and Paul Zak. The group talks about their personal journey to the Gunflint and why they all decided to call this place home. We discuss how anglers can navigate these border waters and pursue the endless fishing opportunities this region has to offer, both in the BWCA and outside of the wilderness area. Everyone shares their favorite things to do, from winter camping to paddling wilderness waters in search of lake trout. This road trip is a reminder of how special a place this is and leaves Tony figuring out how to get back there soon.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

Now that the calendar says it's September and Mother Nature agrees, Tony is thinking fall! This week on the DIA podcast, we visit the MNDNR Aitkin Area Fisheries office to check in on how the DNR does some of its fall assessments. We sit down with Greg Berg of the MNDNR to discuss data collection and observe some of the forage nets as the crew works. We also pay tribute to Randy Havel, former owner of StrikeMaster Augers. Mr. Havel passed away after a battle with cancer. Tony shares some stories about himself and how he has shaped his career and the ice industry.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week on the podcast, Tony breaks down the recent large walleye tournament bags on Lake of the Woods. He discusses a variety of techniques and locations that anglers can use to catch big walleyes this Labor Day weekend. In addition, dives into some of his favorite walleye strategies and where he will be heading this fall.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

As summer winds down, the panfish bite is heating up. This week, Tony does a deep dive on overlooked late summer panfish. Where to find big numbers of fish this time of year, now, and as we transition into fall. Tony also shares some of his favorite techniques for targeting large panfish.  Lastly, Tony shares some jigging rap secrets that will help you step up your summer walleye game.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week, we chat about how the “dog days” of summer no longer exist. Tony breaks down his entire week filled with new lakes and new species. A DIY fishing vacation, where every day is a new adventure to find and catch fish all over MN and WI. We also discuss how today’s technology makes fishing this time of year fun and productive. Carving out time to fish new waters and new species with friends and family is what summer is all about.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week, we are on the north shore of Lake Superior to fish for lake trout with Ethan Waytashek of Lake Superior Jigging. Tony sits down with Ethan to learn about how he got his start. He also shares some insight into carving out a new guiding experience, jigging lakers on the big lake. We close out the show with Tony and Robbie recapping this epic trip to Gitchee Gumee.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week, we catch up with Marcus Quam as he pre-fishes for a tournament. He and Tony chat about how their summer guiding seasons are going. The two discuss the incredible year classes of walleyes in the South Dakota glacial lakes region. Marcus opens up about late summertime walleye strategies and how he is looking forward to a great fall season.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week on the DIA podcast, Tony discusses the recent Mille Lacs Fishery Advisory Committee meeting. He recaps a wide variety of topics, including walleye regulation changes and talks of ending the night fishing ban. We also sit down with the area MNDNR Mille Lacs Area Supervisor, Greg Berg. The two chat summer creel surveys and how things are looking in the big lake.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

Tony recaps his recently fished Lund Mania Tournament. He also dives into techniques for summer time walleyes and how the bite has been post 4th of July. In addition, he gives a rundown of his favorite new lures being unveiled at this week's 2025 ICAST convention taking place in Orlando, FL this week!   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

Lund Mania is a celebration of building Lund boats in New York Mills, MN. This week, we are on the shores of Lake Ottertail, pre-fishing for the Lund Mania walleye tournament. Our special guest, Al Beurbe, sits down to discuss how this tournament and town festival got its start. He also shares tournament stories of the past and how this walleye tournament brings the community together.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

Happy 4th of July! On this podcast, Tony shares some tips on how to catch more walleyes during a bug hatch! We also discuss the new Minnesota boater safety law, which went into effect on July 1, 2025. Then we dive into the topic of Forward-Facing Sonar. The FFS controversy wages on among anglers. Is it ruining fishing? Tony shares his views and why he is a fan! We also speculate on why some professional circuits are “limiting or banning” the use of FFS or live sonar.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com), Visit Watertown South Dakota (visitwatertownsd.com/), Mantrap Lodge (MantrapLodge.com), & Runnings (runnings.com/)

This week, Tony sits down with NWT walleye pro Hunter Nitti. The two discuss Hunter’s passion for walleye fishing along with his success on the NWT trail. Hunter chats about his rookie season “Angler of the Year” title, along with his favorite moments and highlights from the tournament trail. In addition, we share some top walleye destinations and conclude the podcast with a late June fishing report. Walleye anglers, you won't want to miss this episode of the DIA Podcast.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com) 

This week, Tony interviews outdoor photographer/videographer Matt Addington. They discuss Matt’s path to working in the outdoors and becoming a full-time professional content creator. Matt also shares a few stories of adventure as he has traveled across the globe, capturing wildlife and landscape images for the hunting and fishing industry. In addition, the two chat about where camera technology is headed and share some insights on how to capture better photos in the moment.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com) 

This week, the DIA podcast heads to Grand Rapids, MN, for an onX Fish writer experience and photo event. Tony sits down with Joel Nelson, marketing manager at onX Fish, and Tony Jenniges, senior brand manager and content marketing for Outdoor Sportsmen Group. The three discuss their trip to Grand Rapids. How the onX Fish app is helping them be better informed when hitting the water. They also share their approach to exploring and breakdown new waters with the app, and how anglers can do the same.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com) 

This week, Tony shares some red-hot June bites that are going on now. He also shares some of his “go tos” for Walleye and Smallmouth this time of year. Additionally, he provides in-depth details about some of the hottest presentations for catching fish this month. Tune in to get dialed in for a magical June!   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/), & Visit Cook County (VisitCookCounty.com) 

On this week's podcast, Tony starts with a fishing report and recaps a week of fishing on Mille Lacs, Brainerd Lakes Area & Leech Lake. He then sits down with Steve Cruikshank of Fishing for Life and Todd Lindley. They discuss how this organization got started and how they are “serving youth, families, veterans, communities through fishing and outdoor programs.“   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), & Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/)

There has been a lot of chatter lately about changing the Minnesota walleye limit from 6 to 4. Currently, the 6 fish limit was set in 1956, with the rapid advances in sonar technology, boats, and angling hours…is it time for a change? In this week's episode, we sit down with Nate Blasing, guide and member of the Brainerd Walleye Alliance, to hear about his role in spearheading this movement. We also interview MNDNR Regional Fisheries Manager Brian Nerbonne, to get an idea of what anglers and stakeholders think of a possible change. We also touch on what current data collection strategies would help the DNR decide on this in the future.   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), & Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/)

This week’s podcast, we recap a fantastic opening week of fishing. Tony sits down with fellow fishing guides Mitch Hackenmueller, Nick Cekalla and Stephen Roller to give a full fishing report on both Leech and Mille Lacs Lake. The crew talks about how the crazy weather is affecting the walleye bite and what to expect if you are heading up north in the upcoming weeks. They even offer up a few guide secrets so you can put more fish in the boat!   Presented by: Strike Master (rapala.com/us_en/strikemaster), On-X Fish (onxmaps.com/fish), & Arnesen's Rocky Point Resort (arnesens.com/)