I met Kristine Fischer at the Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin in Sept 2019. She is a small town outdoor enthusiast making waves in the competitive kayak angling world. He passion for the sport, wisdom, advice, and vision for the future is inspiring. Instagram - @midwestfishergal Facebook - Kristine Fischer - kfischer11

**THIS STORY CONTAINS GRAPHIC DESCRIPTIONS AND LANGUAGE THAT MAY NOT BE APPROPRIATE FOR ALL LISTENERS. PLEASE USE DISCRETION.** Hannah Stonehouse Hudson is a writer, photographer, speaker, and outdoor enthusiast from Wisconsin. In 2013, her husband, Jim Hudson, passed away after falling through the ice while ice fishing. Her stoic resolve while telling the story of Jim's death comes from years of advocacy and education around ice safety.

Hannah Stonehouse Hudson is a writer, photographer, speaker, and outdoor enthusiast from Wisconsin. She learned a lot about ice fishing from her late husband Jim Hudson. She remembers fondly these learning experiences and the man who delivered them.

Hannah Stonehouse Hudson is a writer, photographer, speaker, and outdoor enthusiast from Wisconsin. She talks about the very first experience she had ice fishing with her late husband Jim Hudson.

Hannah Stonehouse Hudson is a writer, photographer, speaker, and outdoor enthusiast from Wisconsin. In college, she studied the folklore of Wisconsin ice fishing, despite having never set foot on the ice to fish. She interviewed ice anglers about why they do what they do, and lit the fire for a lifelong passion that she pursues today.

Hannah Stonehouse Hudson is a writer, photographer, speaker, and outdoor enthusiast from Wisconsin. Hannah works to inspire others through her stories, and educate them about the value of life and the outdoors. She's an ice fishing fanatic who, when not on the ice or open water, spends her time speaking about the power of social media & virtual communities, why it’s important to live life to the fullest, and teaching organizations and businesses how to handle social media when something tragic occurs.

Hannah Stonehouse Hudson is a writer, photographer, speaker, and outdoor enthusiast from Wisconsin. She talks about how a tragic event led her to finding an organization that fuels her passion today.

Denny Geurink is an outdoor communicator, author, and educator from Michigan. HIs career has taken him down many paths including a syndicated newspaper columnist, editor of Field and Stream Magazine, host of Outdoor Adventures TV and most important of all...a teacher. We talked about his career, proudest moments, mentors, and his book "In the Land of the Bear".

I had the pleasure of meeting Kenneth Kieser at the 2018 Association of Great Lakes Outdoors Writers conference in Bismarck, ND. A 40+ year career, along with many thousands of published articles and books have only fueled his passion for outdoor communication and education.

Kenneth Kieser, outdoor communicator and educator, talked with me at the 2018 Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers about why he does what he does.

Kenneth Kieser, outdoor communicator and educator, talked with me at the 2018 Association of Great Lakes Outdoor Writers about what it means for him to have been inducted into the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame.

Bob Holzhei is an outdoor writer from Michigan. We sat down for a conversation that only touched on fishing a few times. Instead, we learned about Bob's career as an educator, his life on the family farm, and his journey to writing, among many other topics.

Bob Holzhei is an outdoor writer from Saginaw, Michigan. His journey into the outdoors, and what they mean to him, makes for a great story.

Bob Holzhei grew up on a family farm. Hard work and memories of meager times exist about his childhood, but the positive memories of fishing and outdoor recreation shine through.

Bob Holzhei was destined to be a writer and educator. His passion for education, and unique approach to teaching, have provided him with many fond memories.

Bob Holzhei gives much of the credit for his successes to his wife Shirley. His vehement praise for her support and love is expressed with pride.

Jordan Rodriguez is the outdoor columnist for the Idaho Statesman. He has been fishing since he and his father took up the sport when Jordan was young. Some of his earliest memories, and favorite stories, involve a fishing pole and some excitement. Join Jordan on some of his favorite fishing adventures, and a journey through his early career as an avid angler.

Jordan Rodriguez talks about one of his most favorite fishing trips...a Belize adventure with only the basics.

Craig Oyler is a multi-season/multi-species angler who travels across the midwest chasing the next big bite. Craig likes fishing for anything that swims, but Pactola lake trout are by far his favorite. Craig’s passion for educating anglers led him to start Hooked on Hardwater, which partners 60 underprivileged boys from the Rapid City Club for Boys with 60 professional ice fishermen from across the country for a day of mentoring, fellowship, ice fishing, and fun. This interview is from a live storytelling event on Main Street Square in Rapid City, SD. Despite the equipment issues and venue noise, we had a great conversation. Enjoy!

Craig Oyler is a multi-season/multi-species angler who travels across the midwest chasing the next big bite. This is a story about some of his fishing buddies who have a very interesting tip about catching big pike on the ice.

Craig Oyler is a multi-season/multi-species angler who travels across the midwest chasing the next big bite. Craig likes fishing for anything that swims, but Pactola lake trout are by far his favorite. This is one of his favorite stories about fishing with a friend and equipment not up to the task of hauling in a Black Hills laker.

Craig Oyler is a multi-season/multi-species angler who travels across the midwest chasing the next big bite. Craig likes fishing for anything that swims, but Pactola lake trout are by far his favorite. He created some buzz in the fishing communities when he began referencing a "secret spot" as waypoint 107. Love everything about this story and the message behind it. Enjoy.

Craig Oyler is a multi-season/multi-species angler who travels across the midwest chasing the next big bite. His passion for educating anglers led him to start Hooked on Hardwater, which partners 60 underprivileged boys from the Rapid City Club for Boys with 60 professional ice fishermen from across the country for a day of mentoring, fellowship, ice fishing, and fun.

Craig Oyler is a multi-season/multi-species angler who travels across the midwest chasing the next big bite. Craig likes to catch fish, and will keep them on occasion, but has something to say about a fishing trend that is getting way out of hand.

Craig Oyler is a multi-season/multi-species angler who travels across the midwest chasing the next big bite. Craig likes fishing for anything that swims, but Pactola lake trout are by far his favorite. Here he talks about what makes Lake Trout fishing so fantastic for him.

Craig Oyler is a multi-season/multi-species angler who travels across the midwest chasing the next big bite. His passion for ice fishing, and the Black Hills, is second to none. This is why.

Craig Oyler is a multi-season/multi-species angler who travels across the midwest chasing the next big bite. He started guiding his dad's friends when he was 11-years-old, and new right away that he wanted to fish all the time.

I was walking my dog near Down's Marina when I met a man with a pile of catfish at the cleaning station. This may have been the first interview I conducted after conceiving the idea of the archive. Tom and I talked about his father, Harvey, combat fishing on the Mississippi, why catfish are so great to catch, how to run set lines, and a little bit about why some anglers are so spoiled. : ) It's a great conversation through the buzzing of an electric knife.

I learned about The Great Fish Day too late. We had booked our flights to Iceland and would be returning the week before the event. The airline wanted $2,000 to change the flight, so we would just have to miss it. Fortunately, I was able to talk to the director of one of the largest events in Iceland and get the story about its beginnings, management, and importance to a country and its people.

In 2002, Jens Lund came to Pierre, SD contracted to do an oral history project about the Lewis and Clark expedition, interviewing people all the way along the Missouri River. His task was to talk with people who have lived on the river and utilized it to create a sustainable income. His interview with legendary fishing guide and angling innovator, Bob Propst Sr. was one of the best. This is part one, courtesy of the South Dakota Arts Council and the South Dakota State Historical Society. Thanks to Jens Lund for the audio and photos. http://artscouncil.sd.gov | https://history.sd.gov/

Stan Wright is a media icon in the state of Hawaii. Now retired, Stan talks about his life as an angler, host of "Lets Go Fishing" television and shares stories about fishing with his family in Hawaii.

Craig Mickelson is a realtor from Aberdeen, S.D. He is also an avid angler fishing almost 200 days in a good year. Craig told us a story about catching a big drum in an unexpected place, and chatted with us a bit about being a responsible angler and business person. Cameo by Casey Weismantel himself.

Shaun Lezotte is a fly fishing guide with Dakota Angler and Outfitter in Rapid City, So. Dak. He has been fly fishing since he was a teenager, but loves traditional fishing methods just as well. We sat down in the comfort of the new fly shop on a busy Jackson Blvd to talk fishing, hunting, significant others, and what the future holds.

Curt and Paul remember an ice fishing trip when paul went for an unexpected ride in a portable ice shack.

A few weeks back, the South Dakota Deaf Anglers were holding their annual tournament on the shores of Lake Oahe near Pierre. The Fishing Crew founder Curt Underhill helped me get in touch with his childhood friend and group member Paul Fosheim for a chat while they fished for northerns in Cow Creek. I learned a lot from this passionate group of anglers, and had a blast chatting with them for a few hours.

Joey talks about what fishing has taught him before sharing his perception of what it means to be successful on the water

Joey favorite person to fish with, his dad, has taught him many things over the years. He has also passed on stories about people Joey never had a chance to meet.

Joey talks about his earliest fishing memory fishing with his grandfather before telling us the story about how he met his "surrogate" grandfather in Bob Landberg

Joey Plunkett partners with Kyle Scoletta to make and distribute soft plastic lures. They use the proceeds to give back to combat veterans.

Joey has enjoyed targeting multiple species of fish since moving to Nebraska from Mississippi. Holmes Lake has become one of his go-to spots. A small body of water in the middle of Lincoln. Great fishing opportunities abound.

Joey Plunkett is a Mississippi transplant living in the great state of Nebraska. He has fond memories of growing up in rural Mississippi and his family that he fished with. This is one of his favorite fishing stories about his Great Aunt "Cooter" Sue and some toothy critters that paid them a visit.

Gary and Larry have had some great adventures together. But the reason they can take those adventures is because their families are so understanding and open to the lifestyle. It helps that they take their wives along for a fishing adventure once-in-a-while.

One of the best fishing trips these two ever ha was coming out of Lake of the Woods and looking to burn an extra two days. They found a favorite catfish hole that later produced a big walleye bite.

Jim Mollison has been fishing for nearly 80 years. He's learned a thing or two during that time, and has some great memories on the water. We sat down with Jim to share some of those memories and learn about what makes him so passionate about the sport we all love.

Larry Myhre makes custom Bamboo fly rods and loves to chase fish with them. He's tried to get Gary Howey into fly fishing, but there was a slight problem with his backcast. Here is Larry busting his chops.

Larry and Gary have been friends for a long time. Hear about how it all came to be and about their careers in the outdoors in this amazing conversation. Belly laughs from these two can help a person anytime!

Ranel has been ice fishing since he was 15. In 2018, he was one of the top ranked ice anglers from Estonia. He was competing for his country in Kazakhstan at the 2018 World Ice Fishing Championships.

Ranel Kommits is one of the top ranked ice anglers in Estonia. He was competing in his first ever World Ice Fishing Championships this year (2018) in Kazakhstan. We had some time to chat while he was catching big bream during the final official practice day to hear about Ranel's ice fishing career and some stories from the championship.

Randy Tambke is a catfish hunter and tournament angler from Lincoln, NE. A fluke day of fishing resulting in a big catfish created a life of experimentation and dedication to wiskered water lovers of all types. He knows how to catch catfish and helps others do it through the We B Crankin' Guide Service. You can find out more at www.facebook.com/webcrankinguideservice/.

Charlie Moore spent many years as a professional angler. When the industry began to get the best of him, he decided to get back to what was truly important in his life.

Daryl Bauer is a biologist with the Nebraska Game and Parks. He is a self-proclaimed "one trick pony" and is proud of knowing a lot about fishing. We had a great chat in Lincoln, Nebraska in a dungeon -like room of the Lancaster events center.

Hank Patterson is a larger-than-life character who doesn't give a heck about anyone but himself.  Hank's a beer-drinking, fish catching, lady swooning machine...and he knows it.  That's the character that Travis Swartz gets to play in his videos.  In real life, he's a low-key guy with a past filled with comedy and fishing adventure.  We had a great conversation at the Alex Johnson in Rapid City.  I challenge you not to laugh during the discussion...pretty sure you'll lose.  Good luck!

Check out my conversation with Kate Golden, a journalist at sea down in Australia. She has already had some amazing adventures because of fishing, and it has become an obsession that consumes much of her life. Kate and her husband are currently renovating a sailboat for sea travel. She is documenting her journey at kategolden.org where you can sign up for updates and follow along.

Andy Moore is an artist and kayak angler from Lincoln, Nebraska. He has been fishing for over 50 years and has accumulated some amazing fishing stories. His most famous (or infamous) is about a big crappie that Andy never thought he would see. Many others fill this interview along with some good laughs. Enjoy the conversation!

Scott Mackenthun is a Fisheries Biologist and outdoor communicator from New Prague, MN. He took time out of his day to chat with me about his career in the fishing industry, some of the people who have helped him along the way, and advice for the next generation of fishing enthusiasts.

Tony is an angler & outdoor educator from the heart of Minnesota lakes country. He sat down to chat about his fishing career, mentors, favorite fishing stories and much more at the St. Paul Ice Fishing Show in 2018.

Mike Stracco was a reverse-retired angler spending summers in Alaska, and winters travelling the world to chase fish. His laid-back nomadic lifestyle was flipped upside down after a small pup picked the scruffy guy in camp to hang out with. Music:   "First Day" - Huma Huma   "Nevada City" - Huma Huma   "North" - Silent Partner   "Even When We Fall" by Phillip Weigl

Michael worked in Alaska for 10 summers. He's talked with locals, traveled through remote regions, and heard all the info from people pushing the pebble mine. This is his take. *Update: The Pebble Parternship's plan has changed since this interview was recorded.

Casey Weismantel is the Director of the Aberdeen CVB, and an avid outdoor enthusiast. He told one of his earliest fishing memories, one that has helped shape his outdoor perspective and passion. Music (In order of appearance): "Swamp Stomp" - Silent Partner "Monkeys Spinning Monkeys" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/ "We Were Once Kings" - Silent Partner

Emmett Brown is the executive director of the Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame. His story, and the work they are doing at the Hall, is inspiring. Check out the full interview, and small bits of it in the archive.

Mike Dvorak is a professional photographer and angler from Minnesota. He has travelled the world shooting for Fly Fishing Magazines, The NY Times, Outdoor/Conservation publications, book publishers, and others. We talked fishing, but we also talked about some of the adventures that makes Mike such an interesting person. His life, like the lives of many anglers, holds so much more than just fish.

Stephen Wisner is the owner and guide for Eau Claire Anglers in Wisconsin. He first cast a fly rod in 1973 and fell in love with the sport he grew up around. Since then, he has logged thousands of days fishing and guiding rivers in Montana and Wisconsin. His passion is for chasing smallmouth bass and musky on area rivers, but loves fishing for anything that will bite. He invited me into his home for an interview about his live and some of his favorite fishing stories.

Jason Durham owns Go Fish! Guide Service out of Park Rapids, MN. He shares some great advice during our interview that might inspire people to get out and enjoy the day.

Johnathan and Brady talk about their strategy going into the 2017 Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza and how their team name came to be.

Megan and her mother Donna talk about their strategy for the 2017 Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza.

Gary Nault is a semi-professional angler and fishing guide from Sturgeon Bay, WI.  He wears his passion for fishing, fishing education, and the Sturgeon Bay area on his sleeve.  I really enjoyed talking with him at the National Professional Anglers Association Conference, and enjoyed the conversation even more the second time around!  Check out what makes Gary so passionate about the sport, and find out the real person behind the success of his guide business.