The Bait Tank

The Bait Tank Welcome to The Bait Tank, a video podcast where fishing passion meets purpose. If it's Fishing, We'll Talk About It!

We’re dedicated to exploring the sport we love, sharing tips and techniques, and diving into the critical issues facing our waterways.

10/24/2025

We’ve all been there, right? 😂 You bring a net to a knife fight and watch a fish make a jump for freedom! Join us as we tackle a feisty 9-10 pound bowfin using ultralight gear (just 4lb test line). After a wild 12-minute battle, our poor net doesn't stand a chance, leading to a hilarious wrestling match right by the boat. This bowfin didn't just flop in the boat: it sounded like a lunch lady serving sloppy joes! Every angler knows the chaos of reeling in a surprise catch with lighter tackle! It's straight-up fishing comedy! Dive into our epic 12-minute showdown with this monster bowfin on 4lb gear. When your net’s too small, you get to witness some of the funniest landing fails ever! Life as an angler is anything but boring! 🎣🤣

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10/21/2025

Have you ever lost a Bowfin right at the boat? This could be why!

Bowfin are one of the hardest-fighting fish in freshwater, earning the nickname "freshwater tarpon," but they are notorious for spitting the hook! The secret is in the hookset. Due to their incredibly hard, bony maxilla plate (face plate), you need a specific, strong bass hookset to drive the hook home. Watch this short tutorial to learn the exact technique you need to stop losing these epic fish at the boat!

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10/15/2025

Why I HATE Northern Pike Fishing (They're the WORST)

He caught 37 pike in ONE day, and he's not happy about it. Is the Northern Pike truly an apex predator, or is it an invasive problem destroying fisheries? Sam explains his intense love/hate relationship with pike, catching everything from "hammer handles" to monsters, and why the local DNR laws aren't helping. If you fish in the Great Lakes region, you NEED to hear this controversial take on pike overpopulation, and the reason he thinks anglers should be targeting them more aggressively.

Keywords : northern pike fishing, pike overpopulation, why i hate pike, hammer handle pike, pike fishing controversy, catch and release pike, great lakes fishing, michigan fishing, dnr fishing laws, predator fish, fish overpopulation, fishing rant, invasive species debate

10/12/2025

Live Bait Bobber Rig for Bowfin: Simple Setup for Creek Chubs & Mudfish

Picking up where we left off, The Bait Tank and Benoit Fishing Outdoors dive into the crucial details of rigging up live bait for Bowfin (Mudfish). Anglers often overthink the tackle, especially when comparing it to heavy-duty catfish setups!

In this segment, we reveal why a giant float isn't necessary for your live creek chubs and why a simple foam bobber is often the ideal choice. We discuss the difference in bait size and fighting style that allows for lighter, less resistant floats, making for better hookups.

Stop using gear that's too big and start catching more fish!

Click the link in bio to find the full episode!

👉 If It's Fishing, We'll Talk About It!

Rigging: Live bait on a float vs. free lining (The bobber setup explained).
Gear Myth: Why small, inexpensive foam bobbers are perfect for Bowfin.
Tackle Comparison: Bowfin live bait setup vs. Catfish heavy floats.
Target: Using creek chubs and similar live baits for this 'trash fish' species.

🔔 Follow for more videos where we simplify fishing techniques, provide accurate species identification, and debunk the myths around undervalued fish species!



Keywords : Bowfin, mudfish, dogfish, Amia Calva, trash fish, unpopular species, bowfin fishing, live bait for bowfin, bowfin rig, bobber fishing, foam bobber, live bait float, creek chubs, live minnows, fishing techniques, how to fish live bait, fishing float, fishing bobber, catfish float, heavy tackle, live bait setup, simple fishing rig, tackle for bowfin, budget fishing gear, walleye bobber, fishing podcast, fish management, fisheries management, species identification, debunking myths, the bait tank, fishing facts

10/11/2025

Accidentally Catching a Bowfin: The Surprising Truth About 'Swamp Monsters'

In this segment of The Bait Tank, we dive headfirst into the world of the often-maligned Bowfin, also known as the Mudfish or Dogfish. Despite their 'trash fish' reputation, these are incredible fighters and a unique part of our aquatic ecosystem!

Allison from Benoit Fishing Outdoors shares her surprising first experiences catching Bowfin, particularly her success using cut bait and circle hooks in marshy, stagnant waters. Most anglers only target them with artificial lures, making this cut bait technique a fascinating and effective alternative!

Are Bowfin really 'trash fish'? We discuss their preference for swampy areas and provide accurate information to help you identify, understand, and target this underrated species.

Wanna see the full episode? Follow our link in bio!

👉 If It's Fishing, We'll Talk About It!

Learn: Effective (and surprising) Bowfin fishing techniques.
Identify: Where to find Bowfin (marshy, stagnant water).
Myth-Busting: Can Bowfin be caught on cut bait? (Spoiler: Yes!)

🔔 Follow for more content where we discuss fishery management, accurate species identification, and debunk the myths around all aspects of fishing!



keywords : Bowfin, mudfish, dogfish, Amia Calva, freshwater fish, native fish, bowfin fishing, how to catch bowfin, cut bait for bowfin, circle hooks, jig heads, artificial lures, stagnant water fishing, swamp fishing, marsh fishing, river fishing, fishing podcast, fish management, fisheries management, species identification, debunking myths, trash fish, unpopular species, fishing facts, the bait tank, fishing, freshwater fishing, fishing tips, fishing techniques, best bait for bowfin, fishing gear

04/11/2025

Hey everyone! 🤔 Ever wondered about what goes on behind the scenes to keep our lakes and rivers healthy?

In a recent conversation, Mitch and I delved into the fascinating and often complex world of fisheries management. We explored the ongoing balancing act between prioritizing the conservation of our native fish populations and the focus often placed on sport fish.

Mitch, drawing on his experiences as an aquatic biologist, shed light on some crucial aspects. We talked about how vital water quality is for all aquatic life and the incredible importance of biodiversity in maintaining healthy ecosystems. Did you know that even seemingly small creatures like mussels play a huge role in filtering and keeping our water clean?

It was inspiring to hear about successful conservation stories, like the reintroduction of the Guadalupe Bass, and the dedication it takes to make these efforts work. However, the conversation also touched on the real challenges faced, including funding limitations for native fish conservation and the impact of public perception. It really highlighted the need for more public engagement and education so we can all better understand these delicate aquatic ecosystems and why preserving our native species matters so much.

We also discussed how important it is to be able to identify different species for responsible angling, and the serious threats that invasive species can pose to our native fish. The good news is that collaboration between different agencies can make a big difference in achieving conservation goals.

What are your thoughts on this? Have you ever noticed a difference in focus between native and sport fish in your local waterways? What do you think are some ways we can all get more involved in protecting our freshwater ecosystems? Let's chat!

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