120 Outdoors Podcast

Chris and Don interview Jon Cepek a Wildlife Ecologist with for the Cleveland Metro Parks. Jon offers a broader perspective to urban wildlife management. He explains urban wildlife issues to help us understand how we got here, highlighting how people unintentionally contribute to human wildlife conflict. If you are interested in wildlife management you will find this podcast very interesting.

Chris and Don interview Professional Kayak Angler, Chuck Earls. Chuck owns and operates Lake Erie Kayak Fishing Charters. He is a Cold Water Kayak safety expert, kayak outfitter, and ACA instructor. Also, Chuck is a member of the USA Kayak Fishing Team. Chuck spends much of his time fishing Lake Erie. He offers details on safety before trying to tackle the big lake. He stresses the importance of b...

Chris and Don interview Buckeye Bowhunter, Josh Grund. The topic for today's discussion is how to effectively call deer. Josh talks about the different types of deer calls and how to use them. He shares his ideas on using calls in high pressured areas and offers a few tips that have worked for him in the past. If you love deer hunting this podcast is for you.

Chris and Don interview Steelhead guru, Mike Durkalec. Mike is the Aquatic Biologist for the Cleveland Metroparks. In his spare time Mike chases every fish in the area, but his first love is steelhead. Mike talks about the upcoming Steelhead Expo on September 28th from 9:00 - 3:00 at the Rocky River Nature Center. Also, we discuss early season tactics and Mike reveals his favorite methods for catc...

Chris and Don interview Jay Stewart from Maverick Drone Deer Recovery. We review the current laws in Ohio for Drone Deer Recovery. Jay discusses how he started his business and the equipment needed. He offers suggestions on when to call for his services and when not to. If you are interested in deer hunting you might be interested in this podcast.

Chris and Don interview ODNR Fisheries Biologist Supervisor, Eric Weimer. Eric reviews the history of Sauger in Ohio and Lake Erie. He talks about what happened to native Sauger population and the future plans for reintroduction. This is a very interesting discussion that we think you will enjoy.

Chris and Don interview Dr. Sean Landsman about the potential issues with Forward Facing Sonar. Sean is a Professor at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada. We discuss the concern for fisheries and pressure from Forward Facing Sonar. We review the Muskies, Inc statement on Forward Facing Sonar and the idea of Fair Chase. Sean provides examples of what he considers ethical use and unethical use of...

Chris and Don interview Eric Saas, H2Ohio Wetlands Program Manager for the ODNR. Eric provides us with an update on the progress of the program. Included in the update are the number of wetland projects statewide. He explains the benefits of adding thousands of acres of wetlands. If you are interested in restoring wetlands this update is for you.

Chris and Don interview Rick Heubel from FSUP Outdoors. They reviewed their recent fishing trip on the Sandusky Bay. Several large Channel Catfish were caught, including a 13 pounder. Rick shared his tactics on catching Sandusky Bay catfish. Bait, rods, reels and seasonal timing are discussed. If you are interested in catching catfish this podcast is for you.

Chris and Don interview Jeremy Pritt, Fisheries Biologist in the Inland Fisheries Research Unit of the ODNR. Jeremy discusses the Blue Catfish Program in Ohio and the 9 program lakes. He mentions that Blue Catfish are native to the Ohio River drainage. We talk about the new Ohio State Record Blue Catfish. This is an exciting program that will offer catfish anglers around the state an opportunity t...

Chris and Don interview fly fishing expert John Diez. John talks about how he got started on his fly fishing journey. He shares thoughts on how to get started in fly fishing. We discuss everything from buying your first fly rod to simple fly patterns. Beginners and veteran fly fishing enthusiasts will love this podcast.

Chris and Don interview Muskie Angler, Kevin Goldberg. Kevin discusses how to find and catch Muskie during the early summer period. He talks about the importance of focusing on forage. We get into trolling, casting and how/when to use for effective outcomes. This discussion includes bait selection for certain situations on the lake. If you like to fish for Muskie this podcast is for you.

Chris and Don interview Stephanie Uber, Natural Resources Officer with the Division of Parks and Watercraft. They discuss boater safety courses, insurance and special safety requirements for the Great Lakes. Stephanie talks about kayak registration and safety. Also she reviews boater safety at night and shares some crazy boater stories. Remember, May is National Water Safety Month.

Chris and Don interview ODNR Fisheries Management Supervisor, Curt Wagner on Steelhead being stocked in the Cuyahoga River. Curt gives us a brief history on The River That Caught Fire. He also talks about all the partners that worked hard to help clean the Cuyahoga. We discuss the importance of the Steelhead program in Ohio and the effects on the local economy. The future looks bright for the Cuya...

Chris and Don interview Hans Mann the Owner Operator of Buffalo Harbor Outfitters. Hans shares secrets on how you can catch Great Lakes Smallmouth. He talks about his rigs and specific rod setups. Hans offers insight into why he believes the Smallmouth fishing is so good on the Great Lakes. If you enjoy fishing this podcast is for you.

Don and Chris interview Tom Kirkman,  author and editor/publisher of Rodmaker Magazine and the driving force behind the International Custom Rod Builders Expo. Tom talks of his endeavors and insights into the world of custom rod building, a craft practiced by young and old worldwide, and you can do it right at home. If you are interested in fishing then this podcast is for you.

Chris and Don interview ODNR Forest Gamebird Specialist, Mark Wiley. Mark gives us an update on the current Hen Turkey study in Ohio. He shares some interesting finds in year one. The ODNR will be banding another 50 hens in 2024 to expand the study statewide. Also, Mark discusses the overall health of the Wild Turkey population in Ohio and the outlook for this spring season. If you are interested...

Don and Chris interview Crawford County Watershed Specialist, Brian Pilarcik. Brian talks about how Conservation Districts were legislated by the Federal Government. Their origins rooted in the effects of the Dust Bowl. Also, Brian shares what Conservation Districts’ roles are in the communities they serve. If you are interested in Conservation this podcast is for you.

Chris and Don interview Walleye Pro Angler, Sammy Cappelli. Sammy talks about spring tactics on inland lakes. Everything from walleye location near spawning sites to main lake structure was discussed. Also, Sammy talks about his favorite setups for spinning and trolling techniques. If you love chasing walleye this podcast is worth a listen.

Don and Chris interview Dave Riddell, Operations Manager for OPN Seed Company. Dave shares the many benefits of growing native plants. He discusses some of the challenges that may be faced when planting natives. If you are interested in native plants to benefit wildlife and conservation this podcast is for you.

Chris and Don interview Ohio River angler, Rick Heubel. Rick talks about all the fishing opportunities available on the Ohio River. Anglers can anticipate catching a mixed bag from walleye to catfish. He reviews license requirements by state and the bag limits. If you are interested in fishing the Ohio River this Podcast will be of interest.

Don talks about how unique the weather is in our 120. Heavy lake effect snow, rain, cloud cover and winds are all influenced by our close proximity to Lake Erie. He discusses our Great Lake and its effects on our weather and environment.

Chris and Don interview well known Steelhead Angler, John Breedlove. John shares a few secrets on catching steelhead during the winter. He talks about his recent results and how the crazy weather has affected fish movement. Also we get into his setup and techniques used to boat more fish. If you are interested in winter steelhead this podcast is for you.

Chris and Don interview Curt Yoder from Whitetail Heritage of Ohio. Curt talks about how his organization supports deer management and conservation efforts statewide. Also he explains their affiliation with first time hunters and hunters with disabilities. Kurt is very proud of Whitetail Heritage of Ohio’s annual banquet that helps support all their activities. If you are interested in deer and de...

Chris and Don interview Steelhead angler, Jim Morrison. Jim discusses the often overlooked and underutilized Steelhead opportunity. Jim likes to focus his attention on the break walls and piers . Many of the Great Lake streams have a pier or break wall. He explains how to be successful chasing steelhead out front! If you love chasing steelhead you will enjoy this podcast.