Bumpkin Angling Podcast

The Bumpkins discuss some instances of cheating in the fishing world and then go on to explore why people cheat in competitions in general.  Along the way, they also discuss a little magic and some unexpected uses for a pet porter.  Giddy up! 

Big Wave Dave sits down with friend and former co-worker Tim Harold to talk about fishing superstitions.  They cover what to eat, what to listen to, and what not to pack if you really want to catch walleyes.  There's a lot of laughs and few "insights", so click play and enjoy!  

The Bumpkins discuss some of the common knowledge passed down through generations of fisher-people and why these things are held onto.  They also talk about some fishing superstitions held by our buddies and the wider world.  Oh, and Dave talks about the wisdom of fist fighting a bear.  

BWD and KFT have a conversation with "The Loon Lady", Sheila Johnston from Minnesota Loon Rescue.  Sheila talks about the things threatening the state bird of Minnesota, including fishing lines, tackle and lead poisoning.  She also outlines some ideas for how we can do better as outdoorspeople to protect this majestic symbol of the Land of 10,000 Lakes.  

Dave and Shane talk about the effects of lead left behind in the wild by people when fishing or hunting.  They cover how the lead gets there, how it gets into animals, and what it does once it's in an animal's system.  After talking about the effects of lead, the Bumpkins talk about legislative success stories and barriers, and what we can do as individuals to make sure that the wild things around...

The Bumpkins interview Jessica LaBumbard, the Executive Director of Wildwoods Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Duluth, MN, about her experience with raptors suffering with lead poisoning.   Jessica outlines the fate of birds of prey- bald eagles in particular- that have consumed lead in the course of their natural feeding habits.  She's seen the effects up close and personal and shares some of th...

BWD and KFT talk to Caleb Wistad, the man behind the Hooked Up Wisconsin YouTube Channel, about his love of fishing and helping other people improve their fishing skills.  They also dive a little deeper into the responsibilities of a content creator and the path Caleb took to creating content full time.  Let's get hooked up!  

BWD and KFT talk about the ups and downs, goods and bads, rewards and responsibilities of being a content creator in the fishing world today.  Dave talks about his experience on social media and then the boys talk to NATE P. from "Shorelunch with Nate P."! about his process, his willingness to tackle social issues and his reasons for doing what he does so well!  Grab your bib... let's dig in! 

BWD sits down with his dear friend and fellow Returned Peace Corps Volunteer Jonn Forslund to talk fish farming in rural Zambia and do a little reminiscing about their service. 

Just in time for the 2026 Minnesota Fishing Opener, the Bumpkins are spotlighting the walleye!  BWD and KFT dive deep into the evolution and cultural importance of the Minnesota state fish.   Tie on a jig, grab the minnow bucket, and let's talk walleye!  

BWD and KFT are heartbroken by the April 16 senate vote to overturn protections for the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness Watershed, but the fight is not over!  Tune in to hear how it all went down and what we can do next.  

BWD and KFT talk books!  They each pick a handful of their favorite books about fish and fishing and talk about why they are favorites.  There's a few classics and a couple surprises.  Check it out and get some culture in your life! 

Author David R. Francis reads his essay "Wake Me Up When the Whale Starts Killing Everybody", a humorous critique of Herman Melville's classic Moby Dick.  

BWD and KFT dig down deep on what they believe and why they are making a podcast about fishing and life.  They discuss toxic masculinity in the outdoor space and end the show with a poetic set of instructions to live by.  They also talk a little bit about Carlton Fisk and the 1975 World Series.  Something for everyone!  

Trying something new!  It's an audio fishing show! BWD and KFT are having a fish off on Chequamegon Bay and they get into some football smallies.  It's an exciting day on the water with a cray ending.  Check it out!  

Shane helps Dave take a mundane fishing anecdote and craft it into a big fish story worth remembering.  Tune in to see how you too can craft a fish tale that is exciting and memorable and TRUE... more or less.  

Big Wave Dave talks with the man, the myth, the legend... Joby Furo about ancient fishing artifacts and what they tell us about the story of fishing in the northland.  

We love ice fishing, but we want to make sure we do it safely.  BWD and KFT talk about what gear and knowledge you'll need before you head out on the ice.  Grab your poles and drill some holes... let's talk safety!  

BWD invites you to the launch of Old Mose on March 20 at Zenith Bookstore in West Duluth, and then KFT tells a story about some experiences he had with seafood in Japan during his travels as a young man.  When if comes to calamari, the fresher, the better, right?  Right? 

BWD and the KFT tackle a couple of mouth-watering questions: What's your favorite way to cook or eat fish? What traditional methods of preparing fish are you familiar with? Some of the answers are surprising! Some aren't as appetizing as the theme would imply... So, get out the tartar sauce and malt vinegar and let's talk fish cookery!  

"In no geological epoch has any body of water, fresh or saline, ever seen the likes of such a fish."  KFT and BWD read aloud from their book "Old Mose".  It's a big fish story with some myth, some history and quite a bit of mystery.  Come along as a young Shane and his Uncle Frank try to finally get a look at what's lurking in Meteor Lake!  

A fish is a fish is a fish... or is it?  BWD and KFT try to figure out why we consider some fish desirable and some fish disposable.  What is a rough fish?  What is a game fish?  Are there trash fish?  Tune in and decide for yourself!  

BWD and KFT speak out about the presence of ICE in the Twin Cities.  

BONUS! Big Wave Dave regales listeners with a news story about a rare fish siting.  

Big Wave Dave and The Kentucky Freight Train sit down to talk about the current, very real, threat to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness.  They cover the history of the BWCAW, what's happening right now to put that wilderness in danger and what you can do to help protect it.  Water is life.