The Fishful Thinker Podcast

If you fish much, eventually you'll get snagged. Host Chad LaChance shares his ideas for both preventing snags and freeing them when it happens. If this podcast is helpful, please subscribe wherever you listen from!

Being a co-angler in a tournament boat, or even fishing in your friends' boats, typically means you stuck in the back of the boat. That does not automatically mean you're at a disadvantage, it just means you need to adapt. Host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on beating folks out of their own boats!

We all make mistakes as anglers...it's what we learn from them that helps us grow. Host Chad LaChance has made more than he cares to admit, and discusses the common ones here in an effort to help you avoid them. Please subscribe to the podcast...Fishful Thinker is a labor of love. 

Host Chad LaChance and guest Dan Swanson (former walleye pro and guide) discuss a whole slew of things they've learned from owning more than 30 fishing boats between them, towing all over the country. From unexpected maintenance to legal safety items you are likely not aware of. Please share and subscribe if you learned anything!  

Forward Facing Sonar may be controversial but it is here to stay. What has this revolutionary new technology taught us as anglers? Host Chad LaChance and retired fishing guide Dan Swanson have used FFS since its inception and share their lessons. Please subscribe while you're here! 

Fishful Thinker host Chad LaChance has been guiding anglers for 20 years and airing on TV for 16 years. Over that time he's received a lot of questions. This episode addresses emailing questions so that you can get the best answers. Please subscribe while you're here!

Largemouth bass are the most popular sportfish in the U.S. and most bassers carry tons of lures. But what if you only get one one lure to fish with...what do you choose? Host Chad LaChance loves bass fishing and discusses his choice here. We hope you'll subscribe!

Many anglers practice catch and release angling for at least some of their fishing, but are they successful in survival? Host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts and those of a fish physiologist in this informative and important episode. Hope you'll subscribe and share it! 

As part of the "Only One Lure" for a given species series, host and smallmouth guide Chad LaChance shares his choice if he only got to pick one lure for a day of targeting bronzebacks. Please subscribe while you're here...FTTV is a labor of love!

Host Chad LaChance addresses one of the most common question he gets..."if you only get one lure, which one do you choose?"...only his information is species-specific. Please subscribe while you're here!

Carrying a small amount of well-chosen fishing tackle in your vehicle ensures you can fish at a moments notice. Host Chad LaChance calls it opportunity fishing and shares what he carries to be ready when the chance arrises in his travels.

Using a leader in your fishing has several advantages. Host Chad LaChance uses leaders in much of his angling and shares his thoughts on their use for a variety of angling situations. 

It's late February and we have rare open water bass ponds around the region. Host Chad LaChance says they're catchable but it'll likely take some patience...   

On a recent vacation host Chad LaChance caught a slew of inshore slat water fish simply by focussing fundamentals learned in fresh water. He's shares the process in this episode...please subscribe while you are here!    

Both anglers and hunters often find success on the edge, any edge. The concept of edges is key to locating fish and game. Host Chad LaChance always exploits edges in his outdoor pursuits and share shis thoughts on the fundamental topic.  

"If you could only pick one lure..." is a very common question host Chad LaChance gets, and his answer varies by species. In this case, he'll break down the details of his "if you only get one lure" for trout specifically. Please subscribe while you're here! 

The two terms are often used interchangeably but they are not the same thing and understanding the differences will help you catch more fish. Host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on defining the two terms, and more importantly, applying them to you fishing.

Lot's of people travel to the coasts at this time of year to soak up some sun and warmth and they might as well fish a it while they're there, right? Host Chad LaChance thinks so and here's his tips, gleaned from three decades of beach vacations, to help you keep it very simple yet still catch a few fish. Please subscribe wherever you listen! 

A boat is a big purchase and if you have not bought many boats, the decision process can be tricky. Here's what host Chad LaChance, who has bought 20+ fishing boats and helped many others buy their own boats, has to say about boat buying decisions.

Western anglers are staring at the prospect of frozen waters for he coming months...unless you have access to some tailwater trout fishing! Host Chad LaChance shares his intel on both fly and spin fishing western tailwaters, along with some info on Denver local appearances coming up soon. 

The turning of a new year is a perfect time to evaluate the year passed and the coming season as well. Host Chad LaChance puts a lot of stock in that concept and shares his thoughts on a making a better 2024.

Tis the season to celebrate with family and friends, reflect on the year passed and look forward to the coming year. Host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on the season.

Freshly stocked trout may not be glamorous, but this time of year they are typically abundant and willing to bite. Host Chad LaChance shares his thoughts on simple, holiday time trouting in metro reservoirs.  

Like it or not, boating season in the northern states is rapidly coming to an end. That means now is the perfect time to ensure your boat is not only ready for a long sleep, but also ready to launch the first nice day in spring! Please consider subscribing wherever you listen. 

December is a month of planning...planning content, fishing trips and time with family and friends. Chad LaChance shares his light-hearted thoughts on this month and what the new year has in store.