Nick Gellerstedt Guide Talk - Livescope Wars - Cop Robs Fly Shop - Spot Burn Podcast Episode 36

Podcast Title: Spot Burn Podcast - Episode 36
Hosts: Josh and Dan
Guest: Nick Gellerstedt (musky guide)

Episode Link

Main Points Covered:

Intro Banter and Ice Fishing Talk

• Discussed ice fishing on Lake Superior, Madeline Island ice road, ice caves.

• Technical adjustments to audio and casual pre-show banter.

Podcast Episode Outline

• Planned casual intro, “fly roast” segment, current events, Kentucky River Musky Classic predictions, main interview with Nick, audience Q&A, quick tips, and conclusion.

Current Events Discussed:

Big Thaw Event (March 21-22)

• Event at Musky Fool fly shop and Barrymore Theater in Madison, WI.

• Nick giving musky fly-tying and fishing demos.

• Free event, emphasis on community engagement and education.

Shooters Showgirls (WI Strip Club) Burning Down

• Humorous banter about strip club associated with musky fishing.

• Club was burned down by a disgruntled customer.

• Tongue-in-cheek connection made to decline in musky success.

Connecticut Cop Breaking into a Fly Shop

• Cop stole cash and merchandise, highlighting fly-shop theft issues.

• Mentioned small items frequently stolen, like flies, leaders, and hooks.

Kentucky River Musky Classic Predictions

• Tournament context provided; last year had 8 muskies caught by 30 teams.

• Hosts’ predictions:

  • Dan: 3 fish, 42-inch biggest fish (winning team from Wisconsin).

  • Josh: 4 muskies, 43.5-inch biggest fish (team from south/east).

  • Nick: Winning team catches 5 smaller muskies, biggest fish caught separately (46 inches).

Major League Fishing (MLF) LiveScope Regulation

• MLF limits use of forward-facing sonar (LiveScope), only allowing use in one of three fishing periods.

• Speculation on impact and strategy changes due to rule.

• Discussed ripple effect on tackle industry.

Minnesota LiveScope Debate

• Minnesota DNR considering regulations due to potential impacts on fisheries.

Fly Roast Segment (Critiquing Fly Submissions)

• Reviewed listener-submitted flies, provided feedback and commentary.

• Two Flies Reviewed:

  • “Tres Leches” (Trout fly by Alex):

    • Unique triple-hook small fly, praised for creativity and execution.

    • Made “Wall of Fame.”

  • Musky fly by Matt Jensen:

    • Weedless articulated bucktail fly with feathers and glass rattle.

    • Critiqued weedless hook (poor hookup rates), praised overall tying quality and color scheme.

    • Made “Wall of Fame.”

Main Interview with Nick Gellerstad (Head Guide)

• Nick relocating from Eau Claire to Park Falls, WI (Lake Superior area) due to wife’s new job.

• Excitement about exploring new water and being in historical musky fishing area (Louis Spray territory).

• Nick shared how he meticulously patterns fish behavior, stressing the importance of daily consistency on the water.

• Discussion on smallmouth pre-spawn fishing (April-June), tactics (dragging leeches, small streamers), and patterns.

2024 Musky Season Recap and Lessons:

• Early Season (June): High water, challenging fishing, success found using smallmouth-sized flies.

• Summer: Continued success on smaller flies, theorized high water spread muskies out and changed feeding habits.

• Late Summer/Early Fall: Speed tactics (small, fast-moving gliders) triggered aggressive follows and strikes.

• Fall: Late pattern switch to sucker-style flies correlated with gear anglers’ success on suckers. Highlighted challenge of inconsistent fishing days.

• Main Lesson Learned: Start each season fresh without preconceived ideas.

Audience Q&A with Nick

• Top 5 Flies Nick Didn’t Tie for Fall Guiding: Optimus Swine, Double Buford, Yard Sale, Noble Nickel, and Double River Pig.

• Scopes on his Raft: Zero (joking response).

• Best Cutbait for Catfish: Greasy baitfish (moon eyes/gizzard shad).

• Favorite Musky Spot (Burned): Lake Vermilion, MN.

• Favorite Fly Style: Walking/glider style flies.