This Weeks Show

Episode 33

The Reality of Muskie Fishing

Show Date: August 15, 2026

Location: Vilas County, Wisconsin

Accommodations: St. Germain Lodge [715-542-3433 - www.stgermainlodge.com]

This week we're giving you a real-world look at muskie fishing—because while the highlight reels usually show giant fish beside the boat, the reality is that most muskie trips involve a whole lot of casting, patience, and wondering if today is finally going to be the day.

We're back on the water with pro guide Rob Manthei, along with Pete Maina and host Josh Teigen. Between the three of them, there isn't much convincing needed to stay on the water when conditions get tough. They're all muskie nuts, and they'll gladly put in a long day for even the possibility of getting one big fish to follow, strike, or make an appearance beside the boat.

We had two days to fish, and neither one made things particularly easy. Day one brought high blue skies and very little wind—conditions that can make an already elusive fish even harder to trigger. Then came day two, when the weather went in the complete opposite direction. Storms rolled through, and we spent the morning getting pelted with heavy rain.

Not exactly ideal muskie weather, but that's part of the game.

We put in the hours, made the casts, worked the water, and stayed optimistic right until it was time to call it a day. We didn't connect with one of the giants we were hoping for, but that's the reality of muskie fishing. You don't get to control when the fish decides to cooperate.

And honestly, that's okay.

A day on the water with good friends, chasing one of the most challenging fish in freshwater, is still a pretty good way to spend a couple of days. The next cast could always be the one.