DNR Fisheries Specialist Storm Kettlehut out of the Glendwood Area Office is back and this time he's talking all things tech. The DNR has started a technology work group to determine the effects (good or bad) that technology is having on fishing and fish health. Social media, live scope, mapping...it's all being looked at and discussed in today's show. And yes, we do dive in to barotrauma.

The heat is back and so are the tenuous ice conditions. But, the Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza will go on. But, they've gone hybrid and the app is back. Tourney Chair Katherine Thoennes has all the details on what you need to know before next Saturday.

The Knights of Columbus Walleye Classic is coming. There's a bigger prize, a slight adjustment to the bag limit, and a tweak to when you can register. If you were in last year's tourney, set your calendar alarm for 8am February 1st! We talk about it all with the Tourney Chair Phil Hodapp

It was looking pretty dicey a few weeks ago, but now thanks to the coooold temps, it's looking pretty icey. The Brainerd Jaycees Ice Fishing Extravaganza is set for February 3rd and there's no one loving these temps more than Tourney Chair Katherine Thoennes and the Jaycees. She has all the details on this year's event on today's show.

Chuck Hasse of Leech Lake Fish House Rental checks in, frozen beard and all, as he hauls houses on to the lake for another weekend of ice fishing. He talks ice thickness, how the bite is going, his predictions for the 2024 softwater season, what to use your Christmas money for and of course a Fast Five.

Steve Scepaniak LOOOOOVES Muskie Fishing...But he's also pretty happy about the thick ice and good bites he's finding on Mille Lacs and other area hardwater spots.

We check in with Bassmaster Classic Champion Jeff Gustafson. Gussy is getting ready to head south, start the new season and defend his title. But for now, he's up in Ontario Sunset Country ice fishing. We get the details on all of it, along with a Fast Five, on the latest PBCO Podcast.

Matt checks in to talk ice fishing (now that we can do it in many more places). Plus, we talk about one of his favorite fish to catch...Eelpout. He also recaps his hunting seasons, discusses what's happening in the woods now, gives his take on wolves and works his way through another Fast Five.

Scott Mackenthun talks patience as he and his fellow southern Minnesotans wait for ice. He previews what he expects once the ice is safe, talks a little Eel Pout, recaps his hunting seasons and discusses the first several months of two line fishing in the Minnesota River. Plus, a Fast Five, of course.

It's a battle to find ice this year. But Joel Nelson has found some, and he's caught some fish. We talk weird weather and the frustrations of not having winter when we're supposed to. Plus a Fast Five, How to Spend your Christmas money and how softwater season is looking.

Tony Roach has been finding places to ice fish, but it's not easy. You need to know the lakes, take the time to check it out and measure, measure, measure. He talks about how to be safe, what they're biting on, and what it's going to take before he feels safe taking vehicles and fish houses out.

Erik Osberg has all the details on what's happening in Ottertail country. He discusses the ice status, what's happening where there IS ice, what you should use your Christmas money on and cruises through a holiday themed Fast Five.

Bruce Explains It All. With the ice situation d(ice)y, Bruce talks about the success he's had when he has found safe ice. In addition we discuss dealing with weird weather, how to spend your Christmas money, a Holiday themed Fast Five and the "joys" of reffing. Check out all the nonsense on the latest PBCO Podcast.

Jason and Kev lament the lack of ice and the challenges of getting some fish on. Plus, Jason discusses what you should spend your Christmas money on...and a sordid truth is revealed in the Fast Five!

The bite on Red is STRONG and the ice is good. But as Carl notes, you need to be aware of where you are and what is going on around you. Plus, we discuss the hunting season and get ready for January and beyond fishing. PLUS, a Holiday Fast Five.

Will Pappenfus gets us caught up on the ice bite in the Bemidji area. It's one of the few places in the state there's solid enough ice (in many places) to get some fishing in. He has all the facts and good safety advice. Plus, a HOLIDAY Fast Five.

Mandy's been doing it all. She is hunting, she is fishing and she's waiting (sort of patiently) for ice in the Brainerd Lakes area. Plus, we discuss the state of the outdoors in her neck of the woods and she tackles a Fast Five.

Isaiah Hahn of You Bet Fishing Guide Service recapped the fall muskie bite, the overall muskie season, fall fishing in general and previewed the ice bite. This was a few weeks ago, so I assume didn't expect this. Plus a Fast Five, of course, and much more.

A couple weeks ago we had a chance to check in with Dick Beardsley. He's wasn't ready for ice then (and he's still not!), but he did venture to South Dakota (and did it again!). He also admits that he has joined the 21st Century and deftly handles another Fast Five.

Nate Blasing LOVES him some ice fishing. So he's ready to walk on (hard) water. We'll preview the ice fishing season, review the fall and overall soft water season in the Brainerd Lakes area as well as talk new gear, AIS challenges and (of course) a Fast Five.

Nobody is more excited about frozen over lakes than Bro Brosdahl. He previews the upcoming season, reviews the softwater season and talks about many other important (and no so important) topics on today's show.

DNR Biologist Don Eaton has the details on Signal Crayfish, an AIS that has been found in Lake Winona in the Alexandria area. Plus, we have our latest Lake of the Week from the Brainerd Lakes area and we Ask The Aquatic Biologist on whether we need to change some rules.

We check in with Joel Nelson and get the scoop on his deer, along with everything else going on outdoors with Joel. We talk about his FAVORITE thing to hunt, his favorite WAY to hunt, what fall fishing looks like in the this weather and much more, including Joel's ideal winter.

Bruce Jean has been at deer camp and he tells us what he's seen and the success his crew is...or isn't...having. Plus a fall fishing recap and an ice preview. And of course a whispered Bruce Jean Fishing Dad Joke and a meandering five as well.

Jonesy Anderson of Jones Guide Service has been plying the waters well into November and he tells us why...GREAT action. He talks about the many species active now. He's also been in the woods and will be back this weekend as he's still looking for the "right" deer. All that and a Fast Five too.