Musky Therapy

Mike Keyes on the Spring Musky Grind: 26 Years of the Hunt!

What does it take to hunt muskies for 26 years without losing the spark? This week, we sit down with the legendary Mike Keyes of Keyes Outdoors to discuss his "off-the-grid" philosophy and the mental grit required to find fish in the wild! We’re skipping the manicured resorts and diving straight into the deep woods, covering everything from early-season river tactics to southern lakes and reservoirs.  Mike breaks down the critical differences between lake and river movements in the spring, how to effectively look for a bite in "skinny water" and also in the near by deeper holes.  Mike shares his step-by-step process for decoding massive new water systems in record time. We also discuss the mission that fuels his season—his inspiring work with the MACC Fund (Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer) and why the "never-quit" mindset of a musky angler is the perfect tool for making an impact off the water.  Thank you to my sponsors for making incredible products and helping us achieve success in one of the hardest sports known to mankind:  Recon Boats:  http://reconboats.com/  For more information about the Recon Boats 895T please visit: http://reconboats.com/boats/895-Tiller/  Joe Bucher Tackle:  https://joebuchertacklestore.com/ Crow Rock Lodge: https://www.crowrock.com/ Check out Chas Martin’s musky hunting adventures at: https://www.youtube.com/user/MuskyMastery www.muskymastery.com Musky Mastery Apparel and Merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/musky-mastery-merch/?srsltid=AfmBOorIrdOYUYl4NZMsGGefYGIMPK0KPFp-dAvWGvxqCkEX6nhRs_QX

Jordan Weeks on the 2026 Wisconsin Unified Musky Opener & Spawning Data

For the first time since the 1980s, the "invisible line" across Wisconsin has vanished. Starting in May 2026, the Northern and Southern musky zones are unified, giving anglers in the Northwoods an opening day three weeks earlier than tradition has ever allowed. But is this a win for angler opportunity, or a risk to the next generation of trophies? In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Weeks, a veteran member of the Wisconsin DNR’s Statewide Musky Team and the 'Musky Whisperer' himself. Jordan wears two hats: a high-level fisheries scientist and a die-hard musky hunter. We go deep into the data that drove this historic regulation change and confront the uncomfortable questions facing the sport today. Thank you to my sponsors for making incredible products and helping us achieve success in one of the hardest sports known to mankind:  Recon Boats:  http://reconboats.com/  For more information about the Recon Boats 895T please visit: http://reconboats.com/boats/895-Tiller/  Joe Bucher Tackle:  https://joebuchertacklestore.com/ Crow Rock Lodge: https://www.crowrock.com/ Check out Chas Martin’s musky hunting adventures at: https://www.youtube.com/user/MuskyMastery www.muskymastery.com Musky Mastery Apparel and Merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/musky-mastery-merch/?srsltid=AfmBOorIrdOYUYl4NZMsGGefYGIMPK0KPFp-dAvWGvxqCkEX6nhRs_QX

From Vision to Reality: Sean McAughey on His First Year at the Helm of Crow Rock Lodge

In this episode, we sit down with Sean McAughey to reflect on his first full season operating Crow Rock Lodge on Lake of the Woods. Sean breaks down what year one was really like—from the biggest victories that made it all worthwhile to the challenges that tested him along the way. We also dive deep into the open water fishing season on Lake of the Woods, discussing how the bite shaped up overall, what muskie anglers experienced throughout the year, and the patterns that consistently produced. Sean shares insights on what stood out this season compared to years past, including any tactics or trends that surprised him, along with a look at the biggest muskie of the year. To wrap things up, Sean gives listeners a preview of what’s ahead for Crow Rock Lodge, outlining improvements, modifications, and what guests can expect moving into next season. Whether you’re a Lake of the Woods regular, a muskie angler planning a future trip, or someone interested in the behind-the-scenes reality of running a world-class fishing lodge, this episode offers real insight and honest perspective from a pivotal first year. Thank you to my sponsors for making incredible products and helping us achieve success in one of the hardest sports known to mankind:  Recon Boats:  http://reconboats.com/  For more information about the Recon Boats 895T please visit: http://reconboats.com/boats/895-Tiller/  Joe Bucher Tackle:  https://joebuchertacklestore.com/ Crow Rock Lodge: https://www.crowrock.com/ Check out Chas Martin’s musky hunting adventures at: https://www.youtube.com/user/MuskyMastery www.muskymastery.com Musky Mastery Apparel and Merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/musky-mastery-merch/?srsltid=AfmBOorIrdOYUYl4NZMsGGefYGIMPK0KPFp-dAvWGvxqCkEX6nhRs_QX

Sean McAughey: Owning a Remote Lodge on Lake of the Woods, Ontario! The Crow Rock Lodge Fishing Experience and More!

In this episode, we sit down with Sean McAughey, the new owner of Crow Rock Lodge, to explore his journey from a young angler on Lake of the Woods to becoming the proprietor of one of Ontario's premier fishing resorts. Sean shares stories from his early days guiding on the lake, the lessons he learned working in the resort and lodge industry, and the experiences that led him to purchase Crow Rock Lodge. We discuss the rich history of the lodge, its renowned fishing opportunities, and Sean's vision for its future. Whether you're an avid angler, a fan of outdoor adventures, or interested in the hospitality industry, this conversation offers insights into the dedication and passion required to run a successful lodge in the heart of Canada's wilderness. Thank you to my sponsors for making incredible products and helping us achieve success in one of the hardest sports known to mankind:  Recon Boats:  http://reconboats.com/  For more information about the Recon Boats 895T please visit: http://reconboats.com/boats/895-Tiller/  Joe Bucher Outdoors:  www.joebucheroutdoors.com  Crow Rock Lodge: https://www.crowrock.com/ Great Lakes Potato Chips: https://www.greatlakespotatochips.com/ St. Croix Rods:  https://www.stcroixrods.com  For more information about Chas Martin’s musky guide services please visit:  www.muskymastery.com Musky Mastery Apparel and Merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/musky-mastery-merch/?srsltid=AfmBOorIrdOYUYl4NZMsGGefYGIMPK0KPFp-dAvWGvxqCkEX6nhRs_QX

Figure-8 Science: Unlocking the Predator Instinct in Muskies! | Whiteboard Educational Vlog! | Episode 6

If you’ve ever had a musky follow your lure all the way to the boat, only to give you the cold shoulder at the last second, you’re not alone. Muskies are masters of hesitation, and without the right boatside maneuver, they’ll leave you frustrated and empty-handed. That’s where the figure-8 comes in, and in this video, I break down exactly how to turn those stubborn followers into boat-flipping trophies. We’ll dive into why muskies follow in the first place—whether it’s curiosity, territorial instinct, or just a result of fishing pressure making them smarter (or at least they think they are). But here’s the deal: they want to eat, they just need a little extra push. This video will show you how to deliver that push with precision, using a technique that taps into their predatory DNA and forces them to strike. A proper figure-8 isn’t just a panicked swirl at boatside—it’s a calculated move that needs to be smooth, wide, and dynamic. In this video, you’ll learn exactly how to transition your retrieve from perpendicular to parallel, keep your speed dialed in to match the musky’s mood, and introduce depth changes that make your lure look like the one meal they can’t afford to pass up. Spoiler alert: big fish don’t make tight turns, so if your figure-8 looks more like a figure-2, it’s time for an upgrade. I’ll show you how to make those turns wide, your depth transitions sharp, and your lure movements unpredictable—all the little details that separate a missed opportunity from the best fish of your season. Of course, triggering a strike is only half the battle. That’s why I’ll also cover what happens after the musky commits, from the perfect boatside hookset (hint: don’t change what works in open water) to keeping the fish pinned during the fight. We’ll talk about keeping their head down, using a long rod to your advantage, and why spot-lock can sometimes be your worst enemy in a close-quarters battle. Whether you're new to the figure-8 or just looking to fine-tune your execution, this video will give you the edge you need to put more muskies in the net. So, if you’re tired of watching fish swim away like you’re not even there, hit play and let’s fix that. Here are quick links to help you jump to a spot in the vlog video: [3:15] Listener Q&A (please feel free to commend with YOUR question!) [32:22] Why do muskies follow and the basics of the figure-8 [45:38] Mastering the TRANSITION from your retrieve into the figure-8 [51:18] SPEED CONTROL in the figure-8 [55:45] DEPTH CONTROL in the figure-8 [1:00:48] The HOOKSET in the figure-8 [1:07:10] Fighting a fish at boatside Thank you to my sponsors for making incredible products and helping us achieve success in one of the hardest sports known to mankind:  Recon Boats:  http://reconboats.com/  For more information about the Recon Boats 895T please visit: http://reconboats.com/boats/895-Tiller/  Joe Bucher Outdoors:  www.joebucheroutdoors.com  Crow Rock Lodge: https://www.crowrock.com/ Great Lakes Potato Chips: https://www.greatlakespotatochips.com/ St. Croix Rods:  https://www.stcroixrods.com  For more information about Chas Martin’s musky guide services please visit:  www.muskymastery.com Musky Mastery Apparel and Merchandise: https://www.bonfire.com/store/musky-mastery-merch/?srsltid=AfmBOorIrdOYUYl4NZMsGGefYGIMPK0KPFp-dAvWGvxqCkEX6nhRs_QX