In this episode of The Equalized Outdoors Podcast, we sit down with Andrew Hayes, host of Tackle Talk Podcast, for a deep conversation about fishing, hunting, and the journey from beginner confusion to real confidence on the water. Andrew shares how he taught himself the outdoors, why bass fishing became his obsession, and what he’s learned from years of helping anglers simplify tackle, strategy, and success. We get into everything from kayak fishing and river fishing to the rise of forward-facing sonar, the importance of honest fishing content, and why new anglers do not need to overcomplicate gear to start catching fish. Andrew also talks about the value of patience, time on the water, and how fishing can be one of the best outlets for stress, growth, and mental clarity.If you’re new to bass fishing, love river fishing, or just want a real conversation about the state of modern fishing, this one is packed with practical advice and perspective.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to The Equalized Outdoors Podcast

01:24 Show Open

02:55 The Brief & SITREP

06:14 OFF The Streets

07:27 The Bridge feat Andrew Hayes (Interview)

16:28 Hunting in Ohio: A Personal Journey

19:39 Choosing Bass Fishing Over Other Species

21:48 Kayak Fishing: A Unique Approach

31:36 The Motivation Behind Educating Others

36:41 Personal Success Stories in Fishing

40:45 Authenticity in the Fishing Community

47:59 Building Relationships in the Fishing Industry

55:16 The Cost of Competitive Fishing

01:05:50 Misconceptions for New Anglers

01:18:39 Techniques for Productive Fishing

01:26:59 The Mental Health Benefits of Fishing

01:34:59 Rapid Fire Questions and Final Thoughts

01:42:36 The Soundtrack & Outro (Never Enough By The Cure)

Follow Andrew On IG: https://www.instagram.com/hazefishing/?hl=en

Andrews Website: https://www.tackletalkpodcast.com

Equalized Outdoors: https://www.equalizedoutdoors.com