Join us live on the water in central Vermont for this episode of New England Outdoor Life, where we dive deep into spring bass fishing tactics, pre-spawn strategies, and the hottest baits for both largemouth and smallmouth bass. Whether you're chasing bedded fish, transitioning lake trout, or post-spawn pike, we’ve got you covered with real-time insight from the boat.

🎣 Topics covered:

• Water temps and fish behavior
• Rapala Shadow Rap jerkbait cadence tips
• Best swim bait colors and rigging with Keitech Fat Swing Impact
• Ned rig setups with Fresh Baits Hellgrammites
• Football head jigs with Hula Grubs for rocky bottom fishing
• Early results from Lake Champlain and more!

🚨 Plus, a huge announcement from Sean Snover of Real Northern Bass about the launch of the New England Angler Challenge — a virtual fishing tournament with $5,000+ in cash and prizes, covering bass, lake trout, brown trout, and pike all summer long across New England!

🧠 Learn from Sean’s expert tips, weekly livestreams, and decades of experience as he helps you dominate your local waters.

🔗 Links mentioned in this episode:

• 🔥 Tournament info: NEAngler.com
• 🧢 Sean’s YouTube: youtube.com/603bass
• 🎯 Charter trips and gear: NewEnglandOutdoorLife.com
• ⚡ Fishing Trip w/Capt Matt: ThirdAlarmChargers.com

💬 Don’t forget to subscribe, leave a rating, and sign up for our email list on our site so you never miss a tip, tactic, or upcoming fishing report!

Join us on this special episode of the New England Outdoor Life Podcast as we welcome Liz Ellers from Lake Champlain International (LCI) to discuss the rich history and growing legacy of the 44th Annual Father’s Day Fishing Derby. With over $200,000 in prizes, 13 eligible species, and weigh stations spanning Vermont and New York, this is the largest multi-species derby of its kind.

We dive into:

• The origins of the Derby in 1982
• How it's grown to attract anglers from 38 states
• The role of anglers in conservation and research
• Tips on how to register, compete, and win big
• Why this event is about more than just fishing—it's about community, tradition, and preserving the outdoor lifestyle

🎣 Whether you're after sheepshead, salmon, or just good times with family, this episode has something for every angler.

Check out more:
Register for the Derby

Third Alarm Charters

New England Angler Challenge

Captain Matt is joined by his brother Mark and nephew Peyton to relive an unforgettable Youth Turkey Hunting Weekend. Despite pouring rain and tough conditions, Peyton stayed patient and harvested his second turkey with a clean shot—this time in a wide-open Vermont meadow. They share stories of scouting birds the night before, close encounters in the early morning rain, and the adrenaline rush of a silent tom circling their decoys. This episode celebrates the power of mentorship, family tradition, and the next generation of hunters carrying the torch forward. A must-listen for anyone who’s ever waited out a storm, chased gobbles, or just loves hearing campfire stories that stick with you for life.