Ike Live Fishing Talk Show with Mike Iaconelli

Mike Iaconelli

Ike Live is a semi-regular fishing talk show, presented by Mystery Tackle Box, featuring special guests from the professional tournament fishing world, outdoor enthusiasts, and questions and comments from fans

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487 episodes
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Episodes487

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Yesterday · 1 hr 1 min
What Bass & Walleye Anglers Can Learn From Each Other | Ike's Bytes ft. John Hoyer
Guys… this one is different. And trust me — you need to hear it. On this week's Ike's Bytes presented by Berkley Labs, Mike sits down with one of the most accomplished tournament walleye anglers on the planet — two-time National Walleye Tour Champion John Hoyer — for a conversation that is going to change the way you think about fishing. Period. Because here's the thing, guys. Bass anglers and walleye anglers have been fishing side by side for decades — and most of them have no idea how much they could be learning from each other. The baits. The techniques. The presentations. The strategies. There is a MASSIVE crossover happening right now and John Hoyer is the perfect guy to break it all down. Here's what we're getting into: The crossover baits that are flat out KILLING it for both bass AND walleye — and why more anglers aren't using them What bass guys can steal from the walleye world to immediately catch more fish What walleye pros are taking from the bass fishing playbook and using to win tournaments How fishing pressure and clear water tactics translate across both species Why the gap between bass fishing and walleye fishing is smaller than you think John's journey from musky guide to two-time NWT Champion — and what it taught him about reading fish across every species This is Ike's Bytes — and this one is a MUST WATCH for any angler who wants to think outside the box and catch more fish. Let's go.
July 22 · 1 hr 16 min
The Hottest New Baits & Tackle You NEED To Know About! (ICAST 2026)
Guys, we are BACK at the bar and this week it's all about ICAST 2026. The world's biggest fishing tackle show just went down in Orlando — and there is A LOT to talk about. New baits. New tackle. New technology. And of course… more urchin baits than you can shake a rod at. Mike and Becky are breaking down everything that matters from ICAST 2026 — the stuff that's going to change the way you fish, the products that caught their eye, and the real talk on what's actually worth your money and what's just hype. Here's what we're getting into tonight: The urchin bait takeover continues — EVERY major brand showed up to ICAST with their own version. Which ones are actually worth it and which ones are just chasing the trend? Missile Baits dropping TWO new Ike-designed products — the Micro HD Football Jig AND the Dice Jig, which solves ALL the rigging and storage headaches around the urchin bait craze Abu Garcia's new VoltIQ reel — digital cast control that is changing the game for casting light baits accurately Best of Show breakdown — what took home hardware and why it matters to YOU on the water Mike's unfiltered take on the state of the tackle industry in 2026 — what's innovative and what's just noise The products YOU need to have on your radar heading into the back half of the season.
July 1 · 1 hr 3 min
How Hunter Shryock's Chop Block Run Almost Won the Bassmaster Elite | Ike's Bytes
Guys… glide bait fishing just hit a new level. 🎣🔥 Hunter Shryock just put together one of the most impressive performances of the entire 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series season — finishing 3rd at the Maxam Tire Bassmaster Elite at Pasquotank River/Albemarle Sound with 86 pounds 10 ounces. He threw the ONLY 30-pound bag of the entire tournament on Championship Sunday. And on that final day he pulled a 7-pounder and an 8-pounder out of the same brushpile on back-to-back casts. The bait? The Berkley PowerBait Chop Block. On this week's Ike's Bytes, Mike sits down with Hunter Shryock to go DEEP on the soft glide bait that's quietly becoming one of the most deadly big fish baits in tournament bass fishing — and break down exactly how Hunter used it to nearly win one of the biggest events of the year. Here's what we're getting into: 🎣 Exactly how Hunter fishes the Chop Block — retrieve, rod, line, and setup 💥 The Championship Sunday story — back-to-back giants out of one brushpile 🐟 Why a SOFT glide bait outperforms hard glides in certain situations 💰 Why the Chop Block is the best value in glide bait fishing right now — at a fraction of the cost of hard baits Tune in for championship-level knowledge from one of the most consistent performers on the Elite Series tour right now. This is Ike's Bytes — and this one is a MUST WATCH for any angler who wants to throw big baits and catch bigger fish. Let's go. 🔥
July 1 · 1 hr 15 min
Local Clubs vs. National Events: The Scheduling Problem Nobody Is Talking About
Guys, we are BACK at the bar and tonight we're getting into something that affects EVERY angler — from the weekend warrior to the full-time pro. 🍺🎣 Local tournament organizations scheduling events on top of major national tournaments. It's happening more and more — and it's creating real problems for anglers, clubs, and the sport as a whole. Tonight Mike and Becky are breaking it all down. No spin. No agenda. Just an honest, balanced conversation about what's really going on, why it happens, and what it means for the future of competitive bass fishing at every level. Because here's the thing, guys — local clubs and grassroots organizations are the BACKBONE of this sport. But there's a right way and a wrong way to handle the calendar. And we want to hear YOUR thoughts too. 👇 And that's not all… Mike just got back from the Toyota Series event on the Potomac River — and tonight he's breaking down one of the most interesting strategic challenges of his entire career. ⚡ With Major League Fishing's new rule limiting forward-facing sonar to just THREE hours per tournament day, Mike walks you through exactly how he managed his time, made his decisions, and strategized his entire tournament day differently than he ever has before. Here's what we're getting into tonight: 📅 Local clubs scheduling on top of national events — the real impact on anglers and the sport ⚖️ The pros AND the cons — a fair, honest look at both sides of the debate 📡 The 3-hour FFS rule at the Toyota Series — how Mike managed it on the Potomac 🧠 Time management and strategy in a new era of tournament fishing 🍺 All the stories, opinions, and unfiltered takes — straight from the bar Pull up a chair, grab a drink, and let's get into it. This is Ike Live at the Bar. 🔥
June 5 · 1 hr 1 min
21 Years Old & BREAKING RECORDS With The Urchin Bait | Ike’s Bytes Presented By: Berkley Labs
Guys… if you haven’t heard the name Pake South yet — you will. 🎣 This 21-year-old rookie from Winnsboro, Texas just set a RECORD at Sam Rayburn with a 96-pound 15-ounce total… then turned around weeks later and won AGAIN at Lake Eufaula. Back to back Bassmaster Open wins. Records shattered. And one bait at the center of it all. The Urchin Bait. On this week’s Ike’s Bytes, Mike sits down with Pake South to go DEEP on the bait that’s taking over bass fishing in 2026 — and the guy who’s been using it to break records and turn heads at the highest level of the sport. Here’s what we’re breaking down: 🦔 Exactly how Pake rigs and fishes the urchin bait at the tournament level 🎯 Why this bait triggers strikes when NOTHING else will — especially on pressured fish 📡 How he combines it with forward-facing sonar to target suspended bass 🏆 The inside story on his record-breaking Open wins and what the urchin bait had to do with it 🧠 When to throw it, how to work it, and why most anglers are still sleeping on it 🎣 What the future of finesse fishing looks like from one of the sport’s brightest young stars No fluff. No spin. Just straight fishing knowledge from a 21-year-old who’s already figured something out that most pros are still trying to catch up to. This is Ike’s Bytes — and this one is a MUST WATCH. Let’s go. 🔥 👉 Learn more about the Berkley Lab Series: www.berkleyfishing.com
May 27 · 1 hr 5 min
Ike Live! Why Is EVERYONE Losing Their Mind Over This $20 Spiky Ball?!
Guys, we are BACK at the bar and we've got a LOT going on. 🍺🎣 Memorial Day weekend is behind us — and Ike and Beck are breaking it all down. How they spent it, what it meant, and why this time of year just hits different heading into the back half of the season. Speaking of the back half… we've officially crossed the halfway point of Mike's FINAL year on the Bassmaster Elite Series. How's the season going? What's working? What's not? An honest look at where things stand with nine tournaments on the schedule and the clock ticking on one of the most legendary careers in the history of the sport. And then… the topic EVERYBODY is talking about right now. The Fuzzy Ball. The Coike. The Urchin Bait. Call it whatever you want — this thing is TAKING OVER bass fishing in 2026 and we are diving ALL the way in. Here's what we're getting into tonight: ➡️What IS this bait and why are fish going absolutely CRAZY for it? ➡️How Mike sees it fitting into competitive bass fishing at the Elite Series level ➡️Why pressured fish are eating this thing when they won't touch anything else ➡️Why it's sold out EVERYWHERE and back-ordered at $20 a bait ➡️Honest Elite Series halfway point check-in — the highs, the lows, and what's ahead This is Ike Live at its best, guys. Pull up a chair, grab a drink, and let's get into it. Brought to you by Tackle Warehouse 👉 www.tacklewarehouse.com Support kids fishing 👉 www.theikefoundation.org
April 29 · 1 hr
Ike's Bytes; The Science Behind the MOST TALKED ABOUT Bait of 2026
Ike's Bytes ft. Mark Sexton & The Berkley Lab Series Guys… this one's a GAME CHANGER. 🔬🎣 You've seen the buzz. You've heard the name. And if you watched the 2026 Bassmaster Classic, you KNOW the Berkley Lab Series soft plastics are the real deal. But what's actually going on inside that bait? How did the scientists at Berkley build something this different? That's exactly what Ike's Bytes is all about — and today Mike sits down with Berkley's own Mark Sexton to go DEEP into the science behind the most talked-about soft plastic release in years. Here's what we're breaking down: 🧪 What makes the Berkley Lab Series unlike ANYTHING else on the market 🎨 How they cracked the code on combining true color AND MaxScent — something nobody thought was possible 👃 The two-phase scent system — Rapid Release Slime PLUS long-term MaxScent dispersion — and why it triggers bites from even the most pressured fish 🎣 Why these baits were specifically engineered for the forward-facing sonar era ⚗️ The small-batch pouring process and why it matters for performance Real talk — this isn't just another bait drop. This is 40 years of Berkley science coming together in one bait. No spin. No fluff. Just straight science from the guys in the lab coats who built it. If you want to catch more fish — you need to understand what's in your hand. Let's go. 🔥 👉 Learn more about the Berkley Lab Series: www.berkley-fishing.com
April 28 · 1 hr 6 min
Ike Live from the Bar…Elite Series Recap + Ike & Benton WIN the Tuesday Nighter on Table Rock Lake!
Guys, we are BACK at the bar and we've got A LOT to talk about. 🍺 It's been a couple weeks since the last Ike Live — and trust me, there's been no shortage of action. Mike and Becky are breaking down the last two Bassmaster Elite Series events… one that went really good, and one that just didn't go the way we wanted. Real talk. No spin. Just an honest look at where things stand heading into the rest of this final season. But here's where it gets fun… 🎣 Earlier last week, Ike teamed up with fellow Elite Series pro Drew Benton for a Bassmaster Tuesday Nighter on Table Rock Lake — and they got the WIN. Yeah. You heard that right. Tonight we're breaking it all down: 🏆 The Tuesday Nighter win on Table Rock with Drew Benton — how it went down 📊 Honest Elite Series recap — the highs, the lows, and what's next 🎯 Where Mike's head is at heading deeper into his final season on tour 🔥 All the feels, all the stories, straight from the bar This is what Ike Live is all about, guys. Pull up a chair, grab a drink, and let's get into it.
March 23 · 1 hr 4 min
Ike's Bytes: Go Hard or Go Home
Welcome back to Ike’s Bytes – The Science Behind the Bite. In this episode, Mike Iaconelli sits down with Berkley’s lead hard bait designer, Dan Spengler, to break down the science, engineering, and creativity behind designing hard baits that actually catch fish. From crankbaits to jerkbaits, we’re diving deep into what makes a bait perform the way it does — including action, buoyancy, bill design, weight distribution, and sound. If you’ve ever wondered: Why some hard baits get more bites than others How Berkley designs baits from concept to production What small details make a huge difference underwater This episode gives you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how hard baits are created and perfected. Whether you’re a weekend angler or a tournament fisherman, this episode will change the way you look at every hard bait in your tackle box. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes as Ike continues to explore the technology and science behind Berkley’s best products.
March 18 · 1 hr 12 min
Ike Live: St. Patrick’s Day at the Bar ☘️ Classic Talk & Sweepstakes
This week on Ike Live, Mike and Becky are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day the only way they know how — live from the bar with good conversation, laughs, and plenty to talk about from the world of bass fishing. First up, Mike shares his thoughts on the recent Bassmaster Classic, breaking down the event and reacting to the newest Classic champion. They’ll also talk about the new Ike Foundation sweepstakes, how it works, and how it helps support the mission of getting more kids involved in fishing and the outdoors. Plus, expect the usual Ike Live fun — random stories, industry chatter, and whatever else comes up along the way. So grab a drink, wear your green, and join us LIVE for this special St. Patrick’s Day edition of Ike Live. ☘️ Fishing talk. Classic reactions. Big sweepstakes news.
March 5 · 1 hr 5 min
The Secret Science Behind Berkley Fishing Line | Ike’s Bytes Ep. 1
How Berkley fishing line is made. Mike Iaconelli investigates the science behind fishing tackle with Berkley labs. Ike sits down with one of the scientists responsible for developing Berkley’s fishing line, Chris Pitsilos, to break down the research, engineering, and testing that goes into creating some of the most trusted fishing line in the world. From strength and abrasion resistance to sensitivity and casting performance, we’re diving deep into the R&D process that turns raw materials into the line anglers rely on every day. If you’ve ever wondered: How fishing line is engineered * What makes certain lines stronger than others * How Berkley tests their line before it ever reaches the water * This episode gives you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look inside the Berkley innovation process. Subscribe for more episodes as Ike continues exploring the technology, science, and innovation behind Berkley baits and fishing gear.
February 25 · 1 hr 4 min
The Dual Threat Fishing Scandal EXPOSED + Bassmaster Classic Announcement | Ike Live
The fishing world was shaken by the sudden collapse of Dual Threat Fishing—and in this episode of Ike Live, Mike and Becky Iaconelli break down exactly what happened, why it matters, and what anglers and fans need to know moving forward. From major red flags and missing payouts to the impact on pro anglers and the fishing industry as a whole, this is an honest conversation about one of the biggest controversies in recent bass fishing history. We also talk about: The strong start to the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series season Forward-Facing Sonar vs traditional fishing and how it’s shaping the sport A BIG announcement about Ike Live at the Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville Upcoming Ike Live events, merch, and what’s next for Ike and the community Supporting youth fishing through The Ike Foundation This episode is real, unfiltered, and an important discussion for anyone who loves bass fishing.
January 29 · 1 hr 5 min
The Biggest Announcement We've Ever Made...
This is not your typical Ike Live episode. Something BIG is happening — and for the first time ever, Ike and Beck are going live to share a major announcement that’s going to shake up the bass fishing world. No teasers. No leaks. Just one very real moment that will change everything. You’ll want to be here live, when it happens. Because if you’ve followed Mike’s journey — as an angler, as a personality, as a fan — this one’s going to hit different. 🎣 Come hang with Ike and Becky for what could be a turning point in the show’s history… and maybe the sport itself. #IkeLive #MikeIaconelli #FishingPodcast #Bassmaster #ProFishing #BigAnnouncement #BassFishingNews #FishingIndustry #IaconelliNews #FishingCommunity #LiveShow
Dec 27, 2025 · 1 hr 8 min
Merry Christmas! 🎁
🎄 It’s a very merry Ike Live – straight from the bar! Join Mike and Becky for a festive night of giveaways, surprises, and big announcements in this Christmas Special edition of Ike Live. Here’s what’s happening: 🎁 A brand new giveaway is launching on Mike’s page – and this one’s BIG. 🚤 Mike is giving away his 2026 boat to support youth fishing through The Ike Foundation - stay tuned for more information. 🏆 The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame nominations are now open through January 15, 2026 – and Mike shares how YOU can nominate a deserving angler. Plus, in true Ike Live fashion, expect laughs, hot takes, and a few unexpected stocking stuffers from the world of pro bass fishing. 📌 Tune in LIVE and celebrate the season with the Ike Live crew. #IkeLive #MikeIaconelli #ChristmasSpecial #FishingPodcast #BassFishing #TheIkeFoundation #BoatGiveaway #FishingGiveaway #BassFishingHallOfFame #FishingCommunity #HolidayEpisode
Dec 9, 2025 · 1 hr 26 min
Ike Live! Manic Hat Monday Edition
It’s a special edition of Ike Live — and this time, we’re putting a live twist on our popular Manic Hat Monday! 🎩 For one night only, you can grab a limited-edition Ike trucker hat for just $14.99, and Mike Iaconelli will autograph it live on air — adding your name to make it fully personalized! 💥 While supplies last, Mike will: Sign each hat live during the show Write your name on the front panel Give you a personal shoutout as orders come in This is a LIVE ONLY drop — once the show ends, the offer disappears. And of course, in true Ike Live fashion, Mike and Becky will riff on whatever’s happening across the fishing world in between hat signings — from tournament talk to industry rumors and everything in between. 📦 Order link will be pinned in the chat and description. Just add your name in the notes at checkout and tune in for your shoutout! #IkeLive #MikeIaconelli #ManicHatMonday #FishingPodcast #BassFishing #FishingMerch #AutographedHat #TruckerHat #FishingGiveaway #LiveOnly #FishingCommunity
Nov 19, 2025 · 1 hr 30 min
Tai Au Breaks His Silence: The Truth Behind the Lake Okeechobee EQ Polygraph Controversy
In this highly anticipated episode of Ike Live, Mike Iaconelli is joined by pro angler Tai Au, who is speaking out about the controversy that rocked the recent Bassmaster EQ at Lake Okeechobee. Tai shares the full story behind his failed polygraph test, why he chose to withdraw from the tournament, and how the decision cost him a potential spot on the Bassmaster Elite Series. We dig into: - What really happened before Day 1 - The emotional and professional impact of missing the event - Transparency in polygraph testing at the EQ level - How Tai plans to move forward 🎣 Real talk. No spin. Just the truth straight from the source. If you care about the integrity of the sport — or just want to hear what most pros are afraid to say — don’t miss this one.
Nov 6, 2025 · 59 min
Ike Live: Emil Wagner’s Champlain Win, Rising Tour Stories & Real Talk
Mike Iaconelli sits down with Emil Wagner fresh off his Elite Qualifier victory at Lake Champlain, where Emil posted a record‑setting total of 69 lbs, 2 oz. In this episode, Emil opens up about his approach, the grind, and how that win fits into his bigger goals in pro bass fishing. They also dive into: Emil’s unique path in the sport Strategy, mindset, and key adjustments that make winners Challenges and realities of life on tour Thoughts on gear, tech, and where competitive bass fishing is headed From win stories to behind-the-scenes struggles — this is an episode that bridges inspiration and raw honesty.
Oct 22, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
LIVE from the Bar: What I Loved About Spain, Livestream Ban in Bassmaster, and New MLF FFS Rules!
This week on Ike Live, we’re coming to you LIVE from the bar! Ike and Becky are back from an unforgettable trip through Spain and Portugal, and they’re sharing stories, fishing insights, and all the wild moments from the road. But that’s just the beginning… We’re also diving into two massive breaking updates in the tournament bass fishing world: Bassmaster’s shocking new rule banning anglers from livestreaming their tournament days – what does this mean for anglers, sponsors, and fans? Major League Fishing’s new forward-facing sonar rule at the BFL level – anglers are now limited to just 3 hours of using FFS and 360 sonar during tournament days. Is this the start of a sport-wide shift? Join Mike and Becky for real talk, strong opinions, and unfiltered takes on where the sport is headed. Grab a drink, settle in, and let’s talk fishing. #IkeLive #MikeIaconelli #BassFishingPodcast #MLF #Bassmaster #LivestreamBan #ForwardFacingSonar #BFL #FishingControversy #FishingNews #ProFishing #TournamentFishing #FFS #FishingRules #FishingCommunity
Sep 8, 2025 · 1 hr 4 min
BASSMASTER Elites BAN Forward-Facing Sonar?!
In this episode, we're tackling the massive news shaking the bass fishing world: the new BASSMASTER rules on Forward-Facing Sonar (FFS). Join the discussion as we break down the controversial decision to split the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series season, with some tournaments allowing FFS and others banning it completely. We'll reveal which tournaments are FFS-free, including Lake Champlain and Santee Cooper, and which ones will still allow it, like the St. Lawrence River and Lake Murray. This change has huge implications for professional anglers. We also cover the latest retirements from two icons of the sport, Skeet Reese and Bernie Schultz, and discuss their legendary careers. Plus, we dive deep into the angler cuts from both the Bassmaster Elites and the MLF Bass Pro Tour, listing the pros who didn't requalify and debating what's next for them in the world of tournament bass fishing. Whether you're for or against the FFS ban, this is a must-watch conversation for every bass fishing fan. We share our candid opinions and want to hear yours in the comments! #BassFishing #ForwardFacingSonar #Bassmaster #MLF #Fishing #TournamentFishing #BassmasterElites
Jul 29, 2025 · 1 hr 14 min
Ike Live from the Bar! ICAST DEAD?! Nationals Recap with Vegas, and Logan Latuso
Lots to unload here folks...First, ICAST 2025: the gear, the innovations, the surprises… and the growing rumors that ICAST might be on its last legs. Is the industry’s biggest trade show in trouble? Ike shares his raw thoughts after walking the floor and talking to insiders. Then it’s all about Vegas The Hammer's performance at the Bassmaster Junior National Championship. Get the full story on how he fished, what went down, and what it meant for Team Ike. BONUS!!! We will be joined by special guest, Logan Latuso. Logan is the latest angler to receive a DQ from BASS after taking multiple polygraphs. Plus, as always, expect some off-the-rails stories, laughs, and behind-the-scenes insights you won’t get anywhere else.