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Location: Lake Tomahawk, WI | As the weather is cooling outside, maybe enough to offer us fishable ice in Northern Wisconsin by the weekend, I thought I should take the time and offer up the latest news from Badfish Outdoors.
As some of you may know, last year we decided to take a break from filming. After 8 DVD’s and 2 seasons of television, we needed a break. Some of our sponsors were experiencing financial difficulties like many companies, and some chose not to pay us as agreed upon. Regardless, with the technology jumping ahead as it always does we did not have the money to upgrade our equipment in order to stay on pace with the industry. Gordy and his wife had a baby girl, Mark and Gordy (and family) decided to take a big opportunity building housing for the oil fields in Northwest North Dakota, and I had to get back on track with working a job that paid. All of these things came together to help make our decision for us.
And that leads to the next bit of news. While talking with Gordy last week we decided to shut Badfish Outdoors down permanently. This was a difficult thing to do, but the right thing at this point. We agreed that we could not commit to any filming over the next year, and to shut it down would save us some money. It was a good meeting, many laughs, and I must say for the differences we occasionally had as coworkers I truly enjoyed working with Mark and Gordy the last 10 years. I’ve known Mark since the second grade, and Gordy since high school. Coming out of a 10 year business with friends doesn’t always end well, very thankful this did. No one works harder than those guys, pounding nails or casting big lures. True gentlemen of the outdoors, those two, and right now they are doing very well in Nodak, working, fishing, and hunting.
In parting I would like to say how much the last ten years in the muskie industry have meant to me, and also how much it tainted my enjoyment of the sport. We didn’t wear the slick “Nascar” shirts, most of the time we were hauling arse to get from work to the lake while it was still light out. I guess sponsors didn’t like guys fishing in a t-shirt that had paint stains on it. We refused to sell out, did not want to turn into another infomercial, and it cost us. Some of it I understand, but the bottom line is our high rating didn’t mean anything if we didn’t conform, peddle junk, and look just like the next show. Muskie fishing became a business, stressed me out, and I finally got to the point where I didn’t like it anymore. Dealt with some real scumbag people and by that point I was mentally done with the whole thing.
On the flip side, we met some of the best people in the world, of which I can’t say enough about. Jim Stewart of Rollie and Helen’s Muskie Shop and his staff are nothing but class, and we thank him for his support over the years. Guys like Brad Hoppe, a more genuine person you won't find. Brad I connected on many levels, most of which was our mutual love of hunting in Montana. Most don’t know that Brad was a very successful big-game guide before he was a muskie guy, and I miss our late night conversations about hunting and UFO’s while we were filming. Guys like Gregg Thomas, Chad Cain, Tony Grant, Ty Sennett, Tanner Wildes, Kevin Cochran, Mike Hulbert, Lee Tauchen, Brett Jolly, guys that opened their boats to us, let us sleep on their couches, times gone forever but not forgotten. After that it’s a jumble: My political conversations with Jack Burns, and enjoying a post-show brew with Pat Sheahan. The bowling tournament in Medina, the year that Gregg Thomas was on our team and we’d have won if he could have bowled higher than a 50. The next day a few of us woke up with our bowling shoes still on. Having breakfast with Bill Sandy in Chicago, Dick Pearson comes over and pulls up a chair, for the next 20 minutes I got to listen to those 2 bounce deer hunting stories off one another. Would have given anything to have a hidden tape recorder for that one. Lijewski and Dennis Lappen screaming at each other as Mark is driving 65mph across LOTW in the dark. Shooting with Steve Cady and Steve Jonesi out of a 5th wheel trailer in Northern Minnesota, up there with the most fun shoots I’ve done. Ty and Tanner arguing over the ketchup stains on Tanner’s white tank top while filming on the Chip. Heading to Downtown Milwaukee on the Saturday night of the Milwaukee Show with Steve Herbeck and Rob Manthei to take in a killer band. Drifting down an un-named river in the middle of nowhere with Bill Buechner and Tanner, and getting a really good segment out of it. Steve Heiting and Jim Saric were always available for advice. Some in-depth conversations with Larry Dahlberg on underwater sound emission. Ramming a boat off of rocks in a river with Bill Schwartz and Tanner Wildes. Shooting snow geese in Arkansas with Chad Cain when I get a call that my younger brother fell off a ladder on a job site and caved in his face. 5 day shoot with Kevin Cochran, Scottie Thomas, and Brad Nelson – big fish and better times.
Well, the stories could go on for hours, many of which can’t be told here. Thank you to Steve Worrall for giving us a forum to write stuff like this. As for me, I’m continually trying to get back to Bozeman, Montana, my favorite place in the world. Job searches ongoing, fingers crossed. For now helping with the family resort in Lake Tomahawk, doing some guiding, and working construction with my brothers. I have several pilot shows written, polishing them, trying to take a different angle at the outdoors. I’m not done filming yet. Hopefully sometime down the road we’ll do a Muskie Town II, something I’d really like to produce. Until then I’ll be plowing snow, watching tip ups, fishing with my nephews, catching bluegills/bass from shore with Uecker on the radio and a 6-pack at my feet.
May the sun be upon your face and your beer in the shade...
JS
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Posts: 13688
Location: minocqua, wi. | cool stuff Jason ... loved the badfishoutdoors stuff!! looking forward to time on the ice at the shack hopefully soon. lots of smoked salmon, venison and beer to tend to this winter! |
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Posts: 32886
Location: Rhinelander, Wisconsin | And Sled, as discussed, I'll be joining you both. Jason, back at you.
We better have walkable ice this weekend or I might have issues with my behavior.
Too late. |
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| Always enjoyed the Badfish stuff. Was always a "real" feel to it. Felt like a bunch of buddies in the boat together. Was hoping to see some new material soon. Would love to see a Muskie Town II somewhere down the road |
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Posts: 624
Location: S.W. WI | Badfish Vids are the BEST! Love em, and watch em all the time- over & over.
They have kept me goin- pounding the water through many dry spells.
Thanks
-Jon
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Posts: 774
Location: South East Wisconsin | I really enjoyed the videos! Best of luck to you!
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Posts: 512
Location: Appleton | Sad news for us fans. I loved all the DVD's and Musky Town is a classic. Thanks for putting out a show with a real feel to it. I wish you nothing but the best in the future. |
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Location: Illinois | "Swim, but I wish I never learned. Water's too polluted now with germs."
Bradley Nowell
Best of luck, & thanks for always keeping it real.
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Posts: 4080
Location: Elko - Lake Vermilion | Jason,Gordy,Mark,
Sad to hear that you guys decided to shut it down,..... Thanks for running your business "Your "way.......I'm sure whatever you guys do in the future will be successful,...... Your personalities have no room for failure.
Good Luck and God Bless you Guys.
Jerome |
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Posts: 383
Location: SE Wisc and Vilas County | sad to here guys. great videos and great fisherman. shared a boat with mark a few times and i always learned something. |
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Posts: 8781
| All good things...
You guys made your mark on muskie fishing for sure. But in the end, there are more important things than a slimy green fish. Hats off to the badfish boys for understanding what they are.
I enjoyed the "unedited preview" versions of the badfish videos. Found myself in many situations since thinking "This is so f-in' STUPID!"
Edited by esoxaddict 12/4/2012 10:22 PM
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Posts: 243
| I also enjoyed what you guys put together over the years and I think the fact that you came across as regular Joes (who are very good fishermen) made it easy for people to connect to. Some of my favorite clips were the ones where you lost fish and were as ticked off as the rest of us get because the hooks didn't drive home or shook lose at the boat. Those are memorable moments. Anybody who's spent the time can relate to those heartbreakers and you weren't afraid to show them.
I also miss Mark on the tournament circuit...it was fun to fish with/against him over the years. I think his consistent success there also helped to build the brand and the respect for how dialed in you guys were.
Best of luck to all of you. I quit hunting a long time ago, but I might buy the first BadMuleDeer video that comes out when you guys get set up out west. |
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Posts: 1287
Location: WI | Thanks for keeping it real. I really hate those infomercials disguised as fishing shows. |
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Posts: 447
Location: Waconia, MN | I just wanted to say thanks to Jason and the rest of the BadFish Outdoors family for putting out some great shows/DVDS and some good laughs at the shows in the past.
Good luck in your next adventures guys!
Thanks
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Posts: 1141
Location: NorthCentral WI | Sad news for sure. The Muskie Madness DVDs are in a class of thier own. No question, the most entertaining muskie videos I've ever watched. Great job with what you guys have accomplished with Badfish Outdoors and good luck to all of you in your future endeavors. |
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Posts: 2753
Location: Mauston, Wisconsin | Jason, Good luck to you in finding what you seek. Also best wishes to the BadFish Outdoors team.Hope to see you guys back in the muskie scene in the future. You're right, its become way to commercialized. I too loved the fact you guys showed it as it went down, maybe not politically correct but that was the way it was, and no apologies are necessary. Are you still going to be selling the DVD's?
Best wishes, have fun!
Al
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Location: Contrarian Island | bummer to hear Jason...your vids are some of the most "real" and entertaining to watch.... Wishing your crew all the best moving forward..hope to see you at Sleds new little ice shack this winter! ; ) |
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Posts: 1237
Location: South Portsmouth, KY | Badfish videos were the best ever put out on muskie fishing. always exciting. Sad to see yall go. Good luck! |
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Posts: 999
| Sorry to hear that Jason! Seems like yesterday I picked up Badfish I at the Milwaukee Musky show. I've been a huge fan of you guys for years as you well know! You guys are the real deal as many others also stated! For a guy like me whos spent most of his career in Vilas county the videos/footage have really tought me alot as well as made us viewers feel like we were in the boat with you! You guys really took the sport to the next level! I think everybody was in awee when we seen pounders could be casted and caught alot of fish and big ones! Well like Team Rhino said I hope to see Muskytown II in the future or even a compilation of your tv shows on a dvd that would be great! Take care and best of luck in the future!
Craig |
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Posts: 1245
Location: Madtown, WI | all good things must come to an end.... All the best to all the crew... really enjoyed the vids over the years...
enjoyed bumping into you a few times at the "watering hole"... I too with Nelson hope to drop in on Sleds and share a few stories and beers.... |
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| Good luck on new adventures to come Jason. |
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Posts: 4343
Location: Smith Creek | IM Musky Time - 12/4/2012 10:55 PM
I also enjoyed what you guys put together over the years and I think the fact that you came across as regular Joes (who are very good fishermen) made it easy for people to connect to. Some of my favorite clips were the ones where you lost fish and were as ticked off as the rest of us get because the hooks didn't drive home or shook lose at the boat. Those are memorable moments. Anybody who's spent the time can relate to those heartbreakers and you weren't afraid to show them.
I also miss Mark on the tournament circuit...it was fun to fish with/against him over the years. I think his consistent success there also helped to build the brand and the respect for how dialed in you guys were.
Best of luck to all of you. I quit hunting a long time ago, but I might buy the first BadMuleDeer video that comes out when you guys get set up out west.
Unfortunately for us mortals, Mark still fishes (and wins) tourneys in Wisconsin. He's just a little more careful about which ones he chooses to win.
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Posts: 2687
Location: Hayward, WI | I'm sorry to hear that you guys are shutting it down. I don't own your videos but have seen them and they are a blast! I've watched your show online too and always enjoy it. Glad you all did what was best for yourselves and that everyone reached consensus with no hard feelings.
Good luck in your future and good luck with your pursuit of trophy animals!
Tucker |
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Posts: 127
| good luck with everything and a big :thumbsup: for Bozeman. From the times I was there I just couldn't get enough of that place. |
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Posts: 350
Location: WESTERN WI | Sorry to hear this Chapter has come to end (as selfish it is for me to want more) I am grateful for your dedication in creating what I beleive are some of the best Muksy videos ever made. Icemen and the TV series was great too. Good Luck to yourself, Gordy and Mark in what ever comes next. Thanks again! |
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Location: SE Wisconsin | I'm not selling ANY of my Badfish DVD's!! |
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Posts: 4053
Location: Land of the Musky | You guys are responsible for some killer stuff! Good luck in your new endeavors.
James
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| Badfish videos are a permanent part of the fabric of Muskie Culture! Thanks for keepin it real! Best wishes! |
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Posts: 2384
Location: On the X that marks the mucky spot | Good luck to "yous guys." (that sucked).
If you ever find yourself in MN drop me a line, the back of my boat is always open. If we can't catch fish there we can always go to Maynard's because they bite at the bar too.
Shawn |
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Posts: 8
| I am saddened by this news because I've respected the Badfish crew's efforts on all levels. They are great fishermen and terrific individuals.
Best of luck in your future endeavors, guys! |
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Posts: 5171
| Good luck in the future,and sloan you kept it real on the board here even if it ruffled a few feathers and I respect that.0723 |
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| What ever happened to the unseen footage of the 2011 season and the crazy canadian diving after muskies???????? |
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| Sorry to hear Jay. You've left a mark on the muskie industry. Always great laughs in the boat with ya. Congrats on the deer this fall, and lay the smack down on those slimers this winter! |
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Posts: 501
Location: Norway | Too bad. You're films have inspired my pike fishing here in Norway as well. Will have to watch some of them this weekend with a beer or 2.
Michael |
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Posts: 238
Location: Rhinelander | Jason, best wishes in your future plans. The videos were awesome and whatever the next step turns to be will sure to be great.
Was tough to hear the news but do understand why..... Sure to hook up on the ice or 4th floor this winter.
Best of luck. |
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Posts: 566
Location: Elgin, IL | Sounds like you guys have things in the right perspective...good luck in all of your endeavors, wherever they lead you. And congratulations on staying friends through it all, that's great.
Are any of the 8 DVD's still available for purchase? |
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| muskellunged - 12/4/2012 8:31 PM
"Swim, but I wish I never learned. Water's too polluted now with germs."
Bradley Nowell
Best of luck, & thanks for always keeping it real.
I thought about using that quote, but didnt think anyone would get it. Sooo sooo fitting. Kind of eerie.... |
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Posts: 218
| That was a truly classy way to sign off and let your friends and fans know what's going on. Always enjoyed you guys "keeping it real" without stooping to commercialism. Best wishes to the whole Badfish crew. |
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| this is upsetting not gonna lie, wish i could see some more of mark ripping dawgs and his awesome comments haha. Now the question, who will fill the void for the badfish guys and become the new most realistic fun to watch show? |
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| Good hunting Jason.
Dick |
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Posts: 3240
Location: Racine, Wi | Bummer to hear you guys are shutting it down. Hands down some of the best fisherman I've seen, and the videos showed how it is out there. I've enjoyed watching the videos over the years, and still watch them all every spring.
Hoping to catch up with ya this year for some blast n cast  Good luck in the future! |
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Posts: 1906
Location: Oconto Falls, WI | Sad to hear Jason. While I didn't care for the language in the vids I greatly appreciated you guys keeping it real...all the time. Best of luck to the crew on your futures! |
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| J. Sloan,
All I can say is WOW! Your post is inspiring as all hell. It sounds like you have already lived an amazing life as an outdoorsman. Bozeman is also one of my favorite places in the world. I lived there for six years, I moved there for college but the outdoors interfered with college in a way I couldn't control. Snowboarding and sledding everything from the Bridger's and Big Sky to Cook City and almost everything I could access in between. Fishing the Madison and Galliton rivers. Elk, Sheep, and Deer hunting Paradise Valley and the Beartooth Mountains. Montana is truly something special.
I think you have a great opportunity for yourself here. Continue to work hard and enjoy fishing and the outdoors as you like. Go out and get yourself a couple of GoPros and just film your adventors as you see fit. Through your episodes on YouTube and here on the forum (assuming the forum would allow) and create a grass roots following here in the community. I know that wont pay the bills but it could snow ball into something big. And if not at least you could be doing things on your own terms.
Best of luck,
Jake |
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Posts: 6
| Hey guys, I remember the feeling I had when I shut down Oneida Esox Guide Service. I thought I was throwing away everything I worked for in terms of musky fishing. Truth is, I knew I had to start working on being a better dad and husband. You guys are doing the right thing.
The dad thing I think I did OK on....me and my 17 year old and 21 year old went and saw Halestorm and In This Moment last Wed.......the husband thing, well Caralyn will have to comment on that. (shes tired of dead animal mounts)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YpJAmlnBxoA
In This Moment cover of Call Me by Blondie http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tgmZ30DpsMA
Good luck in all of your future endeavors.
John Stellflue
Edited by StormyK 12/10/2012 11:33 PM
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Posts: 752
| Bummer..your work will be missed. I always enjoyed your vid's...good luck in your future endeavors... |
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Posts: 374
Location: Bemidji | Jason,
Just was paging through the old threads and found this. Over the years we have shared many great memories in my boat. I had alot of laughs and a few really big fish thrown in. I hope that you can still make an occassional trip to MN. Your videos will be missed.
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