Episode Details

Episode 37: A Pair of Bassholes

Guest: Bob Bridges
Hosts: Mark & Matt Ruhl
Theme: Bass fishing stories, unforgettable trips, and a lifetime of laughs

In this episode, longtime friend and die-hard bass angler Bob Bridges joins Matt and Mark Ruhl to share decades of stories from the water. From childhood fishing memories in Texas to legendary boat trips across Pennsylvania, New York, and Canada, the guys trade tales about tackle obsessions, muskie mayhem, bear encounters, and one epic bass tournament win.

They break down their favorite gear, favorite lakes (including Cowanesque, Gaston, and Raystown), and what keeps them coming back year after year for topwater blowups, late-night crappie bites, and the occasional kidney stone.

🐟 Episode Highlights:

Bob’s Fishing Origin Story: Bluegill in Missouri, bass in Texas, and the purple worm that started it all

Conodoguinet Creek & PA Roots: Smallmouth and rock bass in backyard waters

College Connection: Meeting the Ruhl crew at Mansfield University in 2000

The “Green Weenie” Boat: DIY bass rig and a symbol of simpler times

Annual Trips to Cowanesque Lake: 20+ years of tradition, big bass, and rotating camp spots

Lake Gaston: Exploding spotted bass population and a 2.6 lb crappie on a jerkbait

Topwater Magic: Canada tournament win and the best smallmouth popper bite of their lives

Tackle Addictions: TRDs, poppers, Shimano reels, and overflowing basement pegboards

Animal Antics: Bear vs. honey buns, raccoon snack theft, and deer camp dogs with ticks

Fishing Philosophy: Don’t leave fish to find fish. Unless you’re Bob.

🎯 Gear & Go-To Tactics:

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