Think you know all the fish swimming in your local rivers and streams? In our lakes and reservoirs, we target bass and crappie, and in our rivers, we chase trout and catfish. But beneath the surface, a secret world of vibrant, beautiful, and "forgotten fish" is fighting for survival, and their fate is a direct indicator of the health of the waters we all love.

In this episode, we sit down with Bo Baxter, the Senior Conservation Biologist at Conservation Fisheries, Inc. (CFI). Bo is on the front lines of the fight to save North America's most imperiled freshwater fish. We dive deep into a world most anglers have never seen, discussing the incredible species that form the foundation of our aquatic ecosystems.

Guest Information & Resources:

• Guest: Bo Baxter, Senior Conservation Biologist
• Organization: Conservation Fisheries, Inc. (CFI)
• Support Their Mission: CFI is a non-profit organization. You can learn more, see photos of the fish discussed, and donate to their vital work at their website.

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Underrated or Overrated? We Settle the Score! 🤔In this episode, we dive deep and spark some debate! I'm tackling some hot topics in the fishing world (and beyond!) and deciding if they're TRULY worth the hype or seriously slept on.On the chopping block:⭐ Phil Robertson⭐ Kayak Trailers⭐ Herring Lakes⭐ Hot Weather Fishing⭐ Magic Swimmer Lures⭐ Fishing Trip HotelsTune in to hear my takes, and let me know if you agree or disagree! Expect laughs, strong opinions, and maybe a few controversial thoughts.#FishingPodcast #Debate #UnderratedOverrated #FishingCommunity #FishingTalk #AlexRuddFishing

Is bass fishing truly thriving—or have we just forgotten what “healthy” looks like?

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Steve Sammons, one of the most respected fisheries biologists in the game, to expose a hidden problem in the bass fishing world: shifting baseline syndrome.

We unpack the uncomfortable truth about how anglers—without even realizing it—have accepted degraded fisheries, smaller populations, and less biodiversity as the “new normal.” From tournament pressure and habitat loss to management blind spots, this is a brutally honest look at the future of bass fishing if we don’t start paying attention.

🔎 What we cover:

• What “shifting baselines” means in fisheries

• How anglers are unknowingly part of the problem

• Why today’s bass fishing isn’t as good as it once was

• The long-term dangers we’re facing if nothing changes

🎧 Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a hardcore tournament angler, this episode will challenge the way you see the lakes you love.

You've heard the whispers, seen the headlines: "Bass Fishing is DEAD." But is it really? Tonight, we're challenging that narrative. We'll be looking at everything from changing fish populations and environmental pressures to the evolving landscape of the sport itself. As a full-time fishing content creator, I've seen the changes firsthand. Join me for a no-holds-barred discussion on the state of bass fishing: "Bass Fishing is DEAD... Or Is It REALLY..."

When my cohost had to step away for very understandable reasons, I called in an emergency guest—and things got real quick. We talk about the drama around the Bassmaster Classic, how social media flipped the fishing world on its head, and why the average angler just doesn’t connect with pro fishing anymore. Oh, and there’s a little surprise personal news in here too… 👀

In this episode of The Alex Rudd Fishing Podcast, we’re breaking down topics and deciding—are they underrated or overrated? 🤔💭

I’m joined by my good friends and fellow content creators Bailey Eigbrett of Be the Fish and Vince Verdin of Pelican Bone Outdoors as we debate hot topics like:

✅ AI in content creation and fishing—game-changer or overhyped?

✅ Hockey—underrated action or just for the diehards?

✅ Expensive fishing reels—worth the money or just marketing hype?

✅ Southern food—as good as they say or overrated comfort food?

✅ … and MORE!

This episode is packed with hot takes, laughs, and unfiltered opinions on the biggest debates in fishing, sports, and culture. 🎣🏒🍗

👉 Don’t miss out—hit play now and let us know in the comments what YOU think is underrated or overrated!

#FishingPodcast #UnderratedOrOverrated #AI #Hockey #FishingReels #SouthernFood #BeTheFish #PelicanBoneOutdoors #BassFishing #OutdoorsPodcast

Could we be on the brink of abass fishing apocalypse? The invasiveAlabama bass is silently taking over lakes, rivers, and streams—wiping out native smallmouth bass in its wake. In this episode, I sit down with fisheries biologistDr. Steve Sammons to break down theshocking history of black bass, the aggressive spread of Alabama bass, and what this invasion means for the future of our fisheries.

How did we get here? What happens next? And is thereany way to stop the takeover before it’s too late? Tune in for an eye-opening conversation that every angler needs to hear!

🎧 Listen now—before your favorite fishing spot changes forever.

Check out the Alex Rudd Fishing YouTube channel here - https://www.youtube.com/@AlexRuddFishing

Check out the proposed regulation changes here - https://tinyurl.com/NewFishingRegs

Are Tennessee's legendary smallmouth bass on the brink of extinction? The invasive Alabama bass is wreaking havoc on their populations, jeopardizing the future of this cherished sport fish. In this urgent episode, we talk with TWRA Fisheries Biologist John Hammonds about the devastating impact of the Alabama bass, the new regulations aimed at controlling their spread, and what anglers can do to help save smallmouth before it's too late. Is this the last stand for Tennessee's iconic smallmouth? Tune in to find out.

Check out FishTips here - https://tinyurl.com/FishTipHomePage

#smallmouthbass #tnfishing #alabamabass #conservation #fishingcrisis

Check out the Alex Rudd Fishing YouTube here - https://www.youtube.com/@AlexRuddFishing