ALL 2025 BuzzCast Episodes
Al Lindner: The Relentless Drive of a Fishing Icon and Innovator
When you’re talking with someone like Al Lindner, who has spent the better part of their life on the water, introductions become unnecessary. This conversation jumps straight into the heart of a lifelong obsession: fishing. His name alone commands respect in the angling community.
What fuels someone to fish nearly every open-water day, year after year? It’s not just a hobby. For him, it’s a lifestyle. “I just love the game,” he says. Whether reading, watching, talking about, or actually fishing—his passion consumes him 24/7. He thrives on the learning curve, the industry’s evolution, the highs and lows, the new challenges each season brings.
He jokingly confesses, “I’m a groupie in the fishing industry.” Unlike others who may enjoy mushroom hunting or seasonal game, his sole devotion lies with the water. “Whatever I can get on, that’s what I do.”
Al Lindner: Exploring New Waters & Reconnecting with Old Gems
Despite decades in the field, the spirit of exploration remains alive and well. He’s constantly eyeing new bites and emerging fisheries. One place he’s eager to revisit is Lake Sakakawea. After returning recently with Ty Sjodin to film a TV episode, his view changed dramatically.
“Everybody thinks of Sakakawea as a walleye lake,” he explains, “but what blew me away was the smallmouth population.” Often overlooked by locals, the smallmouth there were plentiful—allowing anglers to catch nearly every fish in the school.
With miles of unexplored water, Lake Sakakawea left him wanting more. The vastness of the lake means a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to cover it all.
With miles of unexplored water, Lake Sakakawea left him wanting more. The vastness means a lifetime wouldn’t be enough to cover it all.
He also holds a fondness for the Dakotas and neighboring Wisconsin. He recently returned from a productive trip there, discovering a small, 350-acre lake recommended by Billy Rosner. “Every time I go there, we get 50, 60 bass,” Rosner told him. He finally took up the offer and had a stellar day on largemouth.
The Rise of Northern Bass Fishing
Reflecting on the broader bass fishing scene, he sees dramatic growth, especially with smallmouth. “Even ten years ago,” he says, “you could kind of be the first to get on a number of those bites.” Today, when a bite becomes hot, anglers flood in. Leech Lake is a prime example—once its smallmouth population exploded, national tournaments followed.
He’s quick to praise Minnesota’s largemouth bass fishery, calling it possibly the best in the country. “There isn’t a puddle of water in this state that doesn’t have a largemouth in it,” he says.
Zebra mussels have played a surprising role in this evolution. As they cleared the water, smallmouth fishing exploded. “Same story everywhere,” he notes. From the Great Lakes to Texas and Arizona, clearer waters have fueled bigger and more plentiful smallmouth.
Minnesota’s secret weapon? A sheer abundance of lakes. “If the bite’s slow on one, you pull the boat, drive three minutes, and launch on another.” Sometimes neighboring lakes will fish completely differently. “It’s always been a mystery to me,” he muses.
No discussion of Minnesota fishing would be complete without mentioning Leech Lake. Known for its walleyes, the lake is a multi-species haven.
Leech Lake: A Multi-Species Marvel
What sets Leech Lake apart is its structure. Comprised of numerous basins and extensive shallow flats, the lake offers ideal habitat for a variety of species.
What sets Leech Lake apart is its structure. Comprised of numerous basins and extensive shallow flats, the lake offers ideal habitat for a variety of species. “If 40–50% of a lake is shallower than the first break, they’re always good lakes,” he explains. These flats—teeming with weed beds, rocks, sand, and massive forage bases—provide everything from crawfish to perch to satisfy the ecosystem.
Even muskies have been found feeding on craws. “When we were up there sampling muskies, we’d see them puking up craws,” he recalls. The bottom’s carpeted with them.
One particular jig stands out—the Moontail, developed in collaboration with VMC. This design is starting to catch on in various walleye regions.
When it comes to targeting shallow-water walleyes, his go-to presentation is clear: hair jigs. Despite increasing popularity, they’re still vastly underutilized in the walleye world.
When it comes to targeting shallow-water walleyes, his go-to presentation is clear: hair jigs. Despite increasing popularity, he believes they’re still vastly underutilized in the walleye world. “Everyone stays heavy with boot tails,” he explains, referring to soft plastics. “But hair jigs? They’re still overlooked by a long shot.”
One particular jig stands out—the Moontail, developed in collaboration with VMC. This design, influenced by years of experience, is starting to catch on in various walleye regions, including parts of the Great Lakes. Yet, for many anglers, hair jigs remain an untapped resource.
The evolution began with a desire for a flat-headed jig design — specifically, an aspirin-style head. This flat profile allowed for quicker retrieves, ideal for shallow, clear waters.
A simple jig can tell a complex story. It has been refined through years of meticulous design, field testing, and innovation.
A simple jig can tell a complex story. What might appear at first glance to be a straightforward lure has, in reality, been refined through years of meticulous design, field testing, and innovation. The hair jig in particular — often underestimated — has undergone such a journey, shaped by the hands of seasoned anglers like Al Lindner and his team who spent two years perfecting it across the waters of Minnesota and the Dakotas.
Al Lindner: Designing the Perfect Jig: More Than Meets the Eye
The evolution began with a desire for a flat-headed jig design — specifically, an aspirin-style head. This flat profile allowed for quicker retrieves, ideal for shallow, clear waters where walleyes respond to speed and subtle light interactions. A big, reflective eye was added next, not for aesthetic value but for its ability to grab light and create flash, a detail that proved to be a surprising fish trigger.
But perhaps the biggest breakthrough came in how the jig was dressed. Most manufacturers overloaded their jigs with hair, resulting in a lure that matted and clumped in the water.
This refined jig wasn’t just about looks — it changed how walleyes were fished. Unlike traditional methods, the hair jig demanded a faster, more aggressive approach.
Interestingly, the change in drop speed due to thinner hair also had an impact. Instead of dragging bottom, anglers could now “snap” the jig and let it fall on slack line.
As Lindner noted, two zones were consistently productive: the first drop and hop after the cast, and the final upward lift near the boat.
Jig effectiveness is influenced by underwater structure. On slow-tapering flats, the jig maintains a horizontal plane. But on steep break lines, it opens up the strike zone dramatically.
The Role of Structure and Drop Angle
Jig effectiveness is influenced not only by retrieve speed or bait action, but by the underwater structure. On slow-tapering flats, the jig maintains a fairly horizontal plane throughout the retrieve. But on steep break lines, as the jig ascends or descends, it opens up the strike zone dramatically. This angle change mimics a fleeing baitfish or a sudden vertical movement that can drive walleyes wild.
Lindner emphasized the near impossibility of replicating that perfect first-drop angle later in the retrieve. Instead, he often opts to recast.
For Al Lindner, the shift away from live bait was both philosophical and practical. The introduction of Berkley’s Gulp was a significant catalyst.
For Al Lindner, the shift away from live bait was both philosophical and practical. The catalyst came with the introduction of Berkley’s Gulp and its bold claim to “outfish live bait.” He took the challenge seriously, committing to a full season using only artificial presentations. The results were eye-opening — and permanent.
While live bait like shiners still has a window of dominance during the early spring spawn, Lindner found that artificial presentations quickly caught up in effectiveness. Beyond hair jigs, he explored boot tails, split tails, blade baits, spoons, and the increasingly popular Rippin’ Rap — all forming a toolbox of highly versatile and triggering artificial options.
However, hair jigs do have limits. Once depths exceed 15 feet, they begin to lose their magic.
However, hair jigs do have their limits. Once depths exceed 15 feet, they begin to lose their magic. The subtle lifelike action that defines their success in shallow water becomes harder to impart. That’s when baits like the Jigging Rap, Rippin’ Rap, and blade baits take center stage. These alternatives allow for faster vertical fishing, making them ideal for probing depths of 20, 30, even 40 feet.
Can a moon tail hair jig still catch fish in deeper water? Absolutely. But when it comes to efficiency, triggering power, and speed, few options outperform the Jigging Rap in deeper scenarios.
This point became clear during a serendipitous outing following the Lundmania tournament. Conversations among fellow anglers turned toward a hot crappie bite.
Discovering the Power of the Jigging Rap
This point became vividly clear during a serendipitous outing following the Lundmania tournament in western Minnesota. Conversations among fellow anglers had turned toward a hot crappie bite — big fish, 18 to 22 feet deep, suspended over 26 feet. Lindner made a mental note and returned with a camera crew, ready to test the power of the Jigging Rap on crappies. What unfolded next marked a turning point in his artificial bait journey…
As the conversation unfolds, the evolution of the Jigging Rap takes center stage. This bait reshapes how experienced anglers approach fishing in the summer months.
As the conversation unfolds, the evolution of the Jigging Rap—a seemingly unassuming ice-fishing bait turned multi-species powerhouse—takes center stage. The story continues with a pivotal moment that reshaped the way these experienced anglers approach fishing in the summer months.
Discovering the Power of the Jigging Rap
It all started with a casual cast. One angler was using a boot tail when Bob tossed out a jigging rap. What followed was a revelation.
Versatility That Changed the Game
The boat held in about 18 feet of water, casting toward the weed edges. Bob started catching walleyes—one after another. By the time he landed six fish, it was clear this wasn’t coincidence.
By the end of that day, they recognized they had stumbled onto something special. The jigging rap wasn’t just a fluke. It worked across nine different lakes.
By the end of that day, they both recognized they had stumbled onto something special. The jigging rap wasn’t just a fluke for that lake or that moment. Over the course of the summer, the bait was tested across nine different lakes—and it worked on all of them. This consistent performance cemented its status as a “miracle bait,” turning a simple tool into a staple of modern walleye angling.
But the bait’s success soon caught the attention of the tournament scene. Numerous companies have since tried to mimic it, but none have matched the original.
Versatility That Changed the Game
Initially designed for ice fishing, the jigging rap proved to be versatile. Anglers quickly realized there were numerous ways to deploy it: casting, pulling, vertical jigging, even slow-trolling.
Notably, the bait’s rapid sinking rate allowed anglers to target suspended fish or dive quickly into weed edges where walleyes lurked.
Rod, reel, and line setup are critical for jigging rap success. The recommended rod is at least 7 feet long—preferably 7’2″ to 7’4″—with a medium or medium-light power rating.
Rod, reel, and line setup are critical for jigging rap success. The recommended rod is at least 7 feet long—preferably 7’2″ to 7’4″—with a medium or medium-light power rating. This length offers the right amount of sweep to manipulate the bait and detect subtle strikes. A longer rod also gives anglers more control over the bait’s motion and hook-setting power.
For line, many prefer a 10 lb braid mainline paired with a 12 lb fluorocarbon leader. The upgrade to 12 lb has improved abrasion resistance.
The presentation is aggressive, designed to contact the bottom forcefully. That impact is a major trigger, as walleyes key in on bottom-oriented prey.
Landing fish on a jigging rap is an acquired skill. Its small hooks and erratic motion make it easy for fish to shake loose if not fought correctly.
Despite the bait’s widespread success, skepticism still lingers—particularly among traditional anglers. Many of the “old guard” question whether the jigging rap is just another overhyped lure.
Skepticism from the “Old Guard”
Despite the bait’s widespread success, skepticism still lingers—particularly among more traditional anglers. Many of the “old guard” remain wary, questioning whether the jigging rap is just another overhyped lure pushed to sell units. But as the discussion illustrates, the performance speaks for itself. Even among this seasoned crew, the bait has earned a permanent place in their arsenals.
For walleyes, size 7 and size 9 jigging raps are most commonly used. The choice typically depends on depth, with size 7 being incredibly productive across a range of conditions.
For walleyes, size 7 and size 9 jigging raps are most commonly used. The choice typically depends on depth, with size 7 being incredibly productive across a range of conditions. While some anglers experiment with upsizing the treble hook, the general consensus is to use the bait as it comes out of the box. The original design strikes the perfect balance between performance and practicality.
The conversation reflects on how few baits have had such a lasting impact. The jigging rap, the original Shad Rap, and others are lures that changed the game.
The conversation reflects on how few baits have had such a lasting impact. The jigging rap, the original Shad Rap, and even the wacky rig and its evolution into the Neko rig—these are lures that changed the game. Their magic lies not just in novelty, but in the perfect storm of action, appearance, and effectiveness. Fish don’t know brand names or price tags; they react to the movement, the flash, the thump—and when it’s right, it’s right.
As the anglers note, discovering these baits and understanding their nuances is what keeps fishing fresh. Whether in a Canadian backcountry lake or on the competitive tournament trail, anglers are always seeking the edge.
As the conversation continued, the discussion turned toward one of the most important skills an angler can possess: adaptability. The angling landscape has changed dramatically over the years.
A fascinating comparison was made between seasoned anglers and the younger generation coming into the sport today. The newer cohort tends to absorb and implement new techniques quickly.
The Shift in Angler Mindsets: Old Guard vs. New Generation
A fascinating comparison was made between seasoned anglers—referred to as the “old guard”—and the younger generation of anglers coming into the sport today. The newer cohort tends to absorb and implement new techniques quickly, unburdened by the habits and traditions of the past. Unlike their older counterparts, who often resist change due to past successes, younger anglers embrace innovation because it’s all they’ve ever known.
This generational contrast underlines the importance of maintaining an open mind. Al Lindner, a legend in the sport, emphasized that he still looks forward to each new product catalog from Rapala like it’s Christmas morning. That sense of curiosity and willingness to experiment keeps fishing exciting—and productive.
One powerful lesson shared was about dedication to mastering a specific bait. Al and his team often test new lures under real-world conditions.
One powerful lesson shared was about dedication to mastering a specific bait. Instead of falling back on proven tactics, Al and his team often test new lures under real-world conditions. For example, when the Rippin’ Rap was first introduced, they took a trip to a northern Minnesota lake with nothing else in the boat but that one bait. By dedicating themselves to learning every nuance—retrieve speed, depth, cadence—they transformed a new lure into a deadly weapon.
The key takeaway: Don’t wait until the bite goes cold to try something new. Instead, experiment when the fish are active. That’s when you’ll truly understand the potential and limitations of a new bait.
The key takeaway: Don’t wait until the bite goes cold to try something new. Experiment when the fish are active.
It’s not just about the bait. Success hinges on the harmony between rod action, line type, hook style, and bait delivery.
This toolkit allows anglers to dial in their presentation, no matter the target species. Whether it’s walleyes, bass, or panfish, the right gear makes experimentation and precision far more accessible.
One of the most surprising discussions revolved around using hard baits for species traditionally caught with live bait. Al recalled introducing friends to this concept.
Skeptics turned believers once they saw how effective these baits could be. Al shared a story about a friend who traditionally used plastics under a float.
Baits like the Rapala Countdown Elite added another layer of effectiveness. Its shimmy on the fall triggers strikes from even the most hesitant fish.
While keeping a few fish for the table is always appreciated, what truly elevates the angling experience is the thrill of the chase.
Al also shared a few heartwarming anecdotes about brand loyalty, particularly with Sea Foam—a product he stands behind confidently.
While keeping a few fish for the table is always appreciated, what truly elevates the angling experience is the thrill of the chase and the feel of a fish on the line. Using hard baits and the right equipment brings a new level of satisfaction, even for seasoned musky hunters who find joy in chasing panfish during the spring.
These “wow moments” are what grow the sport—when a newcomer or traditionalist experiences the thrill of catching fish in a whole new way, they’re hooked for life.
Brand Loyalty and Field Credibility: The Sea Foam Story
From restaurant patrons to charter guides, the feedback was consistently positive. That kind of unsolicited endorsement speaks volumes about a product’s effectiveness.
From restaurant patrons to charter guides, the feedback was consistently positive. That kind of unsolicited endorsement speaks volumes about a product’s effectiveness and its standing in the fishing and outdoor communities. As Al described it, “This stuff is like a miracle in a can.”
The discussion naturally turned to the iconic Lindy Rig. Its origins trace back to a simple setup using an egg sinker, a short leader, and a hook baited with a nightcrawler.
But the egg sinker had a downside: it snagged too easily. Enter Ron Lindner, who began experimenting with molds.
But the egg sinker had a downside: it snagged too easily. Enter Ron Lindner, who began experimenting with molds in the basement of his Minnesota home. He developed what would become the “walking sinker”—a uniquely shaped weight that could glide over rocky bottoms without getting hung up.
The innovation spread rapidly. With guides pouring and sharing these weights, word of their effectiveness caught fire.
As the Lindy Rig began to gain momentum, the demand for a more streamlined product experience led to a transformative business decision.
The next revolution in walleye fishing came almost by accident. A trapper walked into the shop with a bucket full of leeches.
Al recalled the humble beginnings of boat ownership. His and Ron’s first boat came from Sears—a thin aluminum 14-foot car topper.
But boats began to evolve. Skeeter was among the first brands to push the envelope in bass boat design.
But the Lindy team gave it a try—and the results were staggering. Soon, leeches became a standard in walleye fishing.
At the time, using leeches was unheard of. Nightcrawlers and minnows were the dominant baits. But the Lindy team gave it a try—and the results were staggering.
One of the most impactful developments has been the explosion of high school fishing teams. What began as a grassroots effort has evolved into a national movement.
As Al Lindner brought the conversation to a close, he offered a powerful framework for understanding what keeps the fishing world turning. These pillars are interconnected, each playing a vital role in sustaining the passion of millions of anglers.
The first element is the tackle segment, which includes manufacturers and retailers who produce and sell rods, reels, and all the gear needed to connect anglers to fish.
Through all this progress, one truth has remained: the key to sustaining interest in fishing is catching fish. Al made it clear that newcomers will not stick with fishing if they don’t experience success early.
