Latest Episodes

Fresh conversations about fishing, conservation, and the people who make it happen

Chasing Giant Stripers: Big Baits and Hard Lessons on the Sacramento River
Episode 188•Season 8•1:10:42

Chasing Giant Stripers: Big Baits and Hard Lessons on the Sacramento River

Hogan talks with Carson Maxstadt about the art and science of designing glide baits for giant stripers on the Sacramento River. Carson shares his journey from carving wooden baits to creating custom designs that entice big fish, discussing the nuances of bait action and depth. They explore how subtle changes in bait design can make a significant difference in fishing success.

Sep 24, 2026
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Guest
Lower Yuba River Nature - Like Fish Passage Project
Episode 187•Season 8

Lower Yuba River Nature - Like Fish Passage Project

Hogan talks with longtime advocate and conservationist Frank Rinella about the proposed Nature-Like Fish Passage Project on the Lower Yuba River at Daguerre Point Dam. This project is highly controversial among Lower Yuba River anglers, guides, and community members, as it would open the stretch above Daguerre Point Dam to all fish migration—stripers, shad, green sturgeon, and, yes, more salmon and steelhead.

Sep 9, 2026
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Guest
The Return... Checking in.
Episode 186•Season 8

The Return... Checking in.

The Barbless Podcast is BACK! In this quick check-in, Hogan previews a few upcoming episodes and talks about what to expect during the next season.

Sep 6, 2026
Host
Rising on the Fly - Founders Tema and Julia
Episode 185•Season 7•01:10:33

Rising on the Fly - Founders Tema and Julia

Hogan sits down with Tema Roby and Julia Mitchell near their one-year anniversary of starting their non-profit Rising to the Fly which works to break down barriers to make fly fishing accessible and inclusive to all women. Enjoy their story and learn more here [https://risingtothefly.com](https://risingtothefly.com) ([https://risingtothefly.com/](https://risingtothefly.com/))

Oct 29, 2023
Host
Guests

Meet Your Hosts

Passionate anglers and conservationists bringing you conversations that matter

Chad Alderson

Chad Alderson

Producer & Co-host

Chad Alderson is the creator and producer of The Barbless Podcast, a Northern California show focused on fishing, conservation, and science. He’s chased stripers on the Sac River and Delta, trout on the McCloud and Lake Almanor, and carp through the canals of Scottsdale and most of California’s tributaries. His goal: help anglers “Know Better, Fish Better.”

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Hogan Brown

Hogan Brown

Co-host

Hogan Brown is a Chico, CA fly fishing guide and co-founder of the California Bass Union. He guides the Yuba, Feather, and Sacramento Rivers for trout, bass, steelhead, and carp. A fly designer and pro staff for top brands, he’s also a dad, gardener, and lifelong Giants and Notre Dame fan.

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Paul Young

Paul Young

Co-host

Paul Young, known as "Aquaman," is a professional spearfisherman and professional-level striper angler based in Redding, California. Born in Alaska, his connection to water sports began early, leading him to become a U.S. National Spearfishing Champion and a four-time Pacific Coast Spearfishing Champion. He shares his fishing and spearfishing activities on his Instagram account, @hubbcap77.

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Featured Guests

Recent experts who've joined the conversation