Big Water Big Walleyes Big Changes w/ Brett Carlson | JMO Fishing 404

In this episode of the JMO Podcast, host Taylor Michaels welcomes back Brett Carlson, a veteran writer and narrator with over two decades of experience covering professional walleye fishing. The conversation centers on the 2026 National Walleye Tour (NWT) season, highlighting a groundbreaking schedule defined by massive bodies of water—Lake Erie, Lake Oahe, Bay of Green Bay, and Lake Sakakawea—each presenting extreme conditions with long runs and violent waves. Brett emphasizes that the absence of rivers and small lakes, combined with unrestricted use of forward-facing sonar, marks a seismic shift in tournament strategy. He argues that trolling, once the dominant method, is now on 'life support' at the elite level, as forward-facing sonar enables unmatched precision and real-time feedback, allowing top anglers to target only fish of tournament-worthy size. Despite this, Brett acknowledges that trolling remains viable for cashing checks in certain scenarios, though it’s no longer the path to top 10 finishes. He also discusses the new invitation-only format, which aims to elevate the tour’s credibility by excluding non-committed 'jackpotters' and attracting elite anglers from circuits like the MWC and Ames. The episode concludes with a reflective note on the evolving nature of walleye fishing, where innovation, physical endurance, and mental resilience are now paramount, and where even the most dominant pros face humbling failures—reminding fans that the sport remains as challenging as ever.