#34 || Dr. Hal Schramm: Too Cool to Fool - Why Your Best Lure Isn't Working Anymore

Doc Talks Fishing Podcast

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Can fish learn to outsmart us? In this fascinating episode of Doc Talks Fishing, we sit down with Dr. Hal Schramm-legendary bass biologist, pioneering researcher, and inductee into the National Fisheries Management Hall of Excellence— to explore the cutting-edge science of fish learning and conditioning. Hal shares eye-opening research showing that bass—and likely other species— can actually learn to avoid lures, boats and fishing pressure after being caught and released.

It's a provocative twist: thanks to slot limits, selective harvest, and catch-and-release, bass populations are booming in many lakes. But despite healthy numbers, many anglers are noticing tougher bites and lower catch rates. Are the fish still there-but now too smart to bite? Join us as Hal breaks down the science of fish behaviour, explains how and why fish get conditioned, and offers practical advice on how anglers can outthink these educated fish. If you've ever wondered why yesterday's hot bait suddenly stopped working—this episode is for you.