
Hosted by Mike Iaconelli · EN
Ike's Bytes ft. Mark Sexton & The Berkley Lab Series Guys… this one's a GAME CHANGER. 🔬🎣 You've seen the buzz. You've heard the name. And if you watched the 2026 Bassmaster Classic, you KNOW the Berkley Lab Series soft plastics are the real deal. But what's actually going on inside that bait? How did the scientists at Berkley build something this different? That's exactly what Ike's Bytes is all about — and today Mike sits down with Berkley's own Mark Sexton to go DEEP into the science behind the most talked-about soft plastic release in years. Here's what we're breaking down: 🧪 What makes the Berkley Lab Series unlike ANYTHING else on the market 🎨 How they cracked the code on combining true color AND MaxScent — something nobody thought was possible 👃 The two-phase scent system — Rapid Release Slime PLUS long-term MaxScent dispersion — and why it triggers bites from even the most pressured fish 🎣 Why these baits were specifically engineered for the forward-facing sonar era ⚗️ The small-batch pouring process and why it matters for performance Real talk — this isn't just another bait drop. This is 40 years of Berkley science coming together in one bait. No spin. No fluff. Just straight science from the guys in the lab coats who built it. If you want to catch more fish — you need to understand what's in your hand. Let's go. 🔥 👉 Learn more about the Berkley Lab Series: www.berkley-fishing.com
Guys, we are BACK at the bar and we've got A LOT to talk about. 🍺 It's been a couple weeks since the last Ike Live — and trust me, there's been no shortage of action. Mike and Becky are breaking down the last two Bassmaster Elite Series events… one that went really good, and one that just didn't go the way we wanted. Real talk. No spin. Just an honest look at where things stand heading into the rest of this final season. But here's where it gets fun… 🎣 Earlier last week, Ike teamed up with fellow Elite Series pro Drew Benton for a Bassmaster Tuesday Nighter on Table Rock Lake — and they got the WIN. Yeah. You heard that right. Tonight we're breaking it all down: 🏆 The Tuesday Nighter win on Table Rock with Drew Benton — how it went down 📊 Honest Elite Series recap — the highs, the lows, and what's next 🎯 Where Mike's head is at heading deeper into his final season on tour 🔥 All the feels, all the stories, straight from the bar This is what Ike Live is all about, guys. Pull up a chair, grab a drink, and let's get into it.

Welcome back to Ike’s Bytes – The Science Behind the Bite. In this episode, Mike Iaconelli sits down with Berkley’s lead hard bait designer, Dan Spengler, to break down the science, engineering, and creativity behind designing hard baits that actually catch fish. From crankbaits to jerkbaits, we’re diving deep into what makes a bait perform the way it does — including action, buoyancy, bill design, weight distribution, and sound. If you’ve ever wondered: Why some hard baits get more bites than others How Berkley designs baits from concept to production What small details make a huge difference underwater This episode gives you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at how hard baits are created and perfected. Whether you’re a weekend angler or a tournament fisherman, this episode will change the way you look at every hard bait in your tackle box. Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes as Ike continues to explore the technology and science behind Berkley’s best products.
This week on Ike Live, Mike and Becky are celebrating St. Patrick’s Day the only way they know how — live from the bar with good conversation, laughs, and plenty to talk about from the world of bass fishing. First up, Mike shares his thoughts on the recent Bassmaster Classic, breaking down the event and reacting to the newest Classic champion. They’ll also talk about the new Ike Foundation sweepstakes, how it works, and how it helps support the mission of getting more kids involved in fishing and the outdoors. Plus, expect the usual Ike Live fun — random stories, industry chatter, and whatever else comes up along the way. So grab a drink, wear your green, and join us LIVE for this special St. Patrick’s Day edition of Ike Live. ☘️ Fishing talk. Classic reactions. Big sweepstakes news.

How Berkley fishing line is made. Mike Iaconelli investigates the science behind fishing tackle with Berkley labs. Ike sits down with one of the scientists responsible for developing Berkley’s fishing line, Chris Pitsilos, to break down the research, engineering, and testing that goes into creating some of the most trusted fishing line in the world. From strength and abrasion resistance to sensitivity and casting performance, we’re diving deep into the R&D process that turns raw materials into the line anglers rely on every day. If you’ve ever wondered: How fishing line is engineered * What makes certain lines stronger than others * How Berkley tests their line before it ever reaches the water * This episode gives you an exclusive behind-the-scenes look inside the Berkley innovation process. Subscribe for more episodes as Ike continues exploring the technology, science, and innovation behind Berkley baits and fishing gear.
The fishing world was shaken by the sudden collapse of Dual Threat Fishing—and in this episode of Ike Live, Mike and Becky Iaconelli break down exactly what happened, why it matters, and what anglers and fans need to know moving forward. From major red flags and missing payouts to the impact on pro anglers and the fishing industry as a whole, this is an honest conversation about one of the biggest controversies in recent bass fishing history. We also talk about: The strong start to the 2026 Bassmaster Elite Series season Forward-Facing Sonar vs traditional fishing and how it’s shaping the sport A BIG announcement about Ike Live at the Bassmaster Classic in Knoxville Upcoming Ike Live events, merch, and what’s next for Ike and the community Supporting youth fishing through The Ike Foundation This episode is real, unfiltered, and an important discussion for anyone who loves bass fishing.
This is not your typical Ike Live episode. Something BIG is happening — and for the first time ever, Ike and Beck are going live to share a major announcement that’s going to shake up the bass fishing world. No teasers. No leaks. Just one very real moment that will change everything. You’ll want to be here live, when it happens. Because if you’ve followed Mike’s journey — as an angler, as a personality, as a fan — this one’s going to hit different. 🎣 Come hang with Ike and Becky for what could be a turning point in the show’s history… and maybe the sport itself. #IkeLive #MikeIaconelli #FishingPodcast #Bassmaster #ProFishing #BigAnnouncement #BassFishingNews #FishingIndustry #IaconelliNews #FishingCommunity #LiveShow
🎄 It’s a very merry Ike Live – straight from the bar! Join Mike and Becky for a festive night of giveaways, surprises, and big announcements in this Christmas Special edition of Ike Live. Here’s what’s happening: 🎁 A brand new giveaway is launching on Mike’s page – and this one’s BIG. 🚤 Mike is giving away his 2026 boat to support youth fishing through The Ike Foundation - stay tuned for more information. 🏆 The Bass Fishing Hall of Fame nominations are now open through January 15, 2026 – and Mike shares how YOU can nominate a deserving angler. Plus, in true Ike Live fashion, expect laughs, hot takes, and a few unexpected stocking stuffers from the world of pro bass fishing. 📌 Tune in LIVE and celebrate the season with the Ike Live crew. #IkeLive #MikeIaconelli #ChristmasSpecial #FishingPodcast #BassFishing #TheIkeFoundation #BoatGiveaway #FishingGiveaway #BassFishingHallOfFame #FishingCommunity #HolidayEpisode
It’s a special edition of Ike Live — and this time, we’re putting a live twist on our popular Manic Hat Monday! 🎩 For one night only, you can grab a limited-edition Ike trucker hat for just $14.99, and Mike Iaconelli will autograph it live on air — adding your name to make it fully personalized! 💥 While supplies last, Mike will: Sign each hat live during the show Write your name on the front panel Give you a personal shoutout as orders come in This is a LIVE ONLY drop — once the show ends, the offer disappears. And of course, in true Ike Live fashion, Mike and Becky will riff on whatever’s happening across the fishing world in between hat signings — from tournament talk to industry rumors and everything in between. 📦 Order link will be pinned in the chat and description. Just add your name in the notes at checkout and tune in for your shoutout! #IkeLive #MikeIaconelli #ManicHatMonday #FishingPodcast #BassFishing #FishingMerch #AutographedHat #TruckerHat #FishingGiveaway #LiveOnly #FishingCommunity
In this highly anticipated episode of Ike Live, Mike Iaconelli is joined by pro angler Tai Au, who is speaking out about the controversy that rocked the recent Bassmaster EQ at Lake Okeechobee. Tai shares the full story behind his failed polygraph test, why he chose to withdraw from the tournament, and how the decision cost him a potential spot on the Bassmaster Elite Series. We dig into: - What really happened before Day 1 - The emotional and professional impact of missing the event - Transparency in polygraph testing at the EQ level - How Tai plans to move forward 🎣 Real talk. No spin. Just the truth straight from the source. If you care about the integrity of the sport — or just want to hear what most pros are afraid to say — don’t miss this one.