Fish of the Week! artwork

Fish of the Week!

311 episodes - English - Latest episode: 7 days ago - ★★★★★ - 62 ratings

Fish enthusiasts Katrina Liebich and Guy Eroh journey across America on a quest to discover ALL THE FISH: big and small, common and rare, beautiful and downright strange. Diverse guests help dig into the latest science and bring their perspectives about how fish are woven into the fabric of communities and cultures. Listeners walk away from each episode with practical information about how to connect with and conserve our amazing, finned friends.

Wilderness Sports Science Nature fish fishing culture fisheries fisheries management conservation science indigenous rivers coasts
Homepage Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts Overcast Castro Pocket Casts RSS feed

Episodes

Fish On! Falling for Fallfish

September 19, 2022 04:00 - 19 minutes - 44 MB

You're going to totally fall for this brassy, aggressive underdog sometimes referred to as the Shenandoah Tarpon or James River Bonefish. Join Katrina and Guy for a lively conversation about fallfish with avid fisherman/record holder Josh Dolin, state fisheries biologist Mike Pinder, and researcher/professor Dr. Eugene Maurakis. 

Fallfish!

September 19, 2022 04:00 - 19 minutes - 44 MB

You're going to totally fall for this brassy, aggressive underdog sometimes referred to as the Shenandoah Tarpon or James River Bonefish. Join Katrina and Guy for a lively conversation about fallfish with avid fisherman/record holder Josh Dolin, state fisheries biologist Mike Pinder, and researcher/professor Dr. Eugene Maurakis. 

Stonerollers feat. Bill Ensign

September 12, 2022 05:00 - 21 minutes - 48.8 MB

Retired Kennesaw State University biology professor Bill Ensign joins Katrina and Guy to chat about a splendid group of fishes called the stonerollers. What sets these fish apart is a cartilaginous shelf on their lower lip that serves as a scraper. They shimmer like stars as they turn from side to side scraping their bottom jaw against rocks in the rivers where they feed. 

Shimmery Stonerollers!

September 12, 2022 04:00 - 21 minutes - 48.8 MB

Retired Kennesaw State University biology professor Bill Ensign joins Katrina and Guy to chat about a splendid group of fishes called the stonerollers. What sets these fish apart is a cartilaginous shelf on their lower lip that serves as a scraper. They shimmer like stars as they turn from side to side scraping their bottom jaw against rocks in the rivers where they feed. 

Scraping & Shimmering: The Stonerollers

September 12, 2022 04:00 - 21 minutes - 48.8 MB

Retired Kennesaw State University biology professor Bill Ensign joins Katrina and Guy to chat about a splendid group of fishes called the stonerollers. What sets these fish apart is a cartilaginous shelf on their lower lip that serves as a scraper. They shimmer like stars as they turn from side to side scraping their bottom jaw against rocks in the rivers where they feed. 

Flying Fish

September 05, 2022 05:00 - 18 minutes - 41.5 MB

When you're prey for fast underwater predators sometimes the best option is to catch an updraft and leave them behind! Katrina and Guy dig into the flying fish and the mechanics behind their "flight."

Flying Fish!

September 05, 2022 04:00 - 18 minutes - 41.5 MB

When you're prey for fast underwater predators sometimes the best option is to catch an updraft and leave them behind! Katrina and Guy dig into the flying fish and the mechanics behind their "flight."

Gone Fishing!

August 22, 2022 19:49 - 16 seconds - 645 KB

We'll be back September 5th. Get out there and enjoy all the fish!

Channel Catfish!

August 15, 2022 05:00 - 23 minutes - 54.6 MB

If you're a catfish, and there's a party, how will you enjoy the cake? We'll answer this question and delve into the superhero-ish senses of this popular fish...as well as how to catch one. 

Channel Catfish!

August 15, 2022 04:00 - 23 minutes - 54.6 MB

If you're a catfish, and there's a party, how will you enjoy the cake? We'll answer this question and delve into the superhero-ish senses of this popular fish...as well as how to catch one. 

Alaska's Wild Salmon feat. Maria Dosal

August 08, 2022 05:00 - 24 minutes - 56.5 MB

Maria Dosal, an Unangax̂ mother and fisherman from King Cove, Alaska who now resides in Dillingham shares her perspectives and love for Alaska's wild salmon. 

Alaska's Wild Salmon: An Unangax̂ Perspective

August 08, 2022 04:00 - 24 minutes - 56.5 MB

Maria Dosal, an Unangax̂ mother and fisherman from King Cove, Alaska who now resides in Dillingham shares her perspectives and love for Alaska's wild salmon. 

Rio Grande (Texas) Cichlid feat. Chris Johnson

August 01, 2022 05:00 - 28 minutes - 65 MB

Texas fly fisherman and guide Chris Johnson joins the conversation about the United State's only native cichlid. Learn all about the ecology of this blue-speckled, aggressive beauty and how to catch one on the fly. 

The Rio Grande (Texas) Cichlid

August 01, 2022 04:00 - 28 minutes - 65 MB

Texas fly fisherman and guide Chris Johnson joins the conversation about the United State's only native cichlid. Learn all about the ecology of this blue-speckled, aggressive beauty and how to catch one on the fly. 

Rio Grande (Texas) Cichlid

August 01, 2022 04:00 - 28 minutes - 65 MB

Texas fly fisherman and guide Chris Johnson joins the conversation about the United State's only native cichlid. Learn all about the ecology of this blue-speckled, aggressive beauty and how to catch one on the fly. 

Long Valley Speckled Dace feat. Rosa Cox & Kaylan Hager

July 25, 2022 05:00 - 20 minutes - 46 MB

Cryptic desert fishes...they're so cool! Katrina and Guy chat with two guests about a type of dace with a unique population found in the Eastern Sierras. You can't catch this fish, but you can appreciate the importance of isolated populations and be in awe of the long game geology plays in fish distribution. 

Long Valley Speckled Dace: A Cryptic Desert Fish

July 25, 2022 04:00 - 20 minutes - 46 MB

Cryptic desert fishes...they're so cool! Katrina and Guy chat with Rosa Cox and Kaylan Hager about a type of dace with a unique population found in the Eastern Sierras.

Lumpsuckers feat. Ray Troll

July 18, 2022 05:00 - 25 minutes - 59.3 MB

Get to know nature's cutest suction cup...a group of orb-like marine fishes called lumpsuckers! Ketchikan, Alaska artist Ray Troll joins Katrina and Guy to share his love for these fish and explore how they use their modified pelvic fins to stick to objects in their environment and more fun facts. 

Lumpsuckers: Nature's Cutest Suction Cup

July 18, 2022 04:00 - 25 minutes - 59.3 MB

Get to know a group of orb-like marine fishes called lumpsuckers! Ketchikan, Alaska artist Ray Troll joins Katrina and Guy to share his love for these charismatic fish.

Cisco (Lake Herring) feat. Kevin McDonnell

July 11, 2022 06:00 - 28 minutes - 51.4 MB

Pack your bags, we're headed to the Michigan side of Lake Huron to talk Coregonus artedii with fisheries biologist Kevin McDonnell. This silvery fish with angled pupils and an underbite has a rich history in the Great Lakes region and a future yet to be written. 

Great Lakes Cisco (Lake Herring)

July 11, 2022 04:00 - 28 minutes - 51.4 MB

Pack your bags, we're headed to the Michigan side of Lake Huron to talk Coregonus artedii with fisheries biologist Kevin McDonnell. This silvery fish with angled pupils and an underbite has a rich history in the Great Lakes region and a future yet to be written. 

Crappies!

July 04, 2022 09:00 - 22 minutes - 40.4 MB

Katrina and Guy have a crappie (not crappy) conversation about the two species of North American freshwater fish in the genus Pomoxis...the black and white crappie! From the etymology of "paper mouth" and "Sac a Lait" to some common objects that weight the same as a very large black crappie, you'll find everything you need to know about these fish, including how to catch and cook them! 

Alaska Pollock feat. Ray Hilborn and Jim Lanelli

June 27, 2022 05:00 - 31 minutes - 57.3 MB

Meet the fish likely behind ye fillet o'fish, your favorite fish sticks, and surimi: the Alaska Pollock, a fish who finds its home in the north Pacific Ocean, especially the Bering Sea. Katrina and Guy are joined by guests Ray Hilborn from the University of Washington and Jim Lanelli from NOAA to dig deep into the management of this abundant and amazing fish.

Alaska Pollock feat. Ray Hilborn and Jim Ianelli

June 27, 2022 05:00 - 31 minutes - 57.3 MB

Meet the fish likely behind ye fillet o'fish, your favorite fish sticks, and surimi: the Alaska Pollock, a fish who finds its home in the north Pacific Ocean, especially the Bering Sea. Katrina and Guy are joined by guests Ray Hilborn from the University of Washington and Jim Ianelli from NOAA to dig deep into the management of this abundant and amazing fish.

Alaska Pollock: Face Behind Ye Fillet o' Fish

June 27, 2022 04:00 - 31 minutes - 57.3 MB

Meet the fish likely behind ye fillet o'fish, your favorite fish sticks, and surimi: the Alaska Pollock, a fish who finds its home in the north Pacific Ocean, especially the Bering Sea. Katrina and Guy are joined by guests Ray Hilborn from the University of Washington and Jim Ianelli from NOAA to dig deep into the management of this abundant and amazing fish.

Red Drum (redfish) feat. Jay Shelton

June 20, 2022 05:00 - 32 minutes - 75.2 MB

Whether you prefer a good drum circle around your kayak or going on a Cajun sleigh ride, this percussive coastal fish will have you hooked! Katrina and Guy cover it all with University of Georgia fisheries professor and redfish aficionado, Jay Shelton. 

Percussive Red Drum (redfish)

June 20, 2022 04:00 - 32 minutes - 75.2 MB

Whether you prefer a good drum circle around your kayak or going on a Cajun sleigh ride, this percussive coastal fish will have you hooked! Katrina and Guy cover it all with University of Georgia fisheries professor and redfish aficionado, Jay Shelton. 

The Percussive Red Drum (redfish)

June 20, 2022 04:00 - 32 minutes - 75.2 MB

Whether you prefer a good drum circle around your kayak or going on a Cajun sleigh ride, this percussive coastal fish will have you hooked! Katrina and Guy cover it all with University of Georgia fisheries professor and redfish aficionado, Jay Shelton. 

Topeka Shiner feat. Roderick May & Heidi Keuler

June 13, 2022 05:20 - 19 minutes - 44.2 MB

From oxbows to farmers and a must-visit hatchery, this little fish has a big story to tell. Guests Roderick May from Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Missouri and Heidi Kueler from the Lacrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Wisconsin join the conversation. 

Topeka Shiner: Little Fish, Big Story

June 13, 2022 04:00 - 19 minutes - 44.2 MB

From oxbows to farmers and a must-visit hatchery, this little fish has a big story to tell. Guests Roderick May from Neosho National Fish Hatchery in Missouri and Heidi Kueler from the Lacrosse Fish and Wildlife Conservation Office in Wisconsin join the conversation. 

Big Skates feat. Thomas Farrugia

June 06, 2022 05:00 - 30 minutes - 70.5 MB

We're back to Alaska to learn about the largest skate in the waters off North America with a very clever name (Big Skate). These "Roombas of the ocean" can reach the size of an average (but very flat!) man and also have super-sized mermaid purses that hold multiple embryos. Our guest walks us through the basic differences between skates and rays and then we dive into the specifics of this very cool fish. 

Big Skates: Roombas of the Ocean

June 06, 2022 04:00 - 30 minutes - 70.5 MB

Meet the largest skate in the waters off North America with a very clever name (Big Skate). These "Roombas of the ocean" can reach the size of an average (but very flat!) man and also have super-sized mermaid purses that hold multiple embryos. Our guest Thomas Farrugia walks us through the basic differences between skates and rays and then we dive into the specifics of this very cool fish. 

Big Skates: Ocean Roombas

June 06, 2022 04:00 - 30 minutes - 70.5 MB

Meet the largest skate in the waters off North America with a very clever name (Big Skate). These "Roombas of the ocean" can reach the size of an average (but very flat!) man and also have super-sized mermaid purses that hold multiple embryos. Our guest Thomas Farrugia walks us through the basic differences between skates and rays and then we dive into the specifics of this very cool fish. 

Bigmouth Buffalo feat. Tyler Winter & Alec Lackmann

May 30, 2022 05:00 - 34 minutes - 78.2 MB

This exceptional fish can live to be well over 100 years old and still be advancing into its prime as it approaches centenarian status. Reaching a size equivalent to a 4th grader, this misunderstood member of the sucker family is often confused with non-native carp. Learn how to tell the difference and really get to know this very cool North American-made fish. 

Bigmouth Buffalo: Misunderstood Centenarian Fish

May 30, 2022 04:00 - 34 minutes - 78.2 MB

This exceptional fish can live to be well over 100 years old and still be advancing into its prime as it approaches centenarian status! Reaching a size equivalent to a 4th grader, this misunderstood member of the sucker family is often confused with non-native carp. Learn how to tell the difference and really get to know this very cool North American-made fish. Tyler Winter and Alec Lackmann are guests

Gambusia (Mosquitofish)

May 23, 2022 04:00 - 21 minutes - 50.1 MB

No guests, just two friendly fish nerds chatting about gambusia. This mosquito-killing, live-birthing relative of popular aquarium fish like guppies, mollies, platys and swordtails has a fish tale for you! (and a very modified anal fin called a gonopodium). At the very least, you're going to learn a couple new words for Scrabble. 

American Shad feat. John Waldman

May 16, 2022 05:00 - 26 minutes - 60.3 MB

American shad/Oh the migrations you've had/Rivers ran silver. Katrina and Guy talk migratory fish, rivers and history with John Waldman, an aquatic conservation biologist, writer, and professor.

American Shad: Running Silver

May 16, 2022 04:00 - 26 minutes - 60.3 MB

American shad/Oh the migrations you've had/Rivers ran silver. Katrina and Guy talk migratory fish, rivers and history with John Waldman, an aquatic conservation biologist, writer, and professor.

Redeye Bass feat. Matt Lewis

May 09, 2022 05:00 - 29 minutes - 67.5 MB

It's not just trout that live in beautiful places. Redeye bass (commonly called the “trout of Alabama” according to this episode's guest) can be found in clear, rocky, higher-elevation streams enveloped by vegetation like mountain laurel and rhododendron. Katrina and Guy chat with Matt Lewis from Auburn University School of Fisheries to learn more about redeye bass species and how to best experience this very spectacular group/complex of fishes!

Redeye Bass: "Trout of Alabama"

May 09, 2022 04:00 - 29 minutes - 67.5 MB

It's not just trout that live in beautiful places. Redeye bass (commonly called the “trout of Alabama” according to this episode's guest) can be found in clear, rocky, higher-elevation streams enveloped by vegetation like mountain laurel and rhododendron. Matt Lewis from Auburn University School of Fisheries helps us dig into redeye bass species and how to best experience this very spectacular group/complex of fishes!

Moi (Pacific Threadfin) feat. Uncle Mac & Hi'ilei Kawelo

May 02, 2022 05:47 - 31 minutes - 71.8 MB

Uncle Mac Poepoe and Hi'ilei Kawelo talk about Moi (Pacific Threadfin) and the fishponds of Molokai, Hawaii. 

Pacific Threadfin: Moi of Molokai

May 02, 2022 04:00 - 31 minutes - 71.8 MB

Uncle Mac Poepoe and Hi'ilei Kawelo share their Hawaiian perspectives about Moi (Pacific Threadfin) and the fishponds of Molokai. 

Moi of Molokai (Pacific Threadfin)

May 02, 2022 04:00 - 31 minutes - 71.8 MB

Uncle Mac Poepoe and Hi'ilei Kawelo share their Hawaiian perspectives about Moi (Pacific Threadfin) and the fishponds of Molokai. 

Bowfin feat. Tony Brady

April 25, 2022 05:36 - 26 minutes - 60.2 MB

Katrina and Guy talk talk bowfin with Tony Brady from Welaka National Fish Hatchery in Florida. This aggressive, neat fish is the only living member of the order Amiiformes, and have has making a living on Earth since about when the first birds are seen in the fossil record. Listeners will come away with a greater appreciation for this sometimes underappreciated fish!

Bowfin: Beauty Beneath the Bow

April 25, 2022 04:00 - 26 minutes - 60.2 MB

Katrina and Guy talk talk bowfin with Tony Brady from Welaka National Fish Hatchery in Florida. This aggressive, neat fish is the only living member of the order Amiiformes, and has been making a living on Earth since about when the first birds are seen in the fossil record. Listeners will come away with a greater appreciation for this sometimes underappreciated fish!

Pacific Footballfish: A Deep Sea Treasure

April 18, 2022 04:00 - 31 minutes - 72.1 MB

This big, black blob of a fish comes with its own fishing rod! Dr. Ben Frable (Scripps Institution of Oceanography) and Dr. Bill Ludt (Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County) join Katrina and Guy for a lively discussion about the ecology and behavior of this deep-sea anglerfish species (and what to do if you find one on the beach).

A Cherokee perspective on Ugiidatli (Sicklefin Redhorse)

April 11, 2022 05:00 - 29 minutes - 66.5 MB

The Cherokee people call this large southeastern fish Ugiidatli ("wears/has a feather"). Redhorses, including the Sicklefin, are also sometimes referred to as the "salmon of the south" due to their spawning migrations, size, and importance. Hear Indigenous perspectives about this beautiful, culturally-significant fish, the rivers they inhabit, and how to help support endangered languages by learning and using Indigenous fish and place names. Caleb Hickman (a citizen of the Cherokee Nation/bi...

Ugiidatli (Sicklefin Redhorse): A Cherokee Perspective

April 11, 2022 04:00 - 29 minutes - 66.5 MB

The Cherokee people call this large southeastern fish Ugiidatli ("wears/has a feather"). Redhorses, including the Sicklefin, are also sometimes referred to as the "salmon of the south" due to their spawning migrations, size, and importance. Hear Indigenous perspectives about this culturally-significant fish, the rivers they inhabit, and how to help support endangered languages by learning and using Indigenous fish and place names. Caleb Hickman (a citizen of the Cherokee Nation/biologist wit...

Rio Grande Suckers feat. Cole Brittain & Paul Jones

April 04, 2022 05:00 - 28 minutes - 65.5 MB

When Gunnison sage-grouse are all puffed up and strutting their stuff on the lekking grounds, the Rio Grande Sucker is putting on its coat and getting ready for the big dance. For most of the year this fish sports a digital camo look to blend in, but is a sucker for red and black during the spawning season. Katrina and Guy are joined by two guests from Colorado to talk about this fish and the amazing place it calls home. 

Rio Grande Suckers

April 04, 2022 04:00 - 28 minutes - 65.5 MB

When Gunnison sage-grouse are all puffed up and strutting their stuff on the lekking grounds, the Rio Grande Sucker is putting on its coat and getting ready for the big dance. Cole Brittain and Paul Jones join from Colorado to talk about this fish and the amazing place it calls home.