Pig Daddy Talks Hay, Fish & Elk

What happens when you try to run a podcast in the wild with no plan, no script, and a guest named “Pig Daddy”? You get THIS episode. Brayden “Pig Daddy” to talk hay season, fishing mishaps, and the thrill of elk hunting. we did not have a plan, and we kinda got an episode.

Related: Mike and Ted’s fishing extravaganza.

Raising Show Pigs: The Basics

Braden (‘Pig Daddy’) breeds and raises pigs for county fair and butcher purposes side by side: fair pigs get trained and cleaned daily by their handlers, while butcher pigs get pushed to 250-350 pounds depending on how much fat and lard you want on the back and loin. Heavier pigs at the 350 mark consistently render the best lard.

The Pikeminnow Bounty Program on the Columbia

Oregon pays a bounty on northern pikeminnow: native to the Columbia, but their population explosion (helped along by the dams) is hammering salmon smolt and egg survival. The program pays per fish, with tagged fish worth significantly more, and serious participants can earn real money targeting them with bass-style tackle and techniques like Carolina-rigged chicken liver.

• Butcher pigs targeting 350 lbs produce noticeably better lard and loin fat than lighter pigs
• Pikeminnow bounty fish must be kept fresh (live well or aerator) and turned in at a designated check station, you don’t just keep the bounty cash on your own count
• Pikeminnow respond to bass-style presentations, including Carolina rigs with bait

FAQ: Pikeminnow Bounty Fishing in Oregon

Why does Oregon pay a bounty on pikeminnow?

Pikeminnow are native to the Columbia River but their numbers have grown large enough, partly due to dam-altered habitat, that they significantly impact young salmon survival. The bounty program manages their population rather than eliminating them entirely.

What gear works for pikeminnow fishing?

Standard bass tackle and techniques work well, including Carolina rigs fished with chicken liver or cut bait near the bottom.

Thanks for listening to this one go completely off the rails: we’ll get back on topic eventually. Maybe.