ADK Talks
ADK Talks brings you the stories behind the people, places, and things to do in the Adirondack Park of New York State. With 6 million acres, the Adirondacks are the ultimate playground.
We take you beyond the guidebooks and into the heart of one of America's most breathtaking regions. Just like we do on our website, adktaste.com, our podcast uncovers the hidden gems of the Adirondacks, offering hand-picked recommendations for the best places to stay, eat, shop and do in the Adirondack Park.
But this isn't just about places. It's about the people who make the Adirondacks so special and unique. In each episode, we talk to people from all walks of life—restauranteurs, farmers, innkeepers, historians, artists, local leaders, writers, hikers, and more. Hear real stories about what they do, their passions, and how they found their way here.
And they'll share their insider tips on the best things to see and do in the Adirondacks – insights you won't find anywhere else.
So subscribe now to ADK Talks to get real stories from real people, sharing the real Adirondacks.
You can also visit us online at adktaste.com.
ADK Talks
Chasing Giants: Northern Pike, Conservation & the Art of Adirondack Guiding
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In this episode of ADK Talks, we head out on the water with Aaron Gaza of Aaron’s Guide Service, a licensed New York State guide who helps anglers discover the beauty, challenge, and thrill of fishing in the Adirondacks.
Aaron takes us from Great Sacandaga Lake to Saranac Lake, Long Lake, Tupper Lake, and beyond, sharing what makes Adirondack fishing so special: thousands of lakes and ponds, tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams, and that unforgettable feeling of being surrounded by protected land, mountain views, and open water.
What you’ll hear in this episode
- Aaron shares how childhood trips to Middle Saranac Lake sparked a lifelong love of fishing.
- Why Great Sacandaga Lake is one of his favorite Adirondack fisheries.
- How fishing changes from spring and summer to fall and winter.
- Why hiring a guide can help with lake choice, timing, safety, and finding fish.
- A thoughtful look at conservation, overfishing, sonar, and responsible catch-and-release practices.
- What beginners should know before heading out, from weather and clothing to ice safety.
- Aaron’s favorite Adirondack stops, including Jim’s Bait Shop, Sport Island Pub, and Noon Mark Diner.
Resources:
- Aaron’s Guide Service
- Adirondack Free Fishing Days
- Great Sacandaga Lake
- Saranac Lake and the Tri-Lakes Region
- Lake George
- Fish Creek Pond
- Forked Lake
- Noon Mark Diner
- Jim’s Bait Shop
- Search and Rescue of the Northern Adirondacks Episode
- Sport Island Pub
Produced by NOVA