There's no substitute for time on the water.

Whether you're dialing in a salmon program on Lake Michigan or helping anglers troubleshoot electronics over the phone, firsthand experience makes all the difference. That's exactly why Fish Hawk Electronics recently brought members of its customer service team to Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, to spend a morning aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing Charters with Captain John Pollock.

The trip served two purposes. First, it gave the Fish Hawk team an opportunity to experience the same conditions and equipment their customers encounter every day. Second, it provided the perfect backdrop to discuss two of the company's most anticipated products—the Fish Hawk ONE and the TD Connect.

Later in the day, Great Lakes Fishing Podcast host Chris Larsen also caught up with Reel Impression first mate David Baxter to learn what it's like working on one of Lake Michigan's busiest charter boats and why Sturgeon Bay continues to be one of the Midwest's premier Chinook salmon destinations.

Learning on the Water Makes Better Customer Service

For Trevor Sumption, getting customer service representatives out fishing isn't a luxury—it's an investment.

Fish Hawk recently brought customer service specialists Steve Stelter and Mario Perzichilli aboard specifically so they could gain firsthand experience with Great Lakes trolling techniques.

As Trevor explained:

"We believe really strongly that it's important that the folks our customers are talking to... get firsthand experience with the product."

While many companies rely strictly on product manuals and technical training, Fish Hawk believes nothing replaces actually setting rods, deploying divers, watching planer boards and experiencing how down speed and temperature influence a day's fishing.

That practical experience pays dividends when anglers call with questions.

As Trevor put it:

"When you're talking to somebody... you're talking to somebody that actually knows what they're talking about."

Great Lakes trolling comes with its own language. Copper, weighted steel, Dipsy Divers, planer boards, downriggers, lead core and probe speed are second nature to experienced anglers—but they can be overwhelming for newcomers.

Having support staff who understand those systems from personal experience allows Fish Hawk to solve problems faster and communicate more effectively.

Why the Fish Hawk ONE Is Different

One of the biggest topics during the trip was the upcoming Fish Hawk ONE.

While anglers have been eagerly awaiting its release, Trevor says the biggest improvements aren't necessarily the ones you immediately notice when you power it on.

Experienced Fish Hawk users will appreciate dozens of small refinements, but the biggest advancement is what's happening behind the scenes.

The Fish Hawk ONE is built on an entirely new digital architecture designed for future growth.

Trevor explained:

"We call it future ready."

Instead of replacing hardware every few years, anglers will be able to receive new capabilities through over-the-air software updates.

That means today's display is designed to evolve as new features become available.

"It's just a simple over-the-air update," Trevor said. "We'll be able to unlock new stuff that's built into the display."

For anglers investing in marine electronics, that's a significant step forward.

Backward Compatible Means Easier Upgrades

Another major advantage of the Fish Hawk ONE is its compatibility with existing Fish Hawk equipment.

Current Fish Hawk owners won't need to replace their entire system.

If your existing probe, transducer and wiring are already working properly, upgrading is remarkably simple.

As Trevor explained:

"If you've got a probe and a transducer and all that stuff that's working good, you don't need to re-rig the boat."

Instead, anglers simply replace the display.

The Fish Hawk ONE was designed to work with legacy probes while also supporting future technology, making it a seamless bridge between previous generations and what's coming next.

It's fitting that the product carries the name "ONE."

As Trevor described it:

"It's one display that works with everything."

TD Connect Continues to Exceed Expectations

Another topic generating excitement among Great Lakes anglers is the TD Connect.

The response has been overwhelming.

Trevor admitted demand has exceeded even Fish Hawk's expectations.

"I've never seen demand like this," he said, noting that production runs have frequently sold out almost immediately after becoming available.

While some anglers have expressed frustration over limited availability, Trevor emphasized that additional production is ramping up.

Unlike many electronics companies that simply import finished products, Fish Hawk builds its equipment domestically.

That commitment naturally requires more time, but it also provides greater quality control throughout the manufacturing process.

Built in America

One point Trevor believes deserves more attention is where Fish Hawk products are made.

"We build it in Minnesota and Illinois," he explained.

Every product passes through the hands of Fish Hawk employees instead of arriving by the container load from overseas.

The Fish Hawk ONE represents another major step in that direction.

Rather than relying solely on outside contract manufacturers, Fish Hawk is launching an in-house production line in Brainerd, Minnesota.

While creating an entirely new manufacturing process has contributed to a longer development timeline, Trevor believes it will provide tremendous flexibility for future innovation.

It's another example of the company's long-term approach to product development.

Why Sturgeon Bay Produces Giant Salmon

After discussing electronics, Chris shifted gears and sat down with Reel Impression Sportfishing first mate David Baxter.

The timing couldn't have been better.

The crew had just enjoyed an incredible morning bite that included multiple large Chinook salmon.

"It started out pretty hot," David said.

"We had a triple... we didn't even get all the rods in and we were pulling fish."

The action took place around Bank Reef, one of Sturgeon Bay's best-known salmon locations.

Why do so many big kings gather there?

The answer is simple.

Food.

Large schools of alewives congregate around the structure, and the salmon follow.

"They're eating," David explained. "They're pushing them right up there."

Chris added that the fish resemble "freshwater sharks," cruising the reef looking to pack on weight.

That's exactly why early June has become one of the premier times to target trophy Chinook in Door County.

Life as a Charter First Mate

David's path into the charter industry is one many aspiring mates can relate to.

He wasn't born into the business.

He simply started fishing with a neighbor who introduced him to salmon fishing.

That eventually led to a phone call with Captain John Pollock.

Initially, David worked only a few evenings each week.

As his skills and confidence grew, so did his responsibilities.

Today he's working six days a week aboard Reel Impression Sportfishing.

His office?

Managing a sophisticated 14-rod trolling spread that includes:

• Four downriggers
• Four Dipsy Divers
• Two 300-foot copper presentations
• Four long lines deployed from the flybridge

While Captain Pollock runs the boat from above, David manages nearly everything happening on deck.

"It's nice," David said. "It's fun."

The experience has accelerated his learning curve dramatically.

"Especially if you do it on a daily basis," he said.

The only real challenge?

"Getting up in the morning."

Considering the crew regularly leaves the dock around 3:15 a.m., most anglers can probably relate.

Advice for Future Charter Mates

Many young anglers dream of becoming charter captains someday.

David is no different.

"That's my goal," he said.

His advice for anyone hoping to break into the industry is refreshingly simple.

Make connections.

Volunteer your time.

Be willing to learn.

His own career started with a single phone call and part-time work.

Today he's working nearly every day during the season while continuing to build experience toward eventually running his own charter operation.

It's a reminder that many successful careers in Great Lakes fishing begin with simply asking for an opportunity.

A Bright Future for Great Lakes Anglers

Episode 288 highlights two exciting trends in Great Lakes fishing.

On one side, Fish Hawk Electronics continues investing in new technology while remaining committed to customer service and American manufacturing.

On the other, charter operations like Reel Impression Sportfishing continue introducing new anglers—and future industry professionals—to one of the world's greatest freshwater fisheries.

Whether you're excited about the arrival of the Fish Hawk ONE, hoping to get your hands on a TD Connect, or planning your first salmon trip to Sturgeon Bay, one thing is clear.

The future of Great Lakes fishing looks incredibly bright.

To hear the complete conversations with Trevor Sumption and David Baxter, listen to Episode 288 of the Great Lakes Fishing Podcast, available wherever you get your podcasts.