Who Is Still In The Googan Squad? The Definitive Guide To The 2024 Roster
The Googan Squad represents one of the most significant shifts in outdoor entertainment history. What began as a group of independent YouTube creators coming together to film collaborative fishing trips transformed into a multi-million dollar brand that disrupted the traditional fishing industry. However, as with any collective of high-profile influencers, the roster has seen shifts, rumors of departures, and changes in focus over the years. Understanding who is still in the Googan Squad requires looking past the surface of YouTube thumbnails and diving into the current contractual and collaborative reality of the group.
As of 2024, the core roster of the Googan Squad remains largely intact regarding their brand affiliation and business ownership, though their content strategy has evolved. The original group—composed of Jon Barzacchini (Jon B.), Rob Terkla (LunkersTV), Andrew Flair (FLAIR), Alex Peric (apbassing), and Michael Hsiao (1TakeMike)—continues to be the face of the brand. While fans often speculate about "beef" or departures when members don't appear in each other’s videos for several weeks, the reality is that these creators have matured into business owners who balance individual channel growth with the collective responsibilities of the Googan Baits and Googan Squad brands.
The evolution of the group has also seen the inclusion and close association of creators like Robert Arrington (Deer Meat for Dinner), though his role is often viewed through a different lens than the founding five. The longevity of the group is a testament to their shared equity in their business ventures, which provides a much stronger bond than a simple content collaboration agreement. When you ask who is still in the squad, you are looking at a group of men who have transitioned from "pond hoppers" to titans of the outdoor industry.
The Core Members: Still Leading the Charge
Jon B. (Jonathan Barzacchini)
Jon B. is often cited as the creative visionary of the group. His cinematic approach to fishing videos helped elevate the genre from simple "catch and release" clips to storytelling experiences. Jon remains a central pillar of the Googan Squad. His involvement isn't just limited to the videos; he is deeply integrated into the product development side of Googan Baits. Jon's content has taken a more global turn recently, focusing on high-production travel series, but he remains a core owner and active member of the squad.
His dedication to the brand is evident in his continued promotion of Googan-specific gear and his participation in the "Googan Lab" channel. For fans wondering if his more "solo" cinematic adventures signal a departure, the answer is a definitive no. Jon Barzacchini’s identity is inextricably linked to the Googan brand, and he continues to leverage his massive audience to push the group’s collective goals forward while maintaining his unique artistic voice.
LunkersTV (Rob Terkla)
Rob Terkla, the former Army sniper turned fishing mogul, is arguably the business engine behind the Googan Squad. Rob’s transparent, often unfiltered personality has made him a fan favorite and a lightning rod for industry discussion. He is very much still a leading member of the Googan Squad. In recent years, Rob has diversified his content to include gambling, golf, and military-related storytelling, leading some to believe he was stepping away from fishing.
However, Terkla remains one of the primary owners of the Googan parent company. His role has shifted more toward the strategic growth of the brand and the management of their physical headquarters and retail presence. While he may spend less time on the water than he did in 2016, his influence on the Googan Squad’s direction is as strong as ever. He remains the "captain" in the eyes of many long-time viewers, providing the grit and tactical mindset that balanced the group's early energy.
Andrew Flair (FLAIR)
Andrew Flair brought a unique "country" and "multi-species" vibe to the group. Known for his farm pond adventures and waterfowl hunting, Flair expanded the Googan Squad’s reach beyond just hardcore bass anglers. Flair is still a core member of the Googan Squad, though his content has become increasingly diversified. He spends a significant amount of time on his farm and hunting projects, which often keeps him away from the "squad house" style collaborations seen in the early days.
Despite this, Flair remains a stakeholder in the Googan empire. He continues to feature Googan Baits exclusively and participates in major brand launches. His ability to bridge the gap between fishing and hunting has been vital for the brand’s expansion into a lifestyle company rather than just a lure manufacturer. Flair’s "Send It" attitude remains a hallmark of the group’s public persona.
Analyzing the Impact: Pros and Cons of the Googan Squad Model
The Googan Squad didn't just make videos; they created a blueprint for how digital creators can bypass traditional sponsorships to own the means of production. This model has brought both immense success and notable challenges to the group and the fishing industry at large.
| Category | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Industry Impact | Brought millions of young people into the sport of fishing. | Traditionalists often criticize their high-energy, "disruptive" style. |
| Product Innovation | Created high-quality, accessible baits with unique branding. | Pricing is sometimes higher than generic legacy brands. |
| Creator Autonomy | Members own their brand rather than relying on fickle sponsors. | Maintaining group cohesion is difficult as individual brands grow. |
| Content Quality | Raised the bar for cinematography and editing in the outdoor space. | Over-saturation of similar "clickbait" styles across the niche. |
The "Googan effect" is a documented phenomenon where a specific lake or product sees a massive surge in popularity after being featured by the group. The pro is clear: economic growth for the fishing industry. The con, however, is the pressure it puts on local fisheries. This duality is something the members have had to navigate as they have matured from kids with cameras to influential voices in conservation and land management.
Googan Squad Poppin' Filthy Frog with Attitude!! - Walmart.com
Navigating the Membership Rumors: Who Left?
One of the most common questions involves "Lake Fork Guy" (Justin Rackley). While Justin was a foundational part of the early Googan era and contributed significantly to the "Googan Lab" and the group's initial rise, his path has diverged somewhat from the core "Squad" branding in recent years. While there was never a "nasty breakup," Rackley has focused more on his personal brand and health journey, moving away from the high-octane "squad" content to focus on more educational and family-oriented fishing videos. He is often considered an "alumnus" or an affiliate rather than a daily active member of the core touring group.
Similarly, other creators have cycled through the Googan periphery. The group has always maintained a "circle of friends" that includes various YouTubers, but the core equity-holding "Googan Squad" remains the original five. This distinction is important for fans to understand; being a guest in a video does not make one a member of the Squad. The Squad is a business entity as much as it is a group of friends.
The "disappearance" of members from the main Googan channels is usually a result of logistical challenges rather than internal strife. As the members have purchased their own ranches and moved to different parts of the country—Texas, Nebraska, and beyond—filming together requires massive coordination. This geographic spread often creates the illusion of a split when, in reality, the business operations continue behind the scenes without interruption.
How the Googan Squad Operates: A Step-by-Step Guide to Their Success
If you are looking to understand how the Googan Squad maintains its relevance and structure, it helps to look at their operational pillars. They aren't just filming; they are executing a sophisticated business plan.
- Collaborative Content Planning: The members meet (either physically or virtually) to plan large-scale "takeovers" or seasonal launches. This ensures that when a new bait drops, it is seen by 10+ million subscribers simultaneously across all channels.
- Product Research and Development: Unlike many influencers who just slap a logo on a product, the Googan members are actively involved in the "Lab." They test prototypes, refine actions, and choose color palettes based on their professional fishing experience.
- Cross-Platform Synergy: They utilize the "Googan Lab" YouTube channel as a central hub for educational content, while their personal channels focus on entertainment and vlogging. This keeps the audience engaged regardless of whether they want to learn a knot or watch a travel vlog.
- Retail Integration: By partnering with major retailers like Bass Pro Shops and Karl’s Bait & Tackle, they have moved from "internet famous" to "industry standard." This physical presence solidifies their status as a permanent fixture in fishing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Googan Squad breaking up in 2024?
No. While the members spend more time on individual projects and their own properties, they remain business partners and continue to release collaborative content and products under the Googan brand.
Who is the richest member of the Googan Squad?
While exact net worths are private, Rob Terkla (LunkersTV) and Andrew Flair are generally considered to be the most financially successful due to their extensive real estate holdings and diverse business portfolios outside of YouTube.
Why doesn't Lake Fork Guy film with them anymore?
Justin Rackley (Lake Fork Guy) has shifted his focus toward more educational content and his personal life. While he remains on friendly terms with the group, his brand has naturally evolved in a different direction than the core Squad’s high-energy style.
Where is the Googan Squad house located?
The original "Googan House" was a rental in Texas used for early collaborations. Today, the members own their own homes and ranches, and they use the Googan HQ in Argyle, Texas, as their primary business hub and filming location for the Googan Lab.
Are Googan Baits actually good?
Yes, Googan Baits are widely regarded as high-quality lures. While they are marketed with high-energy branding, the actual designs are based on proven fish-catching principles and have been used successfully in professional tournaments.
Join the Googan Movement
Whether you are a long-time "Googan" fan or a newcomer to the world of fishing YouTube, there has never been a better time to dive into their content. The Squad continues to push the boundaries of what is possible in the outdoor space, proving that a group of friends with a shared passion can change an entire industry. To stay updated on the latest catches, gear drops, and squad adventures, make sure to follow each member’s individual channel and subscribe to the Googan Lab for the most technical fishing insights in the game today. Get out there, hit the water, and remember to "Keep on Livin'."
