Reelin'

Tense, as in past tense, present tense, and future tense.  We found ourselves at a peculiar moment in the life cycle of this podcast, and it gave us a great opportunity to look back, look around, and look ahead. We took some time to revisit previous episodes and the great guests with which we've had memorable conversation and swapped interesting and entertaining stories.  We went back even farther and reflected on the conversations we had, which resulted in the birth of Reelin'. We also talked about our current situation; IGFA and Reelin' have agreed to part ways, which means that, as of this moment, we are no longer "Reelin' with the IGFA". Finally, and most importantly, we talk about the future and our podcasts potential direction as we move forward.  In contrast to the international scope we had been looking to address throughout the first incarnation of the podcast, we're looking forward to focusing our attention on the southeastern region of the United States...considered by many to be the greatest fishing on the planet. In the meantime, we made an important announcement about the immediate future of the show: Reelin' will be on hiatus through the month of September as we regroup, retool, and revamp it all for you.  If you have any feedback or suggestions, we welcome them!  Please email us at admin@reelinpodcast.com or reach out to us through social media.

On this week's episode, we talked with Bryan Huskey, Founder of Keep 'Em Wet Fishing and Sascha Clark Danylchuk, who manages the organization's operations.  We got some background on them, the origin of the #keepemwet movement, and where they're hoping things go in the future. As it says on their website, www.keepemwet.org : Lee Wulff famously said, "The finest gift you can give to any fisherman is to put a good fish back." We believe that if you are going to put that gift back, you should want it to be in the best possible condition. By doing so, you are keeping fish healthier, strengthening our fisheries, and helping ensure anglers will have the opportunity to catch fish for years to come. Sounds like a win/win to us!  We encourage you to check them out, read about their key principles and tips, and lend a wet hand in saving our fisheries! PROGRAMMING NOTE #1: You MUST listen to the end of the show; Kevin and Scott have one of the funniest stories we've ever shared.  Be watching for the picture on social media... PROGRAMMING NOTE #2: Paul, if you're reading this, thank you so much for calling right in the middle of our recording session! IGFA News: The IGFA has put together a once-in-a-lifetime package for anglers interested in becoming a lifetime member.  Here's the link to check it out: https://igfa.org/MembershipsLifetime.aspx    

For nearly two decades, Blair Wiggins has brought fishing to audiences across the United States with his hit show "Addictive Fishing".  But even though Season 19 is upon us, Blair ISN'T fishing.  Why, you ask?  Well, we'll let him tell you all about it. During our conversation with Blair, he shared quite a bit of interesting stuff with us; how Addictive Fishing got it's start, what it was originally intended to do, and how it all changed in its first season.  He also talked about where it's going - pretty exciting stuff for Blair...and for us as fans, too. We also got to talk with him about his brand new, award-winning M2 Signature rods from Lew's.  He goes in-depth about his needs, wants, and specifications and how Lew's worked it all out in the design, including the fantastic innovation Blair's been dying to get on a signature rod for a long time. Aside from Blair, the three of us "kicked around" the merits of Huk's latest product, the "Attack" Water Shoe.  Could it be the footwear Kevin and Scott have been searching for? Here's their new Attack Saltwater commercial that got the talk going: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=feSxTdBA3F8 Kevin brought up our last episode, which featured renaissance man Alberto Rey.  It was a great conversation, and if you missed it last week, you should check it out now.  It was great stuff (as Kevin likes to say), but one of the best aspects of our talk was the information Alberto shared about "Children in the Stream", his non-profit organization specializing in the introduction of fly fishing to disadvantaged children.  We discussed the connection between children and fishing again this week, and it was a good talk. We also shared two more IGFA Certified World Records: Brooke Laws (New Zealand) - Smallfry - Squirefish - 20lb 2oz Gary Carter (Angola) - 6lb test - Atlantic Sailfish - 103lb 7oz Finally, we talked about our favorite website, AnglerHQ.com and a fantastic barracuda video.  Check that out here: https://www.anglerhq.com/lawson-lindsey-unbelievable-river-monster/

We caught up with Alberto Rey this week, but even after talking with him, we're still not sure how to introduce him to you. He's a fly guy for sure, but he's much more than that.  Try guide, writer, photographer, artist, videographer, conservationist, non-profit organizer, and most importantly, a husband and father. Chris connected with Alberto after reading an article he penned for the Summer 2018 edition of Anglers Journal called "Ties That Bind."  In that article, Alberto shared some incredible stories and observations from time he spent with his son on a spectacular trip to New Zealand.  That article, and that trip, kicked off our conversation.  Soon after, he shared some fantastic details of some of the more exotic locales in which he's dropped a line: Cuba, Nepal, Iceland...and his backyard. As we mentioned earlier, he's a guide - but not just any guide.  He's an Orvis Certified guide, and his back yard bellies up to one of the best steelhead streams in the United States!  He and Kevin swapped stories and questions about the thrill (and frustration) of the guiding business.  If you've ever hired a guide and wanted to know how hard they're working for you, this is a discussion you'll need to hear. Alberto shared the story of "Children In The Stream" with us as well; it's the non-profit organization he founded back in 1998.  According to his website: "Children in the Stream is an educational program that provides children with information and experiences related to aquatic resources, conservation, ethics, and fly fishing. Fly fishing has a long history of integrating these elements into the core of the sport. The ethics of the program promotes “catch and release” as well as respect for fellow fisherman and the land on which one fishes. It is our goal to protect the species and the land for future generations. Our program closely ties together the importance of understanding nature with the rewarding act of fly fishing." You can listen and decide for yourself, but we can't say enough good things about this program; it's a beautiful thing. In his heart, Alberto is truly an artist, and we also talked with him about his work.  If you head to his website, www.albertorey.com, you'll be able to check some of his amazing paintings of fish, habitats, portraits of people...and even some beautifully unique Icelandic flies.  But we also encourage you to visit www.extinctbirdsproject.com, the online home of his latest book.  Extinct Birds Project is an amazing undertaking with a powerful message, and he shares the history behind it with us. We were really happy to have Alberto on with us, but this episode also presented some spirited conversation between the three of us about technological innovation in the fishing industry, and how it's affecting anglers.  Is technology sapping the thrill out of fishing? Finally, we updated everyone on IGFA's Fishing Contest.  As of this episode's post date, contestants have less than two weeks to try to win.  With 74 different freshwater and saltwater species eligible for prizes, what are you waiting for?  Hook 'em up!  Check out contest details here: https://www.igfa.org/contests/fishing/Default.aspx 

We've all got embarrassing stories, and if you've spent any considerable amount of time with a line in the water, you've certainly got some not-so-glorious tales to tell.  We definitely have our fair share, and on this episode, we're giving you plenty to chuckle about. Like the time Kevin colluded with the Russians.  Or when Scotty almost died via pelican.  Or when Chris had a ball fishing with his step-dad.  Not to mention the dirty bucket and the lady with feathers in her hair.  They go on and on, and we promise you'll be in stitches...and almost as red-faced as we were. So sit back, relax, and enjoy the times that weren't so enjoyable for us!

If you don't know the name Keith Alan, you're probably not the only one.  However, when you hear his voice, the bells will start to ring.  You have heard his voice everywhere, from the radio to doing play-by-play in the Olympics, the X-Games, or on his TV show, "Ultimate Fishing Experience".  Most notably, Keith was the voice of the Bassmaster Elite Series and Redfish Cup Tournaments on ESPN for several years. He's seen it all, met them all, and knows all of their dirty little secrets.  And we talk about them during this conversation.  We didn't stop there, though; because of Keith's extensive connections within the industry, he also shed some light on the business side of the fishing industry.  If you are trying to get into the gear end of things, you cannot afford to miss Keith's advice. Sure, Keith does a lot of things connected to fishing, but he's also quite the avid angler.  He's been to a bunch of great places, caught a bunch of amazing fish, and tells some outstanding stories about a few of his adventures. We also dug deep into his new project, anglerhq.com. It's an amazing site combining content, instruction, and gear - the ultimate one-stop-shop for both fresh-water and salt-water anglers. UPDATE: ANGLERHQ is giving our listeners a bonus for hitting their store!  Use promo code RPOD to get 10% off your order! START FILLING UP THAT CART! Our conversation was funny, enlightening, and it may just change the way you look at fishing...and the icons who do it for a living.

Welcome to ICAST, the biggest product show in the fishing industry.  It draws every manufacturer, from the largest heritage brands to the smallest, newest, one-man-show start-ups.  It draws every retailer and wholesaler, and scores of media members looking to get the latest scoop on the greatest gear.  In every aisle, you'll see TV personalities and tournament legends.  For anyone connected to the fishing industry, it is the place to be and a dreamland for consumers. And we were there. Pretty cool that a podcast, just a few months old, would be able to get into the biggest angling circus on the planet, but we made it, and we promptly inserted ourselves into every conversation we could, snooped around every booth we could, and tried to dig up every bit of inside information possible so we could share it with you. First, we caught up with Addictive Fishing's Blair Wiggins, who has teamed up with Lew's to create their latest ICAST award-winning rod, the M2.  He told us about the revolutionary American Tackle Wave Guide system he's now using to get more control and distance on every one of his casts.  It all sounded like a bunch of crazy science...until he compared it to a Zebco 202!  He also shared some bad news about his truck, and gave us the lowdown on our very own Scott Shank.  Scotty's been working with Blair and Lew's on the development of the M2s, so The Mogan Man has gotten to know Mr. Shank quite well.  Funny that an icon like him would come to the same conclusions we have about Scotty... Now if you're not an Aussie, you may not have heard of Paul Worsterling and "IFISH with Tackleworld", his landmark television show.  He's a character, great guy, and an outstanding angler...and he was also at ICAST.  Turns out he was streaming live on Instagram when Chris hopped on to share some pics.  Chris checked in, saw where he was, and began running over attendees to chase him down!  After a monstrous haul across the South Concourse of the Orange County Convention Center, Chris caught up with Paul and his family - and promptly butted right into his live streaming event and interviewed him for our podcast!  Yep - an interview recorded during a live stream.  Only in America... And ONLY in America can a guy find himself in the presence of a icon he's watched - and cheered for - for decades with the opportunity to interview him.  Scotty was that guy at ICAST, and Bassmaster legend Gary Klein was that icon.  You know things are going to be interesting when the interviewer starts with "I'm...I'm...I'm speechless!" lol  Anyway, Gary was kind, courteous, and on the money in the short time he was with us.  He shared his perspective on the great aspects of IGFA, and how excited he is to see the industry's involvement in the next generation of anglers. Gary wasn't the only one to be excited about the youth movement happening in the fishing industry.  We were so happy to see so many high school and middle school fishing teams strolling the aisles and checking out the displays with stars in their eyes!  We stopped these gentlemen - the Bartow High School Bass Fishing Team - and had a great conversation with them.  They're 30 members strong, and several former teammates have gone on to earn college scholarships and compete at the next level.  If you're at all worried about fishing when it comes to the next generation, you need to listen to these young men.  They'll put you at ease in a hurry. And if you listen and you're still not convinced that the youth movement is strong as ever, our final interview will definitely convince you.  We caught up with the Okeechobee High School Bass Club as they were huddled around one of their heroes, "Big Fish" Bobby Lane.  We talked with Bobby, and he shared his excitement for the next generation and how much he wants to help them learn to do what he loves to do, thereby perpetuating professional and recreational fishing. The bottom line is this: we saw a lot of great products at IC...

Here it is, Part Two of our conversation with Larry Dahlberg.  If you haven't listened to Part One, you should start there.  If you already listened, you know how great Larry's stories are.  Well, he was just getting warmed up. In this episode, Larry goes deep into the philosophy behind making his lures, as well as the tips and tricks he uses to maximize the effectiveness of those lures.  You may want to dig out a pad and pencil for this one - there are definitely things he shares that you'll want to remember, like the specific ways to present for "insect eaters" and "predators". Of course, he shared more stories with us, including his muskie adventures and frustrations, his fun in the Keys (especially when it came to messing with the locals), and he once again draws back to his past to share what has made him who he is today. EPISODE: Did Irma Destroy Fishing in the Keys?  Finally, the conversation is full of "Larry-isms", and those you'll just have to take in as you go (some of them will cause you to pause playback so you can think about them).  He draws multiple comparisons between fishing and music, and manages to parallel fishing and holding a wet bar of soap (we're not kidding...he actually made that analogy). We didn't just speak with Larry, though.  Each year, the IGFA holds the Great Marlin Race.  Here's what the IGFA website has to say about it: The IGFA Great Marlin Race (IGMR) is a partnership between IGFA and Stanford University that pairs recreational anglers with cutting-edge science to learn more about the basic biology of marlin and how they utilize the open ocean habitat. The goal of the program is to deploy 50 pop up archival tags (PAT) in marlin at billfish tournaments around the world each year. This effort will increase understanding of distribution, population structure and biology of marlin and engage anglers and the general public in the research process. By increasing our understanding of where these animals go and how they use the pelagic ecosystem, we will provide valuable information to the resource managers and policy makers responsible for ensuring their long-term conservation. We're not that smart, so here's what we have to say about it: it's a cool way to see just how amazing these fish are and where they go.  It's also a great way to learn how to enjoy them and take care of them so that future generations of anglers can enjoy them, too. Anyway, the latest Great Marlin Race just finished up, and we wanted to get the gritty details, so we spoke with IGFA Conservation Director Jason Schratwieser.  We think you'll learn a lot...and have fun doing it. SHOW LINKS: The Hunt for Big Fish: https://huntforbigfish.com/ The IGFA Great Marlin Race Press Release: https://www.igfa.org/News/2017-18%20IGMR%20Winner%20Announced IGFA Great Marlin Race: https://www.igfa.org/Conserve/IGMR.aspx    

There's no introduction needed when it comes to Larry Dahlberg.  The guy is an outright genius, he's got a fantastic philosophy when it comes to fishing...and living. In this, the first of a two-part conversation, we went in asking for stories, and boy, did he deliver.  He talks about the curious (and somewhat grim) circumstances that led to his childhood guiding ventures, the meandering path leading to the birth of "The Hunt For Big Fish", and an interesting, vodka-soaked adventure in Russia. As we mentioned, it's Dahlberg...quite the interesting guy, and quite the compelling listen.  And remember, this is only the first part of a two-part conversation; as this episode ends, he's only getting started. We also got the chance to congratulate two new certified, bonafide IGFA World Record Holders: Australia's 11-yr old Emmi Roberts and USA's Dr. Elizabeth Joy Scott.  We'll have those pics up on social for you to check out. Finally, if you're here on or near post day (Sunday, July 8) and you live in the United States, you STILL have time to contact to your local representative and urge them to pass the H.R. 200, the Modern Fish Act.  For more information about that, check out the bonus episode in the links below. Thanks for listening, downloading, subscribing, rating, reviewing, and engaging with us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  Keep it up!  

Curtis Fleming is quick to call Fly Rod Chronicles "reality fly fishing", and it makes sense; he isn't afraid to show the botches and bungles along with those trophy fish moments.  Well, this was definitely a "reality" podcast (since we are all about botches and bungles), and we were so happy to have him on Reelin' with the IGFA. Curtis is all about the great state of West Virginia, and was happy to talk about just how beautiful it is.  Forget that old John Denver song; he shared all about the beauty, diversity, and grandeur of the state.  For him, it's the "best kept secret in the United States", and it's the perfect place to raise a family. When you watch the show, visit his website, interact with him on social media, or talk to him one-on-one (or three-on-one in our case), you won't get very far without knowing just how important his family is to him.  It was great to hear all the stories he has about his wife Michelle and two daughters, Laken and Autumn.  Interestingly enough, he shared stories about all of them managing to secure a stockpile of IGFA world records...and he himself is still without one!  If you need one reason to listen, you have to hear the story about his wife's record; it will give you chills and possibly bring a tear to your eye. The big thing about this episode is the fun everyone had.  Curtis is the kind of guy that makes you feel like a friend from the moment you meet him, and you'll definitely hear it.  We laughed more in this episode than any other, and we're betting you'll be laughing, too.  We do warn you, however - especially those listeners from The Mountain State - there ARE West Virginia jokes in this episode.  But for the record, you can blame Kevin and Scott.  Chris lived in West Virginia for several years, married a Mountaineer, and knows better than to run down "Almost Heaven" (he did slam WVU once, but that doesn't count, does it?). One other VERY important note: if you haven't yet, please listen to our special bonus episode on the Modern Fish Act.  H.R. 200 is a big deal for recreational anglers, and it's coming up for vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on or near July 11, 2018.  Get the details on the bill and how you can help get it one step closer to becoming a law. Show links: Fly Rod Chronicles - http://www.flyrodchronicles.tv/ West Virginia Tourism - https://wvtourism.com/ Keep America Fishing/Modern Fish Act - https://keepamericafishing.org/modernfishact/ IGFA - https://www.igfa.org/

ASA Conservation Director Mike Leonard On Tuesday, June 26, 2018, the U.S. House of Representatives was scheduled to vote on H.R.200, more commonly known as the Modern Fish Act.  Due to necessary action on other issues, they postponed the vote until July 11.  Because of this postponement, we rallied the troops to bring you a special bonus episode dedicated entirely to the Modern Fish Act and what you need to know and do about it. Mike Leonard, Conservation Director of the American Sportfishing Association joined us to give us an in-depth, but wonderfully understandable description of H.R. 200 and it's potential impact on recreational fishing in the United States.  It's a short conversation, but a necessity for all anglers who are interested in protecting recreational fishing. Here are some points of interests for you regarding the Modern Fish Act: In summary, H.R. 200 revises and reauthorizes through FY2022 the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act (MSA).*  Magnuson-Stevens was signed into law in 1976, and has adversely affected recreational angling for several years. The Modern Fish Act: Requires periodic reviews of mixed-use fisheries allocations (i.e. those fished by both the commercial and recreational sectors) in the South Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. It’s a no-brainer that the way a public resource is divvied up should be periodically examined, but that is not happening now. Clarifies that regional fishery management councils and NOAA Fisheries can implement management approaches such as harvest rate management that have been used successfully in some regions but that other regions have not even considered. Requires a National Academy of Sciences study of how Limited Access Privilege Programs (conveniently nicknamed “catch share” programs) in mixed-use fisheries could be improved to reduce user conflicts, and places a hold on implementing any new Limited Access Privilege Programs until the study’s results are public. Revises the rebuilding timeline requirement to ensure the timeframes are based on the biology of a depleted fishery, not an arbitrary 10-year rebuilding timeline. Anyone who supports science-based management should prefer this approach. Authorizes the use of multi-year and multi-species annual catch limits, which is simply a codification of recent updates to NOAA Fisheries guidelines. Requires NOAA Fisheries to respond if a state, regional fishery management council or interstate marine fisheries commission objects to an exempted fishing permit providing more clarity to the approval process. Requires a study of how third-party data, such as state-collected data through electronic reporting systems — e.g. iSnapper in Texas, La Creel in Louisiana, Tails ‘n Scales in Mississippi, Outdoor AL in Alabama and iAngler in Florida — could improve fisheries data. For many offshore fisheries, the federal program that estimates angler harvest — the Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP) — does not provide data at the level of accuracy or timeliness needed for basic management, much less in-season management of various fisheries. Tells NOAA Fisheries to implement the recommendations of the recent National Academy of Sciences review of MRIP and to follow up on key questions raised in the report, for example whether/how management could be better adapted to align with available data. Jeff Angers, "Modern Fish Act 101" Since the vote has been postponed until July 11, we encourage all anglers, regardless of where you're located, to contact your representative and urge them to pass the Modern Fish Act.  As Mike told us, environmentalist groups are lobbying diligently to have this bill voted down.  We need to be heard on this issue! Keep America Fishing has provided a very helpful page designed to get you in touch with your representative quickly and tell them you want them to pass the Modern Fish Act. Contact them HERE

Mark Sosin. Icon. Legend. IGFA Hall of Famer.  What more is there to say?  Thankfully, there's A LOT more to say! Kevin and Scott had a wonderful opportunity to catch up with Mark and really dig deep into what made him into the all-time great he is.  Their conversation covered so many topics, from his time in the early '60s with "The Salty Fly Rodders" and writing the saltwater fly fishing rules in 1965 which are still employed by the IGFA today, to his 27-year run as host of the longest-running fishing television show in history, "Saltwater Journal".  They also talked about one of those episodes which featured our very own Capt. Kevin Faver...and one of the toughest fights Sosin ever encountered while producing his show (by the way - you don't want to miss Kevin's side of the story, either...it was an incredible experience that almost didn't happen at all!). Although Mark had plenty to say about a host of things, he was most eager to talk about the International Game Fish Association, including the tremendous honor of being inducted into their Hall of Fame in 2004.  He also spoke at length about his pride in seeing the organization expand its scope to embrace conservation, research initiatives, education, and the growing inclusion of freshwater fish and anglers. To round out the show, Kevin, Scott, and Chris also talked about some great things happening with the IGFA - the conclusion of their latest online auction and the continuing year-long IGFA Fishing Contest.  They also shared a little preview of their next guest, Fly Rod Chronicles host Curtis Fleming. Mark Sosin's IGFA Hall of Fame page - https://www.igfa.org/Museum/HOF-Sosin.aspx IGFA Fishing Contest - https://www.igfa.org/contests/fishing/Default.aspx  

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY! ...for all you post-day dads out there. Before we give you all the info about this episode, we have to beg your forgiveness on something: for two weeks, we promised you some time with Mark Sosin.  Unfortunately, we ran into a technical issue that prevented us from bringing you Mark on this episode.  However, we've got good news: we'll have Mark for you next week, and we have an outstanding show for you right now! Lew's Fishing Tackle and Strike King Lures are a couple of the biggest brands in the industry, and we were fortunate enough to have with us Lew's Holdings Corporation CEO Gary Remensnyder!  Gary has had the opportunity to fish all over the world, and he shares plenty of those stories, along with his excitement for the future of fishing with the next generation. Gary talked extensively about Lew's partnership with the Future Fisherman Foundation and the Lew’s High School Product Grant Program.  It's a product grant initiative designed specifically to provide Lew’s Mach rods and reels at no charge in response to project-based applications as a way to nurture high school sanctioned fishing club activities to the benefit of their members, schools and communities.  The guys then chimed in with their own stories and perspectives on how fishing impacts the lives of young people. The best part of our conversation was growing to understand how real Gary is; despite having that prestigious title, he's been a passionate outdoorsman from the very beginning.  Bottom line is this: the next time you're considering a product from Lew's or Strike King, you'll know that, from the very top, the people from these companies LOVE being a part of the fishing industry. If you're a gearhead (yeah, we know you are), you'll definitely want to hear Gary's rundown on what they've got, what they're developing, and what you can get your hands on - including Blair Wiggins' signature rods.  But he doesn't stop there; he gives an expert-level primer on rod mechanics, physics, and how Lew's builds such great rods! We wouldn't be "Reelin' with the IGFA" if we didn't highlight one of key components of the International Game Fish Association: conservation.  It's a big deal for Gary, and he provides his perspective on why its so important. Lew's Fishing Tackle: https://www.lews.com/ Strike King Lures: http://www.strikeking.com/ Future Fisherman Foundation: http://www.futurefisherman.org/lews-high-school-mach-fishing-program/ International Game Fish Association: http://www.igfa.org/

For most anglers, fishing the Florida Keys is a Bucket List proposition.  But when Hurricane Irma ravaged Florida in September of 2017, all of us saw the complete devastation caused by 180-mph (260 km/h) wind gusts and torrent after torrent of rain and immense waves.  We connected with IGFA-certified captain/guide Steven Lamp of Dream Catcher Charters to give us the awful details...and the honest truth about what really happened in Key West, Marathon, Big Pine Key and other notable locations.  Capt. Steven also shared the biggest problem he and his fellow guides faced in the aftermath - and you'll most likely be surprised to find out.  Finally, he gave us a detailed report of how the fishery has responded in the wake of Irma's devastation...and if it's actually still Bucket List-worthy. We could have hooked up with any number of captains to give a report, but there's a whole lot more to Capt. Steven than that.  He's got a great story, and he's a great storyteller to boot.  From following in his father's footsteps in offshore diving, to becoming a master spear fisherman, to *almost* forming the Lower Keys Guides Association, he'll having you laughing, thinking, and getting a little mad, too.  You'll definitely want to listen to the horrific tale that wound up getting him started in the charter business.  It's a true story that's been a nightmare for many an offshore angler - you may wake up in a cold sweat to this one! After reading Capt. Steven's bio, Capt. Kevin was quick to mention that could have been twin brothers based on their experiences, including a couple of nasty run-ins with one nasty species of fish.  During the conversation, Kevin referenced an incredibly frightening event that he managed to catch on camera.  It went viral, tallying over 3,000,000 views on YouTube.  Here it is: During his time with us, Capt. Steven talked also about his relationship with IGFA, and just how great an organization it is.  He's got a great perspective, and it was perfect timing, since the International Game Fish Association just celebrated its 79th anniversary.  It was an interesting birthday for them, by the way; forget the party - they were busy announcing five initiatives as they approach their 80th Anniversary!  Check out their press release outlining those exciting initiatives HERE. One warning: there is "singing" in this episode courtesy of Capt. Scott Shank and Chris Wayne, our producer.  You may want to be sure you're not operating a motor vehicle... Thanks so much for listening, and be sure to subscribe to the podcast and like us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.  If you want to say hello, if you have a question, or if you're interested in becoming a sponsor of the program, email us!  We'd love to hear from you.

After sipping on their ever-present shiny tumblers (filled with who-knows-what), they buckled down for an exciting conversation with Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Famer Bob Jensen and a little controversy about something in the IGFA's latest newsletter and social media postings. The latest International Game Fish Association newsletter showcased four potential world records, including a lunker-eating lunker of a white seabass and the biggest, ugliest, nastiest, most world-record-est snakehead ever caught.  It's a cool story and an amazing fish (that's 1.5 pounds bigger than the current record holder), but Kevin wasn't convinced.  In fact, he didn't think it was a snakehead at all!  Scott was siding with the IGFA on this one... Business really picked up when Kevin and Scott introduced Mr. Bob Jensen.  In case you haven't been fishing in the midwest at any point over the past 35 years...or watched television...or read any angling magazines, you may not know Bob.  He's been into fishing since he was toddler, and he's been involved in fishing education, promotion, and communications for over 35 years.  If that isn't enough, here's a short-list of his accomplishments: 2017 Inductee into the Fresh Water Fishing Hall of Fame Host/producer of Fishing The Midwest for over 25 years Co-author of four walleye technique books with famous angler Gary Roach Published over 1000 times annually in angling publications Accomplished fishing guide, tournament angler, and fishing seminar speaker Simply stated, he knows his stuff about...a lot of stuff.  During the episode, Bob shared some of the high points of his 35-year career, including TV show watching guests fall in the water, helping baseball great Kent Hrbek land an amazing pike with an even more amazing setup, and catches so big you could barely get them in the boat.  But the best part of the conversation began when all three fishermen kicked back and talked about the species, the techniques, and eccentricities of the regions they fish.  Well, you know how that goes...the stories that get told when a few anglers get together. Check out Bob's TV show, Fishing the Midwest. Check out the snakehead, along with other potential world records, on the International Game Fish Association's May 31, 2018 edition of Hot Catches.    

Fishing is about so much more than just catching fish; it's the friendships and experiences that make it the best thing to do on the planet. Some folks may know Ed Malin for being the proprietor of one of the most famous restaurants in northeast Florida, while others may know Ed because of his run for Congress in 2016.  Still others may recognize him for being the first charter captain in northeast Florida to become a member of the International Game Fish Association.  However, no one knows Ed the way Kevin knows Ed; they've been great friends for a long, long time, and they have some of the greatest stories you'll ever hear.   Kevin and Ed definitely have a lot of history together, and that history even includes stories including Kevin's wife!  During the episode, you'll get the story behind the photo above; Ed is on the left, Kevin's wife Carie is on the right, and in the middle is the focus of their INSANE rescue operation.  Why is the story so good?  Wait until you hear about everything in the water surrounding this photo... This conversation isn't just about cutting up, however.  Kevin, Scott, and Ed address some serious issues that affect all anglers, regardless of where you can find them on a map. We're really excited to be able to bring you into the seriously funny side of Reelin' with the IGFA this episode!

For the premiere episode of "Reelin' with the IGFA", there was really only one choice for a guest: IGFA President Nehl Horton! Kevin has been good friends with Nehl for over two decades, so as you can imagine, they had some fond memories to share and good stories to tell.  But for Nehl, this was the perfect opportunity to discuss some of the incredible things the International Game Fish Association is doing all over the world.  If you're new to the IGFA, this episode is a great place to get great information about an outstanding organization (learn more HERE). The guys also talked with Nehl about some of the things they've seen on the IGFA website, including this fantastic photo of Emily Rose Hanzlik.  She caught and released this largemouth bass while fishing the J.W. Corbett Wildlife Management Area in West Palm Beach, FL back on May 8, 2018.  This is an amazing catch for a couple of reasons: first, that HUGE bass may very well earn Emily a world record - it was 7 pounds, 12 ounces!  Yes, that's amazing, but the best part is this: Emily is only 13 years old!  Kevin, Scott, and Nehl took a moment to really emphasize how important it is for all of us to introduce the next generation to the outdoors in general and fishing in particular.  Kevin found Emily's photo, and the story to go with it, HERE in the IGFA Photo Gallery of "Hot Catches - May 17, 2018.  Definitely check it out, and see what crazy-looking fish showed up in Iceland! Nehl also shared a bit about an exciting IGFA initiative called the Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund (WARF).  According to IGFA.org... Anywhere in the world, on any day, at any time, a thriving recreational fishery can become a wasteland in a matter of hours in a major natural disaster. And the people who often create those recreational fisheries — the captains, guides, crews and outfitters who depend on recreational fishing for their livelihoods— often find themselves in the center of the storm. To address the impacts of recent disasters and be better prepared to respond to future catastrophes, the International Game Fish Association (IGFA) has created the Worldwide Anglers Relief Fund (WARF). It's a tremendous cause, and if you'd like to become a part of it, click HERE for more information and a chance to give. The guys didn't just talk to Nehl.  Be sure to check out the great story from Kevin about landing his first sailfish of the season, and get a little background on both Kevin and Scott, too. Be sure to follow us on social media - @reelinpodcast - for the very latest news on what's Reelin'! One more thing: please take a moment to subscribe to our podcast, and don't be bashful about throwing us review as well.  Thank you!

Welcome to the Reelin' podcast preview!  In this pre-launch episode, Captain Kevin Faver takes a minute or two to say hello and give you a little insight into what you can expect every week when you go Reelin' with us. Special thanks to everyone at the International Game Fish Association who have teamed up with us to bring you this podcast!