Saltwater Edge Podcast

In this episode, Pete Utschig returns to the Saltwater Edge Podcast to talk surfcasting strategy, big fish mindset, and the lifelong pursuit of “alpha” predators. From his days in the firehouse to chasing tarpon in Florida and roosterfish in Baja, Pete shares what it takes to consistently find success from the surf. We cover the power of preparation, why confidence trumps plug color, and how moon tides, weather patterns, and current windows dictate your shot at a true trophy. If you're serious about stripers—or just love hearing how passion and persistence play out on the water—this one's a must. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro and welcome back Pete 01:08 – Surfcasting passion and conservation roots 02:45 – “Spend time to make time”: Planning and tide prep 04:00 – How firefighting shaped Pete's approach to fishing 07:10 – Guide life in Northeast Florida: species and seasons 09:30 – Baja roosterfish and fishing the Pacific surf 11:30 – DIY tuna in Portugal: heartbreak and redemption 15:00 – The FG knot failure that changed everything 17:00 – Always be ready: preparing for the alpha 22:00 – Plan A, B, and C: Adapting to conditions 24:30 – Using logs and patterns to predict big fish windows 27:00 – Pete's minimalist 5x5x5 plug strategy 31:00 – Current finders, cheat codes, and why confidence matters 34:00 – How to fish smarter, not just harder 42:00 – Storm tactics: Before, during, and after 45:00 – Moon tides and reading short windows 48:00 – Finding big fish after a blow 51:30 – Final takeaways and Florida guide updates Brought to you by Saltwater Edge Shop gear, learn more, and explore the water smarter at saltwateredge.com. Use code TANMAN for free shipping.

In this episode of the Saltwater Edge Podcast, host Peter Jenkins sits down with Captain Brian Kelly, a New England light tackle and fly fishing guide with deep knowledge of Cape Cod and Massachusetts Bay. Brian shares his journey from Montana guide school to full-time guiding on his Parker 18', and gives a tactical breakdown of fishing around bunker schools—from identifying bait behavior to deploying the right gear. We talk seasonal shifts, bait dynamics, and how to approach stripers, albies, and bluefin with the right presentation—whether you're throwing a soft plastic, flutter spoon, or a bunker-matching fly. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Brian's path from Montana guide school to Massachusetts waters 01:30 – Lessons from senior guides on building a sustainable guiding career 03:30 – Off-season travel: Cuba, steelhead, and trout across the northeast 04:45 – South vs. North Cape Cod: tides, temperature, and strategy 07:00 – How bait and water temp influence striper migration 08:30 – Cape Cod Canal as a funnel for biomass movement 10:30 – Bait breakdown: River herring vs. bunker behavior 12:45 – How fish stage, rest, and digest in warm backwaters 14:50 – What drives bait movement: estuary dynamics and spring conditions 16:00 – Squid and peanut bunker: underrated keys to early and late season bites 18:00 – When tuna show up: dabbling in the bluefin game 20:10 – 2022: A season defined by stable bunker, predators, and insane biomass 22:30 – What triggers the fall run: tides, temp drops, and migration instinct 24:30 – How bunker behave in different parts of a bay system 26:30 – Identifying “happy” vs. “stressed” bait to pick your tactics 28:00 – Lure tactics: soft plastics, paddletails, docks, and retrieves that work 33:00 – Magic swimmers, Sluggos, and when to slow it all down 37:30 – Locating bunker: ledges, mooring fields, side scan, and sonar tips 43:00 – Flutter spoons: setup, depth, retrieve, and boat positioning 47:00 – Leader, knot, and rod recommendations for spoon fishing 48:30 – Fly fishing bunker schools: presentation, lines, and setting up drifts 53:00 – Why fishing structure can be better than targeting chaos 55:00 – Dredging with sinking lines vs. casting to active fish 57:00 – Teasing, bait-and-switch, and fly rod practicality in deep water 59:00 – Lessons from clients and staying sharp as a guide  Book a trip with Capt. Brian Kelly   Shop bunker-focused tackle and fly gear at SaltwaterEdge.com  

Tammy King: Surfcasting, Island Life, and Building a Fishing Community | Saltwater Edge Podcast In this episode of the Saltwater Edge Podcast, we're joined by Tammy King — a Nantucket native, surfcasting expert, and founder of Fish Girl Guides.  Raised in a charter captain family, Tammy shares how her early beach days turned into a lifetime passion for fishing, teaching, and community building. We explore growing up on Nantucket, surfcasting sandy beaches, empowering women in fishing, and Tammy's adventurous trips beyond the island. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Tammy and her Nantucket roots 01:16 – Growing up with charter captain parents 02:27 – Discovering a love for fishing early on 03:12 – What made Nantucket special — and how it's changed 04:12 – Fishing culture, local tournaments, and community spirit 07:17 – How Tammy built her guiding business 09:04 – Surfcasting access on Nantucket: beaches, trucks, and tides 11:11 – Hotspots: reefs, jetties, and where to find fish 12:09 – How to read sand beaches and surf structure 14:19 – The impact of erosion on fishing spots 15:50 – Tammy's clients: beginners, weddings, and learning to fish 17:09 – Year-round fishing at Nantucket Anglers' Club 20:03 – Freshwater action: white perch, crappie, and pond stripers 21:14 – Tammy's Louisiana redfish adventure with Journey Outfitters 23:26 – Challenges and safety tips for women in fishing 26:43 – Tammy's women-only surfcasting course 29:14 – Gear struggles: women's waders and boots 31:12 – Dream fish, surfcasting travel goals, and roosterfish 34:02 – Targeting striped bass from the sand: tips and strategy 38:16 – Nantucket's first striper arrivals in spring 40:52 – Tammy's favorite lures for sand beaches 44:06 – Resources Tammy recommends for learning fishing skills 46:12 – Teaching casting basics and common beginner mistakes 48:12 – Watching new anglers grow and succeed 49:19 – Why women are natural surfcasters 50:14 – Tammy's dream “last fishing day” on Nantucket 51:25 – How to book a trip with Tammy King (Fish Girl Guides)  Follow Tammy: Instagram @fishgirlack Recommended by local tackle shops on Nantucket!   ️ Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with your fishing friends!  

In this podcast episode, Peter Jenkins, owner of the Saltwater Edge, hosts Ralph Craft from Crafty One Customs. Ralph shares his journey into fishing and rod building, the challenges and intricacies of creating custom fishing rods, and the importance of conservation and sustainable fishing practices. The discussion extends to community involvement, including efforts to support pediatric cancer patients and other charitable activities. The episode also delves into the controversial topic of offshore wind development and its potential impacts on the environment and local fishing communities. Ralph emphasizes the importance of small businesses and the value of local expertise in enhancing the fishing experience. Crafty One Customs 00:00 Introduction to the Saltwater Edge Podcast 00:33 Meet Ralph Craft: The Master Rod Builder 02:07 Ralph's Fishing Journey and Passion 03:41 The Beauty and Challenges of Rhode Island Fishing 05:34 Conservation Efforts and Sustainable Fishing 11:20 The Importance of Small Businesses in the Fishing Community 22:12 Rod Building Techniques and Innovations 32:09 Strategy Before Tactics in Fishing 32:45 The Importance of Hook Sharpeners 33:07 Choosing the Right Rod and Reel 34:35 Challenges in Custom Rod Building 38:00 Community Involvement and Charity Work 42:29 Concerns About Offshore Wind Farms 54:33 Fishing Gear Recommendations 01:02:18 Final Thoughts and Business Promotion

Bonefishing is one of the most thrilling saltwater experiences an angler can have, and planning a DIY trip adds an extra layer of challenge and reward. Whether you're heading to the Bahamas, Belize, or Mexico, a self-guided flats fishing adventure requires careful planning and a strategic approach. In this guide, based on insights from seasoned DIY angler Ross Kessler, we'll cover everything you need to know to execute a successful DIY bonefish trip—from planning and tides to gear and tactics. For many anglers, DIY bonefishing is the ultimate test of skill and preparation. Instead of relying on a guide, you take full responsibility for finding fish, choosing the right fly, and executing the perfect cast. It's an adventure that requires patience, observation, and a bit of trial and error. Show notes: In this episode of the Saltwater Edge podcast, host Peter Jenkins talks with Ross Kessler, a seasoned DIY bonefish angler with about 20 years of experience. They discuss various tackle tactics, key observations, and best practices for DIY inshore fishing trips, diving deep into fisheries management, conservation, and specific destinations. Ross shares invaluable tips on trip planning, including the importance of tides, preparation, logistics, gear, and the significance of short-game casting, among other insights. They also touch on the role and benefits of hiring local guides to enhance the fishing experience. The episode is packed with practical advice for passionate anglers looking to embark on their own DIY fishing adventures. 00:00 Introduction to the Saltwater Edge Podcast 00:35 Guest Introduction: Ross Kessler 01:06 The Appeal of DIY Fishing 02:50 Planning Your DIY Fishing Trip 05:18 Tides and Timing 10:57 Packing and Preparation 14:24 Navigating and Accessing Fishing Spots 26:30 Essential Gear for Solo Fishing 26:45 Staying Hydrated and Cool 28:37 Clothing and Sun Protection 29:10 Fishing Gear Essentials 31:23 Fly Selection and Techniques 33:49 The Importance of Local Guides 36:24 Casting Techniques and Tips 42:39 Fly Recommendations for DIY Trips 49:31 Conservation and Ethical Fishing 51:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell

For over a decade, 24/7 Lures has been a staple in the world of custom wooden fishing lures, crafting high-quality, small-batch plugs designed for serious surf casters. In a recent episode of the Saltwater Edge Podcast, we sat down with Elliot Thomas, owner of 24/7 Lures, to discuss the evolution of wooden lure design, fishing tactics, and the impact of conservation-minded rigging. The History and Evolution of 24/7 Lures Elliot Thomas took over 24/7 Lures in 2017 after acquiring the brand from Jeff Dunbar, who had previously acquired it from Al Gag. The company has maintained its dedication to high-quality craftsmanship while incorporating modern refinements. Over the years, 24/7 Lures has redesigned several of their classic models to improve performance and longevity. One of the company's most notable recent innovations is the introduction of flag-rigged lures, designed to reduce post-release mortality for striped bass. Studies have shown that a single belly hook combined with a flag on the back of the lure significantly decreases injury to released fish, making this setup a game-changer for conservation-conscious anglers. Why Needlefish and Darters Are Essential During our conversation, Elliot emphasized the effectiveness of needlefish and darter lures, two of his personal favorites. He noted that needlefish lures are incredibly versatile, mimicking various baitfish and moving through the water naturally. Darters, on the other hand, provide a more subtle but equally effective presentation, often enticing strikes when other lures fail. “Needlefish and darters do something no other lure does,” Elliot explained. “They sneak through the water naturally, presenting a subtle but irresistible target for striped bass.”

The Saltwater Edge Podcast recently welcomed a special guest, Dr. Aaron Adams—an esteemed marine scientist, author, and avid angler with over 35 years of experience in fish ecology and conservation. As the Director of Science and Conservation at Bonefish Tarpon Trust, Dr. Adams bridges the gap between complex scientific research and practical fishing advice, making him the perfect voice for anglers eager to deepen their understanding of saltwater habitats. Insights From Dr. Adams Growing up near the Chesapeake Bay, Dr. Adams witnessed firsthand the impact of ecosystem decline. This early exposure ignited his lifelong dedication to fish conservation and ecological research. His books and work emphasize the importance of habitat-focused angling, flipping the traditional script of “chasing fish” by encouraging anglers to start by studying the environment first. Books Mentioned in the Podcast During the conversation, host Peter Jenkins referenced several of Dr. Adams' works that have become essential reading for anglers seeking to level up their fishing game: Fisherman's Coast A foundational guide that introduces the importance of understanding habitat when fishing, covering everything from coastal ecosystems to tidal influences. Saltwater Prey This book dives deeper into the behaviors of prey species and how anglers can match the patterns to outsmart game fish. The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing for Coastal Gamefish Expanding on Fisherman's Coast, this guide includes updates on tides, fish vision, and how different habitats influence fishing strategies. For those looking to sharpen their angling skills and apply ecological principles, these books are invaluable. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just beginning your saltwater journey, tuning into this podcast episode is a step toward fishing smarter by understanding the intricate dance between predator, prey, and habitat. Show Notes: 00:33 Meet Dr. Aaron Adams: Marine Scientist and Avid Angler 02:19 The Science Behind Fishing Techniques 04:54 Understanding Fish Behavior and Habitat 07:31 Fishing in Different Environments 11:03 Impact of Environmental Factors on Fishing 26:55 Exploring New Fishing Spots 34:45 The Onboard Computer of Fishing 35:19 The Debate on Keeping Logs 38:06 Broadcast Spawning Explained 42:36 Economic Impact of Fisheries 44:51 The Intersection of Science and Fishing 54:05 Tips for Better Angling 01:04:20 Bonefish Tarpon Trust Initiatives 01:07:05 Conclusion and Resources

As the frost of winter lingers, the team at The Saltwater Edge has been keeping busy, preparing for the warmer days ahead. In our latest group podcast, Coby, John, Cyril, Tyler, and Eric gathered to chat about their recent winter adventures, fishing highlights, and the excitement of spring fishing on the horizon. Winter Adventures While the icy winds kept many indoors, the crew embraced the season in their own ways. Tyler and Coby took to the Deerfield River for a memorable trout fishing trip, complete with good catches, a close call with the water, and plenty of laughs. Cyril experimented with saltwater jigs in freshwater, landing some impressive lake trout. Meanwhile, Tyler ventured into his first duck-hunting season, bringing back both exciting stories and a mouthwatering recipe for duck flatbread pizza. Spring Preparations The team is already gearing up for a promising spring. Tyler is ready to hit the herring runs, while Coby is preparing his fly rod to test new shrimp patterns in some of his favorite spots. John, always experimenting, plans to continue his early spring success with rooster tails and wake baits. Each team member is eager for those first topwater bites and the buzz of peak fishing season. Upcoming Events The excitement doesn't stop there! We're thrilled to announce our annual Plug Kickoff Show, happening on April 5th, showcasing some of the best gear and lures to jumpstart your season.

Today's guest on the Saltwater Edge Podcast is a passionate, lifelong fisherman and a tough salty bastard, but those are table stakes for being an effective fisheries advocate. Stir in a deep respect for the past and an unwavering ability to focus on “fish first” as your North Star, and you get the best in the game. The American Saltwater Guides Association is a young organization founded in 2018 that has grown rapidly due to its core values of science, education, and advocacy. Today's guest conceived of an organization with a “fish first science-based” approach to fisheries management. He recruited me to serve as Chairman, which has been some of the most gratifying work of my career. He is the rare combination of a patient strategist playing the long game and a very effective “sales guy” when he sees the right opportunity. Please welcome the 2024 Garden and Gun Conservation Award winner, ASGA President and Policy Director and “not everybody's cup of tea” Tony Friedrich. Show notes: Peter Jenkins, the host of the Saltwater Edge podcast, interviews Tony Friedrich, President and Policy Director of the American Saltwater Guide Association. They discuss various fishing tactics, fisheries management, and conservation efforts. Friedrich shares his journey from growing up passionate about fishing, influenced by his family and mentors like Lefty Kreh, to leading impactful advocacy work with ASGA. They highlight ASGA's science-based approach to fisheries management, focusing on public education and building an 'advocate army' to influence policy. Key discussions include the economic impact of fisheries, challenges in fisheries management, and current efforts to protect species like striped bass and false albacore. 00:34 Introducing Today's Guest: Tony Friedrich 01:44 Tony's Early Life and Passion for Fishing 08:20 Mentorship and Influences: Lefty Kreh 20:34 Fisheries Management and Conservation Efforts 22:24 Challenges in Fisheries Advocacy 32:12 The Importance of False Albacore Management 34:54 Hitting a Wall: The Need for Science 35:12 Community Engagement and Advocacy 35:54 Building an Advocate Army 36:35 Success Stories and Wins 37:17 Skill Training for Advocacy 37:48 The Importance of a Unified Voice 38:55 Upcoming Events and Key Dates 40:09 Expanding Conservation Efforts 45:12 Economic Impact of Fisheries 48:57 The Value of Recreational Fisheries 55:58 Challenges and Future Directions 59:55 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Saltwater Edge podcast, host Peter Jenkins welcomes Captain Craig Cantelmo from Van Staal Fishing Products. The discussion dives into the history and evolution of Van Staal's iconic fishing reels, from their inception to the modern VS and VR series. They discuss engineering innovations, material choices, and the impact of braided lines on reel design. The conversation also covers Van Staal's distinctive fishing pliers and fly reels, highlighting their design features and durability. This episode offers a comprehensive look at Van Staal's long-standing tradition in surf and inshore fishing gear. Special thanks to Iron Mike Everin for sharing his extensive collection of Van Staal products. Come check out the display in the Education Corner of the shop. Take a look at one of the early Van Staal catalogs here 00:00 Introduction to Saltwater Edge Podcast 00:34 Special Episode with Captain Craig Cantelmo 01:33 History and Evolution of Van Stall Reels 03:58 Technical Innovations and Design Philosophy 11:51 Van Stall's Market Journey and Collaborations 19:11 Introduction to VR Reels 19:41 The VR 50 and Market Impact 20:38 Evolution of Van Staal Reels 24:12 The Iconic Van Staal Pliers 29:47 The CVEX Fly Reel Revolution 36:31 Van Staal's Entry into Tuna Fishing 38:11 The X Series and Modern Innovations 40:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

John Skinner is a renowned author and videographer with over 50 years of saltwater fishing experience. He is particularly well-known for his expertise in surfcasting for striped bass, albies, and fluke.  His "real job" as a computer scientist at the prestigious Brookhaven National Laboratory means he always asks why? This curiosity has served the surfcasting community very well. Over the years, he has contributed to various publications, including On the Water, The Surfcaster's Journal, and Shallow Water Angler. He is known for his methodical and productive approach to fishing. Recently retired, he now splits his time between Eastern Long Island, New York, and Pine Island, Florida. He shares his knowledge through a top-rated YouTube channel and several self-published books. He is one of the authors I find myself rereading the most. You can buy John's books here. In this episode, Peter Jenkins of the Saltwater Edge podcast converses with renowned author and videographer John Skinner. John shares his exhaustive knowledge and personal experiences from a career spanning over 50 years, touching on the importance of learning local fishing spots and minimizing tackle diversity. They also discuss John's work with underwater video footage, providing invaluable insights into fish behavior. The episode offers practical tips for both beginners and seasoned anglers and culminates with John revealing his favorite fish to catch. 00:00 Introduction to the Saltwater Edge Podcast 00:33 Introducing Today's Guest: John Skinner 01:18 John Skinner's Recent Fishing Adventures 02:12 Challenges and Changes in Fishing Locations 04:36 Unusual Fishing Patterns and Observations 10:30 The Popularity of John Skinner's YouTube Channel 12:27 Deep Dive into Bucktail Fishing Techniques 29:57 John Skinner's Analytical Approach to Fishing 34:51 Discussing Pencil Poppers 35:40 Top Water Lures: Pencil vs. Spook 37:47 Choosing the Right Pencil: Plastic vs. Wood 40:07 Insights from Underwater Videos 41:17 Fluke Fishing Techniques 48:15 Blackfish Behavior and Fishing Tips 52:40 Fishing Tips and Techniques 53:53 The Evolution of Fishing Videos 57:10 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

Saltwater Edge Podcast: 2024 Gear Highlights, Tips & Stories  Join the Saltwater Edge team for an engaging roundtable discussion as they reflect on the 2024 fishing season. Packed with expert insights, gear recommendations, and fishing stories, this episode is perfect for anglers looking to up their game. Episode Breakdown 00:00:05 – 00:00:48 Welcome to the Saltwater Edge team takeover! Meet the crew as they kick off a season recap, sharing their experiences with this year's inconsistent fishing patterns. 00:00:49 – 00:13:32 Kayak Fishing: Tyler dives into using Magnum Spoons for targeting deep-water bass. Essential Lures: The 24/7 Needlefish and Surface Eraser take center stage for their reliability in surfcasting. Bucktail Talk: Learn about the importance of quality bucktails and their versatility. 00:13:33 – 00:32:10 Tackle Spotlight: The Nitecore neck light, TitanDiver hooks, and Jyg Pro Swim jigs are showcased as game-changing tools. Hot Lures: Yo-Zuri Mag Minnows and the Tsunami Split Tail helped the team adjust to finicky fish behavior. 00:32:11 – 00:50:20 Outerwear Must-Have: Discover the Splash Cast Jacket, a lightweight, waterproof pullover perfect for surf and boat anglers. Rods and Reels: Highlights include the Loomis Super Surf G3 and Penn Authority reels, tested in tough conditions. Tuna Gear: RonZ Lures were the team's top choice for dead-sticking during offshore trips. 00:50:21 – 01:07:28 Fly Fishing Favorites: Explore Blaine Chocolate's Jerk Changer and the Rio Coastal QuickShooter XP line for effortless casting. Soft Plastics & Jigging Rods: Super Snacks and Jigging World Night Ranger rods proved to be versatile options for multiple species. Closing Thoughts: The team reflects on the gear that defined their season and teases future podcast formats.  

Scott Bennett is the Program Director for the Marine Biologic Lab's Striped Bass Magic research program and the MBL's Marine Resources Department manager. He grew up in Chicago fishing in freshwater lakes. As a teenager, he started coming to Cape Cod during the summers, where he developed a love for saltwater fishing. He earned a BA in Marine Biology from Roger Williams University in 2005 and a Master's Degree in Comparative Physiology focusing on cranial endothermy in tunas from Cal State Fullerton in 2013. Prior to graduate school, he spent several years at the American Museum of Natural History in the Department of Ichthyology, assisting with research on understanding the evolutionary relationships between various species of fish. Marine Biologic Lab's Striped Bass Magic research program is doing great work to better understand the biology and movements of striped bass. They conduct their ongoing research in an eel pond which is home to a seasonally resident striped bass population, some of which have returned to this same pond for multiple years in a row. the longitudinal data they have collected has been very beneficial to understanding striped bass biology and movements. If you want to learn more about their research, check out the Striped Bass Magic website The discussion covers a range of topics including the behavior, migration, and habits of striped bass in various environments. Bennett elaborates on the research methodologies used, including PIT and acoustic telemetry tags, and their findings, such as the correlation between striped bass movements and barometric pressure. The conversation also delves into the application of AI in fish identification and a collaborative research project with the Wampanoag tribe at Squibnocket. Jenkins and Bennett reflect on how this extensive research can influence recreational fishing practices. 00:36 Meet Today's Guest: Marine Biologist Scott Bennett 02:37 The Striped Bass Magic Research Program 05:03 Tagging Techniques and Tools 08:04 Behavioral Patterns and Circadian Rhythms 24:26 Individual vs. Group Behavior 29:56 Investigating Striped Bass Migrations 31:06 Experiments with Fingerlings and Iron Deposits 32:48 Adult Fish and Electromagnetic Field Experiments 33:45 Tagging and Tracking Striped Bass 38:48 AI in Fish Identification 45:10 Collaborative Research with Squibnocket Native American Tribe 52:33 Concluding Thoughts and Future Research

John Field spent extensive time exploring the waters of the Northwest Territories in Canada, the Amazon, and elsewhere while working for Larry Dahlberg Productions. He filmed and co-produced Hunt for Big Fish with Dahlberg. He has decades of experience flats fishing the Florida Keys and striped bass fishing in the Northeast. He is an FFI (Fly Fishers International) Certified Master Casting Instructor  He has two fly casting books to his credit and released his latest book, Fly Fishing for Trophy Striped Bass just this month. His feature articles have been published in Fly Fisherman Magazine and several others.  

This episode features Peter Jenkins, owner of the Saltwater Edge, in conversation with renowned fish artist Nick Mayer. They discuss Nick's journey from a young nature enthusiast to becoming one of the world's top fish portrait artists, his academic background in marine biology, and his various experiences and jobs in fisheries research around the globe. Nick shares insights into his art process, the importance of detail and observation, and his transition from traditional gallery sales to e-commerce. The discussion also covers the significance of fishing companions, maintaining an open mind for learning, and utilizing digital tools for fishing. Nick also highlights his latest book, 'Fish ABCs,' and his personal fishing bucket list, expressing a desire to catch a GT in the Seychelles. 00:00 Welcome to The Saltwater Edge Podcast 00:36 Spotlight on Nick Mayer: A Master of Fish Portraits 00:54 Nick Mayer's Journey: From Childhood Fascination to Renowned Artist 04:33 The Artistic Process and Passion Behind Nick Mayer's Work 21:00 Nick Mayer's Adventures and Inspirations in Fishing and Art 26:11 A Harrowing Tugboat Tale 27:12 From Near-Disaster to Artistic Inspiration 28:53 The Artistic Process: From Pencil to Watercolor 35:07 The Business of Art: Making It Accessible 38:55 Fishing: A Universal Connector 40:48 Art, Conservation, and the Digital Pivot 41:47 Fishing Tips, Resources, and a Dream Day 49:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

Today's guest grew up fishing the small mountain streams near his Blue Ridge, Virginia home. As a youngster, he started a guiding service and, in the late 90s, opened Blue Ridge Fly Fishers in Roanoke, Virginia. He has worked for years to create patterns that solve angling problems. More than once, he has created “a platform” a design innovation so effective that dozens of “patterns” can then be created. Some of these can go head to head with the strike-generating action of conventional lures. A decade ago, our guest returned to the river where he now owns and operates his guide service, specializing in float trips for musky, smallmouth bass, stripers, trout, and many other species.  In addition, he is the Southeastern Field Editor for Fly Fishermen. He is an advisor or brand ambassador for many of the industry's top brands: Patagonia, Temple Fork Outfitters, Scientific Anglers, Costa and Renzetti One of the things I appreciate the most about today's guest is his deep respect for the past and those who have helped him along the way. His passion for conservation also seems to grow at about the same pace as his son Tyler. It has been a pleasure working and traveling with him for the American Saltwater Guides Association.  

Chris Aubut grew up in the very fishy Westport, MA. He spent most of his youth developing his boating and fishing skills with guidance from his father. Throughout his life, surfing in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island consumed most of his time away from fishing. After he graduated from the Chapman School of Seamanship, he pursued a life on the water. Over the past 13 years, Chris has guided hundreds of clients on successful fishing charters in Westport and the Florida Keys. In 2011, he again turned his passion into a business and started the Aubut Rod Company, informed by those years on the water. Since then, he has made hundreds of high-performing fishing rods for freshwater and saltwater anglers around the globe.

Bill Wetzel has guided the Montauk surf for over 25 years. He is one of the most requested anglers that you, the Saltwater Edge Podcast listeners, have ever asked for. Not surprisingly, his live social posts that he records driving home after a night in the Montauk surf are a masterclass in the thought process of what makes great anglers great—traits like focus, observation, and a deep understanding of seasonal bait migrations and more.  Bill has hosted the Surf Rats Ball Surf Fishing Tournament for over a decade. He has donated 100% of the proceeds to Kids Need More, a non-profit that is dedicated to enhancing the lives of children and their families who are coping with cancer and other life-threatening diseases. That's an awesome display of compassion and commitment. Learn more at Surf Rats Ball Show Notes: 00:34 Introducing the Guest: A Surf Casting Legend 01:44 The Guest's Arrival and Initial Conversation 02:03 Discussing Fishing Tactics and Strategies 03:06 Understanding Bait Migrations and Fishing Seasons 05:00 The Art of Surf Fishing: Techniques and Tips 07:01 The Importance of Observation in Fishing 07:43 The Role of Bait in Fishing Success 10:05 The Intricacies of Fishing Locations and Conditions 12:41 The Importance of Focus and Observation in Fishing 15:19 Understanding and Navigating Fishing Structures 18:46 The Role of Passion and Preparation in Fishing Success 22:57 The Importance of Keeping a Fishing Log 37:51 Discussing the Magic Minutes Talk 37:58 Understanding the Importance of Wind and Tide in Fishing 38:34 The Art of Spotting and Breaking Down Fishing Locations 39:07 Balancing Fishing with Personal Life 40:21 The Intricacies of Fishing in Different Conditions 42:28 The Importance of Knowledge and Experience in Fishing 46:16 The Changing Landscape of Montauk 53:00 The Role of Equipment in Fishing 01:03:51 The Final Fishing Day Dream Scenario 01:06:57 The Impact of Surf Rats Ball on Kids with Cancer 01:09:01 Closing Remarks and Acknowledgements

Frank Goncalves has been immersed in saltwater fishing since childhood, growing up in the East Coast's largest fishing port of New Bedford, Massachusetts. This proximity to the salt, a lot of commitment, and his abundant creativity have produced a very talented surfcaster. Sure, there is "putting in the work," his effort is legendary, but many of us can stand on a rock. Frank Goncalves separates from the pack with his attention to detail and a creative mind that powers his day job as a graphic designer but is also critical to his surfcasting success. Frank, like all creators, operates with a set of facts, intuition, and a willingness to try things of which some don't work out, but the results in aggregate are quite impressive. 

Most of Ben Whalley's very non-traditional youth was spent in Brazil. When he wasn't breaking horses or working on the ranch, he was exploring the wilderness and waterways, searching for natural materials he could spin up to imitate local berries to catch Pacou. About 20 years ago, he moved to Maine, where his obsession with wild salmonids and chasing stripers on the beautiful, expansive flats in the Gulf of Maine. His saltwater flies are known for being functional and realistic, heavily influenced by the brilliance of Bob Popovic.  In 2022, Ben decided to leave his career as an engineer to pursue his tying, teaching, and guiding full time. Check out benwhalleyfishing.com to learn more.  

Capt. Kyle is a fly fishing guide, lodge owner, writer, conservationist, and entrepreneur. Kyle's passion for fly fishing runs deep, but his true passion is helping people and fighting to protect wild fish and wild places. He guides for stripers on the flats in Maine and chases bonefish, permit and whatever else is on the flats in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. Like most of us Kyle is happy when there is a bend in the rod; but he gets truely excited by the anticipation of seeing a fish and making the cast that gets the eat in skinny water.  Kyle's guiding career includes extensive time in the western US chasing world-class trout, the vast marshlands of Argentina for Golden Dorado, and the diverse coast of New England for Striped Bass. Kyle has been lucky to travel the world exploring new fisheries and has spent extensive time on the Bahamian flats, living in South Andros managing a fly fishing lodge, and most recently launched Soul Fly Lodge, his first lodge operation. Check out our Soul Fly Lodge Fly Shop if you are headed south.  

Captain Connor MacLeod is one of the most in demand charter boat captains I know. From the on the water experience he creates that earns stellar reviews, to his monthly Fishing Forecast in On The Water magazine, to his highly effective line of tog jigs. Every thing is top notch. And to top it off, the RI State Record blackfish of 21.57 lbs caught on his boat in 2021! He also understands that while operating safely is a charter captain's primary job he recogmizes that creating memories keeps people coming back. Captain Connor Macleod has done plenty of repeat customers. Learn more about Captain Connor and Tall Tailz Charters here

Today's guest is a passionate man. Whether it's paintball, capturing cool video, or hunting his beloved striped bass. He is all in. Today's guest has been a steady supporter of catch and release recognizing some time ago that we need to release the breeders to have a sustainable fishery and the opportunity to share our joy with future generations. He has also followed his passion in to product development and looking for better solutions for surfcasters. Check out Phase Gear Please welcome from Comanche Surfcasting the Smiling Tan Man Pete Uchtig.

As an educator and an entrepreneur, Luyen Chou has done some remarkable things in his career, and since his teenage years he has always been a fisherman. When the opportunity presented itself to apply his unique skills to make a difference in his passion, he stepped up with his time and talent. Striped bass, false albacore, and redfish, and the people who chase them are just starting to realize the benefits Luyen and his app GotOne can have on our fisheries. The app will serve the angler in ways no other app does, and the anonomized (non-specific) data will be invaluable to fisheries managers. He is indeed the right guy at the right time. Well done, my friend.

Captain Max Dispoto has already spent what might be a lifetime for most other anglers fishing the tuna grounds of Southern New England. He has a passion for the canyons as well as the "Midshore" fishery that has exploded this year due to the abundance of sand eels.  Max is a member of the Shimano Saltwater Sportfishing Pro Staff. That's quite a recognition that he earned because he shares the same relentless drive and guy instincts that the very best Cpatains seem to share.

Even as a fairly late bloomer to the sport, Dustin Stevens undying desire to learn all things fishing has led him to become a multi-species and multi-technique angler. This curiosity has created an avid inshore fisherman with a passion for stripers, albies, tog, and sea bass Dustin also has a unique business model here in the northeast in that he guides kayak fishermen. His focus is on both light tackle and bottom fishing so anglers often fish both styles on one charter.  I'd be remiss if I didn't mention his charter business is in addition to being a husband, father and a good bit of travel as required by his profession in the airline industry. The dude is tireless.      

Captain Diogo Godoi of Gorilla Tactics Sportfishing owns one of Cape Cod's premier inshore light tackle charter operations; he specializes in bluefin tuna, striped bass, and false albacore, as well as a variety of other species.  When you fish with Captain Diogo you realize he is experienced in a variety of light tackle techniques and will stick with it until you are tight. The SWE crew has fished with Diogo a number of times for jig and pop bluefin. Every time has been a great experience with plenty of shots and time spent learning something new if Plan A doesn't work out as planned. This guy is all in! Back in the day we was a hell of good lacrosse player.  

Captain Coral Rose Aiello has been fishing with her father, Joe since she was a child and became first mate on his charter boat the Coral Rose at 14. In the decade+ since then, she has come into her own as a fisherman, and she and Joe have developed a very unique working relationship as a father-daughter team. Coral, aka “Professional Hooker” can be found and followed on Instagram @Professional.Hooker. Check out her YouTube channel where she often posts fishing videos.  She holds her USCG 100-Ton Masters License. She is majoring in aquaculture & fisheries at the University of Rhode Island. As an avid conservationist, she is involved with Gray's Fish tagging out of Florida and The American Littoral Society out of New Jersey.

Wikipedia says, "Bob Popovics is an American fly tier from New Jersey." That's like saying, "Bruce Springsteen is an American musician from New Jersey" Bob Pop and the Boss share modest Garden State beginnings and a passion and vision for their craft. Bob Popovics pioneered using epoxy to create durability in saltwater flies as a solution to the regular shredding by bluefish of conventional flies. Bob also recognized that epoxy had the added side-effects of providing translucency and profile, facilitating the imitation of a wide variety of baitfish. In 1992 the Surf Candy series took the stale saltwater fly fishing market by storm. It was Bob Popovics "Born To Run"  Many more innovations have followed since, including the Semper Fleye, Pop Lips, Bucktail Deceiver, Bulkhead, and Hollow Fleye, to name a few.  Bob is happy to recognize the mentors who helped him along the way and is just as committed to passing the baton to the next generation as saltwater fly tying continues to get more creative.  

As Editor of On The Water Jimmy has to fish a lot and fortunately for On The Water Magazine Jimmy is up to the challenge. All joking aside it's no small task to have the versatility and the expertise to teach others a stunning array of fishing techniques from center pinning for steelhead to deep dropping swordfish. Fact is Jimmy Fee is a talented and curious angler who might be the best guy for the job he has. Case in point a few years ago I heard of a whisper of a local squeteague bite and I was immediately excited up to catch one. So I go to Google to learn a bit about jigging and the first result was an article written by Jimmy only a few days prior. Further proof that he has his finger on the pulse of New England recreational fishing. Join us for a great chat with a great guy.

Travis was introduced to guiding at a very young age by his Dad Harley, who is a veteran guide on South Andros. The story goes Travis would run back to the house when he saw his dad's skiff head out for the day and "borrow" his fly rod. The gig was up when Harley pointed out "those are not my wind knots!" Since then, Travis has earned a reputation as one of the top flats guides around. He is based at Soul Fly Lodge in the Berry Islands, Bahamas. He is an enthusiastic hunter who has observed and researched the behaviors and habits of the species that live on the flats he calls home. He has a healthy passion/ obsession with permit that never seems to fade. He has become a tremendous flycaster and a talented teacher. Impressively quick to diagnose the needed tweak in the client's mechanics. A day on the water with Travis will create a memory for sure! Travis is on Instagram @flats_phantom  

Orlando Campos, otherwise known as NorCalKat respects the past and protects the future. He is first a fisherman who has the talents and skills to build plugs that are unique in their own way and made out of a need he has experienced. Everything I know about woodworking comes from my fishing partner, Mike Fixter.  Without his generosity in fast-tracking me on the ins and outs of making a Striper Plug, I wouldn't be where I am today. I am a big advocate for having a good fishery for all.  Education is the key to teaching everyone good habits and techniques in fishing.  I am part of the Catch and Release Crew and always offer good information on how we can improve and influence others in a positive manner.  

Steve McKenna has probably spent more time in the Rhody surf than almost anyone. Since college, he has put in the time required to gain meaningful insights, all the while keeping an open mind to how things could be improved. He is well known for developing the way to rig a Sluggo to swim more like an eel, for example. Steve is a kind and generous fisherman who is grateful for the experiences the surf has provided.

Ed Mitchell has published four saltwater fly fishing books and written dozens of magazine articles. He was an early supporter of striped bass conservation and was very involved in Amendment 3 (we are on Amendment 7 now).  Ed resides in Connecticut and regularly fishes in CT and South County in RI. He also spent fifteen June's on Martha's Vineyard. 

Hogy Lure Company was founded by Capt. Mike Hogan who designed and tweaked each product in the field. Capt. Mike has fished all over the country and has developed products and techniques along the way, all with big fish in mind. The company was started in 2004 when Capt. Mike left his office job in Boston and moved back to Cape Cod in order to get closer to fishing. He began running inshore and offshore charters again, focusing on trophy class fishing. He doesn't use live or dead bait, so he found himself needing baits for very specific situations to compete with live bait anglers. As a result, he saw a demand for large-style soft baits that mimicked the larger baits he was trying to imitate. Capt. Mike spent many months working on the special blend of soft plastic and finally came up with the current plastic blend that Hogy Lure Company uses today. He immediately saw how effective large soft baits were both inshore and off-shore. Never intending to bring the new lures to market, Capt. Mike used them on his charters and gave them to his friends who referred to them as “Hogy's” Capt. Mike's first experience selling Hogy Lures was at a sportsman show in Massachusetts. He remembered the mountain of soft baits he had on the table at a time when he didn't even have packaging. Much to his great pleasure, he sold out by early afternoon the first day. The same thing happened at the following show in Rhode Island. It was then that he knew he was on to something. In 2005, Hogy Lure Company was incorporated and later filed for a patent finally received in 2009.

Dave Anderson has many talents. He's a top Wiffle Ball talent, master plug builder, and very talented writer; but at the end of the day, he is a curious fisherman. Dave is always down to try something new and will forever be peeling the onion on his passion - surfcasting for striped bass. He is currently the Editor of The Fisherman magazine and was previously the Editor of Surfcasters Journal.

Rene is the consumate Captian. He can catch fish with the best of them, but he also provides a safe and fun experience. In that order. Nobody puts in more prep time into each trip than Rene. He works hard, has a long list of proven spots and he'll give it to you straight. If it could happen on the water from finding a school of squeteague to mechanical problems he's thought of it and is prepared with the right lure, fly or boat part whatever the case may be.  If you have fished with Rene you no doubt understand how deserving is of the Orvis 2020 Saltwater Guide of the Year honor.

J. Kenney Abrames is a Rhode Island treasure. He is the author of Striper Moon and A Perfect Fish two of the seminal works in fly rodding for striped bass, but to describe Kenney as a striper fisherman is to sell him very short. He's a talented artist. First and foremost. He has sculpted a larger-than-life Jesus, done ornate theater ceilings and molding, written a couple of non-fishing books, and a house full of paintings including every fly in A Perfect Fish. Above all, he's a generous man. Always there with a wise word and encouragement. I am fortunate to call him my friend. Kenney has a blog here

Tom Rosenbauer is the host of the Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast and has been with the Orvis Company for over 30 years, and while there has been a fishing school instructor, copywriter, public relations director, merchandise manager, editor of The Orvis News, and Marketing Director for Orvis Rod and Tackle. He is now the "Chief Enthusiast" Tom has more than ten fly fishing books in print, including The Orvis Fly-Tying Guide, which won a National Outdoor Book Award. When he was named Fly Rod & Reel magazine's Angler of the Year the magazine said: "People who meet him know the is as valid a fly fisherman as they come - honest, approachable, generous, dedicated, and enthusiastic." For a guy who has written ten books on fly fishing for trout Tom sure has a salty side which he describes: “I love false albacore, stripers. I have a love/hate relationship with tarpon, they get me all excited, but it’s a little too intense, and you can’t stalk them as much. I could give a ^*#@ about permit,” he said grinning. “As Steve Huff says, they’re a dishonest fish. You do everything right, and they still won’t eat the fly. Do everything right with a bonefish and they’ll usually eat.” Show Notes: We discuss Tom's fishing journey from Rochester NY to one of the most recognizable names in fly fishing. Tackle and tactics for striped bass on Cape Cod and Martha's Vineyard. His favorite flies, and places to catch bonefish. A focused discussion on flats fishing with a fly rod and how striped bass and bonefish tactics have many similarities. Other resources: The Orvis Fly Fishing Podcast  Orvis Fly Fishing Learning Center Striped Bass On The Fly Fly Fishing for False Albacore - Orvis Podcast Fish On: The Tom Rosenbauer Story

Captain Craig Cantelmo grew up on the East End of Long Island. He was introduced to surfcasting by his father and saltwater fishing became a life long passion. Today Craig is the Manager of Van Staal Fishing Products and has played a vital role in the creation of some of the leading surf, fly, and inshore reels in saltwater fishing. He is living proof that some folks can mix business with pleasure.

Captain BJ Silvia of Flippin Out Fishing Charters has been fishing Newport, Block Island, and Narragansett Bay his whole life. A life-long Aquidneck Island resident, he is a wealth of knowledge about fisheries, and effective techniques on top of that he is always experimenting. He has seen fisheries both decline and recover and is vocal in his commitment to creating and maintaining quality inshore fishing in the Ocean State. He is a regular speaker at saltwater fishing shows and has been featured on On The Water TV multiple times. While BJ is also a great striper fisherman if you want to get into tautog, fluke, and sea bass BJ is a great way to learn the ropes. Above all else, he loves to laugh and his customers have a lot of fun! 

Dennis Zambrotta is one of the most generous and curious people I know. Always looking to share what he knows and to learn something new himself. Be it up and coming folk bands, IPA's or steelhead his infectious enthusiasm lights up the room. Thankfully for the rest of us, Dennis is a passionate surfcaster and his generosity and curiosity carry over to that pursuit as well.  Dennis is the author of "Surfcasting Around the Block" a culmination of 20 years of research, interviews, multiple edits and re-writes. Not assembled like a typical "how-to" fishing book, it includes memoirs, short stories, articles about Block Island, Striped Bass, and surfcasting, as its central themes. You can buy "Surfcasting Around the Block" here Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

Capt Jack Sprengel is known for his edgy style and unique approach to the sport. A recreational angler by the age of 6, Jack’s professional career in sport fishing started at the age of 14 when he was hired by a local tackle shop.  There he was able to learn all aspects of the industry, not only from the marketing and retail perspective, but nearly every single form of sport fishing available today. The Captain learned by paying attention to the old-timers, working with commercial fishermen and getting out and honing his own unique style. By the age of 16, he was dialed in enough that shop customers began to pay him for the day to jump on their boats and help them catch more fish.  Capt Jack has nearly three decades of professional angling experience. In this time he has traveled the world in search of trophy game-fish, landing species from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, The Caribbean Sea and The Gulf of Mexico. An active writer and photographer Jack has been both featured and published in numerous outdoor publications including: “Saltwater Sportsman,” “Sport Fishing Magazine,” “On the Water,” “The Fisherman,” “Nor-east,” “Field and Stream,” and “Jig and Pop the World”  Learn more about Jack at https://www.eastcoastchartersri.com/ Don't forget to subscribe to the podcast!

Steve Culton lives in Connecticut and is a fly fishing guide and instructor, fly tier, and freelance writer. His work has appeared in Field and Stream, American Angler, The Flyfish Journal, The Drake, Flyfishing & Tying Journal, Eastern Fly Fishing, Fly Rod & Reel, and the Mid Atlantic Fly Fishing Guide. He regularly presents at fly fishing to clubs and organizations around the northeast, as well as at regional and national shows. Most of all, he's just a guy who loves fly fishing. His passions include trout, striped bass, steelhead, smallmouth bass, and small streams with wild brook trout populations. His website currentseams.com is a great place to keep up with Steve. Don't forget to subscribe to the show!

Jerry Audet is a dedicated surf fisherman, who fishes both plugs and flies. He loves trying to unlock the secrets of an area or particular spot; he is far less concerned with reeling the fish in or the “fight”. As such, he has become particularly known for his in-depth discussions of fishing philosophy, structure analysis, and plug/fly presentation. Jerry is a regular contributor to Surfcasters Journal, The Fisherman, and On the Water. Jerry also is an endurance athlete, holds a Ph.D. in Physiology and a BS in Biology, and is working to help conserve the striped bass for future generations. He resides in Worchester County, MA Learn more about Jerry at www.indeepoutdoors.com and @indeepoutdoors on Instagram and Facebook Don't forget to subscribe to the show!