On this episode of the East Pass Podcast, I sat down with David Krebs, founder and owner of Ariel Seafoods. A longtime leader in the commercial fishing industry, David’s impact reaches far beyond the docks and fish houses of the Gulf Coast.

Over the years, he has played an influential role in the Gulf’s Individual Fishing Quota (IFQ) Program, served as an Advisory Panel member for the Gulf of Mexico Fishery Management Council, and been a consistent advocate for sustainable fisheries and the future of the industry.

But before the policy discussions and industry leadership, David was a fisherman who began working these waters more than a half century ago.

In this episode, we talk about the early days on the Gulf, the evolution of the commercial fishing industry, the challenges fishermen face today, and some of the unforgettable adventures along the way.

Captain Jason Woodham got his start in the Gulf decades ago — and he hasn’t slowed down since. From blue marlin and cobia to chasing tarpon and redfish, Jason has built a career across some of the most diverse fisheries in the industry.

He’s fished everywhere from the Florida Keys and the Atlantic coast to Nova Scotia and beyond. In this episode, we sit down to talk about the early days, the lessons learned, and the adventures along the way that eventually led him to Okatie, South Carolina.

Dr David Conkle was a surgeon, a farmer, a fisherman, a loving husband, father, friend and more. Although his journey began on a farm in West Virginia, he eventually found himself on the gulf coast, submersed in a passion for fishing these waters. This zeal took him all over the world and also resulted in the building of multiple G&S boats that he lovingly named Miss Babbie, after his wife. Listen as we sit down and discuss life, fishing, family and friends, along with Capt Tommy Norred.

Captain David "Chief" Rojas has a history of fishing the waters off of Destin, FL that goes back nearly 80 years. Widely known for his shark fishing prowess, he's caught some giants, including one over 1,000 lbs. These accomplishments, and more, landed him a spot in the first class inducted into the Destin Fishing Hall of Fame. Listen as we sit down and talk about fishing, world records, early Destin, Indian artifacts and more!

Captain Robert Hill is one of the one of the winningest captains in Destin Fishing Rodeo History as well as a member of the Destin Fishing Hall of Fame! From giant groupers and tuna, to swordfish over 500 lbs he’s spent decades fishing his way to the top. Listen as we sit down and talk about his start in the industry cutting squid and chipping away at ice blocks and the journey that got him to where he is today!

Captain Josh Goodson got his start fishing the Gulf Coast. From charter and commercial fishing to the tournament circuit, he made a name for himself being part of some epic catches. Listen as we sit down and talk about some of the adventures that have taken him from the American Gulf Coast to Australia, Costa Rica, the DR, Cape Verde and more.

Affectionately known as the "Grimmel," Captain Olaf Grimkowski's love for fishing has taken him from the Azores and Ascension Island to Ghana, Croatia, Cape Verde and more. Listen as we sit down and talk about the early days, his first Marlin, world records, world-cup wins and a whole lot of adventure along the way.

Captain Marty Bates is a world-renowned fisherman, but there was a time when he was traveling the globe, walking the docks and trying to work his way onto a boat. Listen as we sit down and talk about the early days, his love for all things fishing and some of the adventures he's amassed from a lifetime at sea.

Sam Peters is the owner of Release Marine, Sta-Stuk hooks, the G&S “The Release Man” (the original “Sound Machine”) and more. He’s an avid angler and his passion has taken him all over the globe fishing, researching, developing and adventuring. Listen as the Savannah, Ga native sits down on a rooftop in Cape Verde, Africa and recounts a life spent in the industry.

Anthony Hsieh got his start at an early age with pier fishing, deck handing and 17' Boston Whalers, but has since expanded his operation into a world wide phenomenon. He's the driving force and mastermind behind the "Bad Company" world tour where he's assembled an armada that travels the globe in search of giant sea monsters. Listen as we sit down and talk about everything from the early days and "Young Guns" to swordfish, blue marlin, the world tour and a whole lot of the in-between!