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Rich and Jay explore the differences and surprising similarities between freshwater and saltwater fishing, proving that techniques from one world can successfully translate to the other.

• Jay discusses his journey from casual angler to creator of the 45,000-member Kayak Fishing Dads Facebook group
• Detailed breakdown of transitional bass fishing tactics as summer gives way to fall
• Why suspending jerkbaits often outperform floating models for subsurface presentations
• How freshwater bass tactics can be effectively applied to saltwater striped bass fishing
• Candid conversation about whether forward-facing sonar and spot lock technology constitute "cheating"
• The pros and cons of baitcasting versus spinning gear for different fishing scenarios
• Jay's experience transitioning from GoPro to Insta360 cameras for fishing content creation
• Recommendations for must-watch fishing YouTube channels including Christine Fisher and Greg Blanchard

If you're interested in joining the Fat Dad Fishing Show for a tog fishing charter out of Atlantic City this December, stay tuned for more details coming soon.

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Captain Kayla Hale shares multi-species fishing strategies for the northern Chesapeake, from striped bass tactics to smallmouth techniques. She reveals exciting news about her custom Rockproof jet boat being built for her guide service.

• Fish below surface commotion for bigger striped bass
• Minnow plugs and glide baits produce quality stripers in the fall
• Striped bass migration patterns change from Chesapeake Bay to New Jersey beaches
• Blue catfish pose serious threat to Chesapeake ecosystem unlike snakeheads
• Winter white and yellow perch fishing on ultralight tackle offers excellent cold-weather opportunity
• Brackish Babes all-female fishing team competing in Tiki Lee's rockfish tournament
• Finding joy in seeing others catch trophy fish is part of the guiding experience

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We dive deep into the art and science of fishing rod selection with returning guest John Creeley, former co-host and current rod builder for Advanced Fishing USA. This episode unpacks everything from rod action to material composition to help you make better equipment choices for your target species.

• Every rod has a specific purpose - no single rod is perfect for all applications
• Rod actions (extra-fast to slow) significantly impact hook-setting ability and sensitivity
• For sheepshead and tog, moderate action rods provide the perfect blend of feel and forgiveness
• Weakfish and species with paper mouths benefit from slower action to prevent hook tears
• Fast action rods excel for topwater applications and accurate casting for striped bass
• Spinning gear offers better hookup ratios for jigging tog and sheepshead compared to conventional
• Spiral (acid) wrapping reduces fatigue during vertical fishing and improves bite detection
• Cork grips provide better feel but foam offers comfort for extended fights with large fish
• Custom rods allow for personalization of grip size, guide placement, and action for your specific needs
• Rod demo days provide the best opportunity to test different models before purchasing

Advanced Fishing USA is hosting a rod demo event in Seaside Park on Sunday, the 28th from 10 to 2. Visit to cast Century, JS, and Striker rods with free parking and admission near Stewart's Root Beer in Seaside Heights.

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Benji Crabbing and Fishing joins us to share his journey from passionate angler to charter captain, offering a wealth of knowledge about backwater fishing opportunities in coastal New Jersey waters.

• Benji recently became a licensed charter captain after years of preparation and learning from fellow anglers
• Late summer flounder fishing has tapered off earlier than expected this year
• Blackfish (tautog) fishing around bridges provides exciting action even in backwaters
• Sheepshead fishing requires patience but can be rewarding when combined with targeting other species
• Crabbing remains productive using chicken necks as bait in topless traps
• New Jersey regulations require hard shell crabs to measure at least 4.5 inches
• Building relationships with other anglers is crucial for expanding fishing knowledge
• Equipment for fishing and content creation doesn't need to be expensive to be effective
• Water safety should always be a priority following recent boating accidents

To book a charter with Benji, visit crabbinfishing.com or find him on Facebook and other social media platforms. Whether you're interested in catching fish or harvesting crabs, Benji promises a fun and educational experience.

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Captain Joey Leggio shares his expertise on targeting Cobia off the coast of New York, revealing how this once-rare trophy fish has become a viable target species. We explore effective techniques for finding and catching these powerful gamefish, along with the shifting fisheries that have brought them north.

• When sharks appear (especially blacktips and spinners), Cobia are likely following close behind
• Position downwind of bunker schools rather than casting directly into them
• Use a "knocker rig" with light weight and fluorocarbon leader instead of heavy snag hooks
• Keep the first hooked Cobia in the water to attract followers, just like with mahi
• Always have multiple rods ready with both live/chunk baits and artificials like bucktails or eel imitations
• Cobia season typically runs from June through early September in New York waters
• Climate change appears to be shifting fisheries northward, bringing southern species like Cobia to NY
• Capitalize quickly when Cobia appear – opportunities may be brief
• Look for Cobia following cow nose rays and large bunker schools
• If a snagged bunker dies or spins unnaturally, replace it immediately for better results

If you'd like to support Captain Leggio during his recovery from a recent prop strike accident, please consider contributing to the GoFundMe linked in the show notes.

https://gofund.me/86614fd5

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False albacore season is approaching fast, and we're diving into everything you need to know about targeting these explosive gamefish. Rob Crossley shares his expertise on gearing up and tactics for the brief but thrilling albie run that hits Northeast waters in late summer.

• Using fast-action 7'3" rods with more glass for the right balance of accuracy and strength
• Selecting 20-pound braid with 20-pound fluorocarbon leader for optimal casting and fighting power
• Choosing epoxy jigs as primary lures and switching hook orientation for better hookups
• Approaching schools carefully—staying 10-20 yards back while casting beyond feeding fish
• Looking for birds, single jumping fish, and "nervous water" as indicators of albie presence
• Expecting different feeding patterns throughout the day with early morning, mid-day and evening bites
• Understanding the importance of mimicking exact bait profiles albies are targeting
• Watching for late August/early September storms that typically push albies inshore
• Differentiating between false albacore, bonito, and Spanish mackerel when they're mixed together

Get your gear ready and keep an eye on the weather—when albies show up, they'll be here and gone before you know it!

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Late summer fluke fishing offers unique challenges and opportunities as water temperatures rise and fish begin transitioning from bays to inlets. With the right approach, anglers can still enjoy productive fishing despite changing conditions.

• Understanding beach structure is critical - focus on troughs between beach and sandbars rather than deep holes
• Lighter tackle outperforms heavy gear in the surf - 7' medium rods with 3000-series reels and 15lb braid
• Use lighter bucktails (3/8-3/4oz) with ball heads that won't dig into sand
• 75% of fluke strikes come on teasers positioned 18" above the bucktail or sinker
• Consider fishing at night when water is cooler and fish feed more aggressively
• Don't hesitate to use large baits - fluke will attack surprisingly large offerings
• Fish current seams and breaks around jetties where fish hold to avoid fighting strong flow
• Scented baits and clean hands make a difference - nicotine and gasoline are known fish deterrents
• Inlets are becoming increasingly productive as fluke begin their offshore migration
• Safety on jetties should be your priority - wear proper footwear and watch for waves

If you enjoy the show, please make sure to follow, leave a review, and share with fellow anglers. Check out the 71st Annual LBI Surf Fishing Classic running August 30th to November 30th with $25,000 in prizes and a new fluke division at lbisfc.com.

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Fat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTube
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Rich Natoli welcomes saltwater fishing legend John Skinner to discuss fluke and striped bass fishing strategies up and down the East Coast, exploring the nuances of finding keeper-sized fish during a challenging season.

You'll pick up cinder worm hatch strategies, hear the results of a "lights on the water" experiment, and John's encounter with a murderer! 

If you enjoy the show, hit follow and leave a review - it helps us grow and attract more great guests like John.

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Fat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTube
Fat Dad Instagram: @fat.dad.fishing
Fat Dad Facebook: (7) Fat Dad Fishing | Facebook

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Support the show

Fat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTube
Fat Dad Instagram: @fat.dad.fishing
Fat Dad Facebook: (7) Fat Dad Fishing | Facebook

Send us a text

Support the show

Fat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTube
Fat Dad Instagram: @fat.dad.fishing
Fat Dad Facebook: (7) Fat Dad Fishing | Facebook