Podcast D.Friel - Connected by Water

In this special episode of the Connected By Water podcast, we welcome back a familiar face to the show Jack Vitek, now Editor-In-Chief of Marlin Magazine. Jack’s no stranger here—he previously joined us representing the IGFA. This time, he shares what it’s been like transitioning to lead one of the most respected publications in the sportfishing world.

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In this third episode of a very special Connected By Water

Dr. Todd or, as Cory Redwine likes to call him, her “pocket

At this year’s event, the conservation efforts were nothing short of extraordinary. With the help of the local volunteer community and the Project SeaSafe crew, hundreds of new mangrove bombs were made and planted to help rebuild vital coastal habitats, and in a groundbreaking move, four million clams were released into the Indian River via drone, a revolutionary step in ecological restoration.

Join us for a look at the incredible work being done, and the people who are making it happen, in this inspiring episode of the Connected By Water Podcast. It’s a celebration of community, conservation, and a collective effort to make a lasting impact on Florida’s waters and wildlife.

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The Connected By Water Podcast is Fueled by Papa’s Pilar Rum

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@connectedbywater @papaspilar @starbrite_com @seawardsystems

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#connectedbywater #papaspilar #starbrite #TeamDoGooder

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In this second episode of a very special Connected By Water series, we’re on location at the 2025 4th Annual Star brite Project SeaSafe Clean Water Collective event, held at the Old Fish House Bar & Grill in Grant-Valkaria, Florida. Our guest is one of Star brite’s leading ambassadors, Blair Wiggins, who is among those on the forefront of this massive conservation effort.

Particularly, he shares details with us about his IRL Clam Restoration Project which is on its way to completing its astonishing mission

At this year’s event, the conservation efforts were nothing short of extraordinary. With the help of the local volunteer community and the

Throughout the episode, Blair shares his passion behind these projects and offers insights into the hard work and collaborations that go into protecting Florida’s waterways. The event also drew celebrities and influencers from the Florida fishing community; all coming together to celebrate and support conservation.

Join us for a look at the incredible work being done, and the people who are making it happen, in this inspiring episode of the Connected By Water Podcast. It’s a celebration of community, conservation, and a collective effort to make a lasting impact on Florida’s waters and wildlife.

•

The Connected By Water Podcast is Fueled by Papa’s Pilar

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@connectedbywater @papaspilar @starbrite_com @seawardsystems

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#connectedbywater #papaspilar #starbrite #TeamDoGooder

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In this special episode of Connected By Water, we’re joined by Dr. Aaron Adams, Director of Science and Conservation for Bonefish & Tarpon Trust (BTT). With decades of experience as a marine biologist, passionate angler and surfer, Dr. Adams brings a unique perspective on the science and soul behind the flats fisheries we love.

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In this first episode of a very special Connected By Water series, we’re on location at the 2025 4th Annual Star brite Project SeaSafe Clean Water Collective event, held at the Old Fish House Bar & Grill in Grant-Valkaria, Florida. Our guest is Star brite’s Conservation Director, Cory Redwine, who is at the forefront of this monumental conservation effort. Cory’s leadership and unwavering dedication to preserving and restoring Florida's natural resources have made her a key figure in the fight to protect our fisheries and coastal ecosystems.

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In this episode of the Connected By Water Podcast, we are thrilled to welcome Leiza Fitzgerald, the “Queen of Conservation” in the world of hunting and fishing. Leiza, the STAR tournament director for the Coastal Conservation Association (CCA), joins us to discuss this year’s STAR tournament, including all the new exciting details, rules, and opportunities for Florida anglers to win big. She urges Florida anglers to get involved and support the CCA’s mission to protect and preserve Florida’s fisheries for future generations.

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Join marine artist Dennis Friel on Connected By Water, where

Emily Hanzlik, a remarkable young woman who holds an astonishing 72 world fishing records at just 20 years old, shares her journey and the passion that drives her.

Zack Bellapinga, an IGFA staff member with a wealth of expertise, discusses his role in record qualification, youth programs, and IGFA-managed fishing tournaments, among many other tasks and responsibilities.

A major highlight of this episode is the unveiling of IGFA’s new record-keeping program tailored specifically for youth and junior anglers, providing fresh opportunities for the next generation of fishermen and women.

Tune in to hear about the future of fishing, world records, and the vital importance of protecting our oceans for generations to come. Connected By Water brings you closer to the world beneath the surface, celebrating the people and organizations making waves for sportsman, the outdoors, conservation and the preservation of marine and wildlife ecosystems

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The Connected By Water Podcast is Fueled by Papa’s Pilar Rum and Protected by Star brite

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@connectedbywater @starbrite @seawardsystems @partsvu

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#connectedbywater #papaspilar #starbrite #teamdogooder

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Capt. Jimmy Armel is about as deep as they get. He’s a retired 1st Ranger Battalion Sergeant who has completed an astounding and honorable six tours during his time overseas. He would have kept going if not for the Army forcing him to retire due to a TBI diagnosis in September 2016. Since then Jimmy has experienced every high a low life has to offer. His path back to domestic life hasn’t been the easiest, but he has overcome the darkest of times and now uses those lessons to help others who face similar challenges. Now working as a Captain out of Savannah, Georgia, Jimmy has been hunting and tagging Great Whites; among many other offshore endeavors. Along the way he has discovered a new passion. Yes, hunting Jurassic sharks has its thrill, but Jimmy started the Knot Lucky Foundation which helps combat veterans like him find their purpose in life again. And there is a lot to that that we discuss on this episode. I really hope you take a listen to or watch this episode because it’s a special one. And Jimmy is a special dude.

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The Connected By Water Podcast is Fueled by Papa’s Pilar Rum.

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We were delighted to have CEO of Untamed Angling Brazil and master fly fisherman, Rodrigo Salles, join us on the podcast. If you don’t know, Rodrigo runs one of the premier fishing lodge operations on the planet. The Untamed Angling group operates 9 locations throughout Brazil and Bolivia. This includes the famed Rio Marie lodge which credits over 15 world record fish to its name. Its also home to the renowned 5-Star “floating lodge” that takes you to different destinations along the river throughout your stay and has every amenity you could imagine.

I was captivated to hear about Rodrigo growing up in a place that we in the States consider so out of reach and exotic. Over time, he and his partners have grown this platform into one of the most special and unique fishing destinations in the world. It’s unheard of really, how they’ve pioneered this business to break new ground.

If you listen to or watch the podcast, you’ll hear amazing stories about how they worked with native tribes and both the Brazilian and Bolivian governments to secure the rights to fish and charter these extraordinary waters. You’ll find out how they defied odds and quite frankly were laughed at when suggesting catching new species like the Arapaima on fly. They worked in harmony with the tribes so their camps and lodges could provide for these native communities in ways never before seen.

It doesn’t stop with Arapaima though. These destinations have been well known for catching the world’s largest species of Peacock Bass, Golden Dorado and have revolutionized catching Payara on fly among many others. If you’re looking for an unforgettable adventure and trying to widen your portfolio and species caught, then look no further than Untamed Angling. You won’t find an operation that does it better.

It’s incredible to think about all the widespread types of fishing there are in the world, and yet we can still be such a tight knit community. That’s the power of being Connected By Water. Rodrigo is such an amazing person - Kind, genuine, intelligent and a wealth of knowledge when it comes to world-class angling. I think you’ll really love this episode.

For more on Untamed Angling visit their website: https://untamedangling.com/

Or find them on Instagram @untamedangling

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#connectedbywater #untamedangling #papaspilar #starbrite #teamdogooder #seawardsystems #olukai #flyfishing #fishing #amazon #fishinginbrazil #brasil #bolivia #podcast #fishingpodcast #igfa #cca #dfriel #dfrielart

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In this special episode, we are live from the Fort Lauderdale Boat show setting up shop at the Frontrunner booth. We shoot from the bow of their new 47ft center console with Captain Rick Murphy and his son, Ridge Murphy, for an inspiring conversation about family, fishing, and the powerful bond that connects them to the water. As a father-son duo who have spent countless hours on the boat, Rick and Ridge share personal stories from their experiences growing up on the water, lessons they've learned together, and the deep love they both have for the sport of fishing.

From navigating the waters of the Florida Keys to exploring the evolution of angling techniques and conservation efforts, this episode dives into what it means to pass down knowledge and tradition from one generation to the next. Tune in for an engaging discussion on the importance of family, the thrill of the catch, and the legacy of being "Connected by Water."

#connectedbywater #papaspilar #neveraspectator #starbrite #dogooder #waypointpodcasts #igfa #papasrawbar #fishing #fishingpodcast #floridapodcast #cleanwater #coastalconservation

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