On this week's Reel Talk, Amanda took a trip up north to fish with Captain Andrew Meyer for snook and trout.

National Safe Boating Week is ahead of Memorial Day weekend every year, and that is no coincidence. Memorial Day weekend is referred to as the unofficial start of summer, and although many Floridians use their boats year-round, there are still plenty who take their boats out for the first time over the three-day weekend. Captain Peg Phillips joins Amanda Holly to let you know exactly what you need on your boat before you hit the water.

Reel Talk is the exclusive podcast of WFLA News Channel 8.

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Amanda sits down with FWC officer Aaron Gonzales to talk about these different options and what they are looking for while out on the water.

The Wounded Veterans Fishing Challenge hosted by the Sarasota Yacht Club is in its sixth year. The event partners with the organization No Person Left Behind Outdoors to bring together veterans and their spouses for a two-day event focused on collaboration.

Reel Talk is the exclusive podcast of WFLA News Channel 8.

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Dr. Chris Anastasiou joined Amanda Holly on her podcast, Reel Talk, this week to discuss the health of seagrasses in Tampa Bay over the years and what we can do to help keep them healthy.

Reel Talk is the exclusive podcast of WFLA News Channel 8.

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Fishing tournaments with a great cause. This week, Amanda discusses Fishing Funds the Cure, a local fishing tournament with Chris Geib and Michael Douglas.

Reel Talk is the exclusive podcast of WFLA News Channel 8.

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Being able to read the bottom can make or break a day of fishing. This week, Amanda and Captain Ryan Amaturo discuss the importance of having your machine dialed in and knowing what to look for is crucial.

They also discuss different types of bottom off the Tampa Bay coastline and what you can catch in each area.

North of Tampa Bay features a slightly different bottom structure than areas south.

Reel Talk is the exclusive podcast of WFLA News Channel 8.

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March, April, and May are filled with fishing tournaments in the Tampa Bay area, and for good reason, the bite is usually on fire!

Captain Ryan Amaturo is frequently a captain for these tournaments and has tips on how to be successful in catching redfish, trout, and snook.

A few of the tournaments include:

The Chad Day fishing tournament March 27 - 29th

The Gilbane Reel to Heal tournament in support of Tampa General Hospital is next week on April 2nd

Fishing Funds the Cure run by the National Pediatric Cancer will be held April 9th and 10th

Casting for Cardiac Kids hosted by Johns Hopkins All Children's Hospital will be April 23rd and 24th

The Wounded Veterans tournament in Sarasota will be held May 1st and 2nd

These are just a few of the tournaments being held over the next month that Amanda will take part in.

Amanda and Ryan also discuss George Poveromo's National Seminar Series. The Seminar will be returning to television this year, but George will be hosting a premier party at Bass Pro Shops in Brandon this weekend. The event will run from 3:30 to 6:30 pm and will premiere a 2026 seminar series episode.

Amanda and Ryan will both be there, along with several other local charter captains, sharing stories and tips on our local fishery.

The event is free and includes door prizes and complimentary refreshments. Although it is free, you are asked to register here to account for everyone who might attend.

Reel Talk is the exclusive podcast of WFLA News Channel 8.

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Tackle is a basic necessity for any fisherman! Offshore fishing requires slightly bigger tackle and varies depending on what you want to target.

This week, Amanda sits down with Captain Ryan Amaturo to talk about lighter tackle snapper fishing and heavier gear grouper or bottom fishing. Amaturo also gives tips on how to tie several useful knots to use inshore and offshore fishing.

Reel Talk is the exclusive podcast of WFLA News Channel 8.

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The grey triggerfish is a tasty fish to target when their season is open. The current season opened March 1st and runs through May 31st before closing again for the summer. The season will reopen August 1st through December 31st.

In this week’s Reel Talk, Captain Ryan Amaturo details where he finds them in the Gulf waters and how he typically catches them.

Him and Amanda also look ahead to the blackfin tuna that will start showing up as the water temperatures warm into the lower 70s.

Reel Talk is an exclusive podcast of WFLA News Channel 8.

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YouTube: https://bit.ly/4q8Whjz