Saltwater Edge Podcast

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