Today’s guest on the Saltwater Edge Podcast is a passionate, lifelong fisherman and a tough salty bastard, but those are table stakes for being an effective fisheries advocate. Stir in a deep respect for the past and an unwavering ability to focus on “fish first” as your North Star, and you get the best in the game.

The American Saltwater Guides Association is a young organization founded in 2018 that has grown rapidly due to its core values of science, education, and advocacy. Today’s guest conceived of an organization with a “fish first science-based” approach to fisheries management. He recruited me to serve as Chairman, which has been some of the most gratifying work of my career. He is the rare combination of a patient strategist playing the long game and a very effective “sales guy” when he sees the right opportunity.

Please welcome the 2024 Garden and Gun Conservation Award winner, ASGA President and Policy Director and “not everybody's cup of tea” Tony Friedrich.

Show notes: Peter Jenkins, the host of the Saltwater Edge podcast, interviews Tony Friedrich, President and Policy Director of the American Saltwater Guide Association. They discuss various fishing tactics, fisheries management, and conservation efforts. Friedrich shares his journey from growing up passionate about fishing, influenced by his family and mentors like Lefty Kreh, to leading impactful advocacy work with ASGA. They highlight ASGA's science-based approach to fisheries management, focusing on public education and building an 'advocate army' to influence policy. Key discussions include the economic impact of fisheries, challenges in fisheries management, and current efforts to protect species like striped bass and false albacore. 00:34 Introducing Today's Guest: Tony Friedrich 01:44 Tony's Early Life and Passion for Fishing 08:20 Mentorship and Influences: Lefty Kreh 20:34 Fisheries Management and Conservation Efforts 22:24 Challenges in Fisheries Advocacy 32:12 The Importance of False Albacore Management 34:54 Hitting a Wall: The Need for Science 35:12 Community Engagement and Advocacy 35:54 Building an Advocate Army 36:35 Success Stories and Wins 37:17 Skill Training for Advocacy 37:48 The Importance of a Unified Voice 38:55 Upcoming Events and Key Dates 40:09 Expanding Conservation Efforts 45:12 Economic Impact of Fisheries 48:57 The Value of Recreational Fisheries 55:58 Challenges and Future Directions 59:55 Personal Reflections and Final Thoughts

In this episode of the Saltwater Edge podcast, host Peter Jenkins welcomes Captain Craig Cantelmo from Van Staal Fishing Products. The discussion dives into the history and evolution of Van Staal's iconic fishing reels, from their inception to the modern VS and VR series. They discuss engineering innovations, material choices, and the impact of braided lines on reel design. The conversation also covers Van Staal's distinctive fishing pliers and fly reels, highlighting their design features and durability. This episode offers a comprehensive look at Van Staal’s long-standing tradition in surf and inshore fishing gear.

Special thanks to Iron Mike Everin for sharing his extensive collection of Van Staal products. Come check out the display in the Education Corner of the shop.

Take a look at one of the early Van Staal catalogs here 00:00 Introduction to Saltwater Edge Podcast 00:34 Special Episode with Captain Craig Cantelmo 01:33 History and Evolution of Van Stall Reels 03:58 Technical Innovations and Design Philosophy 11:51 Van Stall's Market Journey and Collaborations 19:11 Introduction to VR Reels 19:41 The VR 50 and Market Impact 20:38 Evolution of Van Staal Reels 24:12 The Iconic Van Staal Pliers 29:47 The CVEX Fly Reel Revolution 36:31 Van Staal's Entry into Tuna Fishing 38:11 The X Series and Modern Innovations 40:10 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

John Skinner is a renowned author and videographer with over 50 years of saltwater fishing experience. He is particularly well-known for his expertise in surfcasting for striped bass, albies, and fluke. 

His "real job" as a computer scientist at the prestigious Brookhaven Nnational Labratory means he always asks why? This curiosity has served the surfcasting community very well.

Over the years, he has contributed to various publications, including On the Water, The Surfcaster's Journal, and Shallow Water Angler. He is known for his methodical and productive approach to fishing. Recently retired, he now splits his time between Eastern Long Island, New York, and Pine Island, Florida.

He shares his knowledge through a top-rated YouTube channel and several self published books. He is one of the authors that I find myself rereading the most.

Saltwater Edge Podcast: 2024 Gear Highlights, Tips & Stories 

Join the Saltwater Edge team for an engaging roundtable discussion as they reflect on the 2024 saltwater fishing season. Packed with expert insights, gear recommendations, and fishing stories, this episode is perfect for anglers looking to up their game.

00:00:05 – 00:00:48 Welcome to the Saltwater Edge team takeover! Meet the crew as they kick off a season recap, sharing their experiences with this year’s inconsistent fishing patterns.

00:00:49 – 00:13:32

• Kayak Fishing: Tyler dives into using Magnum Spoons for targeting deep-water bass.
• Essential Lures: The 24/7 Needlefish and Surface Eraser take center stage for their reliability in surfcasting.
• Bucktail Talk: Learn about the importance of quality bucktails and their versatility.

00:13:33 – 00:32:10

• Tackle Spotlight: The Nitecore neck light, TitanDiver hooks, and Jyg Pro Swim jigs are showcased as game-changing tools.
• Hot Lures: Yo-Zuri Mag Minnows and the Tsunami Split Tail helped the team adjust to finicky fish behavior.

00:32:11 – 00:50:20

• Outerwear Must-Have: Discover the Splash Cast Jacket, a lightweight, waterproof pullover perfect for surf and boat anglers.
• Rods and Reels: Highlights include the Loomis Super Surf G3 and Penn Authority reels, tested in tough conditions.
• Tuna Gear: RonZ Lures were the team’s top choice for dead-sticking during offshore trips.

00:50:21 – 01:07:28

• Fly Fishing Favorites: Explore Blaine Chocolate’s Jerk Changer and the Rio Coastal QuickShooter XP line for effortless casting.
• Soft Plastics & Jigging Rods: Super Snacks and Jigging World Night Ranger rods proved to be versatile options for multiple species.
• Closing Thoughts: The team reflects on the gear that defined their season and teases future podcast formats.

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 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 and policies. 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 saltwater fishing skills with guidance from his father. Throughout his life, surfing in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island consumed most of his time away from light tackle and saltwater fly 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 light tackle 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 of surfcasting 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