Saltwater Edge Podcast - Sharing Our Passion For Saltwater Fishing

For over a decade, 24/7 Lures has been a staple in the world of custom wooden fishing lures, crafting high-quality, small-batch plugs designed for serious surf casters. In a recent episode of the Saltwater Edge Podcast, we sat down with Elliot Thomas, owner of 24/7 Lures, to discuss the evolution of wooden lure design, fishing tactics, and the impact of conservation-minded rigging.

The History and Evolution of 24/7 Lures

Elliot Thomas took over 24/7 Lures in 2017 after acquiring the brand from Jeff Dunbar, who had previously acquired it from Al Gag. The company has maintained its dedication to high-quality craftsmanship while incorporating modern refinements. Over the years, 24/7 Lures has redesigned several of their classic models to improve performance and longevity.

One of the company's most notable recent innovations is the introduction of flag-rigged lures, designed to reduce post-release mortality for striped bass. Studies have shown that a single belly hook combined with a flag on the back of the lure significantly decreases injury to released fish, making this setup a game-changer for conservation-conscious anglers.

Why Needlefish and Darters Are Essential

During our conversation, Elliot emphasized the effectiveness of needlefish and darter lures, two of his personal favorites. He noted that needlefish lures are incredibly versatile, mimicking various baitfish and moving through the water naturally. Darters, on the other hand, provide a more subtle but equally effective presentation, often enticing strikes when other lures fail.

"Needlefish and darters do something no other lure does," Elliot explained. "They sneak through the water naturally, presenting a subtle but irresistible target for striped bass."

The Role of Color in Lure Selection

Color is often a hot topic among anglers, and Elliot had a refreshing take on it: "I don't think color matters nearly as much as people think." While some fishermen swear by specific colors for different conditions, Elliot believes that presentation, movement, and silhouette are far more important than the color itself.

However, he does recognize the importance of contrast, particularly in topwater lures like spooks and pencils. "When I'm fishing a spook, I want it to stand out. That's where a bright head or contrasting back can really help," he noted.

Conservation Efforts: Flag-Rigged Lures for a Healthier Fishery

One of the most important takeaways from our discussion was the push towards conservation-focused lure rigging. The traditional treble hook setup has long been associated with increased injury to fish, but recent studies have demonstrated that switching to a single belly hook and a flag on the rear of the lure can cut post-release mortality rates to under 4%.

"Jerry Audet and Dave Anderson have been huge proponents of this change," Elliot said. "For me, it was an easy decision. We already knew single hooks were better for fish, and the study just confirmed it."

The Craft of Lure Building and Future Innovations

Beyond fishing strategy, Elliot also shared insights into the meticulous craftsmanship that goes into each 24/7 lure. From hand-sealed and painted wooden bodies to carefully tested weighting and balance, every lure is a product of both tradition and modern innovation.

When asked about future plans, Elliot hinted at continuing to refine existing models and possibly expanding the range to include more conservation-friendly options. "I'm not here to reinvent the wheel," he said. "But I do want to make sure we're making the best lures possible while keeping the fishery healthy."

Where to Find 24/7 Lures

If you're interested in trying out 24/7 Lures for yourself, you can find them online at Saltwater Edge. Elliot also frequently attends tackle shows, offering anglers the chance to see his work in person and talk shop.

For more expert fishing insights, tackle tips, and conservation updates, be sure to subscribe to the Saltwater Edge Podcast and follow us for future episodes!

Key Takeaways from This Episode:

• 24/7 Lures carries on a legacy of high-quality wooden lure craftsmanship.

• Needlefish and darters are must-have lures for striped bass anglers.

• Color matters less than presentation—contrast is more important.

• Switching to flag-rigged lures significantly reduces post-release mortality.

• Handmade lures continue to offer unmatched quality and performance.

For more information, visit 247lures.com or stop by Saltwater Edge to explore the latest in custom wooden plugs!

The Saltwater Edge Podcast recently welcomed a special guest, Dr. Aaron Adams—an esteemed marine scientist, author, and avid angler with over 35 years of experience in fish ecology and conservation. As the Director of Science and Conservation at Bonefish Tarpon Trust, Dr. Adams bridges the gap between complex scientific research and practical fishing advice, making him the perfect voice for anglers eager to deepen their understanding of saltwater habitats.

Insights From Dr. Adams

Growing up near the Chesapeake Bay, Dr. Adams witnessed firsthand the impact of ecosystem decline. This early exposure ignited his lifelong dedication to fish conservation and ecological research. His books and work emphasize the importance of habitat-focused angling, flipping the traditional script of "chasing fish" by encouraging anglers to start by studying the environment first.

Books Mentioned in the Podcast

During the conversation, host Peter Jenkins referenced several of Dr. Adams' works that have become essential reading for anglers seeking to level up their fishing game:

1. Fisherman's Coast A foundational guide that introduces the importance of understanding habitat when fishing, covering everything from coastal ecosystems to tidal influences.

2. Saltwater Prey This book dives deeper into the behaviors of prey species and how anglers can match the patterns to outsmart game fish.

3. The Orvis Guide to Fly Fishing for Coastal Gamefish Expanding on Fisherman's Coast, this guide includes updates on tides, fish vision, and how different habitats influence fishing strategies.

For those looking to sharpen their angling skills and apply ecological principles, these books are invaluable. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just beginning your saltwater journey, tuning into this podcast episode is a step toward fishing smarter by understanding the intricate dance between predator, prey, and habitat.

Show Notes:

00:33 Meet Dr. Aaron Adams: Marine Scientist and Avid Angler 02:19 The Science Behind Fishing Techniques 04:54 Understanding Fish Behavior and Habitat 07:31 Fishing in Different Environments 11:03 Impact of Environmental Factors on Fishing 26:55 Exploring New Fishing Spots 34:45 The Onboard Computer of Fishing 35:19 The Debate on Keeping Logs 38:06 Broadcast Spawning Explained 42:36 Economic Impact of Fisheries 44:51 The Intersection of Science and Fishing 54:05 Tips for Better Angling 01:04:20 Bonefish Tarpon Trust Initiatives 01:07:05 Conclusion and Resources

As the frost of winter lingers, the team at The Saltwater Edge has been keeping busy, preparing for the warmer days ahead. In our latest group podcast, Coby, John, Cyril, Tyler, and Eric gathered to chat about their recent winter adventures, fishing highlights, and the excitement of spring fishing on the horizon.

Winter Adventures

While the icy winds kept many indoors, the crew embraced the season in their own ways. Tyler and Coby took to the Deerfield River for a memorable trout fishing trip, complete with good catches, a close call with the water, and plenty of laughs. Cyril experimented with saltwater jigs in freshwater, landing some impressive lake trout. Meanwhile, Tyler ventured into his first duck-hunting season, bringing back both exciting stories and a mouthwatering recipe for duck flatbread pizza.

Spring Preparations

The team is already gearing up for a promising spring. Tyler is ready to hit the herring runs, while Coby is preparing his fly rod to test new shrimp patterns in some of his favorite spots. John, always experimenting, plans to continue his early spring success with rooster tails and wake baits. Each team member is eager for those first topwater bites and the buzz of peak fishing season.

Upcoming Events

The excitement doesn't stop there! We're thrilled to announce our annual Plug Kickoff Show, happening on April 5th, showcasing some of the best gear and lures to jumpstart your season.

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.

Episode Breakdown

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