The NJ Multi Species Podcast

Are flathead catfish taking over the Delaware River, and could blue catfish be the next major threat to New Jersey fisheries?

On Episode #169 of the NJ Multi Species Podcast, Joe Santiago and Kim Sorg welcome back Laura Yates, better known as the Flathead Queen!

Laura discusses her successful flathead catfish tournament series, which started as a charity fundraiser and has grown into a major competition attracting dedicated anglers and impressive payouts.

We discuss the expanding range of flathead catfish in the Delaware River, the controversy surrounding invasive species, fishing regulations in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, and the techniques needed to catch these giant predators.

We also welcome Rick from the Jersey Coast Shark Anglers to discuss their upcoming nine-day striped bass tournament, including entry fees, prize categories, and competition rules.

Plus, Joe shares an unbelievable eight-point buck hunting story, we cover the latest NJ fishing reports, review Multi Species Mayhem standings, and announce details for the upcoming December 12th Christmas Party.

From giant catfish to trophy stripers and everything in between, it's another episode packed with New Jersey fishing conversation!

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**SUFFER FOR THE FISH!**

Are New Jersey's aging dams preventing fish from reaching their natural habitats?

On Episode #168 of the NJ Multi Species Podcast, Joe Santiago and Kim Sorg welcome Brian Cowden of Trout Scapes River Restoration to discuss the impact of obsolete dams on New Jersey's waterways.

Brian explains why dams can threaten native brook trout, block striped bass and American shad migrations, warm trout streams, and prevent rivers from functioning naturally.

We dive into controversial locations including Lake Solitude, the Dundee Dam, the Musconetcong River, and the Paulins Kill. Brian also explains who owns these structures, how much removal costs, where funding comes from, and why some dams should remain in place.

Plus, Joe shares stories from an unbelievable Salmon River fishing trip, we discuss the latest fall fishing action, review Multi Species Mayhem standings, and celebrate Kim's birthday.

Should more of New Jersey's old dams be removed? Join the conversation!

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SUFFER FOR THE FISH!

A boat ramp, a decade-long neighborhood feud, local government disputes, and a $111 fine paid entirely in pennies!

On Episode #167 of the NJ Multi Species Podcast, Joe Santiago and Kim Sorg sit down with Keith from Father Time Fishing to hear his side of a controversial dispute with the Borough of Oceanport, New Jersey.

Keith shares how a disagreement involving his waterfront property evolved into years of legal issues, dock permit challenges, and accusations of selective enforcement. He discusses the removal of his boat ramp, his growing social media following, and why he decided to get involved in local politics.

We also explore the challenges of operating a charter fishing business from a waterfront residence, his houseboat ventures, and his hopes for resolving the ongoing dispute.

Plus, New Jersey fishing reports from the Fishmonger, The Gambler, Lake Hopatcong, and updates on upcoming NJ Multi Species events.

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New episodes every Friday at 12 noon.

Suffer for the Fish!

🚨 **NJ STOCKS THE FISH… SO WHY CAN'T WE FISH?**

On Episode #166 of the NJ Multi Species Podcast, Joe Santiago and Kim Sorg welcome **Mike Herman of Yellow Dog Paddle** for a controversial discussion about fishing access, state-stocked fisheries, and private reservoir restrictions in New Jersey.

Mike shares his firsthand experience at Merrill Creek Reservoir, where he says changing regulations led to him being banned from guiding clients and eventually fishing there personally.

🎣 **TOPICS INCLUDE:**

• Merrill Creek Reservoir fishing restrictions and controversial rule changes

• Why Yellow Dog Paddle was banned from guiding and fishing there

• Should NJ Fish & Wildlife continue stocking privately managed reservoirs with restricted public access?

• How fishing restrictions affect disabled anglers, seniors, and families

• Bass tournaments, parking issues, and limited fishing hours

• Newark Watershed fishing permits and access restrictions

• Should New Jersey require licenses and insurance for freshwater fishing guides?

• Lake trout, landlocked salmon, and Round Valley Reservoir management

• Seasonal closures, wildlife protection, and possible solutions for public access

PLUS: Joe and Kim discuss the incredible fall sea bass bite, early striped bass action, Lake Hopatcong hybrids and walleyes, and the latest NJ Multi Species Mayhem standings.

🔥 **WE WANT YOUR OPINION!**

If your fishing license helps pay for stocked fish, should you have reasonable access to catch them?

Join the conversation in our Multi Species Mayhem Facebook group!

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**SUFFER FOR THE FISH!**

#NJMultiSpecies #MerrillCreekReservoir #YellowDogPaddle #NewJerseyFishing #FishingAccess #FishingPodcast

Legendary angler Crazy Alberto Knie finally joins the NJ Multi Species Podcast!

Joe Santiago and Kim Sorg talk with Alberto about a lifetime of trophy hunting, including six striped bass over 60 pounds from shore, his line-class record, fishing logs, slack-tide trophy striper tactics and why the biggest fish can be “big, fat and lazy.”

Alberto also dives into blackfish, snakeheads, multi-species fishing, Tactical Anglers, supporting independent tackle shops and the story behind the legendary Alberto Knot.

He also opens up about his serious health scare, his recovery and how getting back outside to chase fish became part of his motivation.

Plus, Joe and Kim recap the NJ Multi Species Mayhem Pig Roast & Bonfire, Mayhem standings and the latest fall fishing action.

Suffer for the Fish.

Snakeheads, bowfin, topwater explosions and handcrafted New Jersey fishing lures!

Joe Santiago and Kim Sorg are joined by Frank from Seducer Lures for a freshwater-focused episode all about South Jersey snakehead fishing.

Frank explains where he targets snakeheads, how the fishery has expanded through South Jersey, what separates snakeheads from bowfin, seasonal fishing patterns, and why these aggressive fish have developed such a dedicated following.

We also dive into Seducer Lures and the unique floating-head design that allows anglers to turn different soft plastics into topwater presentations built to handle snakeheads.

Plus: Multi Species Mayhem standings, fall fishing reports, the upcoming Pig Roast, Joe's miserable muskie trip, and a preview of next week's discussion about the growing New Jersey shark-fishing controversy.

Suffer For The Fish!

#NJMultiSpecies #SnakeheadFishing #SeducerLures #NJFishing #SouthJerseyFishing #FreshwaterFishing #Bowfin #FishingPodcast

Captain Dave Savage and Dee from D&D Crabbing and Fishing Charters join Episode 163!

After fishing with Captain Dave ourselves, we wanted to find out how D&D has been putting together impressive South Jersey fluke trips during a challenging season.

Dave breaks down deep-water fluke fishing, light tackle, boat control, following bait, working wrecks and constantly moving to stay on fish. Then, for the first time in 163 episodes, we dive into crabbing and learn exactly how D&D's family-friendly blue crab trips work.

We also talk South Jersey tog fishing, catching your own blackfish bait, fishing different sides of wrecks, sea bass, giant bluefin sightings and the realities of running a successful charter operation.

Plus: Lip Glu Bass Throwdown results, Multi Species Mayhem standings, tilefish, The Gambler, hybrid stripers, Delaware River walleye and a tease for a huge surf-fishing guest next week.

Suffer for the Fish.

Capt. Paul Eidman of Menhaden Defenders returns to NJMSP for an important conversation about the current state of Atlantic menhaden.

Paul discusses the decline he's seeing in bunker, commercial harvest, Omega Protein, upcoming management decisions and why menhaden are critical not only to striped bass, but also tuna, whales, dolphins, ospreys, bald eagles and the entire coastal ecosystem.

Joe and Kim also recap some deep-water fluke fishing, cover the latest Multi Species Mayhem news, and preview the September 26 Pig Roast & Bonfire.

Then Dan Termini of Bluff Lures returns with an update on his Mantis lure. When we first saw it, the lure hadn't even hit the water yet. Now it's catching giant striped bass and cobia—and Dan thinks there could be plenty more species to come.

NJ Multi Species Podcast #162

Suffer for the Fish.

Scotty Sevens returns for Episode 161 of the NJ Multi Species Podcast for a passionate conversation about sheepshead, sharks, tuna, conservation, and the future of New Jersey fishing.

Scotty talks about his lifelong obsession with shark fishing, chasing bluefin tuna, the impact social media is having on fisheries, and why fishing should be about experiences and memories rather than likes and clout.

The conversation turns heavily toward New Jersey’s trophy sheepshead fishery, including selective harvest, Release Over 20, Scotty’s tagging efforts, the surprising movements he's observing, and why he believes these incredible fish need greater protection.

Joe also recaps the Multi Species Mayhem trip aboard The Gambler, and the crew previews upcoming conversations about menhaden, shark fishing, drones, and New Jersey fishing regulations.

Suffer for the Fish.

Samantha Rosario — The Reel Sam — joins Episode #160 of the NJ Multi Species Podcast to tell the story of how she went from a brand-new angler to building a rapidly growing fishing following in only about a year.

Sam got hooked immediately when her first fishing trip produced a 45+ inch striped bass from the surf. Since then, she has thrown herself into surfcasting, striped bass, freshwater bass fishing and learning everything she can about the sport.

We talk about her viral social media growth, a fishing video that reached nearly 900,000 views, dealing with online comments, being a woman in a traditionally male-dominated sport, her career as a fashion designer, and her plans to combine fishing with her creative work.

Sam also tells us why fishing has become a form of therapy for her and why tuna fishing is high on her list of what she wants to tackle next.

Plus: The Gambler Night Mayhem trip, the Multi Species Mayhem Pig Roast and Bass Throwdown, freshwater and saltwater standings, current New Jersey fishing, bluefin tuna and upcoming NJMSP guests.

Suffer for the Fish.