The Speckled Truth Podcast

In this two-part episode, we talk with Jimmy Burns, owner of Waterloo Rods.  As a south Texas native, he shares his upbringing and how he acquired Waterloo Rods.  Over the years, Waterloo has made its mark in the industry being know as some of the best rods available.  They also have one of the best tackle stores in the country for targeting inshore species.  Jimmy shares how they got there and what it takes to stay on top!  Hope you enjoy!  

In this two-part episode, we talk with Jimmy Burns, owner of Waterloo Rods.  As a south Texas native, he shares his upbringing and how he acquired Waterloo Rods.  Over the years, Waterloo has made its mark in the industry being know as some of the best rods available.  They also have one of the best tackle stores in the country for targeting inshore species.  Jimmy shares how they got there and what it takes to stay on top!  Hope you enjoy!  

In this episode, Captain Kyle Johnson sits down with the director of production for Grundéns Curtis Graves to talk about all things outdoor apparel. They cover from the design to long term care of GORE-TEX to get the most out of your investment. Curtis sheds some light on the process of making some of the toughest gear on the market made for the harshest conditions.

In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with Mr. Dakus Geeslin, Deputy Director, Coastal Fisheries Division at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). They not only discuss the chronological events of the 2021 Texas Freeze but explore TPWD’s response to its devastating effects. Here, Dakus lends some transparency and insight to the events that preceded the event but also how they came up with the emergency measures as a result of creel limit response. Lastly, they talk about the effects of the hatchery and its influence to the post freeze recovery. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with Captain Josh Sutton from North Carolina to talk about finding his venture as an inshore guide. Facing a major setback in his early life, Captain Josh shares how trout fishing presented his true calling in life and how he overcame those struggles. Lastly, they dive into throwing top waters for big trout. It’s an episode you don’t want to miss!

In this episode, Captain Chris talks big trout along the Texas Middle Coast with one of the best, Captain Brett Sweeny. As a Guide in the Matagorda Complex, he shares how he got his start as well as his past tournament success. In addition, they discuss the Dirty 30 and state citation data, and the state of the region since the 2021 Freeze. Lastly, Captain Brett shares some incredible catches and what drives him to be the best guide and tournament angler he can be. This is an episode you don’t want to miss.

In this episode, Captain Kyle sits down with Rob and Bill from Hook and Bullet Sunglasses to discuss how choosing the right lenses can lead to catching more fish. They give great insight into their process to provide purpose-built optics for any fishing situation. They also explore some myths about fishing lenses and give advice on choosing the right lenses for the right job, especially targeting big trout on the flats. Hope you enjoy!

In this episode, Chris sits down with one of the youngest guides in the Texas Fleet - Captain Joe Prado. Aside from talking about how he targets big trout in the lower Laguna, he also shares a younger perspective at long term fishery sustainability and how he plays a role in that endeavor.  So whether you’re interested in how a young guide gets his start or Fatboy floaters for big trout, this episode is a good listen!

In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with Coastal Conservation Association President Pat Murray. We discuss his early days of guiding the Texas Coast to becoming the leader of a national organization aimed at protecting fisheries and habitat across so many state spectrums. From old fishing stories to challenges facing the everyday angler, this is a great listen.

In this conversation, Chris and Kyle catch up on all things Chandeleur and Conservation.  For those that don't know, Captain Kyle from Coastal Waters Outfitters is one of the triad that makes up the Speckled Truth.  Since he became a full-time guide, he talks about growing his business, which includes Chandeleur Day Trips, and how incorporating a conservation approach has opened new doors into the industry.  Simply put, this is a long overdue conversation between the two and we hope you enjoy this 2-part episode.