Saltwater Edge Podcast - Sharing Our Passion For Saltwater Fishing

• The True Value of a Fish: Economics of Recreational Fishing with Dr. Ben Meadows

  In this episode of the Saltwater Edge Podcast, we welcome Dr. Ben Meadows—fisheries economist, conservationist, and passionate redfish angler—for a fascinating dive into the real value of recreational fishing. From the dockside price of a fillet to the unspoken joy of watching fish swirl in the surf, Dr. Meadows breaks down how economic tools can (and can’t) capture what fishing means to us. We explore how traditional models fall short in valuing catch-and-release, why property rights matter in fishery policy, and how anglers—from fly fishers to surfcasters—can use economic insight to advocate for the resource we all share. Whether you're a policy nerd, weekend warrior, or just wondering what your striper trip is “worth,” this one’s for you.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Dr. Ben Meadows: economist, angler, and former SEC kicker 04:00 – Redfish, cheap thrills, and the roots of a fishing obsession 06:30 – What does it really mean to maximize fishing value? 10:30 – Commercial fisheries: economics, incentives, and extinction 15:00 – Why monopolies might (strangely) be the best for fish stocks 19:00 – Property rights: the key to sustainable commercial fishing 23:00 – The real value of catch-and-release 30:00 – Non-market valuation tools explained 38:00 – Even a bluefish and bad day can have economic value 42:00 – Why stock abundance matters as much as harvest 45:00 – Building a bigger tent for recreational anglers  

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• Surfcasting Alphas: Pete Utschig on Big Fish, Tides, and Tactical Preparation

  In this episode, Pete Utschig returns to the Saltwater Edge Podcast to talk surfcasting strategy, big fish mindset, and the lifelong pursuit of “alpha” predators. From his days in the firehouse to chasing tarpon in Florida and roosterfish in Baja, Pete shares what it takes to consistently find success from the surf. We cover the power of preparation, why confidence trumps plug color, and how moon tides, weather patterns, and current windows dictate your shot at a true trophy. If you’re serious about stripers—or just love hearing how passion and persistence play out on the water—this one’s a must. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro and welcome back Pete 01:08 – Surfcasting passion and conservation roots 02:45 – “Spend time to make time”: Planning and tide prep 04:00 – How firefighting shaped Pete’s approach to fishing 07:10 – Guide life in Northeast Florida: species and seasons 09:30 – Baja roosterfish and fishing the Pacific surf 11:30 – DIY tuna in Portugal: heartbreak and redemption 15:00 – The FG knot failure that changed everything 17:00 – Always be ready: preparing for the alpha 22:00 – Plan A, B, and C: Adapting to conditions 24:30 – Using logs and patterns to predict big fish windows 27:00 – Pete’s minimalist 5x5x5 plug strategy 31:00 – Current finders, cheat codes, and why confidence matters 34:00 – How to fish smarter, not just harder 42:00 – Storm tactics: Before, during, and after 45:00 – Moon tides and reading short windows 48:00 – Finding big fish after a blow 51:30 – Final takeaways and Florida guide updates Brought to you by Saltwater Edge Shop gear, learn more, and explore the water smarter at saltwateredge.com. Use code TANMAN for free shipping.

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• Captain Brian Kelly - Bunker School Strategy: Lures, Spoons & Flies

  In this episode of the Saltwater Edge Podcast, host Peter Jenkins sits down with Captain Brian Kelly, a New England light tackle and fly fishing guide with deep knowledge of Cape Cod and Massachusetts Bay. Brian shares his journey from Montana guide school to full-time guiding on his Parker 18', and gives a tactical breakdown of fishing around bunker schools—from identifying bait behavior to deploying the right gear. We talk seasonal shifts, bait dynamics, and how to approach stripers, albies, and bluefin with the right presentation—whether you’re throwing a soft plastic, flutter spoon, or a bunker-matching fly. Timestamps: 00:00 – Intro: Brian’s path from Montana guide school to Massachusetts waters 01:30 – Lessons from senior guides on building a sustainable guiding career 03:30 – Off-season travel: Cuba, steelhead, and trout across the northeast 04:45 – South vs. North Cape Cod: tides, temperature, and strategy 07:00 – How bait and water temp influence striper migration 08:30 – Cape Cod Canal as a funnel for biomass movement 10:30 – Bait breakdown: River herring vs. bunker behavior 12:45 – How fish stage, rest, and digest in warm backwaters 14:50 – What drives bait movement: estuary dynamics and spring conditions 16:00 – Squid and peanut bunker: underrated keys to early and late season bites 18:00 – When tuna show up: dabbling in the bluefin game 20:10 – 2022: A season defined by stable bunker, predators, and insane biomass 22:30 – What triggers the fall run: tides, temp drops, and migration instinct 24:30 – How bunker behave in different parts of a bay system 26:30 – Identifying “happy” vs. “stressed” bait to pick your tactics 28:00 – Lure tactics: soft plastics, paddletails, docks, and retrieves that work 33:00 – Magic swimmers, Sluggos, and when to slow it all down 37:30 – Locating bunker: ledges, mooring fields, side scan, and sonar tips 43:00 – Flutter spoons: setup, depth, retrieve, and boat positioning 47:00 – Leader, knot, and rod recommendations for spoon fishing 48:30 – Fly fishing bunker schools: presentation, lines, and setting up drifts 53:00 – Why fishing structure can be better than targeting chaos 55:00 – Dredging with sinking lines vs. casting to active fish 57:00 – Teasing, bait-and-switch, and fly rod practicality in deep water 59:00 – Lessons from clients and staying sharp as a guide  Book a trip with Capt. Brian Kelly   Shop bunker-focused tackle and fly gear at SaltwaterEdge.com  

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• Tammy King: Surfcasting, Island Life, and Building a Fishing Community

  Tammy King: Surfcasting, Island Life, and Building a Fishing Community | Saltwater Edge Podcast In this episode of the Saltwater Edge Podcast, we’re joined by Tammy King — a Nantucket native, surfcasting expert, and founder of Fish Girl Guides.  Raised in a charter captain family, Tammy shares how her early beach days turned into a lifetime passion for fishing, teaching, and community building. We explore growing up on Nantucket, surfcasting sandy beaches, empowering women in fishing, and Tammy’s adventurous trips beyond the island. Timestamps: 00:00 – Introduction to Tammy and her Nantucket roots 01:16 – Growing up with charter captain parents 02:27 – Discovering a love for fishing early on 03:12 – What made Nantucket special — and how it's changed 04:12 – Fishing culture, local tournaments, and community spirit 07:17 – How Tammy built her guiding business 09:04 – Surfcasting access on Nantucket: beaches, trucks, and tides 11:11 – Hotspots: reefs, jetties, and where to find fish 12:09 – How to read sand beaches and surf structure 14:19 – The impact of erosion on fishing spots 15:50 – Tammy’s clients: beginners, weddings, and learning to fish 17:09 – Year-round fishing at Nantucket Anglers’ Club 20:03 – Freshwater action: white perch, crappie, and pond stripers 21:14 – Tammy's Louisiana redfish adventure with Journey Outfitters 23:26 – Challenges and safety tips for women in fishing 26:43 – Tammy’s women-only surfcasting course 29:14 – Gear struggles: women's waders and boots 31:12 – Dream fish, surfcasting travel goals, and roosterfish 34:02 – Targeting striped bass from the sand: tips and strategy 38:16 – Nantucket’s first striper arrivals in spring 40:52 – Tammy’s favorite lures for sand beaches 44:06 – Resources Tammy recommends for learning fishing skills 46:12 – Teaching casting basics and common beginner mistakes 48:12 – Watching new anglers grow and succeed 49:19 – Why women are natural surfcasters 50:14 – Tammy’s dream “last fishing day” on Nantucket 51:25 – How to book a trip with Tammy King (Fish Girl Guides)  Follow Tammy: Instagram @fishgirlack Recommended by local tackle shops on Nantucket!   ️ Enjoying the show? Subscribe, leave us a review, and share it with your fishing friends!  

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• Ralph Craft: Saltwater Fishing and Strong Communities

  In this podcast episode, Peter Jenkins, owner of the Saltwater Edge, hosts Ralph Craft from Crafty One Customs. Ralph shares his journey into fishing and rod building, the challenges and intricacies of creating custom fishing rods, and the importance of conservation and sustainable fishing practices. The discussion extends to community involvement, including efforts to support pediatric cancer patients and other charitable activities. The episode also delves into the controversial topic of offshore wind development and its potential impacts on the environment and local fishing communities. Ralph emphasizes the importance of small businesses and the value of local expertise in enhancing the fishing experience. Crafty One Customs 00:00 Introduction to the Saltwater Edge Podcast 00:33 Meet Ralph Craft: The Master Rod Builder 02:07 Ralph's Fishing Journey and Passion 03:41 The Beauty and Challenges of Rhode Island Fishing 05:34 Conservation Efforts and Sustainable Fishing 11:20 The Importance of Small Businesses in the Fishing Community 22:12 Rod Building Techniques and Innovations 32:09 Strategy Before Tactics in Fishing 32:45 The Importance of Hook Sharpeners 33:07 Choosing the Right Rod and Reel 34:35 Challenges in Custom Rod Building 38:00 Community Involvement and Charity Work 42:29 Concerns About Offshore Wind Farms 54:33 Fishing Gear Recommendations 01:02:18 Final Thoughts and Business Promotion

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