Roy Leyva on 500+ Species, World-Record Koi, and the "Why" Behind Every Bite
Roy Leyva joins The Saltwater Edge to unpack a lifetime of fishing across fresh and salt. We talk Boston roots, 500-plus species, world-record catches from Jamaica Pond, and the universal toolkit of soft plastics and jigs. Roy explains cadence, structure, and why asking "why" beats chasing spots. We finish with the fish he would pick for one last day on Earth. Highlights include the world-record koi and landlocked salmon story in Boston and a practical breakdown of lures that work anywhere.
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The Fall Fishing Roundtable — Striped Bass, Albies & Sharks
The Saltwater Edge crew sits down to recap the 2025 season — from surfcasting for bass and flipping kayaks chasing albies, to tuna trips and tropical fish in Rhode Island waters. Hear their go-to lures, biggest surprises, and plans for the rest of the fall run. Topics include: The comeback of albies and bonito Shark encounters on jigs Fly vs spin debates Favorite plugs, colors, and techniques for late fall Listen wherever you get your podcasts
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Curiosity, Conservation, and Catching More: Captain Cody Rubner of High Roller Guide Service
In this episode of the Saltwater Edge Podcast, we sit down with Captain Cody Rubner—guide, conservationist, and one of the most dynamic voices in saltwater fishing. Based in Stuart, Florida, Cody runs High Roller Guide Service and brings a unique blend of marine science, media savvy, and grassroots advocacy to the water every day. We explore Cody's early years fishing Cape Cod jetties, how a childhood obsession with fish evolved into a career in marine biology and guiding, and why his work with the American Saltwater Guides Association and Captains for Clean Water matters now more than ever. Cody also walks us through the incredible variety of Florida's year-round fishery—snook, tarpon, jack crevalle, sailfish, permit, albies, and more—and shares what fuels his passion for teaching others and protecting the resources we all rely on. Topics Covered: Stuart, FL fishery breakdown by season Why curiosity is his North Star Balancing content creation and conservation His work with ASGA and Captains for Clean Water Tips for visiting anglers (and why small flies matter) The joys and challenges of guiding full-time If you care about fishing, clean water, and what the future of saltwater angling looks like, this is one you won't want to miss. Listen now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or your favorite podcast platform.
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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.
About Saltwater Edge Podcast - Sharing Our Passion For Saltwater Fishing
On the Saltwater Edge Podcast, all aspects of saltwater fishing are discussed, including surfcasting, saltwater fly fishing, saltwater fly tying, light tackle fishing, bottom fishing, offshore fishing, and flats fishing.
You will learn the tackle, tactics, and tips from some of the best saltwater anglers on the coast for popular species like striped bass, false albacore, tautog, fluke, bluefin tuna, bonefish, permit, tarpon, roosterfish, and giant trevally.
We will also focus from time to time on fisheries management, conservation, and specific saltwater destinations.
The Saltwater Edge exists to share our passion for saltwater fishing...from bonefish to bluefin.
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