Saltwater Edge Podcast - Sharing Our Passion For Saltwater Fishing

Alex Peru invented one of the most versatile lures in Northeast saltwater fishing — the Albie Snax — and he did it by asking a question nobody else was asking: how do you make a weightless soft plastic that actually casts? In this episode, Peter sits down with Alex to unpack the design decisions behind the Albie Snax, the Super Snax (which actually came first), and the Fish Snax XL. Then Alex breaks down his new company, Clobber, and The Freak — an 11-inch, 4-ounce sliding-weight spook with a baitfish profile and a nose-rigged single hook, built to convert the big striped bass that follow a Doc but won't commit. Along the way: why stiffness (not weight) is the secret to casting distance, how to rig soft plastics for weeds and mangroves, why squid are always in the bait ball, reading a fish's body language, the cat-toy theory of triggering strikes, and why big stripers hit a baitfish in the head. Guest Links Clobber (The Freak) — Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/clobber_company/ Fish Snax Lures (Albie Snax, Super Snax, XL): https://www.fishsnaxlures.com ZipChip pocket frisbee: https://www.zipchipsports.com/ Shop the Episode (saltwateredge.com) Albie Snax — https://www.saltwateredge.com/products/albie-snax Fish Snax Super Snax — https://www.saltwateredge.com/products/fish-snax-super-snax Fish Snax XL — https://www.saltwateredge.com/products/fish-snax-xl-albie-snax Albie Snax Hooks 4/0 — https://www.saltwateredge.com/products/albie-snax-hooks-4-pack Fish Snax Twistlock Hooks — https://www.saltwateredge.com/products/fish-snax-twistlock-hooks Owner Twistlock Beast Hooks — https://www.saltwateredge.com/products/owner-twistlock-beast-hooks Chapters / Timestamps (Timestamps are from the raw recording — they'll shift after you cut the ending and any mid-roll edits. Re-check against the final export.) 00:00 — Intro: the story of the Albie Snax 01:19 — Origins: starting the business in 2011, the albie lures of the day 02:44 — The design problem: a "weightless" soft plastic that casts 04:34 — More plastic, not more weight — why cylindrical, and the two-piece mold 06:11 — The red-head prototype era and hand-pour war stories 07:20 — Rigging mileage: rotate the bait a quarter turn and re-rig 08:01 — Skipping into mangroves for snook 09:15 — The original colors (amber, white, bubblegum, olive) and the two-tones 10:49 — Rigging: screw-lock swimbait hooks, plus a nose-rig trick with a thin-wire hook 12:28 — Squid, the amber Snax, and jumping the ladder of the food chain 14:35 — From albie lure to year-round striper staple; selling the company 15:18 — Surprise: the Super Snax came before the Albie Snax 16:43 — Fish Snax XL and the rat tail: a lure that folds in the air 20:32 — ZipChip: fishing-lure engineering applied to a pocket frisbee 25:20 — Clobber and The Freak: reverse-engineering why the Doc works 28:35 — Profile matters: why a spook shaped like a baitfish converts more fish 31:13 — The sliding magnetic weight: casts tail-heavy, swims level 33:50 — The skip: very bunker-like, and perfect for casting into boulder fields 35:07 — How to work a glide spook: rod tip down, watch your line (not your lure) 36:42 — The Freak: 11 inches, 4+ ounces — and a 14-inch prototype 39:58 — Curiosity vs. commitment: converting follows into strikes 43:58 — The cat-toy theory of triggering a predator 46:34 — Why big stripers hit the head — and the nose-rigged single hook 49:13 — Hook mechanics: gap, wire, and why you stop dropping fish 51:06 — Where to get The Freak (hand-made drops for now) 52:02 — Wrap-up: Alex's two lures, two resources, and one last day on Earth

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.

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!

Bonefishing is one of the most thrilling saltwater experiences an angler can have, and planning a DIY trip adds an extra layer of challenge and reward. Whether you're heading to the Bahamas, Belize, or Mexico, a self-guided flats fishing adventure requires careful planning and a strategic approach. In this guide, based on insights from seasoned DIY angler Ross Kessler, we'll cover everything you need to know to execute a successful DIY bonefish trip—from planning and tides to gear and tactics. For many anglers, DIY bonefishing is the ultimate test of skill and preparation. Instead of relying on a guide, you take full responsibility for finding fish, choosing the right fly, and executing the perfect cast. It's an adventure that requires patience, observation, and a bit of trial and error. Show notes: In this episode of the Saltwater Edge podcast, host Peter Jenkins talks with Ross Kessler, a seasoned DIY bonefish angler with about 20 years of experience. They discuss various tackle tactics, key observations, and best practices for DIY inshore fishing trips, diving deep into fisheries management, conservation, and specific destinations. Ross shares invaluable tips on trip planning, including the importance of tides, preparation, logistics, gear, and the significance of short-game casting, among other insights. They also touch on the role and benefits of hiring local guides to enhance the fishing experience. The episode is packed with practical advice for passionate anglers looking to embark on their own DIY fishing adventures. 00:00 Introduction to the Saltwater Edge Podcast 00:35 Guest Introduction: Ross Kessler 01:06 The Appeal of DIY Fishing 02:50 Planning Your DIY Fishing Trip 05:18 Tides and Timing 10:57 Packing and Preparation 14:24 Navigating and Accessing Fishing Spots 26:30 Essential Gear for Solo Fishing 26:45 Staying Hydrated and Cool 28:37 Clothing and Sun Protection 29:10 Fishing Gear Essentials 31:23 Fly Selection and Techniques 33:49 The Importance of Local Guides 36:24 Casting Techniques and Tips 42:39 Fly Recommendations for DIY Trips 49:31 Conservation and Ethical Fishing 51:13 Final Thoughts and Farewell

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: Fisherman's Coast A foundational guide that introduces the importance of understanding habitat when fishing, covering everything from coastal ecosystems to tidal influences. Saltwater Prey This book dives deeper into the behaviors of prey species and how anglers can match the patterns to outsmart game fish. 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

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

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.