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.
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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.

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

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!

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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

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.

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.

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:

1. Fisherman’s Coast
   A foundational guide that introduces the importance of understanding habitat when fishing, covering everything from coastal ecosystems to tidal influences.

2. Saltwater Prey
   This book dives deeper into the behaviors of prey species and how anglers can match the patterns to outsmart game fish.

3. 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

As the frost of winter lingers, the team at The Saltwater Edge has been keeping busy, preparing for the warmer days ahead. In our latest group podcast, Coby, John, Cyril, Tyler, and Eric gathered to chat about their recent winter adventures, fishing highlights, and the excitement of spring fishing on the horizon.

While the icy winds kept many indoors, the crew embraced the season in their own ways. Tyler and Coby took to the Deerfield River for a memorable trout fishing trip, complete with good catches, a close call with the water, and plenty of laughs. Cyril experimented with saltwater jigs in freshwater, landing some impressive lake trout. Meanwhile, Tyler ventured into his first duck-hunting season, bringing back both exciting stories and a mouthwatering recipe for duck flatbread pizza.

The team is already gearing up for a promising spring. Tyler is ready to hit the herring runs, while Coby is preparing his fly rod to test new shrimp patterns in some of his favorite spots. John, always experimenting, plans to continue his early spring success with rooster tails and wake baits. Each team member is eager for those first topwater bites and the buzz of peak fishing season.

The excitement doesn’t stop there! We’re thrilled to announce our annual Plug Kickoff Show, happening on April 5th, showcasing some of the best gear and lures to jumpstart your season.