The Last 40 Feet: Capt. Ben Whalley on Fly Design, Presentation, and Problem Solving

What matters more in fly fishing: the pattern, or the presentation? In this episode, we sit down with Maine guide and highly regarded fly tyer Capt. Ben Whalley to talk about the small details that make a huge difference when targeting striped bass and other saltwater species. Ben discusses the influence of legendary fly tyer Bob Popovics, his approach to designing large-profile flies that remain castable, and how observation and experimentation lead to better fly design. The conversation also previews the upcoming Saltwater Edge Fly Fishing Expo, where Ben will join a panel focused on one of the most important parts of fly fishing: the final 40 feet of presentation. From neutrally buoyant shrimp flies to triggering strikes from fish that are locked in on bait, this episode dives deep into the real decision-making that happens when fish get a long look at your fly. Topics include: Why large flies don't have to be hard to cast Lessons from Bob Popovics and hollow fly design Matching movement instead of just matching size When to change flies and when to change presentation Why observation is the most important skill in fly fishing Techniques for triggering bites from pressured fish If you enjoy problem solving on the water and learning how great anglers think through a fishing situation, you'll enjoy this conversation.

What separates good fly anglers from great ones? In this episode, we sit down with John L. Field, author, conservationist, and FFI Master Casting Instructor, ahead of the Saltwater Edge Fly Fishing Expo on March 14th. This year's Expo shifts from tactics to skill building, breaking down the habits and mechanics that consistently lead to success. John dives deep into: Why too much false casting costs you fish The mechanics behind tight loops and clean tracking How rod loading really works The difference between leverage and momentum in your stroke The building blocks every fly caster needs Knot logic and leader design fundamentals If you want more distance, more accuracy, and more opportunity on the water, this episode is a must listen. Join us on March 14th for the Saltwater Edge Fly Fishing Expo, with hands-on casting and rigging clinics the following day.

In this episode, we sit down with analytical angler Dan Wells for one of the most detailed breakdowns of nighttime striper fly fishing you'll ever hear. Dan combines military-grade strategic thinking with years of obsessive local scouting to build a system for understanding tides, bait cycles, estuaries, and nighttime feeding behavior. We cover everything from silver-side patterns to herring runs, eel and squid behavior, two-hand casting for big flies, and how to build a 30-minute fishing radius that consistently produces. If you love the craft of surfcasting or fly fishing — especially in Northeast estuaries — this is a masterclass.

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.

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

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.  

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  

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.

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  

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!