Tell Tale Fisherman

068 – One More Cast with Chris Diamond

John Woodson — Mon, 06 Aug 2018 10:45:03 -0500

If only every last cast was like this one …

Guest Profile

Chris Diamond is an excavator operator in the Tampa, Florida area. But when the “Bearded Angler” is not working the heavy equipment, he’s working the heavy fish. Snook, that is, and big ones. Chris has taken to nighttime snook fishing for the big girls in the summertime. So it’s no surprise that’s what his most epic day (I mean, night) of fishing was. But Chris is a very well-rounded Florida angler, and we also talk about some of his other spectacular freshwater and offshore catches. Plus he shares some awesome intel on how he gets it done on the flats and in the passes.

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blackbeardfishing_fl/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.diamond.311

Fishing With:

Reel Florida Fishing Crew: https://www.facebook.com/ReelFloridaFishingCrew/

Fishing experience

Chris grew up on a pond that he “grew to love”. Catching a 13+ pound bass will do that I guess. But he also loves inshore fishing, both from his flats skiff and from the shore. His 2nd favorite love is offshore fishing, which he gets to do with his brother on occasion (but not as much as he would like). Of course, his first love is snook. And he has become well versed in how to catch the big girls during spawning season. Nighttime snook fishing has certainly become one of Chris’ specialties.

The “Bearded Angler”, Chris Diamond, with some beautiful nighttime snook and other prize catches

Location

This episode takes place in the Tampa, Florida area.

Catch of the Day

Nighttime snook fishing

For more epic Tampa Bay snook and redfish action, check out Episode 048 with Joe Rosier and Episode 041 with Mark Dunnam.

Gear Used

Berkley PowerBait Swim Shad – https://amzn.to/2MihzYV

Sponsor

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About TTF Podcast

The Tell Tale Fisherman® podcast is the place for all avid anglers (not just guides and tournament professionals) to share their fishing story of a lifetime and become fishing legends. Fresh water or salt water, middle of the ocean or middle of a stream, on this fishing podcast we are on a quest to catch the most EPIC fishing adventures from around the world—to inspire yours!

If you are an avid angler, we would LOVE to have you as a guest on the show. So, if you love to fish, and find yourself often sharing your fishing pictures or talking fishing with other anglers, then you are EXACTLY the type of guest (and listener!) this show is all about. On this fishing podcast we want to hear from ALL avid anglers – not just pros and guides (although we love them too!). Join us on this quest to catch the greatest fishing stories in the world.

To sign up (or to recommend a guest), visit our guest page (http://www.tell.fish/guest). The interview format is super easy – just tell us a little about yourself, and then share with us the story of your most epic day of fishing ever. All you need is a computer or phone and 20-30 minutes of time. That’s it!

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

067 – Not Second Place with Matt Luna

John Woodson — Mon, 30 Jul 2018 10:45:31 -0500

Guest Profile

Matt Luna joins us from sunny San Diego, California. Growing up a baseball guy, fishing wasn’t his primary focus. Yet, Matt still loved getting out with his Dad for some fishing in their local SoCal waters whenever they could. After college and competitive baseball ended, Matt got the itch for a different type of competition. Bass tournament fishing. Now Matt is working his way up the ladder as a Wild West Bass Trail angler and trying to live the dream doing this fishing thing full time. But this episode takes us back to a National Bass West tournament he got to fish with his father. Everything came together for a day they will never forget …

Guest Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mattlunafishing

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mattlunafishing

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ9qjSvmA_KqPaPU_PFCwJg

Fishing With:

National Bass West – http://www.nationalbasswest.com/

Wild West Bass Trail – https://www.wildwestbasstrail.com/

Fishing experience

Matt grew up trying to figure out largemouth bass in SoCal with his Dad. They would take the occasional excursion into the Pacific for calicos and other California ocean dwellers. But after college, Matt went all in on bass fishing. He has been soaking it in ever since, and is now a Wild West Bass Trail angler.

Matt Luna with large and smallmouth bass from all over the Wild West

Location

This episode takes place at a National Best West tournament in San Diego, California.

Catch of the Day

Largemouth Bass

Wild West Bass Trail angler

Also catch the other episodes we talked about: Episode 65 with Don Eady (30+ lb. tournament bag!) and Episode 039 with Capt. Kevin Cannon (peacock bass fishing).

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

066 – Learning to Fly with James Frakes

John Woodson — Mon, 23 Jul 2018 10:45:17 -0500

Smallmouth fly fishing at its finest …

Guest Profile

James Frakes comes to us from Montana. By way of Southern California. By way of Maine. That is, Maine is where James started fishing, and he is a registered Maine guide. For three years he worked in a fly shop and guided in that beautiful state. When the inkling to go back to school hit, an article about a University of Montana program turned his gaze back to the west. Wonder if the incredible fly fishing had anything to do with his decision to go there? He is enjoying learning how to fly fish those new waters when taking a break from his studies. But his most epic day of fishing takes us back to Maine for a spectacular topwater smallmouth fly fishing smackdown on the Penobscot River.

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamesfrakesfishing

Fishing experience

As a registered Maine Guide, James is well versed on all the fish there. His favorite targets there are smallmouth bass, although stripers and trout are also in his bag of tricks. In SoCal, his favorite fish to target is carp in the urban jungle. Now in the grandeur of Montana, it’s the trout that have his undivided attention, with an occasional diversion for a monster pike here and there.

James Frakes and a serious smorgasbord of species he has caught on the fly

Location

This episode takes place on the Penobscot River in Maine.

Catch of the Day

Smallmouth bass

This episode is a topwater smallmouth bass smackdown. For James it was a smallmouth fly fishing topwater smackdown. Pretty high fun factor by my reckoning.

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

065 – The One That Got Away with Don Eady

John Woodson — Sun, 15 Jul 2018 18:05:53 -0500

Sometimes the fish have to win …

Guest Profile

Don Eady is a native Floridian (an endangered species!), though he has not spent all of his time there. Don’s Army career took him away from his home town of Orlando to places far and wide. But it did not take him away from fishing. Whether it was trout fishing in Germany or bass fishing on the Potomac, Don has never been long without a rod in hand. Still active on the amateur tournament fishing circuit, Don has fished many of the most famous lakes in the South. And he continues to tear it up in the famous Kissimmee chain, where his most epic day of fishing took place. Can you image losing a double-digit bass a finger tip’s distance from your hand, and still having the biggest bag and biggest bass at the scale? Yeah, this was definitely one of those days …

Fishing With

Here is where you can find more information about the “Help Our Heros” tournament we discussed in the interview – http://tohomarine.com/

Fishing experience

Don grew up fishing the lakes in the Orlando, Florida area. When the Army stationed him in Germany, he was worried that was the end of fishing for a while. But he was pleasantly surprised to find some nice trout fishing spots there. When he eventually landed a Pentagon assignment, he took to fishing the Potomac. There he really learned how to fish a tidal area, and has since branched out to fish tournaments in many of the most famous lakes in the South.

Don Eady doing his thing, bringing some really big bucket mouths to the scale!

Location

This episode takes place on the Kissimmee chain of lakes in Central Florida.

Catch of the Day

Largemouth bass

Amateur tournament fishing

This episode is about one serious epic finish in an amateur tournament fishing event in Central Florida. For more awesome amateur tournament fishing action, check out Episode 061 with Kyle Jenkins, where he talks about his two-year journey fishing the Bassmaster Open trail!

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

064 – Drop Everything with Taylor Martin

John Woodson — Mon, 09 Jul 2018 10:45:37 -0500

Sometimes combat in close quarters can’t be avoided …

Guest Profile

Taylor Martin is a boatswain’s mate in the U.S. Navy. Growing up fishing in Florida, it’s no wonder that he loves to be on the water. Taylor was no stranger to redfish, trout, and bonefish from his early Florida days. However, it was on his first assignment in Hawaii where he really got to tangle with some serious bones. Then, when stationed San Antonio, he was treated to some spectacular big seatrout fishing on the Texas coast. But for his most epic story, we return to the seaside docks of Florida. And more particularly, the snook that prowl beneath them at night. This nightime snook dock fishing recon trip turned out to be better than he or his friends could have imagined.

Guest Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/fishin_freakz1993

Fishing With:

https://www.instagram.com/the_ranger_angler

Fishing experience

Taylor had a lot of saltwater fishing experience growing up in Florida. He caught redfish, trout, bonefish, and tarpon before heading out to sea with the Navy. But fortunately, his deployments were in some pretty fishy places as well, namely Hawaii and Texas. Now he is stationed back in Florida, and the fresh and saltwater fishing continue with a vengeance. Not to mention a little nightime snook dock fishing on occasion.

Taylor Martin with some epic catches from salt and fresh water, including a big dock snook from this episode.

Location

This episode takes place in the Madeira Beach/Treasure Island area of Florida.

Catch of the Day

Snook

This episode is about nightime snook dock fishing

Be sure to catch the other episodes we mentioned in this show – Episode 052 (redfishing in Georgia with Army Ranger Quinn Hollingsworth) and Episode 59 (fishing in Hawaii with Justin Tantog).

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

063 – Time Out with John Woodson

John Woodson — Mon, 02 Jul 2018 10:45:39 -0500

This is why we do it …

Guest Profile

Tell Tale Fisherman® podcast host John Woodson took a break from working and interviewing this week to do one thing – FISH! In this episode, we recap the trip, species landed, and ask your opinion on some potential features we are thinking about for future episodes. Enjoy this short episode recapping my favorite week of the year – beach fishing for snook and tarpon!

Tell Tale Fisherman® podcast host John Woodson and son Justin with some scraggly fishing beards and Florida Gulf Coast snook and redfish.

Location

This episode takes place in Longboat Key/Sarasota, Florida.

Catch of the Day

Snook and Redfish

Be sure to check out the following episodes for more epic action from the Tampa/Sarasota area:

013 – Hog Heaven with Captain Cam

048 – Raining Bait with Joe Rosier

041 – Redfish on Queue with Mark Dunnam

024 – Black Magic with Captain Adam Lambert

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

062 – Journey to Middle Earth with Dave Stewart

John Woodson — Mon, 25 Jun 2018 10:45:54 -0500

This is not your ordinary fishing trip …

Guest Profile

Another first for the show – interviewing the host of another fishing podcast. Dave Stewart joins us from the Wet Fly Swing fly fishing podcast. Before he picked up the mic, Dave was a life long fly fisherman. His father was a fly fishing guide, so you might say it was ingrained in his DNA. Dave was guiding himself by the age of 12. Now Dave is a guide of a different sort, teaching from behind the mic about fly fishing through his interviews with many greats in the fly fishing world. On this episode, we turn the tables on Dave and ask him some of the same questions he uses on his guests. Plus, Dave shares his most epic trip ever – a Skeena River fly fishing adventure in some untapped and untamed waters.

Guest Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/wetflyswing/

Web – https://wetflyswing.com/

Fishing experience

With a dad who was a fly fishing guide, it’s no wonder Dave took to the sport from such an early age. Guiding himself by the age of 12, Dave spent many days guiding other folks on the river. While Dave has a ton of experience fishing trout and steelhead fly fishing, he still has a long bucket list when it comes to the saltwater species. He is particularly looking forward to his first tussle with the silver king – tarpon.

Wet Fly Swing Podcast host Dave Stewart enjoying some beautiful scenery and steelhead!

Location

Skeena River fly fishing

This episode is about a Skeena River fly fishing adventure that takes place in British Columbia, Canada, on the Skeena River basin.

Catch of the Day

Steelhead

And for all you fly fishing junkies, check out Episode 054 with Joseph Davies where he catches a 160 lb. tarpon on the fly. Also, Sam Sirgo joins us on Episode 60 and delivers a GIANT redfish on the fly.

Gear Used

Prince Nymph Flies – https://amzn.to/2MM0SWN

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

061 – How It’s Done with Kyle Jenkins

John Woodson — Mon, 18 Jun 2018 10:45:38 -0500

If you love something this much, you can’t fail at it …

Guest Profile

Kyle Jenkins serves in the Coast Guard and is no stranger to the water. His love for fishing began at an early age. While being in the Coast Guard took him away from fishing for a time, he came back to it with a vengance. So much so that he spent two years fishing the Bassmaster Open tournament circuit. Not only did he get to meet his idol Gerald Swindle, he got to fish with an learn from other Bassmaster Pros like Matt Lee and Tommy Martin. In this episode, we talk about the incredible experiences he had fishing as a Bassmaster Open co-angler. Plus, he shares an epic day where he put all he has learned together for a serious smackdown on smallies!

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kyle_jenkins_bass_fishing

Fishing experience

Kyle’s passion is bass fishing. He has logged a lot of hours fishing with some vary famous tournament anglers in some very famous lakes as a Bassmaster Open co-angler. The Harris Chain, Smith Lake, Chickamauga Lake, and the list goes on. You’ll hear Kyle’s take on all of these famous lakes in this episode.

Kyle Jenkins with some epic bass catches from around the U.S.

Location

Kyle’s epic day of fishing takes place on Cochnewagon Pond in Monmouth, Maine. He also shares several stories from fishing as a Bassmaster Open co-angler on many other famous lakes.

Catch of the Day

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Bassmaster Open Co-Angler

To hear more about Bassmaster Elite Series pros, check out Episode 055 with Kevin Van Dam.

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

060 – Bull on the Fly with Sam Sirgo

John Woodson — Mon, 11 Jun 2018 10:45:29 -0500

Just put it on the dinner plate …

Guest Profile

Sam Sirgo is a petroleum engineer from Texas. When he is not dealing with black gold, he is chasing red gold – redfish, that is. Not to mention all the freshwater fish Texas has to offer. Sam also loves to travel with his trusty fly rod and try new places to fish. He has been to spots all over South America and the Caribbean, including Costa Rica, Belize, and the Cayman Islands, to name a few. But the epic story he shares in this episode comes a little closer to home. Sam made the drive to New Orleans looking for that red gold. After after some early struggles, he served up the perfect cast on a bull redfish’s dinner plate. Time for some bull red fly fishing action.

Guest Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sirgocast

Fishing With:

https://www.instagram.com/captgregmoon

Fishing experience

Sam grew up in West Texas fishing occasionally. When in college at Texas Tech, he took to fly fishing as an outlet. A trip to Grand Cayman and a bonefish sealed that deal for good. Now Sam travels frequently to new places to explore, catch new fish, and continue to improve his skills. Sam also builds his own rods and ties his own flies (and a TON of them). Of course, being close to the Texas coast and Lousiana, it’s not surprise he loves to catch redfish. In this episode, we talk about bull red fly fishing.

Sam Sirgo with the bull red star of this episode (upper right), and with some of his other red finned friends.

Location

This episode takes place in the New Orleans area.

Bull red fly fishing

This episode is about bull red fly fishing.

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

059 – Fish and Dive with Justin Tantog

John Woodson — Mon, 04 Jun 2018 10:45:41 -0500

Better hold your breath for this one …

Guest Profile

At long last, Justin Tantog checks off two big boxes for us on the show. He’s from Hawaii (Oahu, to be precise), and he is sharing an epic spearfishing story! As a local, Justin has an incredible insight into the kinds of fishing they do on the island, not to mention all the awesome fish they catch. Plus, he is better than Rosetta Stone when it comes to translating mainland fish names to their Hawaiian equivalents. I may still have a little work to do getting the names down, but I know the fish Justin catches when “dunking” and spearfishing are pretty epic. Just like the Oahu spearfishing story he shares in this episode …

Guest Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/fishanddivehawaii/

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqFTjTrZT7ShHEsPorTYxGQ

Fishing experience

With a fishing pole, Justin’s favorite types of fishing are “dunking” and plugging. Dunking is beach fishing with bait, and plugging is fishing with plugs for giant trevally (GT). But Justin is also proficient with the spear gun, and tells us all about Oahu spear fishing in this episode.

Justin Tantog with some epic Hawaiian catches, including the milkfish (upper left) from his awesome Oahu spearfishing trip.

Location

This episode takes place on Oahu.

Catch of the Day

Milkfish

Oahu spearfishing

This episode is about Oahu spearfishing, and one epic catch. Got milkfish?

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

To sign up (or to recommend a guest), visit our guest page (http://www.telltalefisherman.com/guest). The interview format is super easy – just tell us a little about yourself, and then share with us the story of your most epic day of fishing ever. All you need is a computer or phone and 20-30 minutes of time. That’s it!

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

058 – Under the Door with Garrett Gincley

John Woodson — Mon, 28 May 2018 10:45:24 -0500

Knock knock, who’s there … ?

Guest Profile

Garrett Gincley comes to us by way of Pennsylvania. A seasoned bass angler on the boat and kayak, it is the kayak that Garrett gravitates to on most outings. So much so that Garrett has taken to the kayak bass fishing trail series. In this episode, Garrett shares his epic day in a KBF event in West Virginia. He not only landed a nice bag and a top 5 finish, but also a trip to the KBF championship. But it was where he found one of those fish that made this trip so unique.

Guest Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/ggkayakfishing

Fishing With:

Mountain State Kayak Anglers – https://www.mskawv.com/

Kayak Bass Fishing Trail Series – https://www.kayakbassfishing.com/kbf-trail-series/

Fishing experience

Garrett catches bass from all platforms. Plus, he likes to catch them with many different types of lures so he is ready for all occasions on the tournament trail. It was his skill (and aim) with the senko worm that got the job done on this kayak bass fishing trail series stop.

Garrett Gincley with some sweet kayak largemouth bass catches.

Location

This episode takes at a kayak bass fishing trail series tournament in West Virginia.

Catch of the Day

Largemouth Bass

Kayak Bass Fishing Trail Series

To hear another fun kayak bass fishing tale from a fellow Pennsylvania angler, check out Episode 030 with Ryan Spuhler.

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

057 – Hidden Gem with Jake Doyon

John Woodson — Mon, 21 May 2018 10:45:59 -0500

Don’t underestimate this fishery, or angler …

Guest Profile

Jake Doyon is our first guest from the great state of Massachusetts. To be honest, I didn’t know that much about fishing in the Northeast before talking with Jake. But now I do. The amount of species, and the places and ways they have to catch them is impressive. And so too is Jake. His knowledge of fly fishing is well beyond his years. Plus, his passion for the sport lead him to start a guide service with his friend. They are putting big smiles on anglers’ faces, which is exactly what happens in this epic episode. It’s time for a little striper fly fishing action.

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/northeastguideservice

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NortheastGuideService

Fishing experience

Jack grew up fishing with his father trolling for stripers. But Dad also took Jake on a fly fishing trip, and that incredible trip got him hooked but good. Ever since, Jake has been all in on fly fishing, and knows how to catch everything from carp and steelhead to salty stripers. And he knows how to put clients on all of these fish, as you will hear in this epic striper fly fishing story.

Jake Doyon (upper left), his guiding partner Sam (upper right), and a few happy clients with some epic fly catches.

Location

This episode takes place on the Massachusetts coast

Catch of the Day

Stripers & Striper Fly Fishing

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

056 – Scripted to Perfection with Kevin VanDam (Part 2)

John Woodson — Mon, 14 May 2018 10:45:50 -0500

You could not script it any better …

Guest Profile

So what would you ask Kevin VanDam if you got the chance? Well, if you host a fishing podcast about people’s most epic day of fishing ever, that question is a no-brainer. Are you ready for the most epic day of tournament fishing ever from the greatest bass tournament fishing angler of all time? We’ve got it on part two of our one-year anniversary edition of the Tell Tale Fisherman® Podcast.

Click HERE to listen to part 1 of our interview with Kevin.

Guest Links

Website – http://kevinvandam.com/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kevinvandamfishing/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kevinvandamfishing/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/Kevin_VanDam

Fishing With:

Bassmaster Elite Series – https://www.bassmaster.com/elite

Fishing experience

Kevin’s professional fishing career spans almost 30 years. He has won an unprecedented 25 Bassmaster tournaments, including four Bassmaster Classic championships. Plus, he won Angler of the Year seven times on the Bassmaster tour. Yet, Kevin says that he is still learning every time he gets on the water. And he is an incredible teacher of what he has learned. In this episode, Kevin talks about what separates the most successful tournament anglers from the rest. He also shares some sage advice for up-and-coming anglers on what it takes to get to the next level as a bass tournament fishing angler.

KVD after his win at Grand Lake (upper left), and winning his fourth Bassmaster Classic in 2011. Plus a few pictures from Kevin’s Alaskan and South American fishing adventures (right).

Location

This episode takes place at the Bassmaster Classic Tournament in 2011 in New Orleans.

Catch of the Day

Largemouth bass

Bass tournament fishing angler

In this episode, we talk about Kevin’s win at the 2011 Bassmaster Classic and what made it so epic.

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

The Tell Tale Fisherman® podcast is the place for all avid anglers (including KVD!) to share their fishing story of a lifetime and become fishing legends. Fresh water or salt water, middle of the ocean or middle of a stream, on this fishing podcast we are on a quest to catch the most EPIC fishing adventures from around the world—to inspire yours!

If you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

055 – Scripted to Perfection with Kevin VanDam (Part 1)

John Woodson — Mon, 07 May 2018 10:45:54 -0500

From Kalamazoo to King of the Lake …

Guest Profile

Kevin VanDam. His bio says that “in the world of professional bass fishing, Kevin VanDam is at the pinnacle and arguably the best in the world.” Well, you’ll get no argument from me. Four-time Bassmaster Classic Champion. Seven-time Bassmaster Angler of the Year. All-time money winner on the Bassmaster Tournament trail. Oh yeah, and he just won an unparalleled 25th Bassmaster title at Grand Lake. KVD, champion bass fisherman, incredible ambassador for the sport of fishing, and our special guest for the one-year anniversary edition of the Tell Tale Fisherman® Podcast.

Guest Links

Website – http://kevinvandam.com/

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/kevinvandamfishing/

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/kevinvandamfishing/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/Kevin_VanDam

Fishing With:

Bassmaster Elite Series – https://www.bassmaster.com/elite

Fishing experience

You might think that the world’s greatest champion bass fisherman is only interested in two kinds of fish. That is, the ones with small and large mouths. But that’s not the case. Kevin actually grew up fishing for a lot of different species. We talk all about that in this episode, plus some of the other places he loves to fish and species he likes to catch.

A few of KVD’s most epic tournament fishing days (left), as well as some of his most epic non-tournament days (right).

Location

This episode actually takes place from Kevin’s Toyota Tundra. (We’re getting pretty good at interviewing tournament pros calling in from the road!). In part 2 of our interview we will get to Kevin’s most epic day of fishing, but for the moment we’ll keep that little honey hole a secret …

Catch of the Day

Peacock Bass

Salmon

Champion Bass Fisherman

In this episode, we talk about some of the other species Kevin likes to catch besides “bucketmouths.”

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

If you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

054 – Into the Aquarium with Joseph Davies

John Woodson — Mon, 30 Apr 2018 10:45:15 -0500

This is how you make your last shot count!

Guest Profile

Joseph Davies is a man of many places. Grew up in Wisconsin, lived in New Zealand, and most recently Utah. But he has wandered to many other fishing holes with his trusty fly rod. Most recently, the fishing hole was in Costa Rica. While a seasoned vet with a 5 wt., a 12 wt. was an entirely new species to Joseph. But he embraced the “telephone pole” and totally immersed himself in the fishery. The result? One of the most epic tarpon fly fishing battles you could imagine …

Guest Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/tilted3.0/

Fishing With:

Tarponville Fishing Lodge

https://www.instagram.com/tarponville_fishing_lodge/

https://tarponville.com/

Fishing experience

Joseph wasn’t much into fishing growing up in Wisconsin. It was not until he lived in New Zealand that he really began to take to the sport. But it was when he moved to Park City, Utah that the fly fishing “sickness” took over. With close access to so many incredible fly fisheries, Joseph totally immersed himself in freshwater fly fishing. The same thing happened with saltwater fly fishing when he recently got a chance to travel to Costa Rica. Now he is a saltwater big fish junkie. You’ll understand exactly why when you hear his epic tale of tarpon fly fishing.

Joseph Davies exploring the U.S. for trout on fly, and doing some serious tarpon fly fishing in Costa Rica.

Location

This episode takes place in Costa Rica.

Catch of the Day

Tarpon – Tarpon Fly Fishing

This episode is about fly fishing for the silver king – and a really big one at that!

For another great tale of an amazing freshwater fly fisherman who has recently taken to saltwater with a vengeance, check out Episode 051 with Zach Drazner. And to hear Joseph’s favorite episode of the TTF podcast, check out Episode 001 with my son Justin Woodson.

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube and give us a 5-star REVIEW – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

053 – Red Moon Rising with Colin McCain

John Woodson — Mon, 23 Apr 2018 10:45:07 -0500

Mississippi Moonlight Sleigh Ride

Guest Profile

Colin McCain is our first guest from the great state of Mississippi. While “the state kids love to spell” has some great offshore fishing, it’s the inshore critters that keep Colin occupied. Colin chases redfish and spotted sea trout from his favorite fishing platform, his kayak. A seasoned kayak angler, Colin has dipped the plastic yacht all along the Gulf Coast from Florida to Louisiana. But this tale comes to us from his home waters. It was a great day that had an even greater finish, a moonlight Mississippi redfish surprise!

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdmccain/

Fishing experience

Colin is a self-professed seatrout fisherman at heart. He started fishing mostly from a boat. Now he has has taken to the up close and personal approach of kayak fishing, and particularly for redfish. The day Colin shares in this episode is the one that “punched his ticket” for kayak fishing for good. A big bull Mississippi redfish had a little something to do with it as well …

Colin McCain with some sweet redfish catches, including the moonlight Mississippi redfish surprise from this episode (lower right).

Location

This episode takes place on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Catch of the Day

Mississippi Redfish

To hear more about kayak tournament fishing, check out Episode 25 with Pamela Wirth.

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052 – Redfish Ranger with Quinn Hollingsworth

John Woodson — Mon, 16 Apr 2018 10:45:04 -0500

Always on a mission …

Guest Profile

Quinn Hollingsworth comes to us from the great state of Georgia. But he comes there by way of Central Florida. Quinn grew up fishing in my neck of the woods for seatrout and redfish in the Mosquito Lagoon. What brings him to Georgia, you ask? Well, Quinn happens to be an Army Ranger out of the 1st Ranger Battalion in Savannah. He certainly has a lot of specialty training for that job. Yet, it’s the training from his Florida days that prepared him for his favorite mission – redfishing. Nothing like a little Savannah redfish action when off duty. Especially when he gets to take his favorite fishing buddy along, his son. The epic trip they shared this day is one neither will soon forget.

Guest Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/the_ranger_angler

Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/quinn.hollinsworth

Fishing experience

Quinn was well versed in inshore saltwater fishing from growing up in Florida. It took a little adjusting to get used to the big tide swings they have in Georgia. But the fish is the same, and now that he knows the fishery he’s getting well acquainted with its fish. In addition to Savannah redfish, Quinn’s other quarry includes trout, sheepshead, and black drum.

Quinn Hollingsworth with some sweet Savannah redfish, trout, and sheepthead catches.

Location

This episode takes place near Beaufort, South Carolina.

Catch of the Day

Savannah Redfish

Well, just a little north of Savannah. Quinn ventured a tad into South Carolina for this epic day. And to hear some of our past episodes with our awesome active military and veteran guests, check out Episode 10 (Capt. John Coufal ), Episode 33 (Mike McCoy), and Episode 44 (Ant Peak).

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051 – Tricky Game with Zach Drazner

John Woodson — Mon, 09 Apr 2018 10:45:47 -0500

“It’s a tricky game with those guys …”

Guest Profile

Zach Drazner is a fly fishing guide that hails from parts all over, and has done some serious fishing in all of them. Idaho, Wyoming, Texas, you name it and he has probably fished there (or close to it). His prime target? Carp. Zach is a carp fly fishing expert, and has a ton of experience at it for his age. Zach’s knowledge of not only fly fishing but his target species is impressive. If you didn’t know or think much about carp before, that will all change after you hear this episode. Zach delivers some great info on carp fishing, and of course drops an awesome carp fly fishing story. But we don’t stop there. He also tells us of his first saltwater fly fishing trip, and the epic Key West flats slam that followed.

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/idaho_carper/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarperKarma

Fishing With:

https://www.instagram.com/captwillbenson/

Fishing experience

Zach’s background is in trout and carp fly fishing. And as you will hear in this episode, he really knows his stuff. But in recent years he has gotten into the fly fishing game down in the Florida Keys. Let’s just say that he’s not too shabby at that either, as you are about to find out.

Zach Drazner with a Florida Keys fly fishing flats slam (left) and some epic fly fishing carp catches

Location

This episode takes us from Las Colinas, Texas to the Florida Keys.

For more awesome Florida Keys fishing action, check out Episode 20 with Capt. Greg Poland.

Catch of the Day

Carp – Carp Fly Fishing

Permit

This episode is about carp fly fishing, and also saltwater fly fishing for tarpon, permit, and bonefish.

Gear Used

Crawdad Flies – https://amzn.to/2JvqUM3

Leech Flies – https://amzn.to/2Jvr3iz

Sculpin Flies – https://amzn.to/2uT7jT2

And check out the fly section at Reels & Tackle for some great fly fishing accessories: https://www.reelsandtackle.com/store/c101/Fly_Fishing.html

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050 – In the Hotseat with Rachel Uribe

John Woodson — Mon, 02 Apr 2018 10:45:13 -0500

Queen of the Lake

Guest Profile

FLW Costa Series co-angler Rachel Uribe joins us for our 50th episode. Growing up taking family trout fishing trips, Rachel not only developed a love for fishing. She and her brother Joe (also an FLW Costa series pro) learned the sport together. Now the duo travels and practices for tournaments together. You might say fishing is in their family’s DNA. That family support has propelled this female pro angler to some impressive FLW tournament finishes. She tells us all about her most epic tournament finish in this episode.

Guest Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/la8iesfish2/

Fishing With:

Joe Uribe Jr. (https://www.instagram.com/uribejr.joe/)

Costa FLW Series (https://www.flwfishing.com/tournaments/costa)

Fishing experience

Rachel grew up fishing for trout on family vacations. She then began to follow in her brother’s wake and start chasing bass, and early on fished bass tournaments with her father. Now she is a female pro angler fishing the Costa FLW Series Western Division. Here impressive finishes on Clear Lake have earned her the unofficial title of “Queen of the Lake”.

Rachel Uribe and family (upper left), and some prize catches from the tournament trail.

Location

This episode takes place on Clear Lake in California.

Catch of the Day

Largemouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Female Pro Angler

Rachel tell us about her her experience as a female pro angler and the FLW tournament trail. Also, she shares the awesome catches that have propelled to some very impressive tournament finishes. And don’t miss our awesome past episodes with FLW tour pros Cody Kelly and Mike McCoy.

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049 – Time to Go with Joe Horvath

John Woodson — Mon, 26 Mar 2018 10:45:24 -0500

Alright, now we really are leaving …

Guest Profile

Joe Horvath currently hails from Las Vegas, Nevada. But that was not always the case. Joe is a Seattle guy, and grew up fishing the Puget Sound for salmon and dungeness crabs. After work took him to a totally new climate, he had to learn a totally new way to fish. Now he is dialed in on the smallmouth, largemouth, and striped bass bite. Yet, the main event takes us back to the Northwest for something completely different. A fish we have only briefly touched on once on this show. But that all changes in this episode. Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to talk sturgeon river fishing!

Guest Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mjh_fishing_las_vegas/

Fishing experience

As noted above, Joe’s early fishing experience involved fishing the Puget sound for salmon. That’s trolling folks, so Joe was used to always being on the move and tending downriggers. It’s no wonder that he has taken to artificial fishing for bass, another active way to fish. But when it comes to sturgeon river fishing, a “sit and soak” approach is called for. What it lacks in continuous action, it definitely makes up for when it’s showtime. Joe found out all about that!

Location

This episode takes place in Ilwaco, Washington.

Catch of the Day

Sturgeon – Sturgeon River Fishing

This episode is about sturgeon river fishing. To hear about sturgeon fishing on the other side of the pond (i.e.,Europe), check out Episode 026 with Michel Cardoso.

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048 – Raining Bait with Joe Rosier

John Woodson — Mon, 19 Mar 2018 10:45:02 -0500

Let’s make it rain!

Guest Profile

Joe Rosier is an attorney during the week, and a bait slinger every weekend he gets a chance. You see, Joe gets to fish in the Tampa Bay estuary, where bait abounds. And so do discriminating snook and redfish who love their sardines. Like many who fish those waters, live bait chumming is Joe’s favorite way to catch these fish. But Joe is taking live bait snook fishing to a whole new level. The snook he caught on the day he shares on this episode was on another level too.

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chumdawgfishingco/

Fishing experience

Joe’s forté is inshore fishing for redfish, snook, and speckled seatrout. Live bait snook fishing is his favorite. But Joe also loves to tussle with the tarpon that prowl the Tampa Bay waters as well.

Joe Rosier with some Tampa Bay snook and tarpon, and sharing the fishing love with his wife and son.

Location

This episode takes place in Tampa Bay, Florida. For more great Tampa Bay fishing action, check out Episode 041 with Mark Dunnam, and Episode 024 with Captain Adam Lambert.

Catch of the Day

Snook – Live Bait Snook Fishing

This episode is about live bait snook fishing.

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047 – Wahoo Pirates with Pat Patterson

John Woodson — Mon, 12 Mar 2018 10:45:40 -0500

“We were like little pirates out there …”

Guest Profile

Pat Patterson is a tattoo artist in South Florida. But on his days off he loves to (you guessed it) fish. And boy does he have some great places to fish. These include the Lake Ida system for peacock bass and clown knife fish, and the Loxahatchee Wildlife Refuge for largemouth bass. But let’s not forget that there is always saltwater nearby in South Florida. In fact, down there the deep blue water comes very close to shore. So much so that some days you can forgo the 40′ sportfisher for the 13′ Boston Whaler. Pat did that. We’re talking small boat offshore trolling here. Let’s just say there was no place on that boat big enough to hold what was caught on the day he shares in this episode. And then of course there was a REALLY big finish …

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justanotherfishingguy/

Fishing experience

As a South Florida native, Pat has fished for it all. His favorite target species are freshwater bass. In his neck of the woods, these include largemouth bass and peacock bass. But in recent years Pat has taken to small boat offshore trolling and bottom fishing. He did not have a lot of experience with that kind of fishing growing up, but decided to get out and get after it. He’s now getting that dialed in, and when the seas are not too sporty you can find Pat the Pirate chasing after offshore treasure.

Pat Patterson with a peacock bass, clown knife fish, snake head, and the star of this show – wahoo!

Location

This episode takes place in the Atlantic Ocean out of Palm Beach County, Florida.

Catch of the Day

Wahoo

Small Boat Offshore Trolling

This episode is about small boat offshore trolling for wahoo in South Florida. Plus we talk about epic South Florida freshwater fishing for largemouth bass, peacock bass, snake heads, and clown knife fish. Be sure to check out our other episodes about epic Lake Ida peacock bass fishing: Episode 039 with Capt. Kevin Cannon, and Episode 045 with Chris O’Keefe.

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046 – Gotta Jet with Mike Hale

John Woodson — Mon, 05 Mar 2018 11:45:47 -0500

“It’s not your typical Bass Tracker by any means …”

Guest Profile

Mike Hale is our first guest from the Peach State – Georgia. Besides having that great distinction, Mike’s preferred fishing vessel also sets him apart. You see, Mike has gone full throttle into personal watercraft fishing. After a rough day fighting the current in his kayak, Mike thought there had to be a better way. So, a pact was sealed with his cousin and fishing partner, and they both bought a “ski”. Now they are starting to get this unique fishing system dialed in, and no fish is off limits. In this episode, Mike shares how he used his new water rocket to boat a whole bunch of sweet Georgia bass.

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/p.o.p.coastalga/

Fishing experience

From his home base of Augusta, Georgia, Mike branches out to hit many of the local rivers and lakes. His regular target species are largemouth bass, stripers, and catfish. But now that he has a PWC and a taste for saltwater, Mike is geared up for the big pond. He already has a couple of offshore personal watercraft fishing trips under his belt. And many more planned.

Mike Hale with some nice bass and catfish catches, and heading out for some personal watercraft fishing!

Location

This episode takes place on the Oconee River near Athens, Georgia.

Catch of the Day

Largemouth bass

Personal watercraft fishing

This episode is about personal watercraft fishing for largemouth bass.

Gear Used

Zoom Trick Worm – Bubblegum (http://amzn.to/2FPuOhj)

Sponsor

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045 – Flying Fisherman with Chris O’Keefe

John Woodson — Mon, 26 Feb 2018 11:45:44 -0500

“I’m stripping it, stripping it, then BAM!”

Guest Profile

Chris O’Keefe is a fly fisherman from Boulder, Colorado. At the feet of the Rockies, Chris is in the perfect location to branch out for some alpine trout fishing. Of all the trout species he gets to pursue, it is the Colorado greenback cutthroat he loves the most. A species thought to be extinct until a few decades ago, a thriving population has been re-established from a small remnant found by researchers. Chris has even participated in a re-stocking program for the greenbacks. Perhaps it is his love for that beautiful fish that made another colorful fish catch his eye. The peacock bass. In this episode, Chris hops on a plane with fly rod in hand. What follows is an epic road trip for some peacock bass fly fishing and a shot at that big bucket list beauty!

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/irish_flyman/

Fishing With:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/illpilgrim/

Fishing experience

Chris grew up salt water fishing in the Laguna Beach area in California. He eventually gravitated to freshwater and bass, which is the fish that preoccupied him during his teenage years. A few years ago, a colleague from work turned Chris on to fly fishing for trout. When fishing his home waters, it is the Colorado greenback cutthroat trout that he favors the most. But his love of bass and beautiful trout made him long to catch the prettiest bass in the pond. Peacock bass. In this episode, Chris shares an epic peacock bass fly fishing road trip to South Florida. I have a feeling he might be back …

Chris O’Keefe with some beautiful Colorado rainbows and greenback cutthroat trout.

Location

This episode takes place on the Lake Ida canal system in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Catch of the Day

Peacock Bass Fly Fishing

Coloarado Greenback Cutthroat Trout Fly Fishing

This episode is about fly fishing. Alpine fly fishing for Colorado greenback cutthroat trout, and peacock bass fly fishing in South Florida.

For more epic South Florida peacock bass fishing action, check out Episode 039 with Captain Kevin Cannon.

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044 – Green Girls with Ant Peak

John Woodson — Mon, 19 Feb 2018 11:45:42 -0500

Let’s just see if there is anything under that dock …

Guest Profile

Ant Peak is an avid bass angler, soldier, and he grew up in the same home town as host John Woodson. It’s hard to believe things could get much more awesome than that. But they do! You see, Ant got to meet one of his heroes—Ronnie Green, host of A Fishing Story TV show. Then Ronnie and Ant went out for some Lake Dora fishing action on Ant’s home lake. By itself that would make for a really epic day. But when the schooling bass and the bedding bass all decide to cooperate? Well now that’s when the epic dial goes to 11!

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ant_peak_fishing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ant.peak.7

Fishing With:

Ronnie Green:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/rgreen100/

A Fishing Story TV:

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/afishingstorytv/
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/AFishingStory/

Fishing experience

As a Florida native (an endangered species!), Ant is well schooled in bass fishing the lakes around his Central Florida home town of Mt. Dora. Of those, Lake Dora fishing is his favorite. He also got to chase some of Florida’s salty species growing up as well. But it is the big “green girls” that are the love of his heart. And (spoiler alert) that’s just what he finds in this episode.

Ant Peak with some of his favorite “green girls”, and making our home town of Mt. Dora, Florida proud as a U.S. Army soldier

Location

This episode takes place on Lake Dora in Lake County, Florida.

Catch of the Day

Largemouth Bass – Lake Dora Fishing

This episode is about Lake Dora fishing for bass on the world famous Harris Chain of Lakes

If you want to hear about another seriously epic Lake Dora fishing day, check out Episode 021 with Rico Cruz!

Gear Used

Zoom Magnum UltraVibe Speed Worm (http://amzn.to/2EKe5hD)

Missile Baits Stick Worm – Milk Money (http://amzn.to/2EzUSjr)

Sponsor

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043 – Mining Bass with Silver Rodgers

John Woodson — Mon, 12 Feb 2018 11:45:08 -0500

Fishing, it’s what I do …

Guest Profile

You just never know who you are going to meet at the boat ramp. If you are in Nevada bass fishing, you just might happen upon Silver Rogers. If that name does not ring a bell, maybe Black Silver or Black Ice do? You see, Silver is a retired rap artist who has toured all over with such artists as Ice T, Foo fighters, and Red Hot Chili Peppers. Even then, his heart was never far from the water. He was always looking for the next best fishing hole on his days off while on tour. But now, when he is not paying bills as a promoter, Silver is mining for bass. In this episode, Silver hits the smallmouth bass mother lode!

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dragonfishon/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DragOnFishOnco/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/dragonfishon

Tumblr: https://dragonfishon.tumblr.com/

Fishing experience

Born in Tennessee, Silver’s family moved to California when he was young. Growing up in L.A., most of his early fishing experience was in saltwater. While touring, Silver began pond hopping on his days off and took a liking to the fresh water. Now, he fishes the big waters on the Colorado River system near his home in Las Vegas. Largemouth and smallmouth bass are now the gold standard for Silver. Year-round, catch-and-release Nevada bass fishing is what Silver is all about. In this episode, we talk about the day he caught his personal best smallmouth bass (and yes I am jealous).

Sliver Rogers and some epic Nevada bass fishing (smallmouth and largemouth). Plus a “rock star” throwback with Silver and Foo Fighters drummer Taylor Hawkins.

Location

This episode takes place on Lake Mohave in Nevada.

Catch of the Day

Smallmouth Bass – Nevada Bass Fishing

This episode is about Nevada bass fishing, and a big smallmouth bass in particular.

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

If you are an avid angler, we would LOVE to have you as a guest on the show. So, if you love to fish, and find yourself often sharing your fishing pictures or talking fishing with other anglers, then you are EXACTLY the type of guest (and listener!) this show is all about. Indeed, on this fishing podcast we want to hear from ALL avid anglers – not just pros and guides (although we love them too!). Join us on this quest to catch the greatest fishing stories in the world.

To sign up (or to recommend a guest), visit our guest page (http://www.tell.fish/guest). Moreover, the interview format is super easy. Just tell us a little about yourself, and then share with us the story of your most epic day of fishing ever. All you need is a computer or phone and 15-20 minutes of time. That’s it!

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, YouTube, Google Play, or Stitcher – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks!

042B – Big Bass Bonus with Cody Kelley

John Woodson — Thu, 08 Feb 2018 11:45:05 -0500

Big Bass Bonus

In this special bonus episode, FLW Tour Pro Cody Kelley shares two epic big bass stories with us. The first is of his personal best largemouth bass. The second is of his personal best Arkansas River largemouth bass. Cody has a video of himself catching the Arkansas River bass, which you can watch here:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=joOhjT0Kq9k

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042 – Look Out Below with Cody Kelley

John Woodson — Mon, 05 Feb 2018 11:45:17 -0500

Hey, mind if I take a turn?

Guest Profile

Our guest this week is FLW Tour Pro Cody Kelley from Conway, Arkansas. An Arkansas native, Cody grew up looking for the next best way to catch more Arkansas bucketmouths. Sometimes that meant studying fishing books from family friends or watching fishing shows. The rest of the time it meant having Mom, Dad, or Grandpa take him out for some Arkansas bass fishing. And, even when he went to college, he was still studying bass on the college fishing team. Come graduation day, Cody decided to give the pro circuit a go for one year before getting a “real” job. That was several years ago, and Cody is now an FLW Tour Pro making his home state proud. In this episode, Cody shares one of his early tournament experiences. It was one of those “lightbulb” moments that turned into a “lights out” tournament finish.

Guest Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/codykelleyfishing/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cody_kelley_pro_angler/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ckelleyfishing

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQE0fJONiz0VnWqL5THABYg

Web: http://www.codykelleyfishing.com/

Fishing With:

FLW Profile = https://www.flwfishing.com/anglers/cody-kelley-354832

Fishing experience

As a pro bass fisherman, it kind of goes without saying Cody has a ton of largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing experience. Especially Arkansas bass fishing. But in this episode, Cody tells us about his first real introduction to the power of a fishfinder. It was a game changer for him, and there were a lot of fish with sore lips that day. Plus, we talk about the awesome ways he gives back through the Special Olympics and other great youth events.

Cody Kelley and friends, including some big Arkansas (center) and Florida (right) largemouth bass

Location

This episode takes place on famous Kentucky Lake.

Catch of the Day

Largemouth Bass

Arkansas Bass Fishing

In this episode we talk about professional bass fishing, as well as Arkansas bass fishing

Sponsor

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041 – Redfish on Queue with Mark Dunnam

John Woodson — Mon, 29 Jan 2018 11:45:37 -0500

Happy wife, happy fishing trip …

Guest Profile

Mark Dunnam is a police officer in the Tampa, Florida area. When he is not protecting and serving, he is casting and catching in the awesome Tampa Bay fishery. While snook, redfish, and trout are the quarry, it’s the company Mark keeps that is equally as important to him. As it turns out, Mark is one lucky guy. His wife loves fishing as much as he does, and they love to share that passion together. In this episode, Mark recounts the day when he first took his wife fishing, and got her fire for fishing burning red hot. Happy wife, happy life, and redfish beware!

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markdunnamjr/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC2sxp1NUGLNxloVNJJbVxoQ

Fishing experience

Having grown up in the Tampa area, Mark is no stranger to Florida inshore saltwater fishing. In his home waters of Tampa Bay, Mark catches all the target species such as tarpon, snook, trout, and black drum. But it is the redfish that he and wife Ashley love the most, and which are the co-stars of this episode.

Mark Dunnam, wife Ashley, and friends (including lots of Tampa Bay reds and a 46″ snook, DANG!)

Location

This episode takes place in Tampa Bay.

Catch of the Day

Redfish and Wife Fishing

This episode is about Tampa Bay redfish, and taking your wife fishing!

Sponsor

Brought to you by reelsandtackle.com, your small business, family-owned online tackle store with great products, great service, and great prices!!! Check them out for all of your tackle needs. Plus, don’t forget to use code TellTaleFish10 for a 10% discount off any product!

About TTF Podcast

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040 – Hurricane Fishing with Dustin Murray

John Woodson — Mon, 22 Jan 2018 11:45:52 -0500

I wonder why the boat ramp is empty?

Guest Profile

Dustin Murray is a National Guard recruiter who hails from the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine. With a rich history, numerous attractions, and beautiful beaches, it is a popular destination for many folks. However, to the avid angler it’s the fishing that’s the big draw. Dustin is all about that, and enjoys both inshore and nearshore saltwater fishing in the St. Augustine waters. Yet, when the fishing is that good in a place, it’s rare that you find the boat ramp empty. A little Category 5 hurricane can change all that. Time for some hurricane fishing!

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dustin.murray

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9AKaHzONyD-HZ6sikEkL6Q/

Fishing experience

Dustin catches all of the salty species in the St. Augustine area. Inshore, these include redfish, spotted seatrout, flounder, and snook. Nearshore, tarpon and cobia are the big ticket items. But not to be overlooked is the crevalle jack, aka “ghetto permit”. These feisty fish take a back seat to no other in the fight department. As Dustin learned when doing a little hurricane fishing (no that’s not a typo), when they get fired up there’s gonna be mayhem.

Dustin Murray with a friendly neighborhood crevalle jack (center) and some other epic St. Augustine saltwater catches

Location

This episode takes place in St. Augustine, Florida.

Catch of the Day

Cravelle Jack

Hurricane fishing for Cravelle Jack

This episode is about hurricane fishing for crevalle jack. No kidding.

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

The Tell Tale Fisherman podcast is the place for all avid anglers (not just guides and tournament professionals) to share their fishing story of a lifetime and become fishing legends. Fresh water or salt water, middle of the ocean or middle of a stream, on this fishing podcast we are on a quest to catch the most EPIC fishing adventures from around the world—to inspire yours!

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

039 – Pretty As A Peacock with Captain Kevin Cannon

John Woodson — Mon, 15 Jan 2018 11:45:55 -0500

So what do peacocks, clowns, and fishing have in common?

Guest Profile

Captain Kevin Cannon from Peacock Bass Adventures grew up in Delaware, but decided it was a fisherman’s life he wanted to lead. So he headed south, all the way to Islamorada in the Florida Keys. It was there that he became an offshore fishing captain and learned to catch all of the big salty species. But after relocating to West Palm Beach, Florida, another fish caught his eye – peacock bass. Captain Kevin traded in the sportfisher for a bay boat, and now guides clients on Florida peacock bass fishing adventures. In this episode, he tells us all about his unique fishery and the exotic species he catches. Plus, he shares some epic fishing adventures that will make you want to head south to play with the peacocks!

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/peacock_bass_adventures

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Peacock-Bass-Adventures-704864096314583/

Web: http://peacockbasspro.com/

Fishing experience

When he was 22, Kevin moved to Islamorada where he was a first mate on an offshore boat for 7 years. He took the helm as captain of an offshore boat in Islamorada for a few more year. Then, he moved to West Palm Beach and did the offshore thing a few more years as well. But now he has transitioned to a full time Florida peacock bass fishing guide. But with Captain Kevin, you also can catch other awesome native and invasive/exotic species. These include largemouth bass, striped bass, and clown knife fish.

Some happy clients of Captain Kevin Cannon sporting peacock bass, largemouth bass, striped bass, and clown knife fish.

Location

This episode takes place in Palm Beach County, Florida.

Catch of the Day

Peacock Bass/Largemouth Bass/Clown Knife Fish

Florida Peacock Bass Fishing

This episode is about Florida peacock bass fishing, plus other awesome South Florida native and invasive/exotic species. These include largemouth bass, striped bass, and clown knife fish.

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

038 – Catalina Castaway with Jackson Kennedy

John Woodson — Mon, 08 Jan 2018 11:45:24 -0500

Did you bring the gaff?

Guest Profile

This week Jackson Kennedy joins us from Blythe, California. Jackson is working towards becoming a Federal wildlife officer. He knows and loves the California outdoors well, and is keen to help conserve it. But it should be no surprise that his favorite thing about getting out is getting bit. Jackson is an avid bass angler constantly on the hunt for big California largemouth bass. And recently he has has taken to saltwater. In this episode, Jackson shares with us his first Catalina Island fishing trip. Bass gear in hand, he got dialed in an got the rod bent. But the big toothy fish finale didn’t turn out quite the way he had planned …

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxattackfishing/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackson.kennedy.98229

Fishing experience

Jackson’s primary fishing targets have been largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass in his home waters around Blythe, California. However, it turns out there is a little bit of saltwater in California as well. Having been bit by the saltwater bug, Jackson has started dipping his tackle in the blue water as well. In this episode we talk about how he has plied his bass gear to entice some nice saltwater catches. Plus an awesome trip for some Catalina Island fishing.

Jackson Kennedy with some of his awesome fresh and salt water catches.

Location

This episode takes place out of Catalina Island, California.

Catch of the Day

Calico Bass, Bonita, Barracuda

Catalina Island Fishing

In this Catalina Island fishing adventure, calico’s and bonita were on the pointy end of the hook. Plus a big barracuda surprise …

Sponsor

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037 – The Big Tuna with Justin Lerner

John Woodson — Mon, 01 Jan 2018 11:45:35 -0500

Bluefin tuna fishing to the extreme …

Guest Profile

When it comes to fishing, Justin Lerner gets around. Having grown up in New Jersey, he headed south to the University of Miami where he got to catch and study swordfish. Plus he worked with the Fish and Wildlife Commission where he got further acquainted with all the Florida fish species. Toss in a year “down under” in Australia, and the list of species Justin has boated gets real impressive. In this episode, we talk about all that, which is pretty epic by itself. But that’s not the main event here. No, for this New Year’s episode, we are going big. Bluefin tuna fishing big.

Guest Links

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justin.lerner1

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justin_lerner_fishing/

Web: https://www.justinlernerfishing.com/

Fishing With

Bruce Brothers Fishing Charters: http://www.peibluefintunacharters.com/

Fishing experience

Justin has some impressive catches of nearshore and offshore saltwater species all over the world. The fun doesn’t end there, however. Whether it’s trout in a stream or giant gar in the tropics, Justin knows freshwater fish too. If you want an example of a “multi-species” angler is, look no further. In this episode, Justin takes us Bluefin tuna fishing, and it’s a wild ride.

Left – Justin Lerner goes for a swim with one of the massive bluefin tuna from this episode. Center – Justin in all out war with a “grander” while bluefin tuna fishing with stand up gear. Right – more of Justin’s epic salt and fresh water catches.

Location

This episode takes place near Prince Edward Island, Canada.

Catch of the Day

Bluefin tuna fishing

This episode is about hand to fish combat with “granders” – bluefin tuna fishing.

Sponsor

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036 – Just Keep Casting with Jeffrey James

John Woodson — Mon, 25 Dec 2017 11:45:43 -0500

It’s about so much more than catching fish …

Guest Profile

For our Christmas episode, we could not think of any better guest than Jeffrey James from Wisconsin. Pastor. Director of a boys and girls club. And youth mentor. Jeff embodies everything that this season is about. But what makes his work even more special is how he incorporates his passion for fishing. He uses his skills as a shore fisherman to connect with kids and give them the memory of a lifetime. And as a master of muskie shore fishing, he has logged some pretty spectacular days from the water’s edge. In this episode, Jeff shares his most epic day of muskie shore fishing ever. Plus, one of his most cherished days fishing with a spectacular young female angler. This one is more heart warming than a Christmas fireplace …

Guest Links

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVex2XDEtGR7cakRRB1BNig

Check out Jeff’s YouTube channel (justkeepcasting) for some awesome muskie fishing action (including shore muskie fishing) and great tips!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justkeepcasting2ftf

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/justkeepcasting2ftf/

Web: http://www.justkeepcasting.com/

Fishing experience

Jeff comes from “fishing royalty”, having an uncle of the same name that was a guide and professional tournament angler. Although he took a detour from fishing during his teenage years, all it took was one muskie bite at a family reunion and he was forever hooked. Though Jeff does get to fish with friends from the boat on occasion, his specialty is shore fishing. And more particularly, muskie shore fishing. But the walleye, pike, largemouth, and smallmouth bass he has netted from the bank are no less impressive.

Jeffrey James with a muskie from his best muskie shore fishing day ever (center). Plus, his PB largemouth bass (left) and Lilly’s pike (right) also discussed in this episode.

Location

This episode takes place in Wisconsin.

Catch of the Day

Muskie Shore Fishing

Largemouth Bass

Northern Pike

This episode is about muskie shore fishing, as well as shore fishing for walleye, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, and pike.

Sponsor

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035 – Mosquito Red with Captain Jonathan Moss

John Woodson — Mon, 18 Dec 2017 11:45:49 -0500

Sometimes mosquito + red is a good thing …

Guest Profile

Captain Jonathan Moss is the owner and operator of Go Castaway Fishing Charters in Central Florida. Light tackle saltwater fishing for Mosquito Lagoon redfish is his specialty. Capt. Jonathan grew up in Orlando and on the “Space Coast” of Florida. He has always loved saltwater and freshwater fishing here. Before guiding he took a detour as a PE teacher for a few years, but the call of the water was too strong. Capt. Jonathan hung up his whistle and picked up his push pole. These days he can be found poling clients around in his skiff for Mosquito Lagoon redfish, speckled sea trout, black drum, snook, and tarpon. But in this episode, the Mosquito Lagoon redfish bite was so incredible the most difficult part was heading home.

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gocastaway/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gocastaway/

https://www.gocastaway.com/

Fishing experience

Captain Jonathan grew up fishing for all of Central Florida’s freshwater and saltwater species. Whether on the lakes, lagoons, or beach, fishing was always his place of solitude. Now he spends most of his time putting clients on Mosquito Lagoon redfish, speckled sea trout, black drum, snook, and tarpon. Above all, Captain Jonathan still has the heart of a teacher. He loves to teach anglers how to sightfish Mosquito Lagoon redfish using both conventional and flyfishing tackle.

Left – Captain Jonathan Moss with a beautiful Mosquito Lagoon redfish. Right – just one of the fish from the epic day described in this episode (notice the background fog!). Inset – Captain Jonathan’s super cool surfboard fence.

Location

This episode takes place in Central Florida on the Mosquito Lagoon.

Catch of the Day

Mosquito Lagoon Redfish

This episode is about sightfishing for Mosquito Lagoon redfish.

Gear Used

DOA C.A.L. jigs (https://www.reelsandtackle.com/store/p86/doajigheads) and DOA C.A.L. shad tails (https://www.reelsandtackle.com/store/p84/DOA_Lures_-_CAL_Shad_Tail.html). Use code TellTaleFish10 for a 10% discount!

Sponsor

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034 – Topwater Texas with Hector Quintero

John Woodson — Mon, 11 Dec 2017 11:45:33 -0500

The view is always better from the top …

Guest Profile

Hector Quintero works in logistics for an import/export business in McAllen, Texas. But when he is not delivering the goods, he’s chasing the fish. Redfish, that is. You see, Hector’s home water is the Laguna Madre. It’s flats boat heaven, and an awesome inshore fishery for trout and redfish. In this episode, Hector tells us about the first time he got turned on to topwater fishing for reds. Ever since, he’s gone topside for more of those incredible blow ups that never get old.

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hqtexas/

Fishing experience

Hector focuses on the saltwater species in the Laguna Madre. These include redfish (red drum), spotted sea trout, snook, flounder, and jack crevalle. Hector also has a team and fishes tournaments in the Laguna Madre. Their favorite style of fishing is to locate redfish from the flats boat. Then, they take to the water and wade to the fish. Of course, Hector’s favorite way to catch redfish is with a topwater lure. Walk the dog and wake the red!

Hector Quintero with some serious Laguna Madre trout and redfish catches. Plus, his “old faithful” topwater lure that’s taken a beating but just keeps on catching reds.

Location

This episode takes place on the Laguna Madre in Texas.

Catch of the Day

Redfish

This episode is about shallow water redfishing with topwater lures.

Gear Used

Topwater Lures

MirrOlure – She Dog Topwater (https://www.reelsandtackle.com/store/p93/MirrOlure_-_She_Dog_Topwater.html)

*** Use Code TellTaleFish10 for a 10% Discount ***

Sponsor

Brought to you by reelsandtackle.com, your small business, family owned online tackle store with great products, great prices, and great service! Use code TellTaleFish10 for a 10% discount off any product. Check them out!

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

033 – Moving On Up with Mike McCoy

John Woodson — Mon, 04 Dec 2017 11:45:16 -0500

I love it when the fish come together …

Guest Profile

Mike McCoy is a professional bass fisherman on the FLW Tour. He grew up in Florida where his passion for bass fishing began at the local golf course ponds. Mike took a bit of a hiatus from fishing while serving in the Marine Corps. However, he now takes the perseverance, focus, and intensity of a Marine with him on the tournament trail. Now going into his second year at the front of the boat, Mike is ready for battle every week. But in this episode, Mike shares with us an incredible day of largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing that was not on the trail. If only the bass would bite like this during every tournament!

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gotmyfive/

Twitter: @gotmyfive

http://www.mikemccoyfishing.com/

Fishing With

FLW Tour: https://www.flwfishing.com/

Fishing experience

Mike grew up in Florida fishing for largemouth bass, as well as for saltwater species. After his service in the Marines, Mike returned to Florida and got to spend a good deal of time fishing Lake Okeechobee. He now resides in Ohio, but spends a lot of his time on the road fishing the FLW Tournament events.

Mike McCoy with some nice largemouth and smallmouth bass catches, including those from the epic day we discuss in this episode (bottom left, center). Also, a selfie with fellow pro angler Shaw Grigsby (upper left).

Location

This episode takes place in Chaumont Bay, Lake Ontario (New York).

Catch of the Day

Largemouth bass

Smallmouth bass

Sponsor

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

032 – King on the Fly with Don Freschi

John Woodson — Mon, 27 Nov 2017 11:45:57 -0500

Another legend bows to the king …

Guest Profile

Don Freschi is the host of the popular television show Sport Fishing on the Fly. A British Columbia, Canada native, Don grew up fishing his home waters with his Dad for salmon and trout. But Don encountered something at the age of 13 that changed his life forever. A fly rod. The first time he saw someone using one he was hooked. Now, after 23 seasons of SFOTF, Don loves his fly rods (all 60+ of them!) more than ever. In fact, he is taking things to a whole new level next season on the show. Yet, in this episode we look back at Don’s most epic encounters with the ultimate fly rod quarry – tarpon. Of all the incredible fish Don has caught, it is the Silver King that reigns supreme.

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sport_fishing_on_the_fly/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sfotf/

http://www.sfotf.ca/

http://www.worldfishingnetwork.com/shows/sport-fishing-on-the-fly

Fishing experience

As a fly fishing television show host for over two decades, Don’s fishing experience needs little introduction. He’s caught pretty much every fish you could want tugging on the end of a fly line. From salmon and trout in British Columbia to saltwater species in the tropics, Don gets after them all. And he brings his audience right along with him to learn and explore as he goes.

Don Freschi, host of Sport Fishing on the Fly, with some of his favorite catches including one of the tarpon we talk about in this episode (lower right)

Location

This episode takes place in Cuba.

Catch of the Day

Tarpon

Sponsor

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031 – Call of the Wild with Captain Logan Carlson

John Woodson — Mon, 20 Nov 2017 11:45:04 -0500

Friends, fishing, and the Last Frontier…

Guest Profile

Logan Carlson is a charter boat captain in Ketchikan, Alaska. And a student in dental school in Idaho. Confused? No need to be. Come summertime, Logan heeds the call of the wild and heads to the Last Frontier. You’ll find him guiding folks on the trip of a lifetime for halibut and salmon, to name a few. In this episode, Logan does so for a group of friends that stopped by for a visit. The weather and hungry fish decided to cooperate for one of those days these friends will never forget. Our discussion about the fishing was so good, Logan even forgot to mention they saw 30+ whales this day! For avid anglers, this is the stuff that dreams are made of …

Guest Links

Instagram: @logan.carlson8

Oasis Alaska Charters: www.oasisalaskacharters.com/team

Fishing experience

Logan grew up fishing the many rivers and streams in Idaho for salmon and other freshwater species. When he got the opportunity to go to Alaska, he put that fishing knowledge to good use and became a charter captain for Oasis Alaska Charters. Halibut, salmon, and cod are all on the menu when Captain Logan is at the helm.

Logan Carlson with some incredible catches of Halibut, salmon, and cod from Alaska

Location

This episode takes place at Ketchikan, Alaska

Catch of the Day

Halibut, Salmon, Cod

Sponsor

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030 – Second Chances with Ryan Spuhler

John Woodson — Mon, 13 Nov 2017 11:45:52 -0500

If at first you don’t succeed …

Guest Profile

Ryan Spuhler is an archivist for a county government in Pennsylvania. Ryan loves to fish the rivers and lakes of Pennsylvania for large and smallmouth bass. As a records keeper, Ryan is always in search of the elusive 20″+ largemouth bass. These are hard to come by in his parts in their heavily fished waters. Most weekends you can find Ryan going through the same routine. Loading the kayak on top of the car, the fishing gear in it, and heading off to the old fishing hole in search of that record fish. The trip Ryan describes in this episode started out much the same. But it ended in a broken heart. Then a mended heart. And all by the same fish. This one will definitely have you doing a double take …

Guest Links

Instagram: @yakn610

Fishing experience

Ryan is a seasoned angler who does most of his fishing for largemouth bass in the lakes of Pennsylvania. He has also done some river fishing for smallmouth bass as well.

Ryan Spuhler with some epic Pennsylvania kayak bass catches, including the bass featured in this episode (center)

Location

This episode takes place at the Blue Marsh National Recreation Area in Pennsylvania.

Catch of the Day

Largemouth bass

This episode is about the big green bucket mouth – largemouth bass.

Gear Discussed

Ned Rig: http://amzn.to/2jjzULV

Whopper Plopper: http://amzn.to/2jjPkzs

Sponsor

Brought to you by reelsandtackle.com, your family owned online tackle store with great products, prices, and service!

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

029 – The Big FINish with Mark Naumovitz

John Woodson — Mon, 06 Nov 2017 11:45:56 -0500

You might want to take a look at what’s behind you …

Guest Profile

Mark Naumovitz is a busy guy. Paramedic, realtor, and owner of ReelsAndTackle.com, an online tackle store. Not to mention that he writes for fishing magazines and has been a guest lecturer at many fishing events. And somehow he finds a little time to fish. His favorite fishing vessel is his kayak, and he has many kayak fishing tournaments under his belt. Mark spends most of his time fishing for inshore saltwater species in his home waters in Florida. He also ventures out on the ocean proper to catch some serious pelagics from his “plastic yacht”. In this episode, Mark tells us about one such trip where the catch of the day was mahi mahi. We could have stopped the story there, but instead there is a REALLY big finish. You’ll definitely want to check this one out, and queue the “Jaws” music …

Guest Links

Instagram: @reelsandtackle

FaceBook: ReelsAndTackle

Web: www.reelsandtackle.com

Note: visit reelsandtackle.com to see videos from this epic day!

Fishing With:

www.tckayakfishing.com

Fishing experience

Mark grew up kayak fishing rivers in Maine for striped bass. No stranger to current, it was not such a big a adjustment for Mark to fish tidal areas in Florida. But the size of the sea critters in Florida was definitely an eye opener for Mark, from the first time he jumped a tarpon. It’s been game on ever since. And Mark plays the game everywhere from inshore for snook, redfish, and trout, to offshore for pelagic species. This episode is about catching mahi mahi (aka dorado or dolphin) offshore out of his trusty kayak. Sprinkle in a surprise guest for the paddle home, and this one qualifies for extreme fishing on every level.

Mark Naumovitz (top left/bottom left/bottom right) with epic kayak mahi and redfish catches, along with the hammerhead co-star of this episode.

Location

This episode takes place offshore on the East Coast of Florida in the Atlantic Ocean.

Catch of the Day

Mahi Mahi

This episode is about catching mahi mahi. And about trying not to to get caught by a giant hammerhead shark!

Sponsor

This episode is brought to you by reelsandtackle.com, your family-owned small business tackle shop that sets itself apart from the rest with great customer service, great products, and great prices!

About TTF Podcast

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028 – Catching Hope with Rachel Vickers

John Woodson — Mon, 30 Oct 2017 10:45:18 -0500

Fishing is more than life, it’s a lifeline …

Guest Profile

Our special guest this week is Rachel Vickers. “Early onset, invasive, aggressive, metastatic, stage 3 breast cancer.” Most of us could barely say that mouthful, much less comprehend the impact of that diagnosis. But Rachel got that diagnosis, and at the age of just 30. She went from just having obtained her degree in fisheries management with an exciting career in front of her, to the battle of her life that put life on hold. She was given a mere 25% chance of surviving more than 5 years, received the most aggressive chemo treatment available, and endured 25 surgeries. And she did all this as a single mom with a young child. In this powerful episode, Rachel shares her incredible story of struggle, hope, and survival. Plus, she tells us how her lifelong passion for angling was a lifeline through it all. Not to mention how it can be for other ladies (and our youth) as well. Oh yeah, she also throws down one EPIC day of fishing for lake trout on Lake Champlain that may never be paralleled …

Guest Links

Instagram: @raelynnfishing_outdoors

Facebook: rachel.l.vickers.1

Fishing experience

Rachel grew up in upstate New York fishing the waters in and around the Adirondacks. But she definitely loves to venture out and fish new waters. Some of these include the Salmon River, the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Hudson River, and trout streams far and wide. Plus she has spent some time fishing in Florida as well. This episode is about one of Rachel’s many road trips that found her fishing for lake trout on Lake Champlain.

Rachel Vickers with some of her epic catches

Location

This episode takes place on Lake Champlain in Vermont.

Catch of the Day

Lake trout

This episode is about deep jigging for lake trout (“lakers”), and lots of them!

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

027 – One Last Cast with Dan Butler

John Woodson — Mon, 23 Oct 2017 10:45:15 -0500

Now that’s not what I was expecting …

Guest Profile

Dan Butler is a Florida transplant that comes to the Sunshine State by way of Iowa and Texas. In Texas, Dan grew up fishing both fresh and salt water. In Iowa where Dan went to college, he took his love for fishing to a new level. He helped start the St. Ambrose University fishing team. Over the next couple of years they fished B.A.S.S. and FLW collegiate tournaments, even making it to a national final in their second year. Dan met his girlfriend at college. During a visit to see her parents, Dan decided to sneak off and do a little fishing in a new spot. Spoiler alert – Dan was late for dinner with the family that night. But the reason why made Dan a local celebrity, and was one heck of a great fishing day with a surprise twist.

Guest Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/dannybfishing/

Twitter – https://twitter.com/DannyBFishing

NPS – https://www.nationalprostaff.com/u225244-dan-butler

Fishing experience

Dan fished both fresh and salt water growing up in Houston, Texas. He got real serious about bass fishing in college fishing the collegiate circuit. Now living in Florida, he is back to salt and fresh water angling. Dan is also now big into kayak angling.

Dan Butler (upper left, center) with some quality bass catches, the catfish that stars in this episode (lower left, center), and Dan with Hunter Shyrock (upper right).

Location

This episode takes place in a pond in Illinois.

Catch of the Day

Bass, Catfish

This episode is about a really good day of bass fishing on a new pond that ends with a big (ugly) catfish surprise!

Gear Used

Rat-L-Trap – http://amzn.to/2yHnrXW

Z-Mann Chatterbait – http://amzn.to/2yHao8Y

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

026 – Down to the Centimeter with Michel Cardoso

John Woodson — Mon, 16 Oct 2017 10:45:29 -0500

Talk about a photo finish …

Guest Profile

Michel Cardoso is our first guest from Sweeden. He and his professional fishing team, the South End Anglers, have racked up some amazing catches. But Michel’s rise to tournament angler was not a direct one, as he did not come from a family that fished. But after going with friends a time or two, he definitely got the fishing bug. Then once his brother invited him to fish a tournament, that’s when the full blown fishing fever set in. In this episode, Michel shares the SEA’s incredible day fishing in the Sportsmasters pike tournament. It ended in a crazy photo finish that’s just too close to call …

Guest Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/angler_hunter_cardoso/

Fishing With:

South East Anglers Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/southendanglers_/

Sportfishmasters Tournament – http://2017.sportfishmasters.se/

Fishing experience

Michel fishes with the South End Anglers open water tournament pike fishing team. But Michel also fishes for perch, cod, salmon, trout and ide. And he ice fishes. Plus, in this episode we also talk about the epic road trips they take to go sturgeon fishing in Denmark.

Pike, trout, salmon, sturgeon – Michel Cardoso with some of his and South End Anglers’ amazing catches

Location

This episode takes place in Sweeden.

Catch of the Day

Pike

This episode is about pike fishing in the Sportsmasters tournament.

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

025 – Extreme Stress Reduction with Pamela Wirth

John Woodson — Mon, 09 Oct 2017 10:45:18 -0500

If at first you don’t succeed …

Guest Profile

Pamela Wirth is our first female angler on the Tell Tale Fisherman Podcast. And we could not have picked a better one to start. Mother, mortgage banker, and now extreme kayak fisher. Pam took up kayak angling to help relieve stress from the daily grind. Now she is on the pro staff for several fishing equipment manufacturers, a regular speaker at fishing seminars, and tournament kayak angler. We’re not talking about tournaments on a local pond here. Pam fishes extreme kayak tournaments on the BIG pond for really big critters. In addition to some great practical knowledge, in this episode Pam also shares an epic day fishing in the Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament. After an early setback, Pam persevered and came back with a vengeance to set a new tournament record. And not to mention showing all the guys a thing (i.e., a sailfish) or two …

Guest Links

Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/pamelakwirth/

Fishing With:

Inshore Fishing Association (IFA) Kayak Tour – http://www.ifatours.com/kayak-tour/

Extreme Kayak Fishing Tournament – http://www.extremekayakfishingtournament.org/

Fishing experience

Pam has racked up an impressive array of species for any angler. But when you consider she has done it out of a kayak, the list is all the more impressive. From snook and redfish inshore to wahoo and sailfish offshore, Pam’s kayak catches would make most guys green with envy!

Pamela Wirth with some very impressive kayak catches and a second place tournament finish (lower left)

Location

This episode takes place in Southeast Florida in the Atlantic Ocean.

Catch of the Day

Sailfish

This episode is about an epic day of fishing the Extreme Kayak Fishing Sailfish Smackdown Tournament.

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

024 – Black Magic with Captain Adam Lambert

John Woodson — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 10:45:47 -0500

The best games are the ones that go into extra innings …

Guest Profile

Captain Adam Lambert is a South Florida native who has taken up residence in Tampa, Florida. With all of the many saltwater species he caught growing up, it is the one he did not that eventually caught him – redfish. Now Captain Adam spends his days taking clients out in Tampa Bay to chase after his favorite fish. But he also loves when lots of different kinds of fish come over the rail in addition to redfish. In this episode, Captain Adam shares a trip where the redfish action was hot. What followed during the “extra inning” of fishing was even hotter, some black drum magic.

Guest Links

https://www.instagram.com/orangeblossomadventures/

https://www.facebook.com/orangeblossomadventures/

Fishing experience

Captain Adam grew up in South Florida where he got to experience offshore fishing at its finest. In college at Florida State, he would fish the Florida Panhandle region whenever he could, which is where his love for redfish began. Now as a Tampa Bay guide, he fishes for reds and numerous other species. These include snook, sea trout, and the occasional shark. And let’s forget black drum, which are the guest stars of this episode.

Captain Adam (left) and two happy clients (center, right) with some serious bridge donkeys – the black drum from this episode

Location

This episode takes place in northern Tampa Bay, Florida.

Catch of the Day

Red drum, black drum, bull shark

This episode is about a cool multi-species day in the awesome Tampa Bay fishery.

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

023 – The Winning Redfish with Colby Elsass

John Woodson — Mon, 25 Sep 2017 10:45:08 -0500

The thrill of victory, and the agony of defeat, at the same time …

Guest Profile

Colby Elsass is a Crystal River, Florida native. And a third generation native at that. The Elsass family is a staple of the Crystal River fishing community. His grandfather founded the landmark Knox Baithouse, and played fishing guide to legendary baseball player Babe Ruth. Now Colby runs the family electrical contractor business. But when he’s not directing work crews, he is hanging with the fishing crew. He and his mates generally get out to enjoy the spectacular Crystal River fishery several times a week. This episode is about the annual CCBA Family Fishing Tournament, where Colby and crew make a strong showing every year. It involves a big tournament winning redfish, along with a big twist …

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crystal_river_redfish_slayer/

Fishing With:

CCBA Fishing Tournament: https://www.facebook.com/CCBAFishing/

Fishing experience

As noted above, Colby’s roots run deep in Crystal River. He know’s the fishery as well as anyone, and all of the fish that swim there. From freshwater fish in the Crystal River, to redfish, trout, snook, and a variety of bottom fish, Colby knows how to put fish in the box.

Colby Elsass (left, center) and crew with fish caught during the tournament discussed in this episode

Location

This episode takes place on the Gulf Coast of Florida in Crystal River.

Catch of the Day

Redfish, Speckled Trout

This episode is about tournament fishing for redfish (red drum) and speckled sea trout

Gear Used

Unfair Lures: http://amzn.to/2wPHlew

Aqua Dream Spoons: http://amzn.to/2wKZorf

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

022 – Slick Blues with Zach Vann

John Woodson — Mon, 18 Sep 2017 10:45:17 -0500

How many marlin can you hook at once? Let’s find out …

Guest Profile

Zach Vann is living the dream. From the time he was a child, he just wanted to go offshore fishing. So much so that he begged his dad to take him down to the docks just so they could see the fish that were caught. When Zach graduated high school, he moved to one of the most epic offshore fishing grounds around, Hatteras Island, NC. And he went right back down to the docks. It wasn’t long before his drive, passion, and love for fishing got him out on the water full time on a charter boat. Now, as first mate for Wasabi Sportfishing Charters, he gets to experience some of the most epic offshore fishing imaginable on a daily basis. But the story he shares with us on this episode is so epic it’s beyond imaginable. Don’t miss it? That’s the understatement of the year …

Guest Links

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vannzach/

FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/zvann2

Fishing With:

http://www.wasabisportfishing.com/

Fishing experience

Even at a young age, Zach is an “old salt”. He has seen every fish that swims off of Hatteras Island, NC, up close and personal. And that’s a lot of different types of fish. Zach tells us all about them in this episode.

Zach Vann with his hands on the tail of a monster bluefin tuna (left), the bill of a monster blue marlin (upper right), and the bill of one of the blue marlins that star in this episode (lower right).

Location

This episode takes place out of legendary Hatteras Island, NC.

Catch of the Day

Blue Marlin

This is a CRAZY good blue marlin story. You DO NOT want to miss hearing Zach tell it.

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

021 – Double Kick with Rico Cruz

John Woodson — Mon, 11 Sep 2017 10:45:52 -0500

Just when you thought you caught the big one …

Guest Profile

Rico Cruz is a Michigan guy who now resides in Florida. From the first fish he caught at a summer camp when he was 10 years old, Rico was hooked on bass fishing, and is now working his way through the professional ranks. A member of the Florida Bass Nation circuit, Rico has fished tournaments all over the Southeastern U.S., and has racked up several impressive finishes. This episode is all about one of those fantastic finishes, fishing in famed lakes in the Central Florida area. It’s a day on the water that Rico will never forget, and one you won’t want to miss.

Guest Links

https://www.instagram.com/hukd_on_bass/

Fishing With:

Florida Bass Nation FaceBook – https://www.facebook.com/Florida-Bass-Nation-716944534993982/

Florida Bass Nation Website – http://floridabassnation.com/

Fishing experience

Rico is an aspiring pro bass fisherman, and has been on the tournament trail for the past several years.

Rico Cruz with the big bass that sent him to the top of the leader board (top right, bottom).

Location

This episode takes place on Lake Dora in the Harris Chain of Lakes in Central Florida.

Catch of the Day

Largemouth Bass

Gear Used

Zoom UltraVibe Speed Worm (http://amzn.to/2eNhtcQ)

Color: Junebug

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

020 – An Ernest Adventure with Captain Greg Poland

John Woodson — Mon, 04 Sep 2017 10:45:38 -0500

A legendary encounter with an old man of the sea …

Guest Profile

Greg Poland is a charter captain out of Islamorada in the Florida Keys. Many consider this to be the “fishing capital of the world.” So, it goes without saying that Greg has logged some incredible days on the water. But of all his amazing adventures at sea, one stands alone. Greg once had an opportunity to meet legendary mariner Gregorio Fuentes. Gregorio was the boat captain to even more legendary writer Ernest Hemingway. Greg shares the story with us in this episode. Plus, one of Greg’s favorite things to do is take father/son duos fishing. Greg also shares one of his epic charter trips that neither father, son, nor captain will soon forget.

Guest Links

http://www.gregpoland.com/

https://www.instagram.com/gregpoland/

https://www.facebook.com/captaingregpoland

http://www.gregpolandphotography.com/

https://www.instagram.com/gregpolandphotography/

Fishing experience

Greg grew up catching snook in the Miami river, and has had salt water in his veins ever since. After a detour with the FBI, Greg came back to his roots and hit the water. These days he is based out of Islamorada in the Florida Keys. You can find him fishing anywhere from miles deep in Everglades National Park, to hundreds of feet deep in the Atlantic Ocean. And catching all of his “business partners” that swim in between.

Captain Greg Poland with a tarpon (upper left); the guest permit and junior angler from this episode (top right); and young Captain Greg with Gregorio Fuentes (bottom right)

Location

This episode takes place in two places – Cuba and Islamorada in the Florida Keys.

Catch of the Day

Shark & Permit

About TTF Podcast

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019 – On Thin Ice with Captain Lonney Goman

John Woodson — Mon, 28 Aug 2017 10:45:05 -0500

The Iceman cometh, on his ice barge …

Guest Profile

Capt. Lonney Goman of Green Bay Trophy Fishing knows the Great Lakes water inside out and, and even frozen. Not only does he run open water fishing trips during the summer, he hauls a small city’s worth of gear out onto the ice during the winter time for some epic walleye, pike, and whitefish action. But sometimes it’s not the fishing that’s the wildest part of the adventure, it’s the trip home …

Guest Links

http://greenbaytrophyfishing.com/

https://www.facebook.com/greenbaytrophyfishing/

https://www.instagram.com/greenbaytrophyfishing_/

Fishing experience

Lonney is a Wisconsin native who has fished it’s diverse freshwater fishery since he was young. He knows his water, from shallow water walleyes to deep water salmon, and everything in between. Lonney loves to catch fish any which way, but he may have a little bit of polar bear in him because he especially loves ice fishing. In this episode, we talk about both the open water and ice fishing that Lonney does, as well as some of the interesting challenges you can encounter when your office is a giant frozen lake.

Captain Lonney Goman with a monster ice pike (upper left); pictures from the precarious ice barge discussed in this episode (upper right and bottom left); and a bunch of happy (and well fed) ice fishing clients (lower right)

Location

This episode takes place on Green Bay, Wisconsin.

Catch of the Day

Pike and Walleye

This episode is about open water and ice fishing for the beasts of Green Bay. Plus a very interesting ride home after ice fishing.

Gear Used

Rapala Jigging Rap – http://amzn.to/2vgDCen

Rapala Ripping Rap – http://amzn.to/2wAQXha

Bassday Sugar Minnow – http://amzn.to/2vB2M2w

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

018 – Shoot Your Bait with Captain Ed McCormick

John Woodson — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 10:45:33 -0500

He shoots, he scores!

Guest Profile

Captain Ed McCormick is the owner and operator of Florida Bowfishing Charters in Crystal River, Florida. A former commercial pilot, Ed loved the action of flying, but not all of the down time in between. So, he hung up his wings and turned his passion for bowfishing into a charter business. Now he takes his guests flying across the flats where they get to shoot their bait with bows. Then they take that same bait out into the Gulf of Mexico and tangle with bulls and tigers. Sharks, that is. In this episode, we talk about one such epic adventure. Oh yeah, and his bowfishing gator hunts. This one’s gonna get wild …

Guest Links

http://www.floridabowfishing.com/

http://xtremegatorhunts.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sharkventures/

https://www.instagram.com/floridabowfishing/

https://www.instagram.com/floridacrabbing/

Fishing experience

Before he started guiding, Ed used to hunt (fish?) gators with his bowfishing gear. That turned into a passion for freshwater bowfishing for big gar in the Central Florida area. One target lead to another, and now his guests shoot bait to use for catching some of the most aggressive sharks that swim in Florida waters.

Upper left: Capt. Ed (holding gator) with the late Bob Walker, founder of the Walkers Game Ear! Upper right: Capt. Ed tail wrestling a big “shoot your bait” shark. Bottom: some happy bowfishing clients!

Location

This episode takes place on the Gulf Coast of Florida in Crystal River.

Catch of the Day

Sharks

This episode is about bowfishing for stingrays and mullet, which are then exchanged for large toothy predators …

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

017 – The Big One with Brent Shelton

John Woodson — Mon, 14 Aug 2017 10:45:20 -0500

Think outside the box to put a big fish in it …

Guest Profile

Brent Shelton hails from South Carolina and has a unique profession. But when he is not at work, Brent loves to be on the water. He favors the lakes and rivers of South Carolina, and largemouth bass. Brent also likes to be unique in his fishing presentation to find new ways to get strikes. In this episode, a quick trip to a local park and some outside the box thinking turned into a trip he will never forget …

Guest Links

https://www.instagram.com/next_chapter_outdoors/

https://twitter.com/B_S_Fishing

Fishing experience

Brent catches all the freshwater fish that swim in South Carolina (and beyond). These include smallmouth bass, largemouth bass, stripers, trout, and crappie to name a few. This episode is about largemouth bass fishing from Brent’s favorite fishing platform – his kayak.

Brent Shelton with the big bass from this episode (upper right) and the magic lizard (lower left) that brought them together

Location

This episode takes place in a small lake in a South Carolina park.

Catch of the Day

Largemouth Bass

Gear Used

Plastic lizard and a chatter bait

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

016 – Big Bait Big Pike with Bill Georgopoulos

John Woodson — Mon, 07 Aug 2017 10:45:42 -0500

We’re gonna need a bigger bait …

Guest Profile

Bill Georgopoulos is a marketing guru at work, and a fishing guru the rest of the time. Bill did not have many opportunities to fish growing up. Yet, he studied fishing every chance he could, and was ready to hit the water with a vengeance when the time came. This passion remains every bit as strong today. In fact, when he is not working or fishing, Bill is a dedicated teacher. He loves to give back what he has learned to amateur anglers. He regularly passes along his knowledge from hours of study and days on the water on his AMFisH website (amfish.ca). In this episode, Bill recounts a trip when the Northern pike were too big to be tamed by your average lure …

Guest Links

http://amfish.ca/

https://www.instagram.com/amfish14/

https://www.facebook.com/AMFish14/

Fishing experience

Bill considers himself a bass guy at heart, but he loves to catch all of the freshwater species that Canada has to offer. These days, he focuses more on the big toothy predators – pike and muskies.

Bill with a Northern pike from this episode (left) and other epic catches

Location

This episode takes place in Canada on the Ottawa River.

Catch of the Day

Northern Pike

Big toothy Northern pike – don’t grab these bad boys by the lip!

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

015 – Pike’s Peak with Dennis Bombom

John Woodson — Mon, 31 Jul 2017 10:45:07 -0500

Sometimes you get to the peak, and there’s another one …

Guest Profile

Dennis Bombom, our first international guest, comes to us from Denmark. Dennis is a seasoned angler who is well acquainted with the freshwater quarry of Denmark. These include perch, zander, and pike. Dennis’ passion for these fish caused him to start designing his own lures, and eventually co-found Hi 5 Lures. On this episode, Dennis experiences the peak of pike fishing, only to find this peak had a twin!

Guest Links

https://www.instagram.com/dennis_bombom/

https://www.facebook.com/High5Lures/

https://www.facebook.com/krittevittevitbombom/

Video from the epic day: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=66gC8GFJGSc

Fishing experience

In addition to his freshwater experience in Denmark, Dennis has fishing experience around the globe. Not only has he fished throughout Europe, he has also fished in Australia and Canada as well.

Dennis with the two monster pike (right) he tells us about in this episode

Location

This episode takes place on a lake in Denmark.

Catch of the Day

Pike

This episode is about pike – and big ones at that.

Gear Used

High 5 Lures and a Hobie Kayak

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

014 – Into the Night with Hunter Goodrich

John Woodson — Mon, 24 Jul 2017 10:45:22 -0500

Do fish ever keep you up past your bedtime?

Guest Profile

Hunter Goodrich is an engineering student at Auburn University, and an all-around talented young man. He combined his love for exploring with his mechanical skills and has created a whole fleet of jet jons. That’s right, jon boats with water jet engines to power them. It’s the perfect water craft for exploring the fresh water rivers and salt water flats around Central Florida. Yet, Hunter’s talents go beyond building boats – he is one heck of an angler too. In this episode, Hunter has his hands full with the fight of his lifetime, and a big tarpon that did not go quietly into the night …

Fishing experience

Growing up in the Central Florida area, Hunter is a seasoned angler in both fresh and salt water. Having fished everywhere from freshwater lakes and streams to saltwater lagoons and the ocean, Hunter is well acquainted with many of the fish Florida has to offer.

Hunter Goodrich with some of his epic catches, including the tarpon featured in this episode (upper left)

Location

This episode takes place in the Florida Keys.

Catch of the Day

Tarpon

This episode is about one big fish – the Silver King!

About TTF Podcast

To sign up (or to recommend a guest), visit our guest page (http://www.tell.fish/guest). The interview format is super easy. Just tell us a little about yourself, and then share the story of your most epic day of fishing ever. All you need is a computer of phone and 15-20 minutes of time. That’s it!

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

013 – Hog Heaven with Captain Cam

John Woodson — Mon, 17 Jul 2017 10:45:18 -0500

All Hogs to the Trough …

Guest Profile

Captain Cam is from High Class Hooker Charters located in Venice, Florida. He is well acquainted with all of the fish that swim through his area. However, he has a particular knack for catching hogs. Hogfish, that is. Not only is it one of his favorite fish to catch, it’s also at the top of the eating list. In this episode, the “Hog Whisperer” shares his most epic wallow with the hogs and the lovely table fare that ensued.

Guest Links

http://www.highclasshookercharters.com/

https://www.facebook.com/highclasshookercharters/

https://www.instagram.com/highclasshookercharters/

Fishing experience

Captain Cam moved to Florida from Massachusetts, where his largest catch barely qualified as the bait he now uses on some days. Captain Cam is an all around guide who charters both inshore, nearshore, and offshore for all of the species the Florida Gulf Coast has to offer. These include tarpon, redfish, trout, snook, snapper, grouper, and kingfish to name a few. Oh, and did I mention that he knows how to catch hogfish?

Captain Cam and clients with some of their epic catches

Location

This episode takes place on the Gulf Coast of Florida.

Catch of the Day

Hogfish

On the menu this week, hogfish!

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

012 – Cajun Sleigh Ride with Jason Goodin

John Woodson — Mon, 10 Jul 2017 10:45:23 -0500

If you mess with the bull …

Guest Profile

Jason Goodin is a physician from Missouri. When he is not helping patients, he is always up for a new adventure. Those adventures often involve a kayak and a fishing pole. In addition to fishing his home waters, one of his favorite places to venture out in the kayak is in Louisiana. In this epic adventure, Jason took the bull redfish by the proverbial horns, and got one heck of a ride …

Guest Links

https://www.facebook.com/thefishinglures

https://www.instagram.com/goodin_jason/

www.thefishinglures.com

Fishing experience

Jason regularly fishes freshwater in Missouri, and has a good deal of experience fishing the inshore saltwater marshes in Louisiana for redfish and spotted sea trout.

Jason Goodin with some epic catches, including the bull red featured in this episode (right)

Location

This episode takes place during the Ride the Bull kayak fishing tournament in Grand Isle, Louisiana

Catch of the Day

Bull redfish

This episode is about catching redfish, and more particularly, big bull redfish.

Gear Used

A kayak, fishing pole, and a live crab.

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

011 – Bowfishing Blitz with Cody Moen

John Woodson — Mon, 03 Jul 2017 10:45:42 -0500

If at first your bow explodes, get another one, then get redemption …

Guest Profile

Cody Moen is a junior in high school, and a bowfishing maniac. Cody has fished (hunted?) most every pond, stream, and lake in the Central Florida area that is a target rich environment for tilapia. When Cody is not slinging arrows, he loves playing ice hockey (yes, we have that in Florida). Also, he enjoys just being out in nature, whether at the beach or in the woods. On this episode, Cody shares an epic bowfishing trip when he and friends first got the boat stuck, but then got busy sticking fish – LOTS of ’em.

Guest Links

https://www.instagram.com/cmoe3210/

https://www.instagram.com/flying_plecos_bowfishing/

https://www.nationalprostaff.com/u195687-flying-plecos-bowfishing

Fishing experience

Cody grew up surf fishing and shark fishing around Florida. He has recently gotten into freshwater fishing for largemouth bass. But by far, Cody’s favorite fishing pole is a compound bow, and he has several fish fry’s under his belt to prove just how good he has gotten at this sport. You can follow Cody’s insane bowfishing adventures with fellow members of the Flying Plecos Bowfishing Team (including Justin from Episode 001 and Nicky from Episode 004) on National Pro Staff (NPS) and Instagram at the links above.

Cody and friends after his most epic day of bowfishing (left), plus some of his other impressive “twangers”

Location

This episode takes place on Lake Monroe in Sanford, Florida

Catch of the Day

Tilapia, Gar, Bowfin (mudfish)

This episode is about stickin’ a boat load of tilapia, plus a few other species for good measure.

Gear Used

Cajun Bowfishing Sucker Punch Bow Only (http://amzn.to/2svXQKF)

AMS Tournament Retriever Pro Bowfishing Reel (http://amzn.to/2saWjdU)

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

010 – Nearshore Surprise with Captain John Coufal

John Woodson — Mon, 26 Jun 2017 10:45:37 -0500

A welcome party crasher …

Guest Profile

Captain John Coufal is the owner of Hana Pa’a (“Fish On”) Adventures in Weekie Wachee, Florida. An Army vet, John fell in love with saltwater fishing when he was stationed in Hawaii, and he still has blue water running strong in his veins. John loves taking his guests out for an awesome day of fishing, diving, or scalloping. In addition, John is also starting a non-profit organization to help fellow veterans and their families get out for some much deserved R&R and saltwater therapy. And did I mention he knows how to catch cobia?

Guest Links

https://www.instagram.com/hana_paa/

https://www.facebook.com/coufalfishing/

Fishing experience

Capt. John grew up freshwater fishing in Kansas. When his Army career took him to Hawaii, he took to the blue water and got the saltwater fever. Now retired from the Army, John fishes (and dives) for everything the Gulf of Mexico has to offer, including grouper, sharks, Spanish mackerel, king mackerel, and scallops. Oh, and did I mention cobia?

Capt. John Coufal (left) and family

Location

This episode takes place on the Gulf Coast of Florida near Pine Island in Hernado County.

Catch of the Day

Cobia

This episode is about a good day of grouper fishing that took an epic turn when a big ray and its big friend, Mr. Cobia, decided to crash the party.

Gear Used

Cut bait and a reel with a lot of line …

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

009 – Backcountry Bonanza with Mitch Todd

John Woodson — Mon, 19 Jun 2017 10:45:05 -0500

Work hard, play hard, and pray hard …

Guest Profile

Mitch Todd is the Lead Pastor at River Run Church in Chuluota, Florida (East Orlando). However, when he is not leading the flock, Mitch loves to follow the fish. Growing up in Kentucky, Mitch is no stranger to freshwater fishing. But after moving to Florida to start River Run Church, Mitch discovered there is a whole lot more water to cover and new critters to catch. He chalked up a big number of these critters on this epic backcountry fishing day …

Guest Links

River Run Church – http://www.riverrun.church/

https://www.facebook.com/mitch.todd.16

Fishing With:

https://www.facebook.com/joseph.gumble

Fishing experience

Mitch grew up catching all the freshwater species Kentucky has to offer (catfish, largemouth and smallmouth bass, crappie, and bluegill). After moving to Florida, Mitch made the switch to saltwater fishing. Since then, he has caught most everything swimming inshore from spotted sea trout, snook and redfish (red drum), and also loves to offshore fish whenever he gets the chance. Mitch has even fished in IFA Redfish Tour events.

Location

This episode takes place in the Everglades backcountry in Florida.

Catch of the Day

This episode is about backcountry saltwater fishing for snook, spotted sea trout, redfish, black drum, bonefish, jack cravelle, and even a Goliath grouper. Plus, a surprise guest decides to crash the party.

Gear Used

Live bait

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

008 – Here Fishy Fishy with Sid Mair

John Woodson — Mon, 12 Jun 2017 10:45:59 -0500

If you can’t get a bite, try a fish call …

Guest Profile

Sid Mair runs a sales team for a computer company by day, but he is never far from the water. Whether it’s fishing, water skiing, SCUBA diving, or spear fishing, Sid is always ready to get wet. One day Sid decided to take the family and the new Wellcraft out on the big pond for some mahi fishing. After a slow start, Sid broke out his secret weapon. After that, the fish were jumping in (and all around) the boat.

Social Media

https://www.facebook.com/sid.mair

Fishing experience

Sid is a watersports enthusiast and avid angler who loves spearfishing and freshwater fishing for largemouth bass. However, his favorite is offshore fishing for sailfish and mahi.

Location

This episode takes place out of Port Canaveral, Florida.

Catch of the Day

Mahi

Gear Used

A Wellcraft boat and some cut bait

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

007 – Paddleboard Rodeo with Don Enoch

John Woodson — Mon, 05 Jun 2017 10:45:23 -0500

A paddleboard is like a horse, if you get thrown off …

Guest Profile

Don Enoch is a marketing manager by day, but he is always armed with a rod and ready to fish. Whether it’s the local pond or the next fishing hole he drives by, Don is always ready for action. In this episode, Don decides to give it a go on a paddleboard in the South Carolina salt water marsh. On his first attempt at paddleboard fishing, Don encounters a “spot tail bass” (i.e., redfish or red drum). As you may have guessed, this fish gives him a little more action that he bargained for …

Fishing experience

Don is a seasoned freshwater angler. He has pulled a lot of impressive lunkers from the ponds and lakes around Central Florida. Don also loves to fish for spotted sea trout, redfish (red drum), and black drum. He does this mainly in the inshore saltwater lagoons in the Central East Region of Florida.

Location

This episode takes place on Harbor Island, South Carolina.

Catch of the Day

Redfish

Also known as red drum, or “spot tail bass” in this neck of the woods.

Gear Used

A paddleboard and a pole.

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

006 – Bull on the Beach with Lewis Przystup

John Woodson — Mon, 29 May 2017 10:45:37 -0500

This shark tale is no bull …

Guest Profile

Lewis Przystup has racked up a lot of impressive catches at a young age. In addition to inshore saltwater fishing and largemouth bass fishing, Lewis also likes to tangle with the big boys – sharks, that is. In this episode, Lewis goes toe-to-fin with a monster bull shark that was twice his weight and longer than him. Plus, he did it with a custom rod he built by himself. Which one came out the victor in this epic battle? Just press play to find out …

Guest Links

https://www.instagram.com/lewis_przystup/?hl=en

Fishing experience

Lewis is a skilled largemouth bass fisherman, but he also enjoys inshore saltwater fishing for red drum (redfish) and spotted sea trout. As you will hear in this episode, Lewis also knows a thing or two about shark fishing on the beach.

Location

This episode takes place at New Smyrna Beach, Florida.

Catch of the Day

Bull Shark

This episode is about bull sharks – BIG ones!

Gear Used

Custom built rod with parts from Mudhole Tackle.

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you

005 – Sailor Sendoff with Steve Robinson

John Woodson — Mon, 22 May 2017 10:45:39 -0500

It’s not just the fish that make a trip epic …

Guest Profile

Steve Robinson is a man of many talents. One of host John Woodson’s first encounters with Steve was on a fishing trip in the Keys. The guy fishing next to John had a heart attack. However, Steve is both a registered trauma nurse and a member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. So, he proceeded not only to help save the man’s life, but also coordinated with the Coast Guard to get him rescued. But his talents don’t stop there – pilot, financial advisor, Rotarian, missionary, the list goes on and on. Oh, and did we mention fisherman? In this story, Steve takes his son Chris on a farewell fishing trip before Chris heads off to Naval officer’s candidate school. It’s a trip neither one will ever forget.

Guest Links

https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100010522446130

Fishing experience

Steve tells us about his background fishing in freshwater with his grandparents and father growing up. From the pictures below, you can see that Steve is a bit of an old salt as well. He has also shown host John Woodson that he knows how to bring lots of kingfish and cobia into the boat.

Location

This episode takes place on Lake Talquin outside of Tallahassee, Florida.

Catch of the Day

Crappie and Catfish

Gear Used

Live bait and a hook

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

004: First Time Kicker with Nicky Azzara

John Woodson — Mon, 15 May 2017 10:00:09 -0500

Guest Profile

Nicky Azzara is a bass and bow-fisherman extraordinaire. As one of the three founding members of the Flying Plecos Bowfishing team, Nicky has every tilapia in Central Florida on high alert for flying arrows. Moreover, at just 16 years of age, Nicky has already landed more big bass than most folks will catch in a lifetime. In fact, this story is about Nicky’s first entry into a bass fishing tournament. True to form, another “toad” decides to crash the party …

Guest Links

https://www.instagram.com/nickyazzara_fishing/

https://www.nationalprostaff.com/u193713-nicky-azzara

https://www.instagram.com/flying_plecos_bowfishing/

https://www.nationalprostaff.com/u195687-flying-plecos-bowfishing

Fishing With:

Kissimmee Bass Series (www.facebook.com/KissimmeeBassSeries/)

Fishing experience

Nicky grew up fishing the local ponds in his neighborhood in the metro Orlando area. He now branches out into many Central Florida lakes and rivers for both bass and bow fishing. Nicky also enjoys flats fishing in the local saltwater lagoons (Mosquito Lagoon and Indian River Lagoon).

Location

This episode takes place on the world-famous Kissimmee Chain of Lakes (http://myfwc.com/hunting/wma-brochures/ne/kissimmee/).

Catch of the Day

Largemouth Bass

This episode is about bass fishing, tournament style.

Gear Used

Owner American Flashy Swimmer Hook with CPS (http://amzn.to/2q7hM7g)

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW on iTunes, Google Play, Stitcher, or YouTube – it really helps us a LOT. Thanks – we appreciate you!

003: Whiskey Tuna with Roger Bouwmans

John Woodson — Mon, 08 May 2017 10:45:01 -0500

Whiskey fishing for tuna …

Guest Profile

Roger Bouwmans works for Siemens Energy in Orlando, Florida and loves to get on the water every chance he can get. Whether on the lake or driving across the Gulf Stream from Florida to the Bahamas and back, Roger loves a great adventure and catching lots of fish. And that is exactly what he does in this epic blackfin tuna fishing adventure …

Fishing experience

Roger is an all around angler who fishes for most every fish Florida has to offer. These include largemouth bass, inshore saltwater species such as redfish (red drum) and spotted seatrout, and all varieties of offshore saltwater fish. In this episode, Roger was put to the test and had a serious case of sore arms by the time day was over!

Fishing with:

Ocean Obsession Charters: http://fishobsession.com/

Roger and friends

Location

This episode takes place on the Atlantic Ocean out of Port Canaveral.

Catch of the Day

Blackfin tuna

Bonita

This episode is about blackfin tuna fishing at its finest.

Gear Used

An Orlando Sentinel (newspaper) and a 5th of whiskey (trust me, this will make sense when you hear it).

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW – it helps us a LOT. Thanks – we really appreciate you!

002: Pothole Redfish with Greg Snyder

John Woodson — Mon, 01 May 2017 11:45:22 -0500

Not every pothole is a bad one …

Guest Profile

Greg Snyder lives in the Orlando area and manages a power generation sales team for Siemens. Greg is also one of Tell Tale Fisherman Podcast host John Woodson’s favorite fishing buddies. They have had many epic days on the water together. This redfish story comes from a time before they met. It will definitely make you want to go grab your fishing pole …

Guest Links

https://www.facebook.com/greg.snyder.5245

Fishing experience

Greg’s favorite types of fishing include inshore and offshore saltwater fishing, although he has a lot of freshwater experience as well. Futher, Greg and John have fished on each other’s boats for years. Now, they co-own an offshore fishing boat that they love heading out into the blue on whenever the wind and waves allow.

Location

This episode takes place on the Laguna Madre (Texas).

Catch of the Day

Red drum (redfish)

Gear Used

Spoon Fly (http://amzn.to/2oSPUBD)

About TTF Podcast

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW – it helps us a LOT. Thanks – we really appreciate you!

001: Snook Demon with Justin Woodson

John Woodson — Mon, 01 May 2017 11:00:09 -0500

Sometimes it takes a demon to catch one (or many)…

Guest Profile

Justin Woodson is the son of Tell Tale Fisherman Podcast host John Woodson, and the inaugural guest on this fishing podcast. In addition to being a smart aleck and giving his father grief, Justin just so happens to be one heck of a fisherman. A sophomore in high school, Justin has been fishing since he was in diapers. He has racked up some pretty impressive days on the water. The one he describes in this episode is about snook fishing, and it is epic to the extreme.

Guest Links

https://www.instagram.com/flying_plecos_bowfishing/

https://www.nationalprostaff.com/u195687-flying-plecos-bowfishing

Fishing experience

Justin’s loves bass fishing in our home lakes and ponds in the metro Orlando, Florida area. He also enjoys inshore saltwater fishing in our local lagoon systems for red drum and spotted seatrout. Justin’s latest passion is bowfishing, and he and his friends have become quite good at it. You can follow their insane adventures on National Pro Staff (NPS) and Instagram.

Location

This episode takes place on the Gulf Coast of Florida on Longboat Key.

Catch of the Day – Snook

This episode is about snook fishing on the beach. You have to hear the rest to believe it …

Gear Used

Zebco Dock Demon Spinning Combo

About TTF Podcast

To sign up (or to recommend a guest), visit our guest page. The interview format is super easy – just tell us a little about yourself, and then share with us the story of your most epic day of fishing ever. All you need is a computer, a mic, and 15-20 minutes of time. That’s it!

And most importantly, if you enjoy the show, please SUBSCRIBE, RATE and REVIEW – it helps us a LOT. Thanks – we really appreciate you!

000: Introduction with host John Woodson

John Woodson — Fri, 28 Apr 2017 03:20:23 -0500

A fishing podcast is born:

Tell Tale Fisherman Podcast host John Woodson talks about his background, the format for this fishing podcast, and the plan going forward.

John grew up in Mt. Dora, Florida in Lake County. As the name suggests, this is not a bad place for a bass fisherman to grow up.

By day, John is a patent attorney with the law firm of Allen, Dyer, Doppelt & Gilchrist, P.A. in Orlando, Florida. Click here to see John’s bio. However, he loves to hit the water every chance he gets, and also loves to talk fishing with fellow anglers.

It’s all in the details…

John noticed a couple of things about fishermen. One is that avid anglers remember the smallest details of an epic fishing adventure, even years after the fact. The other thing is that if you ask an avid angler about fishing, you get an earful! So, John decided to start a fishing podcast, and start asking. BUT, not just about any fishing adventure. Rather, John asks his guests the ULTIMATE fishing question:

“What was your best day of fishing EVER?”

All anglers welcome

The Tell Tale Fisherman podcast is the place for all avid anglers (not just guides and tournament professionals) to share their story of a lifetime and become fishing legends. Join us on this quest to catch the greatest fishing stories in the world. To start, we will launch a new episode every Monday. We begin with this introductory episode 000 plus the first two full episodes. As our guest list grows, we plan to add additional days of the week.

Be our guest…

If you are an avid angler, we want you to be a guest on the show. To sign up (or to recommend a guest), go to www.tell.fish/guest. The interview format is super easy – just tell us a little about yourself, and then tell the story of your most epic day of fishing ever. It’s like you were talking to a new friend who had not heard the story yet. That’s it!