In this two-part episode, we talk with Jimmy Burns, owner of Waterloo Rods. As a south Texas native, he shares his upbringing and how he acquired Waterloo Rods. Over the years, Waterloo has made its mark in the industry being know as some of the best rods available. They also have one of the best tackle stores in the country for targeting inshore species. Jimmy shares how they got there and what it takes to stay on top! Hope you enjoy!
Oct 19, 2024•58 min•Ep. 32
In this two-part episode, we talk with Jimmy Burns, owner of Waterloo Rods. As a south Texas native, he shares his upbringing and how he acquired Waterloo Rods. Over the years, Waterloo has made its mark in the industry being know as some of the best rods available. They also have one of the best tackle stores in the country for targeting inshore species. Jimmy shares how they got there and what it takes to stay on top! Hope you enjoy!
Oct 19, 2024•55 min•Ep. 31
In this episode, Captain Kyle Johnson sits down with the director of production for Grundéns Curtis Graves to talk about all things outdoor apparel. They cover from the design to long term care of GORE-TEX to get the most out of your investment. Curtis sheds some light on the process of making some of the toughest gear on the market made for the harshest conditions.
Jan 24, 2024•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 30
In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with Mr. Dakus Geeslin, Deputy Director, Coastal Fisheries Division at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD). They not only discuss the chronological events of the 2021 Texas Freeze but explore TPWD’s response to its devastating effects. Here, Dakus lends some transparency and insight to the events that preceded the event but also how they came up with the emergency measures as a result of creel limit response. Lastly, they talk about the effects of ...
Oct 11, 2023•1 hr 9 min•Ep. 29
In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with Captain Josh Sutton from North Carolina to talk about finding his venture as an inshore guide. Facing a major setback in his early life, Captain Josh shares how trout fishing presented his true calling in life and how he overcame those struggles. Lastly, they dive into throwing top waters for big trout. It’s an episode you don’t want to miss!
Mar 22, 2023•1 hr 13 min•Ep. 28
In this episode, Captain Chris talks big trout along the Texas Middle Coast with one of the best, Captain Brett Sweeny. As a Guide in the Matagorda Complex, he shares how he got his start as well as his past tournament success. In addition, they discuss the Dirty 30 and state citation data, and the state of the region since the 2021 Freeze. Lastly, Captain Brett shares some incredible catches and what drives him to be the best guide and tournament angler he can be. This is an episode you don’t w...
Mar 08, 2023•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 27
In this episode, Captain Kyle sits down with Rob and Bill from Hook and Bullet Sunglasses to discuss how choosing the right lenses can lead to catching more fish. They give great insight into their process to provide purpose-built optics for any fishing situation. They also explore some myths about fishing lenses and give advice on choosing the right lenses for the right job, especially targeting big trout on the flats. Hope you enjoy!
Mar 01, 2023•1 hr 11 min•Season 3Ep. 11
In this episode, Chris sits down with one of the youngest guides in the Texas Fleet - Captain Joe Prado. Aside from talking about how he targets big trout in the lower Laguna, he also shares a younger perspective at long term fishery sustainability and how he plays a role in that endeavor. So whether you’re interested in how a young guide gets his start or Fatboy floaters for big trout, this episode is a good listen!
Feb 16, 2023•1 hr 16 min•Season 3Ep. 10
In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with Coastal Conservation Association President Pat Murray. We discuss his early days of guiding the Texas Coast to becoming the leader of a national organization aimed at protecting fisheries and habitat across so many state spectrums. From old fishing stories to challenges facing the everyday angler, this is a great listen.
Oct 13, 2022•1 hr 28 min•Season 3Ep. 9
In this conversation, Chris and Kyle catch up on all things Chandeleur and Conservation. For those that don't know, Captain Kyle from Coastal Waters Outfitters is one of the triad that makes up the Speckled Truth. Since he became a full-time guide, he talks about growing his business, which includes Chandeleur Day Trips, and how incorporating a conservation approach has opened new doors into the industry. Simply put, this is a long overdue conversation between the two and we hope you enjoy this ...
Sep 28, 2022•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 26
In this conversation, Chris and Kyle catch up on all things Chandeleur and Conservation. For those that don't know, Captain Kyle from Coastal Waters Outfitters is one of the triad that makes up the Speckled Truth. Since he became a full-time guide, he talks about growing his business, which includes Chandeleur Day Trips, and how incorporating a conservation approach has opened new doors into the industry. Simply put, this is a long overdue conversation between the two and we hope you enjoy this ...
Sep 21, 2022•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 25
In this episode, we talk about all things for glide baiting Big Trout! Mike Herrmann, a SE Louisiana native, starting hand-making his own glide baits back in 2009. In this conversation he discusses how his concepts came to life and the effort and ingenuity he uses to built one of kind creations to target big trout. So whether you're new to big glide baits or an avid angler to this technique, you're certain to get some useful info. Hope you enjoy this episode!
Aug 24, 2022•1 hr 10 min•Ep. 24
In Part 2, Captain Chris continues his conversation with Captain Richard Rutland from Coastal Alabama. Captain Richard owns and operates Cold Blooded Fishing Service out of Mobile AL. Aside from Guiding, he is a leader for the CCA Alabama led tagging program. From primitive dart tags to geotagging, he works with state agencies and encourages active participation from his charter clientele. Enjoy part 2!
Aug 11, 2022•47 min•Ep. 23
In this Part 1, Captain Chris sits down with Captain Richard Rutland from Coastal Alabama. Captain Richard owns and operates Cold Blooded Fishing Service out of Mobile AL. Aside from Guiding, he is a leader for the CCA Alabama led tagging program. From primitive dart tags to geotagging, he works with state agencies and encourages active participation from his charter clientele. Enjoy part 1!
Jul 28, 2022•59 min•Ep. 22
In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with Corpus Christi Angler Michael Salinas. For those that don’t know Michael, he’s the epitome of humility and dedication. His passion for targeting big trout consumes his life and has payed off with some incredible trout. We not only talk about big trout but his favorite bourbons and what’s made him consistent over the years. So sit back and enjoy this episode!
Jul 07, 2022•1 hr 6 min•Season 3Ep. 3
In this episode, Captain Chris spares no time getting into the uniqueness of Venice, Louisiana with Full Time guide - Captain Shane Mayfield. He shares stories from the his time guiding the Mississippi River delta and why it's noted for its world class fishing. They also discuss environmental challenges facing the state, particularly coastal erosion and how anglers will play a large role in the sustainability of that fishery. Enjoy the show!
May 06, 2022•1 hr 14 min•Season 3Ep. 2
The time has finally come for season 3 because Pops is back on the podcast! In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with his dad Captain Charlie Bush to talk about life after Hurricane Ida. They also catch up on old times and reminisce about some legendary spots that they fished years ago. So without further delay, let's kick off Season 3!
Apr 22, 2022•43 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Few have earned the title Troutmaster and Capt David Rowsey is one of them. In this 2nd part of this 2-part episode, we explore his thoughts on conservation and how imperative guides are in changing the angler mindset. We also discuss some of his most memorable catches while fishing in the Laguna and during his tournament life. Hope you enjoy!
Oct 20, 2021•53 min•Season 2Ep. 20
Few have earned the title Troutmaster and Captain David Rowsey is one of them. In this episode, we explore how he not only got into fishing but how he got into guiding. We also explore his tournament life and how he carved his name alongside the legendary trout anglers on the Texas Coast. I assure you this is one you don't want to miss!
Oct 14, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 19
In this episode, we get to hear from Todd Masson from the popular YouTube channel Marsh Man Masson. Although he's very popular online, his journey in producing content started in fishing journalism for Louisiana Sportsman and we're fortunate he shares that journey with us. So whether you're a budding YouTube fishing star or interested in Speckled Trout fishing in Southeast Louisiana, this is a must listen episode.
Sep 22, 2021•1 hr 22 min•Season 2Ep. 18
In this episode, Captain Chris and Captain Wayne Davis sit down with Dr. Greg Stunz and Quentin Hall from the Harte Research Institute to discuss some truth's behind Catch and Release. For a little over a decade, Dr. Stunz and his team have done exclusive research on the survivability of Speckled Trout that have been caught and released. Not only does Doc go into detail about the results of that study, but they also talk about angler practice and general misnomers surrounding catch and release. ...
Jul 28, 2021•1 hr 11 min•Season 2Ep. 17
In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with Dr. David McKee. Dr. McKee is a retired fisheries professor at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and he shares a mountain of historical information and Angling stories from the Texas Bays. From his early run in with the now infamous Gary Loomis to a world class collection of angling gear (rods/reels/lures) that fueled the fishing lure industry to its present day, Dr. McKee is a Texas Angling treasure and in this podcast he shares many of those experiences...
Jul 15, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 16
Baffin Bay in South Texas is known for its legendary Trophy Trout Fishing. In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with a true legend of this infamous bay system, Captain Cliff Webb. Cliff not only shares his experiences of some remarkable catches from his childhood, but stories of legend like his single day 10 trout stringer that weighed a little over 96 lbs. He also shares his passion for these big fish and how we as a community can move forward to bring something like this back to the presen...
Jun 30, 2021•1 hr 9 min•Season 2Ep. 15
In this episode, Captains Kyle and Lowell discuss a myriad of different topics like Custom Corky’s, as well as guiding on the TX coast in the mid 80’s. They also talk a lot about the tackle business and the many legends along the TX coast he's fished with over the years. Without a doubt Lowell is a treasure trove of information and we hope you enjoy all he has to say!
Apr 18, 2021•1 hr 41 min•Season 2Ep. 14
This week Captain Chris sits solo and reflects on the conservation programs that Speckled Truth has supported over the years, and shares his outlook for the programs and the future of the brand. Hopefully this episode is enlightening and transparent about his support for the fishery.
Apr 01, 2021•1 hr•Season 2Ep. 13
This episode Captain Chris switched it up, getting a rare opportunity to talk with Elite Series and MLF Bass angler Aaron Martens. Aarons accolades in the bass fishing world are beyond reproach, and he shares what it’s like competing against the best anglers in the world. As a 2-time Elite Series Angler of the year and 4-time runner up in the Bassmaster classic, he shares his views on conservation within the freshwater world and how that could translate the saltwater mindset. Lastly, they talk a...
Mar 17, 2021•1 hr 35 min•Season 2Ep. 12
In light of recent weather events, Captain Chris had the opportunity to speak with Assistant Director, CCA Texas, Mr. John Blaha. They not only talked about the recent fish kill event but about the changes to the CCA STAR and ways the Texas Coast hatcheries may augment the return of healthy bay systems along the coast. Whether you’re a concerned angler or interested in getting involved this is an episode you’ll want to hear. Enjoy!
Mar 04, 2021•1 hr 16 min•Season 2Ep. 11
In this episode, Captain Chris and Virginia big trout angler Charlie Church dive into the Virginia Trout Fishing Citation data. Not only do they review it for any targeting trends but they also examine some pretty remarkable catches as well as periods of decline. Lastly, they also talk about Charlie's approach to targeting some gators in the commonwealth. Enjoy!
Feb 16, 2021•1 hr 6 min•Season 2Ep. 10
In this episode CaptainWayne Davis not only shares his journey about becoming a full-time guide, but his approach to different water conditions in the Lower Laguna Madre. Additionally, he also gives some insight into his participation for the Harte Research Institutes fish tagging initiative as well as the inception of his Empty Stringers Catch and Release Program. Without a doubt, Captain Wayne is a positive change agent for conservation, not only in the guide fleet, but across TX and the Gulf ...
Jan 28, 2021•1 hr 7 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Erica Rae is a born and raised Texan, who showed cattle and was fixated with the outdoors from an early age. It wasn’t until later in life that she found her true calling - targeting big trout in the lower Laguna Madre. In this podcast, she shares not only how she ended up on the lower coast but gives tremendous context of what it’s like be a female in the industry. Enjoy!
Jan 15, 2021•57 min•Season 2Ep. 8