The Guide Post

In this episode of the Guide Post Podcast, hosts Will Poston and Blane Chocklett are joined by guest Tim Adams, founder of Oxbow Brewing Company. The discussion primarily focuses on Tim’s creation of the "All Species" fishing tournament in Maine, its unique format, and the broader community it fosters.Tim shares his background, starting Oxbow Brewing 13 years ago, and how he’s blended his passion for fishing with his brewing business. The All Species tournament embraces Maine’s rich biodiversity, with participants targeting various fish species across saltwater and freshwater ecosystems. The winner is determined by the number of species caught. Tim highlights how this tournament supports local anglers and raises awareness for conservation efforts, especially for striped bass, with the backing of brands like Yeti, Simms and Costa.

Ben Meadows, an economist and professor at the University of Alabama-Birmingham, delivers an engaging presentation centered on the value of Louisiana redfish. Using his personal experiences with redfish and fishing trips with his grandfather, he explores the economic and non-economic values of redfish. Meadows highlights that many people tend to assess the value of redfish solely by its market price, such as the cost of a filet. However, he argues that this approach overlooks the broader value derived from the fishing experience, including the joy of being on the water, the thrill of the catch, and the environmental value of having more fish in the ecosystem. Meadows continues by explaining how traditional fisheries economics focus on maximizing revenue from fish harvests, but this mindset misses the recreational and environmental importance of fish populations. He suggests that species like largemouth bass have already made the transition from being valued for their market worth to being more valuable alive and in the water. He asserts that redfish are similarly valuable when left in the water rather than caught and filleted. By quantifying the economic impact of recreational fishing and travel, Meadows estimates the Louisiana redfish’s value to be around $100 per fish annually at a LOW end. Ben concludes by emphasizing that promoting the conservation of redfish, rather than prioritizing their harvest, can create a virtuous cycle of economic and environmental benefits.

This presentation features Luyen Chou, an entrepreneur and passionate fly angler, talking about his innovative fishing app, “Got One.” Chou explains that he developed the app to address the lack of tools that help anglers gather and analyze data to improve their fishing performance. The app allows users to log catches, record details such as species and length, and automatically pull environmental data like tide, water temperature, and moon phase from various sensors. The app’s goal is twofold: to help anglers improve their fishing through data-driven insights and to contribute that data to fishery science and management efforts. Chou highlights the importance of protecting user privacy, ensuring that location data is obscured to avoid overfishing hotspots, which has been a concern with other apps. In addition to benefiting anglers, the GotOne app has been embraced by scientific organizations and conservation groups. It provides valuable aggregate data to researchers while protecting individual fishing spots. Chou mentions partnerships with organizations like the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) and the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. The app has expanded to support multiple species and is being used to gather catch and release data, particularly for striped bass. Chou shares examples of how the app’s data has already contributed to scientific studies and influenced fishing gear changes to reduce mortality rates in released fish. The presentation emphasizes the potential of the app to enhance both personal angling experiences and fisheries management.

This is a two-part video that features presentations from two core members of The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries. The first half of the presentation features LDWF’s Jason Adrience, the Finfish Program Manager and Chief Scientist, and focuses on the status and management of redfish. He begins by discussing the biology of redfish, emphasizing their long lifespan (up to 39 years), maturity stages, and spawning habits. He highlights changes in redfish regulations over the years, beginning with the first limits set in 1984 and leading to more recent restrictions, such as the slot limit and reduction in the number of fish allowed to be caught. Adrience explains that while the redfish population is not yet overfished, overfishing has been occurring, particularly in the last decade. The management goal is to improve escapement rates, allowing 30% of sub-adults to mature and contribute to the spawning population. The second half of the presentation shifts to the importance of Louisiana’s LA Creel program, which collects fishery data through dockside interviews and surveys. Chris Schieble, the Deputy Assistant Secretary of the LDWF, describes how LA Creel helps track both inshore and offshore species, including redfish and spotted sea trout. They discuss challenges like “survey fatigue” among anglers, which has led to a decline in participation, particularly among charter captains. Accurate data collection is emphasized as crucial for making informed fishery management decisions, and they encourage more participation to ensure reliable data.

Dr. Marcus Drymon, a fisheries ecologist at Mississippi State University, highlights his research on an underappreciated fish species, the Jack Crevalle. Supported by organizations like the Lower Keys Guide Association and Bajio Sunglasses, this project focuses on the biology and management of an amazing species. Initially starting as a side project, Dr. Drymon’s interest in the Jack Crevalle grew after realizing its ecological and recreational importance. His research has centered around understanding the fish’s age structure, diet, and movement patterns, often using tagging and telemetry methods. The study reveals that the Jack Crevalle plays a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, but their population in some areas, like the Florida Keys, is declining due to factors like overfishing, prey loss, and habitat changes. Dr. Drymon emphasizes the need for proactive conservation efforts for Jack Crevalle, highlighting their importance to both recreational fishing and ecosystem health. He advocates for more research on their movements, suggesting that healthy populations in some areas, like Mobile Bay, might help replenish declining stocks elsewhere. Additionally, he has worked to promote catch-and-release practices to reduce unnecessary fish kills during fishing tournaments. He also encourages greater cooperation among scientists, anglers, and policymakers to protect this species and ensure its sustainability for future generations.

In this episode, Captain Ray Jarvis stopped by to talk everything false albacore. In the last few weeks, ASGA guides have deployed three (3) separate Floy tags on false albacore that were all recaptured less than two weeks later! These tags tell an important story about the value of false albacore as a catch and release fishery and raise questions about the total abundance of the fishery at scale. Seventeen (17) albies tagged by ASGA guides through the Coastal Pelagics Tagging Program have been recaptured to date. Each tag provides a look into the ever-moving lifestyle of little tunny…

False albacore management is back on the docket in North Carolina. The first time albies entered the conversation in February, we saw big wins for little tunny. In that comment period, the North Carolina state agency let us know that it’s been years since they received this many comments on an issue. This influx of passionate digital comments was followed by more than 20 guides and anglers giving thoughtful in-person testimony over the course of two days. Every single voice made a difference. False albacore won because of your efforts. We now enter Step 2 in the process. Learn more and submit your comment before next Monday's deadline by clicking here.

Join the American Saltwater Guides Association and Cheeky Fishing for a rowdy celebration of the beloved Little Tunny, a.k.a false albacore. The 2024 Tunny Tournament will take place on September 21, 2024 on Cape Cod, MA. This one day tournament empowers anglers from shore and boat to chase down albies, participate in citizen science and win epic prizes from some of the best brands in the industry. All funds raised during the event will support The Albie Project, a dynamic campaign connecting passionate anglers, cutting-edge science and precautionary fisheries management. September 21, 2024. Lines in 6:00am. Lines out 3:00pm. Awards Ceremony 5:30pm. Awards Ceremony will take place at The West End, 20 Scudder Ave, Hyannis, MA 02601.

Menhaden advocates from across the country tuned into today’s ASMFC Menhaden Board meeting. At one point, there were 163 people logged into the webinar. Why was this meeting so well attended? Because of a vague statement listed as the final agenda item:“Discuss Possible Chesapeake Bay Management (L. Fegley) Possible Action.”Now, you know as well as we do that Maryland is not exactly a bastion of conservation.  So, where could this be coming from? It didn’t take long to figure out. Pound net fishermen are not catching any menhaden in Maryland...#TheGuidePost

In this episode of Shop Talk, the crew sits down to share absurd guide tales and show love to underappreciated species like Jack Crevalle. The Shop Talk series provides access to the lighter side of the Association - less science and policy, more fish stories and healthy laughs.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation

In this episode, Tony and Cody provide more context on the Local Singles Program - a collaborative community campaign to minimize the recreational angling footprint and reduce striped bass release mortality rates. Learn more and participate by clicking here.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation

Take a deep dive into the Marine Biological Lab's incredible striped bass research, which utilizes local eel pond populations to better understand an important migratory species.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation

In Episode 146 of The Guidepost, ASGA’s Will Poston sits down with Emilie Franke of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission to discuss Draft Addendum II for Atlantic Cobia. Recreational data uncertainties, shifting distribution, and structural management deficiencies are some of these issues frustrating cobia management, and what Addendum II seeks to address. Cobia from Georgia through Rhode Island are managed by the ASMFC through Amendment 1, which utilizes a quota strategy to maintain the sustainability of the stock. However, because the fishery is overwhelmingly recreational, monitoring quotas and developing new management measures can be very challenging. The Marine Recreational Informational Program (MRIP) has its flaws, and recreational catch and effort of Atlantic cobia expose all the limitations of our data collection program, which is in part what Addendum II hopes to address.  Draft Addendum II considers new allocations schemes for the recreational sector, such as moving from a state-by-state scheme to regional or coastwide harvest targets, which would be better suited to utilize the recreational fishing data we have now. In addition, the addendum includes other alternatives which could give managers more tools to respond to new stock assessments and make better use of the available fisheries data. This document is open for public comment now until July 8th. Read more and develop your comment by clicking here.

Ted Upton, CEO of North Point Brands, swings by The Guide Post to talk about the most recent Cheeky Schoolie Tournament, a community celebration of an iconic species and the successful, 13-year development of an event with "dirt parking lot roots". ASGA is extremely humbled and honored by the community reception and brand support the Association has received at the Schoolie Tournament. Thank you to Ted, Ellen, Peter and the entire team - as well as the other non-profit partners who work daily to educate and empower the angling community.#BetterBusinessThoughConservation

In this episode, ASGA's Will Poston is joined by Dr. Genny Nesslage of the University of Maryland's Chesapeake Biological Laboratory to discuss an important piece of marine food webs: menhaden.

Tony and Will drop in for a rapid reaction from the ASMFC Spring Meeting. Topics include the latest on red drum, spanish mackerel and striped bass.#TheGuidePostPresented by Costa Sunglasses

With the life of a fishing guide already being so chaotic, it’s hard to imagine how a simultaneous career as a musician is even possible. Balancing both of these journeys along with family life has become the norm for Chuck Ragan, a fly-fishing guide and musician based out of California. While Chuck has experienced a professional life most could only dream of, his proudest memories are based around his son. In this episode, we highlight a game changer in the fullest sense: someone lives as a shining example of "doing it your own way".

Consistent spawning production is paramount to a fishery’s long-term health. Many environmental factors are suspected to impact annual spawning production, and understanding these effects is crucial for conserving this fishery. For Atlantic striped bass, the right conditions are linked to high flows, a cool spring and a moderate temperature rise through the season, but these three factors only don’t tell the whole story.In this episode, ASGA’s Policy Director Tony Friedrich is joined by Martin Gary, Director of the Division of Marine Resources for New York DEP. Marty’s previous fisheries experience includes time with PRFC and Maryland DNR. While the Chesapeake community dearly misses his four decades of experience and leadership, Marty has seen the best and worst of this fishery and will play a critical role in its future up in New York. #TheGuidePostPresented by Costa Sunglasses

Luyen Chou is the founder of the GotOne app. In this episode, Luyen stops by The Guide Post to recount tales of hunting sheepshead in the marsh of Louisiana and talk about the challenges of fisheries data. Luyen expresses hope for a revolution in capturing high-quality data at scale to better understand the fish we love to catch. #TheGuidePostPresented by Costa Sunglasses

The ASMFC Striped Bass Management Board held a formal review of the state implementation plans for the new regulations under the recently passed Addendum II. During this meeting, the Board voted to find the PA, MD and PRFC jurisdictions out of compliance. This vote passed 11-3-1-0 (full motion transcribed below):“Move to approve Addendum II state implementation plans as discussed today with the following exceptions:-PA: not planning to adhere to the May 1 implementation deadline; and-MD, PRFC: not planning to adhere to the commercial quota overage payback provision for deductions to occur in the following yearThese jurisdictions must submit revised implementation plans by April 12, 2024. The Management Board will review and consider approval of the revised state implementation plans at its May 1, 2024 meeting.” (11-3-1-0)#TheGuidePostPresented by Costa Sunglasses

It's nice to take a break from the doldrums of fisheries science and management to grab a seat at the bar and simply talk about fishing, from tactics you've never considered to fish stories too absurd to make up. In our our second episode of SHOP TALK, fishing guides spread out throughout the east coast sit down with the ASGA team to do exactly that. Pour a coffee, take a seat on the bench and join us for a bit of shop talk.

Ben Martens of the Maine Coast Fishermen's Association stops by the Guide Post to talk about rebuilding in New England after big storms and the resilience of the working waterfront. "The impact of January's storms on Maine's working waterfront is currently beyond comprehension. The devastation occurred rapidly, yet the reconstruction process will likely span years." Learn more about the impacts of recent severe weather on the waterman community by clicking here.The Guide PostPresented By Costa Sunglasses

There are few people as well-respected in the outdoor industry as Hilary Hutcheson. Hilary is an experienced, veteran guide in Montana with a lengthy resume of global travels. In addition to her pursuits on the water, Hilary keeps a packed schedule on land, serving as a board member for multiple organizations including AFFTA and Backcountry Hunters and Anglers. Advocacy is laced into everything Hutcheson does, from her past career in journalism to film work and industry ambassadorship. Hilary truly walks the walk, pushing the brands she works with to recognize their role of responsibility in conservation and challenging them to be courageous in difficult conversations. We couldn’t think of a better role model for upcoming anglers, guides and industry members - and we’re extremely excited to bring a thoughtful conservation with one of the best to Blane’s podcast series.

Jessica Pate stops by The Guide Post to discuss the inception of the Florida Manta Project and how collaborative efforts with cobia fishermen aims to expand that understanding and increase angler success while reducing angler impacts.You can help expand our understanding of these incredible rays! If you have documented any manta rays off the east coast in recent seasons, reach out to Jessica on Instagram (@FloridaMantaGirl) or by email ([email protected])!Watch the Manta Project's new video - "Best Practices for Fishing Cobia Around Manta Rays" by clicking here.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation

March 7th, 2024 - The new Louisiana Wildlife & Fisheries Commission voted 5-1-0 in favor of amending the new NOI for Redfish regulations from a 3-fish creel limit to a 4-fish creel limit. This episode features a condensed version of the public comment period, providing anglers and advocates direct access to the important discussions that can be difficult to tune in or attend. Old roots run deep, and long-standing mindsets take time to recalibrate. Though after hearing another round of overwhelming public comment from the passionate, thoughtful stakeholders who refuse to quit on this fishery, we know there is more progress to be made going forward.

Glen ‘Catch’ Cormier has decades of fly fishing experience. He's a certified casting instructor and a long-time Louisiana resident. In this episode, Catch stops by The Guide Post to break down the redfish management conundrum currently playing out in Louisiana.

On February 22nd, 2024, there was a North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission meeting and false albacore was on the agenda. The item for discussion was guard rail management for albies. The three options were essentially do nothing, monitor the situation , or if landings exceed 200% of a five-year average, take action. That action would be implementing regulations including a 3500lb trip limit for commercial vessels and a 10 fish per person limit (max of 30 per vessel) for recreational vessels. The vote was close, but Option 3 (take action) passed. For the very first time, false albacore finally have some level of state management.#BetterBusinessThroughConservationPresented by Costa Sunglasses.

Basic guardrail management has been proposed for the false albacore fishery in North Carolina. In simplest terms, the rule established basic guardrails for false albacore if the state finds a significant increase in landings compared to a five-year average of landings. Learn more and have your voice heard by clicking this link.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation Presented by Costa Sunglasses

Jay Nichols has enjoyed an incredible career in the fly fishing industry. As a former managing editor of Fly Fisherman magazine, Jay knows the ins and outs of writing, editing and photography. He has utilized those skills to amplify angling tales and spread fishing education to the masses while soaking up endless knowledge from some of the sport's greatest minds like Lefty Kreh, Bob Popovics & Bob Clouser. In this episode of Game Changers, Blane is joined by a good friend and long-time colleague to take an industry-deep dive behind the mighty pen and lens.

Capt. Kyle Schaefer grabs ahold of the primary mic to host his first episode of The Guide Post. In his inaugural freestyle, Kyle is joined by Canadian striper guide and good friend Andrew Murphy. The two striper angling aficionados discuss the history of the species over the border, the genetic distinctions between the internationally separated stocks and a unique outlook for a blooming fishery.

Last week, Capt. Kyle Schaefer was called to testify as a witness at the US Senate Budget Committee. Sitting amongst a panel of other brilliant minds, Kyle provided a first-hand account of the effects of a changing climate on ocean-based small businesses like his own. Schaefer's biggest takeaway was, "We belong here". Kyle exhibited a whole lot of courage and exuded passion for protecting our oceans. In doing so, he set a great example for anglers, outdoorsmen and business owners around the country. We're extremely proud of Kyle and hope to amplify this behind-the-scenes account of the preparation for this big day.

The Striped Bass portion of the ASMFC 2024 Winter Meeting is in the books. While the final results weren’t perfect, after five contentious hours on the webinar, we have an approved Addendum II in which conservation won on many fronts.The public comment summary for Addendum II was a landslide, calling for the most consistent and conservation-minded decisions to protect the future of this fishery.The following blog provides a brief summary of the action on the primary sections of Addendum II:https://saltwaterguidesassociation.com/addendum-2.../Key Moments:Move to approve in Section 3.1.2. Ocean Recreational Fishery Option B: 1-fish at 28-31″ with 2022 seasons for all modes. Motion passes 14-2-0-0.Move to approve in Section 3.1.2. Chesapeake Bay Recreational Fishery Option B2: 19-24″ slot, 1-fish for all modes, 2022 seasons. Motion passes 14-2-0-0.Move to approve in Section 3.2.1 Commercial Quota Reduction Option B: 7% reduction from ocean and Chesapeake Bay 2022 quotas with 2022 size limits. Motion passes 8-6-0-2.Move to approve in Section 3.3 Response to Stock Assessments Option B: Board could respond via Board action to change management measures by voting to pass a motion at a Board meeting. Motion passes 11-5-0-0.Move to approve the following compliance schedule: States must submit implementation plans by March 1, 2024. The Board will review and consider approving implementation plans in March 2024. States must implement regulations by May 1, 2024. Motion passes 10-4-0-2.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation #StripedBass #FisheriesManagement

A hearing to receive public comment on the latest Louisiana Redfish NOI took place yesterday morning. That hearing was not live-streamed, and it went off the rails rather quickly. In this Rapid Reaction episode, Capt. Bailey Short and Capt. Ty Hibbs, who attended the meeting, stopped by to provide commentary.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation This podcast is presented by Costa Sunglasses.

It may take the entire village to drive change, but every major campaign begins with a single voice. Our guest today is industry professional Nick Jones. Nick stopped by The Guide Post to explain how his unorthodox introduction into guiding opened doors for amazing work opportunities and his newfound passion for advocacy.

As many of our listeners already know, launching The Albie Project was a nerve-wracking process for our team. Nearly three years after the inception of this dynamic project, we're insanely proud of everything we have learned and what we're poised to learn in the near future. In this episode of the podcast, Ed Kim from the New England Aquarium stops by to provide insights on what we know so far, the latest data returns and our outlook for 2024.Presented by Costa Sunglasses

Making a leap of faith from the stability of a corporate career to passion-based entrepreneurial pursuits is daunting. In this episode, Ben Whalley tunes in from Maine to talk about building his career as a fly tyer and striper guide.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation

This week, we're introduced to the "far from shy" Scotty Davis. Much more than just a great storyteller, Scotty is a great angler, retired guide, business owner (Low Country Fly Shop) and aspiring advocate for his local fisheries. We look forward to Scotty becoming a familiar guest on the podcast going forward.#BetterBusinessThroughConservationPresented by Costa Sunglasses

It's nice to take a break from the doldrums of fisheries science and management to grab a seat at the bar and simply talk about fishing, from tactics you've never considered to fish stories too absurd to make up. In our "inaugural" episode of SHOP TALK, fishing guides spread out throughout the Atlantic sit down with the ASGA team to do exactly that. Pour a coffee, take a seat on the bench and join us for a bit of shop talk.

Listen as Tony and Luyen take a deep dive into the first year of the GotOne App. Thank you to the growing community of over 1,500 data-driven anglers who contributed hundreds of thousands of data points during the inaugural year of GotOne! #BetterBusinessThroughConservation

What a year 2023 was. Recap the ups and downs of a rollercoaster year fighting to protect our wild fisheries with the ASGA team. Let's keep that same energy in 2024. #BetterBusinessThroughConservation

Capt. Kyle Schaefer tunes in from the Bahamas to talk about his summer business chasing stripers in Maine and the implications of the looming Addendum II comment deadline. Kyle shares experiences from this past season fishing for bass along Maine's coast as well as his developing business ventures that rely on abundant fisheries.

Chris Weiner from the Bluefin Collaborative swings by to talk about the methods, science and management of tuna fishing on the east coast.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation #BluefinTuna

After the Striped Bass Board approved this document at the ASMFC Annual Meeting, ASGA began reviewing notes, talking with partners up and down the coast, and drafting positions for Draft Addendum II. In the coming weeks, ASMFC will be holding virtual and in-person hearings from New England down through Virginia to collect public comment on this document. The deadline for public input is December 22nd, 2023, so be sure to look into the options within Draft Addendum II and share your perspectives before the clock runs out. The following provides a summary of our positions and a template to guide your public comments - CLICK HERE.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation

After the Striped Bass Board approved this document at the ASMFC Annual Meeting, ASGA began reviewing notes, talking with partners up and down the coast, and drafting positions for Draft Addendum II. In the coming weeks, ASMFC will be holding virtual and in-person hearings from New England down through Virginia to collect public comment on this document. The deadline for public input is December 22nd, 2023, so be sure to look into the options within Draft Addendum II and share your perspectives before the clock runs out. The following provides a summary of our positions and a template to guide your public comments - CLICK HERE.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation

In the face of historically insurmountable adversity, there is still a chance that conservation can win in Louisiana. These odds are directly due to the unification of a powerful community voice. We can’t quiet down now.Join us in calling on Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards to VETO the decision of the Joint Oversight Committee and approve this NOI to rebuild this world-class fishery in a fair, equitable, and timely manner.All emails should be directed to ([email protected]). Please send a respectful and encouraging email expressing your support for this NOI and your desire to see Louisiana Redfish back on track in the fastest timeline possible!SUBJECT: “Veto Oversight Committee & Support Rapid Redfish Recovery”BODY: “I support the redfish NOI with a reduction of 55% to get the adult population of redfish back to acceptable levels within a reasonable timeline.”There’s no time to wait. Send your email as soon as possible. Louisiana redfish need your voice.

Unprecedented news has been delivered from the primary spawning grounds of our beloved striped bass. 2023 is officially the fifth straight year of failed spawns for striped bass, as the newly released Chesapeake Bay Young of Year Survey reports the second-lowest YOY Index in the recorded history of stripers. The 2012 YOY Index still stands as the lowest on record, with an index of 0.9. Unfortunately, 2023 almost claimed that abysmal title with an index of 1.0. The vast proportion of juvenile striped bass are spawned in the Maryland portion of Chesapeake Bay. The Hudson River can not save the coastwide stock. It is said that the amount of spawning age stripers in the stock has no impact on the spawn (no stock-recruitment relationship). That is true unless the stock falls below a certain level. We fear we have crossed that threshold. The time to save striped bass is now.

Charlie Witek stops by the Guide Post to get striped bass followers dialed in on next steps for Addendum II and the upcoming ASMFC meeting where we will get a better look into the future of this fishery.

From building his first store by hand with his father to building the largest Orvis dealer in the country within two years, Brian Flechsig from Mad River Outfitters has delivered on his commitment to angling education and making fly fishing community more inclusive. In this episode, Brian joins host Blane Chocklett to discuss a range of topics including a current campaign to conserve redfish in Louisiana, opening horizons with new target species and the value of customer service in the fishing industry. As Brian claims, “If it swims and can eat, it can be caught on a fly rod” - so gear up and tune in for another great episode with a genuine industry game changer.

ASGA is joined by the New England Aquarium research team to discuss the latest findings from the Albie Project including telemetry tagging results from the first research season. #TheAlbieProject #BetterBusinessThroughConservation