The Speckled Truth Podcast

In this episode, Chris sits down with Captain Sally Black. Aside from her guiding story, she shares stories of resolve and overcoming adversity all while becoming the first female guide on Baffin Bay. This story is a must listen!

In this episode, Chris sits with Captain Wyatt Foster. As a 25-year old paving his own way in the fishery, Wyatt discussed what led him to be a full-time guide and how he’s succeeded in catching Giant trout so early in his career. He also shares some Legends Saltwater Series stories as well as his favorite way to chase big trout. Be sure to listen to this one!

In this episode, Chris sits down with the CCA Marine Development Center Hatchery manager Ashley Fincannon. Located in Flour Bluff, Texas, her hatchery was the first state operated hatchery. The hatchery produces juvenile red drum, spotted sea trout and southern flounder for releasing into Texas bays for stock enhancement. Just recently the team released their 1 billionth fingerling into the fishery. Needless to say, Ashley and her team play a big role in the future of fishing in Texas and we’re forever grateful. We hope you enjoy!

In this episode, Chris talks with Darren Jones, the owner of Feral Concepts. Aside from sharing the companies' original story, Darren goes into great detail about some of the products. Lastly, reflect on their time in the military. It’s an episode we’re sure you’ll enjoy!

In this episode, Chris sits down with Captain Joey Farrah from Corpus Christi, Texas. They discuss learning from legends, to exploring the technical approach for big trout, especially from the boat. Lastly, Joey shares some insight on his story and how he went from managing his dad’s bar to being one of the most tenured guides on the Texas coast.

In this episode, Chris sits down with former commercial fisherman and Marker 37 owner Ernie Butler. Together they discuss the Laguna Madre and Ernie reflects on his commercial fishing days that spanned from the 1960’s to 1981. He shares stories of his early days in Baffin and some of his big trout stories. Ernie also shares the origin story of his infamous Marker 37 marina. This is one episode you sure don’t want to miss.

In this episode, Chris sits down and talks with Jay Kleberg about the legacy of the King Ranch. He also shares the many projects he advocates for as the Executive Director of The Gulf Trust. Lastly, they discuss Chasing the Tide - a 370 mile journey him and his wife took walking the TX Barrier islands from Sabine Pass to Boca Chica.

In this episode, Chris talks to Ryan Watkins about his angling upbringing. As the youngest son of legendary guide Jay Watkins, he shares what led him to success on the College Bass Fishing stage and what parallels saltwater anglers can draw from freshwater industry. Hope you enjoy!

In this episode, Chris sits down with Ethan Getz, the Baffin Bay Systems Manager from Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD). They discuss what makes this bay system one of the most unique marine ecosystems in the world, as well as historical studies completed on the bay. Ethan also shares what he projects TPWD and his team are doing to ensure the sustainability of this world class fishery. Hope you enjoy!

In this episode, we sit down with Nathan Garrison and discuss how he created a shark deterrent product called Sharkbanz. From a simple idea to now a globally known product, he shares his story with us. What was initially intended for surfers ended up becoming a must have for fisherman and divers around the globe!

In this episode, I reminisce with my dad about some incredible trips we've been fortunate to share as father and son over the years. We also discuss the changes within the Louisiana Delta over the years as a cautionary tale for other fisheries. Lastly, we discuss my dads family motto of God, Family and Fishing. We hope you enjoy!

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!

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!

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.

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 the hatchery and its influence to the post freeze recovery. This is an episode you don’t want to miss!

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!

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 want to miss.

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!

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!