In this episode, Pete Utschig returns to the Saltwater Edge Podcast to talk surfcasting strategy, big fish mindset, and the lifelong pursuit of “alpha” predators. From his days in the firehouse to chasing tarpon in Florida and roosterfish in Baja, Pete shares what it takes to consistently find success from the surf.

We cover the power of preparation, why confidence trumps plug color, and how moon tides, weather patterns, and current windows dictate your shot at a true trophy. If you’re serious about stripers—or just love hearing how passion and persistence play out on the water—this one’s a must.

Timestamps:

00:00 – Intro and welcome back Pete
01:08 – Surfcasting passion and conservation roots
02:45 – “Spend time to make time”: Planning and tide prep
04:00 – How firefighting shaped Pete’s approach to fishing
07:10 – Guide life in Northeast Florida: species and seasons
09:30 – Baja roosterfish and fishing the Pacific surf
11:30 – DIY tuna in Portugal: heartbreak and redemption
15:00 – The FG knot failure that changed everything
17:00 – Always be ready: preparing for the alpha
22:00 – Plan A, B, and C: Adapting to conditions
24:30 – Using logs and patterns to predict big fish windows
27:00 – Pete’s minimalist 5x5x5 plug strategy
31:00 – Current finders, cheat codes, and why confidence matters
34:00 – How to fish smarter, not just harder
42:00 – Storm tactics: Before, during, and after
45:00 – Moon tides and reading short windows
48:00 – Finding big fish after a blow
51:30 – Final takeaways and Florida guide updates

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We talk seasonal shifts, bait dynamics, and how to approach stripers, albies, and bluefin with the right presentation—whether you’re throwing a soft plastic, flutter spoon, or a bunker-matching fly.

00:00 – Intro: Brian’s path from Montana guide school to Massachusetts waters
01:30 – Lessons from senior guides on building a sustainable guiding career
03:30 – Off-season travel: Cuba, steelhead, and trout across the northeast
04:45 – South vs. North Cape Cod: tides, temperature, and strategy
07:00 – How bait and water temp influence striper migration
08:30 – Cape Cod Canal as a funnel for biomass movement
10:30 – Bait breakdown: River herring vs. bunker behavior
12:45 – How fish stage, rest, and digest in warm backwaters
14:50 – What drives bait movement: estuary dynamics and spring conditions
16:00 – Squid and peanut bunker: underrated keys to early and late season bites
18:00 – When tuna show up: dabbling in the bluefin game
20:10 – 2022: A season defined by stable bunker, predators, and insane biomass
22:30 – What triggers the fall run: tides, temp drops, and migration instinct
24:30 – How bunker behave in different parts of a bay system
26:30 – Identifying “happy” vs. “stressed” bait to pick your tactics
28:00 – Lure tactics: soft plastics, paddletails, docks, and retrieves that work
33:00 – Magic swimmers, Sluggos, and when to slow it all down
37:30 – Locating bunker: ledges, mooring fields, side scan, and sonar tips
43:00 – Flutter spoons: setup, depth, retrieve, and boat positioning
47:00 – Leader, knot, and rod recommendations for spoon fishing
48:30 – Fly fishing bunker schools: presentation, lines, and setting up drifts
53:00 – Why fishing structure can be better than targeting chaos
55:00 – Dredging with sinking lines vs. casting to active fish
57:00 – Teasing, bait-and-switch, and fly rod practicality in deep water
59:00 – Lessons from clients and staying sharp as a guide

Book a trip with Capt. Brian Kelly
Shop bunker-focused tackle and fly gear at SaltwaterEdge.com

Tammy King: Surfcasting, Island Life, and Building a Fishing Community | Saltwater Edge Podcast

In this episode of the Saltwater Edge Podcast, we’re joined by Tammy King — a Nantucket native, surfcasting expert, and founder of Fish Girl Guides. Raised in a charter captain family, Tammy shares how her early beach days turned into a lifetime passion for fishing, teaching, and community building.

We explore growing up on Nantucket, surfcasting sandy beaches, empowering women in fishing, and Tammy’s adventurous trips beyond the island.

Timestamps:
00:00 – Introduction to Tammy and her Nantucket roots
01:16 – Growing up with charter captain parents
02:27 – Discovering a love for fishing early on
03:12 – What made Nantucket special — and how it's changed
04:12 – Fishing culture, local tournaments, and community spirit
07:17 – How Tammy built her guiding business
09:04 – Surfcasting access on Nantucket: beaches, trucks, and tides
11:11 – Hotspots: reefs, jetties, and where to find fish
12:09 – How to read sand beaches and surf structure
14:19 – The impact of erosion on fishing spots
15:50 – Tammy’s clients: beginners, weddings, and learning to fish
17:09 – Year-round fishing at Nantucket Anglers’ Club
20:03 – Freshwater action: white perch, crappie, and pond stripers
21:14 – Tammy's Louisiana redfish adventure with Journey Outfitters
23:26 – Challenges and safety tips for women in fishing
26:43 – Tammy’s women-only surfcasting course
29:14 – Gear struggles: women's waders and boots
31:12 – Dream fish, surfcasting travel goals, and roosterfish
34:02 – Targeting striped bass from the sand: tips and strategy
38:16 – Nantucket’s first striper arrivals in spring
40:52 – Tammy’s favorite lures for sand beaches
44:06 – Resources Tammy recommends for learning fishing skills
46:12 – Teaching casting basics and common beginner mistakes
48:12 – Watching new anglers grow and succeed
49:19 – Why women are natural surfcasters
50:14 – Tammy’s dream “last fishing day” on Nantucket
51:25 – How to book a trip with Tammy King (Fish Girl Guides)

Follow Tammy:
Instagram @fishgirlack
Recommended by local tackle shops on Nantucket!

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