How 2 Tuesdays - Techniques
Zach McAllister is back on the podcast to tell us all about how zinc works and when it is time to replace it on your boat. We go into the details of how the water acts as a conductor for metals and why the corrosion is more attracted to zinc. We also discuss how you can look at a zinc and determine whether it is still protecting your boat, or if it is time for a new one. Also, how docking next to a rust bucket can affect your zincs and vessel. If you want to check out some of Zach’s products, go to https://saltsgone.com/
Zach McAllister of Salts Gone comes on the podcast this week to talk about ceramic coating. We go over how it works, how to protect it, how to prevent damage to it, and more. Ceramic coating is an expensive investment, and if you are putting the money into your boat you want to make sure that you are cleaning it correctly and preventing damage. Zach is an expert in understanding chemical reactions in relation to salt and protecting boats. If you want to check out some of his product, go to https://saltsgone.com/
With more and more research being done on fish, we are quickly learning how much we can help the fish by giving them a safe release. Richard Black is one of the best guides in the keys and he recently posted a video on using a dehooker, usually used for offshore bait fishing. In this episode we break down why this is such a good tool to release inshore gamefish. If you want a dehooker like Richard uses, you can pick one up at Tackle Direct.
The Atlantic Palolo Worm hatch is upon us!
Many questions come in about how to predict when it is going to happen. In this episode I go back on my notes from the past 30 years and give you all my best observations about how to predict when this hatch is going to happen. Some anglers are trying to hit it and others are trying to avoid it. What do you think about the Palolo worm hatch? Do you have any other observations about it? Text me and let me know 305-930-7346
Dr. Mike Larkin is back on the podcast to tell us about how you can have a great day on the water by taking your kids to public sea walls to fish. This requires no boat and is a great and inexpensive way to introduce your kids to the sport. In this episode we go over where to find public sea walls, what to bring, and what you can expect to catch. If you liked this episode, be sure to check out our other podcasts with Mike!
Dr. Mike Larkin is back on the podcast to help us better be able to estimate the weight of tarpon that we catch. Many people have been using “the woods equation” for a long time, but that equation can actually under estimate the weight of your tarpon by up to 15 percent. Mike explains an improved formula that more accurately estimates the weight of a tarpon. If you like this episode, be sure to subscribe because we have more episodes with Mike coming soon. For the tarpon weight calculator and card, go to https://www.bonefishtarpontrust.org/tarpon-weight-calculator/
Anthony Randazzo owns Paradise - Plus lodge in Venice LA. Today, he joins the podcast to show us some new uses for an old standby knot. The Palomar knot has always been considered one of the strongest ways to tie a hook or lure to the end of the line. But today, Anthony shows us how to tie it on a bare spinning reel spool. This is a really good trick because it eliminates the need to spool monofilament, then tie the braid on. When braid is tied to a bare spool it is so slick that anglers have seen the entire spool of line rotate around the bare spool without ever finding purchase. Tape, or rubber gaskets have been used to create that purchase or simply using 10-50 yards of mono also works. This trick eliminates all of that and allows for much quicker spooling.
You can visit Anthony in the redfish capital of the World by going to www.paradise-plus.com
Captain Anthony Randazzo is back on the podcast this week to tell us about exactly how to build the cork leaders that he uses daily. We walk step by step through what kind of material you need, and what kind of knots to tie. We also go over how to build it so that if you do get snagged on the bottom, you’ll just lose your hook and not the entire rig. You can visit Anthony in the redfish capital of the world by going to www.paradise-plus.com
Anthony Randazzo owns Paradise - Plus lodge in Venice, LA. Today, he joins the podcast to show us how he uses popping corks when targeting redfish. He goes over a couple of different styles of popping corks that he uses for different fishing situations. Not all corks are equal. Learn how to make the best choice for your fishing.
You can visit Anthony in the redfish capital of the world by going to www.paradise-plus.com
All saltwater anglers know that nothing is more damaging that the corrosive effects of salt.
Zach McAllister of Salts Gone joins us today to help us understand why salt destroys boating products in the way that it does. There are many products that can kill Salt but sometimes it can be even more damaging than simply leaving the salt on. Zach explains how his product works and why his product is the best way to defend against it. If you want to try out Salts Gone yourself, head over to https://saltsgone.com/
This week we will honor the life and legacy of Capt. Joe Gonzalez who recently passed away by replaying the 2 podcasts that I was fortunate enough to do with him.
Today we will go over Joe’s preferred bonefish rig.
This episode was recorded in Joe’s home in Little Havana on December 19, 2019 where he and his family kindly invited me in.
The sportfishing industry, Biscayne Bay, the clients, friends and family of Joe Gonzalez lost a great one recently. Thank you for the influence you had over so many of us, Joe. You were one of a kind. Im thankful to have known you and I wish the very best for your family.
With the recent changes in the regulations on Goliath Grouper I thought we would discuss how to catch these small Goliaths.
Maybe you are one of the 200 individuals who will get a permit this year. If so, maybe this info will help. Check out this article for the updated regulations https://www.wtxl.com/media/v/content/11fc44ce1e55136ebc3521efa0e78a04
What do you think about these new regulations? Post your opinion in the comments of our social post about this episode.
With technology constantly advancing, it is important to use it to our advantage when it comes to fishing. In this episode I go over my two favorite tools, Google Earth and Salt Strong. Google Earth can be incredibly helpful for not only finding where to fish, but also understanding why fish are in a certain area. You can then take that information to new spots and narrow down your search for fish. Salt Strong is another incredible tool for becoming a better and more well informed angler. With everything that they provide, you can learn specific techniques, get exclusive insight on fishing zones, and more. If you want to check out what Salt Strong has to offer, click here: https://bit.ly/RowlandMembership It’s a 100% money back guarantee so no hurt in trying it out.
My good friend Mike Larkin was asking me about a big decision he is making soon, and I thought it would make a great How 2 Tuesday. Mike is currently deciding between buying a bay boat or a skiff. In this episode, we go through all of the pros and cons of each, and discuss multiple situations where one would be of benefit over the other. We also go through different sizes of bay boat and weigh the pros and cons of that. Do you have a question for me like Mike did? Shoot me a text and ask me: 305-930-7346
This week on How 2 Tuesday we go over the splash-less cast. This can be an excellent technique for landing a shrimp or jig right in front of a fish’s face without spooking them. This does take a LOT of practice though. In this episode I go over the technique and movements that you should be making. I also go over what tackle is best for this situation. Just like a bass angler practices flipping jigs, this is something that you can practice in your pool or canal so make sure that you have this technique dialed in before you try it on a big permit or bonefish!
WARNING!! - Some attempts at the splash-less cast result in nuclear-like explosions if not done exactly right. Make sure to practice!
Every fly caster seems to want to cast the longest possible cast. Whether it is actually to catch a fish or to impress your friends at the barbecue, the desire to cast the whole line or deep into the backing is something that many people ask about. Now, I don’t think that you have to be able to cast far to land lots of fish, but if you practice your distance casting and can have control of your fly line, it will drastically help your line control at shorter distances.
Back in 1998, I won the Best of the West casting competition, casting a standard 5wt fly rod 131 feet. In this episode we go over some secrets and tricks that I use to cast this far. You may notice that much of distance casting isn’t all casting technique but also line preparation. Soon I hope to make a full video going through the casting motions, but if you have any questions right now, shoot me a text 305-930-7346
I often get questions about what kind of boat someone should get, so this week we go through that for How 2 Tuesday. The first thing to remember is that every boat is a compromise. There is not a single boat out there that can do everything. But if you decide on what you want to use the boat for most, you can get the perfect hull that accommodates where you want to go. You can get a specialized boat like a skiff that may be perfect for shallow flats fishing, but not the best for open water. You may want to get an offshore boat that can run 50 miles out, but it will not be able to go very shallow. Or you could compromise on both and get a bay boat that can do multiple types of fishing, but may not be able to go the shallowest, or the furthest out. The best thing that you can do is decide on what you want to use your boat for most, and go off of that.
This week on How 2 Tuesday I go over how to mark your fly line so that you know what weight it is. Some fly lines come with this already marked, but it is easy for it to get rubbed off. I use a sharpie and a method involving different thicknesses of lines to make sure that I always know what weight fly line I have. I’ll always do this as soon as I get a line so that there is no confusion down the road when changing lines. Often I’ll change lines when there is plenty of life left in a line for it to be a spare line for travel. It is difficult to eyeball an 8 weight from a 9 weight. Marking them can eliminate problems later.
I recently received a question about how to create the strongest connection between fly line and backing or fly line to leader so I figured I would go over that knot on the podcast today. Whipping a look in a fly line can be done several ways but I prefer to add 2 nail knots for added protection against failure. I’ll show how to do this with a Tie Fast tool. I dont use many tools but this one is worth getting…and it’s cheap. If you are listening on audio, be sure to check out the video that goes with this at tomrowlandpodcast.com/blog/560
Chris Bush has a lot of experience wade fishing flats in Texas, especially for giant speckled trout. In this episode Chris goes over what gear you’ll need, especially in colder conditions. He also goes over some advantages of being on foot over a skiff. Things like feeling the temperature changes, feeling the texture of the bottom on your feet, and more. You are able to really understand the water and the tides when you are in the water. If you have a larger group of people, you are also able to spread out and try some different depths and techniques instead of being confined to the same area in a boat. If you like what Chris had to say, check out his podcast called Speckled Truth Podcast and if you are lucky enough to land a Sea Trout over 30”, make sure to enter it as a Dirty 30 through Speckled Truth.
This week on How 2 Tuesday Episode #554, we talk about what I think is the most important skill to have when fly fishing off of a skiff. We go over line management, how to best prepare yourself, when you would need a stripping bucket, how I prepare for a fish, and more. We also talk about why you shouldn’t be taking false casts when you don’t need to. How do you prepare for a fish and manage your line? Shoot me a text and let me know 305-930-7346
If you’ve ever been on a destination fishing trip, you know that it usually takes a lot of preparation. One thing that many people forget to prepare for though is the physical demand that a trip may have on your body.
Are you prepared to cast a 12wt rod for 8 hours straight in the heat of the jungle? Are you prepared to hike 4 miles to that pristine creek loaded with trout?
What happens if you sleep on a bad mattress and your back is all jacked up?
In this episode destination fishing guide expert Jako Lucas goes over how he prepares physically and I also talk about some key stretches that help me on trips like this. Be sure to check out the podcasts we mention at the links below
Jako Lucas Full Podcast - https://tomrowlandpodcast.com/blog/jako-lucas-2
Joe Hippensteel Podcast - https://tomrowlandpodcast.com/blog/joe-hippensteel
Joe Hippensteel Physical Friday - https://tomrowlandpodcast.com/blog/challenge-stretching
Rodrigo Salles of Untamed Angling joins the podcast today to tell us about how to stay healthy when you are taking a trip outside of the country. Rodrigo operates fishing lodges out of the Amazon, and health safety is always a question that his guests ask. In this episode he goes over what to bring, what to avoid, how to get safe water, and more. If you liked this episode with Rodrigo, we have a full length one coming out soon so be sure to subscribe for updates.
Capt. Jeff Malone joins us on How 2 Tuesday this week to talk us through how he coaches his clients on fighting and landing big fish. These things that Jeff goes over are good reminders for both the new and experienced angler. We talk about why you shouldn’t reel against the drag, the benefits of mono and braid when fighting big fish, and what to do when you get that fish to the boat. Tarpon season will be here before we know it, so make sure that you are prepared for it with tips like these! If you like what Jeff had to say, make sure you subscribe to the podcast because we have an hour long podcast coming with Jeff soon!
On How 2 Tuesday we often go over very technical aspects of the outdoors. Today we will go over something a little different but possibly even more important. How to set a goal and accomplish it without getting overwhelmed.
This may be running your first marathon, entering your first tournament, changing jobs, following your passion and becoming a fishing guide or really any big, epic goal.
Today’s guest who will offer some perspective on this is Alyssa Amos Clark who ran 95 marathons in 95 days and also recently set the Women’s Fastest Known Time on the 350 mile Pinhoti Trail.
2019 Bassmaster Classic Champion and 2020 MLF Tour Champion Ott DeFoe joins our How 2 Tuesday this week to talk about the importance of boat positioning when you are fishing. Ott spends most of his time bass fishing lakes, but these tips can definitely be applied to all types of fishing in fresh and saltwater. Ott goes over how he wants to position his boat on a bank, and how a different kind of presentation has helped him catch heavily pressured fish. Be sure to follow Ott on Instagram @ottdefoe and if you liked this episode, we have a full length podcast with Ott coming soon so subscribe to be notified when it goes live!
Capt. Debbie Hanson joins How 2 Tuesday this week to tell us about the most effective ways to catch peacock bass. We go over the best time of year, what lures to use, and how to read the water for these fish. If you want to learn more about Debbie, we have a full length podcast with her coming soon so be sure to subscribe to be notified when it comes out!
Catch and Release has been a great thing for conservation, few would argue that. However, some people mishandle fish before release which could be killing them and cancelling out all good intentions of release. A listener asked if I would do this show on how to properly handle fish intended for release. I was a little hesitant at the time because each fish that we fish for requires a slightly different technique. I wasn’t sure if I could effectively communicate, through audio only, the proper way to handle fish. I gave it a whirl anyway and hope it is helpful, if you want to know more please email me and I would be happy to provide any details that were missed in the podcast.
The whole idea behind catch and release is that you let it go to contribute back to a healthy fishery by reproducing and such. You are not helping yourself if you are handling the fish in a way that will harm the fish so that it can’t contribute to the environment. Now, there are times where you might want to eat fish and there is certainly a place for keeping fish within the limit and the law - but there are species that we try to release and here are some things that we can go over:
Many people consider a fly fishing cast with tight loops the perfect cast, but I have been in many situations, especially in the saltwater where a wide loop is actually preferred. In this episode, I explain those scenarios, and we talk about how to throw a wide loop that is effective and accurate.
Have you ever attempted to catch a Grand Slam? Do you want to in the future? Well I recently was filming an episode for Saltwater Experience and we set out to catch a Grand Slam (Permit, Tarpon and Bonefish). I realized that it would make a great How 2 Tuesday.
The thing about a Grand Slam is that it can be intimidating as it is often talked up to be the greatest angling accomplishment. Though it is tricky and difficult, it is also possible and shouldn’t deter you from going out there and trying to achieve it…
So some things to consider are firstly that you will need to be disciplined to accomplish your goal even if something unexpected happens. For example, you might go to catch tarpon first and get it in the first 15 minutes. However it might also be some of the best tarpon fishing you’ve ever seen and you’d be tempted to stay out there for another 2 hours enjoying it… That’s the trick, you have to be willing to leave that fishing to go find the Bonefish and Permit and be aware that you might not catch the other two species.
Also whether you are the angler or guide you need to plan out how you are going to approach the three species. Will you leave the tarpon for last? What if it gets cloudy after you catch the first two species? Tarpon are the best when it’s cloudy. But tarpon break you off quite a bit… What if you catch Tarpon and Permit and leave Bonefish last? Bonefish are easily spooked…
So there are a lot of things to consider and it is tricky, but it is certainly possible and we actually achieve the Grand Slam on the Saltwater Experience episode. If you have any further questions or future podcast topics let me know: podcast@saltwaterexperience.com
This week on How 2 Tuesday, I answer a commonly asked question about how to protect yourself from the sun. As a fishing guide, the sun is one of the most dangerous factors. It could possibly be even more dangerous to anglers who wait all year for their trip and spent most of their time inside. It is crucial to your health AND to the success of your trip that you protect yourself in the sun. I go over how to best protect yourself from the sun while out on the boat. The gear I use has improved over time like the hooded shirt I like by Huk (www.hukgear.com) and is made with sun protective materials to protect you even further. We tackle the question of sunscreen vs. no sunscreen, and more. I have worn a BUFF (www.buffusa.com) for years out on the boat and it has become a necessity for fighting the sun in the Florida Keys. How do you stay protected from the sun? Shoot me a text and let me know. 305-930-7346
“It’s better to be known as a fast learner than a know it all”
That is a quote that Capt. Sam Milazzo heard when he was young, and has taken that as motivation to always be learning. Sam is one of the best guides in the keys because of his constant desire to learn. He is a seasoned vet now and is still learning every day. Sam talks about why he thinks this way in the podcast and how you can even learn from bad advice, and people doing things the wrong way.
Last week I had the chance to go fishing with Capt. Sam Milazzo and we were trying to trick spooky yellowtails by getting our baits lower in the water column, but without adding lead. Sam likes to belly-hook his baits and that helps them to swim deeper. We were able to use this technique to catch some yellowtails and blackfin tuna.
Check out Sam’s description on this podcast to see how you might incorporate this into your fishing.
Sam Mallino joins the podcast this week to tell us how to properly hook a sailfish. Sam recently broke the keys sailfish record, catching 76 in one day. So Sam obviously has a lot of experience with catching sailfish. He goes over what hook he uses and how to properly set that hook. Be sure to check out this episode so that you will have the most success with sailfish!
Bouncer gives some excellent advice including: Use a hand scale every time Point the rod directly at the scale and pull back until the drag slips at 20% of the breaking strength Use the scale to observe how the drag changes as your customers or friends pull on the line and bend the rod Practice so much that you can know exactly how hard the angler is pulling by the bend in the rod.
This week, Capt. Justin Napior joins the podcast this week to tell us one of his tricks that he uses to prolong the life of his trailers and keep them generally rust free. A great point that he brings up is that your trailer goes through the most wear and tear while it’s sitting at the boat ramp, covered in saltwater and baking in the sun. Justin just takes an extra minute to spray down his trailer with fresh water, and he has seen the difference from personal experience of how much longer his trailers are lasting. If there is a hose at the ramp, that is easy but tune in to hear what Justin does at places without fresh water. If you want to book a trip with Justin, be sure to check out his website, https://www.backcountryculture.com/
Capt. Justin Napior joins the podcast today to talk about lure selection when you are fishing with artificial lures. Justin thinks that a lot of people overcomplicate their lure selection, and he goes through his go-to picks and why you should have confidence in your lures, instead of constantly changing it up. If you want to book a trip with Justin, visit https://www.backcountryculture.com/
Jonathan Moss of Captain’s Log joins the podcast today to tell us how to have success catching black drum. He goes over a few different techniques that he uses. We discuss where to fish, what bait to use, and what gear you need as well. You can click the links below to see all of the gear that you will need.
Light Setup:
Rod: https://bit.ly/AvidInshore7
Reel: https://bit.ly/BGM3000
Line: https://bit.ly/JBraid20
Heavy Setup:
Rod: https://bit.ly/AvidInshore8
Reel: https://bit.ly/Certate8000
Line: https://bit.ly/JBraid50
Book a charter with Jonathan: https://www.gocastaway.com/
Watch Captain’s Log on WAYPOINT: https://waypointtv.com/captains-log
The debate of auto closing your bail and manually closing it is always a hot topic in the fishing industry, but Capt. Jonathan Moss of Captains Log TV joins us for How 2 Tuesday to tell us why he ALWAYS recommends closing the bail manually. He breaks down all of the benefits and explains how you will have much more control over your lure, and can cut out all of the extra slack in your line by controlling the reel and closing it manually. If you liked this episode with Jonathan, be sure to subscribe because tomorrow our full length show with him goes live!
Michael Lawrence joins the podcast today to talk about Florida’s water issues and how you can help, even if you don’t live in Florida. Michael lives in Kentucky, but loves to fish in Florida and wanted to make a difference. Michael texted me with his ideas so I decided to have him on the podcast to let everyone know. Check out this episode to find out how you can help, because Florida NEEDS YOUR HELP. If Michael can help support the state of Florida from outside the state, so can you!
Do you have ideas like Michael’s? Text me at 305-930-7346 and let me know.
Montana and other states are experiencing record heat and Hoot Owl restrictions are starting to go into effect both voluntary and Mandatory. In this episode, we discuss what that means, the history of where hoot owl came from, and why you should abide by these restrictions as a responsible trout angler. Are you making it out west this summer to fish? Text me and let me know (305) 930-7346
If you want to be a part of Mindset Monday, be sure to text “MINDSET” to (305) 930-7346
When fishing consistently, especially if you are a guide, it is super important to journal. The advantages of this is that you save yourself from forgetting a spot, and you might be able to plan vacations due to your journal about what the conditions were like when the fishing was on. I am a huge advocate for journalling about where and when you found some fish and being able to track them down over and over again because you wrote it down.
It’s not the biggest or the most - success as a fishing guide is not that you catch the biggest or the most fish. The most important thing you can do is showing your customers a good time. Give them a great experience, this means that they will return to you. That is then how you have a successful business. Have happy customers.
This week we are talking about how a guide can quickly figure out their angler’s fishing capabilities to give them the best and most successful day on the water. Now if you are not a guide yourself, don’t write this episode off. We also dig into how you as an angler can best communicate to your guide your skill level. In this episode we go into what the guide needs to look for and know from the client to deliver the best and most successful day on the water. Do you have an idea for a future How 2 Tuesday? Shoot me a text and let me know. (305) 930-7346
If you want to be a part of Mindset Monday, be sure to text “MINDSET” to (305) 930-7346
For this week’s How 2 Tuesday, we’re talking about how you can win a fishing vacation at the beautiful Hawks Cay resort in the Florida Keys! All you have to do is go to http://tackledirect.tv and click on the giveaway for the full information. Along with a free vacation at Hawks Cay and a trip with Saltwater Experience guides, you’ll also win prizes from Huk, Yeti, Tackle Direct, Lowrance, St. Croix, Daiwa, Lithium Pros, and more. You’re not going to want to miss this giveaway!
If you want to be a part of Mindset Monday, be sure to text “MINDSET” to (305) 930-7346
If you follow me on Instagram, you know that I have been in Hawaii the past two weeks. Since I haven’t had the chance to record a new How 2 Tuesday, I wanted to bring back our first ever How 2 Tuesday, which is also one of my favorites. In this episode we go over some great drills and techniques that you can practice to improve your fly casting, especially in the saltwater. Use some of these practices and you will be much more effective on the water and also make it much easier for your guide to put you on good fish.
This week on How 2 Tuesday we are talking about how to keep your shrimp alive overnight. If you want to be out on the water before the bait shop opens, or if you just want to save some money and not waste shrimp, I’ve got a few tips in this episode that will help you keep your shrimp alive and healthy for multiple days straight. Having an aerator, air stone, and something for the shrimp to hold onto are some of the keys for making this happen. Be sure to listen to the podcast for the full details.
Lefty Kreh made the 50% rule for leaders and I use it all the time. A 9ft leader is kind of standard. There is a very simple formula, the one made by Lefty. 4+2+1+2=9 4.5+6+3+1.5+3=13.5 We start with 50 and taper down to 15. We start 4ft of 50lb, 2ft of 30lb, 1ft of 25lb then double the last distance of 2ft of 15lb. Listen to me walk through it or here’s a video where I explain it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8vEd7NY53E
This week Nick Biondoletti joins the podcast to talk about filming out on the water. Nick produces the show Guides and Tides and is also our cameraman for Saltwater Experience and Into The Blue. Nick breaks down what basics you need to know to get started filming on the water, as well as some tips to make your footage look even better, with a pro camera or with your phone.
My son Hayden Rowland joined the podcast for this week’s How 2 Tuesday for discussing all of the options that you have if you want to spend a summer out west. It is not too late to make summer plans, and we go over 3 or 4 different options for a trip, summer, or whole year out west. If you have any questions about this topic, you can text me at (305) 930-7346 or reach out to Hayden on Instagram @hayden_rowland_
There is no substitute for time on the water for being a great guide. However, you can also help yourself out greatly by asking the right questions when you are booking the trip. In this episode we talk about what questions should be asked, and how to determine your client’s expectations and either deliver like a ROCK STAR, or pass them off to a guide who can. Many of these principles can be applied to other aspects of business. If you like this episode, please share on social media or copy the link and text it to a friend.
For this week’s How 2 Tuesday I had Nick Davis of 239 Flies on the podcast to talk about adding a weed guard to your fly. This can be a life saver if you are in a situation with heavy cover or lots of grass. Nick walks us step-by-step on how to add this weed guard to a fly. If you are listening, we also have a video version of this podcast available on tomrowlandpodcast.com where you can see Nick tie this up on the vise.
With more and more research being done on fish, we are quickly learning how much we can help the fish by giving them a safe release. Richard Black is one of the best guides in the keys and he recently posted a video on using a dehooker, usually used for offshore bait fishing. In this episode we break down why this is such a good tool to release inshore gamefish. If you want a dehooker like Richard uses, you can pick one up at Tackle Direct.
The tarpon are pouring into the Florida Keys. Many people are headed to try to catch their first or take advantage of this time of year. In this episode of How 2 Tuesday, I go through the exact setup that I use at the bridge. We go through rod, reel, line, hook, etc. and we also talk a lot of strategy for how to land these fish efficiently and safely.
I always like my flies to look exactly like they did the moment they came off the vise. Fly tiers tie them in specific ways that help the fly swim properly and often times improper storage can result in the fly not swimming correctly. I use the plano edge boxes and plastic sleeves to protect all of my flies and jigs. The plano edge boxes prevent rusting and the plastic sleeves help to keep the feathers and other materials in perfect condition.
Catching bait can make or break a day of fishing. In this episode we talk about the importance of bait, how it can be used for live chum, where to find it and more. Knowing a few key things to look for can help you to have a much more successful start to your day, and you can spend much more time fishing.
Now is the time when the tarpon are really starting to roll in to the keys. Fishing for them around the bridges is one of the most effective ways to catch them, and that’s exactly what we’re talking about today. In this episode, we talk about what bridges are most effective, techniques, and what to be looking for at the bridges. This is one of the most exciting times of the year to catch tarpon in the keys, so i hope this podcast helps you have some success!
One thing that makes the Florida Keys unique is our tide schedules and how you can have completely different tide flows depending on where you are. I see this as a huge advantage because you can always be moving to an area that best suits how you’re fishing. These tides can become very complex though. Back in the day we had to memorize and guess how tides would change in the backcountry, but now there is all kinds of technology to help you out. In this episode, we dig into how exactly the tides work in the keys.
I took a question from the audience today. I liked this question because I wrestled with this as well when I was guiding.
“How do I tell my customers it is time to go home?”
I will give you my thoughts but there is, of course, no one way to do this.
As a fishing guide, it is incredibly important to protect myself from the sun. I really don’t like putting on sunscreen every day, and Have been using clothing to protect myself for many years. The first thing you’ll want is a good pair of polarized sunglasses. Along with that, my Buff is a crucial piece of clothing that I never leave home without. You can use that along with a hat to fully cover your face from the sun. Huk just released a new hooded shirt called the Waypoint shirt, and it is made out of recycled water bottles. I use the hood along with my Buff to completely protect my head. A lot of people think that I wouldn’t want to wear long sleeves in the hot Florida weather, but with a shirt as soft and breathable as this one, it almost feels like you’re wearing nothing. All of this information is especially important for fishing guides that spend all day out on the water. Be sure to pick up all of the crucial sun gear to keep yourself protected from the harsh sun.
A few weeks ago, we had a conversation with Dave Stewart of the Wet Fly Swing podcast discussing how to start your own podcast. Since then, I have had a lot of people reach out for more information. This week we are talking about a new opportunity that is becoming available through the Waypoint Podcast Collective. This will give you the easiest way to start your podcast from scratch and will help you to be able to monetize it as well. If you would like more information about opportunities like this, shoot me a text at (305) 930-7346.
The Tarpon are COMING! In fact a whole bunch of them are already HERE! To get ready, I need to go through some gear and change lines on my fly rods. I walk through the way I do it and why. Some of these tricks I learned from the legendary Lefty Kreh, and some I came up with on my own. Have any cool tricks of your own? Text me at 305-930-7346 and let me know how you stay organized.
When you’re fly fishing on the flats, a powerful and accurate backcast is one of the most important skills to have. In fact, it is nit even an optional skill. The powerful and accurate backcast is a crucial fundamental rather than an advanced tactic. Fish appear in an instant and you have to be ready to make a cast at any angle regardless of which way the wind is blowing. Everyone is ready for the standard forward cast, but if a fish appears at an angle with a right shoulder wind (for a right hand caster) a backcast is crucial. Your guide will be able to put you on a lot more fish if you have these skills as well. Practice makes perfect, so be sure to practice your backcast accuracy and distance in the yard before your next saltwater trip but NEVER TAKE YOUR EYES OFF THE TARGET!
The Ring Game is an old game that I created to make my kids better anglers from a young age. Young kids will quickly learn to read water, and how to become more accurate at casting while having fun and spending time with you. The idea is that they throw their line out, and wherever it lands, you have to land your lure inside the ripple that they made before it disappears. Eventually they will want to switch, and you can start making the first cast, and they can try to land their lure inside the ripple. This is a fun way to get your kids into the sport and teach them how to control their rod and become excellent casters.
On this week’s How 2 Tuesday, I go over a technique that I have been using a lot recently. Teasing in jacks can be effective for many situations. In this episode, I go over when this is helpful, whether you’re scouting out a new area, or trying to get the fish closer to the boat for a fly fisherman. I also go over how to make the tease lure, and what techniques you should use when reeling the tease lure in.
Ben Crawford wrote the book “2000 Miles Together” where he tells the story of completing the Appalachian Trail with his entire family of 8 (ages 2-17). In this episode I talk to Ben about motivating your kids to get outdoors and the importance of it being their decision. Ben has a ton of experience with this subject and has some great knowledge and insight to share with us. Be sure to subscribe to the Tom Rowland Podcast because we have a full episode with Ben coming soon!
I have had many people reach out to me asking how to start a podcast themself, so this week I had Dave Stewart of Wet Fly Swing on the podcast to explain just that. Dave is a podcasting expert with a lot of experience teaching podcasting. He also has 3 podcasts of his own. If starting a podcast has ever crossed your mind, be sure to tune into this episode. To get on Dave’s e-mail list of how to start a podcast in 30 days, go to outdoorsonline.co/startapodcast
I typically have been keeping all of my rigging gear in the leaning post of my Yellowfin 24. Yellowfin created some fantastic storage that was previously wasted so I have organized it well with the 3600 Plano boxes.
This past week we had a few cold days on the water and it helped me to realize that there may be a better solution. Because the area is in the middle of the boat, it is a comfortable place to sit and it is also the only shade on the boat, it is often where everyone wants to be. Additionally, the lean post gets crowded with jackets, sunscreen, and really anything that needs to be set down. This often blocks me from easily getting to my rigging gear or having to ask a guest to move so that I can get to the fluorocarbon, hooks or other tackle.
Plano just came out with the new Edge waterproof boxes. They come in many sizes but the one that is useful in this situation is one that is designed for plastics. It is the same foot print as a 3700 box but it is 7 inches deep. I can store an entire set of Daiwa J-Fluorocarbon, my most used hooks, jigs, terminal tackle and a few lures. I still keep the majority of the tackle in the lean post but I have everything I need in one of these waterproof boxes. I can store this in a forward hatch and easily get to it if the lean post is crowded. At night, I can bring just the box in to work on the rods and get them ready for the next day.
Plano has just released some new boxes that I am super excited to start using for my tackle storage. In this episode, I go into all of the new details of the new boxes and how they compare to my boxes in the past. I also go over how to make the most of the space in the boxes, and some of the little details that Plano is paying attention to that really improve these boxes over all of the others.
Barracuda is one of may favorite fish to target, especially in the winter time. I typically use a modified lure that isn’t typically used to catch barracuda in shallow water. In this episode, I go through exactly what kind of lures I look for, and all of the special modifications that I make in order to make it the perfect lure for catching barracuda. I also go over the knots that I use to connect my wire to my fluorocarbon.
We are now in the heat of stone crab season and I had Nick Biondoletti on the podcast to tell us some tips and tricks. Nick traps stone crabs commercially, but we also discussed the rules and regulations for recreational trapping. In this episode, Nick goes over what you are looking for as far as water depth, what kind of bottom to look for, and how to keep from getting pinched. We also discuss the regulations and the dates for the season. Be sure to check Nick out on Instagram @mm90films to see how he does this season!
I just picked up my brand new 24 Yellowfin CE and I am extremely happy with this boat! Some of the most popular articles I have ever written walked through exactly what I chose for older boats and why. The podcast is an even better way to do this so hang on, we are going to walk through this boat from bottom to top. I believe is the perfect bay boat setup for what I do, and maybe what you do as well. I even dig into why this color is the best one for me.
Capt. Brandon Simmons runs the Into The Blue Charter Boat at Hawks Cay Resort. Brandon fishes for Mutton Snapper and other reef fish regularly and creates sand balls using a mixture of chum, sand, and water to get the fish active. He tells us exactly how to make these, and why they work and how we can all use this technique to catch more and bigger fish.
Kevin Pavlidis Is @Snakeaholic and he knows a little about snakes. In fact, he is a contracted snake hunter in the Everglades. While Kevin is trying to find snakes, the rest of us are trying to avoid them.
Who better to ask “How do we avoid snakes in the wild”?
This week for How 2 Tuesday, I had the chance to sit down with Chris Pascual and talk bridge fishing in the Florida Keys. Chris has a TON of experience bridge fishing and if you don’t believe me, go check out his instagram @pescadorcubano and see for yourself. In this episode, we talk bridge fishing techniques, tackle, accessories, and what you need to do to have the most success. We talk about what types of species you can target and the best places to do that. Bridges are a great way to get on fish without a boat, and I think that many of you will really enjoy learning about this subject. Let me know what you want to learn about next on How 2 Tuesday by emailing me at podacst@saltwaterexperience.com
Whether you live way up north, or down in the south, the change of the seasons usually means doing some sort of preparatory maintenance on your boat. Whether that be winterizing the motor, preparing the batteries, or covering it for the season, there are always good ways to ensure that your boat will stay in the best condition. Down in South Florida, we don’t have to worry about the cold as much, but we do have to make sure that it is well protected from the sun and the salt. In this episode we have a special guest, Scott Shimtov of Empire Boat Covers on to tell us about the importance of using a cover in the offseason. We discuss different cover options, and why you want to keep your boat protected with a cover. If you are going to spend a lot of money on a boat, you should invest in a good way to protect it.
This week we take another question from Instagram, talking about tips and techniques to have success catching juvenile (baby) goliath grouper in the mangroves. This is a perfect time to talk about this, because we target these fish in the first episode of the 2021 Saltwater Experience season. All of the techniques and tackle are still fresh on my mind, and I broke down everything that you need to know to have success catching these fish.
This week I had the chance to sit down with Capt. Ryan Nitz. We had Ryan on the show a few weeks ago to talk about public land hunting, but what he is best known for is the massive snook that he targets. That is exactly what we are talking about today. I ask him many questions in this episode that will be helpful for the beginning angler to get on some snook, but will also be helpful for the more seasoned angler to find those bigger snook, and have success landing them. We go over tackle choice, leader and hook setup, and fish locations to help you have more success finding those trophy sized snook. Be sure to share this episode with someone who you think would find it beneficial.
Last week, we discussed how to choose the best landing net for your fishing situation. This week we are talking about the most effective way to use a landing net. A landing net is a great tool to have in your boat to decrease the stress on the fish and safely and efficiently catch and release a fish. If you do not use a net the proper way, it could result in you losing the fish. Too many times I have seen net being used improperly, and the line ends up getting wrapped around the net, resulting in a lost fish.
“What is the best landing net for saltwater fishing?” And “DO I even need a landing net for saltwater fishing?” I got both of these questions recently so I thought I’d dedicate todays episode to giving my 2 cents. Today we start part 1 of a 2 part series on landing nets. First, I am going to go over the attributes of a landing net that are important to me and why those same attributes may be things you want to consider. With this in mind, I describe and even say by name the net I consider to be the perfect landing net for me.
If an angler wants to maximize his chances at permit, the spinning rod is unquestionably the most useful tool available. The spinning rod allows anglers to cast small and large crabs, light artificial lures and jigs and live shrimp in every condition. In the Florida Keys, we experience seasonal changes that require me to alter my spinning tackle to optimize the conditions. For example, winter and spring conditions are often windy; a condition that allows guides to get very close to the fish before they become alarmed. The rough conditions camouflage anglers and boats contrary to the extreme calm.
The Lower Florida Keys are one of the very best places in the world to catch Permit on the flats. In order for Permit to be plentiful, they need the right temperature, food source, vast inshore and offshore habitat and structure such as wrecks, coral heads, and bridges. I sat down with Capt. Nick Labadie of Tailing Water Expeditions (find him on Instagram @captnicklabadie) and discussed boats, guides, seasons, time of year, tides, and questions to ask that go into a planning a trip for one of the most difficult fish in the ocean, the permit.
Definitely listen to this podcast with Nick if you are interested in permit fishing. Below you will find some of my own information on seasons and guides. The podcast has much more information than this article.
This week I had the chance to sit down with Ryan Nitz and talk to him about public land hunting in Florida. Ryan is an avid hunter and has spent a TON of time hunting on public land. He has a ton of good advice for anything from gear all the way down to specific techniques that will grant you the most success with hunting public land. We also talk about public land etiquette, rules and regulations, and things to avoid when you are out there. Be sure to follow Ryan on Instagram @ryannitz to see how his hunting season is going this year, and to reach out to him with any additional questions you may have.
Fourth-generation Conch and Key West Flats Guide Brandon Cyr joins me today to discuss everything about how to catch a permit on a fly rod. This is one you do not want to miss if you ever aspire to catch this incredible fish. While we agree on most of these tactics, we do have some differences. Brandon recently won the IGFA Permit Fly Tournament with Nick Labadie and has been catching a lot of permit on fly. Find out how he does it.
Today, I answer a question from a listener. “How do I pick a bonefish fly?” I open my bonefish box and go through 8 flies that I would feel unprepared without. We go over the most important quality in selecting a fly; sink rate. I show the different flies and organize them based on sink rate from slowest to fastest. Is it more important to have a variety of different flies or a variety of sink rates? I go over the answer and how I have prepared for trips around the world. You can have a bonefish fly box that will help you to be successful wherever you go.
Video and photos by @jasonstemplephoto and @bonefishbluff
Last week we discussed the best all-around fly rod. Today, we discuss the best all-around spinning rod for inshore fishing. If I had to pick one, I would go with a 7 foot, 8-17 pound rod with a moderate tip flex. For me, the go-to is the St. Croix Mojo Inshore. I would pair this with a 4000 size spinning rod. This setup is perfect for all around inshore fishing. Obviously different rod lengths and actions can be better for specific situations, but if you only want to get one rod for fishing inshore, this is what I would go with. It will help you land a number of different fish species, and can handle a variety of different situations. What else would you like to hear about for How 2 Tuesday? Send me an email at podcast@saltwaterexperience.com with your ideas!
In this week’s How 2 Tuesday, we talk about a question that I get very often, how to pick your first fly rod. I would divide this into two categories based on if you are fishing in freshwater or saltwater. If it’s freshwater. I would say to go with a 5wt. If you fish more saltwater, I would suggest a 9 or 10wt. In this episode we go into the reasoning behind that, so be sure to check it out! As always email me at podcast@saltwaterexperience.com or tag me on Instagram @tom_rowland with any How 2 Tuesday questions you may have, and I will try my best to answer them!
Fish live in the shade and around structure so they can ambush prey and also hide from other predators. Skipping lures under docks, mangroves or any type of structure and can be very effective and every good fisherman should be well practiced at this and be able to do it. There are some things that will make anyone better at it immediately. Your choice of bait, rod, reel, line, leader will make as much difference as a ton of practice but the practice is equally important.
We go over every part of a good skipping setup and then talk about where and how to practice this technique before getting out on the water.
Big fish live in hard to fish areas. Learn how to skip a lure waaaaaaaaayyyy back in the bushes.
This week, we unbox and spool up the Daiwa Certate 4000 for a brand new Permit reel. I use a professional line winder to spool my reels. I know that not everybody has one of these, but I go over some of the reasons why it may be worth a few bucks to get your local tackle shop to spool yours up for you. We also go through using mono as backing (Why would you do that?) and attaching it to the braid to avoid any slipping. If you have any special tricks that you use when lining a new reel, be sure to tag me on Instagram @tom_rowland or @tom_rowland_podcast or email them to me at podcast@saltwaterexperience.com
This week I answer another great question from Instagram, this time coming from @codyrubner. Cody asks, “what pieces of gear should upcoming guides always have in their boat?” In this episode I dig into some of the things that are crucial to preventing a day of guiding from going wrong. We talk about many different items that you can use as a backup when something goes wrong, whether that be a dead battery, a missing drain plug, a dead cell phone, and much more.
@spookyskiff asks about solo fishing setups in a skiff on the flats.
I have spent a lot of time fishing by myself in a skiff. It is challenging and highly unproductive at times, but with the right apraoch, equipment and some patience fish can be caught. Check out this episode and share with a friend who may enjoy it as well.
Permit are described as the hardest fish to catch on the flats. They are my favorite fish to catch and I fish for them more than any other fish. Im not sure that I agree that they are the hardest fish to catch after spending so much time with them. The most effective way to catch permit is with a live crab on spinning gear. The choice of hooks and how to hook the crab to keep it alive the longest can make a huge difference in how many fish you catch. On today’s show, I am on the water with my friend Capt Scott Brown and I show you exactly what hook to use, exactly how to hook the crab and exactly what rig I use. To show that it really works, I was able to catch one and release it too. These tips will help you catch more, I promise. Let me know if these tips help you by emailing me at podcast@saltwaterexperience.com or leaving a comment below.
For this week’s How 2 Tuesday, we talk with Captain Brandon Simmons about how to make the most out of your deep drops. We cover reading transducers, looking for humps and depth changes on the bottom, what species options you have, rigging for these depths, and much more. Brandon operates the Into The Blue boat out of Hawks Cay, and has a lot of experience deep dropping. Be sure to follow Brandon on Instagram at @capt_brando to keep up with his fishing adventures!
Captain Brandon Simmons recently was part of a team that set the Florida Keys All Time One Day Record for Sailfish at 76! He obviously knows a thing or two about how to find these fish, so he breaks down current, wind, and locations for having the most success in a day of targeting sailfish. We also break down rigging rods, having the proper gear ready ahead of time, and some other tricks to have you making the most of your day. Take the tips and techniques used to catch the record number of fish and apply them to your fishing for more success.
For How 2 Tuesday this week, we sit down with Capt. Scott Brown of Hooked on Family to discuss taking your kid on a guided trip. Scott has a ton of experience fishing with kids and knows what to look for in a guide to have the most success with your kids on a guided trip. We discuss the right questions to ask when searching for a guide, what types of fish are the best for kids to target, and much more. Follow Scott at @hookedonfamily for more content on fishing with your kids.
Marking your fly line is a simple trick that can make your life so much easier. Once you start accumulating a number of different lines, it can be easy to get mixed up on which one is which. Some lines now come pre-marked, but a lot still do not. Brian Butts from 239 Flies shows us his simple method to make sure you don’t get your lines mixed up again. This seems like a simple trick, but can save you a lot of time and frustration when you’re organizing your fly lines.
This week on How 2 Tuesday, we talk about the easiest way to catch dolphin with Capt. Brandon Simmons. Brandon is the captain of the Into The Blue boat at Hawks Cay, and has lots of experience with mahi. He talks about tackle, location, and some specific strategies for keeping the school of fish happy. This will result in a lot more catches, so be sure to listen in for your best chance at having a high-number day out on the water.
Fishing with kids can be difficult, frustrating and a real test of your patience. However, if you can successfully get your child or grandchild into the sport you will have a fishing buddy for life. I fished with my kids when they were all very young. In fact, my oldest was on the boat strapped into a car seat while I was jumping tarpon on fly. His career progressed from there and all my children developed a love of the water and the fishing lifestyle. Today, my children are 16, 20 and 22.
The Everglades National Park is home to a wide variety of species. One of the most popular is the Snook. Capt Anthony Vargas runs the Saltwater Experience boat out of Hawks Cay Marina and targets the snook often with anglers of all skill levels. Anthony goes over everything from A-Z on how he targets, locates and catches Snook on his charters. Knowledge is dropped on this one and you can take it and find some snook of your own!
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This year there have been an increasing number of shark attacks on tarpon in the Florida Keys. In this episode, I break down five important steps to avoid your tarpon falling prey to bull sharks or hammerheads. We have unfortunately seen a number of shark attacks recently, and all responsible anglers should try to do everything they can do to prevent tarpon from being eaten by the tax man. Breaking off the fish of a lifetime might be the only option in some cases to allow it to survive. Do you have anything specific that you do to keep tarpon from being attacked by sharks? Shoot me a text and let me know 305-930-7346