The Guide Post

ASGA's President Tony Friedrich breaks down a call to action for Rhode Island anglers and business owners.

Tony and Cody jump on for a quick discussion of a North Carolina striped bass article that is currently trending...

Cody and Tony wind down the year with some thoughts on what went down in 2025 and what's set up for 2026.

Tony and Cody stop by the Guide Post to chop it up about current events.

ASGA's Policy Director Tony Friedrich is joined by Dr. Michael Wilberg of the University of Maryland Center for Environmental Science. The two discuss new research that explores the natural mortality of striped bass.

The “most important fish in the sea” just exposed one of the biggest management failures in decades. A new assessment shows Atlantic menhaden quotas were set 300 million pounds too high. The fallout could reshape both the Atlantic and Gulf fisheries — and what happens next is up to us. Our Association stands firm on three statements: (1) The Atlantic fishery needs to "take the cut", and the industrial reduction fleet needs to front a majority of that reduction. We can no longer accept half the coastwide TAC being taken from the Chesapeake Bay. (2) The Gulf fishery lacks a TAC/Quota. It is sho...

What’s going on? The “most important fish in the sea” just exposed one of the biggest management failures in decades. A new assessment shows Atlantic menhaden natural mortality was inaccurately estimated for years, causing quotas set 300 million pounds too high. A significant, immediate reduction is necessary to align with science-driven management and right the course of a critical forage fish. The Atlantic fishery needs to “take the cut”, and the industrial reduction fleet needs to front a majority of that reduction. We can no longer accept half the coastwide catch being taken from the Chesapeake Bay. The Gulf fishery lac...

A recap of the ASMFC Summer Meeting 2025.

Alan Batista—a well-known striped bass angler, fishing author, and advocate from Maryland—joins the Guide Post to break down a recent run-in with enforcement that sparked serious questions about current fisheries policy. Alan was issued a ticket for allegedly targeting striped bass during a closed season despite doing nothing wrong. This episode dives deep into the reality of so-called “no-targeting” regulations: what they actually mean, how they’re enforced (or not), and why they represent a dangerous precedent for recreational anglers and the future of striper conservation. With firsthand experience, Alan sheds light on the confusion and contradictions in enforce...

The legend "Capt. Jack" stops by to share tales from global experiences and discuss his involvement in The Jack Project in domestic waters.

ASGA's Tony Friedrich and Cody Rubner hop on The Guide Post to toss around a couple of thoughts about protecting spawning fishing before the holiday.

It's been too long! Tony and Cody rekindle the Guide Post flame after a hectic spring season on the policy and community fronts. This episode includes an update on Redfish, Stripers, Jack Crevalle, Tie Fest and more...

In this guest lecture, Dr. Walt Golet from the University of Maine provided an in-depth exploration of the remarkable physiology and global movements of Atlantic bluefin tuna. Dr. Golet highlighted the species’ exceptional adaptations, such as their ability to regulate body temperature and sustain high-speed, long-distance migrations, which contribute to their status as apex ocean predators. The seminar discussed extensive lab research efforts, including the collection and analysis of over 12,000 bluefin tuna samples since 2011, focusing on biological data like age, growth, and stock origin to enhance stock assessments and inform management strategies. Dr. Golet also emphasized the importance of un...

Throughout the history of time, there have been few other animals that evoke such a strong emotional response from the general public as the great white shark. From Hollywood-driven fear to sublime fascination, the great white shark has captivated the imaginations of hundreds of millions of people. Few know this species better than Dr Greg Skomal, of the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Since 1987, he has served as the senior fisheries biologist at MA DMF and has become one of the world’s leading authorities on Great Whites. In this riveting presentation, Dr. Skomal highlights his research on these ap...

How much is a fish worth? Most anglers would immediately default to answering that question based on what the cost of that fish sells at market. The real answer, however, is much more complex! In this engaging and informative seminar, Dr Ben Meadows of the University of Alabama at Birmingham provides viewers an in-depth look into the economics of catch & release fishing. Using striped bass as a case study, Meadows engages listeners with relatable prose that helps dispel many of the myths of fisheries economics and provides a better understanding of how we should value the fish we all...

After years of data pouring in from The Albie Project, advocacy, persistence, and support from our dedicated community, we’re excited to share a major win for false albacore management. Today, the North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission (NCMFC) narrowly passed a proposed rule that establishes much-needed safeguards for this critical species. The vote was close, but ultimately, the Commission recognized the need for responsible management. Get the full scoop in this Rapid Reaction podcast!

In this episode of The Guide Post, we dive into the world of custom rod building with Zack Richardson, the entrepreneur behind Zack’s Custom Rods. From humble beginnings crafting rods in his childhood home to building a thriving business in Westport, Massachusetts, Zach shares his journey of passion, persistence, and problem-solving. He talks about the challenges of scaling a business, the importance of customer service, and how he navigated the fishing industry to establish a fast-growing business. If you love a good success story, this episode is packed with insights on pursuing your passion, business growth, and resilience. You...

In this special episode of The Guidepost, guest host Nick Jones welcomes a true titan of the fly fishing world, Keith Rose-Innes. As the Managing Director and co-founder of one of the most renowned fishing outfits on the planet, Keith shares his extraordinary journey—from pioneering remote fisheries to championing conservation efforts in the pristine atolls of the Seychelles. Dive into Keith's decades of experience as he reveals the secrets behind targeting iconic species like Giant Trevally, milkfish, and Indo-Pacific permit. Keith discusses groundbreaking scientific projects like the Giant Trevally acoustic telemetry study and the challenges and triumphs of cre...

In this episode of The Guide Post, we’re joined by Captain Daniel Andrews, co-founder of Captains for Clean Water. Daniel shares his story and role in the organization’s mission to fight for sound water management in Florida and restore the iconic Everglades. We dive into how Captains for Clean Water is uniting communities to protect Florida's coastal ecosystems and what it takes to be an impactful advocate.

ASGA brings you part two of a new series, diving into the fascinating world of fisheries and natural resource economics. Economist Dr. Ben Meadows breaks down the concept of market failures, the different types of goods (private, public, common resources, and club goods), and their relevance to fisheries management. In this episode, we dive into the challenges of balancing resource use with conservation, the role of norms in managing common resources, and why simple solutions like negotiation often fall short. Whether you're an angler or a policy enthusiast, this episode lays the groundwork for understanding complex economic frameworks and...

The ASGA team provides a striped bass recap before the holidays and sets the scene for what lies ahead in 2025.

In this inaugural episode of The Angling Economy series, host Tony Friedrich introduces Dr. Ben Meadows, an environmental and natural resource economist with a passion for fishing and conservation. Together, they dive into the intersection of economics and fisheries, explaining foundational concepts like scarcity, trade-offs, opportunity costs, and supply and demand. Using relatable analogies and real-world examples, Dr. Meadows sheds light on how these economic principles influence fisheries management and conservation strategies.

Listeners will gain insight into the critical role economics plays in valuing catch-and-release fisheries, balancing policy decisions, and advocating for sustainable practices. This episode sets th...

The ASMFC Striped Bass Management Board must take action to fulfill their obligation to rebuild our striped bass fishery. We believe the Board needs to prioritize the long-term health of this shared resource and equitable contributions to conservation by all sectors. Reductions should balance impacts across jurisdictions. Law enforcement has deemed no-targeting closures unenforceable. Despite the fact that they are a large portion of the proposed management options, ASGA remains adamant that no-targeting should not be considered. “No action” is no longer an option.

ASGA submitted a full scope of management requests in an Offi...

In this episode, the ASGA team dives into the latest developments from the Atlantic Striped Bass Management Board's Technical Committee Presentation Webinar. Hosts Cody and Tony recap the complex two-and-a-half-hour meeting, including a detailed Q&A session. Key topics include the challenges of implementing equitable seasonal closures, the controversy surrounding "no-targeting" regulations, and the role of flawed data in shaping management decisions. Tune in to hear critical questions from the community and ASGA's candid responses.

In this episode, hosts Tony Friedrich, Kyle Schaefer, and Cody Rubner deliver a rapid reaction to the latest developments in striped bass management. They dissect the Technical Committee's report and highlight concerns about proposals such as no-targeting closures, which are inequitable and unenforceable. The team unpacks flawed assumptions driving management decisions, including projections based on data that fail to reflect the current state of the fishery. Kyle offers a guide’s perspective on the impact of closures, emphasizing their potential to harm both the resource and local economies. The discussion also critiques the lack of fairness in management measures be...

In this episode of The Guidepost, guest host Nick Jones dives into a captivating discussion with Matt DeLorme—a talented artist, accomplished angler, and passionate conservation advocate. Matt shares his journey from fishing the coasts of Maine and Seattle to blending his love for art and the environment through intricate relief prints. The conversation explores parallels between the patience and skill required for fly fishing and creating art, as well as the impact of advocacy projects, including a significant conservation victory involving river restoration. Matt also previews an exciting upcoming event at The Compleat Angler in Darien, CT, where art...

In this festive and reflective episode of The Guide Post, the team dives into holiday themes and fishing memories. Tony, Kyle, Scotty, and Cody share stories about the best and worst gifts they've ever received—from mismatched boots to beloved pets—offering heartfelt and humorous anecdotes from the holiday season. The discussion transitions to the challenges facing fisheries today, with each guest voicing their one wish for the future of fisheries conservation. The guys emphasize the need for courage among advocates and the importance of remembering what fisheries once were to inspire action today. Packed with laughs, personal tales, and c...

In this episode, Tony and Cody delve into the latest updates on striped bass management and the next steps leading to the December 16th management board meeting. They break down key dates, including the public comment period, the release of stock assessment reports, and discuss potential adjustments needed to rebuild the population by 2029. This discussion highlights the challenges of balancing recreational and commercial fishing efforts, debunks myths about catch-and-release mortality, and advocates for practical solutions like slot size adjustments and seasonal no-harvest closures. With a healthy mix of humor, passion and science, the ASGA team stress the importance of...

In this heartfelt tribute to fly-tying legend Bob Popovics, Tony Friedrich hosts an inspiring conversation with Blaine Chocklett, Jason Taylor, and Ben Whalley—three of Popovics' closest disciples and friends. They share deeply personal stories about the man behind some of the most iconic fly designs in modern angling. From his groundbreaking innovations like the Surf Candy and Beast Fleye to his profound impact on the fly-fishing community, this episode celebrates a legacy rooted in creativity, mentorship, and humility. Bob's unwavering dedication to advancing the sport and uplifting others exemplifies the true spirit of angling.

Listeners will ga...

In this episode of the Guide Post, hosts Tony and Cody give their rapid reaction to today's ASMFC striped bass management board meeting. They navigate the frustrating twists and turns of the meeting, where delays, indecision, and personal agendas ruled the day. From debates about implementation timelines to the exhausting six-hour marathon of charades, the duo breaks down what happened and what's next for striped bass management. Plus, hear about the upcoming December meeting and why your voice is more important than ever...

In this special episode of the The Guide post podcast, we host a "Striped Bass AMA" to answer pressing questions from our community about the state of Atlantic striped bass. With critical management decisions on the horizon and recent news of a historic spawning event, this episode dives deep into the biology, management, and future of one of the most iconic fish on the East Coast. We address a wide range of questions from anglers and conservationists, offering insights into the science, past research, and the complex challenges of managing the coastwide striped bass fishery.

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 det...

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...

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 h...

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...

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 c...

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 s...

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. A...

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 menha...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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 In...

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.

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.

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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 ow...

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...

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.

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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

-M...

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 Post

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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...

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 (florida@marinemegafauna.org)!

Watch the Manta Project's new video - "Best Practices for Fishing Cobia Around Manta Rays" by...

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...

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.

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.

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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.

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...

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...

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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.

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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.

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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...

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...

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 (governorjohnbeledwards@la.gov). Please send a respectful and encouraging email expressing your support for this NOI and yo...

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...

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 g...

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

On July 6th, the Louisiana fishing guide community flooded the LWF Commission Meeting and let the state know that the recommended reductions are not enough to ensure the stability of their businesses. To the surprise of many, the LWF Commission did something amazing: they listened and moved to protect the resource. Capt. Bailey Short was one of the guides in that room, calling for proactive management actions to protect the future of his business. In this podcast, Capt. Bailey joins Blane to talk about building a business in Louisiana and the state of redfish.

#BetterBusinessThroughConservation

Today, ASGA announced a partnership with the GotOne app (“GotOne”) to help expand the data collection for the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries’ (“MA DMF”) ongoing study on release mortality of striped bass.

This partnership will utilize the capabilities of the GotOne to enable volunteer recreational anglers to track and directly submit data on landings, harvest and potential survival. ASGA has worked closely with GotOne’s founder, Luyen Chou, over the past year to ensure that the app protects anglers’ privacy, while collecting the data needed to support fisheries science and management. The partnership between the ASGA, MA DMF and Got...

There's something to be said about a man that follows his dream and earns it the hard way. Capt. Ron Ratliff of Marshdawn Charters is one of those guys. Nothing has been given to him. He's not polished, nor is he politically correct. From working on oil rigs to sacrificing family time to guide in Alaska, Ron knows what it means to work hard and earn your place at the table on your own terms. In his latest podcast with ASGA, Blane Chocklett highlights a Louisiana native who loves his job guiding in the marsh and is committed to preserving...

ASMFC Striped Bass Management Board fails to advance Addendum II for public comment.The ASMFC Summer Meeting, which concluded just a few hours ago, was lengthy and convoluted. An enormous amount of time was spent talking about carve-outs for special interests and very little time was spent talking about the health of our striped bass fishery. This will delay any reductions to the commercial sector until at least 2025.We are extremely disappointed with how this meeting played out. We told you they wanted to kick the can. Well, the can has been kicked.We'll have more details for you in...

With information gathered over the last couple of days, we’ve come to the realization that a new dance from the mid-Atlantic is in the process of being choreographed. They plan to “kick the can down the road.” Our latest episode provides a breakdown of why a delayed Addendum II process could be a nightmare outcome for striped bass. In this episode, we address a pending historical moment for striper spawns (not good), the lowest release mortality ever recorded for the Chesapeake and how the charter fleet in Maryland killed more fish than the charter fleet in the rest of the...

ASGA firmly believes the story of the false albacore is still unwritten. If you’re new to the project and want a better understanding of the baseline from year one, head to our Albie Project Hub by clicking here. If you’ve been following along and supporting the project, we have some extremely exciting news for you. We received word that multiple spaghetti-tagged albies that were tagged and released off Cape Cod, MA in Fall 2022 were recently recaptured off the coast of Jupiter, FL! The cherry on top: those tagged fish were recorded and released to swim another day. While we a...

Several weeks ago, ASGA's Will Poston sat down with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ Mike Woods to learn about shoreline access initiatives in Rhode Island and possible legislative solutions to this persistent issue. Since that recording, BHA led a call to action that drove enough engagement to generate a major win. Mike graciously stopped by The Guide Post again to provide the latest update.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation

Dr. Andrij Horodysky is a fish biologist with expertise in gamefish sensory ecology. Blane and Andrij have been friends for decades. They founded a strong bond based on innovation in fly design through the lens of wildlife inspiration. In this episode, Dr. Horodysky breaks down some angling superstitions utilizing his gamefish ecology research experience including but not limited to: what fish see, why great bites happen at low light, what fish can hear and more. If you're addicted to learning every single fact about why fish act the way they do, this podcast is for you.

Andrij’s...

ASGA's Tony Friedrich and Capt. Cody Rubner react to last night's New Jersey DEP striped bass meeting about adopting emergency action regulations.

Several weeks ago, ASGA's Will Poston sat down with Backcountry Hunters & Anglers’ Mike Woods to learn about shoreline access initiatives in Rhode Island and possible legislative solutions to this persistent issue. Since that recording, a lot has happened. Namely, a RI Senate Committee has approved a “compromise bill” and sent it to the full Senate.

This bill would provide clarity to the question of where the public has a right to access the shoreline. BHA and others are supporting this legislation and are hoping for additional support—learn about this issue in the latest episode and head to the B...

After the fourth and final public hearing regarding the ASMFC's recent emergency action for striped bass management, ASGA's Tony Friedrich and Capt. Cody Rubner sit down for a round of "striper BS bingo" with their favorite logical fallacies from the public comments.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation #ASGA

We Won. Emergency Action Passes with Additional Addendum II. The conservation community has just won the biggest striped bass victory in decades. A HUGE heartfelt thank you to all the conservation-minded board members who heard our voices and made this happen.#StripedBass #BetterBusinessThroughConservation

Capt. Paul Dixon & Capt. Peter Whelan stopped by the Guide Post before the upcoming ASMFC Spring Meeting to provide a perspective on what striper fishing used to look like - and what we should continue to strive for.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation

On the opposite end of the spectrum from the previous episode's commentary on striped bass, the upcoming ASMFC Spring Meeting presents a positive opportunity for anglers who desire to learn more and see precautionary management for false albacore and atlantic bonito. In this episode, the ASGA team breaks down a more hopeful opportunity to make your voices heard for another important character in the family of coastal inshore species.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation

The ASGA team gears up for a big ASMFC Spring Meeting with a critical moment in the rebuilding of Atlantic striped bass hanging in the balance. After the return of increased harvest numbers for striped bass in 2023, the chance of rebuilding this stock by the required 2029 looks bleak if action is not taken.#BetterBusinessThroughConservation

Make your voice heard for redfish in Louisiana. You can find the survey discussed and ASGA's Louisiana Redfish Hub at linktr.ee/asga. The state's redfish survey closes tomorrow, April 11, 2023.

Capt. John West joins the Guide Post for a quick riff on his Sheepy Tournament experience and Louisiana redfish. This podcast was recorded in March at the Sheepy Tournament in Hopedale, LA.

#BetterBusinessThroughConservation #Redfish #Louisiana

Ph.D. Grad Assistant Joe Dello Russo from the Gulf of Maine Research Institute's Pelagic Fisheries Science Lab stops by to update anglers on a study to determine the catch and release mortality of giant (commercial-sized) bluefin tuna.If you are a bluefin tuna angler up in the Northeast be sure to complete this quick survey!#BetterBusinessThroughConservation

Capt. Cody Rubner and Capt. Mike Holliday sit down for a fireside chat after Tuesday's Stuart Snook Workshop hosted by FWC. The two discuss the proposed regional management for snook, multi-dynamic assessment of the regions and the issues trending Stuart's fishery towards its demise. Public comment for the Snook Workshop is now open with more progress to come at FWC's Spring Meeting in early May. #BetterBusinessThroughConservation