Matt Smalley - "Ground Balls and Big Fish Energy"

Thank you for tuning into the SeaBros Fishing Podcast! Our guest on this episode is our good friend and fellow fisherman, Matt Smalley. Like many of us, Matt was essentially born into fishing and has spent the majority of his life on the water. He has over 20 years of offshore fishing experience and has respectably logged over 100 trips to the Northeast Canyons. Not only is he passionate fisherman, but Matt grew up as a serious athlete and competitor. He played hockey at a high level in high school and he attended Hobart College, where he played 4 years of Division 1 lacrosse. After graduating from Hobart in 2009, Matt went on to play lacrosse professionally for the Boston Cannons for 5 years as a defensive midfielder. In 2010, Matt became the sales manager for Gibbs Lures, focusing his efforts on refurbishing the company's image in both the inshore and offshore fishing community. In 2013, Matt joined the Castafari team, fishing with Capt. Damon Sacco (@castafari), and has since become an integral part of that program's offshore accomplishments. In 2014, Matt partnered with his friend Mike Croteau (@mikecrow1), and became a partner and owner of Deep Ocean Apparel. Matt's focus at Deep is in sales management and social media. It is here where he can blend his passion for fishing and the ocean with a company that brands itself around the outdoor lifestyle. Most recently, Matt has been spending most of his fishing time with his brother Dan (@deuceman11) aboard their family's 46' Wesmac "Tuf Guy." Over the past several seasons the Smalley's have been dialed in on the giant bluefin bite that has been taking place in the summer months off of Rhode Island. The Smalley's catch rate and success of the past few years, has earned them the respect as one of the top producing boats in their area. We hope you enjoy this conversation as much as we did! Topics Covered: Fishing superstitions Fishing together as a family Matt's personal favorite facial hair styles Tournament fishing in the Northeast Playing collegiate and professional lacrosse Favorite Northeast Canyons to fish ICAST and other tradeshows The history of Deep Apparel and prioritizing the environment with their products Giant bluefin tuna fishing off of RI, NY, and CT Hypes and gripes of using live bluefish for giant bluefin tuna Capitalizing on bites Essential skills to have in the cockpit Matt's $100 5 rod offshore trolling spread Sponsors, Information, and Links from this podcast episode: Guest: Captain Matt Smalley @smoltz11 @deep_apparel ShopDeep.com Jesse Jr. Charity Auction and Raffle Think Big Jesse Charity Podcast Social Media: SeaBrosFishing: @seabrosfishing MBG Fishing Charters: @massbayguides Bryan: @mbgbryan Taylor: @mbgtaylor MBG & SeaBros Vimeo Videos SeaBros Fishing Website Monahan's Marine Serving the South Shore's Boating Community. Promo Code: Seabros26 for 10% In Store Discount L.T. Marine Products Commercial Grade Fishing Equipment: Rod Holders, Gaffs, Harpoons @ltmarineproducts 10% Off Promo Code: seabros SatFish "The Science of Being Lucky" The all-in-one map resource to put you right in the zone to catch offshore fish species like tuna, marlin, and wahoo. Use SEABROS for $20 OFF 1st Year Subscription SeaBrosFishing.com Podcast Site Tails & Artwork MBG Fishing Charters @seabrosfishing @massbayguides Mass Bay Guides Ultimate Fishing Adventures @massbayguides L.T. Marine Products Commercial Grade Fishing Equipment. @ltmarineproducts 10% Off Promo Code: seabros Costa Sunglasses "See what's out there." Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you. Support the show Thank you for listening! Please follow @seabrosfishing on Instagram and Facebook.