The True Value of a Fish: Economics of Recreational Fishing with Dr. Ben Meadows

In this episode of the Saltwater Edge Podcast, we welcome Dr. Ben Meadows—fisheries economist, conservationist, and passionate redfish angler—for a fascinating dive into the real value of recreational fishing. From the dockside price of a fillet to the unspoken joy of watching fish swirl in the surf, Dr. Meadows breaks down how economic tools can (and can't) capture what fishing means to us. We explore how traditional models fall short in valuing catch-and-release, why property rights matter in fishery policy, and how anglers—from fly fishers to surfcasters—can use economic insight to advocate for the resource we all share. Whether you're a policy nerd, weekend warrior, or just wondering what your striper trip is "worth," this one's for you.  Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Dr. Ben Meadows: economist, angler, and former SEC kicker 04:00 – Redfish, cheap thrills, and the roots of a fishing obsession 06:30 – What does it really mean to maximize fishing value? 10:30 – Commercial fisheries: economics, incentives, and extinction 15:00 – Why monopolies might (strangely) be the best for fish stocks 19:00 – Property rights: the key to sustainable commercial fishing 23:00 – The real value of catch-and-release 30:00 – Non-market valuation tools explained 38:00 – Even a bluefish and bad day can have economic value 42:00 – Why stock abundance matters as much as harvest 45:00 – Building a bigger tent for recreational anglers