The Guide Post

Tony and Cody chop it up on some ASGA "to-dos", industry "to-don'ts" and a quality coffee recommendation.

The striped bass fishery has collapsed, the data accounting is warped and the biggest warning signs are being buried in plain sight. Here’s everything you need to know about the immediate future of striped bass management…

Deep-sea mining threatens some of the East Coast’s most pristine and vital ecosystems — and it’s happening without public awareness or adequate testing. Join a long-time ocean scientist and a seasoned environmental advocate to uncover Virginia’s first offshore mineral exploration initiative, unravel a complex web of corporate interests, regulatory gaps, and ecological risks that could change the Chesapeake Bay forever.

The old stock assessment models, with fixed effects and oversimplified assumptions, have failed to capture the true biological and spatial complexity of striped bass populations. Now, a cutting-edge model called WAM (Woods Hole Assessment Model) promises to deliver a far more realistic picture — but only if we understand its potential and pitfalls.In this episode, we dive into the heart of the debate: Can the new WAM model address longstanding flaws like fixed mortality rates and unreliable data inputs? In this episode, scientists and anglers unpack how the transition from traditional catch-at-age models to probabilistic, spatially explicit frameworks could reshape our understanding of recruitment, natural mortality, and spawning stock biomass. We explore the limitations of basic assumptions—like constant mortality across fish sizes—and reveal how outdated science has misled managers, impacting regulations and future conservation efforts.

The Guide Post is joined by a very familiar face that's been gone for a minute...

If you've been underestimating just how political and opaque LA fisheries management truly is, recent bills reveal the game of influence and power at play behind the scenes. Join two Louisiana fishing guides and a fisheries scientist as they give you a peak behind the curtain...

Most redfish populations are declining faster than we can keep up with, but the fix isn’t as simple as placing blame on one culprit, whether that’s the menhaden industry or elsewhere. When everyone agrees that overfishing, habitat loss, and changing ecosystems are key factors, why do some still aim to hijack redfish conservation conversations with contentious agendas? In this eye-opening episode, angling experts from Louisiana, South Carolina, Virginia, and Texas reveal the truth about the real causes behind redfish declines—and why pointing fingers only delays solutions.

This episode emphasizes the importance of honest conversation, responsible management, and anglers' role in fisheries management. With insight into the upcoming menhaden stock assessments and efforts to push meaningful policy changes, it's time to realign honest conversations about "bunker" and striped bass that don't cannibalize each other. Both deserve powerful advocacy and need fisheries reform. Don't be fooled by social media hype—get the facts, hear the truth, and understand what it truly takes to turn the tide. Guest experts include fly tyer Blaine Chocklett, guide Ray Jarvis, surfcaster Jake Hardy and industry professional Mike Hogan, all with decades of experience on the water chasing our beloved striped fish.

The "Roadless Rule" has safeguarded millions of acres of wild national forests for nearly two decades. Now, this safeguard is under attack. Sean Cosgrove, a seasoned conservationist with over 20 years of expertise “in the arena” joined the podcast to discuss how powerful policies are under attack again, risking the very lands that provide your outdoor experiences, habitat for wildlife, and the health of our watersheds.

Redfish populations in Georgia are facing a crisis, and the clock is ticking. The state’s current regulators are only offering minimal changes, despite decades of scientific evidence showing the fishery is struggling. Meanwhile, neighboring states are taking bold, aggressive steps to protect and rebuild their stocks, leaving Georgia’s approach dangerously behind. Why? Because political pressure and bureaucratic inertia have stymied meaningful action, risking the future of one of the region’s most treasured fisheries. In this episode, conservationist and Georgia fly shop owner Jared DiVincent joins host Tony Friedrich to recap behind-the-scenes battles over redfish regulations. They reveal how outdated management models, influenced by industry anecdotes and political favorites, threaten to turn Georgia’s redfish fishery. Access the following link for more resources - click here for the Georgia Saltwater Anglers Association webpage and click here for <a href=" https://onehundredmiles.org/redfish-regs/" target="_blank">One Hundred Miles Redfish Resources.

Episode 209

Most fisheries are managed with a complicated web of science, industry, and politics... but what would it take to manage them in a utopian world? In this episode, fisheries scientist John Carlucci joins for a discussion about how industry collaboration, innovative research, and a human touch can define our approach to sustainable fishing.From growing up fishing in Connecticut to working at the Pelagic Fisheries Lab in Maine, John reveals the behind-the-scenes of tagging giant bluefin tuna, deciphering their age through otoliths, and the pivotal role industry partners play in collecting critical data. He illustrates how industry involvement isn’t just incidental; it’s the backbone of impactful science that informs management and rebuilds fish populations.

For such a small state, Connecticut is a powerhouse of outdoor recreation, fisheries, and conservation success stories that could serve as a model for the entire country. In this special episode, Tony is joined by Mason Trumbull, Deputy Commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, and Jeff Shaw, Director of the Office of Outdoor Industry and Experiences. Together, they reveal how Connecticut’s innovative approach is turning ecological health into vibrant economic growth, demonstrating that sustainable fisheries and accessible outdoor spaces are the ultimate win-win.

Captain Cody Rubner provides an overview of two key topics in southeast fisheries.

Captain Bailey Short and Mario Campo host an open dialogue about red drum management in Louisiana.

Join Captain Ray Jarvis of Massachusetts and Captain Ben Whalley of Maine as they chat fishing, tactics and changing tides for one of the Atlantic Ocean's most iconic fisheries.

The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission is taking a clear, common-sense step forward at its May 2026 meeting. The proposed rule for Atlantic bonito (15A NCAC 03M .0524) is exactly the kind of proactive management we need more of on the Atlantic coast.North Carolina currently has&nbsp;no rules&nbsp;in place for Atlantic bonito. No size limit. No bag limit. No stock assessment. Meanwhile, recreational landings have been climbing steadily since 2017 and now exceed the long-term average. North Carolina alone accounts for&nbsp;22 percent of all coastwide recreational bonito harvest. That is a massive share of a coastal migratory resource, and the trend is unmistakable.

This episode is an important one, and not just because of the implications for red drum and menhaden management. This episode is the epitome of why we started the Guide Post years ago. The conservation community has been actively advocating for the reform of redfish and menhaden management in Louisiana. Advocates are rightfully riled up - and our team is far from shy when it comes to speaking the truth. We have done so in recent years on both fronts, especially in recent weeks regarding a menhaden bill package and a new proposal regarding bull red harvest at rodeos. Representative Joseph Orgeron reached out after our last episode and requested to join us for episode 202. His goal was to clear the air and foster a respectful conversation about recent happenings, his goals, our perspectives and differences in opinion. We believe that the goal was accomplished. As always, shoot us an email or message on social to let us know your thoughts - or if you have any lingering questions for Rep. Orgeron that may not have been answered here.

Everything isn't as it seems in the world of fisheries policy. What's happening right now in the Gulf is no exception.

We have somehow racked up 200 episodes of this dang thing. We can't believe it either. We decided to use this celebratory episode to goof off with the guides and advocates who make this episode possible. Enjoy a launch and get ready to hop back on the fisheries policy train for episode 201.

EP199

Well, that was unexpected...!

Yeah, you're gonna want to hear this...

Here's a little Tuesday morning inspiration for our fisheries advocates. Now grab that shovel and start digging, we will need you all next week.

There are certain public comments that catch your attention. In the case of a recent meeting for Atlantic bonito and false albacore management, Mr. Paul Osimo's time on the microphone was so notable we had to track him down for an additional conversation.

Tony and Cody provide a rapid reaction to last night's Rhode Island saltwater fisheries meeting where management of false albacore and Atlantic bonito was discussed.

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 shocking that an industrial operation of this scale has no upper limit in 2025. This can no longer be true. (3) Buffer zones should not be repealed in any capacity.

What’s going on?&nbsp;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 lacks a quota. It is shocking that an industrial operation of this scale has no upper limit in 2025. This can no longer be true, and buffer zones should not be repealed in any capacity. The fallout of upcoming meetings could reshape both the Atlantic and Gulf fisheries — and what happens next is up to us.

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 enforcement, and ASGA breaks down why these policies fail both fish and fishermen.A must-listen for anyone who fishes for striped bass—or cares about common sense in conservation.

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 understanding the mixing between eastern and western Atlantic stocks, a factor critical to sustainable fisheries management. As an active contributor to the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas (ICCAT), Dr. Golet integrates his scientific findings into international policy discussions, aiming to ensure the long-term sustainability of bluefin tuna populations through informed, science-based management practices.

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 apex predators, which includes some amazing video and visuals that help dispel a lot of myths surrounding great whites. Dr. Skomal gives us an insider’s look into the lives of the most notorious fish in the ocean!

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 &amp; 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 love.

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&nbsp;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 can learn more about ZCR by heading to their website - click here.

In this special episode of&nbsp;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 creating sustainable, world-class fisheries. Discover how Keith and his team have balanced adventure tourism with rigorous conservation, leaving a legacy of thriving ecosystems and unparalleled fishing opportunities...

In this episode of&nbsp;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 their application to fisheries.

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&nbsp;The Angling Economy&nbsp;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 the stage for future discussions on how economic tools can address non-monetary benefits and ensure the longevity of beloved fisheries. Stay tuned as this series continues to explore the value of our natural resources and the critical importance of protecting them for generations to come.