Podcast
Fat Dad Fishing Show
Hosted by Fat Dad Fishing Show · EN
Join the Fat Dad Fishing Show on our quest to help the average saltwater angler to catch more fish and have a better on-the-water experience. Each week we will be covering topics to help anglers get the most out of their time targeting multiple species spanning the entire east coast of the USA. We will cover fishing for flounder ( fluke ), striped bass, weakfish, sheepshead, bluefish, tuna, and many more. On some episodes we talk in detail about how to catch flounder, while on others we will take a deep dive into saltwater fishing gear. While our home area ranges from DE to NY, we will speak with guests throughout the east coast. If you find value in the podcast, or are entertained please consider following the podcast, sharing with friends, and leaving a great review. All of these help us to reach more anglers and draw more guests! Tight lines!
35episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
EP 60: Bucktails That Consistently Catch Fish
Jan 2001:07:20Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailA bucktail can be the most forgiving lure in your box—or the most finely tuned instrument—depending on how you build and fish it. We sat down with Ed of Captain Hank’s Tackle to break Bucktails 101 into practical choices that catch more fish: the right head for your water, the right hook for your bite, and the right hair for your target.We start with head shapes and what they actually do underwater. Ball heads ride clean and keep the point up for back bay fluke. Minnow heads shift weight forward for a nose-down stance offshore. Skimmer heads shine on shallow flats, and smiling bills rule the surf for stripers with that subtle V-cut swim. From there we get into hook geometry: eye angle, shank length, and forged strength. Longer shanks and quality black nickel hooks convert more short-striking fluke, while stout wire prevents heartbreak when a striper, tog, or even an unexpected shark shows up.Hair volume and profile decide whether you’re teasing or feeding. Sparse top-and-bottom ties streamline the silhouette for fluke and put steel in the mouth faster. Bulked-out striper ties leverage hollow hair to flare and control sink rate. We talk trailers and action—why grubs and paddles outfish static plastics—and how season and clarity change the playbook: light heads and four-inch baits in spring backwaters, heavier jigs and larger profiles as fish slide deeper. We compare real bucktail to silicone skirts for durability around blues and offshore work, and we touch on glow paints, strategic flash, and color-matching jig heads to Gulp favorites like new penny and nuclear chicken.If you’ve ever wondered why one “identical” bucktail outperforms another, this conversation gives you the blueprint: pick the head for your hydrodynamics, the hook for your hookup, and the hair for your fish and water. Plus, we swap stories on tog jigs—including the surprisingly deadly “dirty diaper”—and share when to go plain jig head to save gear on wrecks. Subscribe for more practical tackle breakdowns, share this with a bucktail-obsessed friend, and drop a comment with your confidence color and head style so we can test it next time.Great Bay Outfitters - Gear Up!Your go-to shop for top fishing gear, apparel, and kayak essentials in South Jersey.Quad State Tune For Your Toyota Truck Custom engine tuning for peak performance for Toyota trucks. Improve power and performance today.Richard Natoli Real Estate Helping PA homeowners buy & sell with confidence. 267-270-1145 or NatoliRealEstate@Gmail.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTubeFat Dad Instagram: @fat.dad.fishingFat Dad Facebook: (7) Fat Dad Fishing | FacebookEmail: rich@fatdadfishing.com
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EP 59: Recapping 2025 and Chasing 2026
Jan 1300:59:42Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailThe mics may be scratchy and the coughs unavoidable, but the mission couldn’t be clearer: turn a growing fishing show into a real-world family. We kick off 2026 with an honest 2025 recap, a salute to the Osprey party boat trip that brought chat names to life, and a peek at the download surge that pushed the pod into the top 25% across 64 countries. Numbers aside, the heartbeat is community—connecting anglers, lifting small businesses, and making space for the kind of days you remember years later.We lay out a season shaped by intention. Scotty opens up about guiding at full tilt and the toll it took, then sets his north star: more days fishing with his dad, more room to explore new water, and a stronger Sevens Fishing brand that stretches beyond the wheelhouse. We talk sheep’s head roots and the double-digit fish his dad stuck first, then pivot to the bite that surprised us: brackish back-bay stripers loaded with sea lice miles from the inlet. From there, we map real meetups—Fat Dad Fridays before striper opener, late-spring fluke on a party boat, and casual dinners where stories and plans take shape.Ambition shows up offshore. We outline a mothership mission that ferries kayaks to mahi pots and football tuna, with safety-first captains, clear skill checks, and spots for boat-only anglers who want in on the action. Add a renewed push into freshwater—trout, muskie, even a noodling idea from the chat—and you get a season that blends salt and stream without losing focus. We also spotlight small-business heroes: Great Bay Outfitters’ serious kayak rigs, smart jig boxes that fix the rig mess, and regional makers worth your dollars before you click any big-box link.If you’ve been waiting to jump from comments to real rail space, this is your year. Tap the polls for meetup dates, bring a friend to the fluke trip, and send us the names of local captains and shops we should feature. Subscribe, share this with a fishing buddy, and leave a review to help the Fat Dad family grow. And tell us: what’s your boldest fishing goal for 2026?Great Bay Outfitters - Gear Up!Your go-to shop for top fishing gear, apparel, and kayak essentials in South Jersey.Quad State Tune For Your Toyota Truck Custom engine tuning for peak performance for Toyota trucks. Improve power and performance today.Richard Natoli Real Estate Helping PA homeowners buy & sell with confidence. 267-270-1145 or NatoliRealEstate@Gmail.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTubeFat Dad Instagram: @fat.dad.fishingFat Dad Facebook: (7) Fat Dad Fishing | FacebookEmail: rich@fatdadfishing.com
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EP 58: Mastering Trout in Cold Weather with Chris Matuson
Dec 2301:03:52Tap to summarizeSend us Fan MailCold winds, canceled boats, and cabin fever don’t have to end your season. We head upstream to chase winter trout in clear, moving water and break down a simple, reliable playbook: ultralight gear, two confidence lures, and the patience to fish slow and low. With Chris Matusin joining Rich, we dig into what holdover trout actually do when temperatures drop and why the best water isn’t the obvious stock truck pull-off, but the bends, seams, and plunge pools where oxygen and food collide.We get specific about setups that matter in cold conditions: 4.5- to 5.5-foot ultralight rods, 2- to 4-pound mono, and compact jerkbaits that suspend naturally. Chris explains why a slim 2.5-inch minnow-pattern jerkbait is his first tie-on, how a size 4 Panther Martin with a smooth silver blade digs deeper without tail hair, and when to pivot to a subtle drift with trout magnets or natural-tone PowerBait on size 12–14 hooks. You’ll hear how to place split shot for different flows, watch the line for whisper-light takes, and use casting angles to pass through both primary current and the recirculating eddy where fish wait.We also cover cold-weather strategy beyond the tackle: dressing to stay out longer, taking warm-up breaks, and timing trips for mid-morning sun when a tiny temperature bump can flip the switch. Expect a practical map for finding productive stretches—fast water pouring into deeper runs, eddies that feed back upstream, and long glides that stay open while others skim with ice. Whether you’re pivoting from saltwater or returning to roots on PA creeks, you’ll leave with a winter pattern you can trust and a short list of spots to build into your annual milk run.Enjoyed this one? Follow the show, share it with a friend who needs a winter plan, and drop your best cold-water trout photo or tip in the comments. Your reviews help more anglers find the podcast—leave one and tell us your go-to winter lure.Great Bay Outfitters - Gear Up!Your go-to shop for top fishing gear, apparel, and kayak essentials in South Jersey.Quad State Tune For Your Toyota Truck Custom engine tuning for peak performance for Toyota trucks. Improve power and performance today.Richard Natoli Real Estate Helping PA homeowners buy & sell with confidence. 267-270-1145 or NatoliRealEstate@Gmail.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTubeFat Dad Instagram: @fat.dad.fishingFat Dad Facebook: (7) Fat Dad Fishing | FacebookEmail: rich@fatdadfishing.com
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EP 57: Night Bites, Secret Squirrels, & Tackle Truths with Stefanos (Sport Fishing Outlet)
Dec 1601:27:08Tap to summarizeSend a textThe best fishing conversations start with a simple truth: the right presentation beats the biggest hype. We sit down with Stefanos, the mind behind Sport Fishing Outlet, to unpack what actually works—from cold-river walleye to night-striper missions and land-based fluke that rival boat limits. If you’ve ever wondered why your wrist is moving but your lure isn’t, or how a tiny weight dot can turn a floater into a suspender that hangs in the strike zone, you’re in the right place.We start with why night fishing wins more than just solitude. Stripers, fluke, and bass eat differently after dark, and the tactics change with them: listen for topwater slurps, lean into slower swings, and trust subtle taps on the drop. Then we map winter walleye in real detail—identifying river “winter holes” below riffles and dam systems, reading current seams, and watching line in the cold. Stefanos explains how to tune jerkbaits to truly suspend, when to swap to paddletails or flukes, and why the lightest jig you can control often outfishes a brick every time.Gear myths get a friendly shake. Rod action matters more than logo: fast tips to snap jigs, moderate bends for cranks and bait. Kayak anglers learn why 7’3” to 7’6” rods save battles at the bow. We cover versatile inshore setups that handle stripers, tog, fluke, and river crossovers without a dozen combos. And yes, color counts—sometimes—but action and profile usually win. The lesson repeats across stories: plan with maps and tides, log your results, and fish lighter and slower than you think.We wrap with the heartbeat of a great local shop: conversations that turn curiosity into confidence. SFO’s shelves reflect what anglers actually catch on, not what ads suggest. You’ll hear about their new site, a listener discount, and how to connect at the Philadelphia Fishing Show. If you’re ready to fish smarter this season—night or day, river or surf—press play, take notes, and share the tactic you’re trying first.Enjoyed this one? Follow the show, share it with a fishing buddy, and leave a review so more anglers can find us. Then tell us: what’s your confidence lure after dark?Richard Natoli Real Estate Helping PA homeowners buy & sell with confidence. 267-270-1145 or NatoliRealEstate@Gmail.comGreat Bay Outfitters - Gear Up!Your go-to shop for top fishing gear, apparel, and kayak essentials in South Jersey.Quad State Tune For Your Toyota Truck Custom engine tuning for peak performance for Toyota trucks. Improve power and performance today.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTubeFat Dad Instagram: @fat.dad.fishingFat Dad Facebook: (7) Fat Dad Fishing | Facebook Email: rich@fatdadfishing.com
Transcribe →EP 56: Annual Tog Trip Recap: Last-Drop Tautog Drama On The Osprey
Dec 900:45:35Tap to summarizeSend a textA sold-out party boat, a weird current, and a deck full of strangers who felt like old friends—this Osprey trip had a little bit of everything. We kick off with a starfish cameo and an early keeper that set the tone, then watch the day shift into a thoughtful grind as wind and swing made structure feel like a moving target. Between moves, we trade stories, compare notes, and soak in why the Osprey crew is so respected: JP’s quick decisions, mates who retie without ego, and a tone that keeps the deck calm and fun when the bite fades.The stories that stuck are the ones you can’t script. A hard hook set sends a rod butt into its owner’s nose, the combo launches toward the drink, and a neighbor snatches it mid-fall like a shortstop. Kwa’s injured ankle hands his ticket to Billy, who promptly sticks a heavy female early and looks like the pool favorite for hours. As the current twists, we adapt: heavier jigs, stingers, and long drops under the stern to find the structure again. Last drop. Kristen dials in a two-ounce boxing-glove jig on a parabolic rod, tweaks drag after a pulled hook, and leans into a bite that folds the rod. The fight is clean, the net quick, and the fish a thick male that looks every bit the spoiler. On a rocking deck with bled fish and digital scales, ounces decide the pool. Billy edges it, smiles wide, and does the classiest thing—slips Kristen a hundred for a fish that could have gone either way, then tips the mates hard. That’s the magic: a boat where generosity travels as fast as the jokes.Want more trips like this? Drop a rating, share the show with a friend who chases tautog, and hit follow so you don’t miss our January run poll and our upcoming chat with tackle shop owner Stefanos from Sport Fishing Outlet. Your support keeps the rail full and the stories rolling.Great Bay Outfitters - Gear Up!Your go-to shop for top fishing gear, apparel, and kayak essentials in South Jersey.Quad State Tune For Your Toyota Truck Custom engine tuning for peak performance for Toyota trucks. Improve power and performance today.Richard Natoli Real Estate Helping PA homeowners buy & sell with confidence. 267-270-1145 or NatoliRealEstate@Gmail.comDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTubeFat Dad Instagram: @fat.dad.fishingFat Dad Facebook: (7) Fat Dad Fishing | Facebook Email: rich@fatdadfishing.com
Transcribe →EP 45: Bearded Dad Meets Fat Dad: A Tale of Two Waters
Sep 1800:59:18Tap to summarizeSend us a textRich and Jay explore the differences and surprising similarities between freshwater and saltwater fishing, proving that techniques from one world can successfully translate to the other.• Jay discusses his journey from casual angler to creator of the 45,000-member Kayak Fishing Dads Facebook group• Detailed breakdown of transitional bass fishing tactics as summer gives way to fall• Why suspending jerkbaits often outperform floating models for subsurface presentations• How freshwater bass tactics can be effectively applied to saltwater striped bass fishing• Candid conversation about whether forward-facing sonar and spot lock technology constitute "cheating"• The pros and cons of baitcasting versus spinning gear for different fishing scenarios• Jay's experience transitioning from GoPro to Insta360 cameras for fishing content creation• Recommendations for must-watch fishing YouTube channels including Christine Fisher and Greg BlanchardIf you're interested in joining the Fat Dad Fishing Show for a tog fishing charter out of Atlantic City this December, stay tuned for more details coming soon.Great Bay Outfitters - Gear Up!Your go-to shop for top fishing gear, apparel, and kayak essentials in South Jersey.Quad State Tune For Your Toyota Truck Custom engine tuning for peak performance for Toyota trucks. Improve power and performance today.Richard Natoli Real Estate Helping PA homeowners buy & sell with confidence—honest advice, expert guidance, real results.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTubeFat Dad Instagram: @fat.dad.fishingFat Dad Facebook: (7) Fat Dad Fishing | Facebook
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EP 44: Multi-species with River Queen Capt. Kayla Haile
Sep 1100:56:48Tap to summarizeSend us a textCaptain Kayla Hale shares multi-species fishing strategies for the northern Chesapeake, from striped bass tactics to smallmouth techniques. She reveals exciting news about her custom Rockproof jet boat being built for her guide service.• Fish below surface commotion for bigger striped bass• Minnow plugs and glide baits produce quality stripers in the fall• Striped bass migration patterns change from Chesapeake Bay to New Jersey beaches• Blue catfish pose serious threat to Chesapeake ecosystem unlike snakeheads• Winter white and yellow perch fishing on ultralight tackle offers excellent cold-weather opportunity• Brackish Babes all-female fishing team competing in Tiki Lee's rockfish tournament• Finding joy in seeing others catch trophy fish is part of the guiding experienceGreat Bay Outfitters - Gear Up!Your go-to shop for top fishing gear, apparel, and kayak essentials in South Jersey.Quad State Tune For Your Toyota Truck Custom engine tuning for peak performance for Toyota trucks. Improve power and performance today.Richard Natoli Real Estate Helping PA homeowners buy & sell with confidence—honest advice, expert guidance, real results.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTubeFat Dad Instagram: @fat.dad.fishingFat Dad Facebook: (7) Fat Dad Fishing | Facebook
Transcribe →EP 43: Fishing Rods 101 with John Creely
Sep 400:54:19Tap to summarizeSend us a textWe dive deep into the art and science of fishing rod selection with returning guest John Creeley, former co-host and current rod builder for Advanced Fishing USA. This episode unpacks everything from rod action to material composition to help you make better equipment choices for your target species.• Every rod has a specific purpose - no single rod is perfect for all applications• Rod actions (extra-fast to slow) significantly impact hook-setting ability and sensitivity• For sheepshead and tog, moderate action rods provide the perfect blend of feel and forgiveness• Weakfish and species with paper mouths benefit from slower action to prevent hook tears• Fast action rods excel for topwater applications and accurate casting for striped bass• Spinning gear offers better hookup ratios for jigging tog and sheepshead compared to conventional• Spiral (acid) wrapping reduces fatigue during vertical fishing and improves bite detection• Cork grips provide better feel but foam offers comfort for extended fights with large fish• Custom rods allow for personalization of grip size, guide placement, and action for your specific needs• Rod demo days provide the best opportunity to test different models before purchasingAdvanced Fishing USA is hosting a rod demo event in Seaside Park on Sunday, the 28th from 10 to 2. Visit to cast Century, JS, and Striker rods with free parking and admission near Stewart's Root Beer in Seaside Heights.Great Bay Outfitters - Gear Up!Your go-to shop for top fishing gear, apparel, and kayak essentials in South Jersey.Richard Natoli Real Estate Helping PA homeowners buy & sell with confidence—honest advice, expert guidance, real results.Quad State Tune For Your Toyota Truck Custom engine tuning for peak performance for Toyota trucks. Improve power and performance today.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTubeFat Dad Instagram: @fat.dad.fishingFat Dad Facebook: (7) Fat Dad Fishing | Facebook
Transcribe →Ep 42: Crabbin' & Fishin' with Benji
Aug 2801:08:37Tap to summarizeSend us a textBenji Crabbing and Fishing joins us to share his journey from passionate angler to charter captain, offering a wealth of knowledge about backwater fishing opportunities in coastal New Jersey waters.• Benji recently became a licensed charter captain after years of preparation and learning from fellow anglers• Late summer flounder fishing has tapered off earlier than expected this year• Blackfish (tautog) fishing around bridges provides exciting action even in backwaters• Sheepshead fishing requires patience but can be rewarding when combined with targeting other species• Crabbing remains productive using chicken necks as bait in topless traps• New Jersey regulations require hard shell crabs to measure at least 4.5 inches• Building relationships with other anglers is crucial for expanding fishing knowledge• Equipment for fishing and content creation doesn't need to be expensive to be effective• Water safety should always be a priority following recent boating accidentsTo book a charter with Benji, visit crabbinfishing.com or find him on Facebook and other social media platforms. Whether you're interested in catching fish or harvesting crabs, Benji promises a fun and educational experience.Support the showFat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTubeFat Dad Instagram: @fat.dad.fishingFat Dad Facebook: (7) Fat Dad Fishing | Facebook
Transcribe →EP 41: Throwback Episode - Targeting Cobia with Capt. Joey Leggio
Aug 2101:16:22Tap to summarizeSend us a textCaptain Joey Leggio shares his expertise on targeting Cobia off the coast of New York, revealing how this once-rare trophy fish has become a viable target species. We explore effective techniques for finding and catching these powerful gamefish, along with the shifting fisheries that have brought them north.• When sharks appear (especially blacktips and spinners), Cobia are likely following close behind• Position downwind of bunker schools rather than casting directly into them• Use a "knocker rig" with light weight and fluorocarbon leader instead of heavy snag hooks• Keep the first hooked Cobia in the water to attract followers, just like with mahi• Always have multiple rods ready with both live/chunk baits and artificials like bucktails or eel imitations• Cobia season typically runs from June through early September in New York waters• Climate change appears to be shifting fisheries northward, bringing southern species like Cobia to NY• Capitalize quickly when Cobia appear – opportunities may be brief• Look for Cobia following cow nose rays and large bunker schools• If a snagged bunker dies or spins unnaturally, replace it immediately for better resultsIf you'd like to support Captain Leggio during his recovery from a recent prop strike accident, please consider contributing to the GoFundMe linked in the show notes.https://gofund.me/86614fd5Great Bay Outfitters - Gear Up!Your go-to shop for top fishing gear, apparel, and kayak essentials in South Jersey.Quad State Tune For Your Toyota Truck Custom engine tuning for peak performance for Toyota trucks. Improve power and performance today.Richard Natoli Real Estate Helping PA homeowners buy & sell with confidence—honest advice, expert guidance, real results.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showFat Dad YouTube Channel: (569) Fat Dad Fishing - YouTubeFat Dad Instagram: @fat.dad.fishingFat Dad Facebook: (7) Fat Dad Fishing | Facebook
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