Florida Sportsman Action Spotter Podcast

Bonus points if you got that reference in the title. This week Captain Jon Earhart details his harrowing experience of being trapped on his boat in the middle of a tornado before it ultimately capsized. He offers some helpful advice on what to do when you find yourself in unpredictable situations, particularly when you have guests or clients on board. Rick also asks the guys what juvenile species...

There have been many innovations in fishing tackle and gear over the years, but some completely changed the game when they were introduced. When items like braid, fluorocarbon, ultra-sharp hooks and new drag systems were released into the market, the sport of fishing was forever altered from that point forward. But which have been the most important? This week the guys rank the inventions that mos...

You can only choose one! Which lure are you taking? This week we talk about our most "precious" artificial baits and debate which we would pick to be our designated "One Lure," in our official artificial bait showdown. Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air. Outline of Episode 192 [1:34] Tropics Report [7:25]...

It's getting hot! Has the departure of cold fronts triggered the feed? Rick also has a few questions for the guys about regulations. Over the years we've seen thousands of regulation changes, but which new rules have been the best for our captains? Let's discuss! Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air. Outline...

Too much bait? Does the limit even exist? This week we assess how the spring bait migrations are moving along and discuss whether or not there's such a thing as "too much bait." How much is too much and what can you do to make your offering stand out in a sea of others? Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air....

This week we delve into our fishing fantasies and talk about the world records we pray to the piscary gods for. The answers might surprise you! If you could go down in history for any angling record, what would it be and why? Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air. Outline of this Episode [1:23] Northeast Repo...

We all have our favorite spots, setups, baits, etc. But is being comfortable more of a curse than a blessing? Do we stop learning and developing new skills? Do we cease to adapt and discover new opportunities? Well, yes. So how often should you be testing new waters and trying new tactics? This week we discuss how you can step out of your comfort zone and reap the rewards of trying something new!...

You know the old adage, big bait = big fish. But does this actually hold true? I've seen a massive gator trout swallow a mid-fight hooked 14" redfish whole, with poor Spotty's tail still poking out of the mouth of the trout once retrieved. I've also seen a 42" snook eat a 2" DOA curl tail soft plastic. This week the captains tackle the great bait debate and determine the best course of action to n...

If you didn't come out of the womb with a rod in hand, it's likely you've committed one of these fishing faux pas. Rick and the captains talk about the biggest mistakes they see new fishermen making out on the water and how you can avoid being "that guy." Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air. Outline of this...

This week Rick asks the captains which species they rely on most in their regions to keep their customers happy. Some of their answers might shock you! Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air. Outline of this Episode [1:54] Tropics Report [7:43] Northeast Report [14:03] East Central Report [18:08] Southeast Rep...

This week Rick is joined by Jacksonville's own Matt Field, a tried and true tournament-winning bass angler to cover what you should be doing to catch more bass this spring. It's been an unusually warm winter and bass fishing is already beginning to liven up, which means it's time to transition to springtime tactics. From prospecting tips to the best lures to use, this one's all about the bass. If...

This week Rick and the captains talk about how they determine the best days of the month to go fishing. What factors are at play when making these decisions? Let's discuss what should you be looking at before planning your fishing trips. Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air. Outline of this Episode [1:14] Tr...

This week Rick and the captains tackle the topic of descending devices: what is the preferred method and how well do they really work? Let's discuss! Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air. Outline of this Episode [1:50] Tropics Report [8:59] Northeast Report [16:40] East Central Report [22:25] South Report [2...

Temps are heating up and so is the bite. 🔥 This week Rick and the captains all report awesome inshore fishing and offer advice on how you can get in on this FIRE feeding frenzy. Reds, trout, sheeps, pompano, you name it, they are ripe for the picking! Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air. Outline of this Ep...

This week Rick and the guys gush about the increase in feeding activity all around the state. The fishing is HOT right now including some intense sailfish action in South Florida and hundreds of hungry tailing reds to the north. In this episode, we also touch on how to stay safe on the water and discuss how far is too far for the size of your boat. Do you have a question about fishing in your area...

This week Rick and the guys discuss the after-effects of the last cold front. The fishing is heating up and some desirable species are on the move and hungry. This week we also cover how to properly prepare and freeze fish for optimum freshness, let's discuss! Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air. Outline of...

This week Rick and the guys talk about their New Year's Resolutions and how the latest cold spell has shaken up the fishing in Florida. Here's how you can adapt your tactics when fishing in cold water, let's discuss! Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com and we'll answer your questions on the air. Outline of this Episode [1:45] Tropics Report [7:28] No...

This week Rick and the guys discuss the boating boom in recent years. Are we keeping up with the degradation of our waterways? We are doing some good things to clean up the environment, but is it enough? What would you like to see us do next to the waterways in your area? Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air...

This week Rick is joined by CCA Florida STAR Director Leiza Fitzgerald to talk about the latest in conservation news. The West Coast captains also cover how the 2023 fishing season has kicked off; A sleepy start in some areas but fishing for wintertime species is likely to heat up starting this weekend. Wahoo and sailfish are about to pop off. It's time for an offshore trip! Do you have a question...

Rick and the captains end 2022 on a positive note with decent wintertime fishing, exciting hunts and reveal their favorite fishing gear they've ever been gifted. Goodbye 2022, it was nice knowin' ya! Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air! Outline of this Episode [3:17] Tropics Report [7:32] Northeast Report [...

Bundle up! It's about to be a COLD Christmas weekend. This week Rick and the crew wrap up 2022 and review which species struggled this year. Captain Greg Stamper also returns after an extended leave due to Hurricane Ian recovery. Welcome Back, Greg!! Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air! Outline of this Epis...

This week Rick and the guys compare which fish were better than expected this year in their areas. Their answers might surprise you! Let's discuss! Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air! Outline of this Episode [2:22] Tropics Report [6:07] Northeast Report [11:58] East Central Report [18:41] South Report [25:...

This week Rick and the crew debate if taking away GPS would benefit our fisheries. Let's discuss! Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air! Outline of this Episode [2:26] Northeast Report [7:17] East Central Report [20:52] South Report [30:20] Keys Report [37:21] 10,000 Islands Report [44:37] West Central Report...

This week Rick and the guys brainstorm their top Christmas gift selections and choose what they'd most like to see wrapped up under the tree this year. Let's discuss! See some of our present selections here: https://www.floridasportsman.com/editorial/florida-sportsman-holiday-gift-guide/466084 Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer you...

This week Rick and the captains give thanks for a fish they are most thankful to have in their areas. The guys also discuss shark populations causing havoc for our charters. Which species are you most thankful for? Let's discuss! Do you have a question about fishing in your area? Email  rick@floridasportsman.com  and we'll answer your questions on the air! Download for the best tips of the trade r...