The Speckled Truth Podcast

We’re back for Season 2!  Keeping with tradition, I sit down with my Dad, Captain Charlie Bush, to discuss his approach to being a more consistent trout angler. From pre-trip planning to on the water adjustments, my dad gives insight to his process that has led to insane production. From tagging and releasing 12,000 trout in 4 years for the TAG Louisiana program to now averaging 30 trout/trip over...

What a way to end the season!  In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with Big Lake Legend Captain Bruce Baugh and none other than Mr. Paul Brown, the creator of the Corky. Mr. Paul not only shares how the Corky came about but he and Bruce share some unforgettable trips, together and separate, along the Texas Coast and SW Louisiana. Not only is this a trip down memory lane, but it gives insight...

In the 2nd part of this 2-part episode, Captain Chad shares some truly remarkable stories about Baffin Bay Legends. He also talks about how these legends game plan around high solunar times and major and minor feeding periods. Lastly, we talk about the pressures on Baffin Bay to sustain its amazing trophy trout fishery and how we can do our part through personal conservation. This truly was a rema...

In Part 1of this 2-part episode, we dive head first into the inception of the Saltwater Legend Series with founder Captain Chad Peterek. In his 25 years of guiding, he not only shares how he created the Premier Trout Tournament on the Texas Coast, but the purpose behind this highly competitive Tournament Series. Additionally, he shares some of the legendary stories from these anglers that pioneere...

In this episode, Captain Chris sits down and talks with co-owner of Eye Strike Fishing, Mr. Ralph Phillips. Ralph not only shares stories from his decades worth of fishing experiences but he gives some insight as to how he approaches fishing certain conditions. Additionally, he talks about some top things to look for while on the water as well as Eye Strike's New "Release over 20" program. Ralph i...

In this episode, Captain Chris sits down to talk with President of ZMan Fishing Daniel Nussbaum. Not only has he operated and grown ZMan to a global brand, he’s also an avid inshore angler in Charleston, South Carolina.   Aside from talking about what separates ZMan apart from their competitors, he shares the story about the emergence of the NED rig and working alongside BASS Elite Series pro’s on...

Lake Calcasieu has long been noted as Louisiana's Big trout Mecca. As a result, Captain Steve Stroderd chartered through the heart of when Big Lake was at its peak. In this episode, Steve not only shares some timeless stories of some of the biggest trout ever caught in the state, but he also shares the infamous story of his "Tire 10". Regardless of fishery, if you're into trophy trout, you don't w...

In this episode, Captain Chris talks with Virginia Trout Fishing Legend, Mr. Keith Nuttall. Having logged over 2 dozen 30” trout in his career, Keith not only shares some of the tales from his 53 years of trout fishing, but gives insight to his tackle and approach. They also talk about the Virginia Citation program, as well as the trout tagging program Mr. Keith was instrumental in starting. From...

In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with the CEO of MirrOlure, Mr. Eric Bachnik. They not only discuss how MirrOlure got started, but provide some insight into the Gold Standard for manufacturing hard baits for saltwater anglers. Lastly, they discuss how MirrOlure started producing the Paul Brown line of products and dive into their presence on the Speckled Truth Dirty 30 citation data. This...

In this episode, Captain Chris goes solo again but this time to discuss the what, how and why they are conducting the Dirty 30 and State Trophy Trout Citation Programs. Not only does he talk about the data, but he goes in-depth and analyzes them with regard to lure selection, moon phase and time of year. So whether you're looking to learn about the program or increase your odds at a big trout base...

Understanding Speckled trout behavior is a big part of pursuing and conserving big trout. In this episode, Angelos Apeitos, Hatchery Manager for the Mississippi Gulf Coast Research Lab (GCRL), provides some really insightful information to help us better understand our most sought-after gamefish.   From spawning and feeding behaviors to hatchery operations, you are sure to learn something new rega...

Chas Champagne, owner of Matrix Shad, joins this weeks podcast to discuss not only the tackle business, but some of the technical nuances for targeting big trout in the infamous Lake Ponchartrain complex. So whether you're looking to be a better deep water fisherman or intrigued about the tackle industry - this is an episode you don't want to miss! 

Despite not being widely known as a big trout fishery, Captain Chris and Captain Patric Garmeson talk about targeting big trout along the Alabama Coast. Captain Patric not only shares his approach and tactics, but he also discusses his participation in the Trout Tagging program and support of the state trout hatchery. Whether you want to target big trout, or do what you can to conserve them, this...

Growing up, Captain Matt Chipperfield didn't have the typical route to becoming a full-time guide.  In this podcast, he not only shares that story, but also the incredibly unique fishery of the Guana Reserve in Northeast Florida.  Lastly, he shares the story of his most memorable catch of 2019 - a 28" speckled trout with a 14" redfish hanging out of its mouth!  Trust me, you don't want to miss tha...

Unlike other episodes, Captain Chris won’t be joined by a special guest for this episode. Taking a strategic pause for the holidays, he not only reflects on how he got into targeting big speckled trout, but he also discusses in-depth how Speckled Truth started, it’s current status, and where its headed!  Whether you’ve been a long time follower or just joined the community, this episode is a must...

Some people fish to live and other live to fish – Doc is the latter. In this episode, we explore this Legendary Louisiana Anglers addiction. He not only tells us how it started on the banks of the City Park Lagoon in New Orleans, but how it almost ended his life in a foreign land. In addition, he reflects on how he won the CCA STAR Tournament as well as other high profile tournaments, and his part...

In this super special episode, Captain Chris talks with IGFA World Record holder Doc Jay Wright. They discuss not only his 3 Speckled Trout World Records in various fly-line classes, but deep dive into the IGFA submission process. Additionally, Doc shares some of the trends he’s seen from his personal study of pursuing world-class fish, especially as it relates to some of the Dirty 30 citation dat...

Captain Keith Morrison, from Pensacola, Florida, was one of our first followers at Speckled Truth.  Now he's not only a phenomenal kayak angler for big trout, he's one of the core members for sharing our message of conservation.  Hope you enjoy this episode!

In this episode, Mike and I discuss putting the sport back into sport fishing. We also dive into some of the many article he’s written over the course of 25 years which recently include, Texas Saltwater Fishing Magazine. So whether you’re on the hunt for that next Dirty 30 or want to hear the inspiration behind some of Mike’s infamous articles – be sure to tune in and listen to my Angling Mentor,...

Legendary Texas Trout Fisherman, Captain Jay Watkins joined the conversation to talk about stewardship and Trophy Speckled Trout. Having guided for almost 40 years, Captain Jay is widely known across the Gulf Coast for his artificial-only approach and tremendous conservation efforts. In this episode, he discusses his beliefs on stewardship and the legacy he hopes to leave to an emerging guide flee...

In this episode, Captain Chris discusses with Captain Kyle Johnson, a resident and angler of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the evolution of Speckled Truth from a concept to a brand. They not only discuss how they met, but how they’ve transcended a simple concept to a brand that represents Trophy Trout and conservation – especially through venues like the Biloxi Boat Show and the Dirty 30 and Trophy...

In the inaugural episode of The Speckled Truth, Captain Chris Bush returns to his roots with a conversation with the man who instilled his passion and desire for fishing, and Big Speckled Trout!  An interview with Captain Charlie Bush!