The Speckled Truth Podcast

Episode 17 - The Truth Behind Catch and Release: Dr. Greg Stunz, Quentin Hall & Capt. Wayne Davis

In this episode, Captain Chris and Captain Wayne Davis sit down with Dr. Greg Stunz and Quentin Hall from the Harte Research Institute to discuss some truth's behind Catch and Release. For a little over a decade, Dr. Stunz and his team have done exclusive research on the survivability of Speckled Trout that have been caught and released. Not only does Doc go into detail about the results of that study, but they also talk about angler practice and general misnomers surrounding catch and release. Without a doubt this episode is very insightful and I hope it changes some of your viewpoints and approach. Enjoy!

Episode 16 - A Texas Angling Treasure; Dr. David McKee

In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with Dr. David McKee. Dr. McKee is a retired fisheries professor at Texas A&M Corpus Christi and he shares a mountain of historical information and Angling stories from the Texas Bays. From his early run in with the now infamous Gary Loomis to a world class collection of angling gear (rods/reels/lures) that fueled the fishing lure industry to its present day, Dr. McKee is a Texas Angling treasure and in this podcast he shares many of those experiences. This was a fun one to record and we hope you enjoy!

Episode 15 - Legendary Baffin Bay with a Texas Legend, Captain Cliff Webb

Baffin Bay in South Texas is known for its legendary Trophy Trout Fishing. In this episode, Captain Chris sits down with a true legend of this infamous bay system, Captain Cliff Webb. Cliff not only shares his experiences of some remarkable catches from his childhood, but stories of legend like his single day 10 trout stringer that weighed a little over 96 lbs. He also shares his passion for these big fish and how we as a community can move forward to bring something like this back to the present day. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 14 - Custom Corky’s and a TX Angling History Lesson w/ Lowell Odom

In this episode, Captains Kyle and Lowell discuss a myriad of different topics like Custom Corky’s, as well as guiding on the TX coast in the mid 80’s. They also talk a lot about the tackle business and the many legends along the TX coast he's fished with over the years. Without a doubt Lowell is a treasure trove of information and we hope you enjoy all he has to say!

Episode 13 - Fishery First and the Speckled Truth w/ Captain Chris

This week Captain Chris sits solo and reflects on the conservation programs that Speckled Truth has supported over the years, and shares his outlook for the programs and the future of the brand. Hopefully this episode is enlightening and transparent about his support for the fishery.

Episode 12 - Insight to the Elite Level with 2-time BASS Elite Angler of the Year, Aaron Martens

This episode Captain Chris switched it up, getting a rare opportunity to talk with Elite Series and MLF Bass angler Aaron Martens. Aarons accolades in the bass fishing world are beyond reproach, and he shares what it’s like competing against the best anglers in the world. As a 2-time Elite Series Angler of the year and 4-time runner up in the Bassmaster classic, he shares his views on conservation within the freshwater world and how that could translate the saltwater mindset. Lastly, they talk about approach, lure selection, angling confidence and instinct and how it’s transcends fisheries. Enjoy!

Episode 11 - TX Fish Kill, Trout Hatcheries & Conservation with Assistant Director, CCA Texas: Mr. John Blaha

In light of recent weather events, Captain Chris had the opportunity to speak with Assistant Director, CCA Texas, Mr. John Blaha. They not only talked about the recent fish kill event but about the changes to the CCA STAR and ways the Texas Coast hatcheries may augment the return of healthy bay systems along the coast. Whether you’re a concerned angler or interested in getting involved this is an episode you’ll want to hear. Enjoy!

Episode 10 - Virginia Citations with Charlie Church

In this episode, Captain Chris and Virginia big trout angler Charlie Church dive into the Virginia Trout Fishing Citation data. Not only do they review it for any targeting trends but they also examine some pretty remarkable catches as well as periods of decline. Lastly, they also talk about Charlie's approach to targeting some gators in the commonwealth. Enjoy!

Episode 9 - Fishing for Today, Conserving for Tomorrow; Captain Wayne Davis

In this episode CaptainWayne Davis not only shares his journey about becoming a full-time guide, but his approach to different water conditions in the Lower Laguna Madre. Additionally, he also gives some insight into his participation for the Harte Research Institutes fish tagging initiative as well as the inception of his Empty Stringers Catch and Release Program. Without a doubt, Captain Wayne is a positive change agent for conservation, not only in the guide fleet, but across TX and the Gulf Coast. Enjoy!

Episode 8 - Wade fishing with a Woman in the Industry - Erica Rae Hirsch

Erica Rae is a born and raised Texan, who showed cattle and was fixated with the outdoors from an early age. It wasn’t until later in life that she found her true calling - targeting big trout in the lower Laguna Madre. In this podcast, she shares not only how she ended up on the lower coast but gives tremendous context of what it’s like be a female in the industry. Enjoy!