Best Halibut Podcasts (2025)

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44: Inside the Ultimate Baja Fishing Trip With John Keizer of Salt Patrol (La Paz, Mexico) 1:11:46

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2d ago1:11:46

1:11:46

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Scott and I sit down with experts John Keizer (Salt Patrol) and Eddie Dalmau to talk about a bucket-list fishing opportunity that every Pacific Northwest angler should know about. If you’ve ever dreamed of escaping the cold drizzle of winter and hooking into hard-charging yellowtail, roosterfish, dorado, sna…

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I Told You the World Needs More 75-Ohms 1:52:08

4d ago1:52:08

1:52:08

Brace yourself for a rollercoaster of nerdy niceties and chaotic chuckles. In this episode, our crew shouts “private livestream!” louder than their coffee orders, debates win links like they’re sports stats, and tangents dive headfirst into Nvidia drama, ham radio legends, and the legendary 75-ohm feeder story. It’s part tech talk, part backstage c…

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43: Best Black Friday Fishing Deals & Opportunities 2025 10:04

9d ago10:04

10:04

In this Black Friday special of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie and Captain Scott break down the best fishing-friendly deals you can grab this holiday season — from portable power stations to custom rods, killer reel discounts, and even a unique “deal” from WDFW that lets you skip the crowds and go catch jumbo trout instead. Fresh off an epic razor cla…

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No Winlink, No Grouch, No Problem: The Show Must Ham On 2:38:50

11d ago2:38:50

2:38:50

In this episode of Live Free and Ham, Eric (N1JUR) and Todd (W1STJ) try to kick things off smoothly… which of course means Grouch’s PC explodes (metaphorically), the guest shows up muted, and nobody can remember the name of that gorgeous Vermont park. They’re joined by Mike W4OPS from the National Amateur Radio Alliance to talk about “making better…

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42: How to Plan Your First Razor Clam Dig: Gear, Tips & Recipes for Beginners 40:21

16d ago40:21

40:21

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie and Scott dive into one of their favorite winter traditions — razor clam digging on the Washington coast. Whether you’re planning your very first dig or looking to fine-tune your setup for better results, this episode walks you step-by-step through how to plan, gear up, find the clams, and cook them up…

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Dings, Dangles, and Don’t-Call-It a Dipole 2:11:01

18d ago2:11:01

2:11:01

Dust off your headphones and join our quirky crew for a rambling, real-life radio session filled with portable towers, weather woes, and the unpredictable chatter of ham enthusiasts. From dodgy aerials and improvised coax hacks to far-flung contacts spanning Canada, Ireland, England, Argentina, France, and Bermuda, this episode serves up a candid s…

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41: Top 3 Winter Ferry Adventures in the San Juan Islands (No Boat Needed!) 21:16

23d ago21:16

21:16

In this week’s episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie shifts gears from the usual fishing talk to share unique winter adventures around Anacortes, Whidbey Island, and the San Juan Islands. Whether you want to stay connected to the water without launching the boat, or you’re craving new places to explore during the off-season, this episode covers th…

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50 to 75 Ohms and Back Again: A Sunshine State Snafu turned Signal Saver 2:09:06

25d ago2:09:06

2:09:06

This episode follows a weekend of hands-on radio tinkering, travel, and improvisation that captures the messy, thrilling reality of DIY amateur radio. From the sunny chaos of Florida to a backyard experiment zone, we tag along as the crew tests unconventional feedlines, tackles a 50-to-75-ohm conversion puzzle, and pushes through gear debates with …

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40: Year-Round Fishing in Washington with Brianna Bruce 34:58

1M ago34:58

34:58

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie and Scott sit down with the multi-talented guide Brianna Bruce, owner of Livin’ Life Adventures — a year-round guide service covering nearly every fishery in Washington State. Brianna shares her inspiring story of turning her lifelong love for fishing into a full-time guiding career and how she’s helpi…

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I Just Shipped My Pants And Other Ham Radio Misadventures 1:59:12

1M ago1:59:12

1:59:12

Ten meters roared, the waterfall glowed, and somewhere in the chaos a “maritime emergency” calling spot was buried under contesters. We stepped straight into CQ Worldwide and asked a hard question: who really owns a frequency when the world shows up? From band etiquette to practical emergency options, we unpack the culture and the realities that ma…

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39: Starlink for Boaters, Hunters & RVers: The Ultimate Off-Grid Internet Guide 29:11

1M ago29:11

29:11

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie and Scott take you behind the scenes of their elk hunting trip in Idaho — where staying connected meant relying on Starlink internet. They break down how Starlink keeps them online while traveling, fishing, or living off-grid, and why it’s become a total game-changer for outdoor enthusiasts. From setup…

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We Paddled To An Island, Fired Up 600 Watts, And Worked The World 2:16:12

1M ago2:16:12

2:16:12

The tide doesn’t care about your logbook—and that’s exactly why we chased it. We loaded radios, batteries, and a vertical dipole into kayaks, paddled two miles on a rising tide, and landed on a slippery sliver of grass called Eagle Island. The result? A sustained, three-hour pileup on 10 meters that reached across Europe, South America, and 20 U.S.…

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38: Elk Hunting in Idaho: Lessons from the Selway Wilderness (Beginner’s First Hunt) 28:33

1M ago28:33

28:33

In this week’s episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie takes us deep into Idaho’s Selway wilderness for her first-ever elk hunt. With Scott out on the mountain and Starlink powering her remote setup, Jamie shares the lessons, surprises, and humbling beauty of stepping into a brand-new challenge. From understanding elk migration patterns and predator…

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Bullets, BaoFengs, And Bonsai: Yes, We Went There 2:26:56

2M ago2:26:56

2:26:56

The best radio goals aren’t just wish lists—they’re roadmaps with real checkpoints, community support, and a bit of swagger. We kick off by tightening the feedback loop: Discord for day-to-day chatter, a new AllStar hub (580871) for live linking, monthly livestreams, and voicemails you’ll actually hear on the show. That community energy pays off fa…

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37: Fishing Bamfield BC: How to Plan the Ultimate Fishing Trip 58:06

2M ago58:06

58:06

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Scott and Jamie sit down with Darrin and Karey Small—better known as the Black Dog Couple in the Pacific Northwest fishing community. From derby wins to running one of the largest Puget Sound Anglers chapters, this powerhouse couple shares their adventures of fishing together, traveling to Bamfield, BC, and …

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Four flip-flops walk into a divider… 2:21:08

2M ago2:21:08

2:21:08

Radios bring us together; NearFest reminds us why. We packed a three-day ham festival into 24 hours—livestreams, campsite breakfasts, last-minute builds—and still found time to argue about antennas, fix MeshTastic nodes, and quiz Todd on Extra-class theory. It’s chaotic in the best way: flip-flops dividing by sixteen, Schottky vs zener symbols, and…

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36: Sonar Basics for Fishing: Expert Tips from Navy Sonar Tech Steve Chamberlin 34:04

2M ago34:04

34:04

By Jamie Propst

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Three hams walk into Near-Fest and leave with fewer radios, more stories, and an AllStar hub to prove it 1:35:00

2M ago1:35:00

1:35:00

The best radio days start a little chaotic: rain on the windshield, a wire tossed higher than your plan, and a stranger asking, “What are you doing?” That moment led us into a POTA run where 10 and 15 meters opened like a faucet—France, Belgium, Spain, Germany—flowing in with the kind of clarity that makes you forget your battery just died mid-CQ. …

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35: Squid Fishing in Puget Sound: Gear, Jigs & Secrets to Get You Started 44:40

2M ago44:40

44:40

Squid fishing in Puget Sound isn’t just popular—it’s exploding. But here’s the truth: most beginners show up at the pier unprepared, get tangled, frustrated, and leave empty-handed. Don’t let that be you. In this episode, Jamie and Scott sit down with squidding expert Joe Kim, the man behind the Edmonds Squid Fishing community (10,000+ members stro…

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The Ham Radio Crusader's Guide to All-Star Link Nodes 2:08:09

2M ago2:08:09

2:08:09

Dive into the world of All-Star Link with our special guest Freddie Mack (KD5FMU), better known as the Ham Radio Crusader. In this comprehensive conversation, Freddie shares his journey from law enforcement to becoming one of the most trusted voices in the All-Star Link community, offering invaluable insights for both newcomers and experienced oper…

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34: Puget Sound & SJI Coho Fishing Report September 2025 24:46

2M ago24:46

24:46

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie and Scott take you along for a September day on the water between Salmon Bank and Eagle Point in Marine Area 7. Fresh off the Salmon for Soldiers event in Everett, they share stories of fishing with veterans, tips for targeting coho in September, and tactical advice for managing crowded waters. From ch…

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The Mesh Dealer Takes Over Live Free and Ham 2:28:07

2M ago2:28:07

2:28:07

The world of mesh networking collides with ham radio as we welcome Dave KB5UTY, affectionately known as "The Mesh Dealer," to share his journey from casual GMRS user to becoming Seed Studios' ham radio ambassador for Meshtastic technology. Dave pulls back the curtain on a fascinating communication ecosystem that bridges traditional amateur radio wi…

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24 Hour POTA Campout Recap! 3:08:43

3M ago3:08:43

3:08:43

We’re thrilled to have finally dried out and found our way back to a harmonious "work-life balance." Yet, the excitement of the 24-Hour POTA Campout still lingers in our minds! We can’t wait to gather a wonderful group of friends to reminisce about the adventure, share heartfelt stories, and celebrate the generous contributions made to the Teachers…

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33: AI for Anglers + What Fishing, Courage & Growth Teach Us 58:55

3M ago58:55

58:55

In this inspiring episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie sits down with Ambar Ramirez — the driving force behind Anglers Unlimited. While she’s not an angler herself, Ambar’s story is one of courage, adventure, and listening to the inner nudge that pushes us toward growth. From leaving her small coastal hometown in Venezuela to building a life acro…

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PLEASE COPY - Mobile Signals: Ham Radio Meets Modern Cars 1:05:03

3M ago1:05:03

1:05:03

We want to share a segment where each of the three hosts picks their favorite episode from our back catalog. We'll be taking some time off for Labor Day, the 24-hour POTA weekend, and the second weekend in September. During this break, we will re-air episodes that all three of us enjoyed recording. We’ll be back soon with more exciting content! Lea…

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32: Underwater Crabbing Secrets: GoPro Footage & WDFW Reporting Tips 24:44

3M ago24:44

24:44

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie dives into the fascinating world of crabbing—from testing out underwater GoPro footage inside a crab pot, to exploring how crabs really behave once your gear hits the bottom. You’ll learn tips on filming your own underwater footage, insights into bait and pot performance, plus important reminders for r…

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PLEASE COPY - 20 WPM with a Hacksaw Blade and a Nail 29:18

3M ago29:18

29:18

We want to share a segment where each of the three hosts picks their favorite episode from our back catalog. We'll be taking some time off for Labor Day, the 24-hour POTA weekend, and the second weekend in September. During this break, we will re-air episodes that all three of us enjoyed recording. We’ll be back soon with more exciting content! Lea…

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31: From Hatcheries to Aquaponics: How BTC is Shaping the Future of Fishing 1:05:34

3M ago1:05:34

1:05:34

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie sits down with Brittany Palm, Director of the Fisheries & Aquatic Sciences Program at Bellingham Technical College (BTC). From her early days fishing on Long Island to leading one of the most unique fisheries and aquaculture programs on the West Coast, Brittany shares her journey, her passion for salmo…

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PLEASE COPY - Overcoming Mic Fright 1:16:58

3M ago1:16:58

1:16:58

We want to share a segment where each of the three hosts picks their favorite episode from our back catalog. We'll be taking some time off for Labor Day, the 24-hour POTA weekend, and the second weekend in September. During this break, we will re-air episodes that all three of us enjoyed recording. We’ll be back soon with more exciting content! Lea…

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30: The Science of Smoking Salmon: Species, Recipes, Brines & Flavor 22:49

3M ago22:49

22:49

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie takes a deep dive into the art and science of smoking salmon 🎣🔥 From understanding why pink salmon often gets overlooked compared to Chinook and Coho, to the biology behind fat content, to brining methods, wood choice, and flavor experiments, this episode is packed with knowledge to help you master you…

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Finding POTA Legends 2:16:01

3M ago2:16:01

2:16:01

What makes the difference between casual POTA operators and those who've activated thousands of parks? The answer might surprise you. In this episode, we dive into the fascinating world of elite Parks on the Air operators after discovering footage from Huntsville Hamfest featuring interviews with the program's top activators. The revelation that sh…

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29: Resurrection Salmon Derby 2025: Highlights, Winners & Fishing Report 25:04

4M ago25:04

25:04

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie and Scott take you behind the scenes of the 2025 Resurrection Salmon Derby in Bellingham Bay. From real-time hookups on the water to final weigh-in results, they share the highs, the slow moments, and the incredible sense of community that makes this derby so special. Listeners will hear first-hand fis…

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Planning for Propagation Challenges at the 24-Hour POTA Event 1:45:38

4M ago1:45:38

1:45:38

The countdown to our 24-Hour Parks on the Air adventure has begun! With just 30 days until we gather at Greenfield State Park, we're diving deep into our plans for this ambitious marathon activation while addressing one key concern: will the bands cooperate? September propagation can be unpredictable, but we're not letting that dampen our spirits. …

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28: San Juan Islands Coho Fishing Guide: Tides, Techniques & Fish Forecast 2025 29:01

4M ago29:01

29:01

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Scott and Jamie dive into the excitement of the late summer Coho (Silver Salmon) season. With an extended fishing window from August 1st to September 30th, they break down everything you need to know about targeting Coho and Pink Salmon in the San Juan Islands and Puget Sound. From gear tips and prime locati…

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Wired and Fired: When Fuses Blow But Your Radio Doesn't 2:04:32

4M ago2:04:32

2:04:32

Ever wondered what it really takes to install a ham radio in your vehicle? Join us for a deep dive into the challenges, surprises, and rewards of mobile ham radio installation as Todd shares his recent experience mounting a Yaesu FT-510 in his Jeep Wrangler. The journey wasn't without its hurdles. From deciding on the perfect antenna placement to p…

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27: Chinook Salmon in Bellingham Bay: Fishing Tactics & Hatchery Insights 23:05

4M ago23:05

23:05

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie and Scott dive deep into the Bellingham Bay Fishery — a unique, co-managed terminal fishery designed to support both anglers and the ecosystem. They break down the history, purpose, and future of this fishery, how hatchery Chinook are raised and released, and why it’s a win-win for fishermen, orcas, an…

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Radio Rebels Plan Epic 24-Hour POTA Event 1:49:37

4M ago1:49:37

1:49:37

Picture this: a stunning sunset view from 13,000 feet, radio in hand, making contacts while floating gently down to Earth. That's exactly what Paul (N1OG) experienced during his milestone 50th skydive, bringing together his twin passions of ham radio and skydiving in spectacular fashion. In this episode, we dive deep into planning our upcoming 24-h…

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26: Dungeness Crab Secrets: Timing, Tides & Tips for Full Pots 26:50

4M ago26:50

26:50

In this info-packed episode, we dive deep into one of the Pacific Northwest’s most beloved seafood treasures — Dungeness crab! From biology and feeding habits to the best bait, pot placement, and why tides and molt cycles matter, you'll walk away with new strategies to fill your pots and your dinner table. Whether you're a seasoned crabber or just …

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Golden Tickets and Gatekeeping: Reimagining Ham Radio's Entry Path 3:22:35

4M ago3:22:35

3:22:35

What if we could completely redesign the ham radio licensing system? This question sparks one of our most energetic discussions yet as we explore the gap between passing exams and becoming effective operators. Todd doesn't hold back, challenging the relevance of technical questions that rarely impact day-to-day operating. "There are questions on th…

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25: Why Do Salmon Bite? 5 Science-Backed Reasons You Need to Know 29:21

4M ago29:21

29:21

In this deep-dive solo episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie explores the age-old angler question: "Why do salmon bite?" Drawing from both scientific research and firsthand experience, she breaks down five major factors that influence Chinook and Coho feeding behavior in the ocean — including tides, barometric pressure, moon phases, scent, and lur…

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Evolving the Airwaves: What Ham Radio Could Become 2:00:02

5M ago2:00:02

2:00:02

What if your ham radio could seamlessly connect to any Bluetooth device? Imagine a rig that automatically finds local repeaters as you drive across state lines, or logs that standardize into one universal format instead of multiple competing systems. In this thought-provoking episode, we tackle the technology gap in amateur radio and explore how ma…

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Band Pass Filters and Bureaucracy: Field Day's Identity Crisis 1:48:55

5M ago1:48:55

1:48:55

The lines between ham radio's traditional Field Day and the increasingly popular Parks on the Air program are blurring, prompting a thoughtful examination of what truly matters in our hobby. As operators pack their POTA bags weekly for activations, does the annual emergency preparedness exercise of Field Day still serve its intended purpose? This e…

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24: Why Every Angler Should Visit a Fish Hatchery + Bonneville Dam Tour 12:36

5M ago12:36

12:36

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie and Scott share their exciting visit to the Bonneville Fish Hatchery and Dam along the Columbia River in Oregon. This spontaneous road trip detour turned into a full-day educational experience, featuring massive sturgeon, powerful hydroelectric turbines, and insights into fish conservation and hatchery…

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Back to Broadcasting: Reflections on Two Years of Live Free in Ham 1:20:17

5M ago1:20:17

1:20:17

We're back on the air after a brief hiatus, fired up and ready to reconnect with our Live Free in Ham community as we celebrate an incredible milestone – two years of podcasting! The chemistry between hosts Eric, Todd, and Paul lights up this anniversary episode with authentic conversation that weaves through recent ham radio adventures. Paul share…

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Live Stream - Live Free and Ham 500 Subscriber Live Stream! 3:15:48

5M ago3:15:48

3:15:48

Celebrate with us as we mark 500 YouTube subscribers in this special livestream packed with giveaways, technical discussions, and the authentic ham radio camaraderie that defines Live Free and Ham. The conversation opens with Paul sharing his exhilarating journey into skydiving as he prepares for the Independence and Legends Boogie at his local dro…

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23: The Pink Salmon Run Is ON! Biology, Tactics & Top Spots for 2025 20:56

5M ago20:56

20:56

We’re back from the summit—literally just stepped in the door after climbing Mount Shasta—and diving straight into pink salmon season in the PNW. In this week’s episode of Fishing for a Reason, we cover why 2025 is shaping up to be one of the best pink salmon runs we’ve seen in years, with over 7.6 million fish expected to return. Whether you’re br…

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We Just Hit Record and Let It Fly: A Different Kind of Episode 2:09:54

5M ago2:09:54

2:09:54

What happens when three ham radio operators just hit record without a plan? This episode offers a rare, unfiltered glimpse into the authentic conversations that take place when the formalities drop and operators simply talk about what's on their minds. From the opening moments when we admit "it's been a rough week, so we just kind of press the reco…

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22: Gearing Up for Salmon Season 20:06

5M ago20:06

20:06

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie and Scott are fired up for their favorite time of year — salmon season! They walk listeners through how to prep like a pro: from rods and reels to flashers, bait, and boat upgrades. Plus, don’t miss insider info on the upcoming Salmon School on July 11th in Anacortes and the Resurrection Salmon Derby o…

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Skip This If You Hate Fun: A CB Radio Revival 2:25:04

6M ago2:25:04

2:25:04

Have you ever dismissed CB radio as just a relic of 1970s culture? This episode might change your mind completely. We welcome Walt K4OGM from Coastal Waves and Wires to challenge our preconceptions and build a bridge between two radio communities that have been divided for too long. Walt takes us on a fascinating journey through the modern world of…

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21: Top 3 Must-Have Fishing Apps for Tides, Wind & Trip Planning 23:33

6M ago23:33

23:33

In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie and Scott dive into their top three fishing apps and how they use them to plan successful, safe, and stress-free fishing trips. From checking tides and currents with DeepZoom and Navionics, to tracking wind patterns with Wind Hub and SailFlow, they share actionable tips, personal preferences, and how c…