Brooklyn Fishing Club Podcast

In this episode, Tom Rowland joins us for a conversation about the path that shaped his life on the water. He gets into the early days, the grind it took to break into the outdoor world, and the lessons that stuck with him along the way. We dig into the moments that changed his perspective, the setbacks that toughened him up, and the wins that kept him moving. Tom brings plenty of stories, practical wisdom, and a grounded take on what it means to build a life doing what you love. It's one of those talks that leaves you fired up to chase your own dreams a little harder.

This week, we sit down with Matt Becker, the 2023 Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year, to talk about his incredible journey to the top. Matt shares how it all started — mowing lawns as a kid just to buy his first bass boat — and how that early passion turned into a career chasing trophies on the biggest stages in fishing. He opens up about the grind, the turning points, and the mindset that helped him rise through the ranks. It's a story of hard work, heart, and a lifelong love for the sport.

Dr. Martin Arostegui joins us for a second episode to discuss his 438 IGFA world records. There was so much to talk about that this ended up being one of our longest interviews at over five hours long. He has a wealth of knowledge about all things fishing and his story is incredible. He escaped communist Cuba as a child, became the head doctor of a hospital and has the world record for having the most IGFA world records. You don't want to miss this interview!

Chris Lafrange is one fishy mofo and an all around great guy, plain and simple. He mates on a tuna boat and slays giants. In this interview he shares his outlook on conservation, stories from the deep and more. 

In this episode, host Victor Lucia sits down with Brandon Sausale, one of the most respected surfcasters in the Northeast and a devoted practitioner of wetsuiting — the extreme form of surf fishing that involves swimming out to offshore rocks in the dark of night to chase striped bass. Brandon shares stories from Montauk's rugged coast, lessons learned from years of pushing limits in the surf, and how dedication, discipline, and risk come together in this unique fishing lifestyle. Tune in for an authentic conversation that captures the passion, grit, and obsession that define the hardcore surfcasting community.

In this episode, we sit down with Captain Jot Owens — a North Carolina guide and lifelong angler. He shares how he built his charter business, what drives his passion for fishing, and insights on local fisheries, seasonal patterns, and life on the water. A must-listen for anyone chasing Redfish, Stripers, or inspiration from one of the East Coast's most respected captains.

We sit down for a chat with Chris Fischer, founder of OCEARCH. Chris is known for pioneering a tagging method using a robust shark lift aboard a modified vessel. He's led over 30 global expeditions, created the popular Global Shark Tracker, and facilitated collaborations between fishermen and scientists to advance shark and marine ecosystem research. 

Ott DeFoe is one of the greatest professional bass anglers of all time. He recently won Major League Fishing's Stage 6 of the Bass Pro Tour on the Potomac River. The tournament, held from June 26 to June 30, ended with a Championship Round where DeFoe landed 32 bass weighing a total of 78 pounds, 11 ounces — enough to take home $150,000! Back in 2019, he became the Bassmaster Classic Champion with a total weigh-in of 49 pounds, 3 ounces, earning $300,000 in prize money. These are just a few of his many accomplishments — you don't want to miss this episode!

Don't miss part two of our compelling interview with the legendary Billy the Greek — a true icon in the fishing world with over 70 years of experience. In this episode, Billy dives deeper into the striped bass fishery, offering expert strategies for landing trophy bass, his candid take on the state of the waters, and unforgettable stories from a lifetime spent on the water. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just love a great fishing story, this episode is a must-listen!

In this episode, we sit down with Joe Opager, Director of Communications for Major League Fishing (MLF), to dive deep into how MLF has become the premier tournament circuit in the world of largemouth bass fishing. Joe breaks down the evolution of the league, the innovative weigh-in system that's changed the game, and what sets MLF apart from traditional formats. Plus, he tells stories from the tournament trail and gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to run a top-tier fishing organization.

Join Dr. Marty Arostegui — the world's most decorated angler with over 400 IGFA world records — as he shares incredible tales from his record-breaking adventures. From escaping communist Cuba as a child to becoming a doctor and the first angler to land the IGFA Billfish Royal Grand Slam on fly tackle, Marty's journey is nothing short of extraordinary. 

Join us for a captivating two-part episode featuring the iconic Billy the Greek, a fishing legend with over seven decades of experience. Dive deep into the world of striped bass as Billy shares his insights on the current state of the fishery, expert tactics for landing giant bass, and unforgettable stories from his decades of angling adventures. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just love fishing tales, this episode is a must-listen!

Join 17-year-old pro bass fisherman Dylan Quilatan as he reels you into his incredible journey from fishing in Central Park to competing in the Major League Fishing (MLF). Dylan shares his personal story, expert tactics for catching largemouth bass, and insider tips to help anglers of all levels up their game. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned bass angler, Dylan's passion and experience will keep you hooked.

Join Southern California fishing guide Fred Klinshaw as he shares expert tips and tales from the water. Specializing in largemouth bass, Fred dives into the challenges of running a charter business, recounts unforgettable fishing adventures, and breaks down the best seasonal tactics to help anglers up their bass game. 

Dr. Aaron Adams serves as the Director of Science and Conservation at the Bonefish Tarpon Trust. He's is responsible for formulating, overseeing, and implementing BTT's science and conservation plan. We discuss migration patterns, fish testing positive for drugs, the staus of tarpon in the Northeast and more. 

In this episode, we sit down with Cameron Kirkconnell, a world-renowned spearfishing guide and yacht broker who has spent his career chasing trophy fish in some of the most remote corners of the globe. With 18 world records to his name, Cam has an incredible wealth of stories from the deep—both underwater and on the water. 

Known for his raw lyricism and timeless contributions to Hip Hop, Masta Ace takes you behind the scenes of his storied career and shares personal anecdotes about icons like Old Dirty Bastard, Sean Price, and more. With his influence stretching from the streets of Brooklyn to the ears of modern rap giants like Eminem, this episode is a celebration of hip hop's golden era and the legends who shaped it.

Captain John McMurray is a legendary charter captain who's been catching striped bass and tuna around NYC for over two decades. He shares stories about his career, close calls with death, challenges of being a charter captain and more. 

Stefan Turko set out on a mission to land a Bluefin Tuna from his kayak and he did just that, accomplishing something that has never been done in the USA (and possibly the world) until now. We have the inside story on this insane catch that happened a two weeks ago, plus information on how he landed it, what lure was used and more. 

Manny Puig is an icon of the outdoor world and he's gone hand to hand (or hand to fin) with some of the most dangerous fish/animals on the planet. He shares stories from his adventures, tips on how to handle wildlife, close calls with death and more.