The Surfcast Podcast

On this special bonus episode of The Surfcast Podcast, the guys sit down with returning guest Steve McKenna to talk about the lost art of fishing the eel bob. Steve recently penned a how-to article on building an eel bob for The Surfcaster's Journal, and it quickly became one of the magazine's most popular pieces in quite some time. In this conversation, Steve breaks down how he got started, how to fish it properly, and the situations where the eel bob excels and can even outproduce modern offerings. For surfcasters interested in classic tactics, big striped bass, and reviving a technique that still has plenty of fish-catching power, this episode is packed with insight. Check out the article in issue #92 of Surfcasters Journal. https://surfcastersjournal.com/ Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's new book: https://geni.us/HookedBook The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

In this edition of the podcast, the guys return to the "four plug" format and challenge each other to pick their top-lures for fishing around spearing/silversides. What do they think is their best bet at landing the largest striper when they're feeding on this relatively small - but very common - bait? Tune in to find out. Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's new book https://geni.us/HookedBook The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

After a spirited conversation about spring largemouth bass diversions, the guys pivot to one of the most debated topics in surf fishing: Is deep water truly essential for catching striped bass—especially trophy-class fish? In this episode, they work to define (and perhaps debunk) the long-standing belief that proximity to deep water is universally critical when targeting striped bass from the beach. What actually qualifies as "deep water" in the surf zone? Is it a dramatic drop-off, a defined trough, or simply relative depth compared to surrounding structure? And more importantly, how close does that deeper water need to be to the shoreline to meaningfully influence big bass behavior? For trophy hunters who prioritize access to deep channels, inlets, and cuts, this episode challenges conventional thinking and encourages a more nuanced approach to striped bass location strategy. The conversation proved eye-opening for the hosts—will you agree or disagree with their definition of deep water in the surf? Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's new book https://geni.us/HookedBook The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

On this week's episode, the guys sit down with Richard Troxler to break down the art of fishing bridges for giant striped bass in the Northeast. Known throughout the striper coast for his dedication to nighttime trophy hunting, Troxler shares hard-earned insights on targeting big bass around bridge structure, current seams, and shadow lines. The conversation also dives into his newly released book, Night Fishing For Monster Striped Bass, where he recounts unforgettable nights chasing cows along the West End Long Island bridges with legendary surfcaster Billy "The Greek" Legakis. Listeners will hear a mix of tactical bridge fishing tips, striped bass strategy, and stories from the glory days of the Long Island striper scene. If you've ever considered adding bridge fishing to your striped bass arsenal—or want to sharpen your nighttime approach—this episode delivers practical advice, Northeast striper history, and proven big-bass tactics straight from one of the most respected names in the game. Buy Rich's book here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0G3JL1Q6Q/ Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's new book, here: https://geni.us/HookedBook The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

So you think "striped bass surf fishing conditions" must include rough waves, strong winds, and heavy currents? What if we told you that WASN'T true, and instead most nights are the absolute opposite - and that they can be just as, if not even more, productive? That's what the guys break down this week. Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's new book, here: https://geni.us/HookedBook The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

On this special bonus episode, the guys tackle a timely topic for Northeast striped bass anglers, as winter holdovers are targeted from the surf, back bays, and tidal rivers—from southern New England through the Mid-Atlantic. With some anglers even taking advantage of deep cold by fishing through the ice, the conversation focuses on best practices when air temperatures drop below freezing. From keeping fish in the water to avoiding unnecessary contact with ice or snow, they break down cold-weather handling techniques designed to reduce post-release mortality. This episode serves as both an important lesson and a timely reminder for anyone chasing winter stripers along the Northeast coast. Holdover Striper Episode: https://surfcastpodcast.com/s1e9-fishing-for-holdover-striped-bass-in-your-own-spots/ Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's new book, here: https://geni.us/HookedBook The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

In response to our previous episodes on the pipe dream lure - Season 2, Episodes 52 & 53 - we asked renowned surfcaster and talented plug builder Dave Anderson what he is really missing in his plug bag. What is his pipe dream lure? Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's new book, here: https://geni.us/HookedBook The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

In this weeks episode, the fellas take you from the woods to the water and spend the episode discussing animal fear responses, the importance of noticing it, and whether or not stripers respond the way deer or rabbits might. Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's new book, here: https://geni.us/HookedBook The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

On this week's episode, the guys sit down with one of the top Long Island/Montauk area surfcasters, Brandon Sausele. Brandon discusses his participation in the 2025 Pan-American Surf Fishing Championship in which Team USA took home the silver medal, and then he digs into some of his spring surf fishing secrets that have yielded him bass well into the 50-pound class in recent years. This is an awesome episode that will most certainly get you pumped up for the 2026 surf fishing season! Sign up today for Jerry's Surf Scenarios Seminar Series: https://www.indeepoutdoors.com/seminarseries Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's new book, here: https://geni.us/HookedBook The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

In this episode the guys discuss why they think you should be tracking moon cycles even in the winter, and why blue crabs are just so damn hard to replicate in the surf (and how crusteceans in general can be hard). Listen in to find out more! Sign up today for Jerry's Surf Scenarios Seminar Series: https://www.indeepoutdoors.com/seminarseries Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's new book, here: https://geni.us/HookedBook The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

Moving into the month of January has us thinking about our goals and challenges for the upcoming season- Toby has come up with an intersting one that we are laying out to all our listeners. Find out what the challenge is in this entertaining episode. Sign up today for Jerry's Surf Scenarios Seminar Series: https://www.indeepoutdoors.com/seminarseries Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's new book, here: https://geni.us/HookedBook The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

This week we kick off season 3 by asking the question, "Why are there so many freaks and weirdos in the surf fishing community?" and then transition into a discussion on the best wind when surf fishing drains, outflows, and breachways for striped bass and why. We're coming in hot for 2026! Please visit our sponsors! SEVIIN Reels https://seviinreels.com/ St. Croix Rods https://stcroixrods.com/ The Surfcaster https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ Check out Jerry's new book, here: https://geni.us/HookedBook Sign up today for Jerry's Surf Scenarios Seminar Series: https://www.indeepoutdoors.com/seminarseries The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

On this special interview episode, the guys sit down with Chris Voorhies to break down how to truly own your surf fishing spots, read structure, and become a more consistent surf fisherman. More than simply a highly talented plug builder, Chris is an extremely accomplished surf fisherman with some exceptional striped bass catches to his credit. Learn some of his approach to the surf and how you can apply it to where you fish and ultimately become a better surf fisherman! Find Voorhies Customs on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/616059215515225 Visit our sponsor! The Surfcaster - https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ 50+ years of providing surf fishermen with hard to find and specialized gear for surfcasters everywhere! Check out Jerry's new book, here: https://geni.us/HookedBook Sign up today for Jerry's Surf Scenarios Seminar Series: https://www.indeepoutdoors.com/seminarseries The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

In this week's episode, the guys talk about a subject very near and dear to their surfcasting hearts, and that is fishing rocky beaches and boulderfields. They discuss the biggest mistake that everyone makes when they fish the rocks, and what they should be doing instead to catch more and larger striped bass. Buckle up, this is a good one! Sign up today for Jerry's Surf Scenarios Seminar Series! https://www.indeepoutdoors.com/seminarseries Visit our sponsor! The Surfcaster - https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ 50+ years of providing surf fishermen with hard to find and specialized gear for surfcasters everywhere! The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

In this episode, the guys continue a subject they began last week wherein they discuss a surfcasting lure that does not exist but they wish did. Last week it was a rubber darter hybrid, this week it's a convertible metal-lip swimmer. Does it already exist and they just missed it? Is it something that is worth digging into? Give it a listen and let us know your thoughts. Sign up today for Jerry's Surf Scenarios Seminar Series! https://www.indeepoutdoors.com/seminarseries Visit our sponsor! The Surfcaster - https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ 50+ years of providing surf fishermen with hard to find and specialized gear for surfcasters everywhere! The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

In this episode, the guys discuss flats fishing for bone fish, pier "party boat" surfcasting, whether or not using a bail makes you a man or not, and spend most of their time creating a hypothetical lure that doesn't exist but they wish did. It's a jam-packed, longer than average, episode that you're going to love! Sign up today for Jerry's Surf Scenarios Seminar Series! www.indeepoutdoors.com/seminarseries Visit our sponsor! The Surfcaster - https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ 50+ years of providing surf fishermen with hard to find and specialized gear for surfcasters everywhere! The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

In this weeks edition, the guys look around their basements, garages, and offices and highlight a few stand-out pieces of gear from their 2025 seasons. These will all make great holiday gifts and range in price from $5 to $400! Sign up today for Jerry's Surf Scenarios Seminar Series! www.indeepoutdoors.com/seminarseries Visit our sponsor! The Surfcaster - https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ 50+ years of providing surf fishermen with hard to find and specialized gear for surfcasters everywhere! Links to all the products here (these are not affiliate links, we make/receive nothing from these!) Gear Up D-ring SaltX Single Inline Hooks 24/7 9-inch Needlefish Nitecore MT10C Flashlight (neck light) Lemire Sr. Needlefish Mustad Assault Heavy Hooks Tsunami Saltx II Reel Okuma Coronado CDX80 Grinds The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

On this week's episode, Bill Wetzel makes a return appearance on the podcast to talk about, well, a whole lot of things! The guys threw a medley of questions and topics at Bill, and in classic Wetzel form, he gave them more than they could have possibly hoped for. This was a fun episode to record, and is jam-packed with a ton of great information on a variety of surf fishing topics. Sign up for Bill's forum, or book him for a guided surf fishing trip, at http://surfratsball.com/. Check out Jerry's new book, here: https://geni.us/HookedBook Visit our sponsor! The Surfcaster - https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ 50+ years of providing surf fishermen with hard to find and specialized gear for surfcasters everywhere! The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

In this second BONUS episode of the podcast, Jerry shares another story from his recent road trip from Massachusetts to the Florida Keys. This time around, he tells a tale about targeting tarpon, and about taking on a million-dollar boat...and winning. It's also a fantastic example of why PRESENTATION is one of the most important factors for any surf angler!  Check out Jerry's new book, here: https://geni.us/HookedBook Visit our sponsor! The Surfcaster - https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ 50+ years of providing surf fishermen with hard to find and specialized gear for surfcasters everywhere!  The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/

In this special BONUS episode, Jerry shares a story from his recent road trip from Massachussetts to the Florida Keys. There are a few take aways for all striper anglers in this one, but it's also a fun story about another fantastic stretch of the east coast: the outer banks! Check out Jerry's new book, here: https://geni.us/HookedBook Visit our sponsor! The Surfcaster - https://www.thesurfcaster.com/ 50+ years of providing surf fishermen with hard to find and specialized gear for surfcasters everywhere!  The Surfcast Podcast is your weekly source for surf fishing discussions, tactics, interviews, news, and more. The Surfcast Podcast is hosted by Jerry Audet and Toby Lapinski, two of the most dedicated and obsessed surf fishermen you'll ever meet. Whether you're a newbie just dipping your toes in the surf, a seasoned sharpie with saltwater running through your veins, or your casts land somewhere in-between, The Surfcast Podcast is for you. https://surfcastpodcast.com/ https://www.facebook.com/TheSurfcastPodcast https://www.instagram.com/thesurfcastpodcast/