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Capt. Stephen “Bama Saltwater” Franklin

Alabama
Barry Croneberger

Flagler - Palm Coast - St. Augustine, FL
Brian Demo

Navarre, FL
Gary Kemsley

Napier, North Island
Sean Lawless
Para Ou
Capt. Jody Waldorff

Alabama
Bunn Khiev

Alabama
Erik Jarvis

Florida
Blane “Perdido Blane” Roberts

Florida
Terrie B. Huffmaster

Florida
Blake Hunter

Florida
Ben Hervey-Murray

California
Abram “Tarzan” Miller

Florida
Chip Wingo

Florida
Chip “The Sinker Guy” Brundage

Florida
Allison “Reel Love” Stattner

Florida
Von Hall

North Carolina
Mark Gibson

Florida
Paul Sperco

Florida
Noel Kuhn

Florida

Capt. Stephen “Bama Saltwater” Franklin

Alabama

Captain Stephen Franklin is mostly known as “Bama Saltwater” on YouTube. He’s an Army Infantry Veteran, born and raised in Alabama who graduated from Gulf Shores and now lives in Orange Beach. He has been fishing the Alabama Gulf Coast most of his life. Fishing is his passion and he loves to do it all – pier, surf, kayak, fly, boat. His favorite type of fishing is from the bank. He has a full size bay boat yet still enjoys the thrill and peacefulness of walking the bank with a bag of lures in his pocket and seeing if he can catch dinner. Now, he’s a licensed OUPV Captain, YouTube video creator, and ties his own surf fishing rigs! Bama Saltwater’s favorite Fishbites baits are the Fishbites Fight Club 5″ Dirty Boxer and the Fish N Strips Sand Flea.

Barry Croneberger

Flagler - Palm Coast - St. Augustine, FL

Barry of “B.S. Surf Fishing” grew up in New Jersey and developed an early love for fishing while chasing Bass and Flounder with his Grandfathers. As he got older he discovered surf fishing and fell in love. He quickly developed a passion for surf casting and decided to learn all the he could about this different kind of fishing. From learning how to read the beach and ocean he was soon able to determine the best approach for targeting fish from the sand.

Over the years Barry has developed wonderful relationships with anglers from New York to Florida and enjoys learning new techniques from different areas that he can apply to whatever water he finds himself fishing. These techniques and relationships have afforded him opportunities to catch fish such as 90lb Black Drum in New Jersey to 45lb Redfish of the beaches of Ocracoke Island in North Carolina.

In 2015 Barry and his wife made the move to Florida. The move provided him with completely new aspects to surf fishing and new species to target as well including Pompano, Tarpon, Snook and Black Tips. As his excitement grew so did his passion for teaching others all that surf fishing has to offer. Barry now provides guided surf fishing trips under the name “B.S. Surf Fishing Charters” in the St. Augustine and Flagler Beach areas.

Barry’s favorite part of his service is the kids. Barry tells us “For me it’s not just putting kids on fish, it’s about teaching them the tools they need to go out and do this on their own.” Barry has enjoyed learning all that he has so far and excited about becoming a larger part of the surf fishing community. He’s proud to not only introduce friends and family to surf fishing but anyone who’s eager to participate and learn more. If you’re looking for a surf fishing service in the NE Florida area, check him out or if you happen to be walking the beach and see a guy with the biggest surf cart you’ve every seen while flying the Fishbites flag high, stop by and say hello. Whether you hire him or not he’s always happy to talk fishing and give you a few pointers for the next time you’re on the sand!

Brian Demo

Navarre, FL

Brian Demo was born in Connecticut and traveled the country as a military kid. At 18, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps and was stationed on Camp Pendleton, California where he worked on H-1 attack helicopters. After retiring from the Marines in 2016, he traveled the country with his wife and daughter in their RV for two years until they finally settled in Navarre, Florida after a stop over in Destin for Thanksgiving really stuck out to them. A couple beach fishing days and several party boat trips, Brian fell in love with the fishing and his wife fell in love with the beaches.

After moving to Navarre, Brian immersed himself in the surf-fishing world and quickly learned success. He studied under several YouTube and locally seasoned pros where he picked up many new tricks and tips that have made each trip a successful outing. He has also traveled the Atlantic side of Florida and learned fishing from several locals and Fishbites Prostaff that has significantly helped him learn how to better read the beaches and plan his fishing adventures for more success.

While all of this happened, he found that the information sharing aspect of our sport was good and wanted to add to the flow. He started writing reviews, articles, and reports on surf fishing & equipment. As things developed more, he started the Finding Demo Surf Fishing Podcast where he interviews local fishing charter Captain’s through the USA & small businesses in the surf fishing industry to bring knowledge to people that might be traveling to a new place to fish.

Gary Kemsley

Napier, North Island

Hi, I am a lifelong fisherman and have cast a line around the Pacific Ocean waters. I live in New Zealand (just right of Australia). My home is in Napier on the east coast of the North Island.

I have tried all types of fishing and worked as a fishing guide at Lake Taupo for many years. I really enjoy sharing my fishing with others, new comers and experts alike. I have had ten books on fishing published which is one way to spread the word. I have represented New Zealand at the World Fly Fishing Championships in Wyoming USA, and the Salmon Fishing World Championships in Vancouver island in Canada. I host trips to Christmas Island (south of Hawaii) to fish for bonefish, Giant Trevally and a number of other species including sailfish and tuna. I am a keen fly fisher and have, and have had several New Zealand and world records fly fishing. The outstanding one which has since been defeated was for a Mako Shark of 53lb on an 8lb tippet.

At home my chosen sport these days is surfcasting. Taking my 4 wheeel drive up a lonely beach and camping out overnight is the greatest experience. We have a number of species of fish here including Trevally. Snapper, kahawai, kingfish (yellowtail), gurnard and moki. All these, and others, love Fishbites! I am learning fast how effective these baits are. Most species respond well to Fishbites fished in a similar way to pompano fishing in the US.

The exciting thing here is that Fishbites are unknown and introducing Fishbites to new anglers is a thrill. For them and me.

Sean Lawless

Sean Lawless, known better for his YouTube Channel “The Lawless Tide”, was born and raised in landlocked Tulsa, Oklahoma. He didn’t make his first trip to Florida until 2017 and before that trip was over he and his family decided to move to Santa Rosa Beach, FL. Sean immediately fell in love with saltwater fishing and it became somewhat of an obsession. He has worked hard in his 5 years vacationing here learning the different techniques it takes to catch a variety of species from land, kayak and offshore. In 2021 Sean retired from the Fire Department and made the move permanent. Early on in his Saltwater excursions Sean began to document his adventures through his YouTube channel “The Lawless Tide”. To our knowledge it is the only Saltwater fishing channel ran from Oklahoma in YouTube history. Now that he permanently resides in Florida, Sean is able to get on the water 5-6 days a week and produce content at much greater pace. Sean loves all types of Saltwater fishing but his favorite is Kayak Fishing. Sean says “You get such a personal experience with the ocean when only have a small piece of plastic between you and the water and everything that swims beneath”. With that said, Sean does it all from Surf Fishing, Kayak Fishing, Bridge Fishing, Pier Fishing, Offshore or Inshore Fishing. Sean loves it all!! From catching Pompano on the beach to Black Fin Tuna in his kayak and Bonita off the jetties, Sean YouTube channel shows his viewers everything Florida’s fishery has to offer. Be sure to check him out and follow his adventures!

Para Ou

Para Ou aka the “Cambodian Angler” grew up in California targeting Largemouth Bass. At 14 years old he moved to Massachusetts and continued fishing the freshwater for Large Mouth Bass in the local reservoirs. After placing placed 1st and second place 2 years straight fishing a Youth Back to School Bass tournament in Lynn, Mass he was hooked. Para followed those wins up with a 1st place finish 4 times out of a 16 week season fishing local largemouth Bass tournaments. It was fishing for bass that Para fell in love with throwing artificial lures. He moved to Florida when turned 21 and has spent the last 20 years targeting Flounder, Pompano Sheepshead and Redfish in the Jacksonville area. Para is a local legend and runs the North Florida Inshore Slayers group on Facebook. This grassroots organization puts on several events throughout the year in an effort to keep anglers engaged with each other throughout the year. Kids are always welcome so check them out if you’re in the NE Florida area and are looking to get involved with the local fishing community.

Capt. Jody Waldorff

Alabama

Hello. I’m USCG licensed and insured Captain Jody Waldorff, I own and operate Bayou Bandit Charters guide service, as well as my fishing YouTube channel (Bayou Bandit Charters). My love for saltwater started at an early age fishing and flounder gigging with my dad in Apalachicola Bay, Florida. I have a deep-rooted passion for adventure with saltwater running through my veins! I fish the Alabama and Mississippi coastal bays, bayous, and marshes targeting flounder, redfish, speckled trout, triple tail, and sheepshead. Being a charter Captain, you really must make every cast count! Flounder fishing is my passion, Fishbites products have dramatically increased my numbers and confidence level targeting flounder while also allowing me and my clients to catch quality redfish and trout in the same areas!Fishbites products will defiantly take your fishing game to the next level!

Bunn Khiev

Alabama

Bunn is originally From Cambodia, but moved to the United States in October of 2003. He and his family first settled in Seattle, WA. It was there that Bunn fell in love with fishing, targeting salmon and steelhead in the local rivers. Bunn moved to the gulf coast of Alabama in 2016 and started saltwater fishing. It was a big change from Seattle, with a completely different fishery. Many different species and techniques. He started out surf fishing for pompano, whiting, redfish and soon tried his hand at many other types of fishing including kayak fishing and even learning to fly fish. Bunn has learned so much in the past 18yrs of fishing in the US, but there’s still so many other challenges. His favorite species to target are pompano, steelhead and flounder. Bunn has become a local legend in the Orange Beach, AL area and owns a couple Poke Bowl restaurants in the area that are incredible. Bunn says “Fishing is my true passion, so I always make time for fishing regardless of how busy I am with work. I love sharing my passion for fishing with family and friends and will always help other learn along the way.”

Erik Jarvis

Florida

Born in the sunshine state, Erik first started fishing with his father and grandfather throwing grasshoppers, worms and shrimp into the canals of the Indian River lagoon. These formative experiences as a youngster kindled what would become a lifelong fascination with fish and the compulsion to catch them. After being transplanted to the midwest, he spent countless days fishing for bass, crappie, catfish and many other freshwater species across the waterways of Kansas and Missouri. As his angling skills developed, he ventured up to different regions of Canada with his brothers, sometimes as far as 600 miles north of Winnipeg, for lengthy fishing expeditions targeting northern pike, musky, walleye, lake trout, smallmouth bass and giant black crappie in Ontario. Those outings in the pristine, Canadian wilderness landing monster fish and getting awards as a young angler would resonate with him and further exacerbate his love of the sport, eventually priming him for his return to Florida later in life, which allowed for the discovery of and eventually a complete immersion in surf fishing. Erik started on the sand with an 11’ rod in Navarre, FL on the beaches of Santa Rosa Island. The waters were teeming with pompano and it was the perfect place for developing the surfcasting skills that he would eventually take to the Treasure Coast where he resides now. Along with being a member of the Pro Staff Team at Fishbites, Erik is also the chief ambassador for Lane Leaders Surf Rigs and owner of Vero Beach Pompano Outfitters of Vero Beach, FL specializing in surf charters targeting pompano and other species from the beach. “I love running surf charters. It never gets old. Nothing beats the feeling of putting my clients on the fish!”

Blane “Perdido Blane” Roberts

Florida

Thank you for taking an interest in my profile. I am Blane Roberts, owner and operator of Panhandle Salt. My wife and I run surf fishing guides on Perdido Key, Pensacola, Orange Beach, and Gulf Shores Alabama. We also create surf fishing tackle and apparel for beach anglers. We have been in operation since 2021, and hope to show the World the excitement that fishing from beaches has to offer through content creation. You can find both long form, and short form videos on YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram under the name “PerdidoBlane”. My wife (Mari Tirado) and I created the biggest 3-day pompano fishing tournament in Florida in 2022, and are now running them every 6-months: The Panhandle Salt Pompano Showdown. You can find all the information regarding the event under the same name on Facebook.

Fishbites have been a staple in my arsenal long before I ever started working with the company. I first came across Fishbites watching a video on YouTube. The angler featured was absolutely slaying Pompano using the product. Being a new beach fisherman at the time using a synthetic bait seemed easy and effective. I gave it a go, and have never looked back. It just works.

Getting involved with the company has given me a clear understanding, and history behind the bait. Dr. William Car, University of Florida spent years developing this product. I am 100% certain this is why the bait is so effective. Fishbites is not a bait developed in a garage somewhere, but a laboratory. This sets it apart from other synthetic baits out there, and why I continue to use it. Fishbites is consistent.

It is an honor to fish for this company, and have this company represent me. Tight lines my friends.

Terrie B. Huffmaster

Florida

Terrie B Huffmaster is from South GA. and lives 10 mins from 3 different Florida state lines and generally fishes the North Florida’s Big Bend areas. Terrie has fished saltwater and freshwater, with her family, her entire life! She continues to do so to this day with her two sons and husband who she’s been married to for 28 years. Saltwater Fishing is Terrie’s passion and she loves to share her fish photos in hopes to pull more people into the sport, to inspire them to get out there to fish and experience the therapy of outdoors. One of the things Terrie loves about fishing saltwater is you never know what or how big of a fish you’ll catch!!! Every catch has a great memory and none are discounted! She mainly fish inland for Trout, Reds, Flounder as well as Cobia and Tripletail. Terrie fishes artificial, live/cut bait but mostly artificial. She is very competitive with herself and is constantly researching and scouting new areas to fish. Terrie says “I push myself to catch bigger fish than I did before! And when I do, it’s an amazing feeling but if I don’t, I still love what I do!”. Sharing her fishing adventures through social media, fishing magazines, and books has been a honor for her and she hopes it will inspire new anglers to enjoy the sport as much as she does! Terrie has been featured in over 30 magazines!! She’s been on the cover of Florida’s Woods N’ Water a few times as well as the cover of Costal Angler Magazine. She’s also the cover photo for three books that teaches the fundamentals of fishing Fresh and Saltwater to beginners needing insight on getting started. Terrie tells us “I love and enjoy what I do! And never take a day for granted.” You can follow Terrie on Instagram and Facebook and find her on the covers of fishing magazines all over the Southeast.

Blake Hunter

Florida

Blake Hunter has fished offshore, inshore and onshore for over 25 years. From targeting pompano and redfish from the beach to triggerfish and beeliners offshore, Blakes love for fishing knows no bounds.

In addition to being the premier surf fishing charter service in the Florida panhandle, Blake’s rod and reel rental service provides everything one needs to successfully fish the surf without the cost of a full guided trip. Along 30A from Destin to Panama City beach, Blake has you covered for all things surf fishing.

If you’re looking for an informative surf fishing charter or just need some fishing gear for your vacation along 30A, Blake is your guy.

Ben Hervey-Murray

California

Ben is a licensed fishing guide based in Orange County, Southern California, where he specializes in surf fishing for a variety of species including perch, croaker, corbina, sharks and rays.

With extensive experience in the industry, working across a variety of editing and journalistic roles in angling media plus tutoring and guiding services, Ben is well placed to show off the amazing sport the West Coast has to offer, and how to make the most of Fishbites’ product range.

He’s happy to help anyone looking to fish on the West Coast for any species, so feel free to message him if you have any questions.

Abram “Tarzan” Miller

Florida

Abram Miller aka Tarzan, has been fishing the beaches of Florida with Fishbites for as long as he can remember. When his dad is working, his mom spends her days taking him to the beach to catch dinner.

Abram isn’t your average 11 year old fisherman. From cleaning fish on his own to tying his own surf rigs, this kid can do it all! Abram’s biggest catch to date was a 180 pound Black Tip shark caught on a pompano head after he fileted it for dinner.

Abram is trying to learn everything there is to know about the sport and has built quite the following where he teaches his friends and other young fisherman all he’s learned over the years. It doesn’t matter if it’s freshwater or saltwater, tarpon or pompano, Abram is constantly finding a way to get to the water and pursue his dreams.

In just a year Tarzan has amassed over 3000 Instagram followers and has joined the Pelagic and Engle ambassador programs as well. His goal is to become the best fisherman he can be and is accomplishing that goal by learning new techniques every day. You can follow him on his journey through Instagram and Facebook.

Chip Wingo

Florida

Captain Chip Wingo is the owner and operator of Fishdaflats Inshore Fishing Charters. Chip has been fishing the St. Johns River and back waters of Jacksonville his entire life and specializes in creating a unique fishing experience for all of his clients.

Fishdaflats Inshore Fishing Charters specializes in light tackle and fly fishing the backwaters of Jacksonville, St. Augustine and Fernandina Beach. Redfish, trout and flounder are some the many species targeted while using everything from live bait to artificial lures. Chip supplies all licenses, bait and tackle. All you have to do is show up and enjoy your time on the water catching fish aboard a state of the art 19 foot Hewes flats boat.

Chip “The Sinker Guy” Brundage

Florida

Chip has been fishing and hunting his entire life. After graduating with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, he set his sights on coaching Track and Field at the NCAA Division 1 level.

While coaching has taken him all over the US, for the last 5 years it has brought him to Jacksonville, FL. Chip fishes the surf from Daytona to Brunswick, GA and targets many species from redfish, pompano, whiting, black drum and trout to the occasional shark. He joined the Florida Surf Casters club and was lucky to meet several local anglers that have become his closest friends.

Chip has devoted a lot of his time learning the local area fishing holes and run outs on the beach. He also currently runs The Sinker Guy YouTube channel and website. Here Chip shares his passion and knowledge of bait, rigs, targeting and his infamous sputnik sinkers. Surf fisherman in the know all agree these are the best sinkers you can buy for surf fishing the east coast. They are handmade in the USA by Chip himself when he’s not on the water fishing.

Chip has never met a stranger and is always willing share his knowledge with other avid anglers on the beach wanting to learn the techniques that makes Chip the fisherman he his.

Allison “Reel Love” Stattner

Florida

Allison grew up fishing the jetties and beaches in Avalon, New Jersey. Mostly mud minnows and bloodworms, she first started using Fishbites to catch kingfish off her hometown pier. Moving to Florida to attend graduate school at University of Miami, Allison took every opportunity to fish offshore in South Florida and The Keys, successfully competing in the sailfish tournament circuit. Finding real joy sharing her passion for fishing with others, she began participating in ladies’ events as an offshore seminar speaker and running family trips on local headboats. This eventually led to her “Reel Love” kids fishing camps, a great opportunity to use Fishbites with the next generation of anglers.

Today, Allison continues Reel Love Fishing through classes, small group charters, hosting ladies’ trips, community clubs and volunteerism. When she is not surf fishing the beaches near Palm Beach County, she is an ambassador for the FWC Catch a Florida Memory Angler Recognition Program, chasing species on the Saltwater Life List. Allison is the first angler to reach the 50 Club and working to complete the list and attain Master Angler. Her biography is also included in the recently published hardcover book, titled “50 Women Who Fish” by Wild River Press. She holds a position on the Board of the International Women’s Fishing Association (IWFA) as Membership Chair, a rewarding role which allows her to support and engage with other women who also love to fish.

Von Hall

North Carolina

I was always taught, do the right thing and you’ll never have to worry about your conscience getting the best of you. I’ve been fishing since old enough to hold a rod and reel in my hands and over the years, have seen a lot of things on the water. Fishing is a great tool to help keep a person focused and out of trouble. The past is the past and always look to the future is one of the best lessons I’ve learned over the years. I’ve been blessed and raised to believe in God, Country and family. Always look for the good in people. May not be popular, but there’s a lot of truth in choosing your Faith and friends wisely.

My years spent being a paratrooper stationed at Ft. Bragg NC. helped me learn so much about myself and what I can accomplish with good people around me.

About ten years ago, a young soldier and his lovely wife, helped in more ways than one, in getting us to start American Boat Charters out of Wilmington NC. The story is on our website, www.americanboatcharters.com

Taking Veterans fishing is the reason I decided to get my Captains License. Since that time, we have taken over 500 Veterans fishing. Even though we do family and friends fishing Charters that haven’t served, we enjoy all the great people we meet.

Every Active Duty and Veteran proudly salutes the Flag and if they don’t, we push them in the water, which we have yet to do!

We can’t thank our Veterans enough for doing a job majority of people will never understand. It’s because of their sacrifices being away from family and putting themselves in harms way that sets them apart from most.
We have been honored to become great friends with some of the very best our Military has to offer from all Branches of Service. We laugh, we cry, we love our Country and we show respect to all.

We can’t thank Fishbites and other Charter boat Captains enough for their help and support. I’m a firm believer if we help others reach their goals, then we will reach ours.

Mark Gibson

Florida

Captain Mark Gibson has been fishing and diving the waters off Daytona Beach for 30 years. Being a diver has helped him to identify certain structures to better understand where and how the fish like to hide. While Mark enjoys all types of fishing one of his favorites is the nearshore flounder, “They start showing up around the month of May and one of my favorite FishBite’s products to use is the 5″ Brawler Jerkbait in the Tapout color.” Daytona Beach has one of the best artificial reef programs around and the nearshore bite stays strong almost year round. So if you’re in the Daytona Beach area and want to catch a memory, look him up!

Paul Sperco

Florida

Capt. Paul is a transplanted inshore and offshore fisherman from New Jersey. He relocated to Port St Lucie eight years ago after having vacationed in that area for over 25 years. His northern pursuit of sea bass, fluke, bluefish, and striped bass on the inshore scene to yellowfin tuna, bluefin tuna, mako and thresher sharks in the northern canyons was replaced by targeting the fantastic surf fishing opportunities that are available along the Treasure Coast. Permit, pompano, whiting, croaker, snook, tarpon, spanish mackerel, bluefish, and jack crevalle are just some of the species that he personally targets and guides his surf fishing charters along this stretch of southeast Florida.

A Bass Pro Shop associate, Paul is also a member of the Penn Pro Staff and affiliated with the area’s biggest bait and tackle shop on Hutchinson Island – the Snook Nook in Jensen Beach. He conducts How To Seminars at Bass Pro Shops on a regular schedule. Capt. Paul also conducts other off-site seminars for civic groups and fishing clubs from Fort Pierce to West Palm Beach. You can hear Paul’s South Florida Surf Fishing Report on Saturday morning on 94.3/WZZR. As far as print and online, you can read his Surf Fishing Reports on a regular basis in all of the TC Palm publications, Stuart News, St. Lucie News, St. Lucie Tribune, Indian River Press, and on TCPalm.com, in the fishing report columns that are headed by the widely known and respected outdoor sports writer, Ed Killer.

Paul spends an average of four to five days a week on the beach along the Treasure Coast guiding and personally fishing for the multitude of fish that are available along this great section of the Florida coast. The days he’s not fishing, Capt. Paul is tying pompano and whiting rigs that you can purchase through Fishbites.

One of the best aspects of surf fishing is that it is the perfect sport for everyone from children to grandparents. “Anyone can do it and it’s as much fun watching my grandson and granddaughters reel in a 12-inch whiting as it is watching a charter customer land his first pompano or snook”, says Capt. Paul.

Noel Kuhn

Florida

Surf fishing has been Noel’s passion and hobby for over 45 years and he would love to introduce you to this awesome sport or take your skills to the next level. A Jacksonville native, Noel is not only one of Florida’s most experienced surf fishing guides, he’s the best teacher you can find if you’re looking to get into surf fishing or need a few tips to increase your catch.

Noel is a Guy Harvey endorsed guide and provides seminars throughout the year at the Guy Harvey resort in St. Augustine, FL including several women’s only seminars. He is also a writer for the Coastal Angler magazine and a repeat guest on the “How To Do Florida” TV series. Noel is a founding member of the of the Florida Surf Casters club and a distributor of fine surf fishing tackle including his one of a kind handmade and welded sand spikes.

When he’s not on the beach fishing he spends his down time as a casting coach providing long distance casting lessons for fishing the surf. Noel’s detailed seminars and lessons have changed the lives of hundreds if not thousands of surf fisherman and women across the country.

If you’re in NE Florida and either want to learn or catch fish from the surf this is the guy you want to contact!

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