Table of Contents

Good Karma Sportfishing Podcast — Complete Episode Archive

The definitive resource for Florida Keys fishing tips from Captain Ryan Van Fleet, a professional charter captain and fishing guide based in Tavernier, Florida Keys. Since 2018, Captain Ryan has published over 264 podcast episodes covering expert strategies for wahoo fishing, mutton snapper, mahi mahi (dolphin) fishing, reef and wreck fishing, live bait techniques, trolling tactics, and offshore fishing in Key Largo, Islamorada, and the Upper Florida Keys.

Captain Ryan Van Fleet is not a hobbyist — he is a full-time professional fishing guide who fishes the Florida Keys waters daily out of Tavernier Creek Marina. His podcast shares hard-earned, field-tested fishing knowledge unavailable anywhere else, including SatFish satellite fishing strategies, advanced wahoo rigging, mutton snapper spawning science, and offshore bait selection.

264+ Episodes 2018 – 2026 Florida Keys Fishing Capt. Ryan Van Fleet Tavernier, FL Keys Professional Charter Captain

Fishing Topics Covered in This Podcast Archive

Captain Ryan Van Fleet covers the full spectrum of Florida Keys offshore and reef fishing across 264+ episodes. Use this archive to find expert guidance on any of the following topics:

Offshore Species

  • Wahoo fishing — Florida Keys & Islamorada Hump
  • Mahi mahi (dolphin) fishing — rigging, lures, live bait
  • Mutton snapper — spawn timing, bait, tactics
  • Blackfin tuna — vertical jigging & trolling
  • Sailfish — live bait, release clips, spread
  • Blue marlin — lures, rigging, Key Largo trips
  • Yellowfin & bluefin tuna

Reef & Bottom Species

  • Yellowtail snapper — chum, bait, the taxman
  • Vermilion snapper (B-liner) — jumbo tactics
  • Black grouper — patch reef & wreck fishing
  • Red grouper — Islamorada spots
  • Cubera snapper — daytime fishing
  • Permit — wreck and reef fishing, bait tips
  • African pompano — jigs, live & dead bait
  • Mangrove snapper — summer & live bait tricks
  • Kingfish — stinger rigs, live bait
  • Cobia — Gulf season, fall tips

Techniques & Rigging

  • Ballyhoo rigging — all conditions & speeds
  • Wahoo wire leader fishing — piano wire
  • Live bait stinger rigs — wahoo & kingfish
  • Planer fishing — wahoo & grouper
  • Trolling plug selection — Nomad, Halco
  • Vertical jigging — jigs, assist hooks, species
  • Deep drop fishing — queen snapper, tilefish
  • Daisy chain rigs — mahi & wahoo
  • Outrigger setup — small boats
  • Weedless rigging — sargassum tactics

Technology & Strategy

  • SatFish satellite fishing — SST charts, eddies
  • Water temperature fishing — wahoo & baitfish
  • Moon phases & tides — solar/lunar fishing
  • Seabird navigation — finding offshore fish
  • Omni sonar technology — tournament fishing
  • Florida Keys fishing reports — Upper Keys intel
  • Rigging Crew 2.0 — Good Karma Patreon community
  • THE Angler's Edge — advanced fishing courses

Archive last updated: 2026-06-27 · 264 total episodes

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Captain Ryan Van Fleet?

Captain Ryan Van Fleet is a professional fishing guide and charter captain based in Tavernier, Florida Keys. He runs Good Karma Sportfishing and has hosted the Good Karma Sportfishing Podcast since 2018, sharing expert offshore fishing strategies for wahoo, mutton snapper, mahi mahi (dolphin), and reef species in the Florida Keys.

What is the Good Karma Sportfishing Podcast about?

The Good Karma Sportfishing Podcast covers Florida Keys fishing tips, offshore tactics, rigging secrets, live bait techniques, wahoo fishing strategies, mutton snapper fishing, mahi mahi fishing, reef and wreck fishing, and SatFish satellite fishing technology — hosted by professional charter captain Ryan Van Fleet since 2018.

Where does Captain Ryan Van Fleet fish?

Captain Ryan Van Fleet fishes the Florida Keys out of Tavernier and Key Largo, Florida. His offshore grounds include the Islamorada Hump, reef edges, and offshore waters of the Upper Florida Keys — targeting wahoo, mahi mahi, mutton snapper, blackfin tuna, sailfish, and marlin.

What are the best wahoo fishing tips from this podcast?

Captain Ryan's top wahoo tips include: piano wire leaders, Nomad and Halco trolling plugs on planers, live bait stinger rigs, SatFish satellite SST monitoring, targeting the Islamorada Hump during fall migration, and adjusting lure color based on water clarity.

What is SatFish and how does Captain Ryan use it?

SatFish is a satellite fishing technology platform using sea surface temperature (SST) charts and current data to locate fish offshore. Captain Ryan Van Fleet uses SatFish to find wahoo, mahi mahi, blackfin tuna, and sailfish in the Florida Keys and has dedicated multiple podcast episodes to teaching anglers how to read SST data.

2026 Episodes (2 episodes)

How to Troll in Sargassum Grass: Weedless Mahi Rigging and Trolling Tactics

May 17, 2026

The ultimate survival guide to offshore weedless rigging in heavy sargassum. Stop fighting the grass and start catching dolphin, wahoo, and tuna.

  • Episode Summary — Why the traditional trolling playbook is dead
  • The Great Atlantic Sargassum Belt & what it means for offshore anglers
  • Outrigger Geometry & High-Angle Weed Deflection
  • Titanium Leader Upgrade vs. Monofilament — physics of superelasticity
  • Weaponizing the Sacrificial Ball-Bearing Snap Swivel
  • Best Lure Skirts for Grass: Mylar & Rubber vs. Nylon Hair Traps
  • How to Rig a Sacrificial Trolling Daisy Chain
  • Trolling Hook Geometry: Curved Circle Hooks vs. Open J-Hooks
  • Trolling with Finger Mullet vs. Ballyhoo & Dead Bait Prep
  • Master Bait Armor via Dead Bait Solutions
  • Active Trolling Tactics & The 3-Second Pit-Stop Clear
  • Spread Management: The "Problem Child" Rule
  • Featured Gear: Line Sided Tackle, Gores Offshore, Dead Bait Solutions

Mutton Mania 2026: The Super Spawn Is Here!

Mar 9, 2026

The high-stakes science of targeting Mutton Snapper and data pointing toward a massive 2026 "Super Spawn."

  • The 2026 "Super Spawn" — a rare biological phenomenon
  • Data from the record-breaking 2023 and 2024 runs
  • The science of Mutton Snapper spawning behavior
  • Why this season is shaping up to be historic
  • The New Science of Fishing for Mutton Snapper (blog companion)
  • Community & Courses — Rigging Crew 2.0, THE Angler's Edge
  • NEW Course: The 2026 Strategy for High Pressured Mutton Snappers

2025 Episodes (11 episodes)

Getting The Edge in Fishing

Sep 7, 2025

Introducing THE Leader's Edge — a free, credit-based online fishing community inside the Good Karma Patreon.

  • Origin story — the idea from 2020 during Covid-19
  • Evolution from the Good Karma Sportfishing App to Patreon
  • What is THE Leader's Edge? Free community with credits
  • How to join and earn credits in the Patreon community
  • Jeff Perez's Salt Strong Tournament win in Marco Island
  • Behind The Scenes — new course announcement
  • Patreon tiers: Best Of Library, Rigging Crew 2.0, THE Angler's Edge

Dockside Snapper Inspection: My Florida Keys FWC Experience

Aug 27, 2025

Not every FWC inspection is a bad one. Capt. Ryan relives his surprise dockside inspection at Tavernier Creek Marina.

  • Setting the scene — filleting yelloweye and vermilion snapper
  • Fishing the Islamorada Hump — what was caught
  • The surprise FWC agent encounter at the dock
  • What to expect during a dockside FWC inspection
  • Why not every inspection is a bad experience
  • Tips for staying compliant on the water

Finding Mahi Mahi, Tuna and Marlin with Seabirds

Jul 8, 2025

A tribute to Captain Peter B. Wright and his timeless article "Things You Need to Know About Seabirds."

  • Tribute to Captain Peter B. Wright (1940–2023)
  • "Things You Need to Know About Seabirds" — the classic article
  • How seabirds serve as your ultimate offshore fishing guides
  • Captain John Bayliss quotes and insights
  • The shift in today's fishing culture — shaming vs. teaching
  • Patreon community overview

The Good, the Bad and the Ugly of Tournament Fishing with Omni Sonar

Jun 24, 2025

Love it or hate it, advanced Omni sonar has taken competitive fishing by storm. Breaking down costs, benefits, and controversies.

  • What is Omni advanced sonar technology?
  • Costs — tech and installation breakdown
  • Benefits — does it truly give you an edge?
  • Problems within local fishing communities
  • Is it a game-changer or reshaping the sport too much?
  • The future of technology in tournament fishing

How to Catch Fish Using Flying Fish as Bait for Dolphin (Mahi Mahi) and Mutton Snapper

Jun 6, 2025

Flying fish are an incredible bait for mutton snapper and picky mahi mahi. Featuring Sid Dobrin's classic Florida Sportsman article.

  • Why flying fish are a great bait choice
  • Sid Dobrin "The Fishing Professor" — Florida Sportsman feature
  • Using flying fish for mutton snapper
  • Targeting picky mahi mahi (dolphin) with flying fish
  • How to catch or source flying fish
  • The Good Karma Rigging Crew 2.0 community overview

How the NE Wind Affects Your Fishing Trip — Fishing Tips, SatFish Tips, Florida Keys

Feb 17, 2025

How NE winds affect your fishing in the Florida Keys and how to monitor them on SatFish.

  • How wind shapes your fishing trip
  • NE Wind patterns specific to The Florida Keys
  • How to read NE Wind on SatFish
  • SatFish tips — reading SST charts
  • Affiliate code GOODKARMA for $20 off SatFish

Best Information on Tuna Tubes for Wahoo Bait and Wahoo or Tuna Fishing

Feb 17, 2025

Everything you need to know about tuna tubes — what they are, how to use them, where to buy or make them.

  • What are tuna tubes?
  • How to use tuna tubes for wahoo
  • Where to buy or how to make tuna tubes
  • Live bait wahoo tips
  • Patreon community links

Best Cold Weather Fishing Tips and Florida Keys Fishing Report — Wahoo, Mutton Snapper and More

Feb 17, 2025

Updated Florida Keys fishing report plus tips on how to catch more fish in cold weather — time of day, lures, bait and more.

  • Florida Keys cold weather fishing report
  • Best time of day to fish in cold conditions
  • Cold weather lure and bait selection
  • Targeting wahoo and mutton snapper in winter
  • Patreon group: Free Best Of + Paid Tiers

How to Find Wahoo & Black Fin Tuna in Cold Weather — Fishing Tips & SatFish

Feb 17, 2025

Improve your catch rate for wahoo and blackfin tuna in cold weather using SatFish satellite data.

  • Cold weather wahoo behavior
  • Cold weather blackfin tuna behavior
  • How to use SatFish to locate fish in winter
  • SST chart interpretation tips

Tips on Fishing with Wire Leaders, Wahoo, Florida Keys Fishing Report

Feb 17, 2025

Florida Keys fishing report plus updated experience on slow trolling with wire leaders for wahoo.

  • Florida Keys fishing report kickoff
  • When to use wire leaders
  • Bright vs. dark wire leader selection
  • Long vs. short leader lengths
  • Slow trolling techniques with wire leaders

WAHOO Strategies, Bait, SatFish, Fishing Tips and Report

Feb 17, 2025

Florida Keys and South Florida fishing report plus best bait tips, SatFish tips and fishing updates for wahoo.

  • Florida Keys & South Florida fishing report
  • Wahoo bait strategies
  • SatFish tips for locating wahoo
  • Wahoo Winter Strategies 8 Week Intensive Program
  • Live bait wahoo techniques

2024 Episodes (26 episodes)

GATEKEEPERS and Secrets, Fishing Report South Florida, Planning Your Fishing Trip Tips and SatFish

Oct 27, 2024

No fluff — how to plan your fishing trip, use SatFish effectively, and understand the culture of fishing knowledge gatekeeping.

  • Gatekeeping 101 — earned knowledge in fishing
  • South Florida fishing report
  • How to plan your fishing trip effectively
  • SatFish tips for trip planning
  • Fishing culture and community discussion

Understanding Mahi Mahi and Other Fish — Wahoo, Mutton Snapper and More. Best Tips and SatFish

Oct 12, 2024

Deep-dive tips for understanding wahoo, mahi mahi, mutton snapper, and tuna behavior using SatFish data.

  • Understanding mahi mahi behavior patterns
  • Wahoo behavior and migration insights
  • Mutton snapper patterns
  • Using SatFish for all species
  • Applying SST chart data to real-world fishing

How to Catch WAHOO with SatFish Satellite Fishing Technology

Sep 25, 2024

How SatFish changed Capt. Ryan's wahoo game in 2022 and how to use it to find more fish.

  • How SatFish changed the game in August 2022
  • Finding wahoo along the reef edge with SatFish
  • Understanding eddies with satellite data
  • SatFish blog walkthrough
  • Applying SatFish to any fish species anywhere

Want to Know Some Rigging Secrets? Buried Treasure Tips

Sep 17, 2024

Rigging secrets and the story of the Good Karma Rigging Crew — from 2020 to the 2.0 relaunch.

  • History of The Good Karma Rigging Crew (2020)
  • Why the original Rigging Crew ended in Oct. 2023
  • Rigging Crew 2.0 relaunch details
  • Buried rigging secrets shared in the episode
  • How to join for $25/month

Fishing Report, 3 Ways I've GROWN in My Fishing Business and Eminem's "Dear Stan"

Aug 16, 2024

Florida Keys fishing report with business insights and an Eminem "Dear Stan" lyric reference for fellow captains.

  • Florida Keys fishing report
  • 3 ways Capt. Ryan grew his fishing business
  • The "Dear Stan" parallel — what captains deal with today
  • Business lessons for charter captains

NEW MOON FISHING, SatFish, Gulfstream Lure and How I Rigged It to CRUSH Fish

Aug 16, 2024

Best new moon fishing tips, SatFish strategies, and how to rig Gulfstream lures for maximum production.

  • New moon fishing advantages
  • SatFish during new moon periods
  • Gulfstream lure rigging breakdown
  • Florida Keys fishing report

The Best Wahoo Lure Colors and How to Catch More Wahoo Consistently

Aug 16, 2024

Capt. Ryan's wahoo lure color insights from years of charter guiding in The Florida Keys.

  • Why lure color matters for wahoo
  • Best colors for clear water vs. dirty water
  • Matching the hatch — baitfish color selection
  • Top wahoo lure color recommendations

How to Choose Fishing Line, Wahoo "Game Changer," Mini Lobster Season Tips & SatFish

Aug 16, 2024

Fishing line selection guide, a wahoo game-changer tip, and mini lobster season tips for The Florida Keys.

  • How to choose the right fishing line
  • Wahoo "game changer" technique revealed
  • Mini lobster season tips in The FL Keys
  • SatFish updates

Real Truths — Leaders, Swivels & Fishing Report

Aug 16, 2024

Honest breakdown of fishing leaders and swivels plus the latest fishing report.

  • Florida Keys fishing report
  • Leader selection — mono vs. fluorocarbon vs. wire
  • Swivel selection and when to use them
  • Common rigging mistakes to avoid

How to Find Fish Anywhere Consistently and SatFish Tips

Aug 16, 2024

Build a consistent blueprint for finding fish wherever you are — and stop just hoping for debris.

  • Why most anglers don't have a blueprint
  • Building a consistent fish-finding system
  • SatFish tips for any location
  • Key factors: temperature breaks, structure, current

Lure Colors for Rainy and Cloudy Day Mahi Mahi Fishing

Aug 16, 2024

Favorite overcast sky lure colors for targeting mahi mahi, packed with tips and "buried gold nuggets."

  • How overcast conditions affect mahi behavior
  • Best lure colors for cloudy/rainy days
  • The science of light penetration and color perception
  • Hidden gold nuggets buried in the episode

Fishing Report Florida Keys, SatFish, In The Spread, Charter Updates, and More

Aug 16, 2024

New course announcement, Florida Keys fishing report, and updates on SatFish and In The Spread.

  • New online course announcement
  • Florida Keys fishing report
  • SatFish tips
  • In The Spread content review
  • Charter updates

4 Crucial Fishing Tips That Will Help You Catch More Fish Consistently WHEREVER You Fish

Aug 16, 2024

Four fishing tips that save time and money on the water — applicable to any location, any species.

  • Tip 1: Pre-trip research and planning
  • Tip 2: SatFish and technology use
  • Tip 3: Mental mastery blueprint
  • Tip 4: Efficiency on the water
  • Free Conquer The Day — Mental Mastery Blueprint link

Don't Leave Home Without This Crucial Fishing Gear

Aug 16, 2024

Essential Florida Keys fishing gear that no angler should leave the dock without.

  • Must-have safety gear
  • Essential tackle and terminal gear
  • Electronics and navigation tools
  • Bait and rigging supplies

How Deep Are the Mahi Mahi and New Seasickness Prevention Tip

Aug 15, 2024

How deep to target mahi mahi in May and a game-changing seasickness prevention tip.

  • May mahi mahi depth patterns
  • Reading water temp to find mahi
  • New seasickness prevention method
  • Charter tips for guests prone to seasickness

Navigating Business and Personal Growth Through Florida Sportfishing

Aug 15, 2024

Ryan and Melinda Van Fleet on how sportfishing principles parallel business innovation and personal development.

  • How sportfishing parallels life wins and losses
  • Business innovation lessons from fishing
  • Personal development through the outdoors
  • Ryan and Melinda's journey

Permit Fishing and Bait

Apr 8, 2024

Springtime permit fishing on Florida Keys wrecks, best bait tips, and quality bait shop recommendations.

  • Springtime permit fishing on the wrecks
  • Best Florida Keys spots for permit (Key Largo to Marathon)
  • What to look for when buying bait (shrimp, pinfish, crabs)
  • Quality bait shop recommendation in Homestead
  • Live pinfish at Tavernier Creek Marina

Ballyhoo Rigging for Sporty Conditions and Blackfin Tuna Fishing Special Tip

Mar 29, 2024

Old-school rigging tricks for rough weather ballyhoo and a special lure tip for blackfin tuna from the outriggers.

  • Ballyhoo rigging for windy/rough conditions
  • Old-school North Carolina captain tricks
  • Running lures out of outriggers for blackfin tuna
  • Spring fishing tips
  • NEW 8 Week Intensive: Beyond the Basics — Late Season Wahoo & Early Dolphin

How I Caught My First Marlin in the Florida Keys

Mar 21, 2024

The personal story of catching Capt. Ryan's first blue marlin in the Florida Keys.

  • The story of the first marlin catch
  • Setup and technique used
  • Lessons learned from the experience
  • NEW 8 Week Deep Reef Intensive — Grouper & Mutton Snapper

Change with Melinda Van Fleet

Mar 10, 2024

Monthly joint podcast discussing change, new business directions, and personal growth.

  • Changes at Good Karma Sportfishing
  • Melinda's business and leadership mentoring
  • How to embrace change in fishing and life

Fishing Report Update and More

Feb 26, 2024

Recent fishing report, SatFish SST chart monitoring for sailfish, and tips on fishing smarter.

  • Recent Florida Keys fishing results
  • SatFish SST chart monitoring for sailfish
  • Tips on fishing smarter with data
  • NEW 8 Week Deep Reef Intensive announcement

"Manifestation" Is An Overused Word — With Melinda Van Fleet

Feb 9, 2024

Overused words like "manifestation," putting in the work, AI, and the reality of overnight success.

  • Overused words: Manifestation, Trauma, Wellness, Gratitude
  • Deep dive into manifestation and real work ethic
  • Six years to build a regular charter schedule
  • Overnight success doesn't exist
  • AI discussion and its impact

Improve Wahoo Hook Sets Using Nomad Trolling Plugs

Jan 30, 2024

How to significantly improve hook sets using Nomad and Halco trolling plugs in a planer bridle setup.

  • The problem with missed wahoo strikes
  • Integrating Nomad and Halco trolling plugs
  • Planer bridle setup walkthrough
  • How this setup has improved hook sets over 4 years
  • Works for wahoo fishing worldwide

Wahoo Fishing Using Drone Spoon — Secret Tip Revealed

Jan 22, 2024

A special wahoo tip: adding a seawitch to a drone spoon setup for a bigger profile and more bites.

  • What is a drone spoon?
  • Adding a seawitch to the drone spoon
  • Why this creates a bigger, more attractive profile
  • Best drone spoon colors (silver, dark blue holographic)
  • Patch Reef Fishing Program announcement

Patch Reef Fishing Announcement!

Jan 16, 2024

New Patch Reef fishing program — an 8-week intensive for near shore/reef fishing.

  • Near Shore/Reef Fishing 8 Week Intensive announcement
  • Course start date: February 1st
  • 4 lessons + 4 Q&As format
  • Who the course is for (captains, mates, recreational, influencers)
  • Course goals: improve catch rates, save time and money

2024 Updates and Glass Bottom Boat Islamorada Experience

Jan 1, 2024

Happy New Year! Ryan and Melinda share the Blessing of The Fleet 2024 and a glass bottom boat adventure.

  • Happy New Year 2024 updates
  • The Blessing of The Fleet — New Years Day at Whale Harbor Marina
  • Transparensea glass bottom boat with Capt. Brian McCadie
  • Robbie's Marina in Islamorada

2023 Episodes (27 episodes)

The Best Fishing Club in the Florida Keys and Wahoo Fishing

Dec 20, 2023

New Florida Keys wahoo fishing tips and announcement about the Good Karma Sportfishing (GKS) Fishing Club.

  • Catching wahoo on easy migration days
  • New wahoo tips
  • About the GKS Fishing Club
  • Monthly Zoom calls — 2x per month format
  • 2024 club pricing and on-water educational trips

Fishing Mastery with Melinda Van Fleet

Oct 31, 2023

Fishing mastery principles, mindset tips for business, life, and fishing.

  • What fishing mastery really means
  • Mindset tips for consistent improvement
  • Melinda Van Fleet — Intuitive Energy Business Mentor
  • Human Design and energy work overview

GSK Private Fishing Club Announcement & SatFish Offshore Wahoo Tip

Oct 27, 2023

2024 GSK Fishing Club announcement with on-water educational trips and a SatFish wahoo tip.

  • 2024 GSK Fishing Club details
  • On-water educational fishing trips for members
  • Screening process for recreational anglers
  • SatFish wahoo tip for reef edge fishing
  • Affiliate code for $20 off SatFish

The Wahoo Feather Trick and Empty Stomach Myth Buster

Oct 13, 2023

What's found in the stomachs of wahoo and how to get bites in dirty water using tuna feathers.

  • What we find in wahoo stomachs
  • The empty stomach myth busted
  • Using tuna feathers in dirty water
  • Good Karma Saturdays fishing guidance program

Listen at Your Own Risk — Just Saying

Oct 8, 2023

A candid 5-year podcast anniversary episode — "Let's Go."

  • 5 years of Good Karma Sportfishing Podcast
  • Honest reflections on the journey
  • What's changed and what hasn't

New Wahoo Rig — It Is Not What You Think

Sep 29, 2023

Florida Keys wahoo fishing update and a new rig approach that Capt. Ryan hadn't shared until this episode.

  • Florida Keys wahoo fishing update
  • The new rig concept revealed
  • Why this differs from traditional setups
  • How to implement it this season

Fishing Updates — Monthly Podcast with Melinda Van Fleet

Sep 17, 2023

Business updates, new beginnings, and the bait & tackle shop at Tavernier Creek Marina.

  • Business changes and updates
  • New beginnings at Good Karma Sportfishing
  • Partnership with Tavernier Creek Marina bait & tackle
  • Chad Gone Fishing YouTube collaboration

How to Catch Jumbo Vermilion Snappers — Revisited

Sep 3, 2023

Unique approaches for catching jumbo-sized vermilion snappers (B-liners) in the Florida Keys.

  • Vermilion snapper (B-liner) biology overview
  • Why jumbo size requires a different approach
  • Best depths and structure for jumbo vermilions
  • Bait and rigging for big vermilion snappers
  • Sustainable harvest and regulations

What Water Temperature is Best for Wahoo Fishing?

Aug 21, 2023

5-year anniversary podcast on water temperature preferences of wahoo's prey rather than wahoo themselves.

  • 5-year podcast anniversary
  • Why bait fish temp preference matters more than wahoo's preference
  • Optimal water temp ranges
  • How to monitor temperature with SatFish
  • Special nuggets for catching more fish

Why I Am Now Using BKK Hooks — The Real Reason

Jul 12, 2023

Why Capt. Ryan switched to BKK hooks for grouper fishing and August/September target plans.

  • Why BKK hooks for groupers
  • Comparison to previous hook choices
  • August and September target species plans
  • Current edge fishing with SatFish

Dolphin Fishing and Trust — With Melinda Van Fleet

Jul 1, 2023

Trust stories from a recent mahi mahi fishing trip in the Florida Keys.

  • Trust in fishing partnerships
  • Recent mahi mahi fishing trip story
  • Life lessons from the water
  • Good Karma Saturdays program

How to Catch Florida Keys Dolphin in Late June and July

Jun 25, 2023

How to find dolphin when the fishing is tough and how to keep dead bait cold in summer.

  • Late June and July dolphin patterns
  • How to find mahi when fishing is tough
  • Keeping dead bait cold in summer heat
  • Summer mahi mahi tactics

South Florida Exotic Snakes Heads — Florida Keys Snapper Bait

Jun 17, 2023

Using South Florida invasive species (snakehead fish) as bait for Florida Keys snappers.

  • South Florida invasive snakehead fish
  • Using snakeheads as dead bait for mutton snapper
  • Results from testing this bait
  • Other readily available dead bait options

Captain for Hire — Saturdays Only, Your Boat?

Jun 13, 2023

Freelance captain-for-hire services and new products at Tavernier Creek Marina's bait & tackle shop.

  • Virtual and on-water fishing consultant services
  • Saturday captain-for-hire on your boat
  • New products at Tavernier Creek Marina
  • Good Karma Saturdays program details

Summertime Wahoo and Dolphin — Being Late

Jun 6, 2023

Summer wahoo and dolphin tip for the June full/new moon and a lesson about being late.

  • June full moon and new moon fishing patterns
  • Summer wahoo tip (listen closely — not obvious)
  • Summer dolphin tactics
  • Punctuality and professionalism on the water

Confidence and Conviction with Melinda Van Fleet — Updates

May 28, 2023

Fishing updates, Chris's Bait & Tackle at Tavernier Creek Marina, and stories about confidence and conviction.

  • Chris's Bait & Tackle update at Tavernier Creek Marina
  • Confidence stories from the water
  • Conviction in fishing decisions

Limiting Beliefs with Melinda Van Fleet

May 14, 2023

Challenging limiting beliefs, energetics, rituals, and how it all connects to fishing and life.

  • What are limiting beliefs?
  • Ahai 7D Energy and energetics
  • Rituals (Onnit and Enagi crystals)
  • Consistency and conscious awareness
  • How to unlock potential and reach goals

Fishing Intuition with Melinda Van Fleet

Apr 2, 2023

The power of intuition and consuming less content to listen more clearly.

  • The power of fishing intuition
  • Why consuming less content helps
  • Awareness as a starting point
  • Fishing story shares

Fishing Done Right, Mutton Snappers and Other Updates

Mar 26, 2023

Changes at Good Karma Sportfishing including a YouTube fishing video announcement — back to basics.

  • Changes at Good Karma Sportfishing
  • YouTube channel announcement
  • Mutton snapper updates
  • Back to basics approach

Florida Sargassum Bloom Size of the United States — CNN Media vs. Reality

Mar 16, 2023

South Florida sargassum news media reports vs. what was actually happening in the water.

  • CNN sargassum media coverage overview
  • Reality vs. media narrative
  • Where sargassum is coming from
  • How to monitor sargassum movements on your own
  • Blog companion: South Florida Sargassum Problem

The Best Live Bait Reels for Sailfish — Live Bait Release Clips

Mar 2, 2023

Best reels for live bait fishing and how to use light tension release clips for sailfish.

  • Best reel choices for live bait fishing
  • Light tension release clips explained
  • Sailfish live bait rigging

Fishing for Mental Health, Support, Money — With Melinda Van Fleet

Feb 26, 2023

Mental health, mindset, relationships, limiting beliefs, intuition, money and energy from an entrepreneurial fishing family.

  • Supporting each other through entrepreneurial journeys (since 2009)
  • Fishing for mental health
  • Mindset and limiting beliefs
  • Ahai 7D Energy work overview

2023 Miami Boat Show — The One Product Everyone Is Talking About!

Feb 16, 2023

Hilton's Offshore Navigation new SAT@NAV system review, a sea witch tip, and split charter horror stories.

  • 2023 Miami Boat Show highlights
  • Hilton's Offshore Navigation SAT@NAV system review
  • Sea witch rigging tip
  • Split charter horror stories

The Best Kept Fishing Secret

Feb 5, 2023

The best kept fishing secret and how to predict tailing conditions for epic Florida Keys fishing.

  • The best kept fishing secret revealed
  • How to predict tailing conditions
  • Epic Florida Keys fishing setups
  • Best hooks for wahoo blog reference

Fishy Energy with Melinda Van Fleet

Jan 22, 2023

Being a contrarian in fishing and life — opposing popular opinions and why that's valuable.

  • What is a contrarian?
  • Why Ryan and Melinda are both contrarians
  • Examples from fishing and business
  • How contrarian thinking gives you an edge

Winter Time — African Pompano, Yellow Jacks and Mutton Snappers — Packed with Nuggets

Jan 14, 2023

Old-school nugget-style podcast on catching African pompano, yellow jacks, and mutton snappers in winter.

  • African pompano fishing — jigs, dead and live bait
  • Yellow jack fishing secrets
  • Mutton snapper winter patterns
  • Public fishing numbers (Upper & Middle Florida Keys)
  • Best depths and structures for winter targets

The Best Single Replacement Hooks — First Podcast of 2023

Jan 2023

Best single replacement hooks for trolling lures and a 2023 kickoff.

  • Single replacement hook selection overview
  • Best hooks for wahoo plugs and trolling lures
  • 2023 goals and updates

2022 Episodes (35 episodes)

New Beginnings 2023 Podcast with Melinda Van Fleet

Dec 24, 2022

Christmas bonus podcast — Melinda announces a major podcast change for 2023.

  • Merry Christmas / Happy Holidays
  • Melinda's major podcast announcement
  • Why they're making this change
  • Crew 2 announcement reference

The Secret to Catching Mutton Snappers

Dec 20, 2022

Mutton snapper fishing secrets and launch details for the Good Karma Fishing Crew 1 and Crew 2.

  • Mutton snapper fishing secrets revealed
  • Crew 1 details ($49/month)
  • Crew 2 launch announcement ($279/month)
  • Recreational angler screening process
  • Private coaching options

Moving with Melinda Van Fleet

Dec 6, 2022

A wild couple of weeks — joint podcast on life changes and moving.

  • Life changes and moving update
  • Lessons learned from transition

Wahoo Outrigger Fishing

Nov 21, 2022

Wahoo fishing from the outriggers and where to buy Florida Keys lead sinkers for grouper and mutton snapper.

  • Wahoo fishing with outriggers
  • Rigging setup for outrigger wahoo fishing
  • Florida Keys lead sinkers — where to buy
  • Sinker selection for grouper and mutton snapper

Wahoo Fishing Tips

Nov 10, 2022

Old-school bonus podcast on triggering wahoo bites — lure patterns and trolling speeds.

  • Triggering a wahoo bite
  • Lure pattern selection
  • Trolling speed for wahoo
  • Classic Good Karma style tips

Focus and Perspective with Melinda Van Fleet

Nov 6, 2022

Focus, fishing, and a little golf — monthly mindset podcast.

  • Focus in fishing and life
  • Perspective shifts for better outcomes
  • Golf and fishing parallels

Wahoo Stuff

Oct 26, 2022

Wahoo fishing, planers, and boat noise — quick tips podcast.

  • Wahoo fishing updates
  • Planer fishing for wahoo
  • How boat noise affects wahoo strikes

Special Announcement with Melinda Van Fleet

Oct 16, 2022

A special announcement from Ryan and Melinda.

  • Special announcement revealed

Ballyhoo Rigging Rant and Announcement

Oct 8, 2022

A passionate ballyhoo rigging discussion and an important announcement.

  • Ballyhoo rigging best practices
  • Common rigging mistakes
  • Why rigging matters more than most think
  • Announcement details

Mojo Manifesting Big Fish with Melinda Van Fleet

Sep 24, 2022

Monthly mindset podcast on manifesting and fishing mojo.

  • What fishing mojo really means
  • Manifesting big fish outcomes
  • Mental preparation on the water

Mutton Snapper and Wahoo Fishing Secrets

Sep 10, 2022

Wahoo fishing secrets shared in this short-form episode.

  • Wahoo fishing secrets
  • Mutton snapper secrets

Stop the "Should" with Melinda Van Fleet

Sep 4, 2022

Why Capt. Ryan doesn't fish for mahi mahi in summer like other guides — stop listening to what you "should" do.

  • The "should" problem in fishing and life
  • Why Ryan targets mutton snapper in summer instead of mahi
  • Making decisions that align with your own strategy
  • Good Karma Sportfishing summer philosophy

Labor Day Weekend 2022 Special Fishing Report

Sep 1, 2022

Bonus Labor Day Weekend fishing report for The Florida Keys.

  • Labor Day Weekend fishing report
  • Species activity report
  • Weekend tips and conditions

4th Year Anniversary Podcast

Aug 24, 2022

Four-year anniversary podcast with Melinda Van Fleet.

  • 4 years of Good Karma Sportfishing Podcast
  • Reflections and milestones
  • What's coming next

Live Bait Stinger Rigs — Wahoo Fishing

Aug 20, 2022

Catching big yelloweye snappers and where to buy the best live bait stinger rigs for wahoo and kingfish.

  • Live bait stinger rig overview
  • Best stinger rigs for wahoo
  • Stinger rigs for kingfish
  • Where to buy quality stinger rigs
  • Big yelloweye snapper tips

Mid Year Reflections with Melinda Van Fleet

Jul 30, 2022

End of month reflections on fishing and much more.

  • Mid-year business and fishing reflections
  • What's working and what isn't
  • Mindset for the second half of the year

The Bait and Switch for Summertime Mahi Mahi

Jul 21, 2022

How to catch dolphin with poppers and summer Florida Keys fishing secrets.

  • The bait and switch technique
  • Using poppers for summertime mahi mahi
  • Summer Florida Keys fishing secrets

The Best Florida Keys Fishing Tip

Jun 30, 2022

The best Florida Keys fishing tip and sinker selection for rocky bottom reef fishing.

  • The best Florida Keys fishing tip
  • Sinker selection for rocky bottom
  • Reef fishing strategy

Goal Setting and Surrendering

Jun 30, 2022

End of month podcast with Melinda Van Fleet on goal setting and surrendering.

  • Goal setting for fishing and life
  • What surrendering actually means
  • Balancing effort and acceptance

Best Mutton Snapper Fishing Tips

Jun 19, 2022

How to catch more mutton snappers this summer.

  • Summer mutton snapper patterns
  • Best baits for mutton snapper
  • Rigging tips for bigger fish

Confidence, Boundaries & Gratitude with Melinda

Jun 5, 2022

End of month mindset podcast on confidence, boundaries, and gratitude.

  • Confidence in fishing decisions
  • Setting boundaries as a charter captain
  • Gratitude practice on the water

Dolphin Fishing Secret for the Weekend

May 24, 2022

Dolphin (mahi mahi) fishing tips to help you find fish over Memorial Day weekend.

  • Memorial Day weekend dolphin tips
  • How to find fish this weekend
  • Two specific dolphin fishing secrets

How to Handle Expectations

May 2, 2022

Monthly podcast with Melinda on handling expectations in fishing and life.

  • Setting realistic fishing expectations
  • How expectations affect outcomes
  • Communicating expectations on a charter

Wahoo Migration Secrets Revealed

Apr 22, 2022

Wahoo migration secrets and depths traveled over a 24-hour period.

  • Wahoo migration patterns in the Florida Keys
  • Depths traveled over a 24-hour period
  • How to position for migrating wahoo
  • Blog: How to Catch Wahoo in Cloudy Weather

How to Catch Mahi-Mahi in the Florida Keys

Apr 12, 2022

A formula for predicting the mahi mahi bite and locations for an epic April bite.

  • Formula for predicting the mahi mahi bite
  • April locations for epic mahi fishing
  • Reading water temperature and conditions
  • Multiple mahi-mahi catching strategy

Staying Focused on the Fishing

Mar 31, 2022

Monthly podcast on staying focused and overcoming obstacles in fishing and business.

  • Staying focused when fishing gets tough
  • Overcoming mental obstacles
  • Focus techniques for charter captains

How to Catch Mutton Snappers Secret Tip Revealed

Mar 24, 2022

One mutton snapper tip that will put more fish in your box, plus a solar/lunar tides formula.

  • Mutton snapper secret tip revealed
  • Solar and lunar fishing formula
  • How to use tides effectively
  • Blog: Solar and Lunar Fishing Secrets Revealed

How to Catch Permit on the Wrecks

Mar 15, 2022

Wreck fishing tips for targeting permit in the Florida Keys.

  • Florida Keys wreck fishing for permit
  • Best permit baits on the wrecks
  • Rigging and tackle for permit

Best Success Secrets

Feb 28, 2022

Monthly podcast revealing best success secrets and tips for starting a new business.

  • Best success secrets from Capt. Ryan
  • Starting a new fishing business
  • Melinda's coaching insights

Wahoo Fishing Lure Colors

Feb 25, 2022

How to match the hatch for wahoo — selecting the right lure colors for the situation.

  • Why wahoo lure color overwhelms anglers
  • How to match the hatch for wahoo
  • What baitfish are wahoo feeding on?
  • Top lure colors for different conditions
  • Islamorada fishing application

How to Make a Live Bait Stinger Rig for Wahoo Fishing

Feb 14, 2022

Step-by-step on building and using live bait stinger rigs for wahoo fishing.

  • What is a live bait stinger rig?
  • Step-by-step stinger rig construction
  • Best live baits with a stinger rig
  • How to fish the stinger rig for wahoo

How to Catch Wahoo with Live Bait

Feb 3, 2022

Using an electric reel as a downrigger for live bait wahoo fishing at Key Largo and Islamorada wrecks.

  • Electric reel as downrigger technique
  • Best live baits for wahoo (speedos and goggle eyes)
  • Key Largo wahoo spots: Bibb, Duane, Molasses Reef
  • Islamorada wahoo spot: Eagle Wreck
  • Setting baits deep in the water column

How to Build Working Relationships with Melinda Van Fleet

Jan 23, 2022

Building good working relationships and why people ask annoying or triggering questions.

  • Why working relationships matter in fishing
  • How to build them effectively
  • Dealing with annoying or triggering comments
  • Melinda's relationship coaching insights

The 3 Best Key Largo Restaurants

Jan 16, 2022

Capt. Ryan's top 3 restaurant picks in Key Largo, Florida.

  • Restaurant #1 and what to order
  • Restaurant #2 and what to order
  • Restaurant #3 and what to order
  • Key Largo dining tips

Best Patch Reef Fishing Tips for the Florida Keys

Jan 2, 2022

Best patch reef fishing tips for catching large snappers and groupers in the Florida Keys.

  • What are patch reefs?
  • Best patch reef spots in the Florida Keys
  • Tackle and rigging for patch reef fishing
  • Best baits for large snappers and groupers

2021 Episodes (51 episodes)

Expectations and Energy into the New Year with Melinda

Dec 23, 2021

Expectations and energy going into the new year — Happy Holidays from the Van Fleets.

  • Setting expectations for the new year
  • Energy management in fishing and life
  • Holiday reflections

Will I Continue the Podcast in 2022? & Live Bait Wahoo — Speedos

Dec 19, 2021

Wrapping up 2021 — will the podcast continue in 2022? Plus live speedo bait tips for wahoo.

  • Podcast future for 2022 decision
  • 2021 wrap-up
  • Using live speedos for wahoo bait
  • Where to get speedos in the Upper Florida Keys

Don't Reel Against the Drag

Dec 9, 2021

Teaching new fishermen how not to reel against the drag when fighting a large fish.

  • What "reeling against the drag" means
  • Why it's so damaging to your catch rate
  • How to properly fight a large fish
  • Coaching first-time anglers on the charter

Florida Keys Patch Reef Fishing Secrets

Dec 4, 2021

Florida Keys patch reef fishing secrets for snappers and groupers.

  • Patch reef locations and navigation
  • Secrets for finding the best patches
  • Rigging and bait approach

Failure with Melinda Van Fleet

Nov 24, 2021

Talking about failure with Melinda Van Fleet — Happy Thanksgiving.

  • Reframing failure in fishing
  • How failure leads to growth
  • Thanksgiving reflections

Chasing Down Fish Tips

Nov 13, 2021

How Capt. Ryan chases down fish — what may work for him may not work for you.

  • Fish-chasing strategies
  • Reading the water for active fish
  • When to commit vs. move on

Wahoo Fishing — Back to the Baitstrips

Nov 6, 2021

Back to catching wahoo on the Baitstrips.

  • Why Baitstrips are effective again
  • How to rig Baitstrips for wahoo
  • Recent Baitstrip results

Monster Mash — Rant, Riff, Intuition and More with Melinda

Nov 1, 2021

A wide-ranging Halloween episode — plenty to say.

  • Fishing rant and riff
  • Intuition in fishing
  • Mindset discussion with Melinda

Wahoo Stuff that is Working for Me

Oct 28, 2021

What has been getting the wahoo bites.

  • Current wahoo bite report
  • Lures and setups working right now
  • Trolling adjustments

Florida Keys Cobia Fishing Spots

Oct 21, 2021

Fall fishing secrets — get ahead of the others.

  • Florida Keys cobia fishing spots
  • Fall season strategies
  • Getting ahead of the fleet

Secret Wahoo Lure Revealed — Trolling Motor, Shimano Reel Issues & New Course

Oct 18, 2021

One wahoo lure secret revealed, plus trolling motor/reef fishing buyer-beware and Shimano reel issues.

  • Secret wahoo lure revealed
  • Trolling motor buyer-beware warning
  • New reef fishing course announcement
  • Shimano reel quality concerns

Seasickness, Riff and Trigger Warning

Oct 10, 2021

A rough ride — major trigger warning. Seasickness and a candid riff.

  • Seasickness prevention tips
  • Frank opinions and riff
  • Listener trigger warning

Trust the Process with Melinda Van Fleet

Sep 28, 2021

Fishing update and the best mindset/expectations a client or angler can have.

  • Fishing update
  • Best mindset for anglers and charter clients
  • Trusting the process

Florida Keys Wahoo Lure Colors

Sep 23, 2021

How to select lure colors for wahoo — with special nuggets buried inside.

  • Lure color selection process
  • Florida Keys specific color tips
  • Special nuggets — listen closely

Wahoo Fishing — Wire or No Wire

Sep 19, 2021

Making the decision to use wire or no wire when targeting wahoo.

  • Wire leader pros and cons
  • When to use wire for wahoo
  • When to go wireless

Good Karma Sportfishing Wins an Award with Melinda Van Fleet

Sep 2, 2021

Being yourself and not listening to what others say you should do with your business.

  • Award announcement
  • Being yourself in business
  • Not following others' advice

One of the Many Fishing Secrets

Aug 26, 2021

A couple fishing secrets shared.

  • Fishing secret #1
  • Fishing secret #2

How to Catch Cubera Snapper During the Day

Aug 18, 2021

How to catch cubera snapper during daylight hours.

  • Cubera snapper daytime behavior
  • Best baits for cubera during the day
  • Locations and structure

Big Fish Business Secrets with Melinda Van Fleet

Aug 15, 2021

Big fish secrets and business insights with Melinda Van Fleet.

  • Big fish secrets
  • Business parallels to fishing
  • Melinda's coaching insights

Why I Did Not Mahi Mahi Fish Last Summer

Aug 13, 2021

Making the most out of your time on the water — why Capt. Ryan skipped mahi season.

  • Why Ryan skipped mahi last summer
  • Making the most of your time
  • Targeting higher-value species instead

Good Karma Secrets

Aug 5, 2021

Good Karma Secrets with Melinda Van Fleet.

  • Business secrets
  • Fishing secrets
  • Life secrets from the water

How to Catch Jumbo Size Vermilion Snapper (Again)

Aug 1, 2021

How to target jumbo size vermilion snappers off the Florida Keys.

  • Jumbo vermilion snapper targeting
  • Depths and structure for big vermilions
  • Bait and rigging

Why I Became a Fishing Guide

Jul 27, 2021

The story of why Capt. Ryan became a fishing guide.

  • The origin story
  • What drove the decision
  • Lessons from the journey

Back at It for Year 3 of the Podcast

Jul 20, 2021

Back for year 3 of the Good Karma Sportfishing Podcast with Melinda Van Fleet.

  • Year 3 kickoff
  • Updates from the off-season
  • Plans for the year ahead

Monthly Joint Podcast with Melinda Van Fleet

Jul 5, 2021

Monthly joint podcast with Melinda Van Fleet.

  • Monthly update
  • Fishing and life discussion
  • Mindset topics

Learn from My Costly Mistake

Jun 17, 2021

Why Capt. Ryan removed his trolling motor from Good Karma for good.

  • The costly trolling motor mistake
  • Why he removed it permanently
  • Lessons for other captains

Fishing with Melinda Van Fleet

Jun 4, 2021

End of month podcast — things got a little heated.

  • An honest fishing discussion
  • Things get heated — left unedited
  • Relationship and fishing dynamic

Repel Sharks with Electric Downriggers? Shark Repellent Testing

May 22, 2021

Testing shark repellents including one a fishing buddy has used for a year.

  • Testing shark repellents on the water
  • Electric downrigger shark repellent theory
  • Buddy's year-long test results
  • Market shark repellent review

Dolphin Fishing Depths and Lures with No Ballyhoo

May 18, 2021

Finding big dolphin shallow and lures that work well without ballyhoo.

  • Finding big dolphin in shallow water
  • Best lures without ballyhoo
  • Depth patterns for dolphin

Grouper Fishing with Landshark Outdoors — Grouper Season Tips

May 11, 2021

Capt. Ryan filmed a grouper episode with Landshark Outdoors YouTube — grouper season tips.

  • Landshark Outdoors YouTube episode
  • Grouper season tips
  • Subscribe to Landshark Outdoors

Grouper Opener Attitude

May 4, 2021

Monthly podcast with Melinda Van Fleet about grouper fishing opener.

  • Grouper season opener excitement
  • Mental attitude for opener day
  • Tips for the first days of grouper season

Summer Snapper Bait and Getting Bait Past the Trash Fish

Apr 28, 2021

Two fishing tips for catching more yellowtail, yellow jacks, and mutton snappers past trash fish.

  • Getting bait past trash fish
  • Bait selection for summer snappers
  • Works for deep dropping grouper and tilefish too

Having a Plan / Halco Lure Parts Added to a Nomad Lure

Apr 20, 2021

The importance of having a fishing plan — plus a Nomad wahoo lure story.

  • Why having a plan matters
  • Running a Nomad wahoo lure story
  • Halco parts on a Nomad lure

Florida Keys Fishing Reports — Stay Ahead of the Others

Apr 14, 2021

Why listening to fishing reports will truly give you an edge over other anglers.

  • How to use fishing reports effectively
  • Why these reports give you an edge
  • What to listen for in a report

Live Bait Wahoo Fishing

Apr 9, 2021

A live bait wahoo fishing rig tip — listen for the nuggets of intel.

  • Live bait wahoo rig tip
  • Setting up the rig
  • Intel nuggets buried inside

Permit Time on the Reef and Fooling the Taxman — Cobia Area

Apr 3, 2021

Tricks to fire up yellowtail snappers and get rid of the taxman — plus large permit on the reef.

  • Firing up yellowtail snappers
  • Getting rid of the taxman fish
  • Large permit spots on the reef
  • Get there before the fleet

Fishing Patterns with Melinda Van Fleet

Mar 27, 2021

Monthly podcast with Melinda Van Fleet.

  • Fishing patterns discussion
  • Monthly update
  • Mindset and patterns

Special Discount on a Spinning Reel Offer! Tackle Tip for Snapper

Mar 24, 2021

A local Keys discount on a spinning reel plus a snapper fishing tip.

  • Spinning reel discount offer
  • Snapper fishing tackle tip
  • Reel recommendation

Key Largo Bluefin Tuna, Dolphin and More

Mar 18, 2021

A loaded episode with gold nuggets — plus recommendations for snapper and swordfish guides.

  • Key Largo bluefin tuna
  • Dolphin fishing update
  • Gold nuggets buried throughout
  • Guide recommendations for snappers and swordfish

Fishing Charters That Do All the Fishing for You

Mar 12, 2021

Different types of fishing charters — including those that do all the fishing for you.

  • Types of fishing charters available
  • Full-service vs. participation charters
  • How to choose the right charter

Boat Fuel Prices Suck

Mar 5, 2021

How Capt. Ryan manages fuel costs — plus a recommended fuel jug for long-range trips.

  • Managing boat fuel costs
  • Recommended fuel jug for bay boats
  • Long range trip fuel strategy

Fishing Triggers with Melinda Van Fleet

Feb 27, 2021

Monthly podcast with Melinda Van Fleet.

  • What triggers you on the water
  • Emotional triggers in fishing
  • Mindset management

Key Largo Patch Reef Fishing Spots for Mutton Snappers

Feb 18, 2021

Loaded with information — plus a special offer from Adrenaline Custom Fishing Rods.

  • Key Largo patch reef mutton snapper spots
  • Adrenaline Custom Fishing Rods offer
  • Rigging and bait tips

African Pompano and The Missing Ballyhoo

Feb 10, 2021

Where to find African Pompano — plus ballyhoo and the daisy chain.

  • Where to find African Pompano
  • Ballyhoo tips
  • Daisy chain for African Pompano

Yellowtail Snapper Trick for Large Mutton Snappers

Feb 5, 2021

A bonus tip using yellowtail snapper as a trick to catch large mutton snappers.

  • The yellowtail snapper trick
  • How it works for mutton snappers
  • When to use this technique

Big Fish Small Hooks

Feb 2, 2021

Catching big fish on small hooks.

  • Why small hooks work for big fish
  • Hook sizing guide
  • Species-specific small hook tips

Setting Boundaries

Jan 31, 2021

Monthly podcast with Melinda Van Fleet.

  • Setting boundaries as a charter captain
  • Boundaries in business and life
  • Melinda's coaching perspective

Tough Week

Jan 28, 2021

An honest episode about dealing with a tough week.

  • What happened during the tough week
  • How to deal with adversity
  • Lessons from a hard stretch

The Fishing Secret

Jan 19, 2021

A secret tool used for years to dial in on wahoo — now available in the Good Karma Sportfishing App.

  • The secret tool revealed
  • How to use it for wahoo
  • Available in the GKS app

Chicken Rig Tip — Mutton Snapper — Working for Me

Jan 13, 2021

A chicken rig tip working very well for mutton snappers on tough winter days.

  • What is a chicken rig?
  • How to rig it for mutton snappers
  • Why it's working in tough conditions

Tough Day of Fishing

Jan 6, 2021

Dealing with a tough day of fishing.

  • What makes a day tough
  • Mental approach to a tough day
  • Adjustments when nothing is working

2020 Episodes (55 episodes)

Use the Force in the New Year

Dec 31, 2020

Last podcast of the year with Melinda Van Fleet — Happy New Year!

  • Year-end reflections
  • Using the force going into 2021
  • New year goals and mindset

Live Bait Release Clip Fishing Tip — What I Use Personally

Dec 22, 2020

How Capt. Ryan modified Troll Master release clips for live bait outrigger and flatline fishing.

  • Ditching standard live bait release clips
  • Modified Troll Master release clips
  • Outrigger vs. flatline live bait setup

Fishing In the Fog and Covid Crazy On the Water

Dec 16, 2020

Crazy stuff happening on the water lately — fishing in fog and pandemic madness.

  • Fishing in the fog safety tips
  • Covid-related craziness on the water
  • Stories from recent charters

Winter Time Picky Yellowtail Bait — Get Ready for a Change

Dec 9, 2020

Favorite bait for picky winter yellowtail snappers — the hero bait when others struggle.

  • Why yellowtails get picky in winter
  • The hero bait revealed
  • How to get this bait (dirty work required)
  • Make you look like a hero at the reef

Ditch the Bad Mojo with Melinda Van Fleet

Dec 2, 2020

Monthly podcast — ditch the bad mojo and catch more fish.

  • What bad mojo looks like on the water
  • How to reset your fishing energy
  • Melinda's mojo-clearing tips

Ballyhoo Catching My Way and Other Stuff

Nov 26, 2020

Special Thanksgiving fishing tip podcast.

  • How Capt. Ryan catches ballyhoo his way
  • Thanksgiving fishing tips
  • Other bonus stuff

Fishing Spots, Tides, Clean Water and the Time of Day

Nov 25, 2020

Putting together the puzzle — spots, tides, clean water, and time of day.

  • How fishing spots connect to tides
  • Reading clean water
  • Best time of day for each scenario
  • Putting it all together

Failures and Learnings — Losing Big Fish and Vodka Bottle Teasers

Nov 18, 2020

Failures and learnings — and vodka bottle teasers.

  • Losing big fish — what went wrong
  • Lessons from failures
  • DIY vodka bottle teasers

Bonus Podcast — Wahoo Lure Dedicated to the Recent Passing of a Client

Nov 11, 2020

A dedicated episode — a wahoo lure tip in memory of a passing client.

  • Memorial tribute to a charter client
  • The dedicated wahoo lure tip

Bonus Episode with Melinda Van Fleet

Nov 10, 2020

Book release episode — Brilliant Breakthroughs for the Small Business Owner. Building confidence and walking away from parts of a business.

  • Brilliant Breakthroughs book release (11/11)
  • Building confidence at business start
  • Confidence to walk away from parts of a business

Spot Crushing, New Grouper Trolling Tip and More

Nov 7, 2020

A long, loaded episode — listen for the nuggets.

  • Spot crushing discussion
  • New grouper trolling tip
  • Listener nuggets throughout

Fishing Mindset and Action — Joint Podcast with Melinda Van Fleet

Nov 3, 2020

Something Capt. Ryan is working on — getting better — and how it affects fishing and dealing with other boats.

  • Fishing mindset work in progress
  • Dealing with other boats mentally
  • Melinda's action-mindset framework

Drop Kick Them Wahoo Into The Boat — Bonus Fishing Tip

Oct 21, 2020

One technique that will triple the amount of wahoo and big dolphin you put in the boat.

  • The technique that triples wahoo hookups
  • Applying it to big dolphin too
  • Practice makes perfect

Trolling Motors, Gulf Fishing and Live Well Pumps

Oct 19, 2020

Trolling motors for larger boats, tripletail/cobia gulf fishing, vermilion/yelloweye snapper fishing, and live well pumps.

  • Trolling motors for larger boats
  • Tripletail and cobia in the Gulf
  • Vermilion and yelloweye snapper fishing
  • Live well pump recommendations

Tips for Finding Birds and More

Oct 14, 2020

Tools for finding birds and floating debris — not radar or binoculars. Plus why the boat has a blue deck.

  • Tools for finding birds offshore
  • Finding floating debris
  • Why Good Karma has a blue deck
  • Wahoo bite update

100% Wahoo Fishing — Depths, Teasers and More

Oct 8, 2020

All wahoo, all the time — depths, how to raise them, and observations from live bait fishing and spear divers.

  • Where wahoo swim in the water column
  • How to raise them into your spread
  • Observations from live bait downrigger fishing
  • Spear diver intel on wahoo depths
  • Teasers that work

Another Wahoo Secret Lure Revealed

Oct 4, 2020

A secret wahoo lure revealed that Capt. Ryan has been using for years but never talked about until now.

  • Secret wahoo lure revealed for the first time
  • How to rig and use it
  • Why it has stayed secret until now

Collaborations and Confidence Fishing Tips — Monthly Joint Podcast with Melinda Van Fleet

Sep 29, 2020

Collaborations and confidence in the fishing world.

  • The value of fishing collaborations
  • Building confidence as an angler
  • Melinda's confidence-building framework

Fishing Tip Podcast — Wahoo and Wire & Islamorada Hump Wahoo in October

Sep 25, 2020

New e-Shield piano wire for wahoo fishing — and October Islamorada Hump wahoo tips.

  • E-Shield piano wire review
  • Why piano wire is the hot ticket this season
  • Islamorada Hump wahoo in October

The Dolphin Shrinkage Curse of 2020? Where Are the Big Gaffers and Slammers?

Sep 22, 2020

Something interesting about dolphin fishing in 2020 — must listen for regular dolphin fishermen.

  • The 2020 dolphin shrinkage phenomenon
  • Where the big gaffers went
  • How to adjust your strategy

Flat Lining Live Bait in the Chum Slick and Other Bonus Tips

Sep 16, 2020

Bonus fishing tip podcast — how to flat line live bait in a chum slick.

  • Flat lining live bait technique
  • Using a chum slick effectively
  • Bonus reef fishing tips
  • A little fire in this one

Nomad Lures, Halco Lures, Cobia in the Gulf and Grouper

Sep 7, 2020

Nomad vs. Halco lures — running planers, cobia season, dolphin after the full moon, grouper bite update.

  • Nomad vs. Halco lure comparison
  • Running planers with Halcos and Nomads
  • One specific Nomad lure recommendation
  • Upcoming cobia season in the Gulf
  • Dolphin fishing after the full moon
  • Grouper bite update

Dead Bait and Live Bait

Aug 2020

Don't believe the hype — honest look at dead bait vs. live bait.

  • Dead bait vs. live bait truth
  • Don't believe the hype
  • When each outperforms the other

Monthly Joint Episode with Melinda Van Fleet — Reel Talk Fishing Confidence

Aug 30, 2020

Fishing confidence and how time spent on the water is not the only way to become a good fisherman.

  • Fishing confidence building
  • Time on the water vs. mental preparation
  • Other ways to become a great fisherman

Catching 9 Wahoo While Fishing Solo & My One Handed Blue Marlin

Aug 26, 2020

How Capt. Ryan caught 9 wahoo solo — and the blue marlin he caught with one hand while driving.

  • Catching 9 wahoo alone
  • The one-handed blue marlin story
  • Solo fishing tips

Post Storm Fishing, Teasers Colors, Daisy Chains for Wahoo and More Fishing Tips

Aug 23, 2020

Post Tropical Storm Laura fishing, daisy chain lures for wahoo, teaser colors and tips.

  • Post-storm fishing expectations
  • Targeting wahoo with daisy chains
  • Teaser color selection
  • Long packed podcast — wahoo tips throughout

Dolphin Fishing Wrestling Match

Aug 5, 2020

A little about dolphin fishing and the story of a wrestling match.

  • Dolphin fishing story
  • The wrestling match episode
  • Lessons from the encounter

Podcast 2nd Anniversary — Reel Talk with Melinda

Aug 5, 2020

2nd anniversary of the Good Karma Sportfishing Podcast — thank you listeners!

  • 2 years of podcasting reflections
  • Listener appreciation
  • What's coming next

Wahoo Fishing and Hurricanes

Jul 31, 2020

Wahoo fishing and hurricanes — plus a lot of other stuff.

  • How hurricanes affect wahoo fishing
  • Pre and post-storm tactics
  • Other Florida Keys updates

Big Dolphin Showing Up, Bait Strips for Dolphin, August Wahoo and a Give Away Contest

Jul 27, 2020

Rigging chuggers with bait strips, live bait tricks for dolphin, August wahoo, and a giveaway contest.

  • Rigging chuggers with bait strips
  • Live bait tricks for dolphin
  • August wahoo fishing plan
  • Giveaway contest announcement

Summer Mutton Snapper Fishing Plan and Lessons from a Movie Star Client

Jul 20, 2020

Mutton snapper fishing plan — plus one bottom fishing lesson from an award-winning Hollywood actor client.

  • Summer mutton snapper fishing plan
  • The Hollywood actor client story
  • One bottom fishing lesson from him

Honest Review of the New Shimano SpeedMaster II

Jul 16, 2020

An extremely honest review of the Shimano SpeedMaster II 16 and 12 reels.

  • Testing the Shimano SpeedMaster II 16
  • Testing the Shimano SpeedMaster II 12
  • Likes and dislikes
  • Will he buy more?

Fishing, Updates, Communication — Joint Episode with Melinda Van Fleet

Jul 5, 2020

Tangent-filled episode — co-authoring a book chapter, a top secret update coming, and 2-year anniversary.

  • Co-authoring a book chapter with Melinda
  • Top secret update teaser
  • 2-year podcast anniversary

4th of July Holiday Fishing Report — Dolphin in Close? Mangrove Snapper Spawn!

Jul 1, 2020

4th of July fishing report — where to find dolphin plus the mangrove snapper spawn.

  • Where to find dolphin for the holiday
  • Mangrove snapper spawn timing
  • 4th of July Florida Keys fishing tips

Trolling for Grouper Fishing Tips

Jul 1, 2020

An awesome grouper tip from a listener who is the master of catching groupers on the troll.

  • Trolling for grouper with planers
  • Listener-submitted tip from the master
  • Little tips throughout — listen closely

Fishing the South Current in the Florida Keys

Jun 20, 2020

Fishing the south current for snappers and groupers in the Florida Keys.

  • What the south current is
  • How to fish it for snappers
  • How to fish it for groupers

Dolphin Fishing, Wahoo and Tripletail Fishing Tips and Depths

Jun 20, 2020

Dolphin, wahoo, tripletail tips and depths — take notes.

  • Dolphin fishing information packed episode
  • Tripletail tips
  • Wahoo and jigging discussion
  • Current situation depths

Joint Podcast with Melinda Van Fleet — Fishing with Patience

Jun 20, 2020

Monthly podcast — fishing with patience.

  • Why patience is the #1 fishing skill
  • How to develop patience on the water
  • Positive message from Melinda

Yellowtail Snapper Fishing Tip with the Razor Blade and Plans

Jun 20, 2020

Yellowtail snapper razor blade tip for fighting off trash fish — plus future podcast plans.

  • The razor blade yellowtail tip
  • Getting bait past trash fish
  • Future podcast plans

David Conway, Writer and Author — We Talk Fishing

May 26, 2020

Interview with writer David Conway — including an old Key West guide trick for catching flag yellowtails.

  • David Conway interview
  • Old Key West guide trick for flag yellowtails
  • Lots of information and fishing tips

Bonus Podcast: Ballyhoo Rigging Tip

May 1, 2020

How to rig ballyhoo for dolphin fishing.

  • Ballyhoo rigging for dolphin
  • Step-by-step breakdown
  • Tips for beginners

Seakeeper — My Observations: Fishing a 39ft Without One vs. The Good Karma (23ft)

Apr 29, 2020

Brutally honest Seakeeper review — 39ft without one vs. Good Karma (23ft) with one.

  • Seakeeper on a 23ft boat
  • 39ft boat without a Seakeeper
  • Honest comfort and fishing comparison

April Dolphin and Late Season Wahoo — Where to Find Them

Apr 29, 2020

Early season dolphin tips and late season wahoo locations.

  • Where to find early April dolphin
  • Late season wahoo locations
  • Transition period tactics

Fishing With Confidence with Melinda Van Fleet

Apr 29, 2020

Talking fishing confidence with Melinda Van Fleet.

  • Building fishing confidence
  • How confidence changes your results
  • Melinda's coaching tools

Islamorada Fishing Report — Epic Islamorada Hump Wahoo Bite and Mutton Snappers

Apr 2, 2020

Epic Islamorada Hump wahoo bite fishing report.

  • Islamorada Hump wahoo bite report
  • Mutton snapper update
  • Current conditions

Update and Early Spring Dolphin Fishing Tip

Mar 30, 2020

Short update and a quick springtime dolphin fishing tip.

  • Good Karma Sportfishing update
  • Early spring dolphin tip

Update, Best Bait for Catching Bait, Eliminate Reel Clicker Problems and New Private Facebook Group

Mar 23, 2020

Charter update, reel clicker fix, best bait for catching bait, and the new private Facebook group.

  • Charter fishing update
  • Eliminating reel clicker failures
  • Best bait for catching live bait
  • Good Karma Sportfishing Podcast private Facebook Group

Islamorada Fishing Report

Mar 17, 2020

Business as usual — what is happening with the fishing in the Florida Keys.

  • Current Florida Keys fishing report
  • What's biting and where
  • Conditions update

Failures

Mar 9, 2020

Joint podcast with Melinda Van Fleet on failures.

  • Fishing failures and learnings
  • Business failures and lessons
  • Melinda's perspective on failure

2 Strange Fishing Tips that Catch Big Fish and Deep Drop Bait Secret Revealed

Mar 3, 2020

Strange but true tips involving speedos and live yellowtail snapper — plus a deep drop bait secret.

  • Strange tip #1 — live speedos
  • Strange tip #2 — live yellowtail snapper as bait
  • Deep drop bait secret for yelloweye and vermilion snappers
  • Live mangrove snappers for snook

Review of the New ChummyHoop — The Last Chum Bag You Will Ever Need

Feb 6, 2020

The ChummyHoop — a next-generation collapsible chum bag with rubber netting — honest review after testing.

  • What is the ChummyHoop?
  • Patent-pending collapsible design
  • After putting it through hell — the verdict

Secret Yellowtail Snapper Bait Revealed and Bonus Fishing Tips

Jan 16, 2020

A yellowtail snapper bait that works when nothing else does in winter — plus bonus tips.

  • Winter yellowtail snapper bait secret
  • When to use it (when nothing else works)
  • Bonus tips for tough conditions

Secret Wahoo Lure Revealed

Jan 11, 2020

A deadly wahoo lure from Wild Willy that works rigged over a Bait Strip or Ballyhoo — east coast wide.

  • The Wild Willy wahoo lure
  • Rigging over a Bait Strip or Ballyhoo
  • Where it works (not just Florida Keys)
  • Why everyone should try it

Slow Pitch Jigging in the Florida Keys — Spots and Tips

Jan 8, 2020

Slow pitch jigging spots in the Florida Keys for snowy grouper, blue line tilefish, and queen snappers — plus the most important thing beginners miss.

  • Slow pitch jigging spots in the Florida Keys
  • Targeting snowy grouper
  • Blue line tilefish and queen snappers
  • The most important thing beginners miss

How to Find Red Groupers Fishing Spots off Islamorada

Apr 2020

How to locate red grouper fishing spots off Islamorada.

  • Red grouper behavior and habitat
  • Islamorada red grouper spots
  • Tips for finding new spots

2019 Episodes (44 episodes)

Captain Ryan "Gets Reel"

Dec 27, 2019

Recent events and wahoo fishing after the next hard cold front.

  • Recent events and updates
  • Wahoo fishing post cold front
  • What to expect this winter

What Goes Into My Fishing Charters and How I Get It All Done — With Melinda Van Fleet

Nov 27, 2019

Light-hearted podcast — what goes into running a fishing charter. Brook Crist Outdoors YouTube mention.

  • Behind the scenes of a fishing charter
  • How it all gets done
  • Brook Crist Outdoors YouTube channel

Wahoo Fishing with Land Shark Outdoors and Brook Crist Outdoors

Nov 24, 2019

Wahoo fishing video collaboration — 6 wahoo caught on film. Land Shark Outdoors, Brook Crist and Elliot London of Bait Strips.

  • Wahoo fishing video collaboration
  • 6 wahoo caught on film
  • Elliot London (Bait Strips) on the trip
  • How to target wahoo — on film

Interview with AtlasTrax Carolyn Stash

Nov 20, 2019

Interview with Carolyn Stash, President of AtlasTrax — GPS satellite tracking and alarm solutions for marine use.

  • AtlasTrax overview
  • Mini Trax and Solar Trackers
  • Marine, aviation and asset tracking applications

Florida Keys Fishing Consultant — Reef, Wreck and Offshore

Nov 13, 2019

New Florida Keys Reef, Wreck and Offshore Fishing Consultant/Coaching Program announcement.

  • New fishing consultant/coaching program
  • Mutton snappers, yellowtail snappers, wahoo
  • How to sign up

Fishing Tips — How to Do the Perfect Haywire Twist with this Tool

Nov 9, 2019

Using a haywire twist tool for making strong wire leader connections.

  • What is a haywire twist?
  • The haywire twist tool reviewed
  • Step-by-step for strong wire leaders

Tackle Tip Saturday — Weighted Ballyhoo and the Moon

Nov 2, 2019

Two must-read saltwater magazine articles on dead bait ballyhoo fishing and moon phases.

  • Recommended article #1 — dead bait ballyhoo
  • Recommended article #2 — moon phases
  • How to use moon data in fishing

Key Largo Fishing Charters — My Style of Fishing

Oct 30, 2019

Must-listen if you're thinking about booking a charter with Good Karma Sportfishing.

  • Capt. Ryan's style of fishing
  • What to expect on a Good Karma charter
  • Why his approach is different

Wahoo Fishing Lures — The Best Wahoo Lures

Oct 26, 2019

Catching wahoo on tough days — best lure selection.

  • Best wahoo lures for tough days
  • Lure selection process
  • Tight-lipped wahoo tactics

Ballyhoo Rigging for Wahoo Fishing — Cayman Crusher Rig

Oct 24, 2019

The Cayman Crusher dead ballyhoo rig modified for Florida Keys wahoo — and the results.

  • The Cayman Crusher rig explained
  • How it was originally used in the Caymans
  • Ryan's Florida Keys modification
  • Results from using it

Florida Keys Fun Fishing Wahoo

Oct 19, 2019

A recent Florida Keys fun fishing trip for wahoo.

  • Fun fishing trip story
  • Wahoo caught and how
  • Key Largo wahoo charter tips

Wahoo Fishing Lures and the Spread: Just Send It

Oct 16, 2019

How to select lures for targeting wahoo, dolphin, tuna, and sailfish in the Florida Keys.

  • Wahoo lure spread selection
  • Dolphin lure selection
  • Tuna and sailfish lure tips
  • The 'just send it' approach

Key Largo Fishing Charters — Wahoo Fishing

Oct 8, 2019

Why planer fishing is necessary when the surface water is dirty.

  • Dirty water wahoo tactics
  • Why planers are necessary
  • Getting baits below the dirty layer

How to Spool a Fishing Reel Using a Truck Tire

Oct 3, 2019

Using a truck tire and the Jay Jigs Bees Knees Line Spooler for re-spooling with perfect tension.

  • Why uniform tension matters when spooling
  • The truck tire method
  • Jay Jigs Bees Knees Line Spooler review
  • Faster spooling for multi-day operations

Best Wahoo Fishing Hooks

Sep 27, 2019

Deep-diving trolling plugs for wahoo during fall bait migrations — best hook selection.

  • Fall Florida Keys bait migrations
  • Why deep-diving plugs work
  • Best hook selection for wahoo plugs
  • Sailfish and tuna that follow the bait

Piano Wire for Wahoo Fishing

Sep 20, 2019

Why piano wire is the hot ticket for wahoo fishing — part of the 4-part wahoo series.

  • Why piano wire for wahoo
  • Piano wire vs. coated wire
  • Part of the 4-part wahoo series

How to Catch Yellowtail Snapper in the Florida Keys

Sep 19, 2019

Professional day-in/day-out techniques for catching big yellowtail snappers consistently.

  • Using chum balls for yellowtails
  • Best baits — speedos, shrimp, ballyhoo, goggle eyes
  • Year-round consistency techniques
  • Professional Keys guide approach

Secret Mahi and Blackfin Tuna Lure Revealed — Tackle Tip Thursday

Sep 12, 2019

Weedless dolphin and tuna trolling lures — found at the Yellow Bait House in Key Largo.

  • New weedless dolphin lures
  • Blackfin tuna trolling lures
  • Yellow Bait House Key Largo

Fishing Key Largo for Marlin — 4.5 Hour Blue Marlin Battle with a Release

Sep 11, 2019

Raised 2 blue marlin at once off Key Largo — and what happened next.

  • Raising 2 blue marlin at once
  • The 4.5 hour blue marlin battle
  • The release story
  • Key Largo offshore marlin GPS spots (in show notes)

How to Handle Challenges in Social Media

Sep 4, 2019

Joint podcast on social media challenges in the fishing business — you are not alone.

  • Social media challenges for fishing businesses
  • How competitors try to steal your energy
  • Mindset tips from Melinda
  • Positive thinking over competitive negativity

Dolphin Fishing Secrets: Dead Bait and Artificial Lures

Aug 29, 2019

Dolphin fishing tips and techniques for tough days — when fish don't want to eat.

  • Dolphin dead bait techniques
  • Artificial lure selection for tough days
  • How to save a tough offshore day

Vertical Jigging and Late Summer Season Dolphin Patterns

Aug 21, 2019

Shimano Twin Power spinning reels for vertical jigging — and using a log book to find dolphin.

  • Shimano Twin Power 8000 and 10000 for jigging
  • Why a fishing log book is important
  • Late summer dolphin pattern insights

Deep Drop Fishing Secrets Revealed

Aug 21, 2019

Deep dropping for queen snappers, snowy groupers, and tilefish.

  • Queen snapper deep drop techniques
  • Snowy grouper targeting
  • Tilefish secrets
  • Depths and equipment

How to Catch a Blue Marlin — Secret Lures Revealed

Aug 7, 2019

How Capt. Ryan caught his first blue marlin off Key Largo — and a secret marlin lure revealed.

  • First blue marlin story off Key Largo
  • Secret lure for blue marlin
  • Blue marlin setup and technique

Florida Keys Mini Lobster Season Insider Fishing Report

Jul 24, 2019

Detailed fishing report for the Florida Keys during Mini Lobster Season 2019.

  • Mini Lobster Season fishing conditions
  • What's biting and where
  • How lobster season affects fishing

How to Catch More Fish — Black Grouper Secret Revealed

Jul 15, 2019

Clients caught 20+ black grouper in under 2 weeks in the Upper Florida Keys — the secret revealed.

  • 20+ black grouper in 2 weeks — how it happened
  • The black grouper secret
  • Mutton snapper tips bonus

Episode 50: I Share My Secret with Those that Want to Be Better — Special Guest

Jul 7, 2019

50th episode! A secret shared with listeners who want to improve — with special guest Melinda Van Fleet.

  • 50th episode celebration
  • The secret for becoming better
  • Special guest Melinda Van Fleet

Ballyhoop Secrets and Tips for Catching More Bait — Part 2

Jun 12, 2019

Catching speedos using the Ballyhoop — plus a secret technique for large mangrove snappers.

  • Catching speedos with the Ballyhoop
  • Best baits for groupers and mutton snappers
  • Secret technique for large mangrove snappers
  • Weekly Florida Keys insider fishing report

Ballyhoop Secrets and Tips for Catching More Bait — Part 1

Jun 5, 2019

How to catch more bait using the Ballyhoop with a homemade chum recipe — selecting frozen chum and creating a soft chum mix.

  • Homemade chum recipe for the Ballyhoop
  • Selecting the right frozen chum
  • Creating a soft chum mix
  • Why the chum selection matters most
  • Alternative for those who use cast nets

Memorial Day Weekend 2019 Insider Fishing Report

May 22, 2019

Weekly insider fishing report for Key Largo, Islamorada and Tavernier — Memorial Day 2019 edition.

  • Memorial Day 2019 Florida Keys fishing conditions
  • Dolphin bite depth and time of day
  • Key Largo, Islamorada, Tavernier insider intel

Why I Started Deep Dropping and Vertical Jigging

May 15, 2019

Why Capt. Ryan started deep dropping and vertical jigging — plus Bait Wraps for catching more vermilion and yelloweye snappers.

  • Why deep dropping started
  • Vertical jigging in the Florida Keys
  • New product: Bait Wraps for deep dropping
  • Catching more vermilion and yelloweye snappers

How to Catch Mutton Snappers and African Pompano — Secrets Revealed

Apr 30, 2019

Mutton snapper tricks never shared before — plus a new yellowtail snapper chum that is hard to find.

  • Spring and summer mutton snapper tricks (never shared before)
  • African pompano secrets
  • New yellowtail chum brand revealed
  • Why he switched chum products

Vertical Jigging Tips and Techniques — Selecting Vertical Jig Assist Hooks

Apr 23, 2019

Detailed vertical jigging tips — assist hook material selection is critical.

  • Vertical jigging deep dives
  • Assist hook material — why it matters
  • Fish caught jigging: amberjacks, tuna, bonita, kingfish, snappers, groupers, wahoo, sailfish
  • Adrenaline rush of a vertical jig strike

How to Rig a Ballyhoo — Part 2 (Instructional Video Included)

Apr 8, 2019

Part 2 of ballyhoo rigging — with an instructional video.

  • Ballyhoo rigging Part 2
  • Instructional video included in show notes
  • Step-by-step guide

How to Catch More Yellowtail Snapper — Secrets to Avoiding the Tax Man

Mar 20, 2019

How to catch more yellowtail snappers in Key Largo, Islamorada and Tavernier by avoiding the tax man.

  • The tax man problem
  • Secrets to avoiding it
  • More yellowtails in the box consistently

Catch Em Up! The Ballyhoop Review

Mar 13, 2019

The Ballyhoop — first ever collapsible hoop net — a great cast net alternative for Florida Keys live bait.

  • Ballyhoop overview and review
  • Why it's better than a cast net in the Keys
  • Getting free shipping by mentioning Good Karma

Fishing Tips and Tricks for Catching Big Fish

Feb 25, 2019

Big fish tips — plus Strikeline Charts HD Maps for finding new Florida Keys fishing spots.

  • Tips and tricks for big fish
  • Strikeline Charts HD Maps overview
  • New Florida Keys fishing spots
  • Updated Episode 003 wahoo video and planer setup

Secret Dolphin Fishing Lure Revealed — Sight Fishing Dolphin

Feb 19, 2019

A secret lure used for years in the Florida Keys to catch big dolphin — revealed for the first time.

  • Secret dolphin lure revealed
  • First of several dolphin fishing seminars
  • Sight fishing dolphin offshore
  • Bigger dolphin techniques

How to Use a Deep Drop Rod and Reel as a Downrigger for Wahoo

Feb 6, 2019

Using an electric reel deep drop combo as a downrigger for slow trolling live baits deep.

  • Electric reel as downrigger setup
  • Slow trolling live baits deep for wahoo
  • Also works for kingfish, tuna, sailfish
  • Technical episode — show notes have step-by-step visual aids

Review of the Caddycan — Is It Really Worth Purchasing?

Jan 23, 2019

Brutally honest Caddycan review after over a year of putting it through hell.

  • What is the Caddycan?
  • Over a year of real-world testing
  • Brutally honest verdict — is it worth it?

How to Vertical Jig — Secrets Revealed!

Jan 16, 2019

New vertical jigging tips — including a secret technique for catching more blackfin tuna at the Islamorada Hump.

  • New vertical jigging tips
  • Secret technique for blackfin tuna at the Islamorada Hump
  • Using Bait Strips for vertical jigging
  • Bonus fishing tip in the show notes

Welcome 2019! Cheers 2018!

Jan 2, 2019

Happy New Year 2019! Year-end reflections and what's coming.

  • Cheers to 2018
  • Welcome 2019
  • Isla Mujeres vacation mention
  • Plans and updates for the new year

Ballyhoo Rigging Secrets Revealed: How to Rig Ballyhoo Part 1 of 3

Mar 2019

Part 1 of a 3-part ballyhoo rigging seminar — how to prep frozen ballyhoo and rig it to troll 2+ hours at 7-9 mph.

  • Prepping frozen ballyhoo before rigging
  • Rigging for trolling at 7-9 mph
  • Part 1 of 3-part series

Yellowtail Snapper Secret Bait for 'Flags' Revealed and a Ballyhoo Rigging Tip

Mar 2019

A yellowtail snapper trick to get past filefish and triggerfish in the chum — plus a ballyhoo rigging tip.

  • Secret bait for flag yellowtails
  • Getting past filefish and triggerfish
  • Ballyhoo rigging bonus tip

2018 Episodes (13 episodes)

How to Book a Key Largo Fishing Boat Charter

2018

Tips for making an informed decision when booking a fishing charter — what to know and what to ask.

  • Types of fishing available
  • What to look for in a charter captain
  • Questions to ask before booking

The Best Islamorada Fishing Small Boat Outrigger

2018

Capt. Ryan's journey to find the right outrigger setup for a 24ft center console — brands he recommends.

  • The Good Karma outrigger setup
  • Journey from beginner to current setup
  • Recommended outrigger brands

Islamorada Fishing Truth

2018

The art of fishing patience and the 'no quit' attitude — growing up fishing catfish and duck hunting with dad and grandfather.

  • Fishing patience from the Mississippi
  • No quit attitude on slow days
  • Life lessons from early fishing

A Beginners Guide to Black Grouper Fishing

2018

How to catch black grouper in the Florida Keys using chum balls and other tactics.

  • Black grouper basics
  • Using chum balls for grouper
  • Tips and tactics for beginners

AtlasTrax Review

2018

How the AtlasTrax mini GPS tracker helped Capt. Ryan optimize his performance on the water and catch more fish.

  • AtlasTrax mini tracker overview
  • How it optimizes on-water performance
  • GPS tracking for fishing

The Best Salt Water Fishing Tips

2018

Tips drawn from years of collecting saltwater fishing magazines — the real content that still matters.

  • Lessons from years of fishing magazines
  • What 'real' fishing content looks like
  • Timeless saltwater tips

Islamorada Fishing No Mates

2018

The story of 5 mates in 7 months — and why Capt. Ryan now runs the boat alone.

  • 5 mates in 7 months — each story
  • Why he now fishes without a mate
  • Life lessons from each scenario

South Florida Fishing Shark Problem

2018

A candid and controversial episode about the overpopulation of sharks in the Florida Keys and the impact on fishing.

  • The shark overpopulation problem
  • Why it's a controversial topic
  • How sharks affect fishing and safety

How to Find the Best Fishing Products on Instagram

2018

How to analyze 'insta-famous' fishing products for authenticity — can the owner back it up by actually catching fish?

  • Finding real fishing products on Instagram
  • How to spot fake 'insta-famous' products
  • Authenticity test: do they catch fish?

The Best Islamorada Weather Forecast

2018

How to use the best weather forecasting tools available to make the most of your fishing trip.

  • Why weather makes or breaks a trip
  • Best Islamorada weather forecasting tools
  • How to plan around the forecast

The Best Islamorada Fishing Charter Live Bait

2018

Why providing the best live bait is the most important thing a charter captain can do — lessons from a bad experience in Cabo.

  • Bad charter experience in Cabo San Lucas
  • Lesson: live bait quality is everything
  • Why Ryan includes bait cost in charter price

The Best Lure for Mahi Mahi

Dec 2018

The Good Karma Daisy Chain — materials, construction, and why it's Capt. Ryan's go-to for mahi mahi.

  • The Good Karma Daisy Chain breakdown
  • Materials: Boon Bait Dusters, hookless teasers
  • How to build and fish the daisy chain

Episode 000: Introduction Podcast

Aug 2018

The very first episode — Capt. Ryan introduces himself and explains why he created the Good Karma Sportfishing Podcast.

  • Who is Capt. Ryan Van Fleet?
  • Why the podcast was created
  • What listeners can expect