Tom Rowland Podcast

Carey Chen is a world-traveled marine artist and lifelong fisherman who turned a passion for blue water into a career—painting billfish from memory and chasing giants with some of the best crews on earth. Born in Los Angeles to Jamaican parents, raised in Jamaica, and later based in Miami, Carey went from motorcycles and video stores to fishing tournaments across the Caribbean, licensing deals, and live painting at world-class events. In this conversation, we get into how a first sailfish on a kite lit the fuse, why sonar is changing offshore fishing (and why he thinks it’ll soon be on every boat), what it’s like to fish with the Bad Company program, and how a lifetime of travel turned into 3,000+ paintings “stuck in his head.” Some of the moments I found most meaningful in this conversation were: The first sailfish on a kite off Miami—and how one fish can change your life From fisherman to painter: leaving retail, painting live, and getting “discovered” at boat shows Fishing the world with Bad Company: Mag Bay marlin numbers that sound impossible until you see them The sonar debate: why new tech doesn’t replace skill—but rewards crews who master it Big-fish mindset: chasing granders, tagging programs, and letting the big breeders go Seychelles, Cape Verde, Madeira: what “no-pressure” fisheries really feel like Growing up around legends—boxing promoters, Bob Marley, and the value of giving back through art Timestamps 00:00 Intro & who is Carey Chen 01:35 Jamaica → Miami → first sailfish on a kite 05:10 From fisherman to artist: the boat show breakthrough 10:42 Touring the Caribbean tournaments & live painting 15:28 Bad Company stories: Mag Bay marlin madness 21:40 Sonar, strategy, and the “is it cheating?” debate 28:05 Chasing granders: Africa, Cape Verde, Madeira 34:20 Seychelles & the magic of low-pressure fisheries 40:55 Flats talk: triggers, bumpheads, bonefish, Andros 47:10 Art from memory: anatomy, light, and getting it right 52:25 Business today: licensing, dropship, 3,000+ pieces 57:30 Growing up around champions & giving back 1:02:10 Final thoughts on passion → profession 🔗 Visit Carey Chen’s Website – [custom link] 🔗 Connect With Carey: Instagram → @[guest_handle] Website → [guest_website] 📘 Free Resources: 🎁 Saltwater Knot Guide → https://bit.ly/3UnAeIP 🎙️ Tom Rowland Podcast → https://bit.ly/3O4lgn0 📺 Subscribe for More Unfiltered Conversations → https://www.youtube.com/saltwaterexperience?sub_confirmation=1 📱 Follow the Show: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/saltwater_experience/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@saltwaterexperience Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/tvswe #MarineArt #Billfish #BigGameFishing #Fishing #SaltwaterLegends

Shane Reynolds is an award-winning producer, explorer, and storyteller who’s worked on Discovery Channel, Nat Geo, and Travel Channel shows in more than 65 countries. You might know him as Color Earth on Instagram, where his camera drops reveal the hidden world under piers, bridges, and reefs. In this conversation, we dive into: How a simple 360 camera drop turned into viral content. The wildest behind-the-scenes stories from Nat Geo and Discovery expeditions. Sharks, aggregations, and what’s really happening under Florida’s waters. Survival in the Guyana jungle while filming “Shane Untamed.” 🔗 Visit Shane’s Work – https://www.colorearth.tv/ 🔗 Connect With Shane: Instagram → @colourearthpro YouTube → youtube.com/shanereynolds 📘 Free Resources: 🎁 Saltwater Knot Guide → https://bit.ly/3UnAeIP 🎙️ Tom Rowland Podcast → https://bit.ly/3O4lgn0 📺 Subscribe for More Unfiltered Conversations → https://www.youtube.com/saltwaterexperience?sub_confirmation=1 📱 Follow the Show: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/saltwater_experience/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@saltwaterexperience Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/tvswe

At 16, Jordan Thomas lost both legs in a Keys boating accident—and turned it into purpose. He launched the Jordan Thomas Foundation to help kids get the prosthetics and community they need through age 18, and he’s now a top adaptive golfer competing at the US Adaptive Open in Pinehurst. We get into mindset and trauma, why running blades aren’t covered, real talk on water safety, community beats hardware, and pushing policy so access is affordable and durable. Big heart, big mission—tons of practical takeaways. Connect with Jordan Instagram — @jordanthomasfoundation Website — https://www.jordanthomasfoundation.org Free Resources Saltwater Knot Guide — https://bit.ly/3UnAeIP Tom Rowland Podcast — https://bit.ly/3O4lgn0 Subscribe for More Unfiltered Conversationshttps://www.youtube.com/saltwaterexperience?sub_confirmation=1 Follow the Show Instagram — https://www.instagram.com/saltwater_experience/ TikTok — https://www.tiktok.com/@saltwaterexperience Facebook — https://www.facebook.com/tvswe

Conway Bowman is a legendary San Diego fly-fishing guide and pioneer of sight-fishing mako sharks from a 24’ bay boat. He’s a former wetlands manager who grew up in San Diego, spent summers in Idaho, and built a career around putting anglers eye-to-eye with apex predators—and sending them home safely. In this conversation, we talk about why makos have gotten so big, the exact conditions he looks for, and the discipline it takes to keep people safe when a 400- to 800-pound shark turns on the afterburners. 📘 Free Resources: 🎁 Saltwater Knot Guide → https://bit.ly/3UnAeIP 🎙️ Tom Rowland Podcast → https://bit.ly/3O4lgn0 📺 Subscribe for More Unfiltered Conversations → https://www.youtube.com/saltwaterexperience?sub_confirmation=1 📱 Follow the Show: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/saltwater_experience/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@saltwaterexperience Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/tvswe #MakoShark #FlyFishing #ConwayBowman #SanDiegoFishing #BluefinTuna #SaltwaterLegends

Jimmy Armel, an Army Ranger veteran and founder of Not Lucky Veteran Fishing, shares his inspiring journey from combat to healing. He discusses the traumatic realities of military life, including concussions and the impact of stolen valor on veterans. Jimmy highlights how fishing became his lifeline, leading him to create free trips for veterans. He also dives into the transformative power of psychedelic therapy, recounting his experiences with ibogaine that ignited a passion for service and purpose, emphasizing community over pity in supporting fellow veterans.

Captain Blair Wiggins — known to many as the Mogan Man from Addictive Fishing — has spent decades shaping saltwater fishing on Florida’s Space Coast. Today, he’s leading the charge on one of the most ambitious conservation projects in the state: planting over 96 million clams to restore the Indian River Lagoon. In this conversation, Blair and I go deep on fishing history, the birth of Addictive Fishing, the boom and bust of the clam fishery, his new show Blair Wiggins Outdoors, and why restoring water quality is the fight of our generation. Some of the moments I found most meaningful in this conversation were: The wild story of how “Mogan” became his nickname and brand. The rise of Addictive Fishing and what it was like to film all over the world. His first trip to Alaska — and how it changed him. The shocking scale of clam overharvesting and the black water years in the Indian River. How the Clam Project is filtering Florida’s waters and changing the future for fish, anglers, and families. 00:00 Introduction 01:10 The Origin of the “Mogan Man” 03:45 Addictive Fishing & Early ICAST Days 10:15 Adventures Filming Worldwide 14:30 Blair Wiggins Outdoors & Working With His Son 19:00 The Indian River Clam Project Story 23:45 Funding, Partners & Education Efforts 28:10 Water Quality Challenges & Fertilizer Impact 32:00 Final Reflections & Call to Action 🔗 Visit the Indian River Clam Project – https://irlclamproject.org 🔗 Connect With Captain Blair Wiggins: Instagram → @blairwigginsoutdoors Website → https://blairwigginsoutdoors.com 📘 Free Resources: 🎁 Saltwater Knot Guide → https://bit.ly/3UnAeIP 🎙️ Tom Rowland Podcast → https://bit.ly/3O4lgn0 📺 Subscribe for More Unfiltered Conversations → https://www.youtube.com/saltwaterexperience?sub_confirmation=1 📱 Follow the Show: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/saltwater_experience/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@saltwaterexperience Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/tvswe #ClamRestoration #BlairWiggins #FishingConservation #MoganMan #SaltwaterLegends

Wesley Brough — better known as Cabo Surf Caster — has been fishing the beaches of Baja for over 25 years. From trophy roosterfish to monster Pacific cubera snapper and mahi right from the sand, Wesley has dialed in one of the most unique surf fisheries in the world. In this conversation, we talk about Baja’s seasons, species behavior, lure tactics, guiding in Cabo, and what makes land-based fishing so addictive. Wesley also shares the behind-the-scenes strategy behind his epic social media clips that get millions of views. Some of the moments I found most meaningful in this conversation were: How Baja’s beaches have changed — and where the fish still thrive The seasonal game plan from January to December for multiple species The insane story of landing a 73-pound Pacific cubera snapper on a surface lure Roosterfish “Godzilla mode” and how to time your cast perfectly The thrill (and heartbreak) of hooking big mahi from shore 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Growing Up in Cabo 06:45 Beach Access & Changing Coastlines 12:15 Seasonal Fishing Calendar in Baja 19:00 Tactics for Sierra Mackerel & Needlefish 28:10 Cubera Snapper on Topwater 39:30 Roosterfish Behavior & “Godzilla Mode” 51:15 Mahi in the Surf & Lost Giants 1:02:20 Life as a Full-Time Surf Fishing Guide 1:13:45 Social Media Strategy & Content Creation 1:21:00 Best Times to Visit Cabo for Fishing 🔗 Visit Wesley’s Website – https://cabosurfcaster.com 🔗 Connect With Wesley: Instagram → https://instagram.com/cabosurfcaster2 YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@CaboSurfCaster 📘 Free Resources: 🎁 Saltwater Knot Guide → https://bit.ly/3UnAeIP 🎙️ Tom Rowland Podcast → https://bit.ly/3O4lgn0 📺 Subscribe for More Unfiltered Conversations → https://www.youtube.com/saltwaterexperience?sub_confirmation=1 📱 Follow the Show: Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/saltwater_experience/ TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@saltwaterexperience Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/tvswe #Roosterfish #SurfFishing #CaboMexico #FishingPodcast #SaltwaterLegends

Jameson Reeder Jr. is a shark attack survivor, amputee, surfer, and one of the most courageous young men I’ve ever spoken with. At just 10 years old, Jameson was attacked by a 9-foot bull shark while snorkeling in the Florida Keys. What followed was a miraculous chain of events involving strangers, a nurse who swam through shark-infested waters, a faster boat, and a powerful spiritual encounter that Jameson says saved his life. He and his father Jamon recount the entire journey in their new book, Rescue at the Reef. In this conversation, we talk about trauma, faith, family, facing your fears, and how this young man chose purpose over fear—and joy over bitterness. Some of the moments I found most meaningful in this conversation were: The unbelievable moment Jameson said, “Jesus is going to save me,” moments after losing his leg Jamon’s impossible decision to hand off his son to a stranger on a faster boat Jameson’s vision of Jesus and the peace that carried him through the ride back The family’s return to the reef just weeks later to reclaim joy and face fear How Jameson now comforts others with trauma, proving strength can come in small packages Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction 01:10 Reeder family roots in the Keys 06:45 The day of the shark attack 15:00 The miracle rescue unfolds 22:45 Jameson’s spiritual experience on the boat 28:00 Hospital, trauma, and family response 35:15 Returning to the reef & keys that unlock fear 46:50 Speaking to others with trauma 54:40 Surfing, fishing, and shark advocacy 1:06:15 Finding purpose and what's next for Jameson 🔗 Visit Jameson & Jamon’s Website: https://rescueatthereef.com🔗 Connect With Jameson:Instagram → @jamesonreederjrWebsite → https://rescueatthereef.com 📘 Free Resources:🎁 Saltwater Knot Guide → https://bit.ly/3UnAeIP🎙️ Tom Rowland Podcast → https://bit.ly/3O4lgn0 📺 Subscribe for More Unfiltered Conversations→ https://www.youtube.com/saltwaterexperience?sub_confirmation=1 📱 Follow the Show:Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/saltwater_experience/TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@saltwaterexperienceFacebook → https://www.facebook.com/tvswe #RescueAtTheReef #JamesonReederJr #SharkAttackSurvivor #OvercomingFear #SaltwaterLegends 📘 Get the Book: Rescue at the Reef🎁 Free Saltwater Knot Guide → https://bit.ly/3UnAeIP🎙️ More Episodes → https://bit.ly/3O4lgn0 #RescueAtTheReef #

Jonathan Gluck is an award-winning writer and editor who was diagnosed with multiple myeloma at age 38 and given just 18 months to live. Over 21 years later, he joins Tom to share how fishing helped him survive, how mindset plays into healing, and why he wrote An Exercise in Uncertainty. This episode covers purpose, parenting, diagnosis, remission, resilience, and how to live when you don't know how much time you have left. If you liked this episode, share it with a friend, rate the show, and stay tuned for more unfiltered conversations. Tune in to hear this inspiring story and learn from John's experiences. You can also buy Jonathan’s book, “An Exercise in Uncertainty” wherever books are sold.  00:00 Introduction and Greetings 00:18 Fishing in Idaho and Jackson 00:47 The Glory Days of Fishing 01:16 Challenges of the Salmon Fly Hatch 02:54 Introducing the Book: An Exercise in Uncertainty 03:17 John's Illness and Diagnosis 03:51 Fishing as a Lifeline 04:47 Writing and Fishing Adventures 08:17 Career and Writing Focus 10:23 The Diagnosis Journey 18:26 Coping with Uncertainty 26:02 Purpose and Priorities 29:10 Fishing Dreams and Realities 33:25 Reflections on Health and Life 35:42 Facing Mortality and Embracing Life 36:45 Dealing with Remission and Relapse 39:22 Finding Solace in Fishing 42:36 The Role of Diet and Exercise 44:56 Advice for Cancer Patients 48:08 Writing the Book: A Journey of Reflection 53:53 The Importance of Mindset 01:05:08 Publishing and Promoting the Book 01:13:12 Final Thoughts and Future Plans 🚀 Special Thanks to Our Sponsor: Star brite https://bit.ly/TomRowlandPodcast 👋 Stay Connected with Tom Rowland: Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tomrowlandpodcast Website & Show Notes https://bit.ly/3O4lgn0 Text: +1 (305) 930-7346 Email: podcast@saltwaterexperience.com 🔗 Explore More: All Socials and Links https://linktr.ee/TomRowlandPodcast 🎥 Discover More of Tom’s Shows: Saltwater Experience https://bit.ly/4by096g Into the Blue Fishing https://bit.ly/48VZYju Life on the Water https://bit.ly/3Pp9rbs

How Jake Hutchison Built a Career in Fishing and Social Media In this episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, I sit down with social media expert and fishing enthusiast Jake Hutcheson. Jake shares his unique journey from fishing in bass tournaments as a middle schooler to building custom rods and managing social media for Mudhole, a fishing rod company. Discover how growing out his hair became the best decision Jake made for his business development and hear his insights on using social media to drive sales and build a brand in the fishing industry. All of my other socials can be found here : https://linktr.ee/TomRowlandPodcast The Tom Rowland Podcast is presented by Star brite! Star brite is clean and protect with Star brite, a leading manufacturer of appearance, maintenance, and performance chemicals and accessories, serving the marine, RV, automotive, powersports, hardware, and home care industries for over 50 years. Headquartered in Fort Lauderdale, FL, and with its manufacturing plant in Montgomery, AL, the company produces “Made In The USA” products, including its flagship ethanol fuel treatment, Star Tron Enzyme Fuel Treatment. https://bit.ly/48tNW0y Podcast Chapters: 00:00 Introduction and Sponsor Message 00:17 Meet Jake Hutchison: The Man Behind the Hair 01:41 Jake's Early Fishing Adventures 04:08 The Entrepreneurial Spirit: From Mowing Lawns to Guiding Fishing Trips 06:39 Discovering Rod Building 10:34 Landing the Dream Job at Mudhole 12:56 Navigating Social Media for Business Success 27:09 The Evolution of Social Media Platforms 32:27 Exploring the Fishing Industry 32:43 Creating Opportunities for Young Creators 34:33 The Importance of Social Media Skills 35:37 Impact of Social Media on Fishing 41:52 Forward Facing Sonar Debate 47:45 Fishing Etiquette and Social Media 53:26 ICAST and Influencer Marketing 58:51 Hot Seat Questions and Wrap-Up