Join Captain Ray Jarvis of Massachusetts and Captain Ben Whalley of Maine as they chat fishing, tactics and changing tides for one of the Atlantic Ocean's most iconic fisheries.

The North Carolina Marine Fisheries Commission is taking a clear, common-sense step forward at its May 2026 meeting. The proposed rule for Atlantic bonito (15A NCAC 03M .0524) is exactly the kind of proactive management we need more of on the Atlantic coast.

North Carolina currently has no rules in place for Atlantic bonito. No size limit. No bag limit. No stock assessment. Meanwhile, recreational landings have been climbing steadily since 2017 and now exceed the long-term average. North Carolina alone accounts for 22 percent of all coastwide recreational bonito harvest. That is a massive share of a coastal migratory resource, and the trend is unmistakable.

This episode is an important one, and not just because of the implications for red drum and menhaden management. This episode is the epitome of why we started the Guide Post years ago. The conservation community has been actively advocating for the reform of redfish and menhaden management in Louisiana. Advocates are rightfully riled up - and our team is far from shy when it comes to speaking the truth. We have done so in recent years on both fronts, especially in recent weeks regarding a menhaden bill package and a new proposal regarding bull red harvest at rodeos. Representative Joseph Orgeron reached out after our last episode and requested to join us for episode 202. His goal was to clear the air and foster a respectful conversation about recent happenings, his goals, our perspectives and differences in opinion. We believe that the goal was accomplished. As always, shoot us an email or message on social to let us know your thoughts - or if you have any lingering questions for Rep. Orgeron that may not have been answered here.

Everything isn't as it seems in the world of fisheries policy. What's happening right now in the Gulf is no exception.

We have somehow racked up 200 episodes of this dang thing. We can't believe it either. We decided to use this celebratory episode to goof off with the guides and advocates who make this episode possible. Enjoy a launch and get ready to hop back on the fisheries policy train for episode 201.

EP199

Well, that was unexpected...!