Fishing for a Reason

Jamie Propst
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Welcome to "Fishing for a Reason," the podcast that dives deep into the heart of fishing and the meaningful connections it brings. Hosted by Jamie Propst, founder of Anglers Unlimited, we explore the impact fishing has on our lives, communities, and environment so that you can become a more effective angler and catch more fish and have more fun every time you go out on the water or hit the hiking trails. Whether you target salmon, halibut, lingcod, crab, shrimp or fresh water species, there is something here for you. From tales of epic catches and new places to wet a line in the PNW, to discussions on life, love and business, and the latest fishing reports, "Fishing for a Reason" is your go-to source for inspiration and insight. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just casting your first line, join us as we discover the many reasons why fishing is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    54: How to Read Your Fish Finder (Even If You're Totally Confused)

    Staring at your fish finder and seeing nothing but squiggly lines? Or worse—a completely blank screen while you're trolling for salmon in Puget Sound? In this episode, Jamie breaks down the four essential fish finder skills that'll help you stop guessing and start catching more salmon in Puget Sound and Washington waters. You'll learn how to dial in your settings, interpret what you're actually seeing, and make real-time decisions that put your gear right in front of the fish. Episode Overview:  Why leaving your sonar on "auto" is sabotaging your catch rate How to choose the right frequency for your depth What those arches and bait balls actually mean—and what they don't Simple adjustments that will help you catch more fish consistently Timestamps: 00:00 – Why your fish finder feels overwhelming  01:00 – The 4 essential fish finder skills  02:00 – Using the right frequency for your depth  03:00 – Understanding what your sonar is showing you  04:00 – Don't be afraid to tweak your settings  05:00 – Fish finder decision making: React to what you see  06:00 – Making it a habit and final takeaways Key Takeaways:  Low frequency (50-83 kHz) = zoomed out, wide view with less detail. High frequency (200 kHz) = zoomed in, sharp detail on smaller area. Big arches don't always mean big fish—interpret shape, density, and what's around it. Your downrigger ball sits higher than the depth you set it at due to momentum and angle. When you see bait or marks, adjust your gear depth immediately—don't just observe. If you're not watching your fish finder consistently, you're missing fish.Resources & Links:  Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife fishing regulations: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulationsWant the full structured learning experience? Join the waitlist for Anglers Unlimited Gold membership at https://anglersunlimited.co/gold About the Podcast Fishing for a Reason is the Pacific Northwest saltwater fishing education podcast for new anglers and families who want to catch more salmon, halibut, lingcod, shrimp and crab in Washington waters. Hosted by Jamie & Scott Propst from Anglers Unlimited, each episode delivers practical techniques, local knowledge, and expert insights to help you get off the couch and into the fish. Perfect for relocated professionals, military families, and boaters who are just getting into fishing.

    7 min

  2. 4 FEB

    53: How to Buy Used Fishing Gear on a Budget (Without Getting Scammed)

    Summary New to saltwater fishing in the Pacific Northwest and worried about the cost of gear? You're not alone—quality downriggers can run $600-$1,000+ each at the tackle shop, which feels overwhelming when you're not even sure if the sport is right for you. In this episode, Jamie shares her proven strategies for buying used fishing gear (downriggers, rods, reels, and more) so you can get started fishing in Washington waters without breaking the bank, while avoiding common scams and duds. Episode Overview Where to find the best deals on used fishing gear online Red flags and green flags when evaluating used downrigger listingsHow to test used gear in person so you don't get stuck with broken equipmentNegotiating tactics that actually work Why buying used is a smart strategy—even for experienced anglersTimestamps 00:00 - Introduction: Why buy used fishing gear? 02:47 - Starting with Amazon: Understanding retail pricing 04:42 - Platform #1: OfferUp (checking ratings, pricing guidelines) 07:39 - Platform #2: Craigslist and Search Tempest for wider searches 10:37 - Platform #3: Facebook Marketplace (most active platform) 12:37 - Other places to find gear: boat shows, swap meets, word of mouth 14:32 - Red flags when buying used gear 15:32 - Green flags that indicate quality listings 16:32 - Questions to ask sellers before visiting 18:10 - How to test used downriggers in person 19:27 - Negotiating tips and tactics 21:07 - Final thoughts and call to action Key Takeaways Quality used downriggers should be in the $250-$400 rangeIf a seller won't let you plug in and test the gear, don't waste your time.Facebook Marketplace has the most volume, but OfferUp and Craigslist can have better deals with less competition.Saying "I've got $250 in my pocket" works better than "Will you take $250?"Always replace used cable or braid on downriggers—even if it looks okay.Search for common misspellings ("down rigger" with a space) to find listings others miss.Word of mouth through fishing clubs like Puget Sound Anglers can lead to the best deals. Resources & Links Search Tempest: https://www.searchtempest.comOfferUp: https://offerup.comFacebook Marketplace: https://www.facebook.com/marketplaceSeattle Boat Show (for new gear deals): https://www.seattleboatshow.comAnglers Unlimited Gold Membership Waitlist: https://anglersunlimited.co/gold About the Podcast Fishing for a Reason is the Pacific Northwest saltwater fishing education podcast for new anglers and families who want to catch more salmon, halibut, lingcod, shrimp and crab in Washington waters. Hosted by Jamie & Scott Propst from Anglers Unlimited, each episode delivers practical techniques, local knowledge, and expert insights to help you get off the couch and into the fish. Perfect for relocated professionals, military families, and boaters who are just getting into fishing.

    22 min

  3. 29 JAN

    52: The Science of Salmon: Fisheries Experts Reveal the Truth

    Opening Summary Chinook fishing seasons in Puget Sound keep shrinking while hatchery production has actually increased over time. This episode pulls back the curtain on fisheries management with a panel of experts representing over 120 years of combined experience. You'll discover where Washington's hatchery Chinook are really going, why international treaties matter more than local regulations, and what the Endangered Species Act actually means for your fishing days. If you've ever been frustrated by three-day seasons in your home marine area while Canadian anglers limit out just across the boarder, this conversation will finally make sense of it all. Episode Overview Why Chinook hatchery production has increased while our seasons continue to shrink How treaties with Alaska and Canada impact your Puget Sound seasonsThe real reason Marine Area 7 gets 3-5 days while other waters stay open year-roundWhat "mass marking" means and how it changed modern salmon managementWhy your license dollars fund fish that get caught in Canadian watersThe complex relationship between tribal rights, recreational fishing, and endangered speciesTimestamps 00:00 - Introduction: The contradiction of doubled production and reduced seasons  01:30 - Steve Stout on fishing tide point and the reality of 6-day seasons  03:00 - Pat Pattillo explains the history: from 1950s Neah Bay to today's restrictions  06:15 - The evolution of hatchery management and mass marking programs  09:45 - International treaty impacts: Why Canadians are catching Washington's fish  12:30 - Tom Chance on endangered species, tribal coordination, and complexity  16:00 - Mike Haggerty on hydrology, flood control, and productive Chinook populations  18:45 - The democracy of fisheries: North of Falcon and public participation  20:30 - Legacy fishing and teaching the next generation  22:00 - Why you should attend the Seattle Boat Show panel discussion Resources & Links Seattle Boat Show Panel: "The Science of Salmon" - Sunday February 1st at 3:00 PMFeaturing: Tom Chance (Lummi Natural Resources)  Steve Stout (Hatchery Management) Mike Haggerty (Fisheries Hydrologist) Pat Pattillo (Retired WDFW)Seattle Boat Show Tickets: https://www.seattleboatshow.comWDFW Regulations: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulationsNorth of Falcon Process: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/management/north-falconAnglers Unlimited Gold Waitlist: Want access to more conversations like these? Join the waitlist: https://anglersunlimited.co/goldSee you Sunday Feb 1st! Join us live at the Seattle Boat Show on Sunday, February 1st at 3:00 PM for "The Science of Salmon" panel discussion. Get your questions answered in person and discover what really happens behind the scenes of fisheries management.  About the Podcast Fishing for a Reason is the Pacific Northwest saltwater fishing education podcast for new anglers and families who want to catch more salmon, halibut, lingcod, shrimp and crab in Washington waters. Hosted by Jamie & Scott Propst from Anglers Unlimited, each episode delivers practical techniques, local knowledge, and expert insights to help you get off the couch and into the fish. Perfect for relocated professionals, military families, and boaters who are just getting into fishing.

    25 min

  4. 20 JAN

    51: New to Washington Fishing? Here's How to Find Your Local Crew

    If you've relocated to Washington or you're just getting started saltwater fishing in the Puget Sound or San Juan Islands, breaking into the local fishing community can feel impossible. You're watching everyone else post their big catches while you're coming home skunked, spending hundreds on trips that go nowhere. Here's the truth: the anglers crushing it aren't better than you—they just have better information about what is actually happening under the water’s surface. In this episode, Jamie breaks down exactly how to find your fishing crew and accelerate your success on Washington waters. Episode Overview Why fishing with a community matters more than you think - learn how local knowledge and fishing buddies help you avoid costly mistakes and catch more fish fasterThe 3 proven ways to break into the Pacific Northwest fishing scene - specific events, volunteer opportunities, and communities that actually welcome new anglersSeattle Boat Show 2025 breakdown - which seminars to attend, including the "Science of Salmon" expert panel on February 1stInside Puget Sound Anglers - how to find your local chapter and what to expect from monthly meetings with decades of local expertiseStructured learning communities - when to invest in step-by-step training that gets you on fish faster (Anglers Unlimited Gold opens February 2026)Timestamps: 00:00 – The Friday night scroll: why you're stuck on the outside looking in02:45 – The real cost of fishing blind (it's not just money)05:30 – Strategy #1: Show up to focused events like the Seattle Boat Show08:15 – Strategy #2: Volunteer at local fishing events (Salmon for Soldiers, local derbies)12:40 – Seattle Boat Show 2025 seminar lineup and what to attend18:20 – Strategy #3: Join Puget Sound Anglers (13 chapters across Washington)22:10 – Structured learning communities: Anglers Unlimited Gold membership overview26:45 – Success story: first-time San Juan Islands king salmon after one training session28:30 – Why fishing is just better with people Key Takeaways The guys crushing it aren't better anglers—they just have better intel. Show up to events where fishing people gather. Be honest about being new. Puget Sound Anglers chapters are everywhere and free to visit. Derby fishing is about networking at first, not winning. Piecing together knowledge vs. structured learning. Fishing is better with people—for learning and for bad days. Resources & Links Seattle Boat Show 2026: https://seattleboatshow.com/ Puget Sound Anglers: https://pugetsoundanglers.org/home/ Local Fishing Events: Salmon for Soldiers: https://salmonforsoldiers.org/Everett Coho Derby: https://everettcohoderby.com/Edmonds Coho Derby: https://www.edmondscohoderby.com/Anacortes Resurrection Derby: https://www.resurrectionderby.com/Anacortes Halibut Derby: https://www.psafidalgo.org/anacortes-halibut-derby/Anglers Unlimited: Join the Waitlist: https://anglersunlimited.co/gold Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations Want the full structured learning experience? Join the waitlist for Anglers Unlimited Gold membership (opening February 2026) at

    18 min

  5. 13 JAN

    50: Washington Salmon Fishing Rules Made Simple | Marine Areas, Closures & Species Limits

    Washington State salmon regulations are some of the most complex in the country—and making one small mistake can lead to hefty fines, confiscated gear, or worse. In this episode of Fishing for a Reason, Jamie walks listeners step-by-step through how to properly navigate Washington salmon rules so you can fish confidently and legally every trip. From understanding marine area boundaries and emergency closures to identifying legal salmon species and hatchery fish, this episode breaks down what most anglers get wrong—and exactly how to avoid it. Whether you’re new to salmon fishing or have decades on the water, these rules change fast, and staying current is critical. What You’ll Learn in This Episode How Washington marine areas work and why fishing in the wrong one can cost youThe most common regulation mistakes salmon anglers makeHow to properly check WDFW emergency closures before every tripHow to read the salmon regulation pamphlet without getting overwhelmedSalmon species limits explained (Chinook, Coho, Pink, hatchery vs wild)How to legally identify hatchery salmon using the adipose finWhy barbless hooks are required in WashingtonThe smartest way to document regulations before leaving the dockResources & Links Mentioned in the Episode Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife (WDFW) Washington Sport Fishing RegulationsAnnual Fishing Pamphlet 2025 - 2026Fish Washington Mobile AppWDFW Emergency Fishing RulesWDFW Email Alerts & Mailing ListSalmon Identification Guide WDFW Fishing Hotline & Customer ServiceJOIN OUR INNER CIRCLE: Anglers Unlimited Gold MembershipAccess our BONUS Training: 👉 3 Salmon Fishing Lures Secret Video

    20 min

  6. 10 JAN

    49: Why You’re Not Catching Salmon (And the Proven System Elite Anglers Use Instead)

    If you’re tired of burning fuel, chasing other boats, and coming home with an empty cooler, this episode is for you. Jamie breaks down why most anglers struggle to catch salmon consistently—and why it has nothing to do with luck, secret spots, or the newest gear. Instead, successful anglers follow a repeatable system that adapts to conditions, tides, and fish behavior. You’ll learn the foundation of the 4 P’s Method and how treating fishing like a well-oiled machine can completely change your results on the water. This episode is especially valuable for Puget Sound, Salish Sea, and San Juan Islands anglers who want more confidence, fewer frustrating days, and more fish in the box. What Listeners Will Learn Why salmon fishing success has nothing to do with luck or “magic” gearThe 4 P’s Method and how elite anglers use it to catch fish consistentlyCommon mistakes that sabotage most fishing tripsWhy strategy matters more than time spent fishingHow reading tides, currents, and electronics increases your hookup rateHow to stop guessing and start fishing with confidenceResources Mentioned FREE Exclusive Training: The Only 3 Salmon Lures You Need — And Exactly How We Rig Them

    14 min

  7. 30/12/2025

    48: Why Your Off-the-Shelf Salmon Rod is Holding You Back (And What to Use Instead)

    If you’re unsure what fishing rod you should be fishing for salmon — or you’ve bought gear in the past that never felt right on the water — this episode will clear the confusion fast. On this week’s Fishing for a Reason, we sit down with founder of ProLite Rods Chris Wegeleben, who has spent nearly a decade building technique-specific fishing rods for salmon, halibut, and nationwide fisheries. Chris explains how choosing the right blank, power, and action directly affects your hookup rate, your fight control, and how many fish make it to the net. Instead of chasing brands or stiffness, you’ll learn how to choose gear based on how you actually fish — whether that’s trolling for kings in Puget Sound, or jigging heavy pipe for halibut in Alaska. If you want to stop guessing, start buying with confidence, and get more fish to the boat, this is the episode to listen to. What You’ll Learn: How rod design actually affects landing ratesThe real role of rod blanks and materialsWhen to choose graphite, fiberglass, or composite tipsWhy longer rods help cushion king head-shakes near the boatHow to match power/action to your technique (downrigger, mooching, 360, jigging)The difference between durability-built guide rods and sensitivity-built rec rodsHow beginners should shop their first salmon rod without overspendingHalibut rod setup—lengths, fast tips, and why spiral wraps reduce torqueResources Mentioned JOIN OUR INNER CIRCLE: Anglers Unlimited Gold MembershipProlite Rod Technology (Custom Builds, Take-Down Rods, Salmon & Halibut Gear)

    30 min

  8. 23/12/2025

    47: Squid Fishing in the San Juan Islands & Puget Sound — When, Where, and Why It Fires in Winter

    In this episode, Jamie dives deep into the science, migration, and behavior of Pacific Market Squid—Washington’s most accessible winter fishery. Whether you’re jigging from Edmonds Pier at night or hunting massive schools from a boat with sonar, understanding migration, spawning windows, and habitat will directly increase your success rate. If you love accessible fisheries, fast action, winter nights, and a freezer full of calamari—this is your jam. What Listeners Will Learn Why Pacific Market Squid return to Puget Sound by the millions in winterHow their short life cycle & single-spawn death creates boom-or-bust fisheriesHow females spawnTypical commercial harvest volumeThe seasonal migration route Why night lights draw schools into casting rangeWashington retention rules (up to 10 pounds, water drained)Why El Niño collapses production and La Niña supercharges abundanceWhere to go next for tactics.Resources Mentioned Episode 35 – Squid Fishing in Puget Sound: Gear, Jigs & Secrets to Get You StartedAnglers Unlimited Gold Membership & SeminarsWashington Squid Limits & Regulations – WDFW site

    18 min
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About

Welcome to "Fishing for a Reason," the podcast that dives deep into the heart of fishing and the meaningful connections it brings. Hosted by Jamie Propst, founder of Anglers Unlimited, we explore the impact fishing has on our lives, communities, and environment so that you can become a more effective angler and catch more fish and have more fun every time you go out on the water or hit the hiking trails. Whether you target salmon, halibut, lingcod, crab, shrimp or fresh water species, there is something here for you. From tales of epic catches and new places to wet a line in the PNW, to discussions on life, love and business, and the latest fishing reports, "Fishing for a Reason" is your go-to source for inspiration and insight. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just casting your first line, join us as we discover the many reasons why fishing is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life.

Information

  • Creator
    Jamie Propst
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    54
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fishing for a Reason
  • Show Website
    Fishing for a Reason

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