Fishing for a Reason

Jamie Propst
  • 5.0 (16)
  • WILDERNESS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. 3D AGO

    58: Fishing Marine Areas 9 & 10: Gear, Tactics & Passion with Captain Dan Meyers

    If you're fishing marine areas 9 and 10 out of Edmonds and wondering why you're not consistently filling the cooler, this episode is for you. Captain Dan Meyers of Hunt Fish PNW joins Jamie & Scott to share decades of Puget Sound salmon knowledge — plus the exact gear setup, trolling tactics, and mindset that have him putting limits on the boat trip after trip. Episode Overview: How Dan went from growing up on a family fishing resort to running a charter business built on service and inclusionThe exact flasher and hoochie combo Dan runs on every trip — and why he stopped chasing shiny new gearDan's secret herring prep method: UV brine + vacuum seal = oily, fish-attracting strips that last all seasonWhy bumpers are a game-changer for flasher action — and how to choose the right lengthTrolling tips for keeping gear clean, dialing in cable angle, and avoiding the rat's nestTimestamps: 00:00 – Podcast intro 03:00 – Meet Dan Meyers (Hunt Fish PNW) and his childhood fishing resort story 07:00 – Military background and how it shaped his charter captain philosophy 13:00 – Dan’s new Duckworth 30XL vs his previous boat 16:00 – Fishing focus: Marine Area 9 & 10 salmon strategy 18:00 – Simplifying tackle: The Purple Hornet flasher setup 21:00 – Herring strip scent system and vacuum-sealed bait method 24:00 – Leader length adjustments and aggressive trolling tactics for coho 29:00 – Marine Area 13 fishing strategy and location differences 32:00 – Giant 41-lb king salmon caught in Elliott Bay 34:00 – Top king salmon spots: Possession Bar, Jeff Head, and oil docks 36:00 – Fishing with family: Dan’s daughter as deckhand 41:00 – VIP bumpers and gear tweaks that increase catch rates 43:00 – Preventing tangles, downrigger tips, and trolling speed strategy 49:30 – Advice for beginners: Why hiring a guide can accelerate learning 50:40 – Podcast tradition: Dan answers the final question 52:00 – Favorite fishing companies and gear recommendations Key Takeaways: Simplifying your gear to two or three proven setups will outfish a tackle box full of untested optionsCable angle at 45 degrees is your trolling speed gauge Vacuum-sealing UV-brined herring strips keeps them oily and effective all season longBumper length controls flasher action: shorter bumper = tighter roll, longer bumper = wider rollArea 10 coho are everywhere; area 13 kings require fishing specific spots tied to tide and currentThe best way to learn is to get on a charter and absorb everything — then apply it the next day on your own boatSlow your turns down with multiple downriggers out, especially when current is pushing against youResources & Links: Hunt Fish PNWHunt Fish PNW on Instagram: @huntfishpnw_Pro Troll FlashersStryker RodsThree Rivers MarineAnglers Unlimited Gold Waitlist & Bonus TrainingEpisode 56: How Washington Salmon Seasons Get Set (North of Falcon 101)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.

    55 min

  2. MAR 3

    57: Getting Started Salmon Trolling in Washington: The Complete Beginner's Overview

    New to salmon fishing in Washington state? Got a boat but feeling overwhelmed by where to even start? This episode breaks down the bare bones basics of trolling for salmon in Puget Sound, the Salish Sea, and the San Juan Islands. Whether you've never dropped a line or you're an experienced boater just getting into fishing, you'll walk away with a clear picture of what equipment you need and how the whole system works before you ever untie from the dock. In This Episode: • The essential trolling setup explained - downriggers, rods, reels, and why this method is so effective in Washington waters • What equipment you actually need to get started  • How to use your boat's electronics to find bait and mark salmon • The strategy behind intercepting hungry Chinook on their journey back to spawn • Where to find step-by-step visuals showing the actual rigging process Timestamps: [0:00] — Intro / hook ("Is this the year you're officially gonna get started...") [0:20] — Overview of what the video covers (trolling for salmon in Washington, Puget Sound, San Juan Islands) [0:45] — Jamie introduces herself and Anglers Unlimited [1:05] — Her personal fishing backstory (started in 2014, got skunked, found a repeatable process) [1:40] — What Anglers Unlimited offers (community, courses, channel) [2:05] — Mention of podcast / YouTube / Spotify [2:25] — Big picture overview of salmon trolling begins [2:40] — How trolling works (slow speed, targeting fish on migration) [3:10] — Introduction to downriggers (what they are and why you need them) [3:55] — Downrigger brands (Scotty, Cannon, Penn) and choosing your setup [4:40] — Rod, reel, and line setup (10'6" salmon rod, 20–30 lb mono, conventional reel) [5:05] — Electronics / fish finders (sonar, marking bait and fish) [5:45] — Referencing Episode 36 (Sonar Basics with Steve Chamberlain) [6:15] — Referencing the older salmon trolling basics video [6:45] — Anglers Unlimited Gold membership plug (anglersunlimited.com/gold) [7:15] — Sign off Key Takeaways: • Salmon trolling uses downriggers to get your presentation down to the depth where Chinook are traveling. • You'll need 10-15 pound lead weights, a 10'6" rod, 20-30 lb test mono, and a conventional reel. • The key to success isn't just gear - it's having a repeatable, step-by-step process. • Electric downriggers save work compared to manual, but both get the job done. • Bait balls look like clouds on sonar; salmon marks look like longer arches. Resources & Links: • Sonar Training: Episode 36 - Sonar Basics for Fishing with Steve Chamberlain • Visual Tutorial: Salmon Trolling Basics video • WDFW Fishing Regulations: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations • Anglers Unlimited Gold Membership: https://anglersunlimited.co/gold Call to Action: Want the full structured learning experience with step-by-step courses, monthly expert seminars, fishing maps, and a community of 60+ anglers who want you to succeed? 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 reloca

    10 min

  3. FEB 24

    56: How Washington Salmon Seasons Get Set (And How to Fight Back)

    If you've ever wondered why you can only fish for Chinook a handful of days a year while anglers in Canada are limiting out on fish from your own backyard — this episode is for you. Jamie breaks down the North of Falcon salmon season process from the ground up: where it came from, why it works the way it does, and most importantly, what you can do right now to get involved before the 2026 seasons are locked in.  Timestamped Sections 00:00 — Introduction: Why Jamie rush-recorded this episode  01:45 — What's at stake: Chinook seasons, Marine Area 7, and fishing for the next generation 04:20 — Big picture overview: halibut seasons expanding vs. Chinook contracting  05:45 — A brief history of Washington salmon fishing in the 1950s–70s  07:30 — Tribal fishing rights, treaty negotiations, and the Fish Wars  09:50 — The Boldt Decision (1974): what Judge George Boldt ruled and why it still governs everything  12:15 — Co-management: tribes as equal partners in science, decision-making, and enforcement  14:00 — What "North of Falcon" actually means and where the name comes from  15:45 — How the annual North of Falcon process works (February through June timeline)  18:00 — The ESA listing of Puget Sound Chinook (1999) and NOAA's annual biological opinion 19:30 — Common Q&A: Why only 5–6 days? Why can Canadians fish our fish? Hatcheries? Seals?  23:45 — Four action items to take right now before seasons are locked in Key Takeaways The Boldt Decision split the harvestable salmon 50/50 between tribes and non-tribal fishers — and that split is federal law, not something WDFW chose.Tribes aren't just participants in the North of Falcon process — they're co-managers with equal say in the science and decision-making.Marine Area 7's season shrunk from 92 days to 3–6 because constraining Chinook stocks that migrate through it are ESA-listedSalmon don't respect borders. Washington hatchery Chinook migrate to Canadian waters, and the Pacific Salmon Treaty governs how those fish are harvested.Hatchery production of Chinook in Puget Sound has roughly doubled since the ESA listing — without hatcheries, there would be very few fish left to target.Resources Mentioned WDFW Public Meeting Schedule: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/management/north-falcon/public-meetingsFish Washington App: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations/appNOAA — Puget Sound Chinook: https://www.fisheries.noaa.gov/west-coast/endangered-species-conservation/puget-sound-chinook-salmonHistoryLink — Boldt Decision: https://historylink.org/file/21084NW Indian Fisheries Commission: https://nwifc.orgEpisode 52 — The Science of Salmon: Fisheries Experts Reveal the Truth: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDhEf5IusdUAnglers Unlimited Gold: https://anglersunlimited.co/goldAttend the February 27th North of Falcon meeting — in person in Olympia or via Zoom starting at 9:00 AM. Register at This link

    28 min

  4. FEB 17

    55: Should You Switch to Lithium Batteries on Your Boat? Here's What You Need to Know

    If you've been thinking about swapping out your old lead acid batteries for lithium — but you're not sure if it's worth the money or if they're even safe — this episode is for you. Scott walks through his real-world experience after two years running lithium phosphate batteries on his boat, covering the pros, the cons, the gear you'll need, and the mistakes to avoid. In This Episode: Why lithium batteries are far safer than the lithium batteries that gave the technology a bad nameHow lithium nearly doubles your usable capacity at half the weightThe charger, inverter, and DC-to-DC changes you may need to makeWhy some outboard manufacturers (like Yamaha) say not to connect lithium directly — and how to work around itHow the battery management system app lets you monitor charge state and troubleshoot electrical draws in real timeScott's honest two-year review running EPOCH lithium batteries on his boatTimestamps: 00:00 – Introduction and Seattle Boat Show recap  01:30 – Anglers Unlimited Gold community update and PSA scholarship announcement  03:30 – North of Falcon salmon season setting preview  04:15 – Lithium battery safety: Why LiFePO4 is different from old lithium tech  06:00 – Pros: Capacity, weight savings, and consistent 14-volt output  08:30 – Cycle life and warranty  09:30 – Cost comparison: Lithium vs. Lead acid  10:00 – Charger upgrades: Why your old charger won't cut it  11:30 – Inverter compatibility and brand options  12:30 – The outboard question: Direct connection vs. DC-to-DC charger  16:00 – Dual-purpose batteries and cold cranking amps  17:30 – Charging best practices: The 20–80% rule  18:30 – The battery management app and real-world monitoring  20:30 – Scott's two-year honest review and final thoughts Key Takeaways: Lithium phosphate batteries nearly double your usable capacity at roughly half the weight of lead acid.They maintain above 14 volts all the way down — no more anxious voltage watching on long anchor days.Budget around $400 per battery versus $200 for lead acid, but factor in the 11-year warranty and 3,500+ cycle lifespan.Check your outboard manufacturer's stance before connecting lithium directly — a DC-to-DC charger is the safest route for most setups.Your old trickle charger won't work — lithium batteries need a compatible charger that can deliver 30+ amps for bulk charging.The battery management app is a game changer for monitoring charge state and tracking down mystery electrical draws.Keep batteries between 20–80% charge for maximum longevity — and you don't need to leave them plugged in when stored.Resources & Links: Anglers Unlimited Gold Waitlist: https://anglersunlimited.co/goldPSA Fidalgo Scholarship (Deadline March 15): https://www.psafidalgo.org/scholarships-and-grants/WDFW Fishing Regulations: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulationsNorth of Falcon Process: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/management/north-falconBrands Mentioned: EPOCH, Dakota Lithium, Victron, Ionic, MasterVolt (inverters)Want structured courses, expert seminars, fishing maps, and a community that helps you catch more fish? Join the waitlist for Anglers Unlimited Gold membership at https://anglersunlimited.co/gold

    22 min

  5. FEB 10

    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

  6. FEB 4

    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

  7. JAN 29

    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

  8. JAN 20

    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
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
16 Ratings

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
    58
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Fishing for a Reason
  • Show Website
    Fishing for a Reason

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