68: The new WDFW App: Setup Online Licensing Guide Before Season Opens

Rig Your Boat to Do It All: Burnewiin's Tom Anderson on Smart Boat Setup

This one was recorded dockside in Anacortes, right on the back deck of Jamie and Scott's new Pursuit 325 (you'll hear Navy jets flying overhead once or twice, no editing that out). Jamie & Scott sit down with Tom Anderson, owner of Burnewiin, right where his product actually lives. Tom walks through how he thinks about cockpit layout, why versatility at the rail level changes how you fish, cruise, and entertain, and how to set a boat up so you can go from trolling for salmon to cleaning fish to grilling dinner without gear getting in your way. Whether you're outfitting your first boat or rethinking your current setup, there's a lot here for you. Episode Overview: * How Tom went from ice fishing shanties in Wisconsin to running one of the Pacific Northwest's top marine accessory companies * A full walkthrough of Jamie and Scott's new Pursuit 325 and how Tom recommends laying out mounts for trolling, drift fishing, and bottom fishing * The gear that makes cleanup, cutting, and rigging on the water easier * New Burnewiin products in development * Tom's work with the American Sportfishing Association advocating for sport fishing access in Washington, DC, and how it connects to the North of Falcon process Timestamped Sections: 00:00 – Intro: why this episode was recorded dockside on the new Pursuit 325 01:00 – Meeting Tom Anderson, owner of Burnewiin 05:00 – From ice fishing in Wisconsin to running Burnewiin 10:00 – The story behind Jamie and Scott's new Pursuit 325 15:00 – Planning rod holder placement for trolling, drift, and bottom fishing 18:00 – Building a transom rigging and cutting station 23:00 – Fender cleats, rail mounts, and keeping the gunwale clean 25:00 – New products coming from Burnewiin 28:00 – DIY installation tips for boaters rigging their own boat 45:00 – Tom's favorite Burnewiin product and why 50:00 – Sport fishing advocacy and the fly-in to Washington, DC Key Takeaways: * Plan your rod holder placement around how you actually fish, not just how the boat came from the factory. * A modular mounting system lets one boat handle trolling, drift fishing, bottom fishing, and cruising without dedicated hardware for each. * The best gunwale accessories store out of the way until you need them, then lock in fast. * Quality accessories cost more up front but save you fish and frustration over time. * Sport anglers and tribes often share more common ground on fisheries issues than people assume. * Where individual anglers can actually make a difference on policy. Resources & Links: * Burnewiin: https://burnewiin.com/ [https://burnewiin.com/] * Islands Marine Center: https://www.islandsmarinecenter.com/ [https://www.islandsmarinecenter.com/] * American Sportfishing Association: https://asafishing.org/ [https://asafishing.org/] * Pursuit Boats: https://www.pursuitboats.com/ [https://www.pursuitboats.com/] Want the full structured learning experience? Join the waitlist for Anglers Unlimited Gold membership (opening July 2026) at https://anglersunlimited.co/gold [https://anglersunlimited.co/gold] 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.

68: The new WDFW App: Setup Online Licensing Guide Before Season Opens

The new WDFW App: Setup Online Licensing Guide Before Season Opens Before salmon season kicks off, there's one thing that can derail your whole day before you ever leave the dock: a fishing license problem. Jamie shares a real story from a shrimping trip gone sideways, then walks through exactly how to set up Washington's WDFW mobile app so you and your guests are legal, confident, and ready to go with the new online licensing system. In this episode: * How to recover a forgotten WDFW username and password step by step * Why a screenshot of your license is NOT legal and what is * How to find the shellfish license  * What to do if you're in a remote area with no cell service * The after-hours support number most anglers don't know about * Discover Pass vs. Vehicle Access Pass and why they're not the same thing Timestamps 00:00 - Dad forgets his license, chaos ensues  03:00 - Why Jamie made this video  04:00 - Myth #1: You CAN get after-hours WDFW support  05:00 - Myth #2: A screenshot is not a legal license  06:00 - Screen share walkthrough: WDFW website and app setup  09:00 - How to download and navigate the myWDFW app  10:00 - Finding the shellfish license in the app  12:00 - Discover Pass vs. Vehicle Access Pass explained  14:00 - "Account not found" and other common login hiccups  15:00 - What to do if you're remote with no service  17:00 - How to submit app feedback to WDFW  17:30 - Dead phone = forgotten license. Bring a power bank. Key Takeaways * WDFW has after-hours tech support at 360-902-2464 (option 1). Use it. * A screenshot of your license is not legal proof. You need the app's enforcement tab or a printed copy. * An annual saltwater license does NOT cover shellfish. That's a separate $20 purchase. * If you can't find a license in the app, use the search bar. It's easy to miss on the main page. * Mobile license holders cannot get a reprint at a sporting goods store if they lose service. * Open the app while you still have service before heading somewhere remote. It works offline after that. * A dead phone is the same as forgetting your license. Bring a power bank. Resources and Links * WDFW Mobile App (myWDFW): Search "WDFW" in the App Store * WDFW Mobile App Info Page: https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/apps/mywdfw [https://wdfw.wa.gov/about/apps/mywdfw] * WDFW After-Hours Tech Support: 360-902-2464, option 1 * App Feedback Email: appsupport@dfw.wa.gov * Anglers Unlimited Gold Waitlist: https://anglersunlimited.co/gold [https://anglersunlimited.co/gold] Ready to go deeper? Join the waitlist for Anglers Unlimited Gold membership at https://anglersunlimited.co/gold -- monthly expert seminars, step-by-step courses, fishing maps, and a community of 100+ anglers who want you to succeed. 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 and 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.

67: Baker Lake Sockeye: 15-Year Guide Shares Her System

Brianna Bruce of Livin' Life Adventures has guided Washington waters for 15 years and she fishes just about everything that swims. In this episode, she's back to share what makes Baker Lake sockeye one of the most unique and rewarding fisheries in the state, including the gear tweaks, troll speeds, and bait strategies that separate limits from empty coolers. In this episode: * Why Baker Lake produces the biggest, brightest sockeye in Washington — and why the fish arrive in such good condition * The troll speed mistake that kills most people's chances  * Why dodgers outperform flashers, and how leader length affects your hook-ups * Bait and scent strategies that are legal at Baker but not allowed at other sockeye lakes * How to fish the right depth  * Brianna's guiding philosophy: why the best trips aren't always about the fish count Timestamped Chapters: 00:00 - Welcome and intro to Briana Bruce 01:00 - Briana's background: a lifelong angler turned 15-year guide 05:00 - Guide philosophy: making memories when the fish don't cooperate 08:00 - Species and seasons: where Briana fishes year-round in Washington 14:00 - Why Baker Lake is her favorite fishery in the state 17:00 - 2025 season dates, limits, and run size forecast 20:00 - The mistakes anglers make: troll speed, dodgers, leaders, and bait 23:00 - Simulating a school and finding active fish 25:00 - The one that got away story Key Takeaways: * Troll significantly slower than kokanee setups * Short leaders outperform long flasher-style leaders in this fishery * Live sand shrimp early season, cured coon shrimp mid-season, cured prawn chunks late season * Fish the 20–40 foot zone — deep marks are usually bull trout or inactive fish * Run extra rods or dummy flashers to mimic a school and trigger more bites * Baker Lake opens July 11th tentatively this year with a starting limit of four fish * The run forecast  Resources & Links: * Briana Bruce / Livin' Life Adventures: livinlifeadventures.com [http://livinlifeadventures.com] * Book a charter or connect: gofish@livinlifeadventures.com | Text: 206-714-2112 * Facebook / Instagram / TikTok / YouTube: search Livin' Life Adventures Ready to go deeper? Join the waitlist for Anglers Unlimited Gold membership at https://anglersunlimited.co/gold [https://anglersunlimited.co/gold] — get access to exclusive trainings like the full Baker Lake Sockeye session with Briana, plus expert seminars, step-by-step courses, fishing maps, and a community of 60+ anglers who want you to succeed. 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.

66: How to Catch Spot Shrimp in Washington (Complete Beginner Guide)

How to Catch Spot Shrimp in Washington (Complete Beginner Guide) If you've been thinking about getting into shrimping this season, but aren't sure where to start, this episode is built for you. Jamie and Scott walk through a Shrimping 101 seminar pulled straight from inside the Anglers Unlimited Gold community, covering everything from pot selection and gear setup to processing your catch dockside. In this episode: * Why shrimping is one of the best entry points for new anglers and families * Spot shrimp biology, what makes these guys unique and why the season is short * Coffin pot vs. Ladner vs. square pots  * Pot puller options at every price point  * Line management with the SMI Rope Winder and why it matters * Bait setup: shrimp pellets, Pro-Cure attractant, Chub Mackerel, and Friskies cat food * Weather, tides, and current planning so you don't lose gear  * How to process your catch on the boat and stay in compliance Timestamps 00:00 — Welcome back + Jamie's first shrimping trip with the newborn  01:45 — 2026 shrimping regulation update and Marine Area 7 rule change  04:15 — Spot shrimp biology  05:30 — 2026 season dates and area openings/closures  07:30 — Four steps to shrimping success overview  07:50 — Shrimp pot breakdown: coffin pots, Ladners, and square pots  11:00 — Pot puller options: Scotty, Pacific Pro/Brutus, Max T-Hall  12:00 — Line management: bucket method vs. SMI Rope Winder  13:30 — C-links, cannonball setup, and connecting your rig  14:30 — Bait: pellets, Pro-Cure, Chub Mackerel, and cat food  16:00 — Weather and current planning  18:00 — Live boat footage: pulling a loaded coffin pot  20:30 — Processing your catch and counting limits on the water  21:30 — Pro tips: fishing logs, timers, and exploring new spots Key Takeaways * Coffin pots have the largest footprint and the most entry ramps — once Scott and Jamie switched, they started limiting out almost every time. * Orient your bridle longways (perpendicular to current) so both bait wells throw a wider scent trail. * Wind is not your friend — if it's bad out, you will lose pots. * Check your first set within 45–60 minutes so you have time to move if the spot isn't producing. * Keep a fishing log and mark productive spots on your sonar so you can return. * Always set a timer — it's surprising how fast the time goes and how easy it is to leave gear down too long. * Tidal prediction apps are helpful but they're predictions — not gospel. Resources & Links * WDFW Shrimping Regulations & Area Closures: https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/pandalus-platyceros [https://wdfw.wa.gov/species-habitats/species/pandalus-platyceros] * McKay Shrimp & Crab Gear: https://www.mckayshrimpandcrabgear.com/ * Navionics App: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/navionics-boating/id744920098 [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/navionics-boating/id744920098] * SailFlow: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sailflow-sailing-forecasts/id555309964 [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/sailflow-sailing-forecasts/id555309964] * Windy: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/windy-app-wind-tides-radar/id997079492 [https://apps.apple.com/us/app/windy-app-wind-tides-radar/id997079492] * Free Shrimp Pot Setup Guide + Recipe: https://anglersunlimited.co/shrimp [https://anglersunlimited.co/shrimp] Ready to go deeper? The full seminar — including a deep dive on where to find shrimp, how to read contours, and live Q&A — is inside Anglers Unlimited Gold.  Email support@anglersunlimited.co with "CATCH MORE FISH" to learn more. 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.

65: The Truth About Why Your Salmon Season Keeps Shrinking

If you've ever stared at a shrinking salmon season and wondered who decides this stuff—and why—this episode is for you. Jamie sits down with Gabe Miller, longtime fishing buyer and 14-year member of the Puget Sound Sport Fishing Advisory Group, to pull back the curtain on North of Falcon, the models behind your seasons, and the one 30-second habit that could actually help. You'll walk away understanding the system better than 99% of anglers out there. Episode Overview: * How North of Falcon, the feds, the tribes, and Canada all have to line up before your inside seasons get set * Why the $3 billion economic value of WA sport fishing keeps getting ignored * What VTRs are and how filling them out honestly protects future seasons * Why "don't tell the fish checker anything" is quietly hurting all of us * How the advisory group really works—and why those hallway relationships matter * The real bottleneck in the whole season-setting process (it's not what you'd think) Timestamps: 00:00 – Meet Gabe Miller & his PNW fishing background  00:02 – The serendipitous path to becoming a fishing buyer  00:05 – The $3 billion sport fishing economy nobody credits  00:11 – How losing steelhead opportunity pulled him into advocacy  00:12 – ESA, Hood Canal & how salmon stocks get managed 00:18 – Getting involved: joining the advisory group  00:24 – What VTRs are and why they matter  00:29 – The 30-second habit that protects your season  00:31 – Inside the Puget Sound Sport Fishing Advisory Group  00:38 – How the North of Falcon process actually works  00:41 – The real bottleneck: timing  00:44 – Gabe's epic fishing story with his son Key Takeaways: * WA sport fishing drives $3 billion, 17,000 jobs, and $275M in tax revenue—and rarely gets credit for it. * Telling the fish checker "I caught nothing" feels clever but sabotages next year's season. * Filling out a VTR honestly takes 30 seconds and genuinely helps the department manage seasons. * The advisory group carries no formal weight, but the relationships built there move the needle. * The biggest problem with season-setting isn't the science—it's the compressed last-minute timing. * Getting involved beats complaining online every single time. Resources & Links: * WDFW Fishing Regulations: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations [https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations] * North of Falcon process info: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/management/north-falcon [https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/management/north-falcon] * Pacific Fishery Management Council: https://www.pcouncil.org [https://www.pcouncil.org] * VTR Form https://str.wdfw-fish.us/home [https://str.wdfw-fish.us/home]  * FREE Salmon Training: https://anglersunlimited.co/3-essential-lures [https://anglersunlimited.co/3-essential-lures] * Join the Gold waitlist: https://anglersunlimited.co/gold [https://anglersunlimited.co/gold] Want the full structured learning experience? Join the waitlist for Anglers Unlimited Gold membership at https://anglersunlimited.co/gold [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.