Ep. 73: Matt Florentino on Sand Bass Closures, Waterman’s Rods & Japan Connections

Guest: Matt Florentino | Hosts: Daniel Dahlin ([FISH]rx), El Charly, Luke Dean (Bait Slingers / Artemis Charters)

Matt Florentino came back for his second episode, recorded live on February 11, 2025 — this time covering the sand bass spawn closure petition more deeply, Waterman’s Collective custom rod builds including [FISH]rx-branded rods, and his experience taking Japanese fishing industry partners out for spotted bay bass. Matt’s industry connections give this episode a perspective on SoCal inshore fishing that most guests don’t have.

In This Episode

• Sand bass spawn closure petition continued — Matt’s deeper take on the Fish and Game Commission agenda item. The petition would restrict fishing during spawn aggregation periods, comparing historical data to current populations. Matt’s position: if the data supports intervention, he’s for it. The science matters more than convenience
• Waterman’s Collective custom rods — Grant at Waterman’s had been building custom rods including [FISH]rx-branded and Bait Slingers-branded models. A few one-off specialty builds going to the show alongside the regular lineup. Grant’s rod caught the notable halibut in the viral video
• Japanese fishing brand partners and spotty fishing — Matt hosted Japanese fishing industry partners and took them spotty fishing. The experience of introducing SoCal inshore fishing to people from a different fishing culture — their surprise at the harbor fishery, the product interest, the shared language of fishing
• Calico caught on film as intro to video — Daniel had just caught a good calico and called Matt to get it on video. The casual, real-time nature of the community — catch something, call someone, go film it
• Chovi in the bait mix — discussion of Chovi (anchovy-colored baits) and the role of natural anchovy patterns in SoCal inshore fishing. The Chovi color tied to matching the primary baitfish that runs through the harbors seasonally
• Next To Bass Lane — Matt’s connection to a fishing community hub in the South Bay. The local fishing culture centered on specific locations and meeting points

Beyond the Rod & Reel on Sand Bass

The sand bass closure conversation spans Ep. 72 and Ep. 73 back to back, which is notable. When the same topic carries across two episodes with two different guests both treating it seriously, it’s a real issue worth the community’s attention. The petition is in process. The outcome affects when and where SoCal anglers can fish for sand bass during spring.

Matt’s Japan connection is an unusual thread in the show. The fishing industry in Japan has deep interest in SoCal inshore species and techniques — the spotted bay bass particularly, because its compact body, aggressive behavior, and susceptibility to finesse presentations make it a compelling sport fish for anglers trained on Japanese freshwater techniques. Matt sitting in the middle of that connection is a position few SoCal anglers are in.

Watch the full episode on the Time On The Water YouTube channel. New episodes every Tuesday at 6 PM.