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)

Episode 73, recorded live on February 11, 2025, expands on the sand bass spawn closure conversation while adding a broader look at the SoCal fishing ecosystem — from custom rod builds to international interest in spotted bay bass fishing.

In This Episode

• Sand bass spawn closure petition — deeper discussion of the Fish and Game Commission proposal and its potential impact
• Waterman’s Collective rods — custom builds including [FISH]rx and Bait Slingers collaborations
• Japanese fishing industry connection — hosting international partners and introducing them to spotted bay bass fishing
• Real-time community fishing — catching a calico and immediately turning it into content
• Anchovy (“Chovi”) patterns — matching baitfish that drive seasonal harbor feeding
• Next To Bass Lane — local community hubs and how fishing culture forms around them

Why the Sand Bass Closure Matters

The sand bass closure discussion is one of the more important ongoing topics in the SoCal fishing community. When the same issue carries across multiple episodes — including Ep. 72 — it reflects a real concern with long-term fishery health.

Matt’s perspective is straightforward: decisions should follow the data. If population trends support intervention, then restrictions make sense. That framing shifts the conversation away from convenience and toward sustainability.

This kind of discussion matters because it directly impacts when and how anglers can fish. It’s not theoretical — it affects access, seasons, and long-term fish populations.

What Makes SoCal Fishing Unique

The Japan connection in this episode highlights something unique about SoCal inshore fishing. Spotted bay bass draw interest from international anglers because they combine aggressive behavior with finesse-friendly presentations. It’s a fishery that translates well across different fishing styles.

Matt’s role in that connection shows how local fishing can scale globally. The same techniques being used in SoCal harbors are relevant to anglers coming from completely different fishing cultures.

The anchovy (“Chovi”) discussion ties back to the fundamentals — matching the hatch. Seasonal bait presence drives feeding behavior, and adjusting color and profile to match that bait is one of the most consistent ways to get bites. The soft plastic color guide expands on how to approach that in SoCal water.

Why This Episode Matters

This episode matters because it connects fishing to the larger system around it — regulation, community, and global interest. It shows that fishing is not just about catching fish, but about how fisheries are managed and how knowledge spreads.

For SoCal anglers, the takeaway is to stay aware of both conditions in the water and changes outside of it. Understanding both sides leads to better decisions on the water and better outcomes long term.

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