Anglers flocked to Trumbull, Connecticut on February 24, 2024, for the National Saltwater Fishing Seminar Series. Now in its 37th year, this eight-city tour brings top saltwater fishing expertise to enthusiasts along the East Coast. This year’s event was hosted by George Poveromo, host of “Saltwater Fishing with George Poveromo,” alongside renowned big fish specialist “Crazy” Alberto Knie.

Attendees were treated to a full day of informative presentations from some of the country’s leading saltwater fishing experts and a post event reception at Bass Pro Shops in Bridgeport, CT.

The seminar covered a wide range of topics, including:

• Prime fishing spots: The experts revealed their secret spots for catching everything from striped bass, fluke, blackfish, and tuna.
• Best times to fish: They shared their insights on the best times of year, day, and tide to target specific fish including the “magical windows” for the best success.
• Winning baits and lures: The pros unveiled their go-to baits, lures, and rigs for different saltwater fishing scenarios.

In addition to the presentations, attendees had the opportunity to:

• Meet the experts: Get up close and personal with the seminar speakers and ask them your burning fishing questions.
  • Captain Coral Rose – Noted Newport, Rhode Island-based authority on catching trophy striped bass, tautog and sea bass, with Sara Star Fishing Charters!
  • Captain Joey Leggio – Renowned Oceanside-based trophy striped bass and tautog pro with Frankie James Fishing Charters!
  • Captain Rick Mola – Legendary Norwalk-based authority on fishing Long Island Sound and an accomplished offshore pro of Fishermans World tackle shop!
  • Captain Alan Wenzel – South Florida-based authority on offshore live-baiting and trolling as well as conventional- and deep-drop bottom-fishing!
  • Max Finch – Noted authority on fishing Western Long Island Sound and targeting trophy striped bass!
  • George Poveromo – Renowned angling authority, Editor-At-Large for Saltwater Sportsman Magazine, and host of George Poveromo’s World of Saltwater Fishing on the Discovery Channel!
  • “Crazy” Alberto Knie – Legendary shallow water and land-based specialist at catching trophy fluke, striped bass and tautog!
• Win door prizes: Enter for a chance to win great fishing gear, including rods, reels, tackle, coolers, and Rum among other great items.
• Network with other anglers: Connect with fellow fishing enthusiasts and share your own tips and tricks.

Key Learnings included:

• Proper drift speeds to increase fluke catches.  Less than 1.7 MPG
• Locations and tactics for Spring striped bass in both the Western and Eastern Long Island Sound.
• Chunking tactics for striped bass and bluefish
  • Thrillfishing’s article: Chunking for Striped Bass and Bluefish.
• Electronics in your boat and how they can improve catches and have more fun on the water.
  • Thrillfishing’s articles on Technology and Fishing
• Alternatives to catch live bait if you cannot find the bunker schools.  Hint – Sabiki Rig.
• The proper use of circle hooks and how “standard” approaches can be updated with real world experience for better hook ups.  The key is a large gap between the shaft and the barb!

The National Saltwater Fishing Seminar Series is a fantastic opportunity for anglers of all levels to learn from the best. If you are looking to improve your saltwater fishing skills, be sure to check out upcoming seminars or next year’s events!