Where are all the Striped Bass? With Peter Jenkins

Where are all the Striped Bass? With Peter Jenkins

Author: Tom Rosenbauer, The Orvis Company August 4, 2026 Duration: 1:27:15

My guest this week is Peter Jenkins [28:08], owner of the Saltwater Edge in Rhode Island and chairman of the American Saltwater Guides Association. Peter is a lifelong striper addict and has also followed the plight of the striped bass and the many management plans that try to preserve this valuable resource. He talks about the history of striped bass populations, why they are in decline right now, and what can be done to get back to the "glory days" of the late 1990s.

In the Fly Box this week, I try to answer the following questions:
What are tipping guidelines for a fishing guide in Italy?
Are big articulated streamers mostly for targeting trophy fish?
I had three fish completely swallow my dry fly. Do you have any insights on why they do that sometimes?
Is it wise to sometimes start with a small fly rather than a large one?
If I only have a leader and tippet on the water, should I still mend? Is it OK to have drag if only the leader and tippet are on the water?
I am going to Patagonia this year. Should I bring my own gear? They recommend 6 and 7-weight rods and I only have a 4-weight and 5-weight.  Should I ask if I can tie my own knots?
What flies do you recommend for bigmouth and smallmouth buffalo?
My stream has lots of weed on the bottom, and my nymphs and streamers keep getting coated with weed. How can I fix this?


For anyone who’s ever felt the tug of a line or wondered about the quiet rhythm of a river, The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast is a steady companion. Host Tom Rosenbauer, a well-known author and the voice behind this series for The Orvis Company, doesn’t just offer tips; he shares a lifetime of curiosity spent on the water. Each week, the conversation unfolds like a guidebook coming to life, covering the tangible skills and the subtle philosophies that define fly-fishing. You’ll hear practical advice on technique and gear, certainly, but also deeper discussions about conservation, reading different waters, and understanding fish behavior. It’s that blend of straightforward education and reflective storytelling that makes this podcast unique. Whether you’re planning your first cast or have decades of experience, the aim is the same: to make your hours by the stream more thoughtful and rewarding. Tune in for a mix of solo episodes from Tom and interviews with other anglers, all grounded in a genuine passion for the sport and the wilderness it depends on. This is more than a series of lessons; it’s an ongoing dialogue for anyone who finds solace and challenge in fly-fishing.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

The Orvis Fly-Fishing Podcast
Podcast Episodes
What's Going on in Florida, with Captain Dan Andrews [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:23:35
My guest this week is Captain Dan Andrews [37:51], co-founder and CEO of Captains for Clean Water, one of Orvis' most trusted conservation partners. Orvis has been aligned with this grass roots group since their inceptio…
Hot Tips on Using Split Shot, with Dom Swentosky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:16
I am not a big fan of using split shot but after this interview with Dom Swentosky [36:41] of the Troutbitten blog and podcast, I'm going to use it a lot more. Dom's method of using split shot is simple and convenient, a…
How to Pick a Floating Trout Line, with Jesse Haller [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:07
Confused about which floating trout line to pick when you need a new one? I'm not surprised as today there is a dizzying array of options and nearly everyone is confused. If you understand what the various options offer…
Fishing for Coastal Cutthroats, with Dylan Tomine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:24
I've had requests in the past for a podcast about chasing coastal cutthroats, so this week my guest is author, "retired" guide, and all-around thoughtful angler Dylan Tomine [33:12]. He tells us where to find them, what…
Fly Fishing for Steelhead and Salmon in Estuaries, with Reed Teuscher [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:31:03
You can catch salmon and steelhead on a fly in salt water before they enter rivers. The fish are bright and strong and may still be actively feeding but the problem is to find them in a big expanse of water. Reed Teusche…
Backcast: Top-Secret Steelhead Tips, with Stefan Woodruff [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:27:17
This podcast was originally published on December 28th, 2016. In this podcast Stefan Woodruff, Orvis-endorsed guide with Ellensburg Anglers in Washington State, reveals (some of) his secrets to catching steelhead, plus a…