Episode 243: Joe Cermele Talks Fishing Culture, Adventures, and the Stories Behind the Catch

Episode 243: Joe Cermele Talks Fishing Culture, Adventures, and the Stories Behind the Catch

Author: Harvesting Nature July 15, 2025 Duration: 1:04:42
Summary: In this engaging conversation, Justin Townsend, Adam Berkelmans, and Joe Cermele explore the vibrant world of fishing culture, storytelling, and the experiences that shape a fishing writer's journey. They discuss the importance of community, the role of food in fishing adventures, and the humorous misadventures that often accompany fishing trips. The conversation culminates in a fun game of 'Fish Tale or Fish Fail,' testing their knowledge of fishing-related facts and stories. In this engaging conversation, Joe Cermele and Justin Townsend explore various aspects of fishing, from trivia about unique fish species to personal anecdotes about family fishing adventures. They discuss favorite fish to catch and eat, the joys of foraging, and the importance of gear while sharing humorous stories and insights. The conversation wraps up with thoughts on future projects and the significance of enjoying the fishing experience without superstitions. - ⁠Leave a Review of the Podcast⁠ - ⁠Buy our Wild Fish and Game Spices⁠ ⁠The Art of Venison Sausage Making⁠ Guest: Instagram Cut & Retie Podcast Takeaways: Fishing stories often focus on experiences rather than the catch. Self-deprecation and calamities make fishing stories relatable. Fishing culture includes everyone, from casual anglers to seasoned pros. The essence of fishing lies in the community and shared experiences. Food plays a significant role in fishing culture, often overshadowing the catch. Writing about mundane fishing trips can be just as impactful as grand adventures. Building in time to explore local culture enhances fishing trips. Fishing is about the journey, not just the destination. Catch and release is a valid practice in fishing, unlike hunting. Snakehead fish can survive out of water for days. The sarcastic fringe head is a unique and aggressive fish. Dried cod heads are a common snack in Norway, but not commonly chewed. Joe's favorite fish to catch is whatever he's currently fishing for. Toe-tog, or blackfish, is one of Joe's favorite fish to eat. Family fishing adventures create lasting memories. Stinging nettle can be a nutritious addition to fish dishes. Avoid making fishing gear lucky to prevent loss and disappointment. Joe is a forager first, angler third, enjoying the outdoors. Joe is always looking for new projects and opportunities in fishing. Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Fishing Culture and Storytelling 02:52 The Journey of a Fishing Writer 05:55 Memorable Fishing Experiences and Misadventures 08:51 The Essence of Fishing Stories 11:41 The Role of Food in Fishing Culture 14:45 Catch and Release vs. Harvesting Fish 17:47 The Community of Fishing Culture 26:18 Exploring the Local Culture During Outdoor Trips 30:13 Fishtail or Fish Fail: A Fun Game of Fishing Facts 40:42 Favorite Fish: Catching vs. Eating Preferences 44:19 Adventurous Eating: Kids and Their Culinary Preferences 48:46 Foraging Adventures: Discovering Nature's Bounty 51:36 The Stinging Nettle: Nature's Spa Treatment 56:52 Superstitions and Gear Confessions in Fishing 59:19 Future Projects and Podcasting Journeys Keywords: Fishing culture, storytelling, fishing experiences, fishing misadventures, food in fishing, fishing community, fishing stories, fishing writer, fishing podcast, fishing game, fishing, fish trivia, unique fish species, family fishing, foraging, fishing gear, fishing adventures, fishing podcasts, fishing tips, fishing stories Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Justin Townsend and the team from Harvesting Nature host Wild Fish and Game Podcast, a series that treats wild food as a starting point for much wider conversations. Rather than just a collection of tactics or recipes, this podcast digs into the entire cycle of bringing food from the landscape to the table and beyond. You’ll hear discussions that connect the act of hunting or fishing to the rhythms of the season, the specifics of a place, and the cultural traditions that shape our approach to harvest. Episodes move through every stage of the process-the pursuit, the careful work of butchery, the various methods of preservation, and finally, the cooking that turns ingredients into a meal. It’s about the craft involved in each step and how these skills integrate into a practical, meaningful lifestyle. The conversations often explore how these harvested foods are carried through real life, nourishing families and communities. For anyone curious about the depth and connectivity of a life centered on wild foods, this podcast offers a thoughtful, comprehensive look at a system that is as much about philosophy and responsibility as it is about sustenance. Tune in for a consistently engaging exploration of what it truly means to know where your food comes from.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Wild Fish and Game Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 282: Learning to Hunt Lanai [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:36
Summary: Justin shares his detailed experiences hunting on the Hawaiian island of Lanai, exploring its unique terrain, logistics, and the challenges of island hunting. Discover insights into hunting Mouflon sheep and Axi…
Episode 281: Cooking by Cut - Making the Book [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:25
Summary: Justin and Adam discuss their new book 'Cooking by Cut', exploring the philosophy of butchery, cooking techniques, and global influences on wild game preparation. They share insights on organizing the book, unle…
Episode 280: Advanced Offal and Wild Game Butchery with Anna Borgman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:22
Summary: Justin and Anna Borgman explore the fascinating world of organ meats, butchery, and processing wild and domestic animals. They share practical tips, cultural insights, and personal stories to inspire a deeper ap…
Episode 279: The Wild Pantry, Part VI, Pickling Wild Foods [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 49:57
Summary: Justin and Adam explore the rich history, science, and techniques of pickling, emphasizing safety, creativity, and cultural diversity. Discover how vinegar preserves, enhances flavors, and offers endless culinar…
Episode 278: The School of Salmon [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:09
Summary: Join us as Melanie Brown shares her deep connection to salmon fishing in Bristol Bay, exploring its cultural significance, sustainable practices, and environmental challenges including the impact of farmed salmo…
Episode 276: The Wild Pantry, Part V, Preserving Wild Food with Fat [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:52
Summary: In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the history, techniques, and safety considerations of fat-based preservation methods like confit, rillette, and oil preservation. They discuss how the…
Episode 275: Wild Game Without Borders [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:09
Summary: Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore how global cuisines can inspire new approaches to cooking wild game, emphasizing techniques suited for tougher, leaner, and more variable ingredients. They discuss the…
Episode 274: The Wild Pantry, Part IV, Smoking [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:33
Summary: This conversation delves into the ancient art of smoking food, exploring its historical significance, cultural practices, and the science behind how smoking enhances flavor and preserves food. The hosts discuss…
Episode 273: Wild Salmon, Wild Forests [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:31
Summary: Join us as Tyson Fick from Yakobi Fisheries shares insights into Alaskan salmon fishing, conservation efforts, and the ecological importance of wild salmon. Discover the nuances of sustainable fishing, the impac…