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: 100

Wild Fish and Game Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Episode 262: The Harvest Report - February 2026 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 19:03
Summary The Wild Harvest Report for February 2026 provides a comprehensive overview of seasonal opportunities for hunting, fishing, and foraging across North America. The report explores regions from the Southeast to the…
Episode 261: The Wild Pantry, Part I - Freezing as Preservation [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:09
Summary In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the significance of freezing as a method of food preservation. They discuss the historical context of freezing, the science behind how freezing affects…
Episode 258: The Future of Wild Food: What 2026 Gets Right and Wrong [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:31
Summary In this episode, Justin and Adam examine how wild food culture is evolving as it moves into the mainstream. They discuss the influence of technology and AI on hunting, foraging, and social media, the growing resp…
Episode 257: How to Transform Holiday Wild Game Leftovers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:31
Summary In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the creative potential of holiday leftovers, particularly focusing on wild game. They discuss various ways to transform leftovers into exciting new dis…
Episode 256: Wild Food Has No Single Culture [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:15
Summary In this engaging conversation, Justin Townsend speaks with Nikhil Khanna and Shiven Singh, the duo behind 'Two Brown Guys Hunt.' They explore the intersection of hunting, cooking, and cultural heritage, emphasizi…
Episode 255: North America’s Invasive Species Double Standard [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:15
Summary This conversation explores the complex perceptions surrounding invasive species, examining why some are celebrated while others are vilified. The discussion delves into cultural, economic, and ecological factors…
Episode 254: The Best Wild Game Recipes for the Holidays [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:55
Summary In this conversation, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans explore the creative and experimental aspects of cooking, particularly focusing on unique roasts that combine various meats. They discuss the idea of a 'F…
Episode 253: Why Hunters Value the First Meal After the Hunt [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:24
Summary In this episode, Justin Townsend and Adam Berkelmans dig into the ancient first bite traditions of hunting—those raw, fire-lit moments when hunters taste the animal they’ve just harvested. They explore the histor…