Fishing for a Reason
Welcome to "Fishing for a Reason," the podcast that dives deep into the heart of fishing and the meaningful connections it brings. Hosted by Jamie Propst, founder of Anglers Unlimited, we explore the impact fishing has on our lives, communities, and environment so that you can become a more effective angler and catch more fish and have more fun every time you go out on the water or hit the hiking trails. Whether you target salmon, halibut, lingcod, crab, shrimp or fresh water species, there is something here for you.
From tales of epic catches and new places to wet a line in the PNW, to discussions on life, love and business, and the latest fishing reports, "Fishing for a Reason" is your go-to source for inspiration and insight. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just casting your first line, join us as we discover the many reasons why fishing is more than just a hobby—it's a way of life.
Fishing for a Reason
51: New to Washington Fishing? Here's How to Find Your Local Crew
If you've relocated to Washington or you're just getting started saltwater fishing in the Puget Sound or San Juan Islands, breaking into the local fishing community can feel impossible. You're watching everyone else post their big catches while you're coming home skunked, spending hundreds on trips that go nowhere. Here's the truth: the anglers crushing it aren't better than you—they just have better information about what is actually happening under the water’s surface. In this episode, Jamie breaks down exactly how to find your fishing crew and accelerate your success on Washington waters.
Episode Overview
- Why fishing with a community matters more than you think - learn how local knowledge and fishing buddies help you avoid costly mistakes and catch more fish faster
- The 3 proven ways to break into the Pacific Northwest fishing scene - specific events, volunteer opportunities, and communities that actually welcome new anglers
- Seattle Boat Show 2025 breakdown - which seminars to attend, including the "Science of Salmon" expert panel on February 1st
- Inside Puget Sound Anglers - how to find your local chapter and what to expect from monthly meetings with decades of local expertise
- Structured learning communities - when to invest in step-by-step training that gets you on fish faster (Anglers Unlimited Gold opens February 2026)
Timestamps:
- 00:00 – The Friday night scroll: why you're stuck on the outside looking in
- 02:45 – The real cost of fishing blind (it's not just money)
- 05:30 – Strategy #1: Show up to focused events like the Seattle Boat Show
- 08:15 – Strategy #2: Volunteer at local fishing events (Salmon for Soldiers, local derbies)
- 12:40 – Seattle Boat Show 2025 seminar lineup and what to attend
- 18:20 – Strategy #3: Join Puget Sound Anglers (13 chapters across Washington)
- 22:10 – Structured learning communities: Anglers Unlimited Gold membership overview
- 26:45 – Success story: first-time San Juan Islands king salmon after one training session
- 28:30 – Why fishing is just better with people
Key Takeaways
- The guys crushing it aren't better anglers—they just have better intel.
- Show up to events where fishing people gather.
- Be honest about being new.
- Puget Sound Anglers chapters are everywhere and free to visit.
- Derby fishing is about networking at first, not winning.
- Piecing together knowledge vs. structured learning.
- Fishing is better with people—for learning and for bad days.
Resources & Links
Seattle Boat Show 2026: https://seattleboatshow.com/
Puget Sound Anglers: https://pugetsoundanglers.org/home/
Local Fishing Events:
- Salmon for Soldiers: https://salmonforsoldiers.org/
- Everett Coho Derby: https://everettcohoderby.com/
- Edmonds Coho Derby: https://www.edmondscohoderby.com/
- Anacortes Resurrection Derby: https://www.resurrectionderby.com/
- Anacortes Halibut Derby: https://www.psafidalgo.org/anacortes-halibut-derby/
Anglers Unlimited: Join the Waitlist: https://anglersunlimited.co/gold
Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife: https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations
Want the full structured learning experience? Join the waitlist for Anglers Unlimited Gold membership (opening February 2026) at