Greatest Hits of The Saltwater Edge: Reels, Fly Rods & Saltwater Strategy
At The Saltwater Edge, we’re more than just a gear shop; we’re a community of anglers dedicated to chasing stripers, albies, tuna, and everything in between. Over the years, we’ve built a library of trusted content that’s helped thousands of anglers make smarter gear decisions, improve their techniques, and fish more confidently.
Here’s a roundup of some of our most helpful, talked-about, and battle-tested content, from Van Staal reel breakdowns to saltwater fly fishing fundamentals, albie tactics, and insider rigging tips you won’t find anywhere else.
1. How to Choose a Van Staal Reel
Choosing the right Van Staal isn’t just about matching price points, it’s about matching your style of fishing. This guide breaks down the differences between the legendary VS Series, the updated VSX2, and the lightweight VR Series, helping you find the perfect fit whether you're plugging the rocks or chasing pelagics by boat.
Quick takeaways:
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VSX2: Sealed, bombproof, ideal for hardcore surfcasters.
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VR: Lighter, affordable, great for boat or surf crossover anglers.
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VS Bail-less vs. Bail: Which one suits your retrieve style?
If you’re asking “Why is everyone obsessed with these reels?” — this guide answers it.
2. Saltwater Fly Fishing 101
New to the long rod? This deep-dive article walks you through the entire saltwater fly fishing setup, from rod weight and line selection to leader construction and fly choices for different species.
Key takeaways:
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Start with a 9wt setup for stripers and blues.
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Understand how grain weight and shooting heads make casting easier in the wind.
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Learn the basic leaders and knots that won’t let you down.
Perfect for the freshwater angler making the jump to the salt.
3. YouTube: How to Use a Manual Pickup Van Staal Reel
If you've ever fumbled a cast or missed a strike because your bail didn’t close the way you wanted — this one’s for you.
In this quick but solid tutorial, Craig Cantelmo (yes, that Craig, although you might not recognize him) breaks down how and why to use a manual pickup Van Staal reel. It's a must-watch for anyone transitioning to bail-less setups or wondering what the hype is about.
Why go bail-less?
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Fewer moving parts = fewer things to fail
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Total control over your pickup timing
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One less reason to scream at your reel during a blitz
Warning: Once you go manual pickup, you may never go back — and yes, it might ruin all other reels for you.
4. YouTube: Black Sea Bass – The Setup to Catch Your Biggest Yet
Part 1 of our Black Sea Bass series, this video is a masterclass in maximizing your odds for XXL BSBs. Captain Jack Sprengel walks you through the exact rods, reels, jigs, and rigging techniques he uses when targeting trophy sea bass in New England waters.
What you’ll learn:
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How to match your setup to depth and current
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Why jig weight and profile matter more than you think
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Tips for landing bigger fish consistently — not just the runts
Captain Jack doesn’t waste time on fluff. If you’re looking to level up your bottom fishing game, this is the setup guide you want.
5. Podcast: Inside the Striper Brain of Dave Anderson
Dave Anderson has many talents. He’s a Wiffle Ball star, a master wooden plug builder, a sharp writer, and editor of The Fisherman magazine. But peel back all the layers, and what you’ll find is a surfcasting addict with a deeply curious brain — constantly testing theories, refining his approach, and asking, “What makes big stripers eat?”
This episode dives into:
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Dave’s plug-building philosophy and how it connects to fish behavior
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His mental approach to tides, moon phases, and migration timing
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Why being weird (and willing to experiment) helps you catch more fish
Spoiler: you’ll leave this episode wanting to tweak your entire plug bag.
6. Podcast: John Skinner – The Surfcasting Scientist
John Skinner isn’t just one of the most respected names in surfcasting — he’s a data-driven, cast-counting, tide-tracking machine. With over 50 years of saltwater fishing experience, Skinner brings a rare combination of scientific method and on-the-water intuition to every fishery he touches.
Best known for his precise and productive approach to targeting striped bass, albies, and fluke, Skinner is also a longtime contributor to On The Water, Surfcaster’s Journal, and Shallow Water Angler. His books and YouTube channel have become go-to resources for anglers looking to level up — and revisit strategies that actually work.
In this episode:
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Why asking “why?” matters more than ever in modern surfcasting
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His transition from full-time computer scientist to full-time angler
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How he breaks down new fisheries with repeatable, testable tactics
If you've ever said "I need to fish smarter," this episode is your blueprint.
Got Questions?
Swing by the shop, shoot us a message, or hit the comments on YouTube. Whether you’re fine-tuning your striper setup or planning your first tuna trip, we’ve got the gear, the guidance, and the community to help you succeed.
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