When Pete Utschig speaks, surfcasters listen.

As the first-ever returning guest on the Saltwater Edge Podcast, Pete brings unmatched energy, passion, and hard-earned experience to the mic. Whether he’s chasing trophy stripers in Montauk, jacks and tarpon in Florida, or tuna in Portugal, Pete’s approach is driven by intention, preparation, and a deep respect for the fish.

This episode covers everything from plug selection and tide strategy to heartbreak, redemption, and the art of staying sharp in the face of chaos.

Take Time to Make Time

Pete’s motto—“take time to make time”—is more than a catchy phrase. It’s a guiding principle rooted in his time as a New York City firefighter. In the surfcasting world, that translates to rigging properly, preparing for the worst-case scenario, and always being ready for your one shot at an alpha-class fish.

“I don’t want my tackle to be the reason I lose a fish.”

From sharpening hooks to logging moon phases and wind patterns, Pete’s disciplined prep is what lets him fish confidently and adapt when conditions change.

Planning vs. Tactics

Pete emphasizes strategy before tactics. That means knowing your options—Plan A, B, and C—before you leave the house. If someone’s on your spot or the wind shifts, you pivot, not panic.

By combining detailed logs with moon phase data and wind history, he’s able to predict where big fish might show up within a few days each season. Add in tide knowledge and water temperature, and you’ve got the building blocks of consistent success.

The 5x5x5 System

Pete’s plug bag is surprisingly minimal. His go-to system involves five proven plugs, five casts each, across five sections of water. If nothing hits, he’s moving on or changing angles.

His top lures include:

• Super Strike Needlefish (for covering water)

• Super Strike Bottle Plug (a current-finding tool)

• Plastic and Wood Darters (to test current and feeding intent)

“Every cast, I assume a big fish is watching. I just have to give it a reason to eat.”

Cheat Codes for Better Fishing

Pete also shares some of his favorite “cheat codes” for identifying productive windows. These include:

• Change in light – sunrise, sunset, moonrise, moonset

• Change in pressure – falling barometric pressure before storms

• Change in current – especially around moon tides or tide switches

“If you’re fishing a low-pressure system and not catching, move. The fish are feeding—just not where you are.”

Global Lessons from Portugal to Florida

From missing a bluefin in Portugal due to a bad FG knot to dialing in snook and jacks on Florida’s east coast, Pete’s fishing calendar is packed with adventure—and insight. One major takeaway: alpha-class fish around the world behave more similarly than you might think. They hunt current seams, they look for ambush structure, and they reward anglers who are prepared.

Final Takeaways

Pete’s surfcasting wisdom isn’t just technical—it’s grounded in humility, respect, and passion for the sport. He reminds us that big fish aren’t caught by luck alone—they’re earned through discipline, pattern recognition, and relentless preparation.

Whether you're an old pro or just starting to chase your first 40-incher, there’s something in this episode for you.

🎧 Listen to the full episode here
📦 Gear up at SaltwaterEdge.com – use code TENMAN for free shipping
📍 Interested in a trip to Florida with Pete? Reach out for guide info and availability