If you’ve ever dreamed of life surrounded by sandy beaches, endless tides, and a close-knit fishing community, Tammy King’s story will resonate deeply with you. In a recent episode of the Saltwater Edge Podcast, we sat down with Tammy — Nantucket native, surfcasting expert, and founder of Fish Girl Guides — to dive into her journey from a childhood on the water to becoming a beloved guide and teacher.

Growing Up Nantucket Strong

Tammy’s love for fishing was rooted early. Raised by parents who ran a charter fishing business at Jetties Beach, Tammy and her five sisters spent childhoods filled with rods, reels, and salty air. "There’s just something about the water," Tammy shared. "I can't get enough of it."

Though the Nantucket of today looks quite different from the tight-knit, year-round community of Tammy’s youth, her passion for the island — and for fishing — remains unwavering.

From Art School to Fishing Guide

Fishing wasn’t Tammy’s original plan. After attending art school, she thought her path would be a creative one. But fate had other ideas. With a little nudge from friends at Bill Fisher Tackle, Tammy began guiding and quickly fell in love with helping others experience the island's magic through fishing. Today, Fish Girl Guides is known for its welcoming approach, whether for beginners, families, or seasoned anglers looking to learn Nantucket’s surfcasting secrets.

"I can’t guarantee you’ll catch a fish," Tammy laughs, "but I can guarantee you'll have a great time and learn something new."

Surfcasting: Reading the Water, Reading the Island

One major takeaway from Tammy’s approach to surfcasting? Sand isn’t boring.
While other fishing hotspots focus on boulders and reefs, Nantucket surfcasting is all about reading the subtle clues in sandbars, drop-offs, and water coloration. Tammy explained how even dune erosion can create perfect fishing spots just offshore.

Top surfcasting tips Tammy shared:

• Look for darker water just past the sandbars

• Fish the troughs just off the beach

• In windy conditions, size up your gear

• Sometimes the biggest bass are right under your feet — in the foamy wash!

Her favorite lures? The Hellfire 180 pencil popper from local brand Island X, plus small bright crystal minnows for targeting holdover bass in the early season.

Empowering Women on the Water

As one of the few women leading surfcasting trips in a traditionally male-dominated space, Tammy is passionate about creating opportunities for others. She runs a six-week winter surfcasting course just for women, with proceeds donated to local charities.

"We had 21 women lined up on the beach — not a single man in sight. It was phenomenal," she said, beaming.

She also spoke honestly about the challenges women face fishing alone, especially at night, emphasizing safety and situational awareness while encouraging women to own their space in the surfcasting world.

Beyond Nantucket: Redfish and Roosterfish Dreams

Tammy doesn’t just stick to New England waters. This past winter, she joined a group of fellow women anglers for an unforgettable trip to Louisiana with Journey Outfitters, where she caught multiple 40+ inch redfish (and even landed a shark). Future dream trips? She’s got her eyes set on chasing roosterfish on Mexico’s sandy beaches.

Final Thoughts: Tammy’s Love Letter to Nantucket

When asked about her perfect last fishing day on Earth, Tammy didn't hesitate: a sunrise at Great Point, a jelly donut from Nantucket Bait Shop, and a sunset at Smith’s Point with striped bass blitzing at her feet. "Just let me put a blanket over me and call it a day," she smiled.

Through Tammy’s words, it’s clear: Nantucket isn’t just a place — it’s a community, a tradition, and a love that she’s passing on to every angler lucky enough to learn from her.

Connect with Tammy King

Follow Tammy’s fishing adventures and book a trip with Fish Girl Guides via Instagram @fishgirlack.