Fishbrain team spotlight: Captain Jonathan Moss of The Captain’s Log

Captain Jonathan Moss wants to teach you about and instill in you a love of fishing. Fresh, or saltwater, inshore and offshore Captain Moss shares his love of water and the fish living in it with his audience on his show The Captain’s Log and as the newest member of the Fishbrain Crew. We sat down with the newest captain on our team to hear more about his passion for fishing, where his angling journey has taken him and where he may be off to next.

Fishbrain: What drew you to the water in the first place and how did you decide to make a career out of it?

Captain Moss: I started going fishing when I was 3 years old with my mom and dad. I’ve been hooked ever since and being raised in central Florida allowed for fishing adventured on both fresh and saltwater.

Prior to earning a living on the water, I was a public school teacher. I thought for 7 years. While I enjoyed teaching and cared deeply for my students, I had a longing to be somewhere else. After much prayer and consideration, I felt God leading me towards Full Time guiding. In june 2016 I took a leap of faith, quit my job and started guiding full time. 

FIB: There are a lot of states with coastlines in the US but Florida always stands above the rest. What is so unique and so special about Florida when it comes to fishing?

CM: Florida is an incredible place, offering several different types of fishing opportunities, all within a few hours of each other. 

Offshore, anglers have the opportunity to chasegroupers, snappers, AJs, mahi, tuna, wahoo, sails, marlin, swords. If it swims in the ocean, it's in Florida! 

Inshore fishing is also very unique from pristine, tropical flats of biscayne bay and the florida keys, to tailing redfish on a NE Florida flood tide. And lets not forget backcountry expeditions in search of monster snook and juvenile tarpon. 

If the angler is more into bass fishing they’re in luck! The Florida Strain Largemouth bass is one of the most aggressive bass species in the world, with the capability of growing over 10 pounds in weight! These veracious fish can be found all over the state and can be caught on both live and artificial lures. 

And if youre looking for something a little more exotic, South Florida is full of Peacock Bass, snakeheads, Cichlids and a vareity of other exotic species all boasting incredible colors and willing to put up a fight on light tackle!

FIB:What do you think makes your show “The Captain’s Log” so unique?

CM: The Captain’s Log, so far, has released 6 seasons and 60 episodes, traveling and fishing all over the South East USA from Texas to the Carolinas, and all over Florida. You truly can't put the show in a single style of fishing category. It’s not an offshore only show or an inshore only show. I love to fish it all, so that’s what I do with The Captain’s Log. Its fishing diversity really makes it unique compared to other shows. 

FIB: Do you have a defining catch? Like one that will stick with you forever, or one that you consider is the catalyst for your career?

CM: I love to fish and spend time on the water with my family. Every fish I catch with my dad and/or my kids is invaluable. It's more about the time together and the experience than a particular fish. So no, no defining catches but I definitely have some incredible PBs that I have been blessed to catch.

FIB: Are there any Florida fish still on your bucket list?

CM: I'd love to catch a permit on the fly and I still need a 10 pound bass though I have guided clients to several. 

FIB: What about US species, and world species?

CM: Other species are mostly freshwater fish. Walleye, Pike, Muskie, Brown Trout, and  varieties of Salmon are all on the list. 

FIB: As someone who spends your life on the water, what does conservation mean to you? 

Conservation to me is simply, properly managing our estuaries to ensure fishing for generations to come. This is common sense and science based management. I'm not into catching/keeping my limit but instead, limiting my catch. It is vitally important that all anglers think about the long game and what we can do to help with stock numbers so that we can keep fishing!

FIB: What is the perfect sport fish in your opinion?

CM: I like fish that will blow up a topwater, pull drag, bend a rod and make you nervous about the landing. Add a jump or hard headshake in the mix and now things are even more exciting. There are lots of fish that can do that and I want to catch them all. 

FIB: Why don’t people eat largemouths? 

CM: Anglers love chasing bass and some do eat them but I feel the majority of bass anglers are catch and release because they view bass fishing as sport and not groceries shopping.

FIB: Have you eaten a bucket mouth?

CM: I have eaten bass before, but only smaller fish, 1 and 2 pounders. I believe it is important to release the bigger, stock replenishing, breeder fish.

FIB: What do you think is more important when struggling to catch something, changing baits and lure, or changing spots?

CM: If you are struggling to catch fish, you might NOT need to change your lure or your spot. There are a few other factors to consider. If you are inshore, shallow water flats fishing (saltwater) perhaps you are coming in to hot. Slowing down your entrance into the fishing area might help not spook fish. 

If that's not the case, and you are seeing fish and they are not cooperating, then let's consider a lure change. But before you do that, let's analyse the area. What bait do you see? Stop fishing and start focusing on the life around you and that could help key in on what lure you should be using.

FIB: What is the single most important lesson you’re willing to share that you’ve learned on the water?

CM: A common theme I come across with all the Captains I fish with all over the US is lighten your tackle. Lighter leaders get more bites. Yes, you might lose or break off a few more fish, but you will definitely get more bites. 

FIB: What advice would you have for someone just starting out on their fishing journey?

CM: If you are just starting out fishing, listen to local knowledge. Talk to other anglers. Tell them you are new and wanting to learn more. Talk to the folks at the local bait shops and get their advice. Hire a guide to learn invaluable time saving lessons. Consult the fish brain app and connect with other local anglers in your community. 

Be a sponge and get out there and go fishing!

FIB: All time favorite bait and lure and why?

CM: The DOA shad tail will literally catch anything in freshwater and salt. It comes in a variety of colors and can be rigged with a weedless hook or jig head. It's my daily go to.

Make sure and learn more from captain Moss by checking out new episodes of The Captain's Log on Waypoint TV!

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