Thanksgiving Special with Tournament Champ Andrew Viola

Bay Rats & Buoys Podcast – Episode 59 | Thanksgiving Special + Tournament Champion Interview!

Happy Thanksgiving to all our loyal listeners, subscribers, captains, and Bay Rats across Long Island and beyond! Episode 59 is packed with gratitude, good laughs, epic fishing stories, and a special guest who made history in our very first Bay Rats & Buoys Striped Bass Invitational. Joining Captain Gaige and Kory this week is none other than Andrew Viola, the champion who landed the monstrous 46” striped bass that took home the trophy, the grand prize, and—of course—the ultimate bragging rights for 2025!

Andrew walks us through the entire roller-coaster of tournament day: the early morning strategy, the tough conditions, the miles covered while searching for fish, and the moment his team almost packed it in… right before hooking into the winning 46” cow bass that sealed the deal. His insight into the bite, the pressure of tournament fishing, and the celebration afterward makes this interview a must-listen for anyone who loves striped bass, competition, or just a great fishing story.

In true Bay Rats & Buoys fashion, we drift into every corner of boating and fishing on the North Shore—from fall patterns, the migration, and harbor action to the hilarious moments we all know too well… including that time we ran aground. If you spend enough days on the water around Long Island, chances are you’ve been there too!

We also look ahead to a stacked December and January lineup. Next week’s episode features Chef Rob, who brings his culinary magic to the show, along with visiting captains from South Carolina who will share Southern fishing stories, techniques, and a whole different style of boating culture. It’s going to be a killer episode you won’t want to miss.

With the holidays here, the countdown is officially on—we’re just two months away from broadcasting live for five straight days at the NY Boat Show at the Javits Center! Plus, the excitement continues as we prepare for the 2026 launch of the Bay Rats & Buoys Fishing Club, an all-new community experience for our fans, anglers, and charter clients. And stay tuned… we’ve got more big announcements brewing as we get closer to Opening Day 2026 on April 15.

Hit subscribe, share this episode with a fishing buddy, and enjoy the Thanksgiving vibes. Tight lines and happy holidays from Bay Rats & Buoys!