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Episode Show Notes
Ben Jones shares his journey from posting on fishing forums to becoming a key figure in the fishing industry through his work with GT Buster and Pure Fishing. In this conversation, Ben reveals how a single forum post changed his career trajectory, the specific strategies he uses to create viral fishing content, and the behind-the-scenes process of building lures that actually catch fish. Tom and Ben dive into the art of storytelling in fishing media, the technical details of GT fishing, and what it takes to build an authentic brand in a crowded market.
What is GT Buster and what does Ben Jones do?
GT Buster is Ben Jones' fishing brand and content platform focused on giant trevally and offshore fishing. Ben creates fishing content, develops lures, and works with Pure Fishing to produce viral marketing campaigns and product development across multiple fishing brands in the industry.
Who is Ben Jones?
Ben Jones is the creator of GT Buster and a content strategist at Pure Fishing. He transitioned from posting on fishing forums to working professionally in the fishing industry, creating viral content and developing fishing products while building his personal brand around GT fishing and offshore angling.
This episode is brought to you by Star brite, the marine care products that keep Ben's gear and Tom's boats performing at their best. From deck cleaners to engine treatments, Star brite is the title sponsor of the Tom Rowland Podcast.
From Forum Posts to Pure Fishing
Ben's entry into the professional fishing world wasn't through traditional channels. It started with forum posts and content creation that caught the attention of industry insiders. The conversation reveals how Ben's approach to documenting his fishing experiences and sharing knowledge online created unexpected opportunities. He discusses the specific moment when everything changed and how a digital presence translated into real-world career moves. The path from hobbyist to industry professional involved strategic decisions and authentic content that resonated with the right people. Ben explains how the forum post led to his position at Pure Fishing starting around the 8-minute mark.
The Art of Creating Viral Fishing Content
Ben breaks down his approach to content creation and what makes fishing videos actually work in today's social media landscape. He reveals the thought process behind planning content, the technical aspects of filming on the water, and how he balances authenticity with strategic storytelling. The discussion covers specific techniques Ben uses to capture moments that resonate with audiences, from camera angles to editing choices. Tom and Ben explore the difference between content that gets views and content that drives engagement, and why understanding your audience is more important than production quality. The content strategy discussion and what makes fishing videos go viral starts around the 15-minute mark.
Hear Ben reveal the exact formula he uses to create content that fishing companies pay attention to
Building Lures That Actually Work
The conversation shifts to product development and what goes into creating fishing lures that perform under real-world conditions. Ben shares insights from his work developing products with Pure Fishing, including the testing process, design considerations, and how feedback from the water influences final products. He discusses the balance between innovation and proven designs, and why certain features matter more than others when targeting specific species. Tom and Ben explore the technical aspects of lure design, from weight distribution to action in the water, and how small changes can make massive differences in effectiveness. Ben's lure development process and what makes a GT lure work starts around the 28-minute mark.
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SubscribeGT Fishing Tactics and Techniques
Ben dives deep into the specifics of targeting giant trevally, sharing techniques that have proven successful across different locations and conditions. The discussion covers tackle selection, presentation strategies, and the mental game of GT fishing. Ben explains how he reads water, identifies productive areas, and adapts his approach based on fish behavior. Tom and Ben explore the physical demands of GT fishing, the gear required to handle these powerful fish, and the mistakes anglers commonly make when targeting this species. The conversation includes specific scenarios and how Ben would approach them differently. The detailed GT fishing tactics and what separates successful anglers from the rest starts around the 42-minute mark.
Don't miss this one. Ben shares years of GT fishing knowledge and industry insights you won't hear anywhere else.
Key Takeaways
- Ben Jones turned forum posts and content creation into a career at Pure Fishing, revealing how digital presence creates real-world opportunities in the fishing industry
- Creating viral fishing content requires understanding audience psychology and strategic storytelling, not just expensive production equipment
- Lure development involves extensive testing and iteration, with small design changes making massive differences in fish-catching effectiveness
- GT fishing demands specific tackle selections and presentation techniques that differ significantly from other offshore species
- Building an authentic brand in the fishing industry requires consistency, transparency, and providing real value to your audience
- Working with major fishing brands involves balancing creative vision with commercial objectives and market realities
Final Thoughts from Tom
This conversation with Ben Jones is one of those episodes that works on multiple levels. Whether you're interested in the fishing side, the business side, or the content creation side, there's something here for you. Ben's path into the industry is fascinating because it's not the traditional route, and it shows how the landscape has changed for people who are willing to put themselves out there and provide value.
What I really appreciate about Ben is his authenticity. He's not trying to be something he's not. He's building GT Buster into a legitimate brand while also contributing to the broader fishing industry through his work with Pure Fishing. That balance is hard to strike, and he does it well. The insights he shares about content creation and what actually resonates with audiences are valuable whether you're trying to build a brand or just understand how this stuff works.
The GT fishing knowledge Ben drops in this episode is worth the listen alone. If you're interested in targeting these fish, or if you're curious about what goes into building a career in the fishing industry today, you need to hear the whole conversation. This one's definitely worth your time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GT Buster?
GT Buster is Ben Jones' fishing brand and content platform that focuses on giant trevally fishing and offshore angling. The brand produces fishing content, develops lures, and provides educational resources for anglers targeting GTs and similar species.
How did Ben Jones get into the fishing industry?
Ben Jones transitioned into the fishing industry through content creation and forum participation. His authentic approach to sharing fishing knowledge and documenting his experiences online caught the attention of Pure Fishing, leading to professional opportunities in content strategy and product development.
What makes GT fishing different from other offshore fishing?
GT fishing requires specific heavy-duty tackle, specialized lure presentations, and techniques to handle the extreme power of giant trevally. The fish are notoriously aggressive and demand different strategies than other offshore species, including precise water reading and adapted presentation methods.
What does Ben Jones do at Pure Fishing?
Ben Jones works in content strategy and product development at Pure Fishing, creating viral marketing campaigns and contributing to lure design across multiple brands. His role combines his content creation expertise with product development and industry marketing strategy.
How do you create successful fishing content on social media?
Successful fishing content requires understanding audience psychology, authentic storytelling, and strategic planning rather than expensive equipment. The key is balancing entertainment value with educational content while maintaining consistency and providing genuine value to viewers.
Related Episodes
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Deep dive into what makes fishing lures effective and the testing process behind product development
Expert techniques for targeting powerful offshore species and adapting to changing conditions
Career insights for anglers looking to turn their passion into professional opportunities
Sponsors
Title sponsor of the Tom Rowland Podcast. Star brite provides the marine care products that keep your boat, tackle, and gear performing at their best.
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Shop GORUCKBen Jones (GT Buster, Pure Fishing), Tom Rowland (Tom Rowland Podcast)
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Ben Jones
Ben Jones is the creator of GT Buster and a content strategist at Pure Fishing. He specializes in giant trevally fishing, offshore angling techniques, and fishing content creation. Ben's journey from forum contributor to industry professional showcases the evolving landscape of fishing media and brand building. Through GT Buster, he produces educational content and develops fishing products while contributing to content strategy and product development for multiple brands under the Pure Fishing umbrella.
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