EP 845 | Rebuilding Reefs with Captain Jason Stock!

Captain Jason Stock is a professional fishing guide and conservationist based in Bradenton, Florida, specializing in nearshore and offshore reef fishing targeting kingfish, amberjack, cobia, and goliath grouper on the artificial and natural structures off Anna Maria Island. In this episode of the Tom Rowland Podcast, Captain Stock reveals his ambitious project to rebuild and restore underwater reefs, explains how ancient sinkholes create some of the most productive fishing spots in the Gulf, and shares why artificial reef structures attract thousands of fish. From the specific techniques he uses to target these underwater caves to his conservation work restoring fish habitat, this conversation goes deep into the science and passion behind rebuilding Florida's marine ecosystems.

Fishing Ancient Sinkholes 40 Miles Offshore

Captain Jason Stock revealed something fascinating about the underwater structures he targets off Florida's Gulf Coast. What most anglers call "springs" are actually ancient sinkholes from a time when Florida's coastline extended decades of miles further into the Gulf. These aren't active freshwater springs bubbling up from below—they're underwater caves, geological remnants from 10,000 to 20,000 years ago when sea levels were dramatically lower and this area was dry land. Stock learned this from a meeting with Mote Marine Laboratory, and it completely changed how he understood these productive fishing spots. When you pull up to one of these structures, you're greeted by an almost overwhelming concentration of fish—thousands of amberjack, along with barracuda, cobia, African pompano, multiple snapper species, sharks, and goliath grouper all stacked on a single piece of structure. The diversity and density is something that has to be seen to be believed. Captain Stock describes what you see when you arrive at these ancient sinkholes around the 00:02:54 mark.

From the 26 to the 31: Upgrading the Operation

There comes a point in every guide's career when they outgrow their boat, and for Captain Stock, that moment came with his Yellowfin 26. Tom mentioned running the same model for Keys fishing, and it's a capable platform for sure, but Stock made the jump to a Yellowfin 31 to handle the demands of his operation. His close friend Cody Chavez, who guides in the Clearwater area, was among those who witnessed the transition. The larger platform gives Stock the ability to fish further offshore in greater comfort, handle bigger loads, and provide clients with the experience they expect when targeting the reef species he specializes in. The decision to upgrade wasn't made lightly—it represents the evolution of a serious fishing operation that demands serious equipment. Stock discusses his boat upgrade and friend Cody Chavez starting at 00:04:03.

The Current Bite: Kingfish, Bonita, and Big Amberjack

When Tom asked about what Stock's been catching lately, the answer painted a picture of incredible diversity. Recent trips have been producing nice kingfish, plenty of bonita for bait and sport, big amberjack that test tackle and angler endurance, cobia that appear when you least expect them, and goliath grouper that create memories clients talk about for years. It's the kind of mixed bag that keeps guiding interesting—you never know exactly what's going to show up, but you know it's going to be good. Stock focuses on providing clients with exciting battles against powerful fish, but also emphasizes bringing home quality meat for the table. That balance between sport and harvest, between conservation and utilization, defines his approach to guiding. The nearshore and offshore reefs he targets consistently produce this variety depending on the time of year and conditions. Stock breaks down the current bite and target species around 00:02:27.

The Springs Season: Timing Your Approach

Captain Stock revealed something important about his fishing calendar that many anglers might not know. While he's been targeting various reefs and wrecks lately, he told Tom that the springs he described—those ancient underwater sinkholes—are about to become his primary focus. Over the next couple of months, Stock plans to fish these structures heavily, suggesting there's a seasonal pattern to when these spots fish best. The timing of when to hit these geological formations, how the seasons affect fish behavior around them, and what techniques work best during different periods are all part of the knowledge base that separates a guide who knows some spots from one who truly understands the ecosystem. Stock's relationship with Mote Marine Laboratory has clearly informed his approach, giving him scientific context for the fishing patterns he observes. Stock mentions his upcoming focus on the springs starting at 00:02:54.

Final Thoughts from Tom

What I really appreciate about this conversation with Captain Jason Stock is the depth of knowledge he brings to reef fishing and habitat restoration. When he talks about those ancient sinkholes being geological formations from when Florida was a completely different landscape, you realize you're not just listening to a guide who knows where to catch fish—you're hearing from someone who understands the entire ecosystem and its history.

The fact that Jason works with Mote Marine Laboratory shows the level of commitment he has to truly understanding these underwater environments. Too many people just want to know where to drop a line, but Jason is invested in the science and conservation behind maintaining these fisheries for the future. His reef rebuilding work is the kind of thing that makes a real difference.

If you fish Florida's Gulf Coast or if you care about marine habitat restoration, this episode is packed with information you can use. Jason's passion for this work comes through in every answer. Listen to the whole thing—it's time well spent.