Tom Rowland | How You Made This the #1 Fishing Podcast of 2024 | Tom Rowland Podcast Ep. 946

Tom Rowland, host of the Tom Rowland Podcast and creator of the How 2 Tuesday series where he tests fishing knots, gear, and techniques, celebrates a major milestone: the podcast has been named the #1 fishing podcast of 2024 by Feedspot. In this solo episode, Tom reflects on six years of podcasting, 946 episodes since launching on March 12, 2018, and the community that made it all possible. He shares how listener feedback has shaped the show's direction, reveals the surprising email that told him he'd reached the top spot, and explains exactly how you can influence future episodes. This is a genuine thank-you message with a clear call to action for anyone who wants to see specific guests or topics covered.

Six Years and 946 Episodes: The Journey to #1

When Tom hit record on March 12, 2018, he had no idea whether anyone was actually listening. For quite some time, he admits, they probably weren't. But over six years, something changed. The feedback started coming in—comments on Instagram, shares on social media, people watching on YouTube, and most of all, listeners tuning in consistently. Tom reveals that the people who listen to the audio version far outweigh any other consumption method. Then came the email from Feedspot that changed everything: the Tom Rowland Podcast had been ranked #1 on their list of the top 30 best fishing podcasts worth listening to in 2024. Tom shares his genuine reaction to this news and what it means for the future of the show. Hear Tom's complete reflection on this milestone starting at 01:36.

The Guests That Shaped the Show

Over 946 episodes, Tom has interviewed an incredible range of guests—bass fishing legends like Bill Dance, Roland Martin, and Jimmy Houston; tournament winners like Mike Iaconelli and Jacob Wheeler; saltwater experts like Mark the Shark; and scientists working on fisheries conservation. He admits he could never pick his favorites because he has tremendous respect for so many of them. But what's remarkable is how listener feedback directly influenced who ended up in the guest chair. Tom explains that his audience told him which guests they wanted to hear from and which topics they wanted him to address, and he's done his best to either book those specific people or find experts who could speak to those subjects. The result is a podcast library that covers everything from fishing rights and access issues to the science behind preserving the fisheries we love. The full discussion of guest selection and listener influence begins at 03:27.

How to Influence Future Episodes

Tom is making it crystal clear: he wants your suggestions. There are multiple ways to reach him directly. You can text (305) 930-7346, though you'll be asked to submit a little bit of data when you first get there. If you prefer email, send your ideas to podcast@saltwaterexperience.com, which goes straight to Tom. He emphasizes that text is his favorite way of communicating, so don't hesitate to use that number. Beyond direct contact, Tom and his team are active on social media—Instagram (@tomrowlandpodcast), TikTok, Facebook (Tom Rowland Podcast Plus), and YouTube (Tom Rowland Podcast). If you catch a big fish and want to share it, tag Tom on Instagram and he'll do his best to feature your user-generated content on the account. There are important topics on the horizon in fishing, hunting, and outdoor access that Tom is particularly interested in covering. Tom's complete rundown of how to reach him starts at 04:18.

Where to Watch and Listen Beyond the Podcast Feed

The Tom Rowland Podcast isn't just an audio show anymore. Tom points out that you can consume the content in multiple visual formats, including Waypoint TV, which airs select episodes at various times throughout the day. Some of his favorite guests—though he emphasizes he could never truly pick favorites—end up on Waypoint. The YouTube channel has become particularly successful, with shorts doing really well and providing an entertaining place for quick clips and highlights. Many listeners have told Tom they actually listen to the podcast while they're out fishing, which he finds amazing. If you need more fishing content while you're fishing, you can literally listen to fishing talk while you fish. The podcast library now contains 946 episodes, many of them full-length conversations you can consume in your car, on your way to the water, or even on the boat itself. Tom's overview of all the places to find the podcast begins at 05:56.

Final Thoughts from Tom

I can't tell you how much it means to me that this podcast hit number one on that Feedspot list. When I got that email, I had to read it twice because I genuinely didn't expect it. I started this show six years ago without knowing if anyone would care, and honestly, for a while, nobody really did. But you stuck with me. You shared episodes with your fishing buddies, you commented on Instagram, you sent me emails with guest ideas, and you kept showing up. That's what built this thing.

Every time someone texts me at (305) 930-7346 or sends an email to podcast@saltwaterexperience.com with a suggestion, I read it. Sometimes I can make it happen right away, sometimes it takes months to track down the right person, but I'm always listening. The guests I've been able to sit down with—legends like Bill Dance and Roland Martin, scientists doing real conservation work, tournament anglers pushing the limits—those conversations have taught me as much as I hope they've taught you. And a lot of those guests came directly from your suggestions.

This episode is short and simple because I just wanted to say thank you. Thank you for making this the number one fishing podcast of 2024. Thank you for the feedback, the shares, the comments, and the continued support. Keep sending me your ideas for guests and topics. There are critical conversations happening right now about fishing rights, access to water, and conservation that we need to keep having. I need your input to make sure we're covering what matters most to you. This milestone isn't mine—it's ours. Now let's keep it going.