Our Dedicated Staff

Experts Here to Help You

Bob Martin

Bob Martin is the original proprietor of the Dogfish Tackle Company. In 1985, he took his passion for fishing and opened a store to help others foster their passion as well. Bob designed our original Dogfish Stik, which has become a favorite rod of many professional and recreational anglers alike. He is truly a tackle pioneer!

 

Dave Bayes

Dave Bayes has led Team Dogfish for over 20 years. As the managing partner, he has grown the store and its team to be the best on the West Coast of Florida! Dave has also been successful on the water as a perennial contender in the Kingfish tournament scene. He offers local anglers expert advice and fishing knowledge and is well known for his custom Kingfish rigs. But it's Dave’s genuine personality and special ability to make every customer important that are his greatest assets to Dogfish. Dave has created our amazing customer service-based business with a premium inventory selection.

Joe Georgia

As the store manager of Dogfish Tackle, Joe offers every customer knowledge based on personal on-the-water experience.  He began fishing in grade school, plucking Pompano from the water off the piers at Ft. Desoto. What started as a boyhood obsession has become his life's passion. He is now an accomplished inshore and offshore angler, as well as a respected diver and spear fisherman. His friendly and helpful approach is the Dogfish way!

Ben Johnson

Ben began fishing at a young age.  He often caught grouper, cobia, and snapper offshore. As he got older, he ventured into flats fishing and fishing residential docks and dock lights. Ben also began to do his own DIY projects on his personal boats. He started off with simple tasks, such as replacing pumps and switches, and then ventured into more and more complicated projects including everything from fiber glass repair to a full rewire. Ben is also a very accomplished diver with many dives under his belt. So, come see Ben with any questions from inshore fishing techniques to fixing electrical gremlins!

Kris Stein

Kris started fishing with his dad at a very young age.  They mainly fished at the Redington Long Pier (right across the street from the original Dogfish Tackle Co!)  He grew up primarily fishing for kingfish and tarpon, but as he got older, he learned everything about everything our fishery has to offer.  From wade fishing, kayak fishing, offshore fishing, to freshwater bass fishing, Kris knows about it all.  He is constantly on the water furthering his knowledge and experience to help educate our customers about all things fishing! 

Rob Winkelman

Rob has a definite passion for fishing! He is a Florida native who grew up fishing the beaches and backwater bayous.  He also worked and fished the local piers.  Rob eventually advanced to offshore fishing and earned his Master Captain's license.  These days, Rob is an avid kayak fisherman.  Come meet Rob and learn all that he has to teach!

Andy Weatherford

 Andy grew up in Oklahoma, learning to fish for bass and catfish.  He moved to Florida for college and quickly developed a knack for saltwater fishing.  These days, Andy does it all from fishing inshore flats, freshwater lakes, deep bridge passes, to an occasional offshore venture.

Nathan Matuzak

 Nathan spent his childhood fishing in Northern Michigan.  He grew up learning to catch lake trout, salmon, walleye, and smallmouth bass.  After high school, he served in the U.S. Marine Corps for 5 years and then moved to Florida for schooling.  Once in the sunshine state, Nathan's passion for fishing caught fire!  He has spent the last 7 years here learning everything he can about the Florida fishery, especially focusing on artificial techniques, land-based fishing, and night-time giants.