In this episode of the Pieces of Impact podcast, I sit down with Spencer Wonder, founder of Terra Firma Tackle. We talk about Spencer’s path from marine science and teaching to building a tackle company, what it looks like to run a product business with a small team, and why reputation and quality control matter.

We also get into great white sharks, how land-based shark fishing is changing fast, and why social media and drone fishing can create real risk for the future of the sport if the content reaches the wrong audience.

00:00 Introduction to Spencer Wonder

02:58 Spencer's Journey in Fishing and Education

06:03 The Business of Tackle and Gear

08:47 Adventures in Extreme Fishing

12:01 Unique Fish Caught and Future Goals

14:46 Business Aspirations and Future Plans

18:01 Networking and Community in Fishing

20:50 Great White Sharks and Conservation

24:02 The Responsibility of Fishing in the Public Eye

27:02 Misunderstandings in Land-Based Shark Fishing

29:44 A Day in the Life of Spencer Wonder

35:20 Navigating Challenges in Business

39:48 Lessons from Pre-Orders and Customer Service

41:05 The Impact of COVID-19 on Business Growth

43:30 Leveraging Social Media for Success

45:13 The Importance of Language and Culture in Travel

48:48 Adventures in South America and Africa

54:27 The Art of Fishing: Techniques and Experiences

01:00:02 Rapid Fire Insights and Personal Favorites

Steve sits down with Dylan Wier and Blaine Kenny of Coastal Worldwide to talk about what it really takes to build a fishing business and a media brand that lasts. They share how they met, how the company evolved from an earlier venture, and why they hire for character and attention to detail before fishing experience.

The conversation dives into how they think about social media as a long game, why each platform needs its own strategy, and how staying authentic matters more than chasing views. They also break down the reality of sponsorships and why they only promote products they genuinely trust.

They also get real about the responsibility that comes with land based shark fishing, including ethics, safety rules, education, and why protecting the future of the sport matters. Plus, behind the scenes on what a full beach charter day looks like, and a few rapid fire favorites at the end.

00:00
Introduction to the Guests and Their Backgrounds
02:40
The Formation of Coastal Worldwide
05:24
Hiring Process and Character Evaluation
08:31
Business Strategy and Social Media Focus
11:36
Success and Future Goals
14:43
Social Media Platforms and Content Creation
17:33
Engagement and Audience Connection
20:15
Brand Partnerships and Sponsorships
34:54
Navigating Brand Deals and Sponsorships
50:49
The Future of Shark Fishing and Ethical Practices
01:09:03
The Unique Fishing Experience
01:10:28
Creating Lasting Memories
01:11:51
Delivering Value Beyond the Catch
01:12:48
The Importance of Hiring the Right People
01:17:13
Great White Shark Encounters
01:20:41
Influences in Content Creation
01:23:48
The Emotional Connection with Viewers
01:25:50
Wisdom and Happiness in Sharing Experiences

In this episode of Pieces of Impact, I sit down with Erick Dent, a Charleston based photographer and fly fisherman whose life revolves around the outdoors.

We talk about balancing photography with fly fishing, building a personal brand through consistent work, and the unique challenges of fishing and filming in Charleston. The conversation also dives into fly fishing itself, including mindset, ethics, fly tying, and the philosophy behind catch and release. Along the way, we touch on wildlife encounters, DIY projects, and why time in nature has a way of cutting through the noise.

About Erick:

Erick Dent is a photographer based in Charleston, South Carolina, dedicated to promoting an active outdoor lifestyle. He has been shooting professionally for over 10 years, including several years as a full time photographer for Vineyard Vines, with work ranging from the Kentucky Derby to the Everglades.

Born and raised on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Erick developed a deep connection to the ocean and the natural world, preparing him to work in demanding environments where heat, cold, bugs, and sharks are part of the job. Outside of photography, he’s a semi-pro fly angler, practiced bush mechanic, amateur tailor, intentional vagabond, and animal control expert, to name a few.

00:00 Introduction to Erick Dent and His Journey

05:06 Life in Connecticut and Transition to Charleston

09:49 The Shift in Work Culture and Leaving Vineyard Vines

15:02 Daily Life and Photography in Fishing

20:07 Building Partnerships with Brands

24:45 Fishing Techniques and Experiences in Charleston

27:47 The Nuances of Fishing and Photography

33:09 Wildlife Encounters and Nature's Beauty

37:57 The Challenges of Fishing and Filming

43:01 Final Thoughts on Fishing and Life Lessons

51:46 Navigating the Challenges of Fly Fishing

54:36 The Ethics of Technology in Fishing

58:10 The Art and Science of Fly Tying

01:00:37 Catch and Release: A Fisherman's Philosophy

01:01:36 The Balance of Gear and Technique

01:04:49 Capturing the Moment: Photography on the Water

01:07:53 Exploring Diverse Fishing Species

01:10:37 Planning Fishing Trips: Strategy and Research

01:13:49 The Joy of DIY: Crafting and Tailoring

01:18:58 Understanding Wildlife: Animal Control Insights

01:22:57 Rapid Fire Round: Insights and Reflections

01:33:37 Final Thoughts: The Importance of Nature